Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 October 2005

154 articles found

Ziv/Jakarta's overpaid, underworked councillors in it for the money

Jakarta's overpaid, underworked councillors in it for the money by Daniel Ziv in 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).

Planned giant plantations threatens Borneo forests

Planned giant plantations threatens Borneo forests Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, West Kalimantan Millions of hectares of forest on Borneo are at risk if the government proceeds with a plan to open the world's largest palm oil plantation on the island, environmental activists said.

KPK told to probe BNI-police case

KPK told to probe BNI-police case JAKARTA: Indonesian Police Watch has called for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to take over the investigation into former National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar and former detectives chief Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng in connection with a bribery case linked to state bank BNI. "The findings of two top police officers' involvement in a bribery case have tainted the (image of) the police force, therefore this must be addressed accordingly.

;JP;BBN;Antara;

;JP;BBN;Antara; ANPAj..r.. Nightspots-closure-ramadhan JP/8/ 15 nightspots shut for Ramadhan JAKARTA: The City Public Order Agency closed two entertainment venues on Thursday, bringing the total to 15 premises closed during the Islamic fasting month. The newly shut nightspots were located in Taman Ria in Central Jakarta, and in Cilandak Town Square in South Jakarta, respectively.

~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.

~ [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).

Safari park ruled free of bird flu

Safari park ruled free of bird flu BOGOR, West Java: Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono declared on Saturday the Indonesian Safari Park here free from bird flu virus. The minister made the announcement following a three-hour inspection of the park. "I have seen firsthand the condition of the park and checked birds and fowls here. Previously we conducted tests on 50 blood samples of fowls, which were proven negative," Anton said.

On radicalism

On radicalism I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the interview of Nur Syam published in your paper under the title Radicalism, a reaction to West's failures (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 18). When are religious leaders like Nur going to stop serving as apologists for the deplorable violence that is perpetuated by terrorists throughout the world? Nowhere does he state as he should unequivocally that this violence is deplorable and inexcusable in all cases.

15 nightspots shut for Ramadhan

15 nightspots shut for Ramadhan JAKARTA: The City Public Order Agency closed two entertainment venues on Thursday, bringing the total to 15 premises closed during the Islamic fasting month. The newly shut nightspots were located in Taman Ria in Central Jakarta, and in Cilandak Town Square in South Jakarta, respectively. The agency head Hariyanto Bajuri explained on Friday that the two places had violated the Gubernatorial Regulation No.

Hotel regulars prefer to stay home these holidays

Hotel regulars prefer to stay home these holidays Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year well-to-do Setiawati and her family will have a different Idul Fitri holiday. In previous years, they stayed in star-rated hotels or resorts "to make daily life more simple as our housemaids have their vacation".

JP/4/Bali

JP/4/Bali Bali lawmakers call for rapid execution of militants The Jakarta Post Denpasar The Bali provincial legislative council has sent a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to push for an immediate execution of three death row inmates involved in the 2002 Bali terror attacks.

Can etiquette save a nation?

Can etiquette save a nation? M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The age-old question about the wellspring of corruption -- whether it is part of human nature or conditioned by circumstances -- will remain an intellectual debate for years to come. But for Mien Rahman Uno the answer to that question is already clear.

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55 Urip Hudiono and Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Amid rising criticism from industry players of its recently imposed 5 percent export duty on coal, the government may consider taxing it only if the commodity's price rises to between US$50 and $55 a ton. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Saturday after a meeting with Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie and Minister of Trade Mari E.

Fuel cash aid

Fuel cash aid From Gatra It has been days since the government started distributing cash to the poor to help offset the effects of higher fuel prices. As expected, there have been some problems. A number officials from the Central Statistics Agency were reported to have abused their positions by siphoning off the aid meant for the poor. In addition, it turns out many of the recipients were not really poor. In my opinion the government's policy of giving money to the poor is not effective.

Batam workers demand job security

Batam workers demand job security Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam Hundreds of people gathered in front of PT NOK, an electronics component manufacturer in Batam's Batamindo Industrial Zone (KIB), which is better known as the Muka Kuning Industrial Zone. The people were looking for work at PT NOK, and if unsuccessful they would simply move on to the next company in the industrial zone.

Jakarta's overpaid, underworked councillors in it for the money

Jakarta's overpaid, underworked councillors in it for the money 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).

Zheng He exhibit displayed in Medan

Zheng He exhibit displayed in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: A photographic essay retracing the journey of Chinese explorer Zheng He is on display in Medan. The exhibition, held by the National Geographic Magazine in cooperation with the Sumatera Heritage Society, is open for public viewing until Tuesday. However, interest in the exhibition appears to be low. As of Saturday, only a few people had attended the exhibition held at the Balai Citra Tiara Convention Center here.

'Mudik' should not be every year'

'Mudik' should not be every year' It has become a tradition for many Muslims living in, but not from, Jakarta to take part in the annual exodus to their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri. They often spend most of their savings for tickets and presents for all the family members back home. The Jakarta Post asked two residents to reflect on it, especially in light of the recent fuel price increases.

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.

