Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 December 2005

93 articles found

AS/Foreigners Should Be Allowed to Purchase Property

I understand your point DQ, but i still dont think its fair.... i would estimate 50% of the apartments in my building (Millenium towers) are owned by Indonesians. Its just like little Jakarta here. EVERY girl on the reception desk is Indonesian. The building was being sold off the plans just after the Chinese Indonesian problems in 98, and HUNDREDS came here and bought an apartment. Usually their children live in the apprtment whist they study and get their PR.

AS/Foreigners Should Be Allowed to Purchase Property

Someone offered to sell me a bar on Blok M the other day (Top Gun). I thought about it for 1000 second, until I remembered that as a non citizen I have zero rights. I didnt buy, the bar closed last Friday and all of the staff are out of work. Interestingly a lot of Indonesians own property in Australia and do so with the full security of australian law. In fact the majority of the residential property in the Sydney CBD is owned by Asian investors. But I cannot buy land in most asian countries.

Govt fails to uphold right to environment: Walhi

Govt fails to uphold right to environment: Walhi Tb. Arie Rukmantara The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has urged the government to address environmental problems from a human rights point of view. Observing International Human Rights Day, which falls on Dec. 10, Walhi executive director Chalid Muhammad said on Friday the government had failed to protect people's right to a healthy environment, which was among the basic human rights.

PGN inks MOU with 10 firms

PGN inks MOU with 10 firms JAKARTA: State gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 10 companies in East Java to supply them with a total volume of 13,437 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd). The 10 firms are Master Steel, Asahimas, Metropole Megah, Iglas, Philips Indonesia, Walet Kencana Perkasa, Megamarine Pride, Indo Zinc Diecasting, Sasmita Abadi Gloves and Hp Metals Indonesia.

Rumors of formalin-preserved fish destroy Lampung dried fish business

Rumors of formalin-preserved fish destroy Lampung dried fish business Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Sumirah, 40, sits wearily while attending to her merchandise. The fish seller at the Gudang Lelang market, West Telukbetung, Bandarlampung, has had a lot of time on her hands in the past few days due to a lack of customers. Dried fish is a very popular food in Lampung and is consumed along with rice.

E. Asian economic regionalism becomes reality

E. Asian economic regionalism becomes reality Bunn Nagara, The Star, Asia News Network/Selangor, Malaysia The first summit of East Asian leaders is due on Dec. 14, capping many years of hard work. But this will only be a beginning, at a time when relations in North-East Asia are in disrepair and the summit includes Australia, New Zealand and India Finally, the vision of East Asian regionalism heaves into policy reality, as Malaysia hosts the first East Asia Summit in 10 days' time.

Indosat's Internet service

Indosat's Internet service Indosat seems to be catching up with Telkom in terms of greed and inefficiency. For the past four months I enthusiastically promoted Indosat to my friends and associates as a welcome alternative to the monopolistic technology repressing practices of Telkom, whose expensive, substandard Internet services have frustrated us for years.

Visiting Muslim figures robbed in Jakarta

Visiting Muslim figures robbed in Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When representatives of the Rabithah Alam Islami (World Islamic League) came to Indonesia to counter perceived negative images of Muslims, little did they realize they would be going home a lot lighter than when they arrived -- US$300,000 lighter, to be exact. Police on Friday were still investigating the theft, which occurred in the check-in area of the Hotel Borobudur in Central Jakarta.

1. 5DISABLE (4x12)

1. 5DISABLE (4x12) Govt makes token efforts for Samarinda's disabled or Samarinda's disabled resent being labeled as mendicants 2. 5FISH (2x32) Rumors of formalin-preserved fish destroy Lampung dried fish business 3. 5UANG (2x30) Old money offers high returns, Medan coin collector reveals 4. 5HAZE (2x12) Regions told to fight haze 5. Poisoning threatens tiger population

TV Program: Monday, December 12, 2005

TV Program: Monday, December 12, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Children Drama 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 9:30 Cultural Show 10:00 Talk Show 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:30 Quiz 2:00 Channel Dangdut 3:00 English News Service 3:30 Documentary 4:30 Documentary 5:30 Info.

