Archive: 5 January 2005
90 articles found
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Republik Togog' staged for charity
'Republik Togog' staged for charity JAKARTA: As a show of solidarity with the people of Aceh and North Sumatra and victims of the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami, Teater Koma is to stage Republik Togog to raise funds. Producer Ratna Riantiarno told a media briefing on Monday that Republik Togog was to be staged on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7, 2005, at Graha Bhakti Budaya at the Taman Ismail Marzuki compound in Cikini, Central Jakarta. "We are just stage people and this is something we can do to help.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
* Police grill 15 witnesses in Adiguna affair Page 2
* Police grill 15 witnesses in Adiguna affair Page 2 * Four more regents to face corruption probes Page 4 * Holiday delirium and a lack of public civility Page 6 * Jakarta calls for vigilance against floods Page 8 * Karateka Bambang lives to tell of tsunami horror Page 10 * Gunmen assassinate Baghdad's governor Page 11 * New bill aims at empowering small businesses Page 13 * Health dangers in tsunami-hit region may be misjudged Page 18
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to issue new antigraft decree
Govt to issue new antigraft decree JAKARTA: Justice and Human Rights Minister Hamid Awaluddin said on Tuesday that his ministry has finished drafting a new antigraft decree, which requires suspected corruptors to be put in jail from the beginning of the investigation. "We want them to be imprisoned from the start of the investigation," he told reporters, referring to many cases where corruptors had managed to flee justice, despite their conviction by courts.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. BPPT ----- 2x23
1. BPPT ----- 2x23 BPPT to propose applying 'Seawatch' tsunami alert 2. Universi - 2x17 Aceh students find scholastic help 3. Child ---- 2x17 Govt bans adoption to protect orphans 4. Murder --- 2x16 Police grill 15 in Adiguna case 5. Hospital - 2x25 Jakarta hospitals open doors to Aceh's child victims
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Witnesses ID Adiguna as shooter: Police
Witnesses ID Adiguna as shooter: Police Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police said on Tuesday that several of the 15 witnesses questioned over the murder of Yohanes Berchmans Haerudy Natong, or Rudy, 28, have identified businessman Adiguna Sutowo as the waiter's killer. Sr. Comr.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Four more regents to face graft probes
Four more regents to face graft probes Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono granted permission on Tuesday for police to probe four more regents in Kalimantan and East Nusa Tenggara for alleged corruption. "This morning the President signed letters of approval for the investigation and questioning of several regents," presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng told journalists in Jakarta.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corruption and democracy
Corruption and democracy From Koran Tempo President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared Dec. 9 Anticorruption Day for the purpose of waging a war against corruption. On several occasions he even said he would direct the corruption eradication movement himself. Indonesia belongs to the group of most corrupt countries, occupying top place on Transparency International's corruption list. This has been due to the lack of serious attempts to fight corruption, with no punishments imposed in major cases.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Grab your cell phone, start SMS-ing for Aceh
Grab your cell phone, start SMS-ing for Aceh Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After trumpets were blown, toasts made and hugs shared, Nina settled down on a cozy sofa in a plush hotel room rented by a family friend to welcome the year 2005. She picked up her cellular phone, ready to send mass Happy New Year greetings to her friends, but paused and wrote a simpler, more somber message instead: "For Aceh". With the click of the send button, the 26-year-old donated Rp 5,000 (about 54 U.S.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Criminals and opportunists exploit tsunami tragedy
Criminals and opportunists exploit tsunami tragedy Agence France-Presse, Colombo From hoax tsunami warnings to fake rescue workers looting bodies and survivors being sexually and financially exploited -- Asia's tragedy has brought out not only the best but the worst in human nature.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Elephants saved tourists from tsunami
Elephants saved tourists from tsunami KHAO LAK, Thailand: Agitated elephants felt the tsunami coming, and their sensitivity saved about a dozen foreign tourists from the fate of thousands killed by the giant waves. "I was surprised because the elephants had never cried before," mahout Dang Salangam said on Sunday on Khao Lak beach at the eight-elephant business offering rides to tourists.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta hospitals offer free treatment to Acehnese children
