Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 November 2005

90 articles found

Cabinet reshuffle to be minor

Cabinet reshuffle to be minor Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced on Wednesday he would make few changes to the Cabinet and seek singular loyalty from his aides following the minor reshuffle. The President will also readjust his professional relations with his deputy Jusuf Kalla and regulate the businesses of Cabinet members or their relatives involved in projects funded by the state or regional budgets.

Angry Sutiyoso threatens AWOL subordinates

Angry Sutiyoso threatens AWOL subordinates Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While Wednesday was officially the first day of work after the week-long Idul Fitri holiday, many civil servants ignored threats of demotion and sanctions to extend their holiday by at least another day. And even those civil servants who did show up did not seem to be in a working mood, with most chatting with colleagues or playing computer games. "I am disappointed that so many civil servants are absent.

1. Berly--

1. Berly-- 3 x 15 ;JP;PRB; ANPAk..r.. Aceh-peace-sustainability JP/ / A noble strategy for lasting peace in Aceh province 2. Basri-- JP/7/Opinion page 2 x 21 Challenges for leaders in this fast moving world 3. Cartoon

Good deeds during Ramadhan

Good deeds during Ramadhan ? It is amazing to see that recently another hardliner Muslim group targeting shops and restaurants during this Ramadhan period. ? As I understand that they are supposed to be fasting and when they are fasting they are supposed to do good deeds during this season. ? Anyway, Indonesia -- as it promotes democracy and will abolish corruption -- failed to act in allowing those people to do what they have done.

600,000 workers to lose jobs

600,000 workers to lose jobs Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some 600,000 workers in Greater Jakarta are likely to lose their jobs next year, following the implementation of new provincial minimum wage, the Employers' Association of Indonesia (Apindo) said on Tuesday. Apindo secretary-general Djimanto said that the October fuel price hike followed by the minimum wage hike to be implemented in 2006 will put more pressure on the already ailing manufacturing industry.

Ancol train in high demand

Ancol train in high demand JAKARTA: The Greater Jakarta branch of state railway company PT KAI reported on Tuesday that it had successfully completed a trial of train services for tourists wishing to visit Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta. "The number of tourists using the trains is well above our target of 800 passengers per day," company spokesperson Ahmad Sujadi was quoted as saying by Tempointeraktif.com.

On insight program

On insight program A few days ago I saw on TV the SBS "Insight" Program from Jakarta and I would like to make some comments to both you, your readers and the others involved in the Insight Program. Thang Nguyen's argument that Australians are racists referring to Arthur Calwell's quote "Two wongs don't make a white". This was a bad joke; many of our politicians have been known to offend while trying to be funny.

Wynne comfortably through in Jakarta Open first round

Wynne comfortably through in Jakarta Open first round Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National number two Wynne Prakusya was on familiar ground at the US$25,000 Jakarta ITF Women's Open at the Hilton hotel on Wednesday, outclassing wildcard Maya Rosa in a straight sets win. Another local wildcard, Lavinia Tananta, sprang a huge surprise later in the day with a 6-4, 6-3 win over third seed Tina Schiechtl of Austria, whose WTA ranking of 272 is 930 spots higher than her.

Bakrie expects sales to double

Bakrie expects sales to double PT Bakrie & Brothers, a company with interests from property to telecommunications, expects sales to double this year, helped by the plantation and infrastructure businesses, an official said. "We are making a turnaround this year," said Bobby Gafur Sulistyo Umar, president director, in a telephone interview in Jakarta. The company expects sales to increase to Rp 2.5 trillion (US$249 million) this year from Rp 1.23 trillion last year.

Interest hikes deal big blow to borrowers

Interest hikes deal big blow to borrowers Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This month's bank statement on his mortgage payment came as somewhat of a shock for Budi Nur Yasin, a 32-year-old employee at a private company living in Garut, West Java, who found that he now has to dig deeper into his pocket to pay off his home loan.

