Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 December 2005

138 articles found

Oil prices push US$59 a barrel after distillate stocks report

Oil prices push US$59 a barrel after distillate stocks reportAssociated Press, Singapore Crude oil futures gained in Asian trading on Thursday following the release of a U.S. government weekly report which showed a larger-than-expected drop in distillate stocks.

Cuba names new envoy to RI

Cuba names new envoy to RIJAKARTA: Cuba has appointed one of its diplomats, who has vast experience in Asian affairs, as its new ambassador to Indonesia, Cuba's new charge d'affaires said in Jakarta."Ambassador-designate Jorge Leon Cruz will arrive in Jakarta soon," Ramon Alonso Medina told The...

People's hope is but a dream

People's hope is but a dreamFrom Kompas It seems that people have been "hypnotized" by the government's promises. Although it is true that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla have done well to promote peace and clean governance.

Christmas brings peace amid terrorist threat

Christmas brings peace amid terrorist threat Aleksius Jemadu Bandung Since the killing of Azahari bin Husin in Malang on Nov. 9, 2005 there has been a lot of discussion about possible terrorist attacks around Christmas time.

Aceh children remain afraid

Aceh children remain afraidA'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehOne year after the Indian Ocean tsunami, children in Indonesia are recovering at a slower pace compared to children in other countries affected by the destructive waves, a survey has found.

Councillors' welfare decree revised

Councillors' welfare decree revisedBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaGovernor Sutiyoso is in the process of revising Gubernatorial Regulation No. 114/2005 on financial affairs, which could result in a sizable cut in the monthly pay of the 75 city councillors.

JP/Y/ZATNI1

JP/Y/ZATNI1IT in 2005: From the tsunami to germ-free handsetsZatni Arbi Contributor/JakartaWe did not start 2005 on a high note. The tsunami that hit several Asian coastal areas including Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam left us in deep mourning.

IFC clarifies

IFC clarifies Thank you for having The Jakarta Post reporter to attend our media briefing and for printing the story SMEs in Aceh finding it difficult to start over (Wednesday Dec. 21, p.3).Nevertheless , I would like to request a clarification.

Govt to revise duty on commodities

Govt to revise duty on commoditiesRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government will revise the policy on export duty for crude palm oil (CPO) and coal, as well as on luxury tax for automobiles, following concerns that the performance of the industries could otherwise be severely...

Islamic radical movements in Indonesia

Islamic radical movements in Indonesia Azyumardi Azra Jakarta The root causes of radicalism among Muslims in modern times are very complex. This complexity has become even greater lately because of the numerous driving factors that are working to influence the socio-historical course of Muslim...

The Indonesian economy in 2006

The Indonesian economy in 2006Ross H. McLeod Canberra Indonesia's economic performance next year is likely to be similar to that in 2005. Output growth -- the key determinant of changes in individuals' incomes -- should remain around 5.5-6 percent per annum.

Leather puppet show put on at mall

Leather puppet show put on at mallSEMARANG: To make the traditional leather puppet show performance, or wayang kulit, more popular among the young generation, the Indonesian Puppeteers Association of Central Java held a wayang kulit performance at a mall.

Telecoms services spending to rise

Telecoms services spending to rise SINGAPORE: Asia-Pacific spending on telecommunications services is likely to exceed US$175 billion next year, a research firm said on Thursday.The anticipated figure is an 8 percent hike over 2005 for the region excluding Japan, according to International Data...

TNI to send troops to Aceh for rebuilding

TNI to send troops to Aceh for rebuildingTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Indonesian Military (TNI) is preparing to deploy 15 battalions of troops to speed up reconstruction efforts in tsunami-hit Aceh.TNI chief Gen.

Environmental Outlook 2006

Environmental Outlook 2006 The problems of environment in the years to comeE.G. Togu Manurung Bogor Indonesia is blessed with some of the most extensive and biologically diverse tropical forests in the world.

Fisheries face tough challenges a year after tsunami

Fisheries face tough challenges a year after tsunamiA'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehDespite the billions in international aid pledged, a year after the tsunami the fishing industry in Aceh is yet to recover, and the price of fish in the province is twice what it used to be.

Kethek temple, unearthed near Mt. Lawu

Kethek temple, unearthed near Mt. LawuBambang M, Contributor, YogyakartaThat afternoon saw a lot of visitors captivated by the beauty of Cetho temple, which is located on the southern slope of Mount Lawu, at a height of 1,500 feet above sea level.

Hemas supports condom machines

Hemas supports condom machines YOGYAKARTA: In the fight against HIV/AIDS, GKR Hemas, the wife of Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono X, has proven to be a strong ally, calling for more condom vending machines in the city.

