Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 October 2005

100 articles found

Turning up the heat in Jakarta

Turning up the heat in Jakarta dward McMillan, Jakarta Think of the difference between reclining in a hammock under a shady tree and standing in the full glare of the noon-day sun. That, in a nutshell, is how much Jakarta's climate has changed over the past fifty years. Jakarta is now, year-round, hotter than mid-summer Cairo -- and, at the current rate, looks set to overtake even summertime Mumbai in the heat stakes by 2020.

Valuair to start Surabaya flights

Valuair to start Surabaya flights SINGAPORE: Valuair Ltd., a Singapore-based budget carrier, said it will start operating daily flights to Indonesia's Surabaya from the island state to meet rising travel demand between the two countries. Valuair will use Airbus SAS A320 aircraft on the new route starting Oct. 23 with fares from S$199 (US$118) for a round trip ticket, the airline said today in an e-mailed statement.

Women's soccer team plays overseas games

Women's soccer team plays overseas games JAKARTA: Chinese Taipei is the first stop for the national women's soccer squad in a series of friendlies against Asian teams. National soccer team secretary Muhardi said on Friday the tour began on Thursday and would end on Oct. 29. The team, which is coached by Hamdani Lubis and Toyo Haryono, are scheduled to meet the Hong Kong national team next Thursday.

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.

Taxi business in doldrums

Taxi business in doldrums MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Demand for taxi service here has dropped since the government raised fuel prices, leaving many taxi firms in the city on the brink of bankruptcy. An executive with a large taxi company here said each taxi driver had seven passengers a day on average, as compared to 21 in the same period of last year. People are choosing transportation means other than taxis due to fare increases after the Oct.

Indonesia to cut LNG exports by 10% next year

Indonesia to cut LNG exports by 10% next year Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia will reduce liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports by 10 percent next year due to lower production in the aging gas fields in Kalimantan and Aceh.

P.8 Securit -- 3 x 18

P.8 Securit -- 3 x 18 City officers under police command during Idul Fitri 2. Flood -- 2 x 24 Annual floods loom as wet season arrives 3. Banten -- 1 x 28 Banten governor passes the baton 4. Fatal -- 2 x 30 We need to learn a lesson from Iswandi case, says psychologist 5. Speak - 1 x 40 'SBY doesn't have support of subordinates'

Textile firms struggle to survive in West Java

Textile firms struggle to survive in West Java Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung After the government raised fuel prices early this month, Bandung textile businessman Satya Natapura could only pray for a miracle for his business to survive. Previously, his business suffered a 35 percent increase in production costs following the government's decision to raise fuel prices in March as well as power rates and road tolls.

4.5 years in jail sought for court clerks in bribery case

4.5 years in jail sought for court clerks in bribery case The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors demanded on Friday that two court clerks be sentenced to four-and-half years in prison each if found guilty of taking bribes from a lawyer for convicted Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh.

Bigger education budget 'not feasible'

Bigger education budget 'not feasible' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawmakers have turned a cold shoulder to the Constitutional Court's ruling that obliges the government to increase the education budget, citing financial constraints as their rationale. Emir Moeis, who heads the House of Representative's state budgetary committee, said the issue had to be viewed pragmatically as the funds simply were not there. "We still have high subsidies for fuel, electricity, agriculture and so on.

~ [b]Coal brings unique health problems because of a tendency to

~ Coal brings unique health problems because of a tendency to contain sulfur, mercury, arsenic, selenium and fluoride contaminants. ;JP; ANPAk..r.. JP/7/IGOR3 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.

Former sportsman still has competitive edge

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.

The Indonesian civilization is now seemingly at a crossroads.

The Indonesian civilization is now seemingly at a crossroads. Acts of violence and barbarism and uncivilized ways of thinking seem to have spread. Terrorist concepts have become an important part of community thinking; representing a hegemony in some areas. This phenomenon has produced a condition where atrocities are not performed only by radical and militant groups, but also by misguided individuals.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 21, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 21, 2005 _______________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters 1,880 0 98,000 Adhi Karya 550 10 628,000 Adira Dinamika 2,000 0 0 AGIS Tbk 80 -5 35,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 200 0 40,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,550 -10 504,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,660 0...

