Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 December 2005

78 articles found

Barnathan /Steps Toward Stability in Indonesia

Steps Toward Stability in Indonesia By Joyce Barnathan Wed Dec 14, 8:13 AM ETIt has been a tough road for Indonesia. Since the Asian financial crisis led to the toppling of its long-time corrupt strongman Suharto in 1998, the world's fourth-largest country has faced one major test after another.

AS/Foreigners Should Be Allowed to Purchase Property

Take a look at this site: http://www.kompas.com/metro/news/0512/09/094005.htm See the adds for appartments in Melbourne? These are appartments that will be denied to Austalai couples if they are purchased by Indonesians.

Governor promises rice supply safe

Governor promises rice supply safe JAKARTA: The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) may not increase national rice stocks, but the people of Jakarta have no reason to worry about rice shortages, Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday."In its history, Jakarta has never been short of rice.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 16, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 16, 2005Exhibitions* Painting by Riduan Thompkins at Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan no. 17, Central Jakarta (Tel. 5483008), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Dec. 18 * Photo Zimbabwe - Permata Afrika by Deniek G.

Vital statistics count

Vital statistics count As Indonesia enters the year 2006 everybody knows that its total population is about 230 million, as per the census held before the 2004 presidential election. However, personally I am more interested in its vital statistics, just as I asked my wife fifty years ago before we...

Germany to give another $90m to RI

Germany to give another $90m to RIJAKARTA: Germany will provide an additional 76 million euros (US$90 million) to those in Indonesia -- the most affected by last year's earthquake and deadly tidal waves -- to further deepen and strengthen its long-standing development cooperation, the German...

Is slumbering ICMI about to awaken?

Is slumbering ICMI about to awaken?Imam Cahyono, Jakarta It comes as a surprise that the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) has kept a low profile over the last few years.But the fourth national congress of the association held in Makassar, South Sulawesi, last week sparked...

Headings

Headingspage 81. NATAL -- 2x18 Muslim groups to guard churches over Xmas 2. KPUD -- 2x24 KPU Jakarta chairman's corruption trial begins 3. SPEAK -- 1x27 'Alcohol ban won't be enforced'

Creating an East Asian Community

Creating an East Asian CommunityV.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia It is only fitting that Russia should be elevated from a dialogue to a full partner of ASEAN, since Moscow has been a participant for the past nine years.

Nurdin Halid escapes jail, again

Nurdin Halid escapes jail, againThe Jakarta Post, JakartaNurdin Halid, a businessman and a well-known Golkar Party politician, escaped imprisonment for a second time after a court here on Thursday exonerated him of all corruption charges.

Punjabi's Putra Jethmal to offer grants to RI filmmakers

Punjabi's Putra Jethmal to offer grants to RI filmmakersLisabona Rahman, Contributor, JakartaRaam Punjabi is a controversial persona in the Indonesian television and film industry.With his company Multivision Production he is one of the biggest players in the industry.

Cement factories told to go green

Cement factories told to go green BOGOR: Cement producers PT Semen Cibinong and PT Indocement Tbk were ordered to undergo environmental audits and to construct green areas in a bid to minimize the adverse impacts of pollution resulting from their operations.

KPK aims to charge other KPU members of elections body

KPK aims to charge other KPU members of elections bodyRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWith General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin and several of his colleagues convicted on corruption charges, only three more commission members are awaiting trial on similar...

All sides protest Batam minimum wage

All sides protest Batam minimum wageFadli, The Jakarta Post, BatamAfter making workers wait some time for his final decision, Riau Islands Governor Ismeth Abdullah officially raised the minimum wage to Rp 815,000 (US$81.50) per month from the previous Rp 635,000.

4th grader commits suicide in Yogyakarta

4th grader commits suicide in YogyakartaSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, GunungkidulA 10-year-old fourth grader has hanged herself with a belt in her house in Logandeng village, Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta in what is believed to be the latest case of child suicide in the country.