P. 8

P. 8 1. Bank -- 2 x 24 One killed, three injured in armed bank robbery 2. Depok -- 3 x 16 Party supporters not ready to quit, verdict protested3. Koja -- 2 x 27Fatal collapse of mosque tower investigated amid land dispute 4. Budget -- 1 x 24 Education budget to be 22% 5.

Microsoft bridges gap between study, industry

Microsoft bridges gap between study, industryTantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta"How many of you are students of IT?" A great show of hands followed the question posed by Kurt Messersmith, Microsoft operations's developer and platform group for the Asia-Pacific region, in front of Bina...

Green Jakarta not a utopia

Green Jakarta not a utopia Nirwono Joga Jakarta Jakarta is heading toward ecological suicide. Soil subsidence has reached a depth of 40 centimeters in North, West and Central Jakarta. Seawater intrusion has led to the structural corrosion of buildings and flyovers while the contamination of...

2006 - Building for the future

2006 - Building for the futureDavid O'Brien Jakarta Next year should mark a period of consolidation for the Indonesian economy. In the wake of the tough decision to reduce fuel subsidies and subsequent price increases, domestic demand is likely to remain somewhat weaker.

Undip to join Asia World Expo

Undip to join Asia World ExpoSEMARANG: Diponegoro University (Undip) in Semarang is to send to students to the Asia World Expo to be held in Hong Kong at the end of this month.The two students are Yoga Yudistira of the Automotive Engineering Study Program and Ary Sri Utomo of the Civil Engineering...

Susilo to attend tsunami commemoration in Aceh

Susilo to attend tsunami commemoration in AcehA'an Suryana and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/MedanPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and foreign dignitaries are scheduled to attend a commemoration of the first anniversary of the tsunami disaster in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, and...

Bank Indonesia -- Another regulatory failure

Bank Indonesia -- Another regulatory failureJohn Le Jakarta It has been five months since Bank Indonesia introduced regulation 7/14/PBI/2005, entitled, "Restrictions on Rupiah Transactions and Foreign Currency Lending by Banks", which aimed at restoring integrity and stability to the rupiah.

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Christmas: Hope in darkness Benny Susetyo Jakarta2. Jemadu -- Christmas brings peace amid terrorist threat 1 x 30RI churches should not be targets Aleksius Jemadu Bandung 3. Sincu -- Reforms say it all 1 x 30 Political reforms say it allLim Sue Goan Sinchew Daily Asia News Network/Selangor, Malaysia

Japan-China spat at the East Asian summit

Japan-China spat at the East Asian summitFrank Ching, New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur The inaugural meeting of the East Asia Summit, including all the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and six other countries in the region, went off without a hitch, except for the fact that...

Energi Mega Persada secures approval for Rp 3.78t share sale

Energi Mega Persada secures approval for Rp 3.78t share saleGrace Nirang, Bloomberg/JakartaPT Energi Mega Persada (EMP), Indonesia's second biggest publicly-traded oil and gas producer, said its shareholders approved a plan to raise as much as Rp 3.

Money best aid in disaster: Survey

Money best aid in disaster: SurveyEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, SingaporeMoney can't buy everything, but it is certainly the primary need in times of natural disaster such as tsunami or earthquakes, according to a study jointly conducted by The Economist Intelligence Studies with logistics...

Rise and fall of Russian communism on show in Jakarta

Rise and fall of Russian communism on show in Jakarta Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/JakartaVladimir Ilyich Lenin has two faces in the Russian poster exhibition at Galeri Lontar in Jakarta.One depicts him in glorious style, the other is mocking and depicts him against a background that shows a Coca...

Greater self-confidence and the need for

Greater self-confidence and the need for cogent foreign policy approach: Outlook for 2006Bantarto Bandoro Jakarta A free and active (proactive) foreign policy has characterized Indonesia since its independence. This basic policy has shown a remarkable degree of resilience and adaptability.

Indonesian politics in 2006

Indonesian politics in 2006Rizal Sukma Jakarta As Indonesia enters 2006, the general political outlook presents a rather positive picture. There are strong grounds to believe that national politics will be characterized more by continuity than by change.

Foreigners right to 'own' property may be extended

Foreigners right to 'own' property may be extendedThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Considering America has an average life expectancy of 77.7 years and the Netherlands 78.8, one could assume the government's plan to extend expatriates' permits for leaseholds on land from 25 to 60 years would last most...

Governing through governance: SBY delivering his promises.