Papuan workers left stranded, unpaid

Papuan workers left stranded, unpaid TANGERANG: As many as 163 workers of PT Prabu Alaska, a plywood producer in Tanjung Purkadi, East Pakpak district in Papua, who have been living for over a month in Karawaci and are now facing starvation as they have run out of money. "We are waiting for our former employer who still has our money," said Jerry, one of the workers, who claimed to represent a total of 1,400 workers of the company who were laid off in July.

On AIDS cases

On AIDS cases It is a pity that in his generally accurate article on AIDS in Indonesia, An uphill battle against AIDS in Indonesia ( The Jakarta Post, Dec. 3, page 7), Thang D. Nguyen perpetuates the myth that "... gays are one of the largest groups of AIDS victims [in Indonesia]".

National rugby team flies flag in international debut

National rugby team flies flag in international debut Geoffrey Atkinson, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia is set to be awarded full membership in the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) following a historic silver-medal performance in the exhibition games played in conjunction with the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Manila last weekend. It was the first time a full national team has represented Indonesia, and also the first full international to be played on Philippine soil.

1. Visit (1x30)

1. Visit (1x30) SBY to visit Malaysia, Thailand 2. Rights (2x28) Govt fails to uphold right to healthy environment: Walhi 3. DPR (2x20) Controversial fuel funds 'must be audited'

New solutions for drug offenses

New solutions for drug offenses Jacinta Hannaford, Melbourne Imagine your child is about to be executed and you were not given the chance to say a proper goodbye. Nguyen Van Tuong, 25, was executed by hanging on Dec. 2. His mother was not even allowed to hug him goodbye. All she could do was hold his hand and touch his face before the hanging in Singapore. More and more young people are getting busted for drug related crimes. Indonesia certainly has a fair share of such people.

50-seater planes will land on Thousand Islands

50-seater planes will land on Thousand Islands Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta To attract a larger number of tourists to the resorts on Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) regency, the city administration is repairing and developing an airstrip on Panjang isle, the construction of which will start next year.

On AIDS cases

On AIDS cases It is a pity that in his generally accurate article on AIDS in Indonesia, An uphill battle against AIDS in Indonesia ( The Jakarta Post, Dec. 3, page 7), Thang D. Nguyen perpetuates the myth that "... gays are one of the largest groups of AIDS victims [in Indonesia]".

Students pledge to leave sins of forbears' behind

Students pledge to leave sins of forbears' behind Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Many quarters believe that the most effective way to eradicate corruption in Indonesia would be to get rid of the older generation and start afresh with the new generation. And listening to how earnestly high school students from across Jakarta made a pledge on Friday to become a clean, transparent and professional generation, one can understand why they would think that.

90 school buildings damaged in Seram

90 school buildings damaged in Seram AMBON, Maluku: A Maluku councillor has revealed that most school buildings in East Seram regency are dilapidated due to lack of maintenance and the effects of natural disasters. "Some 90 percent of the 145 elementary schools and 14 junior high schools are badly run-down and the government needs to pay attention to this," said Ramly Mahulette from the Maluku provincial council, who had just returned from the area.

Please save their lives

Please save their lives Indonesian judges should not follow the tracks of the Singapore government, which hung Van Ngu Yen. The breath of life of somebody belongs to the Creator, regardless of their mistake or crimes. Van Ngu Yen reformed in the last three years of his life in Changi prison in Singapore, yet the Singapore government executed him, using the excuse that we must abide by the law of the country.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Dec. 9 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Dec.

New mall offers outdoor sports

New mall offers outdoor sports BOGOR: Developer PT Bellanova Country Mall is introducing a new concept of a mall, combining shopping with outdoor sports, in South Sentul outside of Bogor. Located near an exit of the Jagorawi toll road, the mall, which is slated to open early next year, will occupy an area of 4.6 hectares and will have outdoor sports facilities such as canoeing, horse riding, wall climbing and cycling.

Govt makes token efforts for disabled people

Govt makes token efforts for disabled people Rusman, The Jakarta Post/Samarinda With the aid of crutches under both arms, Sasmoyo, 31, has to proceed tediously to the Samarinda municipal office. He ascends the staircase step by step, perspiring profusely. "There's no other way in except this stairway. There's no special facilities for the disabled. You can see for yourself how hard it is to walk up a flight of stairs one step at a time. I feel like I am dying," he said.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 12, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 12, 2005 Exhibitions * Painting and lithograph by Ken Pattern at Galeri Hadiprana Jl Kemang Raya # 30 South Jakarta (Tel 7194715), Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec. 31 * Italian Fashion Exhibition by Studio Galgano, Fifty Years of Italian Fashion, at Gedung Arsip Nasional (the National Archive Building), Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta (Tel. 6347744) from Dec. 16 to Jan.

