Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 October 2005

41 articles found

Eat at mesmerizing Lara Djonggrang

Eat at mesmerizing Lara Djonggrang Susanna Tjokro, Contributor/Jakarta, s_tjokro@yahoo.com Lara Djonggrang, means "slender virgin", and is also a restaurant with an abundance of artwork scattered throughout. The first room, dominated by the blue color, is called China Blue. The room is illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight and surrounded by some Buddhist antiques such as a bust of Buddha. As the light scent of tube roses wafts through the air, the place looks magically beautiful.

World's writers, scholars to gather in Ubud

World's writers, scholars to gather in Ubud For the second time, the quiet and pristine village of Ubud, located some 30 kilometers north of Denpasar, will host writers, scholars, academicians, artists, journalists and publishers for the six-day Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) 2005, from Oct. 6 through Oct. 10. Scheduled to be opened by State Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik at the beautiful Puri Ubud Palace on Friday, Oct.

Paradise island hit again

Paradise island hit again The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali At least 23 people, including foreigners, were killed and 90 others injured when a fresh terror attack rocked Bali on Saturday, nearly three years after bombs hit the famous resort island. As of midnight local time, Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar had received 13 bodies, while another 10 bodies were received at the private Graha Asih Hospital, mostly Indonesians, also in the Bali capital.

JP/1/FUEL

JP/1/FUEL Fuel compensation disbursement begins as driver strike looms The Jakarta Post Bandung/Jambi/Ambon/Kupang/Batam/Yogyakarta/Surakarta Thousands of public transportation drivers nationwide went on strike on Saturday as top government officials were deployed across the country to oversee the disbursement of fuel compensation funds.

Khatulistiwa names winners

Khatulistiwa names winners The Khatulistiwa Literary Award (KLA) announced its winners in the prose and poetry categories for the 2004-2005 period: writer Seno Gumira Ajidarma and poet Joko Pinurbo. The awards were conferred on Friday evening in the atrium of Plaza Senayan, Central Jakarta, for Seno's Kitab Omong Kosong (Book of nonsense) and Joko's Kekasihku (My love). The 10 finalists of both categories were also recognized for their achievements.

Indonesian trends: From Pekalongan batik to African safari

Indonesian trends: From Pekalongan batik to African safari Syahmedi Dean, Contributor/Jakarta While the London Fashion Week was going on in Britain, Indonesia was hosting the Mercedes-Benz Indonesia Fashion Festival 2005, a fashion week that took place between Sept. 17 and Sept. 24, 2005. Held in the spacious hall of the Jakarta Convention Center, the fashion festival featured 15 designers under the Indonesian Fashion Designers Council, giving a glimpse of Indonesian fashion trends for 2006.

Malaysia to be first regional 'Fear Factor' center

Malaysia to be first regional 'Fear Factor' center The daredevil reality television show Fear Factor has launched its first Asian production center in Malaysia, where episodes for its debut Asian version are being shot. The center was set up this month, and episodes targeted for Malaysia, India and Indonesia are being filmed at locations around Malaysia's central city and its surrounding areas. The only other production centers for Fear Factor are in Argentina and South Africa.

TV Program: Sunday, October 2, 2005

TV Program: Sunday, October 2, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 Morning News 7:00 Children Show 9:00 Music: Delta 10:00 Sports: Antar Gelanggang 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:30 p.m.

JP/15/prog

JP/15/prog Select events of UWRF 2005 Oct. 6 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Jalan-jalan travel writing with Ryan Ver Berkmoes Travel writing workshop with Ver Berkmoes, seasoned travel writer of many guidebooks, including the Lonely Planet Guide to Bali and Lombok. (E) 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Crime writing with J.C. Burke How to plot, plant, scheme, deceive and put your reader on the edge of their seat (ages 12-15, E) 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

JP/5/Typ

JP/5/Typ Spirit of Arts Tris Neddy Santo will display her paintings at the National Gallery in Gambir, Central Jakarta through Oct. 10. The Spirit of Arts 1970-2005 exhibition, which was opened on Friday by former Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika, features paintings by Tris since she began her career in 1970. Tris graduated from Bandung Institute of Technology and got a master's degree from the University of the West of England in Bristol. -- The Jakarta Post

RI fishing boat seized in Australia

RI fishing boat seized in Australia AUSTRALIA: Australian officials said on Saturday they had seized an Indonesian boat and detained its crew following reports the fishermen had attempted to board an Australian vessel. The boat was found off the remote northern coast of Western Australia with two Indonesian fishermen on board, a customs spokesman told AFP.