Governing through governance: SBY delivering his promises.HS Dillon Jakarta The business sector has repeatedly reminded the President that corruption in the government is inhibiting investment, while civil society has been pressuring him to go after the wrongdoers wholeheartedly.

Removing exit tax

Removing exit tax I have a pensioner's visa and am actually a resident of Jimbaran, Bali. I am very keen to let President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono know that, as a retiree living here, I must pay departure tax (fiscal) every time we leave your country for family or medical reasons.

Beyond well enough

Beyond well enoughArya B. Gaduh Jakarta The economy did rather well in 2005. Estimates by the Asian Development Bank put its growth above that of the regional (Southeast Asian) average and its ASEAN-5 neighbors.

Significance of being a moderate and progressive Muslim

Significance of being a moderate and progressive MuslimMohamad Abdun Nasir Mataram Religious radicalism and extremism have proven to be a danger to social stability and order. While liberalism and secularism often trigger fear among Muslims that they are being secularized and cut off from Islamic...

Islam radicalism and national security

Islam radicalism and national securitySutanto Jakarta Although radicalism is alien to the character of various religions in Indonesia, practices of radicalism are not alien in Indonesia's history. In terms of national security strategies, there were occasions in which the country's national...

JP/yearend/Aceh

JP/yearend/AcehPeace in Aceh: A momentum too strong to resistA'an Suryana The Jakarta Post/JakartaAfter several rounds of failed peace negotiations, the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) sat down again at the negotiating table in Helsinki on Aug.

A better economic outlook possible in the year ahead

A better economic outlook possible in the year aheadUmar Juoro Jakarta Eventually, the government decided to put a brake on fuel subsidy spending by raising fuel prices on average by 126 percent on Oct. 1. As a consequence, inflation in that month rose to 8.

JP/YZATNI2/

JP/YZATNI2/Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacementZatni Arbi Contributor/JakartaThis year we saw a new era emerge in the automotive industry. We began the year with engines getting larger and larger. People flocked to dealers to check out the latest SUVs.

Journalist groups condemn assault on 'Indo Pos' dayly

Journalist groups condemn assault on 'Indo Pos' daylyAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaDozens of people barged into Graha Pena, the office of Indo Pos daily, in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta on Tuesday evening, occupying the building for several hours and injuring two reporters.

Confronting tsunami to pursue dream

Confronting tsunami to pursue dreamVijay Joshi, Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaRizal Shahputra has a recurring nightmare: From the top of a hill, he watches the sea rise up and swallow his native town.The destruction of Calang, in Indonesia's Aceh province, was real enough.

Roots of conflict and peace agendas in Papua

Roots of conflict and peace agendas in PapuaMuridan S. Widjojo Jakarta The meeting between Vice President Jusuf Kalla, flanked by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo AS, Minister of Home Affairs Mohammad Ma'ruf and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen.

Newmont works in Ghana to avoid Indonesia, Peru pitfalls

Newmont works in Ghana to avoid Indonesia, Peru pitfallsHeather Draper, Dow Jones, Denver Newmont Mining Corp. (NEM) says it is working hard in Ghana to avoid the environmental and social mistakes it made in Peru and Indonesia, but the world's largest gold producer still has its critics.

Ailing MAS may sell headquarters, assets to raise funds

Ailing MAS may sell headquarters, assets to raise fundsAssociated Press, Kuala Lumpur National carrier Malaysia Airlines may sell its headquarters and other assets to raise part of 3 billion ringgit (US$794 million) it needs to revamp the organization and return to the black, a media report said on...

One killed, three injured in armed bank robbery

One killed, three injured in armed bank robberyAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWahyudi's act of heroism would be his last. The 47-year-old security guard rushed out of the Bank Mandiri Tebet branch in South Jakarta on Thursday morning and vainly tried to help a customer, Ferdinan, who had...

Terrorism in Indonesia

Terrorism in IndonesiaSidney Jones Jakarta 2005 brought a sobering reminder of the lethal power of terrorism: * 6 Indonesians shot as they slept in Ceram, Maluku on May 16; * 22 Indonesians killed by a bomb in a crowded Saturday morning market in Tentena, Central Sulawesi on May 28; * 14...

Official Basic salary Allowances Total

Official Basic salary Allowances TotalPresident Rp 30,240,000 Rp 32,500,000 Rp 62,740,000 Vice President 20,160,000 22,000,000 42,160,000 House speaker 5,040,000 25,868,000 30,908,000 Chief justice 5,040,000 19,350,000 24,390,000 Chief state auditor 5,040,000 18,900,000 23,940,000 Minister...

