Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 November 2005

70 articles found

Govt to proceed with oil palm project

Govt to proceed with oil palm project Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is likely to go on with its plan to use over 1 million hectares of tropical forests for oil palm plantations in West and East Kalimantan despite opposition from environmental groups.

Pertamina explores five new wells

Pertamina explores five new wells Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina, through its western Java unit, is exploring the potential of five new oil wells in northeastern West Java. The wells, which were drilled from May to September, are the Cipicung, Cemara Selatan and Karang Baru wells in Indramayu regency, the Sukamandi well in Subang and the Tegal Pacing well in Bekasi.

Young players look ahead to IBL

Young players look ahead to IBL Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Young basketball players are pinning their hopes on making their mark in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL), with a number of them being snapped up by clubs here on Sunday. "Hopefully, this will pave the way for me to be a professional basketball player," Danang Wahyu said at a media conference. Twenty-year-old Danang from Yogyakarta looked happy after being drafted by Indonesia Muda Panasonic Telkomsel.

Don't blame us for terrorism: Malaysia

Don't blame us for terrorism: Malaysia Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia has rejected being a source of Islamic militancy and stressed that it has helped resolve conflicts involving armed Muslim groups in Southeast Asia, its state-run media said on Sunday. Kuala Lumpur had mediated to end fighting in the Philippines and Indonesia and stayed clear of any involvement in the unrest in mainly-Muslim southern Thailand, said Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Govt works to stop bird flu spread

Govt works to stop bird flu spread PEKALONGAN, Central Java: To fight the spread of bird flu, the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Office in Pekalongan regency has vaccinated 300,000 fowls kept by residents over the past few days. In addition to vaccinating birds, employees at the office have also cleaned up and disinfected bird cages, said office head Jarot Rusmanto. The office took these measures after dozens of chickens belonging to residents of Sragi district died.

Susilo talks defense with Bush, Putin

Susilo talks defense with Bush, Putin Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has met U.S. President George Walker Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks on how to enhance Indonesia's defense capabilities and of ways to contain the bird flu outbreak. The meetings were held separately on the sidelines of the two- day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Busan, South Korea, on Saturday.

15 injured in Thai bombings

15 injured in Thai bombings THAILAND: Two remote-controlled bombs exploded minutes apart on Sunday at a market in violence-plagued southern Thailand, injuring 12 people including a 2-year-old boy and a Malaysian man, police said. The first bomb was hidden in a fruit basket at the market in Narathiwat province's Sungai Kolok, a town on the border with Malaysia, said police Capt. Teerapak Sengseng. About 10 minutes later, as police were investigating, the second bomb exploded 10 meters away.

Bush and Hu wrestle over trade, rights

Bush and Hu wrestle over trade, rights Olivier Knox, Agence France-Presse/Beijing Chinese President Hu Jintao on Sunday rebuffed U.S. President George W. Bush's calls to allow greater religious and political freedom but promised to show more flexibility on Sino-U.S. economic disputes.

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?

Natrindo to launch 3G mid-2006

Natrindo to launch 3G mid-2006 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Not content with its status as a local telecommunications service provider, PT Natrindo Telepon Selular (NTS) has said it is ready to launch long-awaited third generation (3G) services in the middle of next year to tighten its grip on the sector. "Our current focus is to realize our commitment to the government to provide 3G services.

Korean giants seek investment in Indonesia

Korean giants seek investment in Indonesia Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Leaders of four South Korean giants visited on Sunday President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, conveying their plans to expand their businesses in Indonesia and seek cooperation for the development of certain industries.

'Ecohydrology' may help solve water crisis

'Ecohydrology' may help solve water crisis Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With some provinces being hit by water shortages, scientists are suggesting the use of ecohydrology to overcome the problem. "Actually, such shortages are common across the world. UNESCO has detected that since the mid-1990s both the quality and the quantity of water has been degraded all over the planet," said Gadis Sri Haryani of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).

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.

TV Program: Tuesday, November 22, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Film 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m.

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.

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.