1. BALI: 3 X 18

1. BALI: 3 X 18 Bali police establish new antiterror desk 2. DEAD: 1 X 35 Suspected suicide shocks Bandung 3. JI: 2 X 27 Jamaah Islamiyah still training in southern Philippines 4. MUDIK: 1 X 32 Jakartans told to remain vigilant Tips to secure homes during holidays 5. SUSUL: 1 X 40 Iran won't yield to U.S. nuclear pressure

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.

Analysts reject proposed bigger education budget

Analysts reject proposed bigger education budget Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While welcoming the Constitutional Court's ruling that mandates an increase in the education budget, economists are saying that full implementation would not be fiscally viable at present due to the state budget's many limitations.

Employers urged to pay Idul Fitri bonuses

Employers urged to pay Idul Fitri bonuses Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post/Malang The Malang regency government issued a circular on Friday reminding businesses to give employees their Idul Fitri bonuses. According to regulations, all employees who have been with a company for at least three months in a row during the current calendar year are entitled to an Idul Fitri bonus.

RI pairs lose in Brazilian tourney

RI pairs lose in Brazilian tourney JAKARTA: National men's beach volleyball pairs Agus Salim and Koko Prasetyo and Andy Ardiansyah and Supriyadi fell in qualifying for the Salvador 2005 Men's Open in Brazil on Thursday. After a stunning first game, national number ones Agus and Koko lost to the Japanese pair of Asahi/Watanabe 21-1, 15-21, 13- 15 in a marathon 68-minute match, while Andi/Supriyadi were defeated by Florian Gosch/Bernhard Strauss of Austria 9-21, 21- 14, 8-15.

Walhi seeks to expand its support network

Walhi seeks to expand its support network Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The donation Ester made to the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) could be considered, at Rp 50,000 (US$5), a token offering. However, her act of giving should not be overlooked. In a country of 217 million people, 16.66 percent of whom earn less than US$20 dollar a month, philanthropic acts are uncommon.

City discrimination

City discrimination The Jakarta administration's inability to provide its citizens with jobs and the increasing hardship in the city have apparently doubled fears about the influx of new migrants after the Idul Fitri holiday. No wonder the administration feels it is necessary to once again close the city to migrants, a meaningless gesture that is impossible to enforce and something we hear every year.

Munir asked for stomach medicine: Witness

Munir asked for stomach medicine: Witness The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Murdered rights campaigner Munir had requested stomach medication from the Garuda crew prior to takeoff at Changi airport, and began to complain about an upset stomach about an hour after the plane took off, a witness said. Garuda flight attendant Tia Dewi Ambari told the court on Friday that the rights activist told her about his stomach problem when she was serving meals to passengers.

1. DPR (1x36)

1. DPR (1x36) Fuel 'subsidy' for House criticized 2. Suap (3x16) 4.5 years sought for court clerks in bribery case 3. Flu (2x27) Father and son cleared of bird flu: Ministry of Health 4. Munir (1x27) Munir asked for stomach medicine in Singapore

Talks underway for Tangguh plant funding

Talks underway for Tangguh plant funding The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A BP-led consortium, which manages the Tangguh project in Papua, is in talks with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to secure the financing for the construction of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant.

Expat teachers sharing culture

Expat teachers sharing culture As a new expatriate teacher to Indonesia, I read with interest the recent article in the Oct. 15 edition of The Jakarta Post titled Assessing private schools. I thought the author made some very valid points. On my entry to Indonesia I was quite surprised at the large number of international schools that exist, even in the area of Jakarta and Bogor.