JP/ /NAJIB

JP/ /NAJIBIndonesia Outlook 2006 (Religion) Competition between Liberal and Conservative Group to Change the Very Face of Islam in IndonesiaAhmad Najib Burhani Jakarta The year 2005 saw numerous disputes between conservative Muslims and liberal Muslims to change the face of Islam in Indonesia.

Seized cars given to government offices

Seized cars given to government officesFadli, The Jakarta Post, BatamThe Batam Customs Office is delivering 24 seized cars to government offices on the island, part of the Riau Islands province, an official said on Thursday.

Painters snub high art for volume in Sokaraja

Painters snub high art for volume in SokarajaAgus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Banyumas, Central JavaA community of painters in Central Java have achieved commercial success through sacrificing the creative vision of their work for mass production.

IP strategy for developing nations

IP strategy for developing nationsMohamad Mova Al 'Afghani, Jakarta Makarim Wibisono wrote a pair of interesting articles titled The role of IPR in developing the economy in this daily on Nov. 28th and 29th.

RI shuttlers steal the show at Anaheim worlds

RI shuttlers steal the show at Anaheim worldsMoch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia, no longer the preeminent force in badminton of the 1960s and 1970s, can still step up and win when it matters the most, even if it's the same dependable players taking the honors.

House power play keeps checks and balances at bay

House power play keeps checks and balances at bayTony Hotland The Jakarta Post/JakartaVehemently, they took turns to press the speaker's button to voice their protests, while others impatiently moved forward from their seats to the House leadership bench.

Where to put your money in 2006

Where to put your money in 2006Frank van Lerven Jakarta It is never easy and straightforward to answer the question "where to put your money?". Certainly right now, with the year 2005 ending and 2006 around the corner, it is a very interesting question as regards the Indonesian financial...

SBY backs enactment of pornography bill

SBY backs enactment of pornography bill JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has give support for the passing of the bill on pornography and indecent acts and the bill on women and child trafficking into law."I agree 100 percent.

Party supporters not ready to quit, verdict protested

Party supporters not ready to quit, verdict protestedBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaSupporters of Badrul Kamal of the Golkar Party took to the streets of Depok on Thursday to protest a Supreme Court decision declaring Nur Mahmudi Ismail of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) the winner...

Lampung lifters triumph in national championships

Lampung lifters triumph in national championshipsMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lampung finished atop the overall medal standings with 32 golds at the completion of the National Weightlifting and Powerlifting Championship on Thursday.

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Reflections on one year of reconstruction in Aceh Andrew Steer Jakarta2. Anab -- Why do they become terrorists? 1 x 30 Why do they turn into terrorists? Anab Afifi Jakarta

Key stock index gains; Mandiri, Petrosea Advance

Key stock index gains; Mandiri, Petrosea AdvanceNaila Firdausi, Bloomberg/JakartaIndonesia's key stock index gained for a third day in four, led by PT Bank Mandiri on expectations it may soon settle a debt owed by PT Kiani Kertas.The Jakarta Composite Index advanced 3.46, or 0.3 percent, to 1164.

Govt says no plan for debt rescheduling, haircut

Govt says no plan for debt rescheduling, haircutRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaKey economic ministers asserted that there was no plan to seek rescheduling on the payment of government debts and interest from overseas creditors, since the country was not in a desperate position to...

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) Dec. 22, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) Dec. 22, 2005 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters 1,680...

JP/4/radical

JP/4/radicalRadicalism extends roots, becoming institutionalizedMuhammad Nafik The Jakarta Post/JakartaThere is no danger that Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, will be turned into an Islamic state.

Trends in internal security problems in 2006

Trends in internal security problems in 2006Ikrar Nusa Bhakti Jakarta The year 2005 will end in just a few days. During the year, Indonesia faced quite a number of internal security problems, such as the prolonged communal conflicts in Poso and Palu in Central Sulawesi, the terrorist attacks in...

'Respect the choices of women'

'Respect the choices of women'Every Dec. 22, the country celebrates Women's Day in recognition of the critical roles Indonesian women played during the struggle for independence. What has been the role of Indonesian women since the country declared independence in 1945? The Jakarta Post interviewed...

The only way is up after sad SEA Games showing

The only way is up after sad SEA Games showingBruce Emond The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National sports received a much-needed boost this year when, after eight years of languishing in the legislature, the bill on sports was finally passed into law in September.

JP/Y/FILML

JP/Y/FILMLMany local films released, but has quality improved?Lisabona Rahman and Paul F. Agusta Contributors/JakartaIndonesian cinema saw an eventful year in 2005, with more than 50 titles either released or produced, making it the most prolific year in Indonesia's film history in almost a decade.

