Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 November 2005

81 articles found

BP, CNOOC Seek $1.3 Billion Loan for Tangguh LNG in Indonesia

BP, CNOOC Seek $1.3 Billion Loan for Tangguh LNG in Indonesia Denise Kee Bloomberg/Singapore BP Corp. North America Inc., a subsidiary of Europe's biggest oil company BP Plc, and CNOOC Ltd, China's largest offshore oil company, are seeking a US$1.3 billion loan to develop the Tangguh liquefied natural gas greenfield project in eastern Indonesia, a banker close to the deal said. BP and CNOOC will be guarantors for the loan and have appointed Societe Generale SA as their financial adviser.

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.

Jakarta, Papua leaders to talk again about W. Irian Jaya

Jakarta, Papua leaders to talk again about W. Irian Jaya Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Top security officials met with prominent Papuan leaders on Monday in Jayapura to discuss a controversial gubernatorial election scheduled to take place in West Irian Jaya province later this month. Emerging from the meeting, chief security minister Widodo A.S.

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.

1. PAPUA: 4 X 12

1. PAPUA: 4 X 12 Jakarta, Papua leaders to talk again about W. Irian Jaya 2. ASIA: 1 X 30 Bush has little to show for Asia trip 3. AIDS: 2 X 25 UN says China slow to fight AIDS, praises Thailand 4. SUSUL: 1 X 30 TO BE SENT LATER

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.

Overcrowded, historical Senen to get face-lift

Overcrowded, historical Senen to get face-lift Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Forty-five years since its last renovation, the area around Senen market, with its heavy traffic, street vendors and thugs, is scheduled to undergo a complete makeover into a modern, integrated commercial center. City market operator PD Pasar Jaya will begin the Rp 3 trillion project early next year.

Rising interest rates stall sales or apartments

Rising interest rates stall sales or apartments Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta High interest rates are putting the brakes on the sales of middle- to upper-class apartments, with investors turning to banking products for investment, a property research firm says.

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Papua problems: More pebbles in Jakarta's shoes? Aboeprijadi Santoso The Hague 2. bANDO -- Multiplying effect of disaster 1 X 30 Cooperation needed to overcome disasters Bantarto Bandoro Jakarta

Labor unions keen to extend, revamp minimum wage system

Labor unions keen to extend, revamp minimum wage system Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Labor unions say the government should scrap the current minimum wage system, which according to them does little to protect the vast majority of workers outside the formal sector.

BP, CNOOC seek $1.3b loan for Tangguh

BP, CNOOC seek $1.3b loan for Tangguh Denise Kee, Bloomberg/Singapore BP Corp. North America Inc., a subsidiary of Europe's biggest oil company BP Plc, and CNOOC Ltd, China's largest offshore oil company, are seeking a US$1.3 billion loan to develop the Tangguh liquefied natural gas greenfield project in eastern Indonesia, a banker close to the deal said. BP and CNOOC will be guarantors for the loan and have appointed Societe Generale SA as their financial adviser.

1. Poso ---- 4x11

1. Poso ---- 4x11 Poso attacks carried out by organized group: Sutanto 2. Dwifung --- 1x35 Susilo warned against 'corporatocracy' 3. Terror ---- 1x38 Police, family identify man killed along with Azahari 4. Flu ------- 3x13 RI awaits WHO test on latest bird flu victim

Stocks climb for 5th day; Danamon, Antam advance

Stocks climb for 5th day; Danamon, Antam advance Naila Firdausi, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesian stocks advanced for a fifth day, the longest winning stretch in six weeks. PT Bank Danamon and PT Astra International rose after the central bank said it will try to avoid "substantial" interest rate increases. PT International Nickel Indonesia and PT Aneka Tambang gained after nickel prices climbed to a one-month high. The Jakarta Composite Index added 7.47, or 0.7 percent, to 1062.46 at the 4 p.m.

Borneo orangutans face threat of extinction

Borneo orangutans face threat of extinction Bambang Bider, Contributor, Kalimantan Life becomes more meaningful when one becomes aware that everything in this universe is a whole entity, the parts of which are interrelated and interdependent. From the point of view of internal ecology, there is an intrinsic value in every creation. Whether one realizes it or not, destruction is always linked with ignorance and a rejection of the intrinsic value of the lives of others.

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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.

