Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 November 2005

90 articles found

Police face tough challenges in fighting illegal logging

Police face tough challenges in fighting illegal logging Antara/Pekanbaru The weather was hot and the five passengers in the Riau Police helicopter were sweating profusely. Headed by Riau Police chief Brig. Gen. S. Damanhuri their mission was to document the level of devastation caused by illegal logging, taking aerial photographs. While the devastation was obvious, it was not until they had been flying for two hours that they saw piles of logs alongside the Gaung river.

Woman murdered in fresh attack in C. Sulawesi

Woman murdered in fresh attack in C. Sulawesi Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A cosmetics salesgirl was attacked and murdered on Friday morning by three machete-wielding men in Palu, Central Sulawesi, in yet another grisly terror attack on young females in the tense province. Twenty-year-old Supriyanti -- Yanti to those close to her -- was attacked by three men riding a motorcycle. She was also on a motorcycle with two friends.

Radical groups must be outlawed: Ex-spy chief

Radical groups must be outlawed: Ex-spy chief The police shot dead Indonesia's most-wanted bomber, Dr. Azahari bin Husin, and one of his followers, Arman, in a raid on their hideout in the East Java hill resort of Batu a week ago, and subsequently arrested at least five terrorist operatives. Former National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono recently spoke with The Jakarta Post's Ridwan Max Sijabat on the raid and the counterterrorism effort in general.

National integrity

National integrity From Media Indonesia Political life in Indonesia today doesn't seem to be inspired by the spirit of unity our founding fathers upheld 77 years ago. This spirit of unity could be related to the STOVIA movement of (medical) students called Boedi Oetomo, which was considered pioneer of the national awakening. Today the government officials at all levels seem to have lost their sense of integrity. We do not know why.

APEC and human security

APEC and human security Some thinkers tend to criticize APEC for having too broad an agenda, but the Asia-Pacific rim ministers' commitment to tackle concerns about "human security" issues is not only relevant but essential for the prosperity of the diverse economies in the region.

Rifat, Herry lead fight for 2005 Rally Indonesia crown

Rifat, Herry lead fight for 2005 Rally Indonesia crown Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Defending champion Herry Agung and current leader Rifat are bracing for a neck-and-neck challenge in the final leg of the Gudang Garam International Rally Indonesia 2005 from Pasir Bungur to Subang, West Java, next week. Rifat of the Pertamina Rally Team tops the standings with 53 points, followed by Herry of the Bosowa Rally Team with 43 points. Rifat's brother, Rizal, is in third with 32 points.

JP/7/let

JP/7/let President needs to be consistent From Kontan Several days before the fuel prices were raised, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the increase would be around 30 percent or 50 percent at the maximum. But strangely, the rise later turned out to be an average of 100 percent and even more than 200 percent for kerosene, widely consumed by ordinary people. A president should have credibility by keeping his or her word so as to maintain authority and dignity.

Court hears challenge to religion article

Court hears challenge to religion article JAKARTA: The Constitutional Court began hearing on Friday a petition challenging the constitutionality of an article of the Child Protection Law that bans adults from teaching or promoting their religion to children of different faiths. The request was filed by former priest Ruyandi Hutasoit, who leads the Christian-based Prosperous Peace Party (PDS).

Was the govt's policy worth it?

Was the govt's policy worth it? Indonesia is in the middle of a crisis, yet no one seems to panic. How come? The facts were clear, the government knew about it. When cutting the fuel subsidy Minister of Finance Jusuf Anwar as well as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono knew about the advantages and disadvantages of the cut, that's why I would like to ask: Was it worth it?

WTO on the agenda at APEC summit in Seoul

WTO on the agenda at APEC summit in Seoul Alexander C. Chandra, Jakarta The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Busan, Seoul this weekend, is widely expected to bring new hope to the stalled ongoing multilateral trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region have even agreed to issue a strong commitment to support the global free trade agreement under the auspices of the WTO.

Anthrax scare drives people to hospitals

Anthrax scare drives people to hospitals MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: An anthrax outbreak in Tamangapa subdistrict here in the past week has sparked fear among local residents. More than 1,000 residents had flocked to the local community health office from Monday to Friday for a checkup. Out of the 1,000 residents, 27 had blood samples taken and these samples had been sent to a veterinary body in Maros regency to test for anthrax.