Pakistan to host women's cricket cup

Pakistan to host women's cricket cup KARACHI: Pakistan will host the second edition of the women's Asia Cup amid growing female interest in cricket, South Asia's most popular sport, a top official said on Thursday.

JP/Y/ZATNI1

JP/Y/ZATNI1IT in 2005: From the tsunami to germ-free handsetsZatni Arbi Contributor/JakartaWe did not start 2005 on a high note. The tsunami that hit several Asian coastal areas including Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam left us in deep mourning.

JP/YZATNI2/

JP/YZATNI2/Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacementZatni Arbi Contributor/JakartaThis year we saw a new era emerge in the automotive industry. We began the year with engines getting larger and larger. People flocked to dealers to check out the latest SUVs.

JP/18/BRIEF

JP/18/BRIEF 'Walkin' the dog' at the Hard Rock KUTA: The Hard Rock Hotel Bali is "Walkin' The Dog" these days when it comes to security. With ever increasing importance being placed on security and safety, Hard Rock Hotel Bali has enlisted three new canine additions to its security team -- Lassie,...

UOB raises stake in Bank Buana

UOB raises stake in Bank Buana SINGAPORE: United Overseas Bank Ltd. (UOB) said on Wednesday its stake in Bank Buana Indonesia had risen to 61.1 percent from 53 percent following a tender offer for shares in the Indonesian lender.

Mangrove trees planted in Angke

Mangrove trees planted in Angke JAKARTA: Minister of Forestry M.S. Kaban urged every city in the country, including Jakarta, to develop their city forests and make the forests an integral part of their respective city master plans.

Japan, ADB commit $470m for infrastructure

Japan, ADB commit $470m for infrastructureThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Japanese government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have separately committed additional loans totaling US$470 million to help Indonesia improve its infrastructure.

Golkar backs Ibo for Papua election

Golkar backs Ibo for Papua election JAYAPURA, Papua: The Golkar Party has officially nominated Jhon Ibo as its candidate for Papua governor to replace Jacobus Perviddya Solossa who died of a heart attack late on Monday.

Islamic economy the only way

Islamic economy the only wayFrom Media IndonesiaThe recent Cabinet changes have generally received a positive response, particularly the from markets. According to economic observer Revrisond Baswir, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and multinational companies remain the most...

Wynne helps RI women court triumph in Angie's absence

Wynne helps RI women court triumph in Angie's absenceBruce Emond The Jakarta Post/Jakarta With national number one women's player Angelique "Angie" Widjaja waylaid by injury for the whole year, no great shakes were expected from the country's tennis scene.

Abuse victims reluctant to speak out

Abuse victims reluctant to speak outID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, SurabayaHer answers are barely audible and her eyes cast down at the floor as she holds tightly to the arms of her chair."I realized that I had been deceived for much of my married life," Ratna Hastuti (not her real name), 45, from...

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 24, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 24, 2005Exhibitions* 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.

JP/yearend/PAPUA

JP/yearend/PAPUASpecial autonomy implementation in Papua treading water A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post/JakartaFour years after special autonomy legislation came into effect in Papua, it has been called a failure for not living up to the expectations of the people.

JP/ /tni

JP/ /tniWar on terror benefits only TNI, or the nation?Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/JakartaDespite the precious little progress the Indonesian Military (TNI) has achieved in the area of internal reform, it has does have something to be proud this year: the lifting of the arms embargo by the...

;JP;CD;

;JP;CD; ANPAv..r.. Photo- Photo caption JP/Courtesy of Agrokom Public RelationsPhoto captionCathay Pacific chief executive Philip Chen (right) and PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta (JAS) president and chief executive Diono Nurjadin (left) cut a traditional serving of cone-shaped rice to mark the reopening of...

Education budget to be 22%

Education budget to be 22%Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaJakarta has allocated Rp 3.89 trillion (US$389 million) or 22 percent of its Rp 17.51 trillion budget for next year for education, an increase of 13.69 percent compared to this year's allocation.

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-------------------- SEA Games medals Indonesia's medal total from the Nov. 27-Dec. 5 Games.Sport Gold Silver BronzeArchery 1 4 1 Athletics 1 6 5 Badminton 4 5 1 Baseball 0 0 1 Beach volleyball 1 1 0 Billiards 0 0 3 Bodybuilding 0 0 1 Bowling 3 0 4 Boxing 0 1 10 Canoeing 4 3 0 Chess 0 2 3 Cycling 4...