President condemns fresh attack on Bali

President condemns fresh attack on Bali Rendi Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Stunned by deadly explosions in the resort island of Bali, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono immediately held a press conference on Saturday in which he condemned the blasts as terrorist attacks. "The blasts were clearly terrorist attacks as the targets were random and were done in public places," said Susilo only an hour after the blasts.

Gusmao gives courage to new nation

Gusmao gives courage to new nation Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post/Ubud, Bali Ubud has always had a special place in the heart of Kirsty Sword Gusmao, a teacher-turned-first lady of the world's newest nation: Timor Leste. "When I first visited Indonesia in the 1980's, I spent over a week in Ubud," she told The Jakarta Post through an email interview early this week. "It was my first experience of Indonesia.

JP/5/take

JP/5/take Olive Tree offers different syrups During the fasting month of Ramadhan, the Olive Tree Restaurant at Nikko Hotel will offer a range of snacks and beverages for customers. There will also be Islamic decorations and religious music in the restaurant. Executive chef Setiyanto will prepare a variety of snacks and dishes for breaking the fast, including dates, cakes, young coconut with ice and fruits. Guests will also be able to enjoy a syrup of the day, with different recipes each day.

White Shoes rekindles that Seventies' spirit

White Shoes rekindles that Seventies' spirit Tari Danawidjaja, Contributor/Jakarta If you have listened to the original soundtrack for Janji Joni, then you are definitely familiar with this band. Even those who have never heard the soundtrack would recognize their song in a soap commercial that stars Mariana, the famous Indonesian model who lives in France. White Shoes & the Couples Company is not a newborn band among Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ) students and graduates.

Japan win cricket cup, RI finishes fifth

Japan win cricket cup, RI finishes fifth SYDNEY, Australia: Japan claimed their first ICC cricket title with a six-run victory over the Cook Islands in the final of the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Cricket Cup tournament in Vanuatu, the ICC reported on Saturday. Indonesia's team finished fifth in the six-team contest. Japan, sent into bat, scored 161 off 48 overs with opening batsmen Tetsuro Chino topscoring with 51. The Cook Islands fell just short, dismissed for 155.

Protest mars PKB splinter group's congress

Protest mars PKB splinter group's congress Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Protest marked the opening day of the national congress held by the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction under Alwi Shihab here on Saturday. Dozens of people who claimed to be supporters of official PKB leader Muhaimin Iskandar came to the venue of the congress at Sukolilo haj dormitory just before the event was opened, threatening to pull down the party's symbols and banners.

Meeting planners get new guidebook

Meeting planners get new guidebook Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/Jakarta ------------ Jakarta Meeting Planner's Guide 2005/2006 Chief Editor Indra Sukirno, PT Ventura Perdana Utama for the Jakarta Convention and Exhibition Bureau, September 2005, 216 pages --------------- Governor Sutiyoso was born in 1944. That means he is now 61 years old. However, his photograph printed in the fifth Jakarta Meeting Planner's Guide 2005/2006 does not show his present appearance.

Furniture: New outlet focuses on imported goods

Furniture: New outlet focuses on imported goods Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A woman stepped out of a Toyota Alphard van after it stopped in front of a department store in Warung Buncit area, South Jakarta. A few minutes later, a Mercedes-Benz dropped two women. The drivers parked the cars in a specified lot. The three women were among dozens of affluent Jakartans attending the premiere launch of Home & Beyond, a department store that sells home furniture and accessories.

Original Pilates opens branch

Original Pilates opens branch Pilates Bodyworks of Singapore, which is the only pilates studio in Asia certified by the Pilates center in the United States, opened its first franchised branch at Bimasena Club in South Jakarta last week. Pilates Bodyworks founding director Alvin Giam, who has learned pilates from a direct student of the late founder Joseph Pilates, said the exercises could heal several ailments and diseases, such as stroke and back pain.