Concerned over the aged

Concerned over the aged From Kompas When I left Tabing Airport in Padang, West Sumatra, early in June 2005, as a retired person I was exempt from paying airport tax. Garuda airways has long granted a reduction of 10 percent to passengers over 60 years of age, provided that they come in person to Garuda's office and show their identity cards.

Teachers deserve fair compensation for the difficult work they do

Teachers deserve fair compensation for the difficult work they do Ardimas Sasdi, Jakarta One of the mistakes the nation has made in the course of 60 years, and now has to pay for dearly, is that it has neglected educators, the people who bestow knowledge on our children and the skills needed to live in a highly competitive age and democracy. Tragically, the nation continues to make the same mistakes over and over.

Police watch over Arema soccer fans

Police watch over Arema soccer fans JAKARTA: Pasar Senen train station in Central Jakarta will cooperate with Gambir Police in anticipation of the coming and return of Malang soccer fans to their hometown in East Java, Tempo Interaktif reported on Friday. The fans were in Jakarta for the final round of the Coppa Dji Sam Soe 2005 soccer match in which the Malang soccer team, Arema, will play Persija Jakarta on Saturday evening.

On retirement plan

On retirement plan Concerning Anthony Pace's comments about wanting to retire in Indonesia. This Bush-boosting bule (white man) has been Bandung billeted in retirement with his Sundanse wife for over 10 years. Suggestions: Plan to put control of all real Indonesian property in the hands of your wife (she'll inherit it all later anyway), so long as she agrees that you can live in her house. Get a sociocultural visa (VKSB), good for two months and renewable in country for up to six months.

BP-led consortium makes progress in Tangguh project

BP-led consortium makes progress in Tangguh project The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Concern about the treatment of directly affected villages, local procurements and the employment of Papuans continue to surround the development of the massive Tangguh project in Papua. Despite these issues, the BP-led consortium has shown impressive progress in its project development, Senator George Mitchell, a member of the Tangguh Independent Advisory Panel (TIAP) said recently.

Police raid centers of pirated VCDs

Police raid centers of pirated VCDs Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta City police confiscated on Thursday more than 160,000 pirated CDs, VCDs and DVDs from stores and warehouses in Mangga Dua Mall and Ratu Plaza, two of the biggest areas for pirated discs in the capital. Jakarta Police special crimes unit chief Sr. Comr. Syahrul Mama said on Friday police were tracking down the owners of the stores and warehouses after officers questioned employees.

Chevron to launch geothermal power plant

Chevron to launch geothermal power plant Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Bandung U.S. energy giant Chevron is ready to launch a 110-megawatt (MW) geothermal power plant project in Garut, West Java, after a team was set up to hopefully resolve a variety of problems with the local administration. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro will preside over the opening of the Dradjat 3 project on Nov.

Maker of Bollywood epic on Taj Mahal hopes to capture marble

Maker of Bollywood epic on Taj Mahal hopes to capture marble monument's soul[ [ AP Photos XAR101-102 Ramola Talwar Associated Press/Bombay, India A Bollywood epic about the Taj Mahal releasing worldwide on Friday seeks to capture the pervading romance of the world famous monument to love, director Akbar Khan said. Khan said he lived and dreamed the movie with thoughts of Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan vowing at his dying wife Mumtaz's bedside to build a monument in which she could sleep eternally.

Awkward APEC handshake for Koizumi and Roh

Awkward APEC handshake for Koizumi and Roh BUSAN, South Korea (AFP): South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi greeted each other with an awkward handshake at a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders here on Friday. Roh, hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in South Korea, accepted Koizumi's hand hesitantly before the two turned and managed strained smiles for the cameras.

Clear rules needed to avoid defamation, Aburizal says

Clear rules needed to avoid defamation, Aburizal says Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Busan, South Korea Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie supports President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's plan to issue an instruction that will clearly forbid government officials from misusing their authority for business interests.

Clinton to return to RI, Sri Lanka

Clinton to return to RI, Sri Lanka UNITED NATIONS: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton plans to return to Sri Lanka and Indonesia in his role as UN special envoy for tsunami relief to assess recovery efforts since last December's deadly earthquake and tsunami, his office said on Thursday. Clinton will visit the Sri Lanka capital Colombo on Nov. 29 and the Indonesian province of Aceh the following day, it added in a statement.