2 more bird flu deaths confirmed

2 more bird flu deaths confirmedAgence France-Presse, JakartaIndonesia's bird flu death toll has risen to 11 amid worrying new evidence that the virus may be developing resistance to Tamiflu, the only drug known to be effective against it.

Week-long antidrug drive sees 88 arrests

Week-long antidrug drive sees 88 arrestsAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaEighty-eight suspected drug traffickers and users have been arrested while 4,377 ecstasy pills, 38.5 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methampethamine) and 10 grams of marijuana have been confiscated during a three-week drug...

Mount Semeru on alert

Mount Semeru on alert MALANG, East Java: Mount Semeru in East Java has been put under alert status following heavy rainfall, which it is feared could cause landslides of igneous rock, an official says. Coordinator of Bromo Tengger National Park's evaluation plan Bambang Rudianto said on Wednesday...

1. Landung --- 1x25

1. Landung --- 1x25 General 'held' over bribery scam 2. BRR ------- 4x10 Military to deploy noncombat troops to Aceh 3. Survey ---- 1x28 Bird flu seen as 'real problem' in RI

Muslims, minorities, and the state in Indonesia

Muslims, minorities, and the state in IndonesiaMuhamad Ali Manoa, Honolulu Indonesian Islam will remain moderate and tolerant by and large, but problems and challenges will continue to exist. The future of Indonesia depends on the ways in which the government and various Muslim groups actually act...

Religious freedom: Quo vadis?

Religious freedom: Quo vadis?Franz Magnis-Suseno SJ Jakarta 2005 has been a bad year for religious freedom in Indonesia. More regencies introduced regulations based on religious law, thereby disregarding the legislation that stipulates that religious matters are the exclusive prerogative of the...

Fatal collapse of mosque tower investigated amid land dispute

Fatal collapse of mosque tower investigated amid land disputeDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaCity police are investigating the collapse of a mosque tower in North Jakarta that killed four workers on Wednesday.North Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr.

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Former council speaker gets one year for graft Page 588 nabbed, 4,377 ecstasy pills seized in drug bust Page 9Del Polytechnic a jewel in Toba Samosir Page 20

Jakarta nightlife to be on silver screen

Jakarta nightlife to be on silver screenJAKARTA: Jakarta night prowlers take note! A local film company is currently in the production stage of a film based on the hottest-selling book Jakarta Undercover: Sex `n the City, a non- fiction work that details Jakartans' debauched nightlife.

Batak generals and development in North Sumatra

Batak generals and development in North Sumatra The way three Batak Army generals have chosen to help develop their homeland in Tapanuli, especially in training human resources, is quite exemplary, whatever their real motives may be.

Sixty years after independence, Indonesia is still struggling to

Sixty years after independence, Indonesia is still struggling to provide primary and secondary educations for its school-age children, lagging far behind other neighboring countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

JP//SBY

JP//SBYCabinet reshuffle caps year of silent rivalry Dwi Atmanta The Jakarta Post/JakartaPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's face stiffened prior to announcing the first Cabinet reshuffle that night of Dec. 5.

Prospects for 2006

Prospects for 2006Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta I was not a supporter of Susilo Bamang Yudhoyono (SBY) during the presidential election campaign, because I thought that he would not be a decisive leader. However, now I have to admit, that while not a perfect and decisive leader, he has shown more...

JP/4/year

JP/4/yearEva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/JakartaAlthough the police institution in the country remains a target of public criticism, mainly over the lack of professionalism and skill, it does deserve some praise for the efforts in combating terrorism and curbing illegal drug distribution in the...

Where to go in Semarang: Friday, December 23, 2005

Where to go in Semarang: Friday, December 23, 2005 Museums* Museum Rekor Indonesia (Indonesia Museum of Records) at Jl Setiabudi 179, open daily at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Jamu Nyonya Meneer Museum at Jl. Kaligawe, open on Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. * Rongowarsito Museum of History at Jl.

Ex actress convicted of maid abuse

Ex actress convicted of maid abuse SINGAPORE: A former Singapore television actress has been convicted of physically abusing her Indonesian maid with needles and a high-heeled shoe, The Straits Times reported on Thursday.

Timor Leste's past: Let it be or bare it all?

Timor Leste's past: Let it be or bare it all? John McBeth The Straits Times Asia News Network/Singapore It was five years ago. Sitting at the kitchen table in a small, nondescript house on Dili's sun-baked foreshore, the soon- to-be president of Timor Leste was talking about the future.