Fuel price hike blamed for logging industry troubles

Fuel price hike blamed for logging industry troubles Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda The timber industry in East Kalimantan is on the brink of collapse due to rising production costs and a lack of raw materials, an executive with a timber firm association says. Taufan Tirtamana, the secretary of the Indonesian Timber Firm Association (APHI), said the government must intervene to save the industry, otherwise thousands of workers would lose their jobs. Taufan blamed the fuel price hike on Oct.

Canadian envoy to visit Aceh

Canadian envoy to visit Aceh JAKARTA: Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Randolph Mank will visit the tsunami-hit Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam this week to view reconstruction progress, the embassy said in a press release sent to The Jakarta Post. Ambassador Mank will arrive in Aceh on Monday and return to Jakarta on Tuesday. Canada has so far provided 87 million Canadian dollars (US$75 million) in emergency relief and reconstruction projects in Aceh.

Aceh's drum of peace hits freezing Oslo

Aceh's drum of peace hits freezing Oslo Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Oslo The temperature outside the Oslo Konserthus has hit below freezing point, but the 16 young women and men from Aceh, making their international debut, shake off the cold weather and any stage fright they may still have as they sing, beat the tambour, and dance around the stage in the Silat Aulia Dance.

Ulema set to launch war against militant ideas

Ulema set to launch war against militant ideas The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's leading Islamic figures, grouped in a special task force set up last week by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, are set to launch a war against militant ideas spread by terrorists using the Islam brand. Minister of Religious Affairs M. Maftuh Basyuni said the task force, dubbed the "antiterror team", will consists of ulema from mainstream Muslim organizations and Muslim academics.

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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.

Girl's bird flu death shows importance of early diagnosis

Girl's bird flu death shows importance of early diagnosis Zakki Hakim, Associated Press/Jakarta Sixteen-year-old Siti Maulida died of bird flu in a local hospital as an ambulance pulled up to take her to a government- designated medical center that treats cases of the virus. Had she survived the journey, she would have been given antiviral drugs on arrival that could have saved her life, according to a doctor from the center.

ASEAN, Aussie police back antiterror plan

ASEAN, Aussie police back antiterror plan Eva C. Komandjaja and Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surakarta Police forces of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Australian Federal Police agreed to share intelligence information and simplify bureaucratic procedures in a bid to enhance efforts in combating terrorism. At the conclusion of a two-day meeting here between top police officers of ASEAN countries and Australia, National Police chief Gen.

Bogor out to stop anthrax threat

Bogor out to stop anthrax threat Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Amid rising concerns over the spread of anthrax in the region, the Bogor Health and the Bogor Husbandry Agencies will increase monitoring by coordinating with community health centers (Puskesmas) and integrated health service posts (Posyandu), an official of the Bogor Health Agency told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Doubts linger over govt's oil production target

Doubts linger over govt's oil production target Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Analysts and industry players have expressed a wide range of views over the government's target of raising the country's oil production to 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2009, with some saying it would be challenging and others saying it would be downright impossible.

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.

Asia-Europe experts to meet in Jakarta

Asia-Europe experts to meet in Jakarta JAKARTA: Around 250 high-profile environmental experts from Asia and Europe will gather this week in Jakarta to discuss energy, conflict, natural resource management and other issues, the Indonesian biodiversity foundation, Kehati, said. Titled "1/3 of Our Planet: What Can Asia and Europe do for Sustainable Development?", the conference, which will be held from Nov. 23 to Nov.

Arema pip Persija to win Copa

Arema pip Persija to win Copa Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In a dramatic, tension-filled game marred by controversial refereeing, Arema Malang handed Persija Jakarta its second final loss of the year on Saturday to win the Copa Dji Sam Soe national soccer title.

Tangerang workers to see 15% increase in minimum wage

Tangerang workers to see 15% increase in minimum wage Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Tangerang's Regional Wage Council (DPD), a tripartite team in charge of assessing wages and conditions for workers in the area, has decided to increase the minimum wage there by 15 percent in 2006. "It means the workers will receive a Rp 106,500 increase from the current Rp 693,500 starting January next year," Apon Suryana, head of the regental Manpower Agency, who leads the team, said on Saturday.

