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 ET It 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. Its great challenge is to demonstrate that democracy can grow and thrive in a moderate Islamic state.

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. Funny how Indonesians can buy in Australia, but not the other way round!!!! If I were cynical I could make a lot of comments about discrimination against Bules. I will refrain - but I dont think your being fair!

Toasty snack makes children ill

Toasty snack makes children ill Parents' 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. The students of SD Kalibanteng 1 and 3 elementary school in the city fell sick after consuming toast, making them dizzy and vomit.

In anticipation of free market era Technically not yet prepared

In anticipation of free market era Technically not yet prepared Hendarsyah 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 gas company Pertamina. The oil giant is the first company outside Pertamina's network to sell fuel to Indonesian consumers.

Police general admits to receiving car from BNI suspect

Police general admits to receiving car from BNI suspect Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former 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 state-owned bank. He said the car, a Nissan X-Trail, was given to him when he was overseeing the investigation into the Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scam in 2003.

Muslim groups to guard churches over Xmas

Muslim groups to guard churches over Xmas Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Members of several Muslim organizations will help guard churches over the Christmas and New Year period, a city official says. The head of the Alert Division of the City Public Order Agency, Surbakti, said on Thursday that 14 organizations would deploy 7,700 personnel, including those from Muslim organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) youth wing Ansor.

Bogor vaccinates thousands of cattle

Bogor vaccinates thousands of cattle Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Anticipating 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. The head of the health division at the agency, Herlien Krisnaningsih, said there were five subdistricts in the municipality that were prone to anthrax outbreaks.

BRR says pace of rebuilding picking up

BRR says pace of rebuilding picking up Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite 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 said on Thursday.

ASEAN push won't secure Suu Kyi release: UN

ASEAN push won't secure Suu Kyi release: UN Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Southeast 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.

.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. The Return Graha Bhakti Budaya 4:30 p.m. The Sea Inside 7 p.m. Le Grand Voyage 9:30 p.m. Dear Frankie Art Cinema (TIM 1) 4:15 p.m. The Corporation 6:45 p.m.

Hotels to submit guests' identities to police

Hotels to submit guests' identities to police Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several 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 waves M. 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. The online music store IM:port, which stands for Independent Music Portal, began its operation on Nov. 25, offering over 1,000 copy protected tunes for customers to download.

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

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

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. Friday until the event ends on Sunday. During the closure, motorists traveling from Jl. Pangeran Antasari who want to go to Jl. Mampang Prapatan or Warung Jati are advised to take Jl. Kemang Selatan 8, Jl.

TNI to build 12 more outposts

TNI to build 12 more outposts BANDUNG, 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 Tenggara and Papua provinces, said the Army's chief of staff, Gen. Djoko Santoso.

Shooting in Palu, no injuries reported

Shooting in Palu, no injuries reported Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu There 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. Police officers quickly arrived at the scene, near the Hasanuddin mall, and taped off the area. The shooting took place about 500 meters from Central Sulawesi Police Headquarters.

Hotel footage shows thief grabbing money

Hotel footage shows thief grabbing money Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. City police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said on Thursday that they had detained the person captured on film taking the bag of money by the hotel's CCTV system.

ADS

ADS With 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 alike, is already starting. In an attempt to open up the market in line with global trends, the government has enacted the Oil and Gas Law (No.

Ring road safety questioned

Ring road safety questioned From Kompas As 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. The dead animals, mostly cats and dogs run over by cars, can be seen almost everyday. They disrupt traffic and endanger the lives of drivers trying to avoid the carcasses by changing lanes. They are also unpleasant to look at.

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 weeks Naila 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. "The news is bad" for investor confidence, said Bambang Setiadi, who helps manage about US$205 million at PT Sinar Mas Sekuritas in Jakarta.

Garin's new film draws ire from firebrand Hindu group

Garin's new film draws ire from firebrand Hindu group M. 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 country's leading director Garin Nugroho, of the blasphemous portrayal of their gods.

Bandung Int'l School students visit media

Bandung Int'l School students visit media BANDUNG: 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. Angela Speirs, Grade IV class teacher of the school, said the visit was intended to better acquaint the students with the way the news was written and a newspaper produced. "At present the students are involved in a school newspaper project.

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 Yasukuni Shrine issue. Washington also put a damper on the plans when it expressed apprehensions of forming an Asian community without its involvement.

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

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. "The election is about the Constitution, while the criminal acts by KPU members are another thing," he told the press at his office.

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. We have always found a way to meet demand," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

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 married; in private of course. For instance, I want to know before the sun rises on Jan.

Germany to give another $90m to RI

Germany to give another $90m to RI JAKARTA: 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 Embassy in Jakarta says. On Dec. 26, last year, a deadly tsunami devastated Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and North Sumatra provinces and killed more than 126,000 people.

