Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 October 2005

94 articles found

Tupai/Kalla Denies Planning To Run For President

Kalla Denies Planning To Run For President By: Roy Tupai | Category: Politics PARAS http://laksamana.net/read.php?gid=110 October, 20 2005 @ 04:03 am With President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono receiving generally positive assessments of his first year in office, Vice President Jusuf Kalla has emphatically denied a report that he intends to run for the presidency in 2009.

Enlightening films for Ngabuburit

Enlightening films for Ngabuburit BANDUNG: Ngabuburit is the Sundanese tradition of engaging in an activity to pass the last few hours before the breaking of the fast. The Common Room cine fan club on Jl. Kyai Gede Utama 8, Bandung, presents free movie shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. during the month of Ramadhan. Tarlen Handayani, an activist of the Common Room, said that the film program for Ngabuburit was themed "Rethinking Life".

East Timor refugees left out in cash aid

East Timor refugees left out in cash aid The Jakarta Post, Kupang, Semarang While many poor families have started to receive cash aid from the government, more than 1,000 poor refugee families in Kupang are missing out. Muhazir Hornay, the refugee coordinator at the Noelbaki shelter in Kupang Tengah, Kupang, said on Thursday that all of the refugees had received identity cards and were recognized as Indonesian citizens ahead of the legislative and presidential elections last year.

Bird flu cases in family creates new concern

Bird flu cases in family creates new concern Agencies, Jakarta Doctors said on Thursday they suspected a father and son have contracted bird flu in a case that prompted the minister of health to warn of the possibility of human-to-human transmission of the virus. "Two adults, a man and his son, as well as an infant were admitted yesterday (Wednesday) on suspicion of having contracted bird flu," said Ilham Patu, a doctor at the Sulianti Saroso hospital for infectious diseases in Jakarta.

Militant slapped with vandalism charges

Militant slapped with vandalism charges Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Sukoharjo Police officers declared the leader of a Muslim militant group a suspect on Thursday, three days after he led a mob attack on restaurants selling alcoholic drinks. The rare arrest of a religious vigilante leader could be a sign that the police are starting to lose patience with the militant groups and their violent raids on nightclubs and restaurants, particularly during Ramadhan. Adj. Comr.

Gross Rent for Two-Bedroom Apartment

Gross Rent for Two-Bedroom Apartment Jakarta, 2Q 2005 Apartment Type Target Market/Location Rental Rate/month Size Range Leased Middle - Up $2,400 -$3,550 63-180 Middle - Low $700 - $2,000 Serviced CBD $1,500 - $2,700 93-140 Non CBD $1,300 - $1,700 Source: Colliers International Indonesia, Research Department

Apartments offer friendly living too

Apartments offer friendly living too T. Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta A baby usually brings joy to the parents and makes the house warm. As for Maya Carpenter, a resident of Four Seasons Apartments in Jakarta, having a baby also means having new friends. "After I had my baby, I made new friends, as I often meet other tenants when I take my baby to the swimming pool," Maya said.

Poetic guardian of Kalimantan Meratus Dayak tradition

Poetic guardian of Kalimantan Meratus Dayak tradition Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wearing a black pullover, blue vest and black hat, the gentleman was very modest in appearance. With graying hair and moustache, he had a firm expression on his face. That evening, he was one of a dozen poets from Kalimantan whom the Jakarta Arts Council had invited to read their poems at the Cakrawala Sastra Indonesia 2 (second Indonesian Literary Horizons Forum), held in mid-September.

Retailers to use Microsoft software

Retailers to use Microsoft software JAKARTA: Some 72 retail companies under the Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo) signed a memorandum of understanding with software company PT Microsoft Indonesia on Thursday for the application of legal software in their business. Currently, Aprindo reports that most of its members are still relying on manual systems in their operations.

Firewood a hot seller as kerosene hard to buy

Firewood a hot seller as kerosene hard to buy Antara, Kediri Since fuel prices went up on Oct. 1, pricing kerosene out of the reach of many poor people, more residents of Kediri regency, East Java, have been using firewood for their cooking needs. Sarim, a resident of Klethak subdistrict, said he used to sell just a small amount of firewood before the fuel price hike. But since fuel prices went up, demand for firewood has been on the rise.