Jakarta hospitals offer free treatment to Acehnese children Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta hospitals are offering free medical treatment for Acehnese children wounded in the catastrophic tsunami that swept through the troubled province on Dec. 26. Eva Jumpa of Harapan Kita Hospital said on Tuesday that the hospital was currently treating four Acehnese children and babies, and that one toddler died upon arrival at the hospital on Sunday.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Anticorruption commission detains two senior government officials
Anticorruption commission detains two senior government officials Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday detained two senior government officials allegedly involved in a 2002 graft case, with the commission preparing to bring the case to the Anticorruption Court.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Low coordination breeds chaos
Low coordination breeds chaos The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe/Jakarta The massive relief operation for tsunami-hit areas in Aceh is on the brink of chaos with the absence of a single authority directing the aid effort. In Banda Aceh, the flow of aid stalled on Tuesday when a Boeing 737 cargo plane hit a stranded water buffalo and skidded off the runway at Sultan Iskandar Muda airport, the hub of humanitarian programs for Aceh.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rebels break Christmas truce
Rebels break Christmas truce PHILIPPINES: Suspected communist guerrillas in the western Philippines island of Palawan fired on an army outpost in the first attack since a Christmas truce expired this week, a military spokesman said on Tuesday. No one was hurt in the incident, a military spokesman said. The attack came a day after a two-week unilateral guerrilla cease-fire expired. President Gloria Arroyo had also ordered a three-week military cease-fire during the Christmas season.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asian disaster to cause limited impact
Asian disaster to cause limited impact Agence France-Presse, Sydney The cost in human life of the Boxing Day tsunamis is appalling by any measure but the economic impact of one of the world's worst natural disasters is likely to be minimal in the longer term, Australian analysts said on Tuesday.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia, ASEAN and Australia
Indonesia, ASEAN and Australia S.P. Seth Sydney Indonesia is understandably upset over Australia's recent announcement of its plan to establish a 1,000-mile maritime identification zone to fight terrorism and other international crimes.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
A "tsunami generation" of children are likely to suffer more
A "tsunami generation" of children are likely to suffer more than adults as rebuilding efforts get under way in devastated Indian Ocean states, the United Nations warned on Tuesday. Children account for at least a third of the 150,000 killed by the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami. Those who survived may now struggle to secure food, water and sanitation aid, and to withstand diseases that frequently follow catastrophes, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
U.S., Asia could gain from tsunami diplomacy
U.S., Asia could gain from tsunami diplomacy Linda Sieg, Reuters/Tokyo The huge aid effort for tsunami-hit areas of the Indian Ocean rim gives the United States, Japan, China and India a chance to improve their images as compassionate "soft powers" in a region where they compete for influence. All four have pledged large amounts of aid in cash or kind and are sending top officials to Thursday's tsunami aid summit in Jakarta.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt plans to seize, ban fishing ships from Taiwan
Govt plans to seize, ban fishing ships from Taiwan Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Freddy Numberi will issue a decree on Wednesday that will ban the import of used fishing vessels from Taiwan that are operated by local companies allegedly to smuggle fish from Indonesia to Taiwan. The decree will also allow the ministry to seize the ships and include a temporary ban on the importation of used fishing vessels from Taiwan.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/1/POWELL
JP/1/POWELL U.S. commits to long-term rebuilding effort Ivy Susanti The Jakarta Post Washington has stated its commitment to long-term involvement in post-tsunami relief efforts in the affected countries of southern Asia. Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Tuesday in Jakarta that the U.S. had so far pledged US$350 million in relief aid, and more was to come from the private sector. "This is not just a one-time humanitarian relief effort or rescue effort.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Jan.4
Rupiah Rates Jan.4 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,594.20 6,812.91 7,241.48 7,165.40 Brunei dollar 1 5,970.19 5,356.16 5,692.91 5,633.28 Canadian dollar 1 8,097.92 7,265.88 7,721.81 7,641.80 Swiss franc 1 8,521.49 7,646.39 8,125.71 8,042.00 Danish krone 1 1,770.96 1,588.75 1,688.71 1,670.95 Euro 1 13,163.99 11,814.66 12,552.59 12,425.93 Poundsterling 1 18,631.15 16,721.64 17,765.83 17,586.78 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,256.02 1,127.46 1,197.69 1,185.79...