1. CORRUPT: 2 x 27

1. CORRUPT: 2 x 27 Students pledge to leave sins of forbears' behind 2. IMF: 2 X 20 IMF sees stronger fiscal, monetary coordination 3. PASTIKA: 2 X 21 Bali police chief Pastika to head narcotics agency 4. FLU: 1 X 32 Govt plans mass bird flu vaccinations 5.LABOR: 1 x 40 Freedom of association largely flouted: Union

Govt pays insufficient attention to human rights

Govt pays insufficient attention to human rights As the world community prepared to commemorate International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, human rights activist Todung Mulya Lubis shared on Thursday his observations on the advancement of human rights in the country over the past year with The Jakarta Post's Ridwan Max Sijabat. Question: How do you rate the promotion and protection of human rights under President Susilo's administration?

City takes breather on smoking ban plan due to lack of info

City takes breather on smoking ban plan due to lack of info Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Not yet ready to fully enforce the smoking ban in public places in February, the city administration has decided to postpone its implementation until June next year. The decision was made after a brief survey showed that the dissemination of information on the new bylaw on air pollution control since its endorsement last February had yet to reach the wider public, an official said on Friday.

Police chief demoted due to harassment

Police chief demoted due to harassment Eva C. Komandjaja and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta/Bandung Head of Bogor police Sr. Comr. Tjiptono was demoted from his position on Friday as a result of ongoing investigation into his alleged role in a sexual harassment case. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Soenarko told reporters on Friday that Tjiptono, who had been the police chief for only three months, would be replaced by current Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr.

ExxonMobil optimistic on Cepu deal

ExxonMobil optimistic on Cepu deal U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil Corp. is optimistic that a joint operating agreement (JOA) between the company and state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina over who will be in charge of managing the oil-rich Cepu block will be reached soon. "We are hopeful of resolving it and there has been progress made in the negotiations.

Headings

Headings 1. SMOKE -- 3x18 City takes breather on smoking ban plan due to lack of info 2. PLN -- 2x25 PLN wins power theft case against big companies 3. BUSWAY -- 2x28 New busway corridors to open before fully finished 4. ABANG -- 1x32 Tanah Abang traders eye Mozambique 5. SPEAK -- 1x40 'Law on facilities for the disabled needed'

Govt to recruit new civil servants

Govt to recruit new civil servants JAKARTA: The government has decided to appoint more than 650,000 contract workers as civil servants over the next three months, including some 236,000 teachers. The decision was taken on Friday during a limited coordination meeting at the vice presidential office, which was attended by Minister of National Education Bambang Sudibyo and State Minister of Administrative Reforms Taufik Effendy.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 10, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 10, 2005 The 6th Yogyakarta Art and Cultural Exhibition 2005 * Painting Exhibition displaying 100 works of Yogyakarta painters, at World Trade Center Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec. 11 * Batik Fashion Show and Art Exhibition at Sasono Langen Budoyo, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 11 * Tourism Exhibition, Mall Artha Gading, Sunter, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Dec.

New busway corridors to open before fully finished

New busway corridors to open before fully finished Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The city administration is planning to launch busway corridors II and III on Jan. 15 despite the fact that work along the routes is still under way and only a few buses are available to ply them. Corridor I stretches from Pulogadung in East Jakarta to Harmoni in Central Jakarta, while corridor II is from Harmoni to Kalideres in West Jakarta.

Merrill cuts Bumi earnings forecast

Merrill cuts Bumi earnings forecast JAKARTA: PT Bumi Resources, Indonesia's biggest coal exporter, had its earnings estimate cut by Merrill Lynch & Co. after the brokerage lowered its forecast for thermal coal used to generate electricity. Merrill cut its 2006 earnings forecast for Bumi by 21 percent to Rp 126.51 (1.3 U.S. cents) and its 2007 forecast by 20 percent to Rp 119.75, in an e-mailed report on Friday. It maintained its 2005 forecast of Rp 115.94.