20% budget allocation for schools? 'Not likely'

20% budget allocation for schools? 'Not likely' Urip Hudiono and Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While welcoming the Constitutional Court's ruling that obliges the government to increase the education budget, education observers raised doubts that the ruling would take effect in 2006, while the chief economics minister hinted at the likelihood of an even more bloated budget deficit if the ruling were implemented.

U.S. backs tougher antiterror law

U.S. backs tougher antiterror law JAKARTA: The United States administration has supported the Indonesian government's plan to establish a tougher antiterror body and counterterrorism legislations, but said it has no intention to intervene in the process. "We support it but we wouldn't tell Indonesia what to do. It is a decision that must be made by the Indonesian government and the Indonesian people," United States Ambassador to Indonesia B.

1. Amrozi (1x36)

1. Amrozi (1x36) Bali bombers refuse to seek clemency 2. Flu (2x24) Bird flu cases in family creates new concern 3. TVRI (2x24) ICW reports Rp 7.2b graft case in 'TVRI' to KPK 4. Papua (2x24) Papua's integration into RI final: Dutch lawmaker 5. Bali (3x18) Pressure grows for Bali special autonomy status

Garut's attractions now within easy reach

Garut's attractions now within easy reach James Boyd, Contributor, Jakarta The new Cipularang expressway linking Jakarta to Bandung has opened up a whole new universe of weekend getaways to the south and east of Bandung that were previously beyond the reach of all but the most determined of weekend vacationers.

Cured lepers seek better living in Ramadhan

Cured lepers seek better living in Ramadhan Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post/Tangerang The holy month of Ramadhan is a time for giving, which some people take advantage of by looking for easy money, begging on the street. This issue draws attention to the livelihood of dozens of cured lepers, who say their social and economic rights have been denied. Dinah, 36, spends most days sitting on the sidewalk at the intersection of Jl. Veteran and Jl.

City readies 6,500 buses for exodus

City readies 6,500 buses for exodus Bambang Nurbianto and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration has prepared a total of 6,566 buses to anticipate the surge in the number of people leaving the city to celebrate Idul Fitri in their hometowns. Jakarta Transportation Agency deputy head Udar Pristono said that his agency estimated that at least 2.5 million residents would head for their hometowns.

Stock index drops; Unilever falls

Stock index drops; Unilever falls Bloomberg, Jakarta The stock index fell for a second day on Thursday. PT Unilever Indonesia had its biggest drop in a month after saying profit margins may shrink because higher energy prices are driving up costs. PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa rose on the outlook for higher cement demand. The Jakarta Composite Index slid 0.51, or 0.1 percent, to close at 1,075.40.

Chinese demand for commodities set to rise again: Analysts

Chinese demand for commodities set to rise again: Analysts Benjamin Morgan, Agence France-Presse/Shanghai After showing some signs of easing, global demand for raw materials is set to rise again with electricity and real estate projects expected to keep the wheels of China's surging economy humming, analysts say. "Chinese demand has slowed down this year compared to last year, but it should rebound strongly next year," said Steve Thomas from London-based research group LMC International.

Forgive convicted Australians

Forgive convicted Australians Indonesia should have mercy on the nine Australians arrested for attempting to traffic heroin from Bali to Australia. These young people have made a mistake in their lives and now they face the consequences of their deed. However, these young lives should be spared. God forgives humans for our sins and mistakes, and I think the Indonesian judiciary needs to bear this in mind.

Anthropologists uncover jawbone of another ancient "Hobbit" on Indonesian island

Anthropologists uncover jawbone of another ancient "Hobbit" on Indonesian island Joseph B. Verrengia Associated Press/Denver Scientists digging in a remote Indonesian cave have uncovered a jaw bone that they say adds more evidence that a tiny prehistoric Hobbit-like species once existed. The jaw is from the ninth individual believed to have lived as recently as 12,000 years ago. The bones are in a wet cave on the island of Flores in the eastern limb of the Indonesian archipelago, near Australia.

Omnico quits monorail consortium, Sutiyoso says

Omnico quits monorail consortium, Sutiyoso says The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In another blow to the country's hopes of attracting foreign investment to the infrastructure sector, Governor Sutiyoso has announced the withdrawal of Omnico Singapore Pte. Ltd. from PT Jakarta Monorail (JM), the consortium selected to construct and operate the city's monorail project. "Omnico is no longer in the consortium.