Bulog continues to import rice ignoring unhappy local farmers

Bulog continues to import rice ignoring unhappy local farmers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Logistics Agency, PT Bulog began importing rice from Vietnam despite some controversy over the Ministry of Trade's decision, made on Nov. 1, to temporarily lift the rice import ban, in order to avert a shortage and keep prices of the staple food affordable for the general public.

Teachers need higher welfare, professionalism

Teachers need higher welfare, professionalism Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While generally agreed that teaching is a noble profession, in this country it does not pay the bills. Despite this, Amir Syarifuddin never regrets his decision to become a teacher. After 27 years in the profession, the 49-year-old still enjoys nothing more than standing in front of his students at state elementary school No. 1 in Kebon Sirih and imparting knowledge.

RI awaits WHO test on suspected bird flu victim

RI awaits WHO test on suspected bird flu victim Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari said on Monday that authorities were waiting for confirmation from a Hong Kong laboratory after local tests showed that another local man died of Avian influenza. The 35-year-old man, whose identity was not disclosed, died at a private hospital in Jakarta, she said.

Post Office's losses

Post Office's losses From Republika I want to comment on the loss suffered by PT Pos Indonesia (the Post Office) as reported in Republika on Nov. 7. The Post Office's General Manager, Hana Suyana, predicted that by the end of this year (2005), the company would have suffered a loss of about Rp 100 billion. The fuel prices increases have made their operational costs to go up, while its income cannot match expenses.

1. GOVERNOR (4x12)

1. GOVERNOR (4x12) Councillors call for governor's suspension 2. 5BATIK (1x30) Craftsmen hit by higher fuel prices 3. 5CONDOM (2x20) Wary villagers in NTB to get condom ATMs 4. 5MALARIA (1x28) Three more people die of malaria

Asia Pacific to tackle environment problems

Asia Pacific to tackle environment problems Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java Environmentalists from Asia and the Pacific agreed on Monday to be collectively responsible for tackling forest fires, which have become a chronic environmental problem for Indonesia and its neighbors during the past decade.

Wari villagers in NTB to get condom ATM's

Wari villagers in NTB to get condom ATM's Antara, Mataram A senior government official said on Sunday his office was planning to install automatic condom dispensers soon in the vicinity of the PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara mining site in of Batu Hijau area on Sumbawa island. The condom dispensers are aimed at supporting the family planning program and preventing the spread sexually transmitted diseases.

Terrorists 'selling phone cards'

Terrorists 'selling phone cards' Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Terrorists in Indonesia are facing funding problems and are resorting to selling mobile phone vouchers to raise cash after money from Saudi Arabia was cut off last year, National Police chief Gen. Sutanto said on Monday.

The problem with visas in Indonesia

The problem with visas in Indonesia I read with great concern the letter Anthony Pace wrote in The Jakarta Post of Nov. 15, on the visa problem and his disillusionment on his intended retirement in Indonesia. I am an ex-World Bank staff and have in the past worked extensively with many bilateral and multilateral organizations and hence come regularly in contact with expatriates (consultants) working and living in Indonesia.

Laos, Vietnam kick off SEA Games with wins

Laos, Vietnam kick off SEA Games with wins The Jakarta Post Jakarta Laos caused an upset in the first competition of the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines, beating favored Myanmar on Sunday in Bacolod City. The biannual multisport event featuring 11 countries officially opens on Nov. 27 and lasts until Dec. 5, but several sports such as soccer and water polo have begun competition. The events are being held in five Philippine cities.

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.

Put your own tour package via cyberspace

Put your own tour package via cyberspace Duncan Graham, Contributor, Surabaya Fancy a break in Bali -- five days with some white-water rafting thrown in? The hotel deal looks OK, but riding rapids gives you the collywobbles. So how about a week in Malacca plus guided tours of the Strait settlement? The history bit appeals, but the hotel is too expensive and you have only two days.

Poso attacks carried out by organized group: Police

Poso attacks carried out by organized group: Police Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent terror attacks in Poso, Central Sulawesi, were committed by an "organized group" to trigger fresh sectarian conflict in the area, National Police chief Gen. Sutanto says.

Mahathir to talk on Thai south unrest

Mahathir to talk on Thai south unrest THAILAND: Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was expected in Thailand later on Monday for talks as an Islamic insurgency in Thailand's south has strained ties between the two countries. The private visit, which includes a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, comes amid near daily killings in the three Muslim-majority provinces bordering Malaysia.