SBY's 1.8 million hectare disaster?

SBY's 1.8 million hectare disaster? We all remember Soeharto's disastrous 1 million hectare sawah (rice field) project in Central Kalimantan, the consequences of which still affect the province. Will President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) attach his name to an even bigger ecological, sociological, climatic and financial disaster and scandal with the 1.8 million hectare palm oil plantations project in the center of Kalimantan?

The problem with

The problem with visas in Indonesia I am a expatriate from the United States who has been married to an Indonesian woman for over 10 happy years now. I enjoyed my stays in Indonesian very much and dreamed about retiring there one day to enjoy the warm weather and the warm-hearted people. But lately, my dream has been turning into a nightmare.

Azahari's run ends in deadly raid

Azahari's run ends in deadly raid The Jakarta Post Malang/Jakarta Fugitive bombmaker Azahari bin Husin, who is blamed for three major terror attacks in the country in the past three years, was killed in a police raid on a house believed to be his hideout in the hilly area of Batu in the East Java town of Malang on Wednesday, police say. Azahari's Malaysian compatriot Noordin M. Top, however, escaped arrest. National Police chief Gen.

Akbar, teacher make peace

Akbar, teacher make peace JAKARTA: Former House of Representatives speaker Akbar Tandjung has agreed to drop his lawsuit against a senior high school teacher who wrote a civics textbook he deemed libelous. Teacher Retno Listyarti, who works at State Senior High School 13 Koja in North Jakarta, said on Wednesday that the Golkar Party politician had accepted her offer to revise the book.

Police uncover terrorist training camp in jungle on Seram Island

Police uncover terrorist training camp in jungle on Seram Island Chris Brummitt, Associated Press, Jakarta Antiterror police discovered a recently abandoned jungle training camp where militants taught bomb-making skills to scores of extremists, security officials said on Wednesday, weeks after suicide attackers launched fresh strikes on the tourist island of Bali.

Nightspots closed on Heroes Day

Nightspots closed on Heroes Day SURABAYA: As part of efforts to respect National Heroes Day that falls on Thursday, the Surabaya city government has banned nightspots from operating for two days starting on Wednesday. The nightspots will be allowed to reopen on Friday. The decree came after a meeting between city government officials and nightspot owners few days ago.

Musicians to stage concert for peace

Musicians to stage concert for peace A number of Balinese musicians will together organize a special charity music concert themed Bali Peace Love Harmony at Mal Bali Galeria, Kuta, on Sunday, Nov.13. Around 13 bands are due to perform at the concert, which will feature one of their songs recorded in a compilation album with the same title. The participating groups are Lolot, Bintang, XXX, Mang Gita, Purusha, Phantom of the Opera, Hydra, Ladies Room, etc.

Complaints over tax laws acknowledged

Complaints over tax laws acknowledged Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following intense opposition from the business community over proposed amendments to the tax legislation, the government pledged on Wednesday that it would soften its stance by agreeing to significantly review them.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 10, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, November 10, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibition * Fine Arts Molecola by Made Wianta at Gaya Fusion Art Space, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252 or 979253, until Nov. 12 Performances * Flavour Band, Hard Rock Hotel, Jl. Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas, Kuta (Tel. 0361 761869), nightly at 8:30 p.m., except Sunday * Vertikal Band, Hard Rock Hotel, every Sunday at 8:30 p.m. onwards Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl. Raya Campuhan Sanggingan, Ubud (Tel.

Remain of Japanese soldiers excavated

Remain of Japanese soldiers excavated The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Japanese researchers have excavated a mass grave containing the remains of Japanese soldiers who died in World War II on the remote Papuan island of Wakde, which was the scene of heavy fighting, Antara reported on Tuesday. The remains, along with equipment such as binoculars, food rations and weapons, were uncovered in September in a cave on the island, some 300 kilometers west of the Papua capital Jayapura.