Death toll in Aceh flood rises to 16

Death toll in Aceh flood rises to 16 Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The death toll from flash floods in Southeast Aceh regency climbed to 16 on Thursday while seven people are still missing. The flash floods, which happened on Tuesday night, were the worst this year in term of fatalities after April flash floods in the same regency which killed 15 people.

ASEAN engagement the right step

ASEAN engagement the right step Alexander C. Chandra, Jakarta The recent Regional Conference on Civil Society Engagement in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was a step forward towards the process of democratization and openness in ASEAN. The conference that was held in Bangkok, on Oct.

Batam's ferry operation on strike

Batam's ferry operation on strike Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam At least 1,000 passengers were stranded at Sekupang domestic port and Telago Punggur port in Batam, Riau Islands following a ferry operators' decision to stop services on Thursday. The strike took place following state oil and gas company PT Pertamina directive which requires ferry operators to buy subsidized diesel fuel only at Pertamina's bunker service instead of their regular gasoline station near the ports.

Rental rates continue upward trend

Rental rates continue upward trend The average asking gross rent of mid-up leased apartment units continued to climb upwards in the second quarter of this year, partly due to the increase in the oil price in the first three months. Colliers International Indonesia (CII) property consulting company reported the average monthly rent of mid-up leased apartment units for two-bedroom increased to US$18 per sq m from $17 per sq m.

Team probes local election funds

Team probes local election funds JAKARTA: The government has set up an integrated team to investigate possible misuse of funds earmarked for regional direct elections, a senior official said on Thursday. Ministry of Religious Affairs inspector-general Seman Widjojo said the team will carry out the investigation from October to December. The team comprises officials from Seman's office, the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) and the Regional Supervisory Body (Bawasda).

Igor O'Neill

Igor O'Neill Jakarta Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Oct. 7 announced the government's plan to spend Rp 150 billion (US$15 million) to buy 10 million coal stoves as a part of the government efforts to diversify energy resources and to reduce the costly subsidy for kerosene.

Yogyakartans turn to coal briquettes

Yogyakartans turn to coal briquettes Slamet Susanto The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Today's high fuel prices are no longer a source of stress for Agus Sumarwoto as two months ago the catering entrepreneur turned to coal briquettes. He chose coal briquettes as an alternative fuel as they are cost efficient. Before using the coal briquettes, Agus had to use 15 tanks of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) a week, with each tank of 15 kilograms of LPG costing him Rp 51,000.

Lepers seek better lives in Ramadhan

Lepers seek better lives in Ramadhan Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The holy month of Ramadhan is a time for giving, which some people take advantage of by looking for easy money, begging on the street. This issue draws attention to the livelihood of dozens of cured lepers, who say their social and economic rights have been denied. Dinah, 36, spends most days sitting on the sidewalk at the intersection of Jl. Veteran and Jl. MP Taruna hoping for small change from passing motorists.

Palu raises taxi fares

Palu raises taxi fares PALU, Central Sulawesi: Responding to demands by local taxi operators, the Palu city administration announced on Thursday it had raised taxi fares by 25 percent. The flag fall was raised from Rp 3,000 to Rp 4,000, and the charge per kilometer went up from Rp 1,500 to Rp 2,250. The waiting fee was also increased to Rp 20,000 per hour from Rp 15,000. The new taxi fares took effect on Wednesday, said the head of the Palu transportation office, Jamaluddin Parerengi.

Bird flu flares again in Asia

Bird flu flares again in Asia Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters/Bangkok Bird flu has killed a 48-year-old man in Thailand, the country's first human death in a year, officials said on Thursday, as the deadly H5N1 virus that has now hit Europe reared its head again in east and southeast Asia.

SEA Games titleholder Sony sets sights on silver this time

SEA Games titleholder Sony sets sights on silver this time Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) hopes men's singles titleholder Sony Dwi Kuncoro can at least reach this year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games final after returning from an injury hiatus. "We expect Sony to win silver based on his recent performance," national training subdivision head Lius Pongoh said on Thursday of the 23rd SEA Games in the Philippines.