Cirebon wants international standard seaport

Cirebon wants international standard seaport 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.

checked -- JSR

checked -- JSR World voyagers find Indonesia the toughest challenge Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Briton Jason Lewis, 38, has been bicycling, rollerblading, boat- pedaling and paddling canoes intermittently for the last 11 years during his human-powered, round-the-world expedition. Lewis, accompanied by different partners, has crossed vast oceans -- the Atlantic and Pacific -- with a pedal-powered boat, Moksha, which has a speed of 1.5 knots -- about walking pace.

[b]

Bird migrations draw tourists, bird-watchers to Puncak area Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Dozens of Japanese expatriates and foreign bird-watchers flocked to Bukit Gantole in Puncak, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday to watch the arrival of thousands of Oriental honey-buzzards, Chinese goshawks and Japanese sparrow hawks from the Northern Hemisphere. "We enjoy watching them arriving, making nests and breeding.

Alexandria leads in Jababeka chess tourney

Alexandria leads in Jababeka chess tourney Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta WGM Nana Alexandria of Georgia pulled clear to be on top after five rounds of the 11-round Jababeka Women's International Chess Tournament here on Sunday. Top seed Alexandria, the only grand master among 12 in the US$7,000 event, topped the standings with 4.5 points. She drew with WFM Irene Kharisma in the fourth round before defeating Stefani Dian Cheri in the fifth round on Sunday.

Flash flood cuts off main road on Flores

Flash flood cuts off main road on Flores Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang A key highway connecting two regency capitals, Maumere and Larantuka on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, has been cut off since Friday morning as the Namon Kewa bridge collapsed after being overwhelmed by floodwaters. The floodwaters have also inundated dozens of homes in Kewapante district in Sikka regency, said Henyo Kerong, the deputy secretary of the Sikka administration.

Walhi seeks to expand volunteer support network

Walhi seeks to expand volunteer 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.

Monorail to go on in spite of raging internal dispute

Monorail to go on in spite of raging internal dispute Bambang Nurbianto and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite questions about financing, troubled joint venture firm PT Jakarta Monorail (JM) is confident it can complete the first five kilometers of the city's monorail system from Casablanca to Karet, South Jakarta, by March 2007.

Students give Down's syndrome kids courage

Students give Down's syndrome kids courage Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After finishing a 25-meter swim, several children with Down's Syndrome continued on with a 100 meter run to cross the finish line in a biathlon inside the British International School (BIS) in Bintaro, Tangerang on Sunday. Several BIS students screamed in excitement as they followed the children to ensure that all of them crossed the finish line.

1. EDUCATION: 1 X 35

1. EDUCATION: 1 X 35 Court ruling carries no sanctions: Experts 2. TAUFIK: 4 X 10 Taufik gets a pacemaker implanted 3. SBY: 1 X 33 Susilo addresses WB meet on global pandemic 4. PRESS: 1 X 40 Press freedom in Indonesia improving: Watchdog

Govt may proceed with coal export duty plan

Govt may proceed with coal export duty plan Urip Hudiono and Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid rising criticism from industry players towards its recently imposed 5 percent export duty on coal, the government is mulling charging the tax only if the commodity's price rises to between US$50 and $55 a ton. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Saturday after a meeting with Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie and Minister of Trade Mari E.

JP/5/WORKER1

JP/5/WORKER1 Batam workers demand job security Fadli The Jakarta Post/Batam Hundreds of people gathered in front of PT NOK, an electronics component manufacturer in Batam's Batamindo Industrial Zone (KIB), which is better known as the Muka Kuning Industrial Zone. The people were looking for work at PT NOK, and if unsuccessful they would simply move on to the next company in the industrial zone.

UN holds events on 60th birthday

UN holds events on 60th birthday JAKARTA: The United Nations Information Center (UNIC) in Jakarta is holding a five-day public event from Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN Information Center (UNIC) said.

Govt delays Mandiri, BRI sales

Govt delays Mandiri, BRI sales Bloomberg, Jakarta The government is delaying the sale of stakes in Bank Mandiri, the nation's largest bank, and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) because it won't get the Rp 5.55 trillion ($545 million) it wants to raise if it sells now, a minister said.

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.

Why not protest against bombers?

Why not protest against bombers? When are we going to see Muslim Indonesians protesting against the Muslim fanatical bombers that are killing fellow Indonesians and destroying the tourism business? Let's see the good Muslims stand up for their beliefs rather than living in denial. Also, I was wondering if "corrupt officials" stopped corruption during Ramadhan? I don't think so. LINDSAY HAMMOND, Sydney, Australia

Bambang Nurbianto and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak

Bambang Nurbianto and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite questions about financing, troubled joint venture firm PT Jakarta Monorail (JM) is confident it can complete the first five kilometers of the city's monorail system from Casablanca to Karet, South Jakarta, by March 2007. During a visit to The Jakarta Post last week, JM director Sukmawaty Syukur said that the project was on schedule despite several delays due to changes in the masterplan.

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!