TV Today: Friday, November 11, 2005

TV Today: Friday, November 11, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Koran Recital 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 7:30 Talk Show: Kiat Sehat 9:30 Psychology 10:30 Religious Teachings 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 2:30 Channel Dangdut 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Democracy in America 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Sitcom 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 10:30 Sports TPI 5:30 a.m.

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.

President aims for inflation below 10%

President aims for inflation below 10% Agencies, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the government will aim at better coordination with the central bank so that fiscal and monetary policies will help bring inflation below 10 percent by the end of 2006. "The government is trying to avoid a second round of inflation," Yudhoyono told reporters at an informal gathering to mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan.

Terrorists see oil as new weapon

Terrorists see oil as new weapon Youssef M. Ibrahim, CG News The global oil market environment is becoming a target of opportunity for terrorists and world powers. The terrorists increasingly see disruptions of oil facilities as a valid strategy in their war against governments that they oppose. World powers like China, Japan, the United States and India are driven into increasing confrontation fighting for diminishing oil supplies.

Azahari's run ends in deadly raid

Azahari's run ends in deadly raid The Jakarta Post Malang/Jakarta Fugitive bombmaker Azahari bin Husin, who is blamed for three major terror attacks in the country in the past three years, was killed in a police raid on a house believed to be his hideout in the hilly area of Batu in the East Java town of Malang on Wednesday, police say. Azahari's Malaysian compatriot Noordin M. Top, however, escaped arrest. National Police chief Gen.

Police chief demoted over arson attack on KPUD office

Police chief demoted over arson attack on KPUD office Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The Central Tapanuli Police chief was removed from his post on Wednesday following an arson attack on the regional General Elections Commission (KPUD) office two weeks ago. However, North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Iwan Pandjiwinata denied the replacement of Adj. Sr. C.B.S Nasution was linked to the attack saying it was a routine replacement.

1. AZAHARI: 1 X 24

1. AZAHARI: 1 X 24 Azahari killed in raid 2. FREEDOM: 2 X 25 Religious freedom still restricted in RI: Report 3. SBY: 1 x 30 Cabinet reshuffle to be minor

1. Angry Sutiyoso threatens undisciplined subordinates Page 8

1. Angry Sutiyoso threatens undisciplined subordinates Page 8 2. Wynne Prakusya beats Maya Rosa in Women's Open Page 10 3. Capturing home culture on a cell phone Page 18

Government unsure of fuel prices adjustment next year

Government unsure of fuel prices adjustment next year Leony Aurora and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While global oil prices are on the decline, the government remains unsure of whether to readjust fuel prices next year, depending on whether the declining trend of oil prices is here to stay.

Kalla visits Aceh, monitors peace process

Kalla visits Aceh, monitors peace process Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Vice President Jusuf Kalla visited Aceh on Wednesday to monitor post-tsunami reconstruction and hold talks on the progress in the historic peace process with former separatist rebels in the province.

RI police identify

RI police identify 2 suicide bombers (2x15) Police identify two suicide bombers in last month's attacks on Bali island Police said on Wednesday they had identified two of three suicide bombers killed in last month's attacks on crowded restaurants on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. The pair were identified by their initials MN and MS, said police spokesman Aryanto Budihardjo. Both come from Java island, which neighbors Bali, he said.

From Suara Pembaruan

From Suara Pembaruan Since the Subversion Law was repealed, the security forces no longer have the power to take preemptive measures. Meanwhile, the terrorist actions continue. Actually, what we need is a legal system under which we can take preemptive measures, including repressive actions. There is much debate nowadays about how to make Indonesia a democratic country and at the same time uphold human rights.

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!