Free Tadjil at Ardjuna Boutique

Free Tadjil at Ardjuna Boutique BANDUNG: Throughout the month of Ramadhan, The Ardjuna Boutique Hotel & Spa is providing free tadjil (sweet dishes) daily for all guests who are staying or wish to break their fast at this hotel. Diah Suhandi, public relations manager of The Ardjuna Boutique Hotel & Spa, said that all visitors were welcome to savor the sweets served in a buffet.

1. Educat -- 4x9

1. Educat -- 4x9 Observers doubtful of education budget hike 2. Terror --- 1x25 Antiterror raids raise hackles 3. Taxi ----- 1x35 Taxi firm tightens control after violent robbery 4. SBY ---- 4x10 SBY still tight-lipped on Cabinet reshuffle

Yogyakarta residents turn to coal briquettes for fuel

Yogyakarta residents turn to coal briquettes for fuel Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Today's high fuel prices are no longer a source of stress for Agus Sumarwoto as two months ago the catering entrepreneur turned to coal briquettes. He chose coal briquettes as an alternative fuel as they are cost efficient. Before using the coal briquettes, Agus had to use 15 tanks of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) a week, with each tank of 15 kilograms of LPG costing him Rp 51,000.

More low-cost apartments to be built

More low-cost apartments to be built Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration is planning to require developers that have not fulfilled their obligations to construct public and social facilities to build low-cost apartments for the poor instead.

P.8

P.8 1. Omnico -- 4 x 12 Omnico quits monorail consortium, says Sutiyoso 2. Housing -- 1 x 32 More low-cost apartments to be built 3. JAI -- 1 x 30 JAI sues Bogor administration 4. Speak -- 1 x 40 'The current Cabinet has vested interests' -- The Jakarta Post

Unilever Indonesia says profit margins to fall on oil

Unilever Indonesia says profit margins to fall on oil Soraya Permatasari, Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Unilever Indonesia, the local unit of Unilever NV, the world's biggest producer of shampoo and detergents, said profit margins may shrink for the first time in four years because higher energy prices are driving up costs.

'The current Cabinet has vested interests'

'The current Cabinet has vested interests' The latest polls indicate that while President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, or SBY and JK, remain popular with voters, they have lost some of their shine since being catapulted into office last year. The Jakarta Post asked Jakartans for their thoughts on SBY and JK. Amanda Andono Sudarwanto, is a print promotion executive at PT EMI Music Indonesia in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

PLN to shut down several plants

PLN to shut down several plants Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State power firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara plans to shut down several of their major power plants in Java and lower supply by some 4,000 megawatts (MW) for the five days surrounding the Idul Fitri holidays, in accordance with declining demand during that period.

Australia-Indonesia relations lack leadership

Australia-Indonesia relations lack leadership Duncan Graham, Contributor, Surabaya The Australian government has failed to provide serious leadership in improving relations with Indonesia, according to Dr. David Hill, professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Western Australia's Murdoch University.

JP/17/PUASA

JP/17/PUASA 40 years of breaking the fast at Medan's grand mosque Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Medan Zamilah was panting as she hurried, bowl in hand, to a side yard at Medan's Al Mahsum Grand Mosque. Still in her nurse's uniform, the woman was making her way to where the bubur sop, or traditional soup-flavored porridge, was being cooked.

Manpower office to hold job fair

Manpower office to hold job fair SURABAYA, East Java: With high unemployment rates in East Java, the provincial manpower office will hold a job fair on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, a senior official said on Thursday. The annual job fair will offer participants 1,259 job vacancies, said Rahayu, an official at the East Java Manpower Office. The job fair this year will be participated in by at least 34 companies operating in East Java, ranging from hotels to electronics manufacturers, Rahayu said.

Malls go all out for Ramadhan and Idul Fitri

Malls go all out for Ramadhan and Idul Fitri Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fasting month of Ramadhan and Idul Fitri are always festive moments in the capital with many shopping malls and department stores organizing special promotions and events. Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta, for example, is organizing "The Oasis: A Source of Life for Your Mind, Body and Soul" theme event in its shopping mall until Nov.

Mariana Renata picky after 'Janji Joni'

Mariana Renata picky after 'Janji Joni' JAKARTA: Soap ad star Mariana Renata, who also starred in Janji Joni (Joni's promise) has learned to become more selective in taking roles offered to her. "I turned some down. I don't think I have enough acting knowledge. Besides, after reading some of the scripts offered to me, the roles did not suit me," said Mariana who played Angeliqe in Janji Joni. But Mariana, who was born on Dec.