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
IOC vows US$1m for victims
IOC vows US$1m for victims Agencies, London The International Olympic Committee will donate US$1 million to aid victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami. The devastating tidal wave was triggered by an earthquake off Indonesia on Dec. 26 and killed at least 150,000. One million people have been rendered homeless and at least five million are without basic needs to survive. The IOC made its announcement on its website.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aussie surfer's Krakatoa omen came true in Sumatra
Aussie surfer's Krakatoa omen came true in Sumatra Ahmad Pathoni, Agence France-Presse/Banda Aceh Only days ago, Australian surfer David Lines was reading a book about the famed 19th century eruption of Indonesia's Krakatoa volcano, which warns the region could be hit by a giant earthquake.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI tells RP to delay medical help
RI tells RP to delay medical help PHILIPPINES: Indonesia has asked the Philippines to delay the dispatch of a medical team to Aceh as the tsunami-ravaged province is inaccessible, an official said on Tuesday. "The whole infrastructure was devastated. It's inaccessible and the nearest city to that is 400 kilometers away," health secretary Manuel Dayrit told reporters.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Some states may renege on pledged aid: UN
Some states may renege on pledged aid: UN John Vidal and Jamie Wilson, The Guardian, London The United Nations warns that huge promises of aid from rich countries to the Asia tsunami crisis might not be fulfilled as some countries use dubious methods to appear more generous than they really are.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
House forms 20-strong team to supervise donations
House forms 20-strong team to supervise donations Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives leaders decided on Tuesday to form a team of 20 legislators with the task of supervising the distribution of humanitarian aid to tsunami-hit areas in Aceh and North Sumatra in order to help prevent misuse of funds. House leaders also suggested that the President assign the Ministry of Finance to be the sole institution channeling donations contributed from foreign countries.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
U.S. presidents call on Americans for tsunami aid
U.S. presidents call on Americans for tsunami aid Steve Holland, Reuters/Washington U.S. presidents past and present appealed to Americans on Monday to help victims of the Asian tsunami as one of the biggest aid efforts in history struggled to bring food and water to millions of desperate survivors. "The devastation in the region defies comprehension," U.S. President George W.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
UN says rebuilding plans under way in Asia
UN says rebuilding plans under way in Asia Agence France-Presse, United Nations The tsunami relief effort is starting to move beyond emergency work and plan rebuilding in many areas but remains slow in devastated Indonesian regions like Meulaboh, a United Nations official said on Monday (Tuesday in Jakarta). Jan Egeland, the UN's emergency relief coordinator, also said that the first signs of growing deaths among children after the catastrophe were now being seen.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stiffing the Acehnese
Stiffing the Acehnese Acehnese are known for their pride and their historical struggle for independence. And yet, this pride seems to have been drowned out in the wake of last week's tsunami disaster. We are especially saddened to learn that the once-proud Acehnese are now mired in tears of despair and helplessness. It is now our responsibility to help the Acehnese, not only to survive the crisis following the disaster, but most importantly to enable them to restore their dignity.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Six compete for PAN leadership
Six compete for PAN leadership JAKARTA: At least six figures will join the race for the leadership of the National Mandate Party (PAN) in a congress scheduled for next month. The open race among PAN leaders will take place after PAN leader Amien Rais rejected demands that he stand for reelection. The six figures are Samuel Koto, Afni Achmad, Ahmad Farhan Hamid, Fuad Bawazier, Didik J. Rachbini and Moeslim Abdurrahman.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Taman Mini raises entrance fee
Taman Mini raises entrance fee JAKARTA: The management of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah has raised the entrance fee from Rp 7,000 (some 80 US cents) to Rp 8,000 per person starting Jan. 1. "We had to raise the price to adjust to the earlier fuel price hike," Taman Mini spokesman Markoes Legimin was quoted as saying by Antara recently. "However, the increase will barely cover our expenses," he said.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
The Acehnese deserve better from us
The Acehnese deserve better from us Anthony Reid, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore The magnitude of the devastation visited on Aceh on Dec. 26 is almost beyond comprehension. No natural disaster in Indonesian, or indeed Southeast Asian, history comes close to the mounting toll of death and destruction of this undersea earthquake and tsunamis. The whole thickly populated coastal strip from Lhokseumawe in the east to Meulaboh in the west appears to have been devastated.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
City administration calls for vigilance against floods
City administration calls for vigilance against floods Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although the city's flood indicators show normal levels, the Jakarta administration has advised residents to remain on the alert, as the monsoon season is expected to peak this month.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police to process Maria's trial