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 public interest. The congress was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former president B.J Habibie -- who led the ICMI in the 1990s -- and other prominent figures.

Headings

Headings page 8 1. 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 Community V.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. Its elevation will be another boost to the regional grouping. Since Moscow is already a dialogue partner, it is more logical that it be included as a member of the East Asian Summit, where it can play a more meaningful role.

Nurdin Halid escapes jail, again

Nurdin Halid escapes jail, again The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nurdin 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 filmmakers Lisabona Rahman, Contributor, Jakarta Raam 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. He is accused of producing decadent soap operas, yet his role in the development of Indonesian film and television has proven to be indispensable.

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. Member of Bogor Council's Commission D on environment, Darwin, explained that the two factories were located in residential areas; Klapa Nunggal and Citeureup districts, respectively.

KPK aims to charge other KPU members of elections body

KPK aims to charge other KPU members of elections body Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With 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 charges of graft at the national polls body. The three are justice minister Hamid Awaluddin, who was in charge of ballot paper procurement when he served as a KPU member, Mulyana W.

All sides protest Batam minimum wage

All sides protest Batam minimum wage Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam After 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. The 28 percent rise, on which a final decision was only reached at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, was greeted by protests from both businesspeople and workers on Thursday.

4th grader commits suicide in Yogyakarta

4th grader commits suicide in Yogyakarta Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Gunungkidul A 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 terrorist M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Prosecutors 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. The defendant, Asep Djaja, along with four other accomplices, planned and carried out an attack on a neighborhood in Wamkana, Buru regency, in May last year, prosecutors said.

Infrastructure projects to boost cement demand

Infrastructure projects to boost cement demand Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite 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 infrastructure projects. Infrastructure projects are expected to offset a decline in cement demand from the housing and property sector.

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 when opening the academy. For the time being, the academy, which is open to the public, accommodates those from the Greater Jakarta area and GE has targeted to graduate about 1,000 salespersons.

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. In other matches of the six-team event, defending champion PSMS Medan routed the Cambodian under 23 national team 9-0 to book a place in the final. It will meet Persik Kediri, which lost 0-3 to Osotspa FC of Thailand after securing its final spot earlier in the week.

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

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 16, 2005 Exhibitions * 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. Sukarya at Victoria Cafe, Plaza Senayan, Atrium Wing, open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Dec. 23 * Painting and lithograph by Ken Pattern at Galeri Hadiprana Jl Kemang Raya # 30 South Jakarta (Tel 7194715), Monday - Saturday 10 a.m.

Peace process in Aceh on the right track, Kalla says

Peace process in Aceh on the right track, Kalla says Muninggar 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 three decades had been wracked by bloody armed conflict. "It is on the right track.

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, households, and industries alike, is already starting. In an attempt to open the market in line with global trend around the world, the government has regulated, with the introduction of Law No.

Famine in Papua

Famine in Papua From 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. It would take about one month on foot to get to the regency, which is mountainous in character.

Foreign states to help in Strait

Foreign states to help in Strait Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur The 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 underdeveloped DENPASAR, 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. There are 199 regencies and cities that are categorized as disadvantaged, which means between 20 percent and 30 percent of the population is poor, there is a high rate of unemployment and a lack of public infrastructure such as electricity and clean water.

JP/18/BRIEFS

JP/18/BRIEFS New 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. Located on the site of former Galeria Nusa Dua, the complex has undergone a major face-lift, both inside and out. Visitors should feel the new ambience there while shopping or relaxing.

Batavia to add new Airbuses

Batavia to add new Airbuses The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Low-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 Surabaya to Kuala Lumpur," PT Metro Batavia vice president for marketing Sjamsi Yunus said.

Peter Drucker's global legacy and management in Indonesia

Peter Drucker's global legacy and management in Indonesia Novianta 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. Both magazines acknowledged his unique and valuable contribution to the development of management principles despite the argument that his works were not always supported by the extensive and rigorous process of academic research.

Economy to grow slower in 2006

Economy to grow slower in 2006 Urip Hudiono and Mustaqim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As 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.

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 pay to marry Indonesian women. If they allowed citizens of the U.S. and other countries to come and live here and start businesses it would create jobs for many Indonesians.

Dutch school opens for Its doors

Dutch school opens for Its doors Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although 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. "I joined the school two years ago after my parents moved to Indonesia. This is a great school, and I like it very much. Here, I can learn English as well," she told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Big shot denies famine in Papua

Big shot denies famine in Papua The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A 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". Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie, who just returned from the regency, said "people in the area are fat, the pigs are big, and the corn and cabbage is growing well".

Tangerang tough on converted housed

Tangerang tough on converted housed Multa 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 not the prohibition. Although Bylaw No.