Death sentence sought for Maluku terrorist

Death sentence sought for Maluku terroristM. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, AmbonProsecutors told a court on Thursday a suspect in two separate attacks in Maluku province that left nine people dead, including five police officers, should die for his actions.

Infrastructure projects to boost cement demand

Infrastructure projects to boost cement demandRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaDespite a predicted fall in consumer purchasing power as a result of higher interest rates, cement demand is expected to remain high in 2006 with a boost from government and private sector spending on...

GE opens sales academy

GE opens sales academy JAKARTA: Financing firm GE Finance Indonesia on Thursday opened its Consumer Finance Sales Academy to meet its need for qualified salespersons."By having professional and reliable salespersons, we hope we can provide better service to our customers," CEO Harry Sasongko said...

PSMS, Persik into Bang Yos Cup final

PSMS, Persik into Bang Yos Cup final JAKARTA: Host Persija Jakarta's bid to make the final of the Rp 830 million Bang Yos Gold Cup was quashed in a 1-2 loss to PSIS Semarang in the last round-robin matches on Thursday.

ASEAN push won't secure Suu Kyi release: UN

ASEAN push won't secure Suu Kyi release: UNAgence France-Presse, Kuala LumpurSoutheast Asia's new campaign for the Myanmar junta to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is unlikely to be successful any time soon, United Nations envoy Razali Ismail said on Thursday.

ADS

ADSWith better services, high grade fuels, Pertamina ready to face competition A new dawn is coming for the downstream oil sector in Indonesia. An era of competition, where national and multinational companies race to bring the best services and prices for motorists, households, and industries...

.TB.20" 1.50" 2.10" 3.50"

.TB.20" 1.50" 2.10" 3.50" Saturday, Dec. 17 Theater Time Title Djakarta Theater 1 4:30 p.m. Taegukgi 7 p.m. Thumbsucker 9:30 p.m. Brothers Djakarta Theater 2 4:15 p.m. Vital 6:45 p.m. Hukkle 9:15 p.m. Tarnation Djakarta Theater 3 4:45 p.m. Far Side of the Moon 7:15 p.m. 5x2 9:45 p.m.

Hotels to submit guests' identities to police

Hotels to submit guests' identities to policeAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaSeveral hotels here welcomed on Thursday the order to submit the identities of their guests to police intelligence officers, saying that the security of guests and employees was the top priority.

Digital music store set to create waves

Digital music store set to create wavesM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Move over iTunes Music Store! a new independent online music store has began its operation by offering new songs from local performers, including some of the more obscure acts from the country's remotest regions.

PRSI buoyed by up-and-coming swimmer's SEAG performance

PRSI buoyed by up-and-coming swimmer's SEAG performanceMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although most of its young swimmers failed to land gold, the Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI) believes their performance at the 2005 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games bodes well for future top...

Road closures for Kemang Festival

Road closures for Kemang Festival JAKARTA: The annual Kemang Festival starts on Friday with a variety of attractions to mark the approach of year's end in the capital.To facilitate the three-day festival, the city administration is closing Jl. Kemang Raya, South Jakarta, from 10 p.m.

TNI to build 12 more outposts

TNI to build 12 more outpostsBANDUNG, West Java: The Army is planning to build 12 more outposts in areas bordering with Malaysia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea. The outpost establishment next year is aimed at strengthening security on the borders with the three countries in Kalimantan, East Nusa...

Shooting in Palu, no injuries reported

Shooting in Palu, no injuries reportedRuslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, PaluThere was a shooting on Thursday morning in Palu, the provincial capital of Central Sulawesi, but no one was hurt in the incident.The shooting sent panicked residents hurrying home or into nearby buildings for refuge.

Hotel footage shows thief grabbing money

Hotel footage shows thief grabbing moneyAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe police arrested one member of a gang who stole US$300,000 from representatives of the Rabithah Alam Islami (World Islamic League) during their stay at the Borobudur Hotel, Central Jakarta, last week.