1. Bagir ---- 4x11

1. Bagir ---- 4x11 Chief Justice interrogated by corruption commission 2. Birdflu -- 2x18 Java is front line in bird flu battle 3. Myanmar -- 1x24 RI praised for killing Azahari 4. BIS ------ 1x24 BIS students 'teach' young inmates

Six die, 266 others hospitalized in Lombok malaria outbreak

Six die, 266 others hospitalized in Lombok malaria outbreak Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Mataram At least six people have died and 266 others have been treated at local hospitals and community health centers in East Lombok since a malaria outbreak was first detected in the regency at the end of October. The outbreak struck three subdistricts in the regency concentrating on the Ijobalit and Sekarwangi areas, with the six dead and 232 other people contracting the disease there.

ITF urges improvements in local shipping industry

ITF urges improvements in local shipping industry Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The International Transport Federation (ITF) has urged the government to fully enforce Presidential Regulation No. 5/2005, which applies cabotage in Indonesian waters, as part of a campaign to have domestic shipowners register their vessels with the Ministry of Transportation and improve conditions for the more than 80,000 workers in the shipping industry.

Bank Danamon 2006 loan growth like to slow

Bank Danamon 2006 loan growth like to slow Esther Fin Harini, Dow Jones/Jakarta PT Bank Danamon Indonesia will likely experience slower on-year growth in its loan portfolio in 2006 due to the impact of rising interest rates, its president said recently. Bank Danamon has had to raise rates in tandem with the central bank's four month monetary tightening trend, Danamon's President Sebastian Paredes told Dow Jones Newswires.

TV Program: Monday, November 21, 2005

TV Program: Monday, November 21, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Children Film 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 2:30 TV Drama 3:00 English News Service 3:30 TV Drama 4:00 Talk Show 6:30 Talk Show: Diknas 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 11:20 Talk Show: Mimbar Indonesia TPI 5:30 a.m.

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.18, 2005

Stock prices on The Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.18, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters 1,650 50 36,000 Adhi Karya 515 20 2,423,000 Adira Dinamika 1,530 -270 600,000 AGIS Tbk 80 0 25,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 220 35 274,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,530 30 1,326,000 Alakasa Industrindo 220 0 0...

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.

City to audit PPMK funds

City to audit PPMK funds JAKARTA: The city administration will evaluate the subdistrict empowerment program (PPMK), which aims at helping subdistrict residents create small businesses. "We will make a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of PPMK. We will audit all funds that have already been disbursed for the program," said city secretary Ritola Tasmaya on Friday. The program was introduced in 2002, with subdistricts getting Rp 250 million each.

The poor are spoiled

The poor are spoiled From Media Indonesia The government has a tendency of spoiling the poor and those under the poverty line. This is evident from a number of programs that provide special facilities for those people, such as "cheap rice for the poor", free medical services, and cash aid to offset the effects of the fuel price increases. For this purpose the government has allocated Rp 4,748 trillion for some 15.5 million poor people.

Pertamina to lower high-octane gasoline, industry prices

Pertamina to lower high-octane gasoline, industry prices The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina plans to lower prices for fuel consumed by its industrial consumers by 3 percent next month and its high-octane gasoline and diesel fuel by Rp 200 (2 U.S. cents) per liter next week. The lower fuel prices are the direct effects of the lower global oil prices, which have been declining steadily in the past month, Pertamina's fuel division head, Achmad Faisal said on Friday.

RI takes 'best theory' award and three golds

RI takes 'best theory' award and three golds JAKARTA (Antara): Indonesian children again exhibited their flair on Friday by winning the "best theory" category in math and natural sciences, and three golds in the Elementary School Math and Natural Science Olympiad held in Jakarta between Nov. 15 and Nov. 18.

[b]

RI jazz loses legendary bass-man JAKARTA: Indonesian jazz has lost a seasoned bass player, Perry Pattiselano, 55, (shown in framed photo) and his contemporaries mourned the passing of a "reliable, stable and consistent" musician and a good friend. Pattiselano was playing with Indonesian jazz vocalist Pinky and pianist "Sukat" Harjanto at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Amman, Jordan, when a bomb at the hotel exploded, killing him instantly.