RI woman and Rp 500 m

RI woman and Rp 500 m It is very interesting to read the articles in The Jakarta Post about this trial-and-error plan. We, Indonesians, are always making "breakthroughs", which is actually positive in the sense that a rule is made to fit our own culture. Women are not commodities, so that even their freedom is tradable. This is not our culture. Is this one of the prospective businesses to tackle the multi-dimensional crisis in our country? Please mate, no. SEVERIN MEO GOA Adelaide, Australia

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.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov,9, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov,9, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters 1,790 0 0 Adhi Karya 510 -20 947,000 Adira Dinamika 1,800 0 0 AGIS Tbk 80 0 50,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 200 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,560 10 1,122,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,580 0...

4. Munir --- 2x22

4. Munir --- 2x22 Congressmen put pressure on Susilo over Munir case or Congressmen urge Susilo to solve Munir case

JP/19/PERPUS

JP/19/PERPUS 'Smart Library' is ex-minister's long-held dream Wahyoe Boediwardhana The Jakarta Post/Malang, East Java After retiring as a state official, Malik Fadjar, former religious affairs minister during President BJ Habibie's administration and former education minister during the administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, is realizing his long-cherished dream of owning a good library.

Security officials in hot water over latest Poso incident

Security officials in hot water over latest Poso incident The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Senior lawmakers in the House of Representatives lashed out at top security officials following the latest terror attacks in Poso, Central Sulawesi. Some even demanded the removal of the officials because of what they said was the officials' inability to ensure security in religiously-divided Poso.

Airlines responsible for refueling process

Airlines responsible for refueling process Leony Aurora and Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While an investigation into the alleged adulteration of jet fuel in Makassar continues, a minister declared on Wednesday that airlines were also partly responsibility for any irregularities during refueling.

'Govt to blame for urbanization'

'Govt to blame for urbanization' In a bid to keep unskilled migrant workers out of Jakarta, the city administration is planning to raid residential areas where they are suspected of living. Some observers have raised concerns about the policy, arguing that it violates people's rights of movement guaranteed under the Constitution. The Jakarta Post interviewed two people on Wednesday for their views on the issue. Frans Thamura, 30, is an IT consultant and open-source software advocate.

Devi Durga undergoes transformation down the ages

Devi Durga undergoes transformation down the ages The Jakarta Post, Denpsasar From classical times to the present day, Mahisasura-mardini, popularly known as Devi Durga, has played a significant role in Balinese culture and religion, as well as Indonesian art and culture in general. To look at the history of the "arrival" of Devi (goddess) Durga from India to Bali, a noted Indian scholar, Dr.

JP/7/IGOR3

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.

Premium cars make their debut in Japan

Premium cars make their debut in Japan Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Tokyo Social status and prestige are an important consideration when buying a new car, apart from functionality. Emerging markets in Asia -- driven by high economic growth in China and India -- are luring automotive producers to look into new markets in the continent. Already-established markets such as Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore also continue to provide potential for the premium car segment.

Arts workshop to be held in Denpasar

Arts workshop to be held in Denpasar Around 22 artists from 11 countries will take part in a joint performing arts parade at Ksirnawa Arts Center in Denpasar on Nov. 26. The program involves artists from Asia Pacific Countries including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon and Tonga. For the last three months, these Asia-Pacific artists have been intensively taking part in Balinese dance and music workshops.

;AP;

;AP; ANPAf..r.. C-PESEK-COLUMN Goodbye Obsolete G-7, Meet the Relevant G-20: William Pesek Jr. JP/16/Power Goodbye Obsolete G-7, Meet the Relevant G-20: William Pesek Jr. William Pesek Jr. Bloomberg Australia Australia, with 20 million people and a $618 billion economy, is rarely thought of as a global power. Yet the leaders of a country whose economy ranks 13th in size may just shake up the world order as we know it by reducing the influence of the Group of Seven nations.

Major blazes hit South Jakarta

Major blazes hit South Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two fires broke out in South Jakarta early Wednesday morning, causing billions of rupiah in losses and heavy traffic on the first day that offices opened after the Idul Fitri holiday. Hundreds of houses in densely populated Kebayoran Lama burned down in the first blaze, the cause of which the police and firefighters have yet to determine. No fatalities were reported in the fire.