UIN Students attack U.S. envoy over foreign policies

UIN Students attack U.S. envoy over foreign policies Ati Nurbaiti The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Karen P. Hughes, a leading U.S. image builder and deputy to U.S. secretary of state Condoleeza Rice, told students here on Friday that she hoped to get to know their hopes for their country, and about how Indonesian-U.S. ties could be improved. But hardly anyone was interested. Instead they took up her other offer; that she would try to answer any questions that they might have.

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.

Sutiyoso gives command baton to police during holidays

Sutiyoso gives command baton to police during holidays Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta police will be in charge of coordinating all security personnel in the city during the Idul Fitri holidays, in a bid to solidify security arrangements. "It is up to the Jakarta police chief to decide when and where to deploy all security officers," Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said. The public order officers, firemen and those of the city health agency will be on duty during the holidays.

Upi, Irene, Evi win opening games

Upi, Irene, Evi win opening games JAKARTA: WIM Upi Darmayana Tamin and fellow Indonesian WFM Irene Kharisma chalked up wins in the opening round of the Women's International Chess Tournament at Kartika Chandra Hotel here on Friday. Upi defeated WIM Adelaida Zakharova of Russia in 46 moves in their Carokann game while Irene, who at 14 is the youngest among the 12 participants in the planned weeklong event, upset more experienced, fellow Indonesian WIM Lisa Lumongdong in a Sicilian, 80-move game.

U.S. envoy attacked over foreign policies

U.S. envoy attacked over foreign policies Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Karen P. Hughes, a leading U.S. image builder and deputy to U.S. secretary of state Condoleeza Rice, told students here on Friday that she hoped to get to know their hopes for their country, and about how Indonesian-U.S. ties could be improved. But hardly anyone was interested. Instead they took up her other offer; that she would try to answer any questions that they might have.

~Captions for Focus Issue --- Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005

~Captions for Focus Issue --- Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 ;KP; ANPAv..r.. Jakarta-malls-children JP/ / P.J. Leo Parents and their children visit one of the many malls in Jakarta. Visiting a mall has become one of the main recreational activities for local families. Malls do not only provide goods or items for people to buy, but also food courts, cafes, restaurants and other entertainment facilities for children like a children's fun/play area and game centers.

It's lights out for bowlers in training

It's lights out for bowlers in training Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Practicing in the dark is working wonders for national team bowlers in honing their skills for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. "The practice has been tried for two weeks and the results are better than when they play with the lights on," SEA Games bowling team manager Aswin Limansantoso said on Thursday. A two-hour training session also includes 30 minutes of play with the lights out.

Health risks of using briquettes

Health risks of using briquettes 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.

Annual floods loom as wet season arrives

Annual floods loom as wet season arrives Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Heavy downpours have started in most parts of the city, yet despite last week's warning of rain from the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG), few preparations appear to have been made. The Jakarta Post observed little work in progress along the city's rivers although clogging islands of floating garbage were much in evidence.

Govt to cut port fees

Govt to cut port fees Anissa S. Febrina and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesian exporters and importers have been cut some slack amid recent economic downturns as the government plans to soon reduce the cost of container handling charges (CHC) at ports by an average of 30 percent.

Villagers run amok over cash aid

Villagers run amok over cash aid TANGERANG: Dozens of disadvantaged people in Kronjo subdistrict, Tangerang regency, ran amok on Friday morning, demanding that they too be given the quarterly Rp 300,000 cash handout from the central government. They destroyed the subdistrict administration's offices and then demanded that the subdistrict head appear before them. Fuad, a member of Village Representative Council (BPD) who witnessed the incident, said that the crowd arrived at about 9:30 a.m.

Cirebon wants int'l standard port

Cirebon wants int'l standard port Nana Rukmana The Jakarta Post/Cirebon The town of Cirebon in West Java is considering plans to build an international-standard port to boost the local economy and reduce the area's dependence on Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta. Cirebon Regent Dedi Supardi said the lack of a port in West Java forced businesses to pay extra for sea transportation services through Tanjung Priok.