Police to process Maria's trial JAKARTA: The National Police continues to gather evidence for the trial of Maria Pauline Lumowa, a prime suspect in the Rp 1.7 trillion (US$185 billion) BNI scandal, later this month. The police fraud squad director Brig. Gen. Andi Chaeruddin said on Tuesday that Maria will be scheduled for trial in absentia by the end of this month. "Currently, the police are examining bank transfers and bank accounts related to the BNI scandal.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
BPPT to propose applying 'Seawatch' tsunami alert
BPPT to propose applying 'Seawatch' tsunami alert Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As part of a region-wide tsunami early warning system to be discussed during a one-day summit here on Thursday, the government will suggest the use of the "Seawatch" system to alert residents of tidal waves.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asia holds its collective breath over bird flu threat for 2005
Asia holds its collective breath over bird flu threat for 2005 Michael Mathes, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Chilling warnings about an inevitable global influenza pandemic that could kill millions signal more turmoil to come after a grim year in Asia when nations weary from fighting SARS faced a new foe in bird flu.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
UN to set up regional relief center in S'pore
UN to set up regional relief center in S'pore Agencies, Singapore The United Nations will establish a coordination center in Singapore to help victims of last week's tsunami and earthquake, the city-state's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. "The coordinating center in Singapore will help to alleviate the situation and bring emergency relief," the ministry said in a statement. In the coming weeks, the center would begin distributing aid.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Resurgent soccer squad set for Asiad return
Resurgent soccer squad set for Asiad return Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has been a long dry season, but the revitalized national soccer team will return to the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar after an absence of 16 years, the National Sports Council (KONI) said on Tuesday. "The national team's performance has improved recently," KONI chairman Agum Gumelar said. "It has reached the final of the 2004 Tiger Cup with an impressive performance and booked its first win in the Asia Cup.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta hospitals open doors to Aceh's child victims
Jakarta hospitals open doors to Aceh's child victims Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta hospitals are offering free medical treatment for Acehnese children wounded in the catastrophic tsunami that swept through the troubled province on Dec. 26. Eva Jumpa of Harapan Kita Hospital said on Tuesday that the hospital was currently treating four Acehnese children and babies, and that one toddler died upon arrival at the hospital on Sunday.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Muhammadiyah needs to focus on social concerns
Muhammadiyah needs to focus on social concerns Alpha Amirrachman, Jakarta During one sermon, the founder of Muhammadiyah, Ahmad Dahlan, elaborated on the Koranic chapter of al-Ma'un (concerning moral decay and lack of care for others), which, to the bewilderment of the audience, had been repeated during several sermons. "Why are you repeating this?" asked one man in the audience. "Do you really understood this chapter?" asked Ahmad Dahlan.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Holiday delirium and lack of public civility
Holiday delirium and lack of public civility B. Herry-Priyono, Jakarta A colossal catastrophe caused by the gigantic earthquake and tsunami has befallen us on the days we were preparing all kinds of glittery parties and delirious merrymaking to ring in the year 2005. The world was jolted in an almost apocalyptic manner that soon exposed the depth of human suffering.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Flooding disrupts traffic, drives residents away
Flooding disrupts traffic, drives residents away The Jakarta Post Surabaya/Pekanbaru Protracted inundation in some parts of Rokan Hilir regency disrupted traffic on Tuesday along the bustling inter-provincial highway connecting Riau and North Sumatra provinces. Motorists were forced to slow down and maneuver through the most accessible parts of the road, causing snarling traffic congestion along some parts of the highway.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Floods and quakes disrupt traffic, cause panic to residents
Floods and quakes disrupt traffic, cause panic to residents The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Pekanbaru Protracted inundation in some parts of Rokan Hilir regency disrupted traffic on Tuesday along the bustling inter-provincial highway connecting Riau and North Sumatra provinces. Motorists were forced to slow down and maneuver through the most accessible parts of the road, causing snarling traffic congestion along some parts of the highway.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Rainbow Warrior' joins Aceh relief
'Rainbow Warrior' joins Aceh relief The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Part of the vast relief operation in Aceh is centered on Meulaboh, the town worst hit by the tsunami that submerged most of the west coast area, isolating survivors from assistance. Joining other relief workers in Meulaboh, such as those from Singapore, the Doctors without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontiers, or MSF) organization is also establishing a base in this town where a third of its 120,000 population is feared to have perished.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
President's official car park?