Monthly rental rates continue upward trend

Monthly rental rates continue upward trend The average asking gross rent of mid-up leased apartment units continued to climb upwards in the second quarter of this year, partly due to the increase in the oil price in the first three months. Colliers International Indonesia (CII) property consulting company reported the average monthly rent of mid-up leased apartment units for two-bedroom increased to US$18 per sq m from $17 per sq m.

JP/17/ACEH

JP/17/ACEH Traditional spicy porridge now a rare Ramadhan treat Nani Afrida The Jakarta Post/Aceh Besar Ramadhan is special for the Acehnese, ninety-eight percent of whom are Muslims.

SBY still tight-lipped on Cabinet reshuffle

SBY still tight-lipped on Cabinet reshuffle The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Yesterday marked exactly one year since President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially took office on Oct. 20, 2004. However, no special events were arranged to celebrate his first year in power as sporadic protests against the recent fuel price hikes continued across the country. Nor did the President have anything to say about a reshuffle of his "United Indonesia Cabinet".

Three Bali bombers refuse to seek clemency

Three Bali bombers refuse to seek clemency Agencies, Jakarta Three militants on death row for their roles in the 2002 Bali bombings have refused to request presidential pardons, a prosecutor said on Thursday, as public calls mounted for their immediate execution.

East Nusa Tenggara a hit in Venezuela

East Nusa Tenggara a hit in Venezuela JAKARTA: The traditional clothes of East Nusa Tenggara have found quite a few fans in Venezuela, and the province hopes to increase cooperation with the country in the trade and tourism sectors, provincial spokesman Umbu Saga Anakaka said. "The motifs of East Nusa Tenggara's traditional clothes were greatly admired by Venezuelans during several art and cultural events in the country," Anakaka told Antara on Monday.

Taxi firm tightens control after violent robbery

Taxi firm tightens control after violent robbery Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Would-be passengers have to be careful when taking a taxi, even if it belongs to a reputable company. City police have arrested a Blue Bird taxi driver, identified as Supriyadi, 45, for plotting with friends to rob his passengers.

Lack of incentives discourage firms from going public

Lack of incentives discourage firms from going public Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lack of fiscal incentives and unfavorable capital market regulations have been blamed for the sluggish growth in the number of companies willing to sell their shares to the public by listing themselves on a stock market, an association says.

Ramayana's 9-month sales rise

Ramayana's 9-month sales rise Naila Firdausi, Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa, Indonesia's second-largest retailer, said its nine-month sales rose 16 percent as it opened more stores and demand increased in the mining areas of the country. Sales in the period ended Sept. 30 rose to Rp 2.68 trillion (US$266 million) from Rp 2.32 trillion a year earlier, Lukito Gozali, Ramayana's investor relation officer, said in a telephone interview.

Apartments offer friendly living too

Apartments offer friendly living too T. Sima Gunawan Contributor/Jakarta A baby usually brings joy to the parents and makes the house warm. As for Maya Carpenter, a resident of Four Seasons Apartments in Jakarta, having a baby also means having new friends. "After I had my baby, I made new friends, as I often meet other tenants when I take my baby to the swimming pool," Maya said.

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42 Public involvement crucial in fight against terror 2. FPI: 1 X 34 Militant slapped with vandalism charges 3. MUI: 3 X 18 Government won't restrict Islamic schools: Kalla 4. KPK: 2 X 24 Finance ministry officials charged with graft

Said's trial must proceed: Prosecutors

Said's trial must proceed: Prosecutors JAKARTA: Prosecutors demanded on Thursday that the Central Jakarta District Court reject defense pleas presented by lawyers for former religious minister Said Aqil Hussein Al-Munawwar currently on trial on graft charges.

Police raid car wash-cum-karaoke bar

Police raid car wash-cum-karaoke bar BEKASI: Police have arrested five employees of a karaoke bar disguised as a car wash and garage on Jl. Kalimalang, Bekasi Barat, late on Wednesday. The police revealed on Thursday that the owner, who violated the bylaw on tourism that bans the opening of certain entertainment venues, including karaoke bars, during Ramadhan, managed to flee the scene.