Banten haj dormitory to be built in Legok district

Banten haj dormitory to be built in Legok district Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post/Tangerang After years of aborted planning, the Tangerang regency is to finally built a haj dormitory for Banten province in Bojong Nangka, Legok, about 15 kilometers south of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. "We have acquired a 14-hectare plot of land for the dormitory. We will start construction work after the central government approves the plan," Regent Ismet Iskandar told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Hotel regulars prefer to stay home these holidays

Hotel regulars prefer to stay home these holidays Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta This year well-to-do Setiawati and her family will have a different Idul Fitri holiday. In previous years, they stayed in star-rated hotels or resorts "to make daily life more simple as our housemaids have their vacation".

Why not protest against bombers?

Why not protest against bombers? When are we going to see Muslim Indonesians protesting against the Muslim fanatical bombers that are killing fellow Indonesians and destroying the tourism business? Let's see the good Muslims stand up for their beliefs rather than living in denial. Also, I was wondering if "corrupt officials" stopped corruption during Ramadhan? I don't think so. LINDSAY HAMMOND Sydney, Australia

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.

JP/4/police

JP/4/police Police gear up for Idul Fitri security The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Semarang/Surabaya The National Police are planning to beef up security this week ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday by deploying more than 33,000 officers across the country to ensure the safety of holidaymakers. The number of officers deployed for this year's Idul Fitri will be far less than 70,000 reported to have been mobilized in 2004. However, unlike in previous years, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

Fuel cash aid

Fuel cash aid From Gatra It has been days since the government started distributing cash to the poor to help offset the effects of higher fuel prices. As expected, there have been some problems. A number officials from the Central Statistics Agency were reported to have abused their positions by siphoning off the aid meant for the poor. In addition, it turns out many of the recipients were not really poor. In my opinion the government's policy of giving money to the poor is not effective.

Abdul Khalik

Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Dozens of Japanese expatriates and foreign bird lovers flocked to Bukit Gantole in Puncak, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday to watch the arrival of thousands of the Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Chinese Goshawks and the Japanese sparrow hawks from the Northern Hemisphere. "We enjoy watching them arriving, making nests and breeding.

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.

~ [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.

TV Program: Tuesday, October 25, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Channel Dangdut 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m.

Surakarta heats up with protest against raids

Surakarta heats up with protest against raids Blontank Poer The Jakarta Post/Surakarta Tension heightened in the Central Java town of Surakarta as hundreds of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Surakarta Islam Followers Coalition ready to stage protests against each other on Sunday.

Shops bustling ahead of Idul Fitri

Shops bustling ahead of Idul Fitri BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Clothing shops were bustling with activity on Saturday as the Idul Fitri holiday drew nearer. In order to cope with the mounting demand, shop owners have hired extra shopkeepers. Parking attendants around shopping malls and traditional markets have also been making extra money as more motorcycles and cars are parked in their parking lots.

Jababeka holds bazaar for poor neighbors

Jababeka holds bazaar for poor neighbors Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After queuing for almost half an hour, Aminah, 34, received a ticket to buy a package of basic commodities in a bazaar at the Jababeka Industrial Estate in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java on Sunday. "Thank God, I can buy rice, cooking oil and sugar for only Rp 20,000. This will really relieve the burden on us for at least a week.

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.

Taufik gets pacemaker implanted

Taufik gets pacemaker implanted The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Taufik Kiemas, husband of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, is recovering from heart surgery after doctors implanted a pacemaker on Sunday, a close confidant said. Secretary-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Pramono Anung Wibowo, said Taufik would be moved to a regular ward on Monday for further treatment.

Susilo addresses WB meet on flu scare

Susilo addresses WB meet on flu scare Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While efforts to prevent global flu pandemic here have been deemed inadequate, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appealed on Sunday for nations worldwide to seriously seek prevention measures for the disease. Susilo said on Sunday that the cross-border disease urgently required considerable aid from nations and international agencies to contain it.

More troops to leave Aceh

More troops to leave Aceh LHOKSEUMAWE: Military police searched the bags of some 2,500 soldiers on Sunday ahead of their withdrawal from Aceh province under the terms of a peace deal to end one of Asia's longest- running wars. The troops are scheduled to leave from the port city of Lhokseumawe on Monday, bringing to about 12,000 the number of soldiers pulled out of Aceh since September. The withdrawal will complete the second of four phases of military redeployment.

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.

RI parts industry sees promising growth

RI parts industry sees promising growth The Jakarta Post Jakarta With electronic and automotive products still in high demand the Indonesian parts industry will see high growth next year, a Japanese trade organization official says. "The parts industry here could grow bigger, on the condition that it can enhance its technology, precision and the delivery of its products," Japan External Trade Organization deputy leader Ito Noritada said recently.

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55 Urip Hudiono and Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Amid rising criticism from industry players of its recently imposed 5 percent export duty on coal, the government may consider taxing it only if the commodity's price rises to between US$50 and $55 a ton. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Saturday after a meeting with Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie and Minister of Trade Mari E.