Tanah Abang traders eye Mozambique

Tanah Abang traders eye Mozambique Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Traders at the country's largest textile market, Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta, have hammered out a textiles export deal worth US$20 million per year with the traders of Maputo in the Republic of Mozambique during their visit to the city recently.

Bollywood movie wins award at Bali Film Festival

Bollywood movie wins award at Bali Film Festival An Indian film, Chokker Bali (Sand in the Eyes), an adaptation from Rabindranath Tagore's novel of the same name, won the Sarasvati People's Choice Award at the 7th Bali International Film Festival late last month. The award is the latest recognition that has been given the film, a psychological investigation of relationships between the sexes in a wealthy family.

S. Korea signs trade accord with nine Southeast Asian nations

S. Korea signs trade accord with nine Southeast Asian nations Jae-Soon chang, Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur South Korea on Friday signed an accord on eliminating tariffs on goods with nine Southeast Asian nations, leaving out Thailand for now because of dispute over rice, but paving the way for a wider free trade pact with the region.

On fingerprints

On fingerprints The plan to fingerprint students at Islamic schools as part of the police strategy to fight terrorism will create new problems. The government should think carefully before making this decision. If such a step is taken, it should be applied to all citizens. YULIASTUTI Jakarta

Jakarta Theater

Jakarta Theater Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 9 Central Jakarta Tel. 3156725 TIM 21 Galeri Cipta 3 Graha Bhakti Budaya Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Central Jakarta Tel. 334720, 31937325 Teater Kecil Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Central Jakarta Tel. 31923603 Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto No. 117 Central Jakarta Tel. 3927531-32 Goethe Haus Jl. Sam Ratulangi No. 9-15 Central Jakarta (Tel. 23550208) Erasmus Huis Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta Tel.

Aeronautical R&D cooperation with RI possible: Mahathir

Aeronautical R&D cooperation with RI possible: Mahathir Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post/Langkawi, Malaysia With Indonesia currently experiencing a glut of aeronautical engineers, long-time partner Malaysia has offered cooperation in the research and development side of the industry. "We understand that the current economic situation in Indonesia does not allow it to further develop its own aviation industry," former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday.

Persija, Medan tie in Bang Yos Cup

Persija, Medan tie in Bang Yos Cup JAKARTA: Persija Jakarta was held to a 1-1 draw by PSMS Medan on Friday in its second match of the Rp 830 million Bang Yos Gold Cup at Lebak Bulus Stadium, South Jakarta. Persija, who thrashed Osotspa FC of Thailand 5-1 in its opening match on Tuesday, scored through a beautiful right foot volley from Ismed Sofyan 10 minutes into the second half.

Unilever wins Energy Global Awards

Unilever wins Energy Global Awards JAKARTA: PT Unilever Indonesia, the local arm of the global consumer products giant, has received an International Energy Global Award in the Water category in recognition of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

SBY to visit Malaysia, Thailand

SBY to visit Malaysia, Thailand The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is set to depart on a week-long overseas trip. The trip, starting Sunday, will take the President to Malaysia and Thailand. In Malaysia, the President's main agenda is to attend the 11th ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit, which brings together for the first time leaders from the 10 ASEAN countries, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and India.

GAM told to hand over 142 weapons

GAM told to hand over 142 weapons BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Before Dec. 26, Free Aceh Movement should have handed over 142 weapons to the Aceh Monitoring Mission as required under the Helsinki peace deal between the Indonesian government and GAM, a monitoring official said on Friday. According to figures from the AMM, GAM has so far handed over 856 weapons of various types, said Kirsten Mogensen, spokeswoman for the AMM. The fourth round of GAM disarmament would be held between Dec. 14 and Dec.

Terrorists seeking new targets: S'pore

Terrorists seeking new targets: S'pore SINGAPORE: Southeast Asian terrorist groups are seeking new targets and remain a serious threat to the region, Singapore's Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said on Friday. "Indeed, notwithstanding our successes, we have clearly seen a certain resilience in the terror networks in the region to regenerate itself with new recruits," Wong said at the launching ceremony of a new frigate for the Singapore navy.