ICW reports graft case in 'TVRI'

ICW reports graft case in 'TVRI' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) reported state-run television TVRI on Thursday to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in connection with allegations of markups that reportedly cost the taxpayer some Rp 7.2 billion (US$720,000). The markups were connected with procurements by the broadcasting company in 2004.

Top U.S. image-builder pays a visit

Top U.S. image-builder pays a visit The United States' new public relations chief hopes to boost ties with the world's most populous Muslim nation during a three-day visit that kicked off on Thursday, officials said. Undersecretary of State Karen Hughes, a longtime confidante of President George W. Bush, was to meet with senior Indonesian government officials, students and members of non-governmental organizations, said U.S. Embassy spokesman Max Kwak.

Govt won't restrict Islamic schools: Kalla

Govt won't restrict Islamic schools: Kalla Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Jusuf Kalla denied reports that the government would restrict the activities of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) as part of the fight against terrorism, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) said on Thursday.

;JP;HDN;

;JP;HDN; ANPAa..r.. Education-budget-increase JP/1/EDUCATION Urip Hudiono and Hera Diani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta ----------------------------------------------- Budget allocation Percentage for education to central government expenditures (in Rp trillion) (%) ----------------------------------------------- 2004 18.4 6.50 2005 24.6 9.29 2006 31.3 12.01 2007 14.69 2008 17.49 2009 20.10 ----------------------------------------------- Source: Ministry of Finance...

Workers want court to disburse salaries

Workers want court to disburse salaries JAKARTA: Dozens of workers of security service provider Securicor staged a rally in front of the South Jakarta District Court on Thursday morning, asking the court to disburse their two-month salaries. The money was handed by Securicor management to the court as part of a settlement made between the management and the workers involved in a labor dispute. "We need that money," said Securicor workers union chairman Dedi Toisuta, who led the rally.

British Council's educational display

British Council's educational display BANDUNG: The British Council has organized an exhibition and seminar on postgraduate education in Britain. This event is useful for students or professionals in Indonesia interested in continuing their studies in the UK, in order to obtain complete information on master's and doctorate programs. The exhibition will take place at Hyatt Regency Hotel on Jl. Sumatera 51, Bandung, on Nov. 22. The seminar, which will run from 11:00 a.m.

AirAsia, Ramayana among best firms

AirAsia, Ramayana among best firms Agence France-Presse, Singapore Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia, Singapore water treatment firm Hyflux, Philippine fastfood giant Jollibee and India's Satyam Computer are among Asia's best for companies with annual revenues under US$1 billion, Forbes Asia magazine said on Thursday.

Supreme Court

Supreme Court trading RI women? We refer to the news item Want to marry RI woman? Pay Rp 500m in deposit (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 10, page 2). We are outraged and disturbed when reading the subject article. How dare the Indonesian Supreme Court view Indonesian women as objects and treats them as a commodity!

What's wrong with reviving the 'Koter'

What's wrong with reviving the 'Koter' Ardimas Sasdi, Jakarta The military can breathe a sigh of relief for now, with no major protests against the stealthy reactivation of the dormant Indonesian Military (TNI) Koter territorial command. But the silence will unlikely last for long. The public, especially the Muslim-majority of the population who have to restrain themselves during the fasting month, will likely unite and rise against this unpopular plan after Ramadhan.

JP/20/GUESS

JP/20/GUESS Ikang given humanitarian position JAKARTA: Rocker-cum-businessman Ikang Fawzi says he is excited to be named ambassador of the humanitarian group Indonesia Red Crescent (BSMI). "When it was first offered to me, I was delighted to accept it. This is going to be my vehicle to voice my gratitude to God. I want to repay my loan to God," said the father of two daughters.

SE Asia to build law enforcement network

SE Asia to build law enforcement network Associated Press, Bangkok Southeast Asian countries are expected to establish the world's largest law enforcement network to fight cross-border smuggling of endangered animals, an official said on Thursday. Conservation groups estimate illegal wildlife trade is massive problem -- fueled in part by the global economy and the Internet. Criminal gangs make as much as US$7 million a year, trading everything from tiger parts to live orangutans to pythons.

Pressure grows for Bali special autonomy status

Pressure grows for Bali special autonomy status I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Amid public anger in Bali over the latest terrorist attacks on the island, a number of senior local politicians and intellectuals have launched a campaign to push for special autonomy.