Madiun goes ahead with gift packages

Madiun goes ahead with gift packages MADIUN, East Java: Amid the central government's "efficiency campaign", the Madiun administration has earmarked Rp 1.3 billion (US$130,000) for the purchase of gift packages for its employees ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday. The gift packages will be distributed to 16,500 employees of the city administration. The packages, consisting of food and beverages, will be handed out from Friday.

Niaga profit little changed

Niaga profit little changed Naila Firdausi and Soraya Permatasari, Bloomberg, Jakarta PT Bank Niaga, an Indonesian bank controlled by Malaysia's second-biggest lender, posted nine-month net income that was little changed, as tighter loan regulations and a rise in interest rates hurt banks' profits. Net income in the nine months ended Sept.

JP/17/JIWA

JP/17/JIWA Mental health still not a priority Emmy Fitri The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Unlike campaigns for high-profile diseases such cancer and HIV/AIDS, World Mental Health Day that fell on Oct. 10 got the cold shoulder here -- even from the health authorities. The lack of attention to the issue is a true reflection of the lack of understanding of how mental health is closely linked to physical health, and how an unhealthy mental state could lead to a decrease in people's life quality.

On abortion

On abortion From Warta Kota The people's representatives are deliberating amending the Bill (23/1992) on health. One of the issues is abortion, in the context of the high mortality rate among mothers in Indonesia. In this regard and against this backdrop it is opined that abortion needs to be legalized. This notion sounds like a noble idea which is concerned about mothers' health. But in reality it is not the case.

Banten governor passes the baton

Banten governor passes the baton Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang Suspended Banten governor Djoko Munandar officially handed over power to deputy Ratu Atut Choisiah on Thursday before he goes on trial for corruption charges at the Serang District Court.

Bird flu catastrophe may start hand to mouth

Bird flu catastrophe may start hand to mouth Maggie Fox, Reuters/Washington The scenarios all start out the same way -- at a small farm somewhere, perhaps in Southeast Asia, some chickens become infected with H5N1 bird flu. They end with a global pandemic in which millions of people die, a catastrophe beyond all living human experience.

Bali victim to go to Australia

Bali victim to go to Australia DENPASAR, Bali: Ni Putu Swadesi, the only victim of the Oct. 1 Bali bombings still in intensive care at Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar, will soon be transferred to Australia for further treatment. The transfer plan was announced by hospital officials in Bali. They said the 25-year-old Balinese woman from Manggis in Karangasem had paralyzed legs. She has undergone three operations so far on her head, neck and back.

Father and son cleared of bird flu: Ministry of Health

Father and son cleared of bird flu: Ministry of Health Agencies, Jakarta Initial tests for avian influenza viruses on samples taken from a father and son have proved negative, the Ministry of Health says. The results of the tests returned on Thursday show the 63-year-old man and his son, 22, who were hospitalized in the capital with flu-like symptoms, do not have bird flu, ministry official Hariyadi Wibisono said on Friday.

KPK questions East Kalimantan governor

KPK questions East Kalimantan governor The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned on Friday East Kalimantan Governor Suwarna Abdul Fatah in relation to the permits given in 2001 to a number of companies to clear one million hectares of forests for oil palm plantations in the province. Suwarna told reporters after the six-hour interrogation that there was nothing wrong with the implementation of the policy as it was based on existing regulations.

Suspected suicide shocks Bandung

Suspected suicide shocks Bandung The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A teenage girl apparently committed suicide by hanging herself from the top of a door frame in her house in Bandung regency, West Java, on Friday. The death of 14-year-old Fitri Aprianti, a second-year student at Cipeundeuy state junior high school, shocked people in the Babakan Bojong area, who were preparing to break the fast at the time. Dozens of residents gathered at Fitri's house as police sought clues as to what happened.