Panasonic launches dish dryer

Panasonic launches dish dryer Japanese-Indonesia joint-venture company PT Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia recently launched a modern and hygienic DSterile dish dryer that can kill Escherichia Coli (E-Coli) and Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria. Selling for Rp 500,000, the dish dryer can halt the development of the bacteria during a two-day drying process of dishes.

Dazzling Diva

Dazzling Diva Popular singer and performer Titi DJ pulled all the stops to deliver theater, dance and kungfu in her first-ever solo show, Sang Dewi at the Jakarta Convention Center, eliciting an ovation from thoroughly entertained fans. Valley of literature Take a peek at what's on offer in the artistic and cultural center of Ubud as it gears up for a world-class literary festival, and meet some of the writers who will be there to share their experiences and insights.

Home entertainment: It's the Tablet DVD era!

Home entertainment: It's the Tablet DVD era! Doharto J. Simatupang, Contributor/Jakarta It is not uncommon when driving home from the office to find yourself stuck in some massive traffic jam and in serious need of entertainment. Most people just listen to music on their cassette or CD player. For others, however, a traffic jam gives them the opportunity to watch a movie or keep up with the latest news on their car theater.

Fasting vs. clubbing: The struggle continues

Fasting vs. clubbing: The struggle continues The Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan starts on Oct. 4 this year. Food, drink and the making of beasts with two backs are all strictly forbidden during the hours of daylight. Ramadhan is traditionally a time of peaceful contemplation and spiritual communion, and I'm sure you'd agree that Indonesia's teeming, migraine-inducing capital could certainly do with a healthy dose of both of these.

Culture: Preserving Dayak traditional instruments

Culture: Preserving Dayak traditional instruments Bambang Bider, Contributor/The Jakarta Post When I called on him at his house for an interview, Dayak artist Kristian Mara was helping his pet monkey drink a glass of chocolate milk. "Well, I don't do this because I have lots of money. It's simply because it is this monkey that will stay in the house when I'm out or away," he said, laughing heartily. The father of three is recognized as one of the most important artists in West Kalimantan.

Chomel introduces new collections

Chomel introduces new collections International crystal and pearl producer Chomel introduced new collections to Indonesian customers at Plaza Indonesia last week. A wide range of crystal accessories set in rhodium or gold, such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and rings were exhibited. Besides those products which were manufactured in Hong Kong and South Korea, Chomel also offers various crystal hair accessories, such as hair claws, clips, tiers and combs.

First Barbie boutique at PIM II

First Barbie boutique at PIM II The first boutique of children's fashion doll Barbie has opened at the new upmarket shopping center Pondok Indah Mall II in South Jakarta. Established by PT Mitra Adi Perkasa (MAP), the boutique provides Barbie dolls engaged in various activities along with the accessories and perfume, clothes and cosmetics for girls.

Japan's Mizuno gaining popularity

Japan's Mizuno gaining popularity Despite the tough competition from American and European brands, Japanese footwear and apparel brand Mizuno is gaining popularity. Brought to Indonesia by high-profile sports and fashion retail company PT Mitra Adi Perkasa (MAP), Mizuno products are available at the company's premium retail stores Planet Sports and The Athlete's Foot.

Rosni Idham: Poet between worlds

Rosni Idham: Poet between worlds Robin Lim, Contributor/Ubud, Bali The night of Oct. 7, 2005, Rosni Idham will be reading poetry at the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) in Bali; almost 10 months ago, on the night of Dec. 26, 2004, she was feeding tsunami survivors in Meulaboh, Aceh. The floor of her house was wet from the dripping clothes of survivors of the tsunami, yet she made space for as many of the now homeless Acehnese as she could squeeze in.

Books: Latest edition of 'Jakarta Meeting Planner's Guide' released

Books: Latest edition of 'Jakarta Meeting Planner's Guide' released ----------------- Jakarta Meeting Planner's Guide 2005/2006 Chief Editor Indra Sukirno, PT Ventura Perdana Utama for the Jakarta Convention and Exhibition Bureau, September 2005, 216 pages --------------- Good news for all meeting organizers and planners: the latest edition of the Jakarta Meeting Planner's Guide is now out and it is crammed full of useful information.