President's official car park? From Kompas On Nov. 15, I parked my car outside of Klub Bimasena (health/sports center) in South Jakarta, near the gate of the club, which shares the same complex with Hotel Dharmawangsa. When I left my car near the entrance, club security men told me to move my car to the parking lot at the rear of the building, because the car park near the gate was reserved for the president, vice president and ambassadors.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Globalization and Westernization
Globalization and Westernization Referring to Professor Christopher Lingle's article entitled RI and globalization debate: Embracing 'contract culture', which appeared at The Jakarta Post on Dec. 28, I am impressed by the articulation and clarity of his debate on the issue of globalization and its impact. However, I disagree with his statement that we must not confuse globalization with "Westernization".
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shares end at record high; Rupiah rallies
Shares end at record high; Rupiah rallies Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesia's main stock index set a fresh record-high closing level on Tuesday, driven by gains in cement and heavy equipment blue chips. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index ended up 17.666 points, or 1.8 percent, at 1018.54 points. Cement companies led the gainers on expectations that the companies' fortunes will improve this year due to reconstruction efforts in the areas devastated by last week's earthquake and tsunami.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. SMS: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS
1. SMS: 2 LINES, 18 COUNTS Grab your cell phone, start SMS-ing for Aceh 2. COORDINATE: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS Lack of coordination spells chaos in Aceh 3. POWELL: 1 LINE 20 COUNTS U.S. to help in rebuilding 4. PROMISE: 1 LINE, 48 COUNTS Some countries won't deliver promised aid, UN warns
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Soldiers, others isolated after tsunami
Soldiers, others isolated after tsunami A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Meulaboh First Lt. Kartika Sudrajat was angered by a private TV station's news ticker that said many soldiers in Aceh were among the victims of Sunday's powerful tsunami.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Traders stall Ciputat overpass work
Traders stall Ciputat overpass work Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The construction of the much-needed Ciputat flyover has hit a snag as dozens of traders who received compensation funds refused on Tuesday to vacate their buildings on Jl. Dewi Sartika and Jl. Juanda. Ciputat district administration head Muhamad, who leads the team to clear the land, said that the Tangerang administration had planned to sink pylons into the ground for the flyover by Jan. 1.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
More countries increase aid to tsunami victims
More countries increase aid to tsunami victims The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More countries have revised their donations for the tsunami affected countries in Asia and Africa as the death toll rises. Germany is set to become the world's largest donor after its government took a decision on Wednesday to increase the existing pledge of US$27 million to some $670 million.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corruption and democracy
Corruption and democracy From Koran Tempo President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared Dec. 9 Anticorruption Day for the purpose of waging a war against corruption. On several occasions he even said he would direct the corruption eradication movement himself. Indonesia belongs to the group of most corrupt countries, occupying top place on Transparency International's corruption list. This has been due to the lack of serious attempts to fight corruption, with no punishments imposed in major cases.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Garuda's service
Garuda's service On Dec. 12, 2004 I was supposed to fly on Garuda Indonesia's GA-250 Jakarta-Semarang flight scheduled to depart at 3 p.m, only to find out it was postponed due to a damaged engine part. After waiting for some time, it was announced that the Semarang-bound plane would leave at 5 p.m. I finally decided to change my route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta instead, by GA-214 at 5:15 p.m. The problem arose when somebody was told to collect my suitcase from the Semarang-bound plane.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fixed-line phone service stagnant, cellular service soar
Fixed-line phone service stagnant, cellular service soar Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In spite of the rapid development of the telecommunications industry over recent years, tens of millions of people in the country have yet to benefit from even the basic mode of communication: fixed line services. Data at the Directorate General of Post and Telecommunications indicate only 9.1 million fixed lines have been installed, mostly in developed cities, for a population of over 220 million.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Council discusses clean air bylaw
Council discusses clean air bylaw JAKARTA: The City Council is discussing a draft bylaw on clean air that is expected to become the only legal basis to force private car owners to meet emission standards. Councillors are scheduled to finish deliberating the bill on Feb. 4. Head of the Jakarta Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) Kosasih Wirahadikusumah said the city administration would ensure that all vehicles in the city had vehicular emission tests once the draft was passed.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