Craftsmen hit by higher fuel prices

Craftsmen hit by higher fuel prices Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Higher production costs prompted by the government's decision to raise fuel prices on Oct. 1 have forced hundreds of handicraft producers in Yogyakarta to cut production by up to 40 percent. Hundreds of others have had to halt all production and lay off workers because of a fall in orders in the wake of the Bali bombings in October.

Telkom hires Morgan to buy back shares

Telkom hires Morgan to buy back shares JAKARTA: PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), the nation's biggest telephone company, hired Morgan Stanley and PT Danareksa Sekuritas as advisers to help buy back as much as Rp 3 trillion (US$297 million) of stock. "The company needs shareholder and regulatory approval to buy back the shares," Orias Petrus Moedak, a director at Danareksa, said in Jakarta on Monday. The company will use cash to fund the buyback, president Arwin Rasyid said on Sept. 30.

'Sound of Music' comes to Taman Mini via Pelita Harapan school

'Sound of Music' comes to Taman Mini via Pelita Harapan school Geoff Marriott Contributor/Jakarta Sekolah Pelita Harapan, one of Jakarta's premier private schools, will present the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, at Teater Tanah Airku, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah on Thursday, Nov. 24 through Saturday Nov. 26. Auditions for the show commenced in March, with many students competing for the coveted main parts.

Pertamina:'06 Crude Output To Hit 170,000 B/D

Pertamina:'06 Crude Output To Hit 170,000 B/D Deden Sudarajat Dow Jones/Jakarta Indonesia's crude oil output will likely rise to 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2006 from 140,000 bpd in 2005, a senior official of state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina said on Monday.

Fears over anthrax abound in Jambi

Fears over anthrax abound in Jambi JAMBI: Scores of water buffalo and cattle in Kasiro subdistrict have suddenly died over the past week, sparking concerns that an anthrax outbreak has hit the area. Achmad Surya, the chief of the Sarolangun regental Husbandry Office for Jambi, said his officers were investigating the rash of deaths. Blood samples had been taken from suspected cattle and the samples were being checked, with laboratory results expected to come out soon, said Achmad.

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.

Areas named in terror website guarded

Areas named in terror website guarded Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Security guards at Plaza Senayan in Central Jakarta were especially vigilant on Monday in checking cars entering the mall and searching the bags of visitors. "We do not want to take any risks. We have had orders since last week to be very careful in searching visitors. We heard that several locations along Jl. Gatot Subroto and Jl.

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.

UBM, Monash Malaysia offer double degree

UBM, Monash Malaysia offer double degree Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bunda Mulia University (UBM) in Ancol, North Jakarta, signed an agreement with Monash University of Malaysia on Saturday for a joint academic program for a double bachelor's degree in business and economics. The agreement was signed by Bunda Mulia Education Foundation chairwoman Rita Djoko Susanto and Monash Malaysia's pro-vice chancellor Merilyn J. Liddel.

Papua problems: More pebbles in Jakarta's shoes?

Papua problems: More pebbles in Jakarta's shoes? Aboeprijadi Santoso, The Hague A Dutch study on Papua, charged with political implications for Indonesia, has been greeted with rejoicing by many Papuans, and led to controversy in the Netherlands and growing concern about the prospects for Papua. Nov. 15, 2005, will go down in history as an important day for Papuans as Prof. P.J. Drooglever's long awaited study, Een Daad van Vrije Keuze (An Act of Free Choice), was finally launched in The Hague.

Fuels prices down 5%

Fuels prices down 5% Starting on Monday consumers are paying 5-6 percent lower prices for high-octane fuels of Pertamax, Pertamax Plus and Pertamax DEX. State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina spokesman Mochamad Harun said in a release distributed on Monday that the firm lowered prices for Pertamax and Pertamax Plus by Rp 300 (3 U.S. cents) per liter from Rp 5,700 and Rp 5,900 a liter respectively.

Economy slows down in Q3, for third quarter in a row

Economy slows down in Q3, for third quarter in a row Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's economy has continued growing at a slower rate, official figures from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) show, as high oil prices and rising interest rates dampened exports and investments, while consumption also stalled under a rising inflation.