Tusy Adibroto, 50, is an executive with the Agency for the

Tusy Adibroto, 50, is an executive with the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) with an office on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta: Of course, I will celebrate Idul Fitri in my hometown because it is good time for me to meet with my parents and relatives. I think to get together with relatives during such a holiday is a good tradition because we have no time the rest of the year.

Witnesses testify against Newmont

Witnesses testify against Newmont MANADO, North Sulawesi: The court trial on the alleged pollution of Buyat Bay here was resumed on Friday in Manado with a panel of judges listening to four witnesses' testimonies. In the trial, the four witnesses testified they suffered from skin diseases when they lived near Buyat Bay. The witnesses now lived in Duminangga area, located far from the bay. The witnesses said PT Newmont Minahasa Raya had dumped tailings into the bay, leading to pollution.

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-55

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-55 Urip Hudiono and Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Amid rising criticism from industry players towards its recently imposed 5 percent export duty on coal, the government is mulling charging the tax only if the commodity's price rises to between US$50 and $55 a ton.

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.

Airport official fired over lights

Airport official fired over lights JAKARTA: An official has been dismissed for allowing 160 runway lights to go missing from the main runway at Soekarno- Hatta International Airport. Airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II executive Untung Rahayu Basuki said over the weekend that the most responsible official in the case was the head of service and safety. Untung added that his office had set up a team to investigate possible involvement of other officials in the case.

Industrial estate holds bazaar for poor neighbors

Industrial estate holds bazaar for poor neighbors Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After queuing for almost half an hour, Aminah, 34, received a ticket to buy a package of basic commodities in a bazaar at the Jababeka Industrial Estate in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java on Sunday. "Thank God, I can buy rice, cooking oil and sugar for only Rp 20,000. This will really relieve the burden on us for at least a week.

;AFP;

;AFP; ANPAf..r.. Brief-Philippines-Bahrain Gulf Air seeks to triple flights to Philippines JP/14/Brief Gulf Air seeks to triple RP flights MANILA: Bahrain-based Gulf Air is to begin talks with Philippine negotiators on Monday to discuss its proposal to triple its flights to the Southeast Asian country, the airline's top official said here.

Terror in the soul

Terror in the soul From Media Indonesia 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.

Tensions high in Surakarta

Tensions high in Surakarta in protest over raids Page 4 Batam workers demand job security Page 5 Walhi: From a nice child to angst-filled youth Page 19

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.

1 x 38

1 x 38 Police launch massive effort for Idul Fitri 3 x 17 Tensions high in Surakarta in protest over raids JP/4/Bali 1 x 38 Legislators demand execution of bombers JP/4/PALM 1 x 48 Planned giant plantations threaten Borneo forests

City to find way to stop taxi crimes

City to find way to stop taxi crimes Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While many Jakartans now think twice before hailing a taxi, taxi companies, government agencies and the police have yet to find an effective way to stop the growing number of robberies committed inside cabs.

JP/5/EXODUS

JP/5/EXODUS Police, private firms spoil motorists ahead of Idul Fitri Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Hidayat, a factory worker in Surabaya, is pleased to hear the news that the Surabaya Police are going to provide a security service for motorists returning to their hometowns ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday. "It makes me feel secure," said Hidayat, on Saturday, of the service, which is offered for the second time this year.

Govt 'lacks support' to fight terrorism

Govt 'lacks support' to fight terrorism Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Malang/Jakarta Islamic organizations are not giving their full support to the national fight against terrorism in the world's largest Muslim nation, an Islamic university rector says. Intelligence agencies were also criticized for their inability to detect and counter terror threats in the country.

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.

Can etiquette save a nation? Mien Uno has the answer

Can etiquette save a nation? Mien Uno has the answer JP/24/ETIQUETTE Can etiquette save a nation? Mien Uno has the answer M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The age-old question about the wellspring of corruption -- whether it is part of human nature or conditioned by circumstances -- will remain an intellectual debate for years to come. But for Mien Rahman Uno the answer to that question is already clear.

Govt to give cash to Aceh flood victims

Govt to give cash to Aceh flood victims KUTACANE, Southeast Aceh: The government will provide Rp 4 million (about US$400) in cash for each family affected by the flash flood in Southeast Aceh regency, Aceh, Minister of Social Services Bachtiar Chamsyah said on Saturday. Bachtiar said the government was now assessing the condition of houses and buildings in the area to seek ways on how to help in the reconstruction work.

Police provide escorts for Idul Fitri traffic

Police provide escorts for Idul Fitri traffic Semarang, Antara The owners of a "car salon" in Semarang say their profit is increasing ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday. While before the holiday season only one car was washed and polished in a day, now the car salon gets three to five customers a day on average. While car washes merely wash a car's exterior, car salons wax the vehicle and clean its interior.

Sutiyoso hands over baton to city police

Sutiyoso hands over baton to city police 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.

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.

Court's ruling carries no sanctions: Experts

Court's ruling carries no sanctions: Experts Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Is there is any way at all to push for a bigger education budget as ordered by the Constitutional Court in accordance with the amended 1945 Constitution? The answer is apparently no.