Comfortable with sneakers

Comfortable with sneakers A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Barring 'traditional' wedding parties, young businessman Winfred Hutabarat wears sneakers on any and all occasions, including to his office in Kemang, South Jakarta. "It's comfortable and practical," the co-founder of the Aksara bookstore chain told The Jakarta Post recently.

Faint Balinese voices to grace UWRF

Faint Balinese voices to grace UWRF I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post/Denpasar, Bali To the general public, Bali's contemporary literary landscape is a barren desert sporadically punctuated by a few monumental figures such as Putu Wijaya, Ikranegara or Umbu Landu Paranggi. Nowadays, even the last two names sound like an echo from a distant past.

JP/5/Typ

JP/5/Typ Spirit of Arts Tris Neddy Santo is displaying her paintings at the National Gallery in Gambir through Oct. 10. The Spirit of Arts 1970-2005 exhibition, which was opened on Friday by former Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika, features paintings made by Tris since she started career in arts in 1970. Tris graduated from the Bandung Institute of Technology and got her master degree from the University of West of England in Bristol. -- The Jakarta Post

JP/14/note

JP/14/note Notice The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival program was accurate at the time of printing. The Jakarta Post will inform readers of any alteration in scheduling that might result from recent events. -- Editor

Exploring the capital: An experience of diversity

Exploring the capital: An experience of diversity Michele Soeryadjaya, Grade 9/Jakarta Int'l School During the week I spent exploring the city of Jakarta, the capital of the world's largest archipelago, Indonesia, I have discovered it to be a melting pot overflowing with rich culture, traditions and, above all, diversity. From the urban to the suburban, from the wealthy to the poor, from the old to the new -- the city is an epitome of diversity.

New furniture outlet focuses on imported goods

New furniture outlet focuses on imported goods Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A woman stepped out of a Toyota Alphard van after it stopped in front of a department store in Warung Buncit area, South Jakarta. A few minutes later, a Mercedes-Benz dropped two women. The drivers parked the cars in a specified lot. The three women were among dozens of affluent Jakartans attending the premiere launch of Home & Beyond, a department store that sells home furniture and accessories.

Model, swimmer Elsa Manora maintains figure through sport

Model, swimmer Elsa Manora maintains figure through sport A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Swimmer Elsa Manora Nasution is now regularly seen on television advertisements that highlight her shapely figure, doing aerobics and promoting a brand of a non-fat, high calcium milk. Teaching aerobics is one of Elsa's present activities, aside from being a television advertisement model and a swimming instructor.

Diva Titi DJ wows, wows crowd with theatrical concert

Diva Titi DJ wows, wows crowd with theatrical concert Tari Danawidjaja, Contributor/Jakarta When Titi Dwijayanti, aka Titi DJ, was 17, she had no experience in modeling or in beauty pageants. But amazingly, she took off to London for the Miss World 1983 Contest and gave herself a shot, even if she came back almost empty-handed -- she returned with a boost in confidence. Later, when a record company offered to record an album, she grabbed that chance too and released Imajinasi.

Fare increases, strikes greet fuel price hike

Fare increases, strikes greet fuel price hike Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Suparlan, 36, was obviously shocked when asked for Rp 2,500 (24 US dollar cents) for the short trip between Muncul and Ciputat, both in Tangerang, that he had previously paid only Rp 1,700. "I only have this (much). You've increased the fare too high," Suparlan, a resident of Buaran subdistrict in Tangerang, told the public minivan driver while handing over two Rp 1,000 bills.

Fuel compensation disbursement begins as protests continue

Fuel compensation disbursement begins as protests continue The Jakarta Post Bandung/Jambi/Ambon/Kupang/Batam/Yogyakarta/Surakarta Thousands of public transportation drivers nationwide went on strike on Saturday as top government officials were deployed across the country to oversee the disbursement of fuel compensation funds.

Recent bomb attacks in Indonesia

Recent bomb attacks in Indonesia Following is a chronology of some of the major blasts in Indonesia in recent years. May 28, 2005 - two bombs rip through a busy market in a Christian town in eastern Indonesia, killing up to 21 people. Nov 13, 2004 - An explosion near a police station in the eastern island of Sulawesi kills five people and wounds four.