Attracting foreign investment requires substance in policy reform

Attracting foreign investment requires substance in policy reformDan Kingsley Jakarta The Indonesian economy, following the adoption of a tightening monetary stance by Bank Indonesia in mid-August and strengthening inflation due to the recent fuel price increase, has shown declining economic growth...

Ex-speaker sentenced for graft

Ex-speaker sentenced for graftSuherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, SemarangFormer Central Java council speaker Mardijo has been sentenced by Semarang District Court to one year in prison and two years' probation for his involvement in the embezzlement of Rp 14.8 billion (US$1.

Kalla wants lawmakers punished

Kalla wants lawmakers punished JAKARTA: Golkar Party chairman and Vice President Jusuf Kalla said he wants his party's faction in the House of Representatives to decide whether to punish four of its legislators who joined a much-criticized visit to Egypt.

General 'arrested' over bribery case

General 'arrested' over bribery caseEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFormer National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung was detained on Thursday night for abuse of power during his investigation of a lending scam at state Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in 2003, sources...

Selected filmography

Selected filmographyBorn in Aceh (2003, in cooperation with Tifa Foundation)Bade Tan Reuda (2003, in cooperaton with TiFa Foundation) Songs from the Heart (2003) 2.5 Billion Dollars for the State (2002, in cooperation with Indonesian Migrants Workers' Union)Mass Grave (2002)Upeti untuk Punggawa,...

2006 as the year of economic consolidation

2006 as the year of economic consolidationDavid E. Sumual Jakarta Next year's economic difficulties are already becoming apparent. Early indications of the Indonesian economy losing its momentum are seen in slower-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the last two quarters as exports...

Titan confirms Peni purchase

Titan confirms Peni purchase KUALA LUMPUR: Titan Chemicals Corp.'s 100 percent owned Titan Petchem (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. unit will buy all of Indonesian polyethylene producer PT Petrokimia Nusantara Interindo (Peni), Bernama news agency said on Thursday.

JP/YZATNI2/

JP/YZATNI2/Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacementZatni Arbi Contributor/JakartaThis year we saw a new era emerge in the automotive industry. We began the year with engines getting larger and larger. People flocked to dealers to check out the latest SUVs.

IKIP PGRI Semarang hosts theater festival

IKIP PGRI Semarang hosts theater festivalSEMARANG: A four-day theater festival was held at IKIP PGRI Semarang's auditorium on Jl. Lontar from Monday to Thursday under the title of Panggung Perjamuan.Four theater groups participated in the festival that was organized by Teater Gema IKIP PGRI...

Careful policy mix is critical now

Careful policy mix is critical nowKahlil Rowter Jakarta Without doubt 2005 was a turbulent year. The rupiah and gross domestic product (GDP) growth fell substantially while inflation and interest rates rose dramatically.

2005: A year of no clean air to breath

2005: A year of no clean air to breath Tb. Arie Rukmantara The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesians in many parts of the country were still unable to enjoy clean air this year due to chronic pollution. Choking haze from the annual forest fires in Sumatra earlier this year covered most of the region's...

Bank Sumut opens Jakarta branch

Bank Sumut opens Jakarta branch JAKARTA: In an effort to attract more customers and serve a wider community, Bank Sumut, formerly known as North Sumatra Development Bank, opened its first Jakarta branch in Senen, Central Jakarta on Thursday.

Australia racist, what about you?

Australia racist, what about you? I am referring to the article by Farish A. Noor published in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 16 titled Disturbances in Australia: Introspection now required.It is always amusing to read how intellectuals of, for instance Malaysia, like to accuse western countries like...

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 23, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 23, 2005Exhibitions* 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.

Reflections on one year of reconstruction in Aceh

Reflections on one year of reconstruction in AcehAndrew Steer, Jakarta In the dreadful days between Christmas and New Year 2004, when each day brought new horrors on the massive scale of the tragedy, none of us realized how this would change our lives in the coming year.

Indonesia in 2006: The foreign policy challenge.

Indonesia in 2006: The foreign policy challenge. Michael Vatikiotis Singapore The past year has seen Indonesia weather many storms. There cannot be many countries in the world forced to deal with man- made and natural disasters simultaneously.

Indonesia should set up FTA with Japan 'soon'

Indonesia should set up FTA with Japan 'soon'The Jakarta Post, JakartaIndonesia could lose US$400 million in potential export revenues per year if it does not establish a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan, while most other ASEAN members have done so to complement the region's own free market in...

JP/4/MK

JP/4/MKConstitutional Court's compromise approach criticized Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/JakartaThe two-year-old Constitutional Court deserves credit for its efforts to ensure transparency, including publishing its verdicts online, including dissenting opinions, shortly after they are...