Australian to be executed in Singapore for drug, Downer says

Australian to be executed in Singapore for drug, Downer says Agencies, Canberra An Australian man convicted of drugs charges in Singapore has lost his final appeal for clemency and will be executed, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said on Friday. Nguyen Tuong Van, 25, was sentenced to death in March 2004 after being convicted for smuggling almost 400 grams of heroin from Vietnam. He was arrested at Singapore's Changi Airport in December 2002, where he was in transit for Australia.

Lampung's snacks: Cultural interchange

Lampung's snacks: Cultural interchange Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Forty-year-old Tuminah served her customers, who were buying snacks to break the fast, as quickly as she was able. From dusk until late evening the food stall on Jl. Sriwijaya near Saburai Square in Enggal, here was busy.

Nutrition, officials and the people

Nutrition, officials and the people From Kompas Some time ago the media published news about President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's health; he was reported to be suffering from a common cold. The President's spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said the doctor had advised him to rest. Colds can affect anybody, from a common person to a high-ranking official. A scavenger who each day breathes in polluted air while picking through piles of garbage certainly has a greater risk of catching an illness.

1. BUDGET: 3 X 15

1. BUDGET: 3 X 15 Bigger education budget 'not fiscally viable' 2. BIRDFLU: 2 X 24 UN warns of bird flu threat from migrating fowl 3. FEE: 1 X 28 Government to cut port fees 4. SADDAM: 1 X 24 Lawyer in Saddam case slain 5. CUTLINE: 1 X 24 RI needs more brain power and energy

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.

RI needs more 'brain power and energy'

RI needs more 'brain power and energy' JP/Arief Suhardiman President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono joins other state officials, including Constitutional Court Chief Jimly Asshiddiqie (right), during a special Ramadhan dinner party hosted by Regional Representative Council Speaker Ginandjar Kartasasmita (center) at his residence in the Widya Chandra state official housing complex in South Jakarta.

JP/24/W00

JP/24/W00 JP/20/GUESS (picture being sent by Rahmad, following request to Yuli Ismartono) Oilman awarded Eisenhower scholarship JAKARTA: Energy company PT Bakrie Niagatama president director Rahmad Pribadi has been awarded a prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship (EF), an honor that entitles him to travel throughout the United States and learn about the country's powerful oil industry.

Fuel 'subsidy' for House criticized

Fuel 'subsidy' for House criticized The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The move by the House of Representatives to provide a new monthly allowance of Rp 10 million (about US$1,000) for fellow lawmakers drew strong criticism on Friday. All 550 House members will receive the new allowances for six months starting in November, reportedly as compensation for the recent fuel price hike.

Stock index gains; Panin advances, EMP declines

Stock index gains; Panin advances, EMP declines Naila Firdausi, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia's key stock index rose for the first day in three. PT Bank Pan Indonesia advanced for the first day in eight as investors judged recent declines made the stock attractive. PT Energi Mega Persada fell after crude oil prices slid below US$60 a barrel for the first time since July. The Jakarta Composite Index added 0.56 point to 1075.96 at the 4 p.m. local time close. Gaining stocks led decliners 56 to 44.

Amendments of tax law may be until 2007

Amendments of tax law may be until 2007 Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The newly proposed tax legislation amendments are unlikely to be passed anytime soon with some lawmakers saying it would be difficult to complete the deliberation of the amendment bills amid fierce opposition from the business community.

Traditional spicy porridge now a rare Ramadhan treat

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.

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.

Bali police establish new antiterror desk

Bali police establish new antiterror desk Agencies, Jakarta Police in Bali said on Friday they would set up a new body aimed at preventing a repeat of the deadly bombings that have dented tourism to the Indonesian resort island. The Bali Security Council would comprise local business and community leaders as well as senior figures from the military and police, said police chief Made Mangku Pastika.

Eastern fleet commander replaced

Eastern fleet commander replaced JAKARTA: Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Slamet Soebijanto on Friday installed Rear Adm. Waldi Murat as the new commander of the Eastern Fleet, replacing Rear Adm. Yosafat Didi H. Purnomo. Yosafat will fill a new post in the Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters as the assistant to TNI chief of general affairs for electronic communications affairs. Slamet said the change of guard took place when the Navy was moving to improve the professionalism of its personnel.