A noble strategy for lasting peace in Aceh province

A noble strategy for lasting peace in Aceh province Berly Martawardaya, Siena, Italy Machiavelli once said that a prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise. But the knowledge that a particular prince often breaks his promise undermines most of its worth. This will put the prince in a dilemma since he needs the peasants and nobles to sufficiently believe his promises in order to benefit when breaking them.

Sixty-year-old killed in clash between village youths

Sixty-year-old killed in clash between village youths Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Tegal A clash between youths from two neighboring villages in Jatinegara district, Tegal regency in Central Java claimed the life of a 60-year-old man. Ilyah died on Tuesday when he fell while trying to run away from angry youths from Argatawang village who came to Dusun Tengah hamlet in Gentungan village to avenge the beating up of two of their friends, Slamet and Sholeh, on Monday.

Police keeps hunt down terror suspect

Police keeps hunt down terror suspect AMBON, Maluku: Maluku provincial police are still tracking down Arsyad, a Muslim cleric who has been accused of helping to wage a terror campaign of bombing and shooting across Maluku province recently. Detectives are currently being deployed to places believed to be hide outs of the terror suspect, said chief of Maluku Police Brig. Gen. Adityawarman.

Oct. 12, 2002: Bombs rip through two Bali nightclubs, killing 202

Oct. 12, 2002: Bombs rip through two Bali nightclubs, killing 202 people, mostly foreigners. The trials of the suspected perpetrators of the attacks reveal the roles of Malaysian nationals Azahari bin Husin and Noordin Moh. Top in assembling the bombs. Aug. 5, 2003: Bomb rocks J.W. Marriott Hotel in South Jakarta leaving 12 people dead. Police find the attack is the work of recruits of Azahari and Noordin. Oct. 29, 2003: Police besiege a house on Jl.

Govt won't question U.S. over al-Farouq's escape

Govt won't question U.S. over al-Farouq's escape Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda said on Wednesday that his office had no plans to seek an explanation from the U.S. over the escape of Omar al-Farouq from a U.S. maximum security prison.

Nation made lazy by reliance on domestic helpers

Nation made lazy by reliance on domestic helpers The Jakarta Post/Jakarta To guarantee her new housemaid, Lilis, 18, would come back to work after the Idul Fitri exodus, housewife Fifin Yuliati, 27, had to shell out more money for Lilis, who earned Rp 300,000 (US$30) a month on top of free meals and shelter. During the Idul Fitri holiday, however, Fifin had to manage her domestic affairs and her three-month baby herself, while her husband was not much help.

U.S. warns of attack in China

U.S. warns of attack in China CHINA: The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said on Wednesday that Chinese police had warned that Islamic extremists might be planning to attack luxury hotels in China over the next week. The U.S. warning, posted on the embassy's website, urged Americans visiting Chinese four- and five-star hotels to "review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution". China's foreign ministry had no immediate comment.

1. Terror (2x32)

1. Terror (2x32) Police uncover terrorist training camp in jungle on Seram island 3. Papua (2x18) Remains of Japanese soldiers excavated 4. House (4x12) Shake-up expected of House leadership

Top police officer sacked after attack over KPUD building

Top police officer sacked after attack over KPUD building Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Medan The Central Tapanuli Police chief was removed from his post on Wednesday following an arson attack on the regional General Elections Commission (KPUD) office two weeks ago. However, North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Iwan Pandjiwinata denied the replacement of Adj. Sr. C.B.S Nasution was linked to the attack saying it was a routine replacement.

WTO talks turn to needs of developing nations

WTO talks turn to needs of developing nations Agence France-Presse, Geneva Trading nations were turning their attention to the needs of poor countries in WTO talks on Wednesday, a day after acknowledging they face a watered-down ministerial conference next month. Brazil and India were expected to hammer home the message that rich fellow World Trade Organization (WTO) members must keep the interests of developing countries at the core of negotiations to liberalize global commerce.