26 states, int'l organizations confirm summit attendance
26 states, int'l organizations confirm summit attendance Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The international community has welcomed the initiative to hold an emergency summit in the wake of the tsunami disaster with 26 countries and international organizations confirmed to attend.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami summit to exclude debt moratorium talks
Tsunami summit to exclude debt moratorium talks Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has decided not to include the discussion on a debt moratorium for Indonesia in the agenda of the upcoming international emergency relief summit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Tuesday.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia, ASEAN and Australia trapped by sense of superiority
Indonesia, ASEAN and Australia trapped by sense of superiority S.P. Seth, Sydney Indonesia is understandably upset over Australia's recent announcement of its plan to establish a 1,000-mile maritime identification zone to fight terrorism and other international crimes.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Public order agency
Public order agency aims to make Senen like Jl. Thamrin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Public order officers plan to remove street vendors from the crowded, busy area of Senen in Central Jakarta as well as the main road passing through the area from Matraman to Gunung Sahari. Head of the City Public Order Agency, Soebagio, said on Tuesday that the administration intended to emulate the clean and well-ordered Jl. Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin which, he said, "are the city's frontage".
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rejuvenated soccer squad set to return to Asian Games
Rejuvenated soccer squad set to return to Asian Games Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post Jakarta It has been a long dry season, but the resurgent national soccer team will return to the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar after an absence of 16 years, the National Sports Council (KONI) said on Tuesday. "The national team's performance has improved recently," KONI chairman Agum Gumelar said.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'U.S. in Aceh for long haul'
'U.S. in Aceh for long haul' Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post Washington has stated its commitment to long-term involvement in post-tsunami relief efforts in the affected countries of southern Asia. Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Tuesday in Jakarta that the U.S. had so far pledged US$350 million in relief aid, and more was to come from the private sector. "This is not just a one-time humanitarian relief effort or rescue effort.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Social empowerment not political power, Muhammadiyah's vision Alpha Amirrachman Jakarta 2. Strait -- The Acehnese deserve better 1 X 30 The Acehnese deserve better from us After more than a century of misery, it is time to make amends in Aceh Anthony Reid The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt empowers small businesses through bill on microfinancing
Govt empowers small businesses through bill on microfinancing Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To accelerate and better coordinate the distribution of credit for small businesses here, the government is drafting a bill on microfinancing for non-bank microfinancing institutions, a senior official said.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami summit excludes debt moratorium talks
Tsunami summit excludes debt moratorium talks Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government has decided not to include the discussion on a debt moratorium for Indonesia in the agenda of the upcoming international emergency relief summit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Tuesday.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Alternative energy for electricity
Alternative energy for electricity From Bisnis Indonesia The high world oil price will certainly raise the cost of power production by state electricity company (PLN), whose cost components are 25 percent composed of fuel oil. Therefore, PLN should adopt a new policy to replace fuel in its power production with any of the other alternatives available in Indonesia. In 1989, I handled a research project on alternative energy production technology.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ciawi dam project to affect 2 districts
Ciawi dam project to affect 2 districts Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The Bogor administration will start to disseminate information on a project to construct a dam in Ciawi along the path of the Ciliwung River which will affect two districts, fearing protests from residents who object to moving from the area. Head of Public Works Agency Nurhayanti said that the central government's project would start in 2007.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'It was a sign that nature is angry with us'
'It was a sign that nature is angry with us' More than one week after the tsunami ripped through Aceh and North Sumatra, the struggle is not over for survivors who shelter in refugee camps where water is still scarce and sanitation poor. The Jakarta Post asked residents of the nation's capital for their response to the catastrophe. Andre, 32, works at a company providing automation and system integration services in Grogol, West Jakarta.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
;JP;MUN;
