Archive: 29 January 2005
99 articles found
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
U2 Band
U2 Band I used to be a fan of the great band, U2. But not anymore. I'm disappointed by U2's doubled standards and campaigns. Once they refused to perform in Indonesia because they believed that Indonesia had violated human rights in East Timor. OK, we will leave that to history. But then, they've been going all around the world (western) to spread "American ideas of democracy and freedom". I have to question this. What about Guantanamo and Palestinian problems? I don't understand.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI mining investment climate considered poor, survey says
RI mining investment climate considered poor, survey says Fitri Wulandari, Dow Jones/Jakarta Indonesia will attract only less than 1 percent of the global spending on new mining exploration in 2005 as its poor investment climate continues to drive investors away from the country, PriceWaterhouseCoopers said late on Thursday.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bubi Chen has gig at Santika
Bubi Chen has gig at Santika YOGYAKARTA: Jazz lovers will be flattered this weekend at Santika Jogja as the hotel is offering a Jazz Sunday Brunch with noted jazz pianist Bubi Chen who will present a collaborative work with Five N Band. Among the songs to be presented at the program that will be held on Jan. 30 at Santika's Pandan Sari Restaurant from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. are Dona Lee, Take Five, It don't Mean a Thing, All of Me, You've Got a Friend, and Fly Me to The Moon.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
It's time to standardize bilingual education
It's time to standardize bilingual education Eric E. Hallett Jakarta There has been a recent push by schools across Southeast Asia to extend their use of English in the classroom to include not only language instruction, but also subjects traditionally taught in their students' native or national languages. They are shifting towards bilingual education.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
~Military
~Military Military presence in tsunami hit areas One month after the catastrophic Boxing Day tsunami that killed nearly 175,000 people in Indonesia, foreign and national militaries continue to be a major source of relief for many victims in the devastated province of Aceh. The strong, public military presence, however, has not come without headaches for Indonesia's leaders. ...
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder in Aceh
Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder in Aceh Yulia Wardhani, Jakarta Barely a month after the tsunamis hit Aceh and parts of North Sumatra, the people of Indonesia continue to mourn the loss of their brothers and sisters. What was witnessed on Dec. 26 was beyond the realms of usual human experience and distressing to almost everyone, both observers and survivors. For those who have experienced a deeply stressing event, a psychological reaction often follows.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
On Israeli aid
On Israeli aid I am a regular reader of The Jakarta Post. In the Jan. 25 edition I read a letter regarding aid from the Israeli government which I thought was a very narrow-minded view from someone I would expect is a university graduate. It is true that we do not have diplomatic ties with Israel and condemn what they have done to Palestine and Yasser Arafat. However it does not mean that they cannot give aid to Aceh. This is more humanitarian in nature than political.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Golkar member stabbed to death after meeting
Golkar member stabbed to death after meeting Oyos Saroso, The Jakarta Post/Central Lampung Robinson, 40, a senior Golkar Party member in Central Lampung regency, was stabbed to death late on Thursday after a party meeting. The bloody incident began when dozens of Golkar Party councillors and activists had finished an internal party meeting at Golkar's Central Lampung party headquarters.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Papua govt to distribute 'Madonna' to help fight HIV/AIDS
Papua govt to distribute 'Madonna' to help fight HIV/AIDS Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post/Jayapura The Papua provincial government will soon distribute copies of a film on HIV/AIDS prevention to government offices and agencies throughout Papua, a senior government official says. "The copies of the film, which is produced by the Papua provincial administration, will be distributed in the near future to 22 regional governments in Papua and related government agencies.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
On the 'Asian Way'
On the 'Asian Way' In your paper's Jan. 20 edition I came across an article which was titled: Singapore gives help to Acehnese in 'Asian way'." I immediately started reading it because I was really curious about the "Asian way" of alleviating human misery.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo summoned over VP circular