Vendors want to be allowed to return

Vendors want to be allowed to return JAKARTA: Evicted sidewalk vendors in Glodok, West Jakarta, have asked the city administration to let them return to their original location. The vendors were at the site on Wednesday to collect their merchandise after the administration dismantled their kiosks on the first day of Idul Fitri on Nov. 3.

Perils of multiculturalism

Perils of multiculturalism For Indonesians, the rioting in France -- now entering its 14th day -- looks disturbingly familiar. Here in our own country over the last ten years, we have been no strangers to burning buses, rock-throwing rioters, police officers battling protesters, firemen trying to extinguish the flames, and the destruction of public schools and churches.

Azahari killed in raid

Azahari killed in raid The Jakarta Post, Malang/Jakarta Fugitive bombmaker Azahari bin Husin, who is blamed for three major terror attacks in the country in the past three years, was killed in a police raid on a house believed to be his hideout in the hilly area of Batu in the East Java town of Malang on Wednesday, police say. Azahari's Malaysian compatriot Noordin M. Top, however, escaped arrest. National Police chief Gen.

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.

Civil servants face first day back

Civil servants face first day back The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Semarang/Bandung Public services resumed nationwide on Wednesday after a week's break for Idul Fitri, however service was slower than usual as the holiday mood prevailed. Rather than knuckling down to work, most civil servants attended halal bihalal functions (a post-Idul Fitri gathering in which everyone asks for forgiveness).

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.

Govt to reduce 2006 tourism target

Govt to reduce 2006 tourism target Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a year marked by the tsunami that devastated Aceh, a second attack on Bali and outbreaks of polio and bird flu, the government has decided to revise down its target of seven million foreign tourists for next year. Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik said on Wednesday the target was unattainable. "It is likely that next year's tourist arrivals will be affected by the events of this year.

Religious freedom still restricted in RI: Report

Religious freedom still restricted in RI: Report Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, discrimination on the basis of religious belief is a cause for concern in this country, according to the United States' 2005 International Religious Freedom Report. The report released by the U.S.

Goodbye 'obsolete G-7', meet the relevant G-20

Goodbye 'obsolete G-7', meet the relevant G-20 William Pesek Jr., Bloomberg, Australia Australia, with 20 million people and a $618 billion economy, is rarely thought of as a global power. Yet the leaders of a country whose economy ranks 13th in size may just shake up the world order as we know it by reducing the influence of the Group of Seven nations. It would be replaced with a more inclusive regime for managing global economic affairs. Should it happen, so much the better.

Three recognized as national heroes in state ceremony

Three recognized as national heroes in state ceremony Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono posthumously bestowed the title of National Hero on three Indonesians on Wednesday to mark National Heroes Day, which falls on Nov. 10. The three figures are the late Kiras Bangun from North Sumatra, the late Bagindo Azizchan from West Sumatra and the late Andi Abdullah Bau Masseppe from South Sulawesi.

'Govt to blame for migration'

'Govt to blame for migration' In a bid to keep unskilled migrant workers out of Jakarta, the city administration is planning to raid residential areas where they are suspected of living. Some observers have raised concerns about the policy, arguing that it violates people's rights of movement guaranteed under the Constitution. The Jakarta Post interviewed two people on Wednesday for their views on the issue. Frans Thamura, 30, is an IT consultant and open-source software advocate.

When crooks and heroes are all the same

When crooks and heroes are all the same Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta No matter how meritorious your service for your nation -- even with millions of people acknowledging it, not just your family --- you would be erroneous to assume you were entitled to be buried in the National Heroes Cemetery in Kalibata, South Jakarta. Actually, it really doesn't matter whether you are crook, rights abuser, embezzler or a nobody. The Heroes Cemetery is an equal-opportunity graveyard.