Third GAM weapons handover extended, peace monitors say

Third GAM weapons handover extended, peace monitors say Reuters/Jakarta The third round of a weapons handover by former rebels in Aceh province will be extended into the weekend after a number of arms were disqualified, a monitoring body said on Friday. The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) began handing in weapons on Monday under the third of four decommissioning phases of an Aug. 15 peace pact with Indonesia. The agreement ended a 30-year conflict that killed 15,000 people, mostly civilians.

Poverty breeds terrorism

Poverty breeds terrorism A perusal of the backgrounds of the suicide bombers who wrecked havoc in Bali on Oct. 1 can serve to tell us a lot about why there seems to be no shortage of terrorists. Mat Sukarto, a 57-year-old farmer and father of one of the bombers, said he did not fully understand why his less-than-religiously-inclined son, Misno, had decided to take his own life in such a manner. Mat told this paper, as reported on Nov.

Lawyers denounce operations of foreign lawyers in Medan

Lawyers denounce operations of foreign lawyers in Medan Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Medan A Medan lawyers' association is planning to file a report with the government on the operation of foreign lawyers in the city. Having operated in the city, the foreign lawyers representing the families of Mandala plane crash victims have violated Indonesian law and therefore, must be deported, said deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Advocates Foundation (Peradi) Abdul Rahim Hasibuan.

Militant website shows how to stage attacks in Jakarta

Militant website shows how to stage attacks in Jakarta Reuters, Jakarta A website purportedly set up under orders from a leading Asian militant gives instructions on how to shoot foreigners in the streets of the Indonesian capital or throw grenades at motorists stuck in traffic. The website, called Anshar El Muslimin (www.anshar.net) and was still active on Friday, contains diagrams of several locations and why they would be ideal for attacking people and how to escape.

Beware of water shortage

Beware of water shortage While Jakartans have long been warned about the deteriorating quality of groundwater and the decreasing sources due to the worsening environment, PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja), producer of tap water for Jakarta, raised concerns only last week about the looming shortage of raw water sources in the near future. The supply of raw water from the Jatiluhur (Juanda) dam in Purwakarta, West Java has been steadily reducing over the past few years.

[b]

WTO on the agenda at APEC summit in Seoul Alexander C. Chandra Jakarta 2. Simon -- Education exists in a borderless world 2 x 30 Education cannot be shut off from international influence Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta

Was the govt's policy worth it?

Was the govt's policy worth it? Indonesia is in the middle of a crisis, yet no one seems to panic. How come? The facts were clear, the government knew about it. When cutting the fuel subsidy Minister of Finance Jusuf Anwar as well as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono knew about the advantages and disadvantages of the cut, that's why I would like to ask: Was it worth it?

JP/18/CHILE

JP/18/CHILE Bali, a major gateway for Chilean tourists, businesses Rita A. Widiadana The Jakarta Post/Sanur Only weeks before the Oct. 1, 2005 bombing tragedy in Kuta and Jimbaran, the Chilean government opened its honorary consulate office here in Bali. A sense of optimism still filled the atmosphere.

Susilo, Roh talk on labor

Susilo, Roh talk on labor South Korea agreed on Friday to increase the number of Indonesian migrant workers allowed into the country as part of efforts to boost the economic growth of the two countries. The plan was conveyed during a bilateral meeting between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Busan, South Korea, on Friday.

Europe should learn from RI

Europe should learn from RI Confronted with the riots of the last weeks, France and other countries in western Europe could perhaps learn a lot from Indonesia. But first let's not forget that the multicultural principles of Europe and those of Indonesia are fundamentally different. In the case of Indonesia, it is purely an Indonesian pan- nationalism based on the unifying principles of Pancasila.

JP/5/LOGGING

JP/5/LOGGING Riau police face tough challenges combating illegal logging Antara/Pekanbaru The weather was hot and the five passengers in the Riau Police helicopter were sweating profusely. Headed by Riau Police chief Brig. Gen. S. Damanhuri their mission was to document the level of devastation caused by illegal logging, taking aerial photographs. While the devastation was obvious, it was not until they had been flying for two hours that they saw piles of logs alongside the Gaung river.