Susilo summoned over VP circular JAKARTA: Nineteen legislators from eight factions have submitted a petition to the House of Representatives Speaker to summon President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over a controversial circular signed by the former vice presidential office's secretary. The legislators urged Susilo to appear before the House to clarify the issue that forced Priyono Tjiptoherijanto to resign as the secretary.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rob Goodfellow
Rob Goodfellow New South Wales 2. SBY -- Yudhoyono's first 100 days 1 x 30 Susilo ushers in new confidence John Mcbeth The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
40 killed in airstrike on militant-linked groups
40 killed in airstrike on militant-linked groups Agence France-Presse, Cotabato, Philippines The Philippines said on Friday airstikes on a suspected meeting of regional al-Qaeda-linked group leaders left 40 dead including possibly two top Indonesian members of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) extremist group.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami impoverishes one million more
Tsunami impoverishes one million more Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung Redoubled efforts will be required to reduce poverty following the Aceh and North Sumatra tidal waves as the disaster has added about one million more to the already massive number of people living from hand to mouth in the country.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Army officer detained for assaulting activist
Army officer detained for assaulting activist The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Aceh military authorities have detained an army officer for questioning after he allegedly assaulted an anticorruption activist accused of stealing relief aid from the air force base in Banda Aceh. "As soon as we (the TNI) were informed that one of our officers had assaulted the activist, we ordered the provost to arrest him and put him into Aceh Military Police detention.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Businessman shoots buddy over PC game
Businessman shoots buddy over PC game Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Authorities have one more reason to ban civilian gun ownership. Businessman David Chendy, 25, shot his friend Budi Irawan, 26, in the leg after he continuously teased the former on Thursday evening. David and Budi were competing in a computer game at an Internet outlet in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. Budi, who kept on winning game after game, reportedly teased David repeatedly.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Mission of love and kindness
Mission of love and kindness Despite the Bali and Australian Embassy bomb attacks, Australia has expressed its deepest sympathy to Indonesia for the loss of lives from the tsunami devastation. The Indonesian people should know why foreign troops and aid workers are in Aceh. They are on missions of kindness, love, mercy and compassion and are above business, politics and religion. The Australian people heard the cries and suffering of the Acehnese.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. RELIEF: 2 X 24
1. RELIEF: 2 X 24 Deep mistrust breeds chaotic relief efforts 2. BUMN: 2 X 21 Reorganizations of state firms awaits new rules State firms shake out awaits new regulations 3. KALLA: 1 X 28 President, VP defend performance 4. SPEAK: 1 X 42 'Hopefully people will see concrete results'
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt opens tender for 6 toll road projects totalling Rp 3 trillion
Govt opens tender for 6 toll road projects totalling Rp 3 trillion Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In the wake of the recent Infrastructure Summit, the government will begin the tender process for six toll road projects worth more than Rp 3 trillion (US$333 million) with the bidding process expected to be completed next month. "Currently, the tender process is in the pre-qualification level with some 147 investors participating.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP to appeal death sentence in M'sia
RP to appeal death sentence in M'sia PHILIPPINES: The Philippines will appeal a death sentence imposed by a Malaysian court on a Filipino sailor caught carrying illegal drugs, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Dengue, diarrhea on rise in Mataram
Dengue, diarrhea on rise in Mataram MATARAM: The number of dengue fever and diarrhea cases have increased in Mataram over the last two weeks, with two deaths recorded so far and 66 people reported ill throughout the province. Most of the ill were from the provincial capital Mataram, with 55 percent of them being under the age of 14.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Consolidation of state funds
Consolidation of state funds From Media Indonesia As a member of the House of Representatives Commission VI representing the National Awakening Party faction, I would like to express my views regarding State Minister of State Enterprises Sugiharto's plan to place the partnership and environment development fund (PKBL) or the small-scale businesses and cooperatives fund (PUKK) under the control of PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM).