ExxonMobil to farm out share in Block A

ExxonMobil to farm out share in Block A Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil will announce the winner of a tender to farm out its 50 percent share in Block A in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in the first quarter of next year, a government official says. Exxon has closed the data room for companies interested in bidding for the block, chairman of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BP Migas) Kardaya Warnika said on Wednesday.

JP/13/Park

JP/13/Park Bantimurung: A cool respite from city life A nice-day trip for travelers and a great escape for Makassar City residents, Bantimurung National Recreational Park in South Sulawesi is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and chill out. Set in tall, jutting limestone hills, deep hollows, springs and caves, the park boasts pretty views under a cool forest canopy, the sounds of chirping birds and the relaxing splash of waterfalls cascading into swimming holes.

Five held over beheadings in Poso

Five held over beheadings in Poso Antara, Jakarta Security personnel arrested five people on Wednesday over the beheadings of three Christian girls last month in Poso regency. Separately on the same day, security officers also detained a person in connection with the shooting of two female students on Tuesday evening in the regency. Brig. Gen.

Tsunami survivors grow weary of wait for homes

Tsunami survivors grow weary of wait for homes Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Khairil Anwar acknowledged he felt depressed. The head of Lamdingin village in Lambaro Skep district in Banda Aceh is under pressure from village residents desperately in need of houses. "They are tired of living in tents for displaced persons and asked me to find new funding sources to build them houses," Khairil told The Jakarta Post.

Titi Kamal misses playing in movies

Titi Kamal misses playing in movies JAKARTA: Having played in a number of TV soap opera, actress Titi Kamal, who soared to fame after costarring in popular teen flick Ada Apa Dengan Cinta, said she missed playing in movies. Her role as Maura, a friend of Cinta played by famous Dian Sastrowardoyo, has now made her one of the most sought-after young actresses amid the boom in Indonesian movies.

Three officers charged with buying stolen car

Three officers charged with buying stolen car Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police announced on Wednesday there was sufficient evidence to charge three police officers with receiving a stolen vehicle. West Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Safaruddin said Chief Brig. Samsi from the Semanan Police station in Tangerang and Chief Brig. Budi Utomo and Adj. First Insp. Endang from the Lebak Police precinct, also in Tangerang, had been detained since Tuesday.

JP/13/Banti

JP/13/Banti Bantimurung, The Kingdom of Butterflies Andi Hajramurni Correspondent/Ujung Pandang British zoologist Alfred Russel Wallace once called Bantimurung National Recreation Park the Kingdom of Butterflies. The park is home to butterflies of numerous colors, patterns and sizes. They fly freely, alighting on the banks of a swimming hole and flitting from place to place. For hundreds of years, Bantimurung butterflies have been known, at home and abroad, for their beauty.

Capturing home culture on a cell phone

Capturing home culture on a cell phone Rachel Greaves, Contributor, Kerobokan When Bali resident Bob Calabritto saw an advertisement on Discovery Channel for the First-Time Mobile Filmmakers Awards contest, he had one of his usual creative dreams. The interesting combination of filmmaking and technology was a subject that had fascinated the native New Yorker for a long time. Working in Indonesia as a creative consultant and magazine editor, Calabritto had already created a number of short films.

Lampung park criticized for poor wildlife treatment

Lampung park criticized for poor wildlife treatment Oyos Saroso H.N. The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Environmentalists in Lampung lashed out at the Bumi Kedaton Safari Park (TWABK) management for treating animals under its care poorly.

Tsunami victims to fly to Thailand

Tsunami victims to fly to Thailand BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Seven teenagers from tsunami-struck Aceh are to leave for Phuket in Thailand to meet other children from five countries who are also victims of natural disasters. "Unicef is sponsoring their trip from Aceh to Thailand next week," said UNICEF spokesperson Lely Jauhari on Wednesday. Lely said the seven Acehnese children would attend a discussion with other children. The gathering is scheduled to take place on Monday.