Govt delays Mandiri, BRI sales

Govt delays Mandiri, BRI sales Bloomberg Jakarta The government is delaying the sale of stakes in Bank Mandiri, the nation's largest bank, and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) because it won't get the Rp 5.55 trillion ($545 million) it wants to raise if it sells now, a minister said.

JP/5/PARLOR

JP/5/PARLOR Car salon business thrives ahead of Idul Fitri Semarang/Antara The owners of a "car salon" in Semarang say their profit is increasing ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday. While before the holiday season only one car was washed and polished in a day, now the car salon gets three to five customers a day on average. While car washes merely wash a car's exterior, car salons wax the vehicle and clean its interior.

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.

Car salons offer holiday 'makeovers'

Car salons offer holiday 'makeovers' Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Hidayat, a factory worker in Surabaya, is pleased to hear the news that the Surabaya Police are going to provide a security service for motorists returning to their hometowns ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday. "It makes me feel secure," said Hidayat, on Saturday, of the service, which is offered for the second time this year.

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!

Legislators demand execution of bombers

Legislators demand execution of bombers The Jakarta Post, Denpasar The Bali provincial legislative council has sent a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to push for an immediate execution of three death row inmates involved in the 2002 Bali terror attacks.

Parties input on evaluation of ministers not sought

Parties input on evaluation of ministers not sought Rendi Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political parties should restrain themselves from interfering in the performance appraisal of Cabinet members that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was now conducting, a minister says. "Political parties have neither given input on the performance of Cabinet members nor requested more seats in the Cabinet.

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.

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.

JP/5/MEDAN

JP/5/MEDAN Zheng He exhibit displayed in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: A photographic essay retracing the journey of Chinese explorer Zheng He is on display in Medan. The exhibition, held by the National Geographic Magazine in cooperation with the Sumatera Heritage Society, is open for public viewing until Tuesday. However, interest in the exhibition appears to be low. As of Saturday, only a few people had attended the exhibition held at the Balai Citra Tiara Convention Center here.

On radicalism

On radicalism I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the interview of Nur Syam published in your paper under the title Radicalism, a reaction to West's failures (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 18). When are religious leaders like Nur going to stop serving as apologists for the deplorable violence that is perpetuated by terrorists throughout the world? Nowhere does he state as he should unequivocally that this violence is deplorable and inexcusable in all cases.

On death penalty

On death penalty In response to the letter Forgive convicted Australians (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 20) from a New Zealander, I would like to see the death penalty for drug pushers in Australia. It is well known that drug crimes in Asia bring the death penalty, so there is no excuse. RON KENDLE, Perth, Australia ;JP;WEB; ANPAk..r.. Letter-good-deeds Good deeds JP/7/let Good deeds during Ramadhan It is amazing to see another hard-line Muslim group targeting shops and restaurants in Ramadhan.

Mental health issues continue to be ignored by authorities

Mental health issues continue to be ignored by authorities 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.

GAM faces tough job to prove commitment

GAM faces tough job to prove commitment Aleksius Jemadu, Singapore The signing of a peace agreement to end intra-state conflict in some ways constitutes a dangerous political gamble. The signatories never know for sure whether future courses of events will turn out according to their expectations. It has been more than two months into the implementation of the peace agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and a lot of progress has been made.

RI parts sector sees promising growth

RI parts sector sees promising growth The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With electronic and automotive products still in high demand the Indonesian parts industry will see high growth next year, a Japanese trade organization official says. "The parts industry here could grow bigger, on the condition that it can enhance its technology, precision and the delivery of its products," Japan External Trade Organization deputy leader Ito Noritada said recently.

Challenge for govt: Spending enough for education, or else

Challenge for govt: Spending enough for education, or else Riyadi Suparno The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Believe it or not: Just nine regular citizens, mostly teachers from the small town of Banyuwangi, East Java, have set the wheels in motion that could lead to the possible impeachment of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. These nine people were apparently unhappy that the government was dragging its feet on its constitutional obligation of allocating 20 percent of its budget for education.

Press freedom in Indonesia improving: Watchdog

Press freedom in Indonesia improving: Watchdog The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia has made further progress in terms of press freedom over the past 12 months, according to Reporters Without Borders' 2005 Worldwide Press Freedom Index. According to the index, made public late last week, Indonesia is ranked 102nd, out of 167 countries surveyed. The country was ranked 117th last year.

Bird migration draws tourists, bird-watchers to Puncak area

Bird migration draws tourists, bird-watchers to Puncak area Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of Japanese expatriates and foreign bird lovers flocked to Bukit Gantole in Puncak, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday to watch the arrival of thousands of the Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Chinese Goshawks and the Japanese sparrow hawks from the Northern Hemisphere. "We enjoy watching them arriving, making nests and breeding.

National carmaker Proton under siege as Malaysia woos foreign rivals

National carmaker Proton under siege as Malaysia woos foreign rivals Eileen Ng Associated Press Kuala Lumpur An ambitious new roadmap designed to turn Malaysia into Southeast Asia's new auto powerhouse - challenging Thailand - will benefit foreign auto companies but spells bad news for struggling national carmaker Proton, analysts say.