Indonesian officials "covered up and then neglected" an epidemic

Indonesian officials "covered up and then neglected" an epidemic of avian influenza in poultry for two years, allowing it to spread among flocks and then to people, the Washington Post reported on Thursday. The newspaper quoted an Indonesian microbiologist as saying authorities argued about whether the virus killing chickens was in fact H5N1, and then tried to deal with it quietly. As a result, the virus spread for two years, with little public word until it began infecting people.

U.S. senators worried over domestic child labor

U.S. senators worried over domestic child labor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fifteen U.S. senators from the Republican and Democrat Parties have written to Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris this week, conveying their concerns over child domestic labor in Indonesia.

RI, Hungary pave way for cooperation

RI, Hungary pave way for cooperation JAKARTA: Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda and Hungarian Minister of Informatics and Communications Kalman Kovacs signed on Oct. 17 the Protocol of the First Session of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation to pave the way for bilateral economic cooperation.

Let police do the job

Let police do the job It might have been pure coincidence, but ahead of the first anniversary of our President's term, the police finally started to arrest civilians walking about with firearms and other weapons. Now that would be baffling to some -- of course anyone would be arrested when gallivanting about town carrying sharp weapons or guns without a license? So what?

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct.20, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct.20, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters 1,880 30 3,500 Adhi Karya 540 0 665,500 Adira Dinamika 2,000 0 0 AGIS Tbk 85 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 200 10 7,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,560 0 961,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,660 0...

Public involvement crucial in fight against terror

Public involvement crucial in fight against terror Following the second bomb attack on Bali in under three years, the government plans to amend the current antiterror law, which is considered ineffective in stamping out terrorism. Head of the antiterror desk at the Office of Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Ansja'ad Mbai shared the reasons behind the revision with The Jakarta Post's Tiarma Siboro and Dwi Atmanta.

Wildlife groups urge unified force to save Borneo's orangutans

Wildlife groups urge unified force to save Borneo's orangutans Sebastien Blanc Agence France Presse/Pontianak Leading environmental and wildlife agencies called Friday for a united effort to protect the habitats of Borneo's orangutans whose survival is threatened by mass deforestation.

Four injured in fuel protest

Four injured in fuel protest SURABAYA, East Java: Four students suffered light injuries after a clash with the police during the latest protests in Surabaya on Thursday as they were expressing staunch opposition to the government's recent move to raise fuel prices. The clash started when the protesting students became upset as East Java provincial councillors declined to speak with them or protest the policy with them.

Up to 1 million workers may face layoff, says minister

Up to 1 million workers may face layoff, says minister The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The economic hardship faced by businesses, in particular due to the recent fuel prices hike, may result in up to 1 million workers losing their jobs by the end of the year, a minister says. "Others estimated that there could be up to two million workers forced out of work, but our study showed that the number would be only as much as one million," said Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris on Thursday.

First lawsuit filed over Mandala crash with Chicago court

First lawsuit filed over Mandala crash with Chicago court Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan A lawyer from the Nolan Law Group announced on Thursday it had filed a lawsuit in a Chicago court over the Sept. 5 Mandala plane crash in Medan. On Oct. 6, the Chicago-based firm was appointed by families of more than 100 crash victims, grouped in the Mandala Crash Victims' Families Association, to represent them in a lawsuit against U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co.

Rising BI rates slow down lending growth

Rising BI rates slow down lending growth Urip Hudiono and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Signs of a possible economic slowdown due to the recent rise in interest rates are only now becoming more apparent, with the country's banking industry likely to miss their lending targets for this year on slumping demand for new loans.

JAI sues Bogor administration

JAI sues Bogor administration Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Bogor authorities received on Thursday a lawsuit from the Ahmadiyah Indonesia Congregation (JAI) due to the closure of its mosques and the prohibition of its activities across the regency. Head of the Bogor administration's legal office Z. Isvandiar said that they had received a copy of JAI's lawsuit through the organization's lawyer Adnan Buyung Nasution.