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
From Koran Tempo
From Koran Tempo The large number of foreign troops providing relief aid in Aceh may open the opportunity for foreign intervention. Their role should therefore be minimized by strictly implementing the government's three-phase recovery policy. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has announced the plan for tsunami-stricken Aceh, comprising three stages: Restoration, reconstruction and development. Meanwhile, local volunteers' access to the region should be facilitated.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Earthquake raises up Simeulue island
Earthquake raises up Simeulue island Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post/Padang The massive earthquake that occurred on Dec. 26, with its epicenter under the island of Simelue in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, has elevated the northern part of the island to some 1.3 meters above sea level, an expert says.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Russia decides to give hospital to Indonesia
Russia decides to give hospital to Indonesia Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Russia will donate its mobile hospital in Aceh to Indonesia, the country that suffered the most in the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster, to help relieve the suffering of victims, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail M. Bely said on Friday.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lippo Bank launches youth website
Lippo Bank launches youth website The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lippo Bank launched a website on Friday for building communication with its young adult customers through www.kartuguebanget.com (KGB). The website consists of various features offering free games, money prizes, online clubbing, as well as information on pop bands. KGB features several zones for young adults such as Indie Band Zone, Club Zone, Game Zone and Wacky Ideas.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Reorganizations at state firms await new rules
Reorganizations at state firms await new rules Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Criticism directed at President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the 100th day of his administration continues to pour in, this time from his own aide State Minister of State Enterprises, Sugiharto, who claimed that the failure to revitalize state enterprises was partly the fault of the President himself.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Heavy rains on way, people prepare for more flooding
Heavy rains on way, people prepare for more flooding The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Just as residents of Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta finished cleaning and repairing their water-logged homes and were getting back to their daily routines, the flood waters have returned. "The water rose again this morning. But when people went back to the nearest shelter, the building was closed because they are preparing for a wedding party to be held there tomorrow.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Buyers swarm around Sugiyo's sugar
Buyers swarm around Sugiyo's sugar Ade Tanesia, Contributor/Yogyakarta Coconut sugar, or gula jawa as it is locally called, is popular among Javanese people, especially Yogyakartans who are said to crave sweet food. From slum areas to crowded traditional markets to supermarkets, the commodity can be purchased virtually anywhere. It is even cleverly packaged and sold as souvenirs at some of the city's star-rated hotels.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Consolidation of state funds
Consolidation of state funds From Media Indonesia As a member of the House of Representatives Commission VI representing the National Awakening Party faction, I would like to express my views regarding State Minister of State Enterprises Sugiharto's plan to place the partnership and environment development fund (PKBL) or the small-scale businesses and cooperatives fund (PUKK) under the control of PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM).
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo ushers in new confidence
Susilo ushers in new confidence John Mcbeth, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore One American business executive describes it as "restrained optimism". Others have called it "refreshing" and even "a wind of change". Whatever it is, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first 100 days in office have ushered in a new mood of confidence and expectation.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Hopefully average people will see concrete results'
'Hopefully average people will see concrete results' President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first 100 days in office ended on Friday. Despite the new government's efforts to achieve various targets over this period -- including an anticorruption drive, resolution of high-profile disputes with foreign investors and improving the economy -- the public remain unsatisfied. The Jakarta Post interviewed businesspeople and officials on their perceptions of Susilo's performance.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
3 x 19
3 x 19 President Susilo asks state firms to help farmers JP/04/matin 2 x 26 Dulmatin may have been killed in the Philippines JP/4/Maluku 1 x 33 Halmahera Sea to get marine census JP/4/4Defense 1 x 49 Synergies needed to build modern defense industry JP/4/Aceh 1 x 44 Donors told to send logs for Aceh rebuilding
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sound economy, better debt rating to raise rupiah: BI
Sound economy, better debt rating to raise rupiah: BI Urip Hudiono The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Global acknowledgement of the country's macroeconomic stability, as evident in the recent upgrading of Indonesia's debt rating, would boost positive sentiment in the rupiah, possibly to below the Rp 9,000 level, according to the central bank. The upgrade would also benefit the government's plan to issue up to US$1.5 billion in sovereign bonds during the first quarter of this year, the banks said.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.28, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.28, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,350 100 2,500 Adhi Karya 940 10 19,169,000 Adira Dinamika 2,575 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 -5 333,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 165 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,120 0 1,276,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wasted gas in Bekasi