For Focus Issue Kids Zone --- Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005

For Focus Issue Kids Zone --- Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 Enjoy the weekend with children Fun and children. Can you separate the two? It is no surprise that children's arenas, game centers, food courts and toy stores in most big cities in Indonesia are packed with children every weekend and holiday. Since video games arrived in the country several years ago, they have remained popular with children and adults, who enjoy the challenge and stimulation they provide.

Retail business to see slower sales growth on declining purchasing power

Retail business to see slower sales growth on declining purchasing power The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The decrease in people's purchasing power because of the recent fuel price hikes means the retail industry will likely fail to meet its targeted growth of 30 percent this year, a spokesman says. "After the fuel prices hike, people are likely to hold back on their consumption.

Da'i to be summoned over bribery case

Da'i to be summoned over bribery case Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National Police plan to summon their former chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar and ex-chief detective Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng over a bribery case linked to the investigation into a Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) lending scam. Police internal affairs division head Insp. Gen.

Democrats, Golkar at odds over reshuffle

Democrats, Golkar at odds over reshuffle Ridwan Max Sijabat and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Democrat Party and the Golkar Party, both main supporters of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, seem to be at loggerheads over a Cabinet reshuffle that many pundits have been demanding to improve what they say is the government's poor performance.

Unsafe practices increase HIV risk

Unsafe practices increase HIV risk AMBON, Maluku: A government official said on Friday that some 157,699 of Maluku's population of 1.2 million were at risk of HIV infection through unsafe sex or unsafe injecting practices. The figure was reached through a study on injecting drug use and prostitution in the province. Maluku Health Office head Rukiah Marasabessy said on Friday that 440 people in Maluku were HIV positive, 103 of whom were housewives.

Residents cutting down forest for firewood

Residents cutting down forest for firewood Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor As demand for firewood increases following the 200 percent price hike on kerosene, hundreds of low-income people living in the vicinity of the Gunung Walat research forest in Cicantayan -- an hour south of Bogor -- have begun cutting down trees for firewood to cook with or sell.

PLN to use LPG in Sunyaragi plant

PLN to use LPG in Sunyaragi plant Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State electricity firm PLN is preparing to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in one of the units at the Sunyaragi combined-cycle power plant in Cirebon, West Java. The company still needs to install pipes for one unit of 20 MW that will be converted from using diesel fuel to pressurized LPG, PLN's deputy of primary energy Tonny Agus Mulyantono said on Thursday.

We need to learn from Iswandi case, says psychologist

We need to learn from Iswandi case, says psychologist Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Some people who lose their jobs can become changed persons overnight; some go on with their new lives after being dismissed from work, but others might change dramatically.

Jakartans told to remain vigilant

Jakartans told to remain vigilant Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Next week, Jakarta's streets, offices and housing complexes will get some breathing space with at least 2.5 million residents expected to return to their home towns and villages to celebrate Idul Fitri.

~Efforts to reform the Antiterror Law must be conducted

~Efforts to reform the Antiterror Law must be conducted carefully so as not to infringe the international or constitutional rights of individuals. ;JP;CD; ANPAk..r.. Reforming the anti terror law JP/6/MOVA Reforming the Antiterror Law Mohamad Mova Al 'Afghani Jakarta Long unguarded coastlines, poverty, rampant corruption, a crippled legal system and widening social and economic gaps accompanied by mushrooming religious extremism have made Indonesia an easy target for terrorists.

Batam's ferry operators back on job

Batam's ferry operators back on job Fadli, The Jakarta Post/Batam Some 100 ferries operating in the Riau Islands resumed operations on Friday after being halted by a strike a day earlier. The ferries resumed services after state oil and gas company PT Pertamina bowed to ferry operators' demand that they be allowed to buy subsidized fuel at Pertamina's depot near the Sekupang and Telago Punggur ports on Batam.