The allocation of national frequencies and 3G development

The allocation of national frequencies and 3G development Nuzul Achjar, Jakarta The government's plan to relocate the frequencies currently controlled by TelkomFlexi and StarOne, namely 1900 MHz, which is commonly called the 3G (third generation) band, is similar to relocating a house from the land it was initially build on.

Sampoerna opens new plant in Sragen

Sampoerna opens new plant in Sragen The country's second largest cigarette maker PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna inaugurated the operation of PT Aroma Sukowati in Sragen, Central Java, as its 27th partner in producing kretek (hand-rolled clove cigarettes). Company President Director Martin G. King officiated the 9,625-square-meter factory by hand-rolling cigarettes during a ceremony on Saturday.

Police, family identify man killed with Azahari

Police, family identify man killed with Azahari The Jakarta Post, Ngawi/Surakarta/Jakarta Having a terrorist suspect as a child would be beyond any parent's nightmare. It would be like having Hannibal Lecter as a son. Kadi, 55, is still in a state of shock after finding out that his son, Agus Puryanto, 24, was killed along with Malaysian master bombmaker Azahari bin Husin in a police raid in Batu, Malang, East Java. National Police chief Gen.

1. Haj (1x36)

1. Haj (1x36) Sharia banks to take over haj funds 2. Wage (2x24) Labor unions keen to extend, revamp minimum wage system 3. Militant (1x30) Move against militant ideas hailed 4. Enviro (2x18) Asia Pacific to tackle environmental problems

UN says China slow to fight AIDS, praises Thailand

UN says China slow to fight AIDS, praises Thailand Agence France-Presse, New Delhi China and Myanmar are not doing enough to prevent the spread of AIDS, a UN report said on Monday, praising Thailand as the Asian success story for bringing about a decline in the number of new HIV cases. China had made slow progress in fulfilling a 2003 pledge to provide antiretroviral treatment to all who need it, warned the AIDS Epidemic Update 2005 released in the New Delhi ahead of World AIDS day on Dec. 1.

FIG chief calls alleged abuse in China a 'delicate issue'

FIG chief calls alleged abuse in China a 'delicate issue' Agnece France-Presse, Melbourne The head of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said Monday the alleged abuse of young Chinese gymnasts preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympics was a "very delicate issue".

Asian foreign policy

Asian foreign policy The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) in Pusan closed with an outcome that was hardly satisfying for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Although he met briefly for talks with South Korea President Roh Moo-hyun, Koizumi did not manage to arrange a one-on-one conference with Chinese President Hu Jintao. This is more evidence of the deepening chill in Sino-Japanese ties.

'Better conditions mean no side jobs'

'Better conditions mean no side jobs' After their role in building the nation has been given little attention for decades, the government has designated Nov. 25 as Teacher's Day. The Jakarta Post asked some people what they thought about the working conditions for teachers in the capital. Sanjaya, 45, is a manager of a research and development in a private company on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta.

Residents to get free medication

Residents to get free medication JEMBER, East Java: Beginning on Jan. 1, the Jember regency government will provide people with free medical services at 31 community health centers in the regency. The people will not be charged for the doctor visits or general medicine, said Jember Regent Djalal. "The government will only charge people who stay at the centers for medical treatment," said Djalal.

Three more die of malaria

Three more die of malaria Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni and Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Mataram/Batam Three more people in East Lombok regency have died of malaria since Friday, bringing the total number of deaths in the current outbreak to nine. Two of the three latest deaths occurred in the subdistricts of Sekarwangi and Ijobalit, while the other death was in neighboring Pijot subdistrict. The number of residents in the regency being treated for malaria rose from 266 to 380 over the weekend.

The government's business

The government's business he business of government is too important to be left to government alone. True. But neither should government be used as a vehicle for business to make profits. We welcome President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's plans to issue clearer guidelines that would avoid the abuse of government privileges for personal business interests. Nepotism is as improper and wrong as embezzlement and other acts of corruption.

Councillors call for governor's suspension

Councillors call for governor's suspension Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda The majority of factions in the East Kalimantan provincial council called on Monday for the suspension of Governor Suwarna AF for alleged graft. The council will file a motion requesting the suspension with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a councillor said after a plenary session here on Monday.

JP/Editorial

JP/Editorial Incentives for infrastructure President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in Busan, South Korea, for the APEC summit over the weekend, took the opportunity at the international forum to invite investors to Indonesia's second Infrastructure Summit -- scheduled for mid-February in Jakarta. This time, however, the government seems better prepared to make it a success.