Wasted gas in Bekasi From Tempo It is impossible for state oil and gas company Pertamina not to raise the price of liquefied petroleum gas, while LPG consumers will have to buy it at a higher cost. Oddly, in Bekasi regency, West Java, gas has been wasted or burnt since 2003 at a daily value equivalent to the price of three Toyota-Kijang cars. A local private company once expressed interest in managing the gas for the benefit of the state and local society.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, January 29, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, January 29, 2005 Exhibitions * Charity Art Exhibition featuring ceramic art by Song Mi-rim, textile design art by Park Jungley and fine art by Chung Yong- jae at the Korea Association Hall, Korea Center, The South Korean Embassy, South Jakarta, until Jan. 31. * Indonesia Good Design Exhibition, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said kav. S-3, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Black and blue
Black and blue Outrageous is one word to describe a beating Indonesian soldiers meted out to anticorruption activist Farid Faqih in Banda Aceh, an outspoken critic of the military, who now faces charges of stealing donated goods from the Iskandar Muda Airport. Another might be insolence, yet another sheer stupidity.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Journalists protest legislators
Journalists protest legislators JAKARTA: Dozens of journalists protested on Friday against a House of Representatives Commission, which summoned three editors after its members were questioned by journalists about a possible graft story. The House of Representatives' Commission III for legal affairs on Friday summoned the editors of two daily newspapers and two radio stations.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Suryanaga eases into final amid defaults
Suryanaga eases into final amid defaults Musthofid and Slamet Susanto The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Suryanaga Surabaya breezed into the final of National Mixed Team Championship on Friday as the player eligibility controversy claimed two women players from Putra Cilegon.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Merging fertilizer firms will lead to subsidy removal: Minister
Merging fertilizer firms will lead to subsidy removal: Minister Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The planned move by the government to merge all state fertilizer firms should help cut production costs and eventually ease the burden on the state budget by eliminating fertilizer subsidies for farmers, a senior official said. "Merging the companies would make them more efficient. In the end, we will be able to reduce the subsidy, if not remove it totally," Minister of Industry Andung A.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Antam's revenue in 2004 soars by 35%
Antam's revenue in 2004 soars by 35% Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang has announced that its sales soared by 35 percent last year, driven by higher prices for its main commodities. In a statement sent to the Jakarta Stock Exchange recently, the publicly listed company said that revenue jumped to Rp 2.76 trillion (US$301.8 million) in 2004 from Rp 2.04 trillion it booked the year before, despite lower production in ferronickel and gold.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Candra, Sigit into semis in Korea
Candra, Sigit into semis in Korea The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The veteran men's doubles pairing of Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto took their second seeded scalp on Friday to book a place in the semifinals of badminton's Noonnoppi Korea Open. The 2003 All England champions, unseeded in the tournament after undergoing several partner switches in recent years, beat third seeded Kwok Wa Liu and Albert Susanto Njoto of Hong Kong 15-8, 15-5 in 40 minutes in Incheon City.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
* Hamas toasts landslide win in first ever local polls Page 2
* Hamas toasts landslide win in first ever local polls Page 2 * Donors told to send logs for Aceh rebuilding Page 4 * Senior Lampung Golkar member stabbed to death Page 5 * Tsunami moves geopolitical ground, too Page 7 * Jakarta set to ban old vehicles Page 8 * Lara blasts 156 as West Indies beat Pakistan Page 9 * RP kills 40 in air strike on al-Qaeda-linked groups Page 11 * Govt opens tender for six toll road projects Page 13 * Documentary bares all on porn classic 'Deep Throat' Page 18
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Deep mistrust breeds chaotic relief effort
Deep mistrust breeds chaotic relief effort M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Deep mistrust among local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foreign aid agencies of the government-sanctioned National Relief Committee is to blame for the chaotic nature of the relief operation on the west coast of Aceh, a prominent activist says.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Critics see potential for massive theft of aid
Critics see potential for massive theft of aid Slobodan Lekic, Associated Press/Jakarta International financial institutions paid about US$35 million in the late 1980s to build the highway that meanders from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to the city, crossing picturesque rice paddies and fish ponds.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Walhi criticizes new forestry plan
Walhi criticizes new forestry plan JAKARTA: Environmental activists criticized Minister of Forestry M.S. Kaban for planning to revitalize the forestry sector to maximize government revenue. Longgena Ginting, director of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi), said that the government must no longer treat forests as a key source of state income amid massive deforestation -- both legal and illegal.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Evictees want to rebuild homes
Evictees want to rebuild homes JAKARTA: People evicted from Lorong W Barat in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, remain determined to rebuild their houses, which were demolished on Wednesday. "We are not homeless, we have the right to stay here. The government should pay us for the damage," Sudjono was quoted as saying by Antara on Friday. On Wednesday, the evictees hurled stones to stop dozens of public order officers, the police and military troops from bulldozing 74 houses lining a railroad track.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Clearing the tracks urgent