Jakartans wish to have museums as weekend getaway

Jakartans wish to have museums as weekend getaway Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta It would be nice if there were a few good museums in Jakarta, so parents could take their children on the weekend and show them that Disneyland is not the height of civilization and Lycra is not the end all and be all in the realm of clothing. When it comes to visiting the few museums Jakarta does have, there are plenty of problems.

Govt send aid to Papua as famine kills 55

Govt send aid to Papua as famine kills 55 The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Jakarta Stunned by reports of famine in a remote Papua district that has left 55 people dead, the government dispatched a military cargo plane on Friday night to carry food aid to the stricken area. The effort came amid criticism from Papuan leaders that the central and regional governments had neglected their own people, leading to the disaster.

Smoking ban up in the air

Smoking ban up in the air OR Smoking ban implementation up in smoke Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Not yet ready to fully enforce the smoking ban in public places in February, the city administration has decided to postpone its implementation until June next year.

BP expects to seal $3.5b in loans for Tangguh plant next year

BP expects to seal $3.5b in loans for Tangguh plant next year Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A BP Plc.-led consortium is expecting to secure by next year US$3.5 billion in loans from international lenders for the completion of its Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Papua, a company official says. "We are currently working intensively with lenders on the loan," BP's executive vice president for the Tangguh development, Budiman Parhusip, said on Friday.

Teachers return to school

Teachers return to school MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Councillors with West Nusa Tenggara provincial council expressed relief after thousands of teachers in East Lombok resumed teaching on Wednesday. The teachers had gone on strike since last week, protesting against compulsory deductions from their salary for charitable purposes.

Malaysia sentences Indonesian to death

Malaysia sentences Indonesian to death MALAYSIA: A Malaysian court on Friday sentenced an Indonesian to death by hanging for trafficking in methamphetamines. Agus Agil, a 45-year-old carpenter, was charged with trafficking 298.3 grams of the drug at an airport in central Selangor state in 1998, the national Bernama news agency reported. High Court judge Abu Samah Nordin declared him guilty on Friday.

Southeast Asia presses Myanmar on reforms

Southeast Asia presses Myanmar on reforms Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian foreign ministers turned up the pressure on Myanmar on Friday, expressing frustration over the military junta's unmet promises on rights and democracy that have embarrassed regional leaders. At a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), host Malaysia said Myanmar had been given a clear message that it had to start backing up its words with actions. "They talk about democracy.

Getting acquainted with Surabaya through photography

Getting acquainted with Surabaya through photography Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Australia's Duncan Graham, a veteran journalist and a frequent contributor to The Jakarta Post, held a solo photo exhibition called "Voyeur ou Reporter?" (Seer or Observer?) at Centre Culturel et de Cooperation Linguistique (CCCL) in Surabaya on Dec. 1. "These photos are the most fantastic and most natural that I have taken with my camera.

Govt fails to uphold right to healthy environment: Walhi

Govt fails to uphold right to healthy environment: Walhi Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has urged the government to address environmental problems from a human rights point of view. Observing International Human Rights Day, which falls on Dec. 10, Walhi executive director Chalid Muhammad said on Friday the government had failed to protect people's right to a healthy environment, which was among the basic human rights.

[b]

Overcoming the fear: PKS and democratization Zulkieflimansyah Jakarta 2. Najib -- Abu Jundal and genealogy of Islamic radicalism 2 x 21 Abu Jundal and genealogy of Islamic radicalism Ahmad Najib Burhani Jakarta 3. Pro -- The development round that wasn't 2 x 30 Poorest countries see no development in Doha trade talks Poorest countries lose out in Doha round of trade talks Joseph E. Stiglitz Project Syndicate

NGO condemns low minimum wage

NGO condemns low minimum wage CIREBON, West Java: An NGO activist lashed out on Friday at new minimum wage set up by the local administration, saying that it was well below workers' expectations. "The government is ignoring the rights of workers to enjoy decent lives," said Yoyon Suharyono, an activist with the Worker and Environment Foundation (YBLH).

ADB supports financial management of local govts

ADB supports financial management of local govts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Indonesian government signed on Friday a loan agreement worth US$330 million to improve the financial management of local administrations in the country.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 Overcoming the fear: PKS and the democratization process in Indonesia Zulkieflimansyah Jakarta The argument that one must be cautious of Islamist parties, particularly those operating in a democratic setting, is not new. Rather ironically, such fears have also been used to legitimize the shift toward a more hard-line, authoritarian position. Witness what happened in Algeria when it became likely the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) would win elections there.