Sutiyoso gives up fight over Senayan

Sutiyoso gives up fight over Senayan JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday he would not continue his struggle to take the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, and the ex-Kemayoran Airport lands from the control of the state secretary. "I am already tired of the issue. Although existing law authorizes the city administration to control them (the properties), the central government is reluctant to give them up to us," he said. Sutiyoso was referring to Law No.

Bali's hotel occupancy rates tumble after latest bombing

Bali's hotel occupancy rates tumble after latest bombing Antara/Denpasar The latest Bali bombing has severely affected the hotel industry on the resort island, with occupancy rates diving to below 40 percent from 70 percent to 80 percent. Since the Oct. 1 bombing in which 23 people died, including three suicide bombers, the occupancy rate at the five-star Inna Grand Bali Beach has dropped from 80 percent to 30 percent, hotel spokeswoman Ida Ayu Dewi Apriyani said on Friday.

Employers reject minimum wage hike

Employers reject minimum wage hike BATAM: Batam employers rejected a workers' proposal on Friday for an increase in the regional minimum wage, leading to widespread grievances among Batam workers, who now have to bear the brunt of increased costs following the fuel price hike on Oct. 1.

1. MUNIR: 1 X 42

1. MUNIR: 1 X 42 Pollycarpus changes his tune on Munir case 2. LESLIE: 1 X 30 Leslie found guilty, to be freed 3. POSO: 1 X 30 Young woman murdered in C. Sulawesi 4. WEBSITE: 2 X 25 Terrorist website shows how to kill 'bule' in Jakarta

Police officers detained for bribes

Police officers detained for bribes Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Two middle-ranking police investigators from the antidrug squad at the National Police Headquarters have been detained as suspects for allegedly accepting bribes from drug dealers. Head of the internal affairs division Insp. Gen. Yusuf Manggabarani said on Friday that Comr. DM and Adj. Comr. GS had been detained on Wednesday for allegedly abusing their authority as police officers.

Rocky start to Koizumi's APEC visit

Rocky start to Koizumi's APEC visit Elaine Lies, Reuters/Pusan, South Korea Japan's prime minister got off to a rocky start at a summit meeting of Pacific Rim leaders on Friday as host South Korea bluntly told him to stop his regular visits to a shrine honoring Japan's war dead. South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun told Japan's Junichiro Koizumi that Seoul was not interested in more apologies or national reparations, but wanted to see the visits cease.

Chief Justice interrogated by corruption commission

Chief Justice interrogated by corruption commission Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators finally managed to question Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan on Friday in connection with a high profile bribery case. The questioning took place a day after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono summoned top officials of the two law enforcement agencies for talks.

1. APEC -- 48 pts 7 cols 1 line (1x42)

1. APEC -- 48 pts 7 cols 1 line (1x42) Europe in dock as APEC leaders press for trade deal 2. Susilo -- 36 pts 4cols 2lines (1x28) Susilo needs warming up at summit 3. Ical -- 36 pts 3cols 2lines (2x24) Clear rules needed to avoid defamation, says Aburizal 4. Sidebar -- 28 pts 3cols 1line (1x30) Susilo, Roh talk migrant labor --- 5. Photos and

It's time Indonesia hosted an international conference on true

It's time Indonesia hosted an international conference on true jihad Hikmat Sanusi Tangerang Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra, rector of state Islamic University (UIN), has a very clear vision about the kind of jihad practiced by terrorists.

'Anyone who does good for others is a hero'

'Anyone who does good for others is a hero' National Heroes Day has always been commemorated on Nov. 10 every year and on that particular day the President usually awards citizens who are considered heroes. In commemoration of National Heroes Day on Nov. 10, The Jakarta Post talked to some young residents about what they think of modern-day heroes. Merry Magdalena, 31, is a journalist at Sinar Harapan evening daily newspaper in Central Jakarta. She lives in Depok.

;JP;WYS;CD;

;JP;WYS;CD; ANPAk..r.. Letter-marriage On marrying Indonesian women JP/7/let On marrying Indonesian women First of all, Keluarga Perkawinan Campuran Melalui Tangan Ibu (KPCMelati) would like to wish you and your distinguished readers celebrating Idul Fitri a Happy Idul Fitri 1426 H. Second, we would like to offer further clarification regarding: 1. Want to marry RI women? Pay Rp 500 m in deposit published in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 10.