ASEAN, Australia police to boost counter-terrorism cooperation

ASEAN, Australia police to boost counter-terrorism cooperation Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Police forces of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Australian Federal Police agreed to share intelligence information and simplify bureaucratic procedures in a bid to enhance efforts in combating terrorism. At the conclusion of a two-day meeting here between top police officers of ASEAN countries and Australia, National Police chief Gen.

PKB leader expresses wish for reconciliation

PKB leader expresses wish for reconciliation JAKARTA: National Awakening Party (PKB) leader Muhaimin Iskandar said on Saturday he was ready to reconcile with Alwi Shihab, whose legal efforts to overturn his dismissal as PKB leader earlier this year were put to an end by a Supreme Court ruling on Friday. Muhaimin said he had yet to receive a copy of the Supreme Court decision, but was certain it would not change anything because the PKB national congress that elected him in April was valid.

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.

~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.

APEC grapples for leadership role, but problems remain

APEC grapples for leadership role, but problems remain Elisia Yeo, Agence France-Presse/Busan, South Korea APEC has staked a claim for a global leadership role providing a counterweight to the European Union, but analysts warn its efforts are doomed to failure without radical reform.

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.

Betawi try to regain identity

Betawi try to regain identity Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The band played a melancholic stream of keroncong (Portuguese influenced Malay music) music and a Betawi leader began, shakily at first, to sing a few lines of the well-loved ballad Aryati. The audience laughed and applauded and the singer sang on more confidently.

Awarded whistle-blower faces graft probe

Awarded whistle-blower faces graft probe The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors will summon state auditor Khairiansyah Salman, who won the Integrity Award for 2005 recently, for questioning about his alleged role in a haj fund scam at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Attorney General's Office said on Sunday. Khairiansyah, a Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) auditor, is accused of receiving part of the embezzled funds collected from pilgrims.

Time for int'l meet on jihad

Time for int'l meet on 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. "They fail to understand that they have failed to conduct the highest form of jihad, which is to control their emotions," he said in an interview with ANTV on Tuesday.

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Page 9 1. Wage -- 3 x 18 Tangerang workers to see 15% increase in minimum wage 2. Betawi -- 1 x 30 Betawi try to regain identity 3. SMS -- 1 x 30 Cops unable to solve bomb hoaxes

JP/ /

JP/ / United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) executive director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid recently visited Indonesia to promote gender equality and equity, as well as reproductive health. Obaid, the first Saudi Arabian to chair the UN body, stressed the importance of religious leaders taking part in the effort to improve reproductive health in Muslim countries during a conversation with The Jakarta Post's Tb. Arie Rukmantara.

Bird flu could spell national disaster: PM Khai

Bird flu could spell national disaster: PM Khai Agence France-Presse, Hanoi Vietnam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has warned that bird flu could spell national "disaster" and said tardy health officials would be punished for failing to stem poultry outbreaks, the state press said on Sunday. "If we let a human pandemic occur, it would be a huge disaster for the nation," Khai was quoted as saying by the communist party newspaper Nhan Dan at a government meeting on avian influenza on Saturday.

Aceh's drum of peace hits freezing Oslo

Aceh's drum of peace hits freezing Oslo Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Oslo The temperature outside the Oslo Konserthus has hit below freezing point, but the 16 young women and men from Aceh, making their international debut, shake off the cold weather and any stage fright they may still have as they sing, beat the tambour, and dance around the stage in the Silat Aulia Dance.

Officials sent to religious school

Officials sent to religious school BOGOR: How to create good governance? According to Bogor mayor Diani Budiarto, the best way is by sending officials to an Islamic religious school. He said on Sunday that he had sent 60 of his subordinates in a bid to improve the performance of the administration.

'Most teachers are gravely underpaid'

'Most teachers are gravely underpaid' In recognition of their vital role in education, the government has designated Nov. 25 National Teacher's Day. The Jakarta Post interviewed some residents about what they think of the conditions for teachers in the capital. Asep Herdiansyah, 32, is a publications and information officer at the University of Indonesia's Center for Community and Cultural Research (PPKB) in Depok. He lives in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta.