Poso killers get executed at X-mas

Poso killers get executed at X-mas PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Central Sulawesi Police is gearing up for the execution of three convicts around Christmas time for their roles in dozens of murders in Poso. The police chief, Brig. Gen. Oegroseno, said on Friday he had received a letter of request from the provincial prosecutor's office asking for a firing squad who would execute Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da Silva and Marinus Riwu, whose appeal for clemency has been denied by the President.

On bird flu

On bird flu Indonesia has a major opportunity in the face of the bird flu scare to do something about the enormous trade here in wild birds. While it seems extremely unlikely that bird markets such as Barito and Pramuka in Jakarta might be immediately closed down, there are immediate initiatives that the government could take. These include an education campaign to demonstrate to the public that wild birds pose no serious threat of transmitting H5N1 to humans.

Poisoning threatens tiger population

Poisoning threatens tiger population Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post/Padang Villagers poisoning Sumatran tigers in West Sumatra need to be stopped before the problem escalates, a non-governmental organization activist says. Since 1982, at least 10 tigers have died after being poisoned by villagers who feared they would become their next victims. Worse, due to their loss of habitat and prey, more tigers are at risk of poisoning as they venture into residential areas in search of food.

[b]

Integrity pact for defense procurements Andi Widjajanto Jakarta 2. Yale -- Russian civil society will find it harder to breath 1 x 30 The Russian muzzling of civil society Liliana N. Proskuryakova YaleGlobal, 8 December 2005

Govt plans to fingerprint all citizens

Govt plans to fingerprint all citizens Eva C. Komandjaja and Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta/Malang In an effort to fight terrorism and other crimes, the government would fingerprint all citizens instead of only students of Islamic boarding schools, police here said on Friday. National Police chief Gen.

Thirty-year wait for justice for Timor Leste

Thirty-year wait for justice for Timor Leste Adirito de Jesus Soares, Dili This week marks the 30th anniversary of the Indonesian invasion of East Timor, with the people of East Timor organizing different activities to commemorate this historic moment. There was a public debate on justice for victims, a long march in the capital, the launching of a documentary film and the laying of wreaths and flowers around Dili harbor, where many innocent people were killed during the invasion.

Abu Jundal and genealogy of Islamic radicalism

Abu Jundal and genealogy of Islamic radicalism Ahmad Najib Burhani Jakarta The story of Abu Jundal and Abu Baasir is often used by terrorists as religious justification for their crimes. Some friends of the recent suicide bombers in Bali, for instance, said their actions were inspired by Abu Jundal. A loyal aide to Osama bin Laden has also taken the name Abu Jundal.

Business giants raise concerns over rupiah

Business giants raise concerns over rupiah Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The volatile rupiah exchange rate against the greenback remains a great concern for foreign investors operating in Indonesia, as any uncertainty in the economy could cause unnecessary downturns in their businesses.

Govt plans mass bird flu vaccinations

Govt plans mass bird flu vaccinations Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government plans to vaccinate some 47 million people who have any connection with poultry in an attempt to prevent the possible mutation of the virus that causes Avian Influenza, however it is short of funds to carry out the program.

A free Shuttle bus service is available daily during the festival

A free Shuttle bus service is available daily during the festival period, from 10 to 18 December 2005. Operational hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be one minibus on standby in the parking lot of Jakarta Theater and one minibus on standby in the parking lot of Taman Ismail Marzuki (look for "JiFFest Shuttle Service" signage in the parking lot). The bus will leave every half-hour from each venue. (Example: 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., etc.)

Police to probe graft, terror link

Police to probe graft, terror link JAKARTA: The National Police said on Friday that they would investigate the caretaker regent of Poso in Central Sulawesi and four of his alleged accomplices over corruption and terror attacks. The investigation would seek information on whether there was a link between corruption and the bomb attacks on the offices of local non-governmental organizations campaigning against graft in Poso, explained National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen.

Old money offers high returns, Medan coin collector reveals

Old money offers high returns, Medan coin collector reveals Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Medan Anthony Juanda, a coin collector, carries an old 17th century coin from the Kutai kingdom into a Medan exhibition hall. At first only a few people show any interest, but soon a crowd forms around him. The coin arouses attention as it is very small and covered in Arabic characters. It is also unique in that it has no stated nominal value.