Titi Kamal misses playing in movies

Titi Kamal misses playing in movies JAKARTA: Having played in a number of TV soap opera, actress Titi Kamal, who soared to fame after costarring in popular teen flick Ada Apa Dengan Cinta, said she missed playing in movies. Her role as Maura, a friend of Cinta played by famous Dian Sastrowardoyo, has now made her one of the most sought-after young actresses amid the boom in Indonesian movies.

Shake-up expected of House leadership

Shake-up expected of House leadership Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives will soon decide on whether to approve a proposed reshuffle of its leadership and the chairmanships of 13 House commissions, according to Speaker Agung Laksono. Agung said that a House plenary session was scheduled for Nov. 14 to decide on any changes. "The solution to the issue will depend on the factions and their own parties.

Confusion reigns in debate on new THC rate

Confusion reigns in debate on new THC rate Rendi A. Witular and Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government seems at a loss of how to deal with foreign shipping lines reluctant to lower the terminal handling charge (THC) to the new official rate, with different ministries coming up with different responses.

'Govt to blame for urbanization'

'Govt to blame for urbanization' In a bid to keep unskilled migrant workers out of Jakarta, the city administration is planning to raid residential areas where they are suspected of living. Some observers have raised concerns about the policy, arguing that it violates people's rights of movement guaranteed under the Constitution. The Jakarta Post interviewed two people on Wednesday for their views on the issue. Frans Thamura, 30, is an IT consultant and open-source software advocate.

JP/xx/US1

JP/xx/US1 Building a civil society, American-style The U.S. State Department's Foreign Press Center and the Meridian International Center, an international cultural exchange institution, invited 10 Indonesian journalists to the U.S. in late September to learn about civil society and volunteering. The Jakarta Post's Ivy Susanti took part in the two-week program, which is part of a U.S. public diplomacy effort.

Women's health

Women's health From Media Indonesia Lately it has been widely demanded that abortion be legalized. Legalized abortion its proponents say, would protect society from the costs of unwanted pregnancy, both social and economic. Pro-abortionists point to the high mortality rate of pregnant mothers in Indonesia -- 450 out of every 100,000 births (alive), the highest in Asia, another reason they say for the need to revise Law No. 23/1992.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum begins this week

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum begins this week in the southern port city of Busan with the Senior Officials' Meeting on Saturday, and will go on to the Leaders' Meeting on Nov. 18-19 which will gather the heads of states and governments from 21 countries in the broad Asia-Pacific region.

Congressmen urge Susilo to solve Munir case

Congressmen urge Susilo to solve Munir case Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About 70 American congressmen urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to make "a clear legal move" to resolve the murder of noted rights campaigner Munir, who died in September last year of arsenic poisoning.

Govt imposes antidumping duty on paracetamol imports

Govt imposes antidumping duty on paracetamol imports The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has imposed antidumping duties on all imports of paracetamol from China and the U.S. effective as of Oct. 25, the Ministry of Finance said. "The duties have been imposed to protect the local industry," the ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday. "The Indonesian Antidumping Committee has found evidence (of dumping from China and the U.S.) through investigations conducted since Sept.

No hard feelings, says Bagir

No hard feelings, says Bagir JAKARTA: Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan said the new justices assigned to hear the appeal case of Probosutedjo would not aim to seek revenge because of the businessman's admission that he had paid bribes to judges and prosecutors. "Why we should seek revenge? We are judges and I told Pak Probo that there would be no hard feelings," Bagir said on Wednesday.

1.5m tourists visit Bandung

1.5m tourists visit Bandung BANDUNG: At least 1.5 million domestic tourists visited Bandung during three days before and five days after Idul Fitri, a tourism official said on Wednesday. The 1.5 million tourists were part of eight million domestic tourists who visited West Java province during the same period, said chief of West Java tourism office, Budhyana. The office obtained the figures from restaurants, malls and tourism spots across the province, he said.