Clearing the tracks urgent From Warta Kota The eviction of squatters from the land belonging to state railway company PTKA in Tanah Abang Bongkaran, Jakarta, now needs to be followed by the demolition of the shacks lining both sides of the railway tracks there to ensure public safety. Similar illegal shanties can also be found along the tracks at Kramat Sentiong and Pasar Gaplok. The spaces between the tracks have now also been taken over by scavengers.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Evictees want to rebuild homes
Evictees want to rebuild homes JAKARTA: People evicted from Lorong W Barat in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, remain determined to rebuild their houses, which were demolished on Wednesday. "We are not homeless, we have the right to stay here. The government should pay us for the damage," Sudjono was quoted as saying by Antara on Friday. On Wednesday, the evictees hurled stones to stop dozens of public order officers, the police and military troops from bulldozing 74 houses lining a railroad track.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Heavy rains predicted, people prepare for more flooding
Heavy rains predicted, people prepare for more flooding The Jakarta Post Jakarta Just as residents of Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta finished cleaning and repairing their water-logged homes and were getting back to their daily routines, the flood waters have returned. "The water rose again this morning. But when people went back to the nearest shelter, the building was closed because they are preparing for a wedding party to be held there tomorrow.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Making money off the tsunami, from black market to multinational
Making money off the tsunami, from black market to multinational Jocelyn Gecker, Associated Press/Jakarta For those looking to make a buck, head to tsunami-wrecked Sumatra, says Indonesian entrepreneur Sigip Samsu. He rushed there in the wake of the disaster and hasn't stopped reaping the benefits of a land in need of plenty. Samsu moved his helicopter charter service to Sumatra just after the Dec.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/Maluku
JP/4/Maluku LIPI to conduct marine census in Halmahera Sea The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) plans to carry out a census of marine resources in the Halmahera Sea, off the eastern part of North Maluku, to compile a database on the sea's biodiversity. The program, called the Halmahera Expedition, will be start in September 2005, LIPI head Umar A. Jenie said.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Six councillors arrested for graft
Six councillors arrested for graft PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Banyumas Police have named 27 former and serving Banyumas regency councillors as suspects in a graft case involving the council's 2002-2003 budget. Twenty-one of them had been questioned by local police while six of them had been detained. Of the six detained councillors, four are still serving on the council. Banyumas Police chief Adj. Comm.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
GAM's 'support' for Aceh
GAM's 'support' for Aceh From Suara Karya The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) aims to break away from Indonesia through political means and armed rebellion, claiming to struggle for the aspirations and welfare of the Acehnese people. Meanwhile, GAM, in the name of its struggle, commits such crimes as intimidation, hostage-taking, terrorism, robbery and arson, mainly targeting the local people. So, which group of Acehnese does GAM fight for?
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tobacco and coffee provide relief
Tobacco and coffee provide relief Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh A weary-eyed man sat inside his wet tent in the military complex in the Mata Ie area, Banda Aceh, as his daughter cuddled beside him. Smoke billowed from his thick cigarette while he sipped black coffee. Close by, several men sit about making almost similar gestures: smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee. "This feels good. It (smoking) somehow almost feels like eating, you know, and coffee is the drink.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rating upgraded to strengthen rupiah: BI
Rating upgraded to strengthen rupiah: BI Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Global acknowledgement of the country's macroeconomic stability, as evident in the recent upgrading of Indonesia's debt rating, would boost positive sentiment in the rupiah, possibly to below the Rp 9,000 level, according to the central bank. The upgrade would also benefit the government's plan to issue up to US$1.5 billion in sovereign bonds during the first quarter of this year, the banks said.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Education after catastrophe
Education after catastrophe Alpha Amirrachman, Jakarta Contemplating the magnitude of the catastrophe, it is clear that education is a key factor in enabling the Acehnese to rebuild their lives. Rebuilding education in the devastated province is one of the most urgent tasks for the government. Its positive long-lasting impacts cannot be guaranteed, but it is because of this long-term issue that people's and the government's commitment needs to be tested.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
President, VP defend performance
President, VP defend performance Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite claims in the press that little had been achieved by the end of his first 100 days in office on Friday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the public at large were not concerned as they knew real progress would be made over the next five years.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
President Susilo asks state firms to help farmers
President Susilo asks state firms to help farmers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he has ordered state- owned enterprises to work to improve the livelihood of farmers and fishermen who constitute a majority of the country's 230 million population.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Default hand Suryanaga final spot
Default hand Suryanaga final spot Musthofid and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Suryanaga Surabaya breezed into the final of the National Mixed Team Championship on Friday as the brewing player eligibility controversy claimed two women players from Putra Cilegon.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/20/SAMSID
JP/20/SAMSID Samsidar, an Aceh woman with integrity Carla Bianpoen Contributor/Jakarta "What bothers me immensely now is that the Acehnese whose houses were untouched by the devastating earthquake and tsunami, do not show a sense of solidarity with their own people," complains Ir. Samsidar, herself an Acehnese, who heads the board of RPuK. She is also a commissioner at the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan).