;JP;MUN; ANPAa..r.. Scene-corruption-emergency Govt to issue new anti-graft decree JP/4/SCENE Govt to issue new antigraft decree JAKARTA: Justice and Human Rights Minister Hamid Awaluddin said on Tuesday that his ministry has finished drafting a new antigraft decree, which requires suspected corruptors to be put in jail from the beginning of the investigation.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt bans adoption to protect orphans
Govt bans adoption to protect orphans Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although many people have expressed willingness to adopt Acehnese orphans who lost their parents in the devastating tsunami disaster a week ago, the government has temporarily prohibited the adoption of the homeless children.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investors begin to sort Indonesia shares on Aceh rebuilding program
Investors begin to sort Indonesia shares on Aceh rebuilding program Edhi Pranasidhi, Dow Jones/Jakarta Investors are buying shares in Indonesian cement, heavy-equipment and infrastructure-related firms on the expectation those companies will be employed to rebuild the devastated province of Aceh, and analysts expect the trend to continue. Pharmaceutical shares are also gaining, while financial shares have weakened as banks detail their loan exposure to the stricken region.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Help (55) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18)
1. Help (55) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18) U.S. presidents call on Americans for tsunami aid 2. MSF (25) - 28 pts 3cols 2lines (1x30) 'Rainbow Warrior' joins Aceh relief 3. Summit (45) -- 36 pts 4 cols 2line (2x28) 26 states, int'l organizations confirm summit attendance 4. Insurance (40) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Disaster coverage low among insured: Jasindo 5. Susul (20) - 24 pts 2 cols 2lines (2x20) Crush injuries pose post-tsunami challenge --- 6. Photos -- 2 pieces plus one graphic
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Karateka Bambang lives to tell of tsunami horror
Karateka Bambang lives to tell of tsunami horror Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A fateful decision may have saved the life of karateka Bambang Maulidin amid the devastating Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami. The 2003 Southeast (SEA) Games gold and 2002 Asian Games silver medalist was at home in Ponge Ujung, Banda Aceh, two kilometers from the coastline, when the quake hit at about 8 a.m.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
;DJ;
;DJ; ANPAf..r.. rupiah-index-up Shares end at record high; Rupiah strengthens JP/14/Stock Shares end at record high; Rupiah strengthens Dow Jones Jakarta Indonesia's main stock index set a fresh record-high closing level on Tuesday, driven by gains in cement and heavy equipment blue chips. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index ended up 17.666 points, or 1.8 percent, at 1018.54 points.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Consequences of the tsunami
Consequences of the tsunami Natural disasters are also political events. Even if the question may sound insensitive, we have to ask ourselves what the consequences of the catastrophe that hit Asian coasts will be. Will local regimes be criticized? After this tidal wave, will there be an anti-globalism and anti-western political wave as well? This mainly concerns those countries that...have lately registered high growth rates.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Textile exporters must attach COO
Textile exporters must attach COO JAKARTA: With the world quota system on textiles and clothing ending on Dec. 31, the government is requiring exporters to attach a Master Bill of Lading (Master B/L) and Certificate of Origin (COO) to all their exported goods starting Jan. 1.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investors begin to sort Indonesia shares
Investors begin to sort Indonesia shares Edhi Pranasidhi Dow Jones/Jakarta Investors are buying shares in Indonesian cement, heavy-equipment and infrastructure-related firms on the expectation those companies will be employed to rebuild the devastated province of Aceh, and analysts expect the trend to continue. Pharmaceutical shares are also gaining, while financial shares have weakened as banks detail their loan exposure to the stricken region.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Busway to recruit
Busway to recruit 15 woman drivers JAKARTA: Busway operator PT Jakarta Express Trans (JET) is looking for 15 women to be hired as busway drivers. JET director for finance and general affairs Ibnu Susanto said a special team was in charge of the recruitment. "All candidates must have the required qualifications. They must have a license for driving a bus, must be in a good health and be below 40 years of age," he said.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corruption and democracy
Corruption and democracy From Koran Tempo President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared Dec. 9 Anticorruption Day for the purpose of waging a war against corruption. On several occasions he even said he would direct the corruption eradication movement himself. Indonesia belongs to the group of most corrupt countries, occupying top place on Transparency International's corruption list. This has been due to the lack of serious attempts to fight corruption, with no punishments imposed in major cases.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Singapore banks remain resilient
Singapore banks remain resilient Bloomberg, Singapore Singapore's three banks remain resilient in the face of a slowing economy, which the government forecasts may expand in 2005 at less than half the pace of last year, the central bank said in a report released on Tuesday. DBS Group Holdings Ltd., United Overseas Bank Ltd. and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stiffing the Acehnese