Kalla meets UMNO leaders

Kalla meets UMNO leaders JAKARTA: Golkar Party leader Jusuf Kalla held talks with executives of Malaysian ruling party UMNO on Friday on ways to enhance ties between them. Kalla, who is also the Vice President, was accompanied by Golkar top executives during the meeting. Malaysian foreign minister Da'to Seri Syed Hamid Albar led the 40-strong UMNO delegation during the visit to Indonesia.

Dealing with mental illness

Dealing with mental illness Yulia Wardani, Jakarta World Mental Health Day fell on Oct. 10 with little public and media attention. This is unfortunate because of the severe amount of psychological trauma the nation has recently suffered. On Dec.

Yulia Wardani

Yulia Wardani Jakarta 2. Edward -- Turning up the heat 1 x 30 Turning up the heat in Jakarta Edward McMillan Jakarta 3. CGNEWS -- Why Saudi women do not drive 1 X 30 Why Saudi women do not drive Tasnim Saleh Common Ground News Service -- Partners in Humanity Kuwait City

Deaths from dengue fever double

Deaths from dengue fever double DEPOK: Depok Health Agency director Rustono said on Friday that dengue fever in the municipality had killed 23 people between January and October this year, representing a 100 percent increase compared to the 10 people who died in the same period last year. He blamed people's attitudes for the worsening situation, saying that they consistently ignored the local government's campaigns to encourage them eliminate mosquito breeding places.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 21, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 21, 2005 _______________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters 1,880 0 98,000 Adhi Karya 550 10 628,000 Adira Dinamika 2,000 0 0 AGIS Tbk 80 -5 35,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 200 0 40,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,550 -10 504,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,660 0...

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.

Quake rocks Sumbawa island

Quake rocks Sumbawa island JAKARTA: An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale jolted Sumbawa Island early on Friday but there were no reports of casualties or damage, seismologists said. The offshore quake struck at 7.15 am with the epicenter 140 kilometers south of the island, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said. The tremor, which was centered 33 kilometers below the sea floor, was also felt in other parts of the island. On Dec.

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.

Corruption and state losses

Corruption and state losses "The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is in the vanguard of the antigraft campaign, focusing on cases that caused at least Rp 1 billion (US$100,000) in state losses ...." This perhaps is the core of the problem. Disappointment with the anticorruption effort stems from this mistake, because the man on the street, you and I, does not see an appreciable decrease in corruption.

Don't let Aceh wait

Don't let Aceh wait The experience of an executive of a Medan-based non- governmental organization (NGO) in dealing with the organization's donor, an European NGO, can give us a clue as to why the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the tsunami and war- devastated Aceh is criticized by many as too slow. The two organizations are now building houses and community facilities for the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami in Aceh.

RI maid charged with murder in S'pore

RI maid charged with murder in S'pore SINGAPORE: An Indonesian maid was charged on Friday with murdering her 75-year-old Singaporean employer, a crime that carries the death penalty, police said. The 26-year-old maid, identified as Barokah, was arrested on Thursday, a day after police found her female employer lying in a pool of her own blood with multiple injuries at the back of their apartment block. The victim, Wee Keng Wah, lived in one of the apartments with her husband and the maid.

'I can see SBY faces a lot of problems'

'I can see SBY faces a lot of problems' A year after winning the country's first direct presidential election, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), according to recent polls, has lost some of his popularity. The Jakarta Post interviewed residents to get their thoughts on the leadership of Susilo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) over the past year. Marli, 40, is a taxi driver who lives in Condet, East Jakarta. He has three children: I am just a layman.