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Energi Mega Persada secures $43m loan
Energi Mega Persada secures $43m loan JAKARTA: Publicly-listed PT Energi Mega Persada (EMP) has secured a US$43 million loan from PMA Advisors Investment Limited to develop the Brantas oil and gas block in East Java. According to a statement sent to the Jakarta Stock Exchange, the company said the loan facility came through its subsidiary Lapindo Brantas Inc., and the documents were officially signed in January. EMP is a local oil and gas firm controlled by the Bakrie Group.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Consolidation of state funds
Consolidation of state funds From Media Indonesia As a member of the House of Representatives Commission VI representing the National Awakening Party faction, I would like to express my views regarding State Minister of State Enterprises Sugiharto's plan to place the partnership and environment development fund (PKBL) or the small-scale businesses and cooperatives fund (PUKK) under the control of PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM).
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Donors told to send logs for Aceh rebuilding
Donors told to send logs for Aceh rebuilding The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Conservation groups have urged donor countries to send part of their aid for the rebuilding of tsunami-ravaged Aceh in the form of logs in order not to put further pressure on the country's forests.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Mission of love and kindness
Mission of love and kindness Despite the Bali and Australian Embassy bomb attacks, Australia has expressed its deepest sympathy to Indonesia for the loss of lives from the tsunami devastation. The Indonesian people should know why foreign troops and aid workers are in Aceh. They are on missions of kindness, love, mercy and compassion and are above business, politics and religion. The Australian people heard the cries and suffering of the Acehnese.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Strong synergy needed to develop modern defense industry
Strong synergy needed to develop modern defense industry Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In view of the limited defense budget, the government and the military should form a strong synergy with research centers, universities and financial institutions to build a modern defense industry subordinate to the country's national defense system, military and defense experts say.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Development plans need vetting'
'Development plans need vetting' The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency has warned Jakartans of the possibility of further flooding, as the wet season does not reach its peak until mid-February. Two people died in flooding last week while at least 20,000 residents fled to drier land. The Jakarta Post ask residents their opinion on what should be done to avoid recurring floods in the capital. Karma, 41, works for a company in East Pejaten, South Jakarta, installing groundwater pumps.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta shuttlers dominate national junior event
Jakarta shuttlers dominate national junior event Musthofid, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta In a demonstration of the strength of the capital's badminton programs at all levels, Jakarta is already assured of three of five titles in the National Junior Championship at Amongrogo sports hall here. Pia Zebadiah will be challenged by Nintya Krishinda in the junior girls singles, before both team up in the girls doubles against fellow Jakartans Nadya Melati and Meidyani.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Youth served in school tournament
Youth served in school tournament Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Aspiring young badminton stars, listen up: The 2005 Milo-Yonex Students Badminton Tournament will descend on five towns and cities starting in February in a search for stars of the future. The competition, first held in 2002 under the auspices of the education ministry, is seeking prospective elementary and junior high school players.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Has the new President's 'shock therapy' tactics improved
Has the new President's 'shock therapy' tactics improved intellectual property rights? Gunawan Suryomurcito Jakarta During his election campaign last year, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised to deliver a dose of 'shock therapy' to shake the country out of its pattern of corruption and legal ambiguity. Investors are still looking for signs of another kind of shock therapy, particularly in the area of judicial reform.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police station wrecked in attack
Police station wrecked in attack SEMARANG: Tayu police station in Pati regency, Central Java was attacked and wrecked by a crowd of about one hundred people late on Thursday following the death of two motorcyclists who were being pursued by the police. The police were pursuing three motorcyclists when a truck coming from the opposite direction hit them. Two of the victims died on the spot while the other one was badly injured and taken to the Mardi Rahayu Hospital in Kudus.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese clerics brief Arab countries' envoys
Acehnese clerics brief Arab countries' envoys Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Saudi Arabian Ambassador hosted on Friday a group of clerics from Aceh province for a meeting with a group of Arab ambassadors in Jakarta.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Turning the Tide: Preventing Natural and Man-Made Threats in
Turning the Tide: Preventing Natural and Man-Made Threats in Southeast Asia Erik Friberg Jakarta In addition to the crucial immediate relief and sustained reconstruction efforts following the tragic Dec. 26 quake and tsunami, public and policy attention has, importantly, also been immediately directed toward prevention: How can a regional "early warning system" prevent future natural disasters?