Susilo discusses defense with Bush, Putin

Susilo discusses defense with Bush, Putin OR Susilo discusses defense issues with Bush, Putin Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post/Busan, South Korea President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has met U.S. President George Walker Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks on how to enhance Indonesia's defense capabilities and of ways to contain the bird flu outbreak.

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.

Myanmar nationals named suspects

Myanmar nationals named suspects M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Two Myanmar nationals and an Indonesian have been named suspects for hoarding diesel in a tanker ship, a top police officer in Ambon said on Saturday. The three were declared suspects after police investigators questioned witness, including other Layar Samudera ship crew and employees with state oil and gas company PT Pertamina.

Aviation students run away from seniors

Aviation students run away from seniors TANGERANG: Three freshmen at the Indonesian State Aviation School (STPI) at Flight Training Center (PLP) in Curug, Tangerang regency, ran away from the boarding school saying they could no longer stand being extorted by bullying seniors. The three majored in aviation engineering. They were reported to the police as missing on Friday. The school authorities said they were last seen on Wednesday evening.

Institute makes cultural points outside Aceh

Institute makes cultural points outside Aceh Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Oslo For months now, Hasballah M. Saad has warned Jakarta about the need to pay attention to cultural aspects when rebuilding Aceh after the untold destruction caused by the Dec. 26 tsunami.

UNAIDS director to visit RI

UNAIDS director to visit RI JAKARTA: Peter Piot, the executive director of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, or UNAIDS, is scheduled to visit Indonesia to help mark World's AIDS Day on Dec. 1. On his second visit to the country, Poit is slated to meet with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and several Cabinet members, as well as public figures and people living with AIDS.

Promoting reproductive health through religion

Promoting reproductive health through religion United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) executive director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid recently visited Indonesia to promote gender equality and equity, as well as reproductive health. Obaid, the first Saudi Arabian to chair the UN body, stressed the importance of religious leaders taking part in the effort to improve reproductive health in Muslim countries during a conversation with The Jakarta Post's Tb. Arie Rukmantara.

Wet season bad for war on bird flu

Wet season bad for war on bird flu Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As more people usually fall sick during the rainy season the opportunity could be there for avian influenza to mutate and become contagious among humans, a specialist says. Spokesman and head of avian influenza surveillance at Sulianti Saroso Hospital Ilham Patu explained that if people with human flu were infected with bird flu then the two viruses could mutate into an entirely new form.

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42 Promoting reproductive health through religion 2. ULEMA: 2 X 25 Ulema set to launch war against militant ideas 3. SBY: 1 X 30 Susilo talks defense with Bush, Putin 4. KOREA: 1 X 35 Korean giants seek investment in RI

Indonesia needs big bang reform to woo investment

Indonesia needs big bang reform to woo investment Vincent Lingga, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta No one says economic reform is easy. As World Bank country director for Indonesia Andrew Steer says, it requires a national political consensus and an effective coalition between the government and the business community. A broad-based reform is also not easy because it essentially amounts to taking away rents that have built up in the economic system.

Three arrested on drug charges

Three arrested on drug charges JAKARTA: West Jakarta Police arrested three people for consuming and trafficking narcotics during police raids on Friday and Saturday. West Jakarta Detectives Unit chief Sr. Comr. Aswin Sipayung said that during the raids, the police had also seized a number of ecstasy pills and a quantity of crystal methamphetamine. He said that the three were arrested at separate locations.

Aceh's drum of peace hits freezing Oslo

Aceh's drum of peace hits freezing Oslo Endy M. Bayuni The Jakarta Post/Oslo The temperature outside the Oslo Konserthus has hit below freezing point, but the 16 young women and men from Aceh, making their international debut, shake off the cold weather and any stage fright they may still have as they sing, beat the tambour, and dance around the stage in the Silat Aulia Dance.

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

1. Commentary -- 48 pts 7 cols 1 line (1x42) Indonesia needs big bang reform to woo investment 2. Oslo -- 48 pts 3cols 2lines (1x28) Institute makes cultural points outside Aceh 3. Tennis -- 36 pts 4cols 1line (1x30) Nalbandian upsets Federer in final --- 5. Photos and

The world through children's eyes

The world through children's eyes Endy M.Bayuni The Jakarta Post/Oslo It is said that children are people But people do not exist without a culture Children are people who belong to the future And they have the right to their own culture Their own art and history -- The International Museum of Children's Art Brackish water occupies the bottom half of the canvas. Floating are trees and tree trunks, cars of different colors and sizes, and debris.