For Spotlight ---

For Spotlight --- COLLEGIATE SPORTS: Six leading universities in Indonesia have formed the Association of Collegiate Sports in Indonesia (ACSI). The declaration of ACSI members was officially announced in Tangerang on Dec. 7, 2005, with members being: Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) as the initiator, Universitas Indonesia (UI), Universitas Parahyangan, Universitas Kristen Petra, Universitas Surabaya, and Universitas Udayana.

JP/19/NELDEN

JP/19/NELDEN Danusiri's 'Lukas' Moment' has homeland premiere Nelden Djakababa Contributor/Jakarta Not too many of us are aware that this year, a 60-minute documentary film by an Indonesian has been screened at six film festivals in Europe. Festivals in Amsterdam, Stockholm, Berlin, Finland and Norway have all included Lukas' Moment: A Journey Between Hope and Desperation (2005) on their official selection list.

New mall offers

New mall offers outdoor sports BOGOR: Developer PT Bellanova Country Mall is introducing a new concept of a mall, combining shopping with outdoor sports, in Sentul Selatan, Bogor. Located near the Sentul Selatan exit of the Jagorawi toll road, the mall, which is slated to open early next year, will occupy an area of 4.6 hectares and will have outdoor sports facilities such as canoeing, horse riding, wall climbing and cycling.

Hotel Borobudur

Hotel Borobudur AUSTRALIAN VIP GUEST: Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is greeted by the resident manager of Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, I Wayan Astawa, on his arrival at the hotel. The foreign minister was a keynote speaker in the 5th General Conference: Addressing Emerging Security in the Asia Pacific on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. held in the Flores Room, Hotel Borobudur Jakarta.

Freedom of association largely flouted: Union

Freedom of association largely flouted: Union Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Freedom of association is not being upheld in many workplaces here in spite of the seven-year reform movement, a labor union has reported ahead of International Human Rights Day.

'Law on facilities for the disabled needed'

'Law on facilities for the disabled needed' While Indonesia commemorates the International Day of Disabled Persons every Dec. 3, many observers said that the country has not upheld the law that stipulates the provision of facilities for the disabled. The Jakarta Post interviewed two urban activists on what the Jakarta administration ought to do. S.K Butar Butar, 30, is an activist of a non-governmental organization that deals with budgetary transparency. He lives on Jl.

Pastika to head narcotics agency

Pastika to head narcotics agency The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika will soon take over the top job at the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), which has been held by Gen. Sutanto despite his appointment as National Police chief in July. Pastika, who Time magazine named the Asian newsmaker of the year for his role in uncovering the culprits responsible for the Bali bombings in 2002, refused to confirm the report.

1. Famine -- 4x12

1. Famine -- 4x12 Govt sends aid to Papua as famine kills 55 2. Palace -- 2x25 Business giants raise concerns over the rupiah 3. Theft --- 1x35 Visiting Muslim figures robbed in Jakarta 4. Bogor --- 3x15 Police chief demoted due to harassment

Governors ordered to take drastic steps to end haze

Governors ordered to take drastic steps to end haze The Associated Press, Jakarta Indonesia's president ordered regional governors on Friday to take immediate action to prevent forest fires, which in recent years have sent a noxious haze over parts of neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. "We should not 'export' this haze anymore," Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told an audience of governors.

checked -- JSR

checked -- JSR Ireng and friends to make tribute to two jazz maestros Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jazz guitarist Ireng Maulana and seasoned fellow musicians such as Ermy Kullit and Margie Segers will stage a concert titled An evening of Jazz on Dec. 15 at Balai Sarbini, Central Jakarta, under the banner Ireng Maulana & Friends. "The concert is a tribute to late jazz pianist Hendra Wijaya and bass player Perry Pattiselano," Ireng told The Jakarta Post.

People's lot

People's lot From Kompas The country has witnessed several regime changes over the last decade, but the people's lot remains the same. Since the establishment of the Old Order, replaced by the New Order before the Reform Order took over, there has not been a meaningful change in the condition of the people. They continue to be victims of official promises that are never realized.