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Accommodating thousands of children
Accommodating thousands of children From Republika Following the report in The Jakarta Post on Jan. 3 that there is fear about the future of the child survivors of the tsunami disaster in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, the central executive board of Hidayatullah would like to state as follows: 1. It supports the government's policy not to let these children be taken out of Aceh until clear data about their families has been obtained. 2.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'RCTI' to hold Miss Indonesia contest
'RCTI' to hold Miss Indonesia contest The Jakarta Post, Jakarta TV station RCTI will, for the first time, hold a beauty pageant contest, titled Miss Indonesia. This contest is different from others held previously in Indonesia, RCTI sales and marketing director Daniel Hartono said at Boutique Cafe, Plaza Senayan, South Jakarta, on Jan. 27.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Synergies needed to build modern defense industry
Synergies needed to build modern defense industry Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In view of the limited defense budget, the government and the military should form a strong synergy with research centers, universities and financial institutions to build a modern defense industry subordinate to the country's national defense system, military and defense experts say.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Outsiders value the culture here'
'Outsiders value the culture here' Muslima Hapsari, Contributor/Jakarta Enthusiasm never fades from his wrinkled face, and his eyes brighten as he talks about Sintang, a regency in West Kalimantan, and the ikat cloth produced there. Dutch priest Jaques Maessen, known by his nickname Jac, has been living in Sintang for more than half of his life, since 1968.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt, rebels face to face in Helsinki
Govt, rebels face to face in Helsinki Agencies, Helsinki, Finland Indonesian ministers and separatist rebels from Aceh met in Helsinki on Friday to discuss the cessation of three decades of fighting, in the wake of the tsunami disaster that devastated the province, but which inspired renewed peace efforts. "We are going to have face-to-face talks now," Zaini Abdullah, foreign minister of the exiled leadership of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), told Reuters on the way into the meeting.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Strange nation
Strange nation From Koran Tempo Our country is indeed a strange nation. Some in the political elite have claimed that supposed foreign aid we are receiving is often just lip service as no money actually goes into the state's coffers. They do not consider aid the hard work that foreign volunteers, who have come with all their equipment, are carrying out in the disaster area of Aceh.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police search for mystery psychic triple death probe
Police search for mystery psychic triple death probe Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor "Probably, one or two days, I can't go home yet, because I have to accompany a psychic from Yogyakarta, who will spend the night in Sukarni's house. Don't tell anybody where I am," said the late Mugiono in his last words to his second wife Onden, 35, over the telephone on Monday evening.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aid fund control crucial
Aid fund control crucial From Koran Tempo The distrust in some circles over the utilization of aid funds for the reconstruction of post-tsunami Aceh and North Sumatra is inseparable from the short-term orientation of most Indonesian officials and the lack of supervision. Their immature way of perceiving problems and assuming responsibility has become a major constraint and source of irregularities, besides the inherent weakness of the nation's monitoring system.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
City set to ban old vehicles from Jakarta's streets
City set to ban old vehicles from Jakarta's streets Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta residents may soon have to start checking the ages of their cars -- as the city council is considering banning all private vehicles more than 15 years old from the city as a way to fix air pollution. City Environmental Management Agency head Kosasih Wirahadikusumah said on Friday the agency agreed with the vehicle lifetime limitations because many problems could be resolved with such a policy.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Dulmatin may have been killed in the Philippines
Dulmatin may have been killed in the Philippines The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Friday that his office was seeking confirmation of reports that Dulmatin, a key terror suspect, was among those believed killed in air strikes by the Philippines military. "I will ask my staff about this information. I have not received any reports about it yet," he said after Friday prayers at the National Police headquarter, Jakarta.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sleman plans to be online by 2007
Sleman plans to be online by 2007 Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Sleman, Yogyakarta The Sleman government plans to have an integrated online administration up and running by 2007, not this year as initially planned, Regent Ibnu Subiyanto says. Ibnu said the program was initially scheduled to start operation this year. However, as many government agencies, including many at the subdistrict level were computer illiterate, the program had been postponed for two years, he said.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami moves geopolitical ground too