P.9

P.9 1. Mall -- 3 x 18 Malls go all out for Ramadhan and Idul Fitri 2. Buses -- 1 x 32 City readies 6,500 buses for exodus 3. Leprosy -- 1 x 32 Lepers seek better lives in Ramadhan 4. Miskin -- 1 x 28 Mobile post office attacked

Papua's integration into RI final: Dutch lawmaker

Papua's integration into RI final: Dutch lawmaker Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A Dutch parliamentarian called on the international community to stop questioning the status of Papua as the territory's incorporation into Indonesia under the United Nations-sanctioned 1969 Act of Free Choice was final. "Like Maluku, Aceh and other territories of the Indonesian archipelago, Irian Jaya (Papua) is an integral part of Indonesia.

Mobile post office attacked

Mobile post office attacked Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Braving the heat and rain, thousands of destitute residents of 11 villages in Leuwiliang district, Bogor, had been gathering in the soccer field since dawn on Wednesday. They didn't want to be late for the mobile post office that brings the cash assistance distributed by the central government to compensate for the recent fuel price rises. But the van had not arrived at 10 a.m. as promised.

Finance ministry officials charged with graft

Finance ministry officials charged with graft The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors demanded an 18-month jail sentence for two senior officials of the Ministry of Finance over their alleged involvement in a graft case at the General Elections Commission (KPU). Suji Darmono and Ishak Harahap, senior officials at the ministry's directorate general for state budgets, were accused of receiving kickback money from the KPU.

Antiterror raids raise hackles

Antiterror raids raise hackles Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Large-scale raids to find those responsible for the latest Bali bombings have caused unease among some sections of the public, and those who feel they have been unfairly treated have been urged to file complaints against the police. A number of legislators and human rights activists said here on Thursday that those affected by abuses during the police-led antiterror raids should sue the authorities.

Four sports get reprieve for SEAG

Four sports get reprieve for SEAG Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) will send athletes in four sports deemed unlikely to medal in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, despite an earlier declaration that only those with strong prospects would leave for the Philippines. The sports are men's golf, women's basketball, women's squash and women's soccer.

TV Today: Saturday, October 22, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, October 22, 2005 TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Koran Recital 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 8:30 Bugar 10:30 Children Drama 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Oto Screen 12:00 Sports 1:00 p.m.

Kampung Sampireun: Jewel in the Garut crown

Kampung Sampireun: Jewel in the Garut crown If you do decide to take a trip down Garut way, then don't miss out on a stay at Kampung Sampireun -- for my money simply one of the best resorts in Indonesia. In reality, the term "resort", conjuring up as it does images of Bali-surf-and-sand vacations with no end of partying and hangovers, isn't really all that appropriate for this fine, sophisticated and luxurious establishment.

Yogyakartans turn to coal

Yogyakartans turn to coal briquettes for fuel Page 5 Quake zone rebuilding only after assessment Page 11 Hidden delights of Garut now within easy reach of Jakarta Page 18

Scroll of Honor for Jakarta

Scroll of Honor for Jakarta We refer to the article Activists slam habitat award for Jakarta, published in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 4. The city of Jakarta is a megacity with more than 10 million inhabitants. About 20 percent, or two million, are living in kampongs or slums. It is clear that many challenges remain ahead, but the city has made significant improvements.

More apartment units enter the market

More apartment units enter the market Business optimism remains strong in Jakarta's strata-titled apartment market, stimulating the development of new projects during the past three months. Colliers International Indonesia (CII) property consulting company reported that there were an additional supply of 3,534 units during the second quarter of this year. The additional supplies came mostly from new Airlangga, Mediterania Gajah Mada, Sudirman Mansion and SCBD Suite apartment buildings.

JP/20/MORITZ

JP/20/MORITZ Former sportsman still has competitive edge Mario Koch The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After 10 successful years, German Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff, 37, turned his back on playing professional basketball to become a journalist in Southeast Asia. For almost five years now he has exclusively covered the region as foreign correspondent for four German dailies (Frankfurter Rundschau, Der Tagesspiegel, Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung and Stuttgarter Zeitung), which jointly sponsor one reporter.

Inquisition in Indonesia

Inquisition in Indonesia Civilians rampaging like wild elephants in the jungle, trampling on the rights of the people; making kangaroo court judgments on what people can think or say or do; condemning the populace if they don't conform to narrow self-righteous mind think; issuing dictums, or fatwas (religious instruction), demanding that all must obey or face their wrath. This is identical to the Inquisition of the Dark Ages and the suppression of free thought by communist regimes.