;JP;TBA;cD;

;JP;TBA;cD; ANPAf..r.. Palm-oil-plantation JP/4/PALM Plan for giant plantations threatens Kalimantan's forests Tb. Arie Rukmantara The Jakarta Post/West Kalimantan Millions of hectares of forest on Borneo are at risk if the government proceeds with a plan to open the world's largest palm oil plantation on the island, environmental activists said.

;JP;RELEASE

;JP;RELEASE ANPAa..r.. Scene-police-graft KPK told to probe BNI case JP/4/SCENE KPK told to probe BNI-police case JAKARTA: Indonesian Police Watch has called for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to take over the investigation into former National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar and former detectives chief Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng in connection with a bribery case linked to state bank BNI.

JP/5/FLOOD

JP/5/FLOOD Flood cuts off main road on Flores Yemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post/Kupang A key highway connecting two regency capitals, Maumere and Larantuka on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, has been cut off since Friday morning as the Namon Kewa bridge collapsed after being overwhelmed by floodwaters. The floodwaters have also inundated dozens of homes in Kewapante district in Sikka regency, said Henyo Kerong, the deputy secretary of the Sikka administration.

JP/10/DIPLO

JP/10/DIPLO Bosnia offers help to build generator (2x15) ACEH: The government of Bosnia Herzegovina has offered help to build a power generator in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, to help the tsunami-ravaged province of Indonesia reduce its dependency on power supplies from North Sumatra. H. Basrun Yusuf, an Acehnese legislator, said that the Bosnian government would send experts, currently working on the same project in Qatar and Kuwait, to Aceh to build a power generator using natural resources.

Carmaker Proton under siege as Malaysia woos foreign rivals

Carmaker Proton under siege as Malaysia woos foreign rivals Eileen Ng, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur An ambitious new roadmap designed to turn Malaysia into Southeast Asia's new auto powerhouse - challenging Thailand - will benefit foreign auto companies but spells bad news for struggling national carmaker Proton, analysts say.

Fake driver's license makers arrested

Fake driver's license makers arrested JAKARTA: The police have arrested five people suspected of involvement in fabricating thousands of driver's licenses. Soekarno-Hatta airport police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Tejo Subagio said that the suspects were also involved in similar crimes in many towns outside Jakarta, saying that they had a special printing machine to make licenses. "Actually, we arrested them during an operation to crack down on gangsters in Tangerang.

Rewriting the antiterror law

Rewriting 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. With a little cash and the misuse of Koranic verses, it will be easily possible to brainwash further candidates for suicide bombings.

~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.

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.

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.

Motorists to be hit with higher parking fees

Motorists to be hit with higher parking fees Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While parking operators are yet to file an official request, Governor Sutiyoso has already thrown his weight behind moves to double parking fees from the current Rp 2,000 (20 U.S. cents) to Rp 4,000 per hour. "It is necessary for us to raise parking fees in the city in order to ease the huge number of vehicles packing downtown areas, which results in chronic traffic jams.

JP/18/ZATNI

JP/18/ZATNI ROKR, The Music Phone That Could Zatni Arbi Contributor/zatni@cbn.net.id By now you must have become familiar with the name iTunes. It is a set of standards and tools that Apple has developed for storing, downloading, managing and playing back digital music and video files. It also incorporates FairPlay digital right management, which ensures that you fairly compensate the artists and the music houses for the enjoyment that you derive from their work.

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.

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

Walhi's 25th year: From a nice child to angst-filled youth 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. Now, 25 years later, the environmental group has become the country's largest non-governmental organization in the field of environmental legal advocacy.

Police launch massive effort for Idul Fitri

Police launch massive effort for Idul Fitri The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang/Surabaya The National Police are planning to beef up security this week ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday by deploying more than 33,000 officers across the country to ensure the safety of holidaymakers. The number of officers deployed for this year's Idul Fitri will be far less than 70,000 reported to have been mobilized in 2004. However, unlike in previous years, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

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.

Govt 'lacks support' from Muslim organizations to fight terror

Govt 'lacks support' from Muslim organizations to fight terror Wahyoe Boediwardhana The Jakarta Post/Malang/Jakarta Islamic organizations are not giving their full support to the national fight against terrorism in the world's largest Muslim nation, an Islamic university rector says. Intelligence agencies were also criticized for their inability to detect and counter terror threats in the country.

US tries to unravel East Asia summit puzzle

US tries to unravel East Asia summit puzzle P. Parameswaran Agence France-Presse/Washington The United States calls it a "black box", but beyond the mystery of the upcoming inaugural East Asia Summit is anxiety over the future direction of the forum in a region where China is stamping its mark.

Wrestling team putting youth over experience

Wrestling team putting youth over experience Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While familiar faces predominate in other sports, leading to repeated warnings of the lack of regeneration in national sports, the country's wrestling team has youth firmly on its side. Only one of the 11-strong team, 27-year-old Andrianto, is above 25 years of age.