National integrity

National integrity From Media Indonesia Political life in Indonesia today doesn't seem to be inspired by the spirit of unity our founding fathers upheld 77 years ago. This spirit of unity could be related to the STOVIA movement of (medical) students called Boedi Oetomo, which was considered pioneer of the national awakening. Today the government officials at all levels seem to have lost their sense of integrity. We do not know why.

The poor are spoiled

The poor are spoiled From Media Indonesia The government has a tendency of spoiling the poor and those under the poverty line. This is evident from a number of programs that provide special facilities for those people, such as "cheap rice for the poor", free medical services, and cash aid to offset the effects of the fuel price increases. For this purpose the government has allocated Rp 4,748 trillion for some 15.5 million poor people.

Many city projects miss deadline

Many city projects miss deadline Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Residents hoping there will be better public facilities in the near future are set for disappointment, with many infrastructure projects, including new busway corridors and flood mitigation systems, likely to miss their Dec. 31 completion target. City Secretary Ritola Tasmaya said on Friday that about 25 percent of the projects worth Rp 3.5 trillion (US$340 million) in the city would likely go beyond their Dec.

Commission probes gripes against judges

Commission probes gripes against judges JAKARTA: More than three months after its official inauguration, the Judicial Commission has already received 268 complaints against members of the judiciary. Commission chairman Busyro Muqqodas said on Friday that most of the complaints filed by the public focussed on unethical and unbecoming conduct on the part of judges.

JP/7/let

JP/7/let President needs to be consistent From Kontan Several days before the fuel prices were raised, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the increase would be around 30 percent or 50 percent at the maximum. But strangely, the rise later turned out to be an average of 100 percent and even more than 200 percent for kerosene, widely consumed by ordinary people. A president should have credibility by keeping his or her word so as to maintain authority and dignity.

Ayala sells stake to Sinar Mas

Ayala sells stake to Sinar Mas MANILA: Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp. on Friday said its indirect unit, Pameka Holdings Inc., and affiliate, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), have sold their combined 50 percent stake in an Indonesia-based life insurance company. BPI and Pameka each sold their 25 percent stakes in PT Asuransi Jiwa Eka Life to PT Sinar Mas Multiartha. BPI and Pameka each received US$4.122 million from the sale. No other details were disclosed by Ayala on the sale.

Indonesian stocks up as Pertamina puts prices down

Indonesian stocks up as Pertamina puts prices down Naila Firdausi, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia's key stock index had its biggest jump in seven weeks after state oil and gas company PT Pertamina signaled it may cut fuel prices for industrial users, reducing costs at companies such as PT International Nickel Indonesia. "Lower fuel prices at companies will help earnings," said Fendi Susiyanto, who helps manage the equivalent of US$99 million at PT Bank Permata.

On marrying Indonesian women

On marrying Indonesian women First of all, Keluarga Perkawinan Campuran Melalui Tangan Ibu (KPCMelati) would like to wish you and your distinguished readers celebrating Idul Fitri a Happy Idul Fitri 1426 H. Second, we would like to offer further clarification regarding: 1. Want to marry RI women? Pay Rp 500 m in deposit published in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 10. During a half-day seminar hosted by the Alida Center on Oct. 22 at the Gran Melia Hotel, this horrendous topic was clarified by Prof.

Pollycarpus changes his tune on Munir case

Pollycarpus changes his tune on Munir case Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto, currently on trial for the murder of human rights activist Munir, on Friday gave a different account from his earlier testimony as cited in the indictment. However, judges and prosecutors did little to question why defendant had changed his story. Munir was found dead on board a Garuda Indonesia flight from Jakarta to the Netherlands on Sept. 7, 2004.

Social envy is growing

Social envy is growing From Kompas Poor people have become increasingly distressed and lead an even more difficult existence following the latest fuel price rise. Even before the fuel price hike, the majority already had difficulty in making a living. Kompas also reported in October that taxi drivers now have fewer passengers, while gasoline is more expensive and they spend a lot more on daily needs.

Syntroleum signs deal with PNG, RI and Egyptian firms

Syntroleum signs deal with PNG, RI and Egyptian firms Jonathan Vuocolo, Dow Jones/Tulsa, Oklahoma Syntroleum Corp. said three recently signed memorandums of understanding could lead to the construction of a gas-to-liquids plant using its proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology.