1. Reshuffle - 3x14

1. Reshuffle - 3x14 Golkar, Democrats at odds over Cabinet reshuffle 2. Educat ---- 1x22 Bigger education budget 'not feasible' 3. Dai ------ 2x16 Da'i to be summoned over bribery case 4. Karen ----- 1x32 U.S. envoy attacked over foreign policies

~Efforts to reform the Antiterror Law must be conducted

~Efforts to reform the Antiterror Law must be conducted carefully so as not to infringe the international or constitutional rights of individuals. ;JP;CD; ANPAk..r.. Reforming the anti terror law JP/6/MOVA Reforming the Antiterror Law Mohamad Mova Al 'Afghani Jakarta Long unguarded coastlines, poverty, rampant corruption, a crippled legal system and widening social and economic gaps accompanied by mushrooming religious extremism have made Indonesia an easy target for terrorists.

Planned antiterror amendments slammed

Planned antiterror amendments slammed Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government's intention of introducing draconian legislation to fight terrorism appears likely to face a long hard slog after politicians and human rights campaigners roundly criticized the proposal.

Walhi's 25th year: From a "nice child" to youth filled with angst

Walhi's 25th year: From a "nice child" to youth filled with angst Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta On Oct. 15, 1980, when a group of environmentally concerned organizations formed the Indonesian Environment Forum (Walhi), there was no such thing as "environmental crime"; the government passed the country's first environmental law only in 1982.

ADS- INFO BRIEF

ADS- INFO BRIEF Exclusive workshop on reliability centered maintenance A five-days course on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) will be held from Dec. 12 to Dec. 16 at the Melia Purosani hotel in Yogyakarta. This exclusive five-day workshop, based on the latest research, findings and trends in RCM, has been designed around the need for a maintenance method that is reliable and can reduce breakdowns and unplanned disturbances in order to ensure the success of production.

~ [b]Incentives and bonuses are generally meant as rewards for

~ Incentives and bonuses are generally meant as rewards for getting a job done well, yet the current municipal government is a resounding failure. ;JP; ANPAk..r.. JP/7/DANIEL Daniel Ziv Jakarta Jakarta's hard-working city councilors will celebrate the pensive holy month of Ramadhan and the painful Oct. 1 fuel price hike with a very special holiday gift. Governor Sutiyoso has just doubled their monthly salary to a whopping Rp 50 million (US$5,000).

Strategies to contain terrorism

Strategies to contain terrorism Hermawan Sulistyo Jakarta After the Bali bombings on Oct. 12, 2002, the National Police strengthened their antiterror unit, Special Detachment 88 Anti- Terror. To be accepted as a member of this unit is indeed prestigious. And yet the unit is one of the least rewarding in terms of position, rank and material benefits, compared with other police units.

RI, Timor Leste sign border deal

RI, Timor Leste sign border deal JAKARTA: The governments of Indonesia and Timor Leste have agreed that neither country should use the land around disputed borders at present to avoid possible clashes among people living in the areas, an official said on Friday. Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Yuri Thamrin said the agreement was reached on Oct. 11 by the negotiating teams of the two countries at a bilateral meeting.

Foreign law firms compete for Mandala crash cases

Foreign law firms compete for Mandala crash cases Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Medan Several foreign law firms are competing for clients wanting to sue U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. in connection with the tragic crash of a Mandala Airlines plane in Medan last month.

40 years of breaking the fast at Medan's grand mosque

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.

Ikang given humanitarian position

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.

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.

ADS- INFO BRIEF

ADS- INFO BRIEF Exclusive workshop on reliability centered maintenance A five-day course on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) will be held from Dec. 12 to Dec. 16 at the Melia Purosani hotel in Yogyakarta. This exclusive five-day workshop, based on the latest research, findings and trends in RCM, has been designed around the need for a maintenance method that is reliable and can reduce breakdowns and unplanned disturbances in order to ensure the success of production.

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.

Airport reduces tax due to fuel hike

Airport reduces tax due to fuel hike SURABAYA, East Java: As part of attempts to offset the effects of the fuel price increases, the operator of Juanda Airport has slashed its departure tax to Rp 25,000 from Rp 30,000 a passenger. "The tax reduction will help ease people's burden," said Bambang Utomo, the general manager of PT Angkasa Pura I, the airport operator. The new tax rate came into effect on Sunday.

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!