Former rebels receive donation

Former rebels receive donation JAKARTA: Throughout Aceh, the local government has distributed the second livelihood package to 3,000 former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) combatants, the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) said. Each of the rebels received a package of Rp 1 million (approximately US$100) to assist their safe integration into society. The first package was handed over on Oct. 31 by acting Governor Azwar Abubakar, who transferred a total of Rp 3 billion to 15 locations in Aceh.

Cooperation needed to overcome disasters

Cooperation needed to overcome disasters Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta o one wishes for a disaster. But when disaster strikes, attempts should be made to extract as many positives as possible from the event. The global response to the Indian Ocean tsunami, for example, prompted the region and the world to consider its implications for regional and global relations. The idea that ASEAN should have its own regional center for humanitarian assistance (The Jakarta Post, Oct.

Susilo warned against 'corporatocracy'

Susilo warned against 'corporatocracy' Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tight regulations for government officials whose families run businesses will be not enough to keep them from abusing their powers, an expert says. It would be better for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to replace his Cabinet ministers who had direct links to business enterprises, the expert suggests.

Painting thief arrested

Painting thief arrested JAKARTA: Jakarta Police arrested one of three suspects behind the theft of a painting of renowned painter Basuki Abdullah valued at Rp 1 billion from the residence of businesswoman Dewi Motik Pramono on Jl. Surabaya No. 34 in Menteng, Central Jakarta. The suspect, Ujang Rianto, 48, used to work as a driver for Dewi. From him, police confiscated another stolen painting portraying Dewi in her younger years, four photographs and two cameras.

City draft budget still focuses on infrastructure

City draft budget still focuses on infrastructure Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans can expect to see plenty of construction in the city next year, particularly with a number of development projects stalled by the late disbursement of budgetary funds this year scheduled for completion. Governor Sutiyoso's administration completed on Monday the 2006 draft budget, which totals Rp 17.51 trillion (US$1.75 billion), or 24.95 percent higher than the 2005 budget.

House deliberates tax law revisions

House deliberates tax law revisions The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators began on Monday the deliberation on the much-debated tax law amendments, amid a difference of opinion between the finance ministry and the business community on how the drafts would affect the economy.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Nov. 21 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Nov. 21 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,777.22 7,038.72 7,447.79 7,367.93 Brunei dollar 1 6,235.29 5,645.40 5,971.18 5,909.44 Canadian dollar 1 8,910.56 8,066.55 8,533.12 8,443.83 Swiss franc 1 8,061.45 7,299.27 7,719.98 7,640.66 Danish krone 1 1,674.20 1,515.13 1,603.28 1,585.99 Euro 1 12,483.62 11,303.04 11,954.83 11,831.69 Poundsterling 1 18,195.

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.

China-NZ FTA talks unlikely to finish

China-NZ FTA talks unlikely to finish WELLINGTON: New Zealand's free trade talks with China are progressing but are unlikely to be completed this year as Beijing is wary about setting a precedent with the pact, Prime Minister Helen Clark said on Monday. "The key issue is that we are the first Western economy to enter negotiations with China. Therefore there's high stakes for China and high stakes for us," Clark said on national radio.

1. Yogyakarta craftsmen hit by higher fuel prices

1. Yogyakarta craftsmen hit by higher fuel prices Page 5 2. Sorenstam caps superb season with ADT triumph Page 9 3. Borneo orangutans face threat of extinction Page 18

[b]The allocation of

The allocation of national frequencies and 3G development Nuzul Achjar Jakarta 2. Star2 -- Worrying trend of intolerance and radical views 2 x 30 The worrying trend of intolerance, radicalism among Australian Moslems Jeffrey Francis The Star Asia News Network/Selangor, Malaysia

;AP;

;AP; ANPAf..r.. East-Asia-Investment East Asia must bolster investment climate, says World Bank JP/16/WB East Asia must bolster investment climate, says World Bank Associated Press Kuala Lumpur East Asian nations must speed up efforts to liberalize their trade and investment policies to woo foreign investment, a World Bank economist said on Monday.

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.

Cavalry called in, brawl erupts

Cavalry called in, brawl erupts AMBON, Maluku: Army soldiers and police officers were fought a pitched battle at dawn on Monday in Ambon city, leaving three civilians injured. The brawl broke out as a wedding reception was winding down into the wee hours in Nusaniwe district of the city. According to witnesses, the melee began after the groom, Lukman Nawi, a police officer, told an Army soldier to stop smoking while dancing in the crowded wedding area.