Stiffing the Acehnese Acehnese are known for their pride and their historical struggle for independence. And yet, this pride seems to have been drowned out in the wake of last week's tsunami disaster. We are especially saddened to learn that the once-proud Acehnese are now mired in tears of despair and helplessness. It is now our responsibility to help the Acehnese, not only to survive the crisis following the disaster, but most importantly to enable them to restore their dignity.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Alternative energy for electricity
Alternative energy for electricity From Bisnis Indonesia The high world oil price will certainly raise the cost of power production by state electricity company (PLN), whose cost components are 25 percent composed of fuel oil. Therefore, PLN should adopt a new policy to replace fuel in its power production with any of the other alternatives available in Indonesia. In 1989, I handled a research project on alternative energy production technology.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
;AFP;
;AFP; ANPAf..r.. Asia-quake-economies Asian tsunami disaster likely to have minimal economic impact, ex JP/16/ASIA Asian tsunami disaster likely to have minimal economic impact, experts say Agence France-Presse Sydney The cost in human life of the Boxing Day tsunamis is appalling by any measure but the economic impact of one of the world's worst natural disasters is likely to be minimal in the longer term, Australian analysts said on Tuesday.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Disaster coverage few among insured: Jasindo
Disaster coverage few among insured: Jasindo Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Insurance companies will likely be spared from having to bear the brunt of the quake and tsunami that devastated Aceh and North Sumatra on Dec. 26, as it turns out that few insurance policy holders are protected against natural disasters.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lesser graft must be unveiled
Lesser graft must be unveiled From Koran Tempo The disclosure of alleged corruption in the purchase of Scorpion tanks means considerable progress in the unveiling of cases that were formerly seen as untouchable, but the flow of funds in such cases should also be traced. If the funds as commission went to the accounts of state agencies, there is no need to examine the people concerned because whoever negotiated or closed the business deal becomes irrelevant.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Excelcomindo to build network in Aceh
Excelcomindo to build network in Aceh Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the face of the utter destruction caused by the tsunamis in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, cellular operator Excelcomindo plans to expedite the construction of its network there with an investment of up to US$20 million in the first phase. Marketing business solutions director Rudiantara said on Tuesday that the company had completed a survey in Aceh on Dec.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pilgrimage and tourism
Pilgrimage and tourism I'm writing to comment on Dadi Darmadi's article titled Spiritual materialism in the haj pilgrimage (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 23) in which he eloquently described the Indonesian pilgrims' behavior abroad. He also likened them to tourists, which is obviously has a lot of truth in it. Generally speaking, Indonesians who have the means to go abroad, whether as tourists (including the above pilgrims) or students are bargain hunters and fanatic shoppers.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh students find scholastic help
Aceh students find scholastic help Sari P. Setiogi and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta For university students in Aceh, the tsunami disaster did not only take away the lives of their families, but also their future, as they might have to give up their studies. Banda Aceh's Syah Kuala State University (Unsyah), for example, was severely damaged after the massive earthquake and tidal waves struck on Dec. 26.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Garuda pledges funds for Aceh
Garuda pledges funds for Aceh JAKARTA: National carrier Garuda announced on Tuesday that it would donate some Rp 500 million (about US$53,700) in cash to help finance humanitarian relief operations in devastated Aceh. The company said in a press statement that the aid was on top of its free cargo and passenger service between Jakarta and Aceh, which has now reached a value of around Rp 1 billion.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Candy as change
Candy as change This is in response to the letter from Wendy (of Freiburg, Germany) who complains of getting candy in lieu of Rp 100 change at Balinese stores (Cheating in Bali, The Jakarta Post, Dec. 16). Indeed, your life must be idyllic if something as insignificant as that has prompted you to write a letter of complaint to this newspaper.
Wed, 05 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Public order agency aims to make Senen like Jl. Thamrin
Public order agency aims to make Senen like Jl. Thamrin The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Public order officers plan to remove street vendors from the crowded, busy area of Senen in Central Jakarta as well as the main road passing through the area from Matraman to Gunung Sahari. Head of the City Public Order Agency, Soebagio, said on Tuesday that the administration intended to emulate the clean and well-ordered Jl. Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin which, he said, "are the city's frontage".