Bosnia to build power plant

Bosnia to build power plant BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Bosnia Herzegovina government has expressed interest in investing in the construction of geothermal and coal-powered power plants in Aceh. The interest was conveyed by Bosnia Herzegovina Ambassador to Indonesia Madat Novit during his visit to Banda Aceh on Saturday. The ambassador said companies in his country were experienced in building power plants, councillor Basrun Yusuf said on Saturday.

Bosnia offers help to build generator

Bosnia offers help to build generator ACEH: The government of Bosnia Herzegovina has offered help to build a power generator in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, to help the tsunami-ravaged province of Indonesia reduce its dependency on power supplies from North Sumatra. H. Basrun Yusuf, an Acehnese legislator, said that the Bosnian government would send experts, currently working on the same project in Qatar and Kuwait, to Aceh to build a power generator using natural resources.

~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.

Banten haj dormitory to be built in Legok district

Banten haj dormitory to be built in Legok district Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post/Tangerang After years of aborted planning, the Tangerang regency is to finally built a haj dormitory for Banten province in Bojong Nangka, Legok, about 15 kilometers south of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. "We have acquired a 14-hectare plot of land for the dormitory. We will start construction work after the central government approves the plan," Regent Ismet Iskandar told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

checked -- JSR

checked -- JSR World voyagers find Indonesia the toughest challenge Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Briton Jason Lewis, 38, has been bicycling, rollerblading, boat- pedaling and paddling canoes intermittently for the last 11 years during his human-powered, round-the-world expedition. Lewis, accompanied by different partners, has crossed vast oceans -- the Atlantic and Pacific -- with a pedal-powered boat, Moksha, which has a speed of 1.5 knots -- about walking pace.

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.

Batang Police step up security

Batang Police step up security BATANG, Central Java: The Batang Police will station marksmen in areas prone to robbery on the northern coastal highway of Java. The marksmen will be deployed a few days before the Idul Fitri holiday in early November, said Batang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Muhari. Besides placing the marksmen, the Batang police will also conduct regular patrols in order to ensure security ahead of the holiday.

More coaches provided as the number of travelers surge

More coaches provided as the number of travelers surge Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Responding to travelers' concerns about difficulties in buying train tickets for the upcoming Idul Fitri holiday, state railway firm PT KAI said Sunday that it had added more executive coaches to the Semarang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Solo routes. "We've read the news in the papers about how our booths have run out of tickets due to scalpers.

More coaches provided as travelers increase

More coaches provided as travelers increase Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Responding to travelers' concerns about difficulties in buying train tickets for the upcoming Idul Fitri holiday, state railway firm PT KAI said Sunday that it had added more executive coaches to the Semarang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Solo routes. "We've read the news in the papers about how our booths have run out of tickets due to scalpers.

PLN to signs gas deals to promote use of natural gas

PLN to signs gas deals to promote use of natural gas Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State power firm PLN is ready to sign soon gas sales agreements (GSA) worth millions of U.S. dollars with two producers to supply three power plants in Kalimantan and East Java starting next year, a company official says.

Govt needs new strategies to contain terrorism

Govt needs new 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.

Citizenship bill 'will protect RI women'

Citizenship bill 'will protect RI women' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some people may think that lady luck smiles on Indonesian women who are married to foreigners, Caucasians in particular, who will provide their wives with financial security. Foreigners are usually perceived to be rich as they are paid in U.S. dollars instead of rupiah, which has devaluated many times over in the past three decades.

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.

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.

TV Program: Tuesday, October 25, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Channel Dangdut 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m.

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Bird migrations draw tourists, bird-watchers to Puncak area Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Dozens of Japanese expatriates and foreign bird-watchers flocked to Bukit Gantole in Puncak, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday to watch the arrival of thousands of Oriental honey-buzzards, Chinese goshawks and Japanese sparrow hawks from the Northern Hemisphere. "We enjoy watching them arriving, making nests and breeding.

U.S. tries to unravel E. Asia summit puzzle

U.S. tries to unravel E. Asia summit puzzle P. Parameswaran, Agence France-Presse/Washington The United States calls it a "black box", but beyond the mystery of the upcoming inaugural East Asia Summit is anxiety over the future direction of the forum in a region where China is stamping its mark.

BIS students give Down's syndrome kids courage

BIS students give Down's syndrome kids courage Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After finishing a 25-meter swim, several children with Down's Syndrome continued on with a 100 meter run to cross the finish line in a biathlon inside the British International School (BIS) in Bintaro, Tangerang on Sunday. Several BIS students screamed in excitement as they followed the children to ensure that all of them crossed the finish line.

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55 Urip Hudiono and Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Amid rising criticism from industry players of its recently imposed 5 percent export duty on coal, the government may consider taxing it only if the commodity's price rises to between US$50 and $55 a ton. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Saturday after a meeting with Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie and Minister of Trade Mari E.

AFC to switch Asian final venue

AFC to switch Asian final venue KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Sunday took the unusual step of moving the second leg of this month's Asian Champions League final from Saudi Arabia to neutral Jordan. AFC officials said the Oct. 31 game between Saudi holders Al Ittihad and UAE side Al Ain would go ahead in Amman instead of Jeddah because of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

PLN moves to use more natural gas

PLN moves to use more natural gas Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State power firm PLN is ready to sign soon gas sales agreements (GSA) worth millions of U.S. dollars with two producers to supply three power plants in Kalimantan and East Java starting next year, a company official says.