RI explores IT, defense cooperation with India

RI explores IT, defense cooperation with India Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Bangalore, India President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono touched down on Monday at Bangalore Airport to kick off a three-day visit to India, aiming to seek cooperation in defense and technology and emphasize closer diplomatic and economic ties. "The visit is mostly aimed at strengthening cooperation in the defense industry and technology sector.

Australia detains Indonesian asylum seekers

Australia detains Indonesian asylum seekers Rod McGuirk, Associated Press/Canberra Seven Indonesians who became the first asylum seekers to reach Australia by boat in more than two years have been sent to a detention camp on an island near Indonesia, a government official said on Monday. The four men, one woman and two infants who say they are from West Timor arrived in a small fishing boat on the remote northwest coast of Australia on Nov. 5 and asked locals for directions to the nearest city.

Sharia banks to take over haj funds

Sharia banks to take over haj funds Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Conventional banks may lose trillions of rupiah collected from pilgrims as the government has decided to use the sharia banking system in the fund management of Indonesia's haj pilgrimage starting from next year. Vice President Jusuf Kalla announced on Monday that Minister of Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni had been ordered to start using the sharia system.

Smoking on presidential flight

Smoking on presidential flight Reading the article about the air trip by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Busan, South Korea (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 18, Traditional Javanese snacks get presidential thumbs up), I was very surprised and amazed at the same time to read that smoking is allowed on board the Garuda plane used by the President.

Move against militant ideas hailed

Move against militant ideas hailed Dean Yates, Reuters/Jakarta A move by Indonesia's mainstream Muslim groups to form a team to counter militant ideas, work with the police and review radical publications is an important step but must be more than just rhetoric, analysts said on Monday. The special team was set up last week after the discovery of videos showing three suicide bombers using Islam to justify attacks on restaurants in Bali on Oct. 1 that killed 20 people.

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.

1. APBD -- 4 X 12

1. APBD -- 4 X 12 City draft budget still focuses on infrastructures 2. Mall -- 1 x 31 Areas named in terror website guarded 3. Teachers -- 2 x 24 Teachers need higher welfare, professionalism 4. UMB 2 x 18 UBM, Monash Malaysia offer double degree 5. Speak -- 2 x 20 'Better conditions mean no side jobs'

Controversy hits AFC award

Controversy hits AFC award Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung and other European-based soccer stars have been barred from the Asian Player of the Year award because they cannot travel to Malaysia to pick up the trophy. The Asian Football Confederation released its shortlist of three players for the award on Monday, but some of the hot tips to win were missing.

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.

For SPOTLIGHT -- Tuesday, 22 Nov. 2005

For SPOTLIGHT -- Tuesday, 22 Nov. 2005 COOPERATION DEAL: Private airline Adam Air signs a cooperation agreement on electronic payments with Bank Niaga. Seen in the photo are (from left to right) Bank Niaga's consumer product development group head, Juanita A. Luthan, bank vice president Rudy Budiman, the bank's executive vice president, Paul S. Hasjim, Adam Air's executive vice president, Dave F. Laksono, Adam Air president director Adam A.

Australian police have studied JI attack plans, official says

Australian police have studied JI attack plans, official says Agencies, Sydney Australian police have their best understanding ever of the Southeast Asian terror network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) after studying attack plans made by the militant Islamic organization, national police chief Mick Keelty said on Monday.

Rival PKB faction invalid, Alwi says

Rival PKB faction invalid, Alwi says JAKARTA: Chief welfare minister Alwi Shihab insisted on Monday that his faction of the split National Awakening Party (PKB) is the legitimate one, as it was supported by a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. The PKB has been split into two camps -- one led by Alwi and the other led by Deputy House of Representatives Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar. The leadership dispute was settled in the courts.

Police to clamp down on buses, bikers

Police to clamp down on buses, bikers JAKARTA: Jakarta Traffic Police launched on Monday a month- long operation, under the name Patuh Jaya, targeting undisciplined public bus drivers and motorcyclists. Chief of Jakarta Traffic Police Sr. Comr. Djoko Susilo said his division had deployed a full force of 1,750 traffic police in the operation.