Presidential poll still valid: VP

Presidential poll still valid: VP JAKARTA: Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Thursday that the 2004 presidential election remained legitimate despite the conviction of a number of General Elections Commission (KPU) members on corruption charges.

Ring road safety questioned

Ring road safety questionedFrom KompasAs a user of the Serpong-Kampung Rambutan Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR), I feel concerned about the presence of lots of dead animals on the road along the Serpong-Pondok Ranji section of the turnpike.

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

Stock index ends down, has biggest loss in 8 weeks

Stock index ends down, has biggest loss in 8 weeksNaila Firdausi, Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesia's key stock index had its biggest drop in eight weeks after Bank Indonesia said the country's economic growth would slow in the fourth quarter. PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia and PT Gudang Garam led declines.

Garin's new film draws ire from firebrand Hindu group

Garin's new film draws ire from firebrand Hindu groupM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a move that could be seen as another threat to freedom of artistic expression, a firebrand Hindu group has accused the makers of Opera Jawa (Requiem From Java), a new arthouse film from the...

Bandung Int'l School students visit media

Bandung Int'l School students visit mediaBANDUNG: Twelve Grade IV students from Bandung International School (BIS) visited Tribun Jabar, a local newspaper in Bandung and a member of the Kompas media group.

The East Asia Summit I

The East Asia Summit I When the decision was made last year to hold this summit, it was welcomed as an ambitious attempt that could change the future of Asia. But the initial enthusiasm seems to have waned, particularly after relations between China and Japan deteriorated further this year over the...

1. Radio (4x12)

1. Radio (4x12) Radio station critical of govt gets closed down 2. House (2x24) House members seek to limit foreign trips 3. Susul (4x6) Susilo arrives in Bangkok

Dance, music and self-discovery come together in 'Rhythm is it!'

Dance, music and self-discovery come together in 'Rhythm is it!'Paul F. Agusta, Contributor, Jakarta"You can change your life in dance class!" exclaims renowned choreographer Royston Maldoom to a roomful of wide-eyed junior high and high school students awaiting his instructions in Rhythm is it!,...

House members seek to limit costly foreign trips

House members seek to limit costly foreign tripsTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaA strict mechanism for selection of lawmakers going on foreign trips should be set up in order to respond to public concern about the abuse of state funds, two lawmakers said on Thursday.

Susilo arrives in Bangkok

Susilo arrives in BangkokPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, accompanied by wife Kristiani Herawati and a large entourage of aides and officials, arrived in Bangkok on Thursday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Thai government.

KPU Jakarta chairman's corruption trial begins

KPU Jakarta chairman's corruption trial beginsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe trials of corruption cases at the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) -- kicked off on Thursday with three dependents -- KPU Jakarta chairman Muhamad Taufik, KPUD member A.

;JP;CD;

;JP;CD; ANPAk..r..Is this second wave for ICMI's awakening? JP/7/CAHYOIs this second wave for ICMI's awakening? Imam Cahyono Jakarta It comes as a surprise that the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) has kept a low profile over the last few years.

JP/1/heads

JP/1/heads 1. Aceh -- 65 pts 2 cols 4lines (4x11)BRR says the pace of rebuilding picking up 2. Nurdin -- 42 pts 3cols 2line (2x20)Nurdin Halid escapes jail, again3. Cards -- 28 pts 4 col 1 lines (1x28)Cell phone registration launched 4.

Cell phone registration launched

Cell phone registration launchedAnissa S. Febrina and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAttention all prepaid cellular card users. Grab your cell phone, type "daftar" (register) and send to 4444. Do it before April 28 next year or risk losing your number.

Posthumous appreciation only?

Posthumous appreciation only?From Kompas The Directorate General of Defense Forces in its letter dated April 1, 2003 to the minister of finance stated that allowances for some of Indonesia's veterans were limited to the government's social aid fund due to economic considerations.

Posthumous appreciation only?

Posthumous appreciation only?From Kompas The Directorate General of Defense Forces in its letter dated April 1, 2003 to the minister of finance stated that allowances for some of Indonesia's veterans were limited to the government's social aid fund due to economic considerations.