On retirement plan

On retirement plan Concerning Anthony Pace's comments about wanting to retire in Indonesia. This Bush-boosting bule (white man) has been Bandung billeted in retirement with his Sundanse wife for over 10 years. Suggestions: Plan to put control of all real Indonesian property in the hands of your wife (she'll inherit it all later anyway), so long as she agrees that you can live in her house. Get a sociocultural visa (VKSB), good for two months and renewable in country for up to six months.

Acehnese girl all smiles after doctors remove bullet from her brain

Acehnese girl all smiles after doctors remove bullet from her brain Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang Acehnese girl Marlina, 16, was all smiles on Friday, days after a team of doctors successfully removed a bullet that had been lodged in her brain since July 2004. Doctors at the Siloam Gleneagles Hospital in Karawai, Banten, said that the high school girl should be able to return home in two weeks. "I feel relieved now.

Social envy is growing

Social envy is growing From Kompas Poor people have become increasingly distressed and lead an even more difficult existence following the latest fuel price rise. Even before the fuel price hike, the majority already had difficulty in making a living. Kompas also reported in October that taxi drivers now have fewer passengers, while gasoline is more expensive and they spend a lot more on daily needs.

World citizen who has stayed true to his roots

World citizen who has stayed true to his roots Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta During his tenure as a United Nations peacekeeper in Africa, Omar Halim cried twice; once, because he was proud of the UN, the second time because he was hurt by and ashamed of the UN. "In Namibia, we (the UN) made mistakes, but it was a successful mission and I cried because I was proud," Omar, 69, said.

Rector to be quizzed again over weapons

Rector to be quizzed again over weapons AMBON, Maluku: Police investigators are planning to question again Muhammad Attamimi, the rector of Ambon State Islamic Institute (STAIN), for his role in the alleged storage of weapons and explosives within the institute's compound. Attamimi was earlier questioned in his capacity as a witness in the case.

Indonesia praised for killing Azahari

Indonesia praised for killing Azahari Agencies, Busan, South Korea United States President George W. Bush and Southeast Asian leaders congratulated Indonesia on Friday for killing of one of Asia's top terrorist suspects, but stressed that vigilance would be needed to stop other militants who continue to plot attacks, officials said.

Carbon emissions

Carbon emissions There is cause for great concern regarding the gigantic release of carbon into the atmosphere caused by fires in the peat bogs of Central Kalimantan. These emissions are a significant driver of global warming, which especially threatens Indonesia and may well threaten human survival itself.

U.S., Australia to up terror fight in SE Asia

U.S., Australia to up terror fight in SE Asia Lawrence Bartlett, Agence France-Presse/Adelaide, Australia The United States and Australia agreed on Friday to intensify counter-terrorism efforts in Southeast Asia and boost joint training for conventional warfare at annual top-level bilateral security talks. The two countries also pledged in a joint communique released after the Australia-U.S.

Susilo must improve leadership style: Analyst

Susilo must improve leadership style: Analyst The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With or without a Cabinet reshuffle, the administration would not be effective unless President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono could improve his qualities as a leader, a leading political analyst told a discussion on Friday. Ikrar Nusa Bhakti of the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said a Cabinet reshuffle would make little difference if the President failed to display leadership skills.

BIS students 'teach' young inmates

BIS students 'teach' young inmates Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While teaching prisoners how to sing a song, Nicole, 16, looked at each of the teenagers, who gazed at her eagerly, before telling them to try to sing together along with the guitars. She then advised when the first guitar should begin and when the second should follow, as well as commanding vocals to stop or start. "I feel great and I think they are all great. They definitely have talent.

Java is front line in bird flu battle

Java is front line in bird flu battle Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Busan, South Korea As the human death toll for avian influenza in Indonesia rises, Singapore and the United States are planning to begin a pilot project here to combat the outbreak. The two countries, assisted by the World Bank and under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO), will set up a center of bird flu containment in an infected area in the country, presidential spokesman Dino Djalal said here on Friday.