Biennale Jogja expresses concern over the city's heritage

Biennale Jogja expresses concern over the city's heritage Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Biennale Jogja 2005, Yogyakarta's biggest visual art event, kicked off last week with a focus on the preservation of the city's heritage sites, which are disappearing at an alarming rate and a call to preserve them for the benefit of the people and future generations.

Susilo defends rice import policy

Susilo defends rice import policy President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono defended on Friday the government's rice import policy, appealing to the public to understand that it was a move to prevent supply shortages. "Please understand that the importation of rice will not be distributed on the market under normal conditions. It is so that we'll be prepared for any shortage or natural disaster which could disrupt the supplies, and for poor people," said Susilo in a ceremony.

Controversial fuel funds audited 'must be audited'

Controversial fuel funds audited 'must be audited' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House of Representatives speaker Agung Laksono demanded an audit into funds "illegally" collected by the government from people, who purchased subsidized kerosene.

Sutanto shakes up police force

Sutanto shakes up police force JAKARTA: National Police operations division chief Insp. Gen. Didi Widiyadi was appointed on Friday as the new head of the force's general supervision division, replacing Comr. Gen. Binarto. Binarto had resigned from his post last month after being required to face a police disciplinary hearing over alleged involvement in fuel smuggling in Surabaya, East Java. Didi, meanwhile, will be replaced by Insp. Gen.

Danusiri's 'Lukas' Moment' has homeland premiere

Danusiri's 'Lukas' Moment' has homeland premiere Nelden Djakababa, Contributor/Jakarta Not too many of us are aware that this year, a 60-minute documentary film by an Indonesian has been screened at six film festivals in Europe. Festivals in Amsterdam, Stockholm, Berlin, Finland and Norway have all included Lukas' Moment: A Journey Between Hope and Desperation (2005) on their official selection list.

Integrity pact for defense procurement system

Integrity pact for defense procurement system Andi Widjajanto Jakarta The international arms market is the main source for Indonesia's acquisition of defense systems. This arms transfer is mostly funded by export credit facilities. The existence of export credit allocations for the procurement of armaments systems requires a political regulation, especially to guarantee that export credit allocations are regarded as a transitional funding mechanism.

A day to reflect on state of Human Rights in Indonesia

A day to reflect on state of Human Rights in Indonesia Benny YP Siahaan, Jakarta Today we celebrate Human Rights Day, a clearly important day for the human race. Ironically, in the case of Indonesia, many of us do not know that Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day, with the exception of those who are involved in or have a keen interest in human rights issues. Hence, it could be one of the signs that there is much more to do in the field of promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

Stock index rises to 17-week high

Stock index rises to 17-week high Soraya Permatasari, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia's key stock index rose to its highest in 17 weeks for a third day. PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) jumped to a record after Merrill Lynch & Co. raised its earnings forecasts for the miner on higher gold price estimates. PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) and PT Indofood Sukses Makmur advanced after the rupiah climbed to a five-month high, raising optimism import costs of companies will drop.

IMF sees stronger fiscal, monetary coordination

IMF sees stronger fiscal, monetary coordination The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) foresees stronger coordination between the fiscal and monetary authorities in navigating Indonesia's economy through the high inflationary and high-interest rate environment.

Acehnese told not to pursue partition

Acehnese told not to pursue partition Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The demands for Aceh's partition should not be a priority for immediate discussion so as to avoid shifting the focus of attention from the reconstruction work in the tsunami-ravaged province, lawmakers have said. They told those people in Aceh clamoring for the province to be split into three provinces to instead give their full support to the efforts of the Aceh and Nias Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR).

PLN wins power theft case against big companies

PLN wins power theft case against big companies Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State power firm PLN has won its legal battle over energy theft by five companies, which must pay charges totaling Rp 2.2 billion, depending on the amount of power stolen. "The courts have handed down verdicts to the companies that were proven guilty of meter tampering," said the general manager of PLN Jakarta and Tangerang, Fahmi Moctar.

Jakarta hosts Yogyakarta cultural fair at WTC

Jakarta hosts Yogyakarta cultural fair at WTC Yogyakarta is said to be the heart and soul of Javanese culture. But, like man, no city is an island. Consequently, Yogyakarta has to deal with the impact of modernization and urbanization. Thus, inhabitants and visitors alike often express disappointment over how little of Yogyakarta's legendary heritage nowadays can be explored.