RI envoy to Norway submits credentials

RI envoy to Norway submits credentials JAKARTA: 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. "Ambassador Retno submitted her credentials just four days after her arrival in Oslo from Jakarta," the embassy said in a press release sent to The Jakarta Post. Retno, Indonesia's youngest woman ambassador, had a brief meeting with King Harald V after submitting her credentials.

TV Today: Friday, December 16, 2005

TV Today: Friday, December 16, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Koran Recital 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 7:30 Talk Show: Kiat Sehat 8:30 Music 9:30 Psychology 10:30 Religious Teachings 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m.

Longing for the Alun-alun in Bandung

Longing for the Alun-alun in Bandung Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung For 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. He left his village in Manonjaya, Tasikmalaya, for Bandung in 1985 for a better life and helped his uncle sell drinks like bottled tea and mineral water and cigarettes somewhere at the Alun-alun. Since then the Alun-alun has been his second home.

'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 those from the middle-income bracket, are unaffordable. He criticized the director's choice of using lavish US$200,000 lighting instead of a cheaper local setup.

3G technology in Malaysia gains in popularity

3G technology in Malaysia gains in popularity Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Kuala Lumpur Indonesians 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. First introduced in April, there are now more than 50,000 subscribers in Malaysia using handsets based upon 3G telecom technology that even allows them to utilize conference call facilities.

House members seek to limit costly foreign trips

House members seek to limit costly foreign trips Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A 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. Djoko Susilo of the National Mandate Party (PAN) said determining who should go on such trips should not be based on mere rotation, as is the current practice, but instead on qualifications and skills.

Susilo arrives in Bangkok

Susilo arrives in Bangkok President 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. The President will have an audience with the Thai king and queen at the royal palace followed by official talks with the prime minister on counter-terror issues, bilateral trade, the fishing industry and energy.

KPU Jakarta chairman's corruption trial begins

KPU Jakarta chairman's corruption trial begins The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. Riza Patria and treasurer Neneng Euis Susi Palupi. The three defendants were being tried separately at the Central Jakarta district court. They were charged under law No. 20/2001 on corruption eradication.

;JP;CD;

;JP;CD; ANPAk..r.. Is this second wave for ICMI's awakening? JP/7/CAHYO Is 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. But the fourth national congress of the association held in Makassar, South Sulawesi, last week sparked public interest.

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, again 3. Cards -- 28 pts 4 col 1 lines (1x28) Cell phone registration launched 4. Suicide -- 28 pts 3 cols 1lines (1x18) 4th grader commits suicide in Gunungkidul --- 4. Photos, ad, hours

Cell phone registration launched

Cell phone registration launched Anissa S. Febrina and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Attention 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. Starting on Thursday, those using prepaid cellular phone numbers are to eventually contact the number and send their personal data as required by a ministerial ruling.

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. Based on data of the Ministry of Defense, the country has 803,341 war veterans, retired policemen and civil servants and the present regulation limits the number of those entitled to allowances to only 271,325.

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. Based on data of the Ministry of Defense, the country has 803,341 war veterans, retired policemen and civil servants and the present regulation limits the number of those entitled to allowances to only 271,325.

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!, an inspiring documentary on the life-affirming power that art possesses directed by Thomas Grube and Enrique Sanchez Lansch. Rhythm is it!

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 2005 Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Despite security issues and slower economic growth, foreign direct investment in the country sharply increased in 2005, a top state official said on Thursday. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Investment Forum here, the chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board, Muhammad Lutfi, said investment in Indonesia remained positive.

'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. Wuri, 38, is a civil servant at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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 1,750 50 1,000 Adhi Karya 700 -40 7,657,000 Adira Dinamika 1,730 0 0 AGIS Tbk 95 -5 102,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 205 0 33,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,610 0 600,000 Alakasa Industrindo 220 0 0 Alfa...

Probosutedjo, insolence and the destruction of forests

Probosutedjo, insolence and the destruction of forests Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This nation is learning that with enough determination and a few good men, high-level corruption can be prosecuted. Nevertheless, we perhaps forgot that 'good' white-collar criminals are just as determined in terms of regrouping, like a snake shedding its skin every so often.

Radio station critical of govt gets closed down

Radio station critical of govt gets closed down M. Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon The Southeast Maluku regency administration has ordered the closure of a radio station that often aired stories criticizing the local authorities. According to the order, Gelora Tavlul radio must stop broadcasting because its business permit expired in 2003. The order was issued on Dec.

China to cut LNG imports from Tangguh

China to cut LNG imports from Tangguh Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta China 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. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Thursday that China has a commitment to purchase 2.6 million metric tons of LNG per year from Tangguh starting in 2008.

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. The protesters, from the Muslim Student Association, demanded that they be allowed to make a live broadcast to read out their complaints.