Food tops franchise business

Food tops franchise business The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Forty-nine-year-old Kalista Darmadipuro likes to visit bubble drink stalls, which are highly popular with teenagers and can be found in most malls in Jakarta. While enjoying the beverages on offer, she questions the uniformed staff on how many customers the stall gets and how the business is developing. "I'm interested in obtaining a license to open one of these stalls.

Boeing wins $9.7 b order from Emirates

Boeing wins $9.7 b order from Emirates Agence France-Presse, Dubai Dubai flag carrier Emirates kicked off a major air show on Sunday with a US$9.7-billion order for Boeing's new long-haul 777 airliner, a major coup for the U.S. manufacturer in its battle with European rival Airbus. The order was announced on the opening day of the Dubai Air Show. "We are investing in more new aircraft to meet the escalating demand for Emirates services from our customers across the globe.

Prudent policy needed to boost fishing industry

Prudent policy needed to boost fishing industry Maswandi, Antara, Bengkulu The rise in fuel prices, which resulted in an increase in diesel fuel from Rp 4,300 (43 U.S. cents) to Rp 6,170 per liter, has had an adverse impact on fishermen, many of whom have stopped operating their boats.

Law on pre-paid phones needed

Law on pre-paid phones needed JAKARTA: A ministerial regulation that requires pre-paid mobile phone users to register has drawn praise, but a lawmaker deems it not enough. A member of the House of Representatives' defense commission, Effendi Simbolon, said the commission had suggested that the government draft a law on the matter to provide a stronger legal basis for mandatory registration.

Palu attackers targeted couple, say police chief

Palu attackers targeted couple, say police chief Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu Police investigating the shooting on Saturday of a Christian couple in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu have found evidence leading them to suspect the victims were targeted by the attackers. Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Oegroseno said on Sunday the couple had been followed since they left a house of worship where they had attended a sermon.

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.

Govt officials probed for graft

Govt officials probed for graft JAMBI: The Jambi Prosecutor's Office is investigating a Rp 5 billion (US$500,000) graft case allegedly involving senior officials at the Jambi Religious Affairs Office. The alleged graft involved the procurement of textbooks and other school materials with money from the 2004 provincial budget. Jambi Prosecutor's Office chief Hanafi Siregar said three officials had been named as suspects in the case.

NAM countries to start news agency

NAM countries to start news agency Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Ministers from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) of developing nations will meet on Monday to discuss a proposed news agency to counter what officials called "discriminatory and distorted" Western reporting. The possibility of setting up a Kuala Lumpur-based NAM News Network (NNN) to be run by Malaysia's national Bernama news agency will top the agenda for the two-day ministerial meeting of NAM information ministers.

Nobel prize laureate inspires students

Nobel prize laureate inspires students The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Douglas Dean Osheroff may not know all the answers, but the 1996 Nobel laureate in physics has certainly strived his best through the years to find the answers to all his queries. With the same patience that researchers display while working in their laboratories, Osheroff encouraged students of President University to ask questions. "I understand it is hard for you to ask questions ... I've been there too.

Will teacher's bill improve quality of education?

Will teacher's bill improve quality of education? Paul Suparno SJ, Yogyakarta The House of Representatives (DPR) and the government are now discussing a draft of the new teacher's law, signifying that it may well be legalized in the near future. Concerning this matter, several questions need to be addressed. Will the law improve teachers' quality and economic welfare? Will teachers of public and private schools be treated equally, without discrimination?

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.

Cops unable to solve bomb hoaxes

Cops unable to solve bomb hoaxes Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Employees working in the Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) Plaza on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Java rushed out of their office last Thursday, seconds after Dedi Junaedi received a call saying that a bomb was about to explode. Dedi, a BII customer service staff, said a woman called up at around 14:45 that a bomb had been placed in the building and would explode shortly.