Police offer Pollycarpus protection for fresh lead

Police offer Pollycarpus protection for fresh leadEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe National Police are ready to protect a Garuda pilot convicted of involvement in the murder of human rights activist Munir if he leads investigators to the mastermind of the killing.

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Dudi, tolong pakai yang ini The only way is up after sad SEA Games showingBruce Emond The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National sports received a much-needed boost this year when, after eight years of languishing in the legislature, the bill on sports was finally passed into law in September.

Heerjee named new Indosat vice president

Heerjee named new Indosat vice presidentPT Indonesian Satellite (Indosat) Tbk., the country's second- largest telecommunications firm, has appointed Kaizad B. Heerjee as its new vice president director.

President to be highest paid person, says Vice President

President to be highest paid person, says Vice PresidentThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government will hold talks with the House of Representatives on a fixed remuneration system for state officials under which the President has the highest salary.

JP//HEALTH

JP//HEALTHDiseased healthcare system needs overhaulHera Diani The Jakarta Post/JakartaThe year 2005 saw a series of natural and health-related disasters in the country that putt huge pressures on the still wobbly healthcare system here.

Formidable fiscal challenges

Formidable fiscal challenges Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati has charted out the biggest challenges in fiscal management during the 2006 fiscal year beginning next month: Government revenues will most likely fall short of their targets while expenditures will be much more than estimated.

JP/xx/YHELLY

JP/xx/YHELLY please check the bold is right, thnksRI 2005 performing arts scene Helly Minarti Contributor/Jakarta Another year has passed for Indonesia's performing arts, but with a staggering rise in poverty and corruption, plus the oil crisis overshadowing the country throughout the year, the...

Ex actress convicted

Ex actress convicted of maid abuse SINGAPORE: A former Singapore television actress has been convicted of physically abusing her Indonesian maid with needles and a high-heeled shoe, The Straits Times reported on Thursday.

JP/xx/YCARLA

JP/xx/YCARLAArt highlights 2005Carla Bianpoen Contributor/JakartaFor the art world 2005 was a year of milestones, one of which no doubt was the 20th anniversary of Edwin Gallery which was celebrated with a major extension of the premises and a memorable exhibition of selected works by artists who...

JP/ /GRAFT

JP/ /GRAFTMixed results in anticorruption driveReiner S. The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A massive clean-up of the country, seen by most Indonesians as deeply corrupt after decades of authoritarian rule, has become a top priority of the country's first directly elected president.

1. CURTAIN: 2 X 20

1. CURTAIN: 2 X 20 Susilo to attend tsunami commemoration in Aceh 2. FISH: 1 X 56 Fisheries face tough challenges a year after tsunami 3. CHILD: 1 X 27 Aceh children remain afraid

TV Today: Friday, December 23, 2005

TV Today: Friday, December 23, 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.

Illegal logging: Where do we go from here?

Illegal logging: Where do we go from here? Illegal logging sees no slowing down Stevie Emilia The Jakarta Post/Jakarta When the world's biggest timber smuggling operation from Papua to China was exposed this year, it marked a turning point in the fight against illegal logging in the country.

28 clubs set for soccer league

28 clubs set for soccer league JAKARTA: Twenty-eight clubs from two zones will compete in the 2006 Indonesian League which kicks off on Jan. 14, the organizers announced on Thursday.The league -- with main sponsor Djarum providing Rp 35 billion (US$3.

LSF facing criticism for film poster ban

LSF facing criticism for film poster banHera Diani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaDirector Rudi Soedjarwo was furious, but nervous at the same time. The Film Censorship Board (LSF) recently ordered the withdrawal of the poster for Rudy's upcoming film Sembilan Naga (Nine Dragons) before it had even been...

Del a jewel in Toba Samosir

Del a jewel in Toba SamosirKornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, Laguboti, North Sumatra The readiness of President Gen. (ret.) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to address an international symposium organized by Del Polytechnic of Informatics in a remote area sparked the curiosity of people in the newly...

UN bodies build 200 houses in Aceh

UN bodies build 200 houses in AcehJAKARTA/BANDA ACEH: The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) handed over 200 newly built houses to tsunami-affected families in the fishing village of Peurade in Pidie district, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam,...

Direct regional elections provide a taste of democracy

Direct regional elections provide a taste of democracy Stevie Emilia The Jakarta Post/JakartaFor decades, the idea of direct regional elections for local leaders was unthinkable. But things change and Indonesia embraced direct regional elections in 2005, which promises to deepen and...