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.

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55

Govt to set base price for coal export duty at $50-$55 Urip Hudiono and Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Amid rising criticism from industry players of its recently imposed 5 percent export duty on coal, the government may consider taxing it only if the commodity's price rises to between US$50 and $55 a ton. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Saturday after a meeting with Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie and Minister of Trade Mari E.

The education budget controversy

The education budget controversy FOR SIDEBAR to a news analysis on education budget The issue of the amount of money for the education budget began in August 2002 when the People's Consultative's Assembly convened for its fourth amendment to the 1945 Constitution. After the completion of that amendment, the 1945 Constitution, through the fourth paragraph of Article 31, obliges both the central and local governments to allocate at least 20 percent of their budgets for education.

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.

More troops

More troops to leave Aceh LHOKSEUMAWE: Military police searched the bags of some 2,500 soldiers on Sunday ahead of their withdrawal from Aceh province under the terms of a peace deal to end one of Asia's longest- running wars. The troops are scheduled to leave from the port city of Lhokseumawe on Monday, bringing to about 12,000 the number of soldiers pulled out of Aceh since September. The withdrawal will complete the second of four phases of military redeployment.

1. 5WORKER (1x25)

1. 5WORKER (1x25) Workers demand job security Fadli 2. 5PORT (1x40) Cirebon wants international standard port 3. 5FLOOD (4x10) Flash flood cuts off main road on Flores 4. 5MUDIK (2x20) Police provide escorts for Idul Fitri traffic 5. 5SALON (2x20) Car salons offer holiday 'makeovers'

1. 5WORKER (1x25)

1. 5WORKER (1x25) Workers demand job security Fadli 2. 5PORT (1x40) Cirebon wants international standard port 3. 5FLOOD (4x10) Flash flood cuts off main road on Flores 4. 5MUDIK (2x20) Police provide escorts for Idul Fitri traffic 5. 5SALON (2x20) Car salons offer holiday 'makeovers'

While many Jakartans now think twice before hailing a taxi, taxi

While many Jakartans now think twice before hailing a taxi, taxi companies, government agencies and the police have yet to find an effective way to stop the growing number of robberies committed inside cabs. "For the time being there is nothing else we can do except encouraging would-be passengers to be careful in selecting taxis," Association of Land Transportation Owners in Jakarta (Organda Jakarta) chairman Herry Rotty said.

Tensions high in Surakarta in protest over raids

Tensions high in Surakarta in protest over raids Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta Tension heightened in the Central Java town of Surakarta as hundreds of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Surakarta Islam Followers Coalition ready to stage protests against each other on Sunday.

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.

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.

Boxing coach Wiem wary of Bacolod City bias

Boxing coach Wiem wary of Bacolod City bias Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although national boxing coach Wiem Gomies feels he has done all he can to get his charges ready for November's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, there is one crucial factor beyond his control. Apart from the luck of the draw, Wiem said much depended on judges' decisions in winning medals in the Philippines.

Pakistan and India plan opening of disputed Kashmir border for

Pakistan and India plan opening of disputed Kashmir border for quake victims Munir Ahmad Associated Press/Muzaffarabad, Pakistan Pakistan and India were making plans on Sunday to let earthquake victims cross the disputed Kashmir border, bringing the nuclear- armed rivals closer in the wake of a shared tragedy that killed nearly 80,000 people on both sides of the heavily militarized frontier. Meanwhile, Gen. John Abizaid, chief of U.S.

Boxing coach Wiem wary of bias in Bacolod City

Boxing coach Wiem wary of bias in Bacolod City Musthofid The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Although national boxing coach Wiem Gomies feels he has done all he can to get his charges ready for November's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, there is one crucial factor beyond his control. Apart from the luck of the draw, Wiem said much depended on judges' decisions in winning medals in the Philippines.

~ [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.

Sutiyoso backs move to double parking fees

Sutiyoso backs move to double parking fees Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While parking operators are yet to file an official request, Governor Sutiyoso has already thrown his weight behind moves to double parking fees from the current Rp 2,000 (20 U.S. cents) to Rp 4,000 per hour. "It is necessary for us to raise parking fees in the city in order to ease the huge number of vehicles packing downtown areas, which results in chronic traffic jams.

Japan's irreverence

Japan's irreverence A senior ASEAN official recounted that during a reception that brought together the 10 member states of the regional organization and dialog partners from East Asia, the Chinese foreign minister remarked to his Japanese counterpart that they should learn from Germany.

Challenge for govt: Spending enough for education, or else

Challenge for govt: Spending enough for education, or else Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Believe it or not: Just nine regular citizens, mostly teachers from the small town of Banyuwangi, East Java, have set the wheels in motion that could lead to the possible impeachment of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. These nine people were apparently unhappy that the government was dragging its feet on its constitutional obligation of allocating 20 percent of its budget for education.