Leslie found guilty, to be freed

Leslie found guilty, to be freed I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post/Denpasar A court here on Friday jailed Australian model Michelle Leslie on Friday for three months on drugs charges, but she will be freed within days because of the time she has already spent in detention. Leslie's lawyer, Christo Immanuel Dugis, said the three-month prison term ended on Friday and that the defense was completing the necessary documents to secure her release. "Today is the last day of her 90-day prison term.

Indonesian Trojans get together

Indonesian Trojans get together Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta "Wow, you look so different! I would not have recognized you," a woman alumnus of the University of Southern California (USC) said to another woman graduate she had not met for ages. The band was playing in the auditorium and the two walked in to mingle with other Indonesian alumni in the reunion on Thursday night, marking the 125th anniversary of the USC at the Bapindo Building auditorium in South Jakarta.

Susilo needs warming up in Busan

Susilo needs warming up in Busan Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Busan, South Korea Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono seems to be adopting a form of "silent" diplomacy while attending the first meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Thursday. After meeting South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun early in the morning and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong afterwards, Susilo attended the first meeting of the two-day summit.

Two dead, one missing in Lampung floods

Two dead, one missing in Lampung floods Oyos Saroso, The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Two people died, other went missing and four houses were swept away in floods in West Lampung and Tanggamus regencies on Wednesday and Thursday. The flooding also caused a landslide on a main road connecting the two regencies, leading to heavy road congestion.

One-third of Indonesians want more sex

One-third of Indonesians want more sex Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta An online, global sex survey carried out by condom manufacturer Durex revealed that 31 percent of the Indonesian respondents said they wish to have sex more frequently, while only 34 percent of the total 1,112 respondents said they are happy with their sex lives. This year is the first time the annual Durex Global Survey has invited Indonesian respondents.

Govt plays down impact of new study on Papua vote

Govt plays down impact of new study on Papua vote Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta/Jayapura The government plays down the controversial study by Dutch historian Prof. Pieter Drooglever on 1969 vote in Papua, saying that his report was purely academic. "We view the report as an academic study which is no different from other studies on Papua," Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Yuri Oktavian Thamrin said.

President needs to be consistent

President needs to be consistent From Kontan Several days before the fuel prices were raised, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the increase would be around 30 percent or 50 percent at the maximum. But strangely, the rise later turned out to be an average of 100 percent and even more than 200 percent for kerosene, widely consumed by ordinary people. A president should have credibility by keeping his or her word so as to maintain authority and dignity.

Malaysia told to end protection for Proton

Malaysia told to end protection for Proton Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysia must abandon its nationalistic pride and drop protections for national carmaker Proton if it wants to build a successful auto industry, a senior official said in remarks published on Friday.

Concerned over the aged

Concerned over the aged From Kompas When I left Tabing Airport in Padang, West Sumatra, early in June 2005, as a retired person I was exempt from paying airport tax. Garuda airways has long granted a reduction of 10 percent to passengers over 60 years of age, provided that they come in person to Garuda's office and show their identity cards.

'Fear Factor Indonesia' new program on 'RCTI'

'Fear Factor Indonesia' new program on 'RCTI' Following success reaped from airing NBC's Fear Factor, private television station Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia is challenging local participants to take part in a thrilling Fear Factor Indonesia (FFI) competition. The first episode of FFI will be aired on Saturday Nov. 19, 2005, at 10 p.m.

Lawyer, court clerks sent to jail for corruption

Lawyer, court clerks sent to jail for corruption Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Lawyer Tengku Syaifuddin Popon will join his client, former Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh, in prison after the Anticorruption Court convicted him for bribery on Friday. The same court also jailed two court clerks of the Jakarta High Court for two years and six months for accepting bribes from the lawyer.

Rupiah Rates Nov.18

Rupiah Rates Nov.18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,730.48 6,993.30 7,400.90 7,322.66 Brunei dollar 1 6,205.54 5,614.31 5,940.97 5,878.72 Canadian dollar 1 8,877.95 8,033.46 8,499.45 8,411.80 Swiss franc 1 8,009.56 7,249.07 7,668.08 7,590.47 Danish krone 1 1,662.94 1,504.68 1,592.04 1,575.54 Euro 1 12,402.13 11,219.48 11,873.38 11,747.87 Poundsterling 1 18,157.77 16,423.13 17,383.63 17,196.59 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,361.29 1,232.27 1,303.25 1,290.30...