3G technology in Malaysia gains in popularity

3G technology in Malaysia gains in popularityAnissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Kuala LumpurIndonesians now have one more thing to envy their neighbors in Malaysia about -- the rapid development of the most-advanced, rich-in-features 3G telecommunications technology.

Which bus to East Asian community: EAS or APT?

Which bus to East Asian community: EAS or APT?Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Kuala Lumpur As historic as Wednesday's inaugural East Asian Summit (EAS) was, doubts remain about its usefulness and the direction this new regional forum will take in the future.

Direct investment in RI up 88.02 percent in 2005

Direct investment in RI up 88.02 percent in 2005Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, BaliDespite security issues and slower economic growth, foreign direct investment in the country sharply increased in 2005, a top state official said on Thursday.

'Alcohol ban won't be enforced'

'Alcohol ban won't be enforced'The Jakarta trade agency has decided to prohibit the sales of liquor with more than 5 percent alcohol (wine and spirits) by all but the duty-free shops and put the age limit for at 21. The Jakarta Post asked some local people what they thought of the new regulation.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.15, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.15, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters...

Probosutedjo, insolence and the destruction of forests

Probosutedjo, insolence and the destruction of forestsMeidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThis nation is learning that with enough determination and a few good men, high-level corruption can be prosecuted.

Radio station critical of govt gets closed down

Radio station critical of govt gets closed downM. Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, AmbonThe Southeast Maluku regency administration has ordered the closure of a radio station that often aired stories criticizing the local authorities.

China to cut LNG imports from Tangguh

China to cut LNG imports from TangguhLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaChina has requested that planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from the Tangguh plant, operated by BP Plc., in Papua be reduced by 61 percent, a top official says.

Students condemn foreign NGOs

Students condemn foreign NGOs BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Hundreds of students occupied the office of state-run Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) in Banda Aceh on Thursday, and demanded the radio air their condemnation of foreign NGOs accused of converting tsunami survivors to Christianity.

RI becoming greedy

RI becoming greedy I would like to see a recipe section in your paper. Many newspapers in the United States have recipe sections. The local cuisine is great.Also, Indonesian politicians are becoming greedy in terms of the number of taxes imposed on the population and the proposal that foreigners...

With better services, high grade fuels

With better services, high grade fuels Pertamina ready to enter free competition A new dawn is coming out at the horizon for the downstream oil sector in the country. An era of competition, where national and multinational companies race to bring the best services and prices for motorists,...

Famine in Papua

Famine in PapuaFrom Koran Tempo It's indeed a sorrowful affair that after 60 years of independence there are still many remote and isolated regions in this country where people can die of malnutrition. The latest such place is Yahukimo regency in Papua.The area cannot be reached overland.

Foreign states to help in Strait

Foreign states to help in StraitAssociated Press, Kuala LumpurThe United States, China, Japan and other powers may soon be asked to contribute equipment and expertise to help fight threats such as piracy in the world's busiest shipping lane, officials said on Thursday.

199 regions still underdeveloped

199 regions still underdevelopedDENPASAR, Bali: Almost half of the country's approximately 400 regencies and cities remain underdeveloped, with most of these poor regions in eastern Indonesia, a minister said on Thursday.

JP/18/BRIEFS

JP/18/BRIEFSNew shopping at Bali Collection NUSA DUA: An exclusive shopping complex called Bali Collection, within the Nusa Dua resort complex, will be officially opened on Dec. 15.The complex will house a Sogo department store, numerous branded boutiques and shops selling fashion and luxury goods.

Batavia to add new Airbuses

Batavia to add new AirbusesThe Jakarta Post, JakartaLow-fare carrier Batavia Air said on Thursday it would lease three new Airbus A319 next year to strengthen its fleet."One will be delivered in January to serve flights to Guang Zhou (China) and another will come in February to serve flights from...