Tsunami moves geopolitical ground too Rob Goodfellow, New South Wales An unexpected consequence of the Aceh Tsunami Disaster has been a movement in the geopolitical ground. Behind the scenes the "tectonic plates" of regional power are shifting. The first movement is from the north. It is based on the fact that control of the Indian Ocean has hitherto been integral to India's interests. The Indian Navy is the world's seventh largest.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Agus Subekti, Kebumen's roofing tile 'king'
Agus Subekti, Kebumen's roofing tile 'king' Singgir Kartana, Contributor/Kebumen, Central Java Kebumen, Central Java, has long been known as a prominent center for roofing tiles that accommodates thousands of producers. Yet, of these, few can be considered completely successful, measured by either business volume or the number of employees they have. Agus Subekti Ponco Raharjo, 44, is one that many consider among the most successful roofing tile producers in the region.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/Aceh
JP/4/Aceh Donors told to send logs for Aceh rebuilding The Jakarta Post Jakarta Conservation groups have urged donor countries to send part of their aid for the rebuilding of tsunami-ravaged Aceh in the form of logs in order not to put further pressure on the country's forests.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Suzuki, not Auzuki
Suzuki, not Auzuki Thank you for the daily editions of The Jakarta Post from which I often get much important news. However, in your article titled Suzuki expands output 9 percent to meet sales growth in the Jan. 22 edition (p. 16) there is a misspelled name -- that of Suzuki's chairman, which occurred in the caption of the picture accompanying the article. Suzuki Motor Corporation chairman should be written Osamu Suzuki instead of Osamu Auzuki.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Jan.28
Rupiah Rates Jan.28 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,495.13 6,713.71 7,142.33 7,066.28 Brunei dollar 1 5,906.67 5,291.02 5,628.64 5,568.88 Canadian dollar 1 7,786.39 6,976.28 7,419.88 7,342.64 Swiss franc 1 8,137.18 7,289.21 7,754.16 7,672.01 Danish krone 1 1,688.52 1,512.66 1,609.04 1,592.10 Euro 1 12,565.51 11,260.11 11,974.03 11,851.45 Poundsterling 1 18,210.72 16,318.30 17,353.53 17,175.27 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,236.97 1,108.57 1,178.74 1,166.79...
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Andre wants a fair shot at stardom
Andre wants a fair shot at stardom Musthofid, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Andre Kurniawan presents a heartfelt homage to Olympic badminton men's singles champion Taufik Hidayat every time he takes the court. Andre's lethal jump smashes, cutting drives, cunning flicks over the net, superb reflexes and resilient defense are reminiscent of his sporting idol. He also dreams big of matching Taufik's success. "I want to go international.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Singaporean gives cops the slip
Singaporean gives cops the slip Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A Singaporean national detained for alleged theft in a number of five-star hotels in Jakarta managed to fool police guards and escape from city police detention early on Friday morning. Following the escape of Tang Kheng Seng, 32, alias Jeremy, five police officers, including Adj. First Insp. Manalu, were questioned for negligence on Friday. "All of them have been detained by the internal affairs division.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Students protest extravagance
Students protest extravagance PEKANBARU: Hundreds of students from different universities took to the streets on Thursday to protest at what they claimed were extravagant allowances and payments for Pekanbaru city administration executives and city councillors.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
BNI to pay Global account holders
BNI to pay Global account holders JAKARTA: The Ministry of Finance has officially assigned Bank BNI to pay out depositors of the recently shut down Bank Global. BNI and along with finance ministry's blanket guarantee implementation unit (UP3) is expected to begin the payments next Monday, upon verification of depositors' identities and proof of accounts at Bank Global.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
On the 'Asian Way'
On the 'Asian Way' In your paper's Jan. 20 edition I came across an article which was titled: Singapore gives help to Acehnese in 'Asian way'." I immediately started reading it because I was really curious about the "Asian way" of alleviating human misery.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Suzuki, not Auzuki
Suzuki, not Auzuki Thank you for the daily editions of The Jakarta Post from which I often get much important news. However, in your article titled Suzuki expands output 9 percent to meet sales growth in the Jan. 22 edition (p. 16) there is a misspelled name -- that of Suzuki's chairman, which occurred in the caption of the picture accompanying the article. Suzuki Motor Corporation chairman should be written Osamu Suzuki instead of Osamu Auzuki.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Yogya to get better schools
Yogya to get better schools YOGYAKARTA: The Yogyakarta administration is making plans to convert four senior high schools in the city into international- standard schools. The senior high schools are SMU 1 and SMU 3 in Yogyakarta; SMU Muhammadiyah II Yogyakarta and SMU I Kasihan Bantul.
Sat, 29 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese baby suffers burns
Acehnese baby suffers burns SINGAPORE: An eight-month-old Indonesian baby who survived last month's tsunamis has been rushed to a hospital in Singapore with severe burns after a fire in the relief camp he was living in, a report said on Friday. Heru suffered burns to 35 percent of his body when one of his siblings accidentally knocked a kerosene lamp into his cot, setting the bedding alight, the Straits Times newspaper said.