Peter Drucker's global legacy and management in Indonesia

Peter Drucker's global legacy and management in IndonesiaNovianta Hutagalung, Ovingham, South Australia Recently, the Business Week and The Economist wrote articles about Peter Drucker's legacy to the business world after his death at 95 years of age.

Economy to grow slower in 2006

Economy to grow slower in 2006Urip Hudiono and Mustaqim, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAs high inflation and interest rates continue to climb, the economy is expected to remain sluggish until the end of 2006, Bank Indonesia said, wrapping up both this year and next with weaker than expected growth.

Peace process in Aceh on the right track, Kalla says

Peace process in Aceh on the right track, Kalla saysMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Thursday that the current peace-building process in Aceh was on the right track, giving optimism for a lasting peace in the resource-rich province, which for...

Dutch school opens for Its doors

Dutch school opens for Its doorsAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAlthough the school uses Dutch as a language of instruction, Lisa, 11, a sixth-year student of the Netherlands International School (NIS) in Jeruk Purut, South Jakarta, talked in fluent English about her school.

Big shot denies famine in Papua

Big shot denies famine in PapuaThe Jakarta Post, JakartaA high-ranking government official returning from Yahukimo regency in Papua denied on Thursday a famine was underway in the isolated region, describing people there as "fat".

Tangerang tough on converted housed

Tangerang tough on converted housedMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang"It is prohibited to convert residences into commercial premises." The warning signs placed by the Tangerang regental administration along the main road of Bintaro housing estate in Pondok Aren district were all new, but...

RI envoy to Norway submits credentials

RI envoy to Norway submits credentialsJAKARTA: New Indonesian ambassador to Norway Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi submitted her credentials to Norway's King Harald V last week, the Indonesian Embassy in Oslo said.

TV Today: Friday, December 16, 2005

TV Today: Friday, December 16, 2005 .TB.30" .90"TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Koran Recital6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon7:30 Talk Show: Kiat Sehat8:30 Music9:30 Psychology10:30 Religious Teachings11:00 News: Berita Nusantara1:00 p.m.

Longing for the Alun-alun in Bandung

Longing for the Alun-alun in BandungYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungFor 32-year-old Asep Romli, a vendor of bottled drinks in Dalem Kaum, Bandung Square, locally known as Alun-alun Bandung, has a special history.

'I La Galigo': A feast for the eyes, but was it much else?

'I La Galigo': A feast for the eyes, but was it much else?Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an interesting letter published on The Jakarta Post on Dec. 9, writer Daniel Ziv questioned I La Galigo's ticket prices -- between Rp 250,000 (US$25) and Rp 750,000-- which for most Indonesians, even...

BRR says pace of rebuilding picking up

BRR says pace of rebuilding picking upHera Diani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaDespite a slow start, progress has been made in tsunami-ravaged Aceh, with the pace of reconstruction picking up. The 65,000 people still living in tents should be residing in decent housing by the end of 2006, officials...

Bogor vaccinates thousands of cattle

Bogor vaccinates thousands of cattleTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, BogorAnticipating an increasing demand for meat at the end of this year, Bogor agricultural and husbandry agency vaccinated around 11,000 heads of livestock in the municipality to curb the spread of anthrax.

Muslim groups to guard churches over Xmas

Muslim groups to guard churches over XmasBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaMembers of several Muslim organizations will help guard churches over the Christmas and New Year period, a city official says.

Police general admits to receiving car from BNI suspect

Police general admits to receiving car from BNI suspectEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFormer National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung, who has been named a bribery suspect, admitted on Thursday to having received an upmarket car from a suspect linked to fraud at a...

In anticipation of free market era Technically not yet prepared

In anticipation of free market era Technically not yet preparedHendarsyah Tarmizi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The opening of Shell Indonesia's first fuel station in Karawaci, Tangerang recently has marked a new era in the country's fuel market history, once solely controlled by state- owned oil and...

Toasty snack makes children ill

Toasty snack makes children illParents' fears about what their children eat at school may be well-founded. Sixteen elementary school students in Central Java's capital city Semarang were immediately rushed to the hospital on Thursday with suspected food poisoning.