Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 December 2005

137 articles found

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.

14,549 caught in operations

14,549 caught in operations JAKARTA: Those detained in raids this year numbered 14,549 people, with Rp 133 million (about US$13,523) being collected in fines, Jakarta Population and Civil Registration Agency head Abdul Kadir Kamil said on Friday.

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...

Aceh on the right road

Aceh on the right road Too slow is how critics often describe the reconstruction work being carried out in Aceh. We are of a different opinion. We do not reject the critics' findings, as much as the yardsticks they use.

Why is the transition from relief to rehabilitation of

Why is the transition from relief to rehabilitation of livelihoods in Aceh so slow?Meine van Noordwijk, Trudy O'Connor and Gerhard Manurung Bogor Once the word was out about the hundreds of thousands of Acehnese lives destroyed in last year's Boxing Day tsunami, the international response was quick...

Poor economy keeps Xmas celebrations modest

Poor economy keeps Xmas celebrations modestNani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehThis year at Christmas, three-year-old Melia will have to make do with only a single dress. Her mother, Kasmiati, 40, used to buy her daughter three to four dresses for Christmas before.

Muhammad Azis Tunny

Muhammad Azis Tunny Ambon Following the religious and communal conflicts in Maluku that erupted in January 1999, clashes that escalated until the Maluku peace agreement was reached in February 2002. However, the euphoria of peace did not settle all the remaining sensitive issues among the community.

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.

Stealing leads to child suicide

Stealing leads to child suicide DEMAK, Central Java: Feeling guilty after helping himself to Rp 300,000 (US$30) of his parents' money, a 10 year old committed suicide by drinking poison in Trimulyo village, Guntur district in Demak regency on Wednesday.

Gambling: Can police bite the hand that feeds them?

Gambling: Can police bite the hand that feeds them?Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/JakartaImmediately after taking office in July, National Police chief Gen. Sutanto ordered police chiefs across the country to crack down on gambling, threatening that those who failed to deliver would lose their posts...

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.

Security beefed up ahead of Christmas

Security beefed up ahead of ChristmasThe Jakarta Post, Batam/Kupang/Medan/YogyakartaThousands of police officers and soldiers have been deployed across the country following warnings that al-Qaeda-linked militants could be planning Christmas attacks.

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...

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.

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.

Returning legislators play cat and mouse with journalists

Returning legislators play cat and mouse with journalistsTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaMounting public criticism over a visit by lawmakers to Egypt appears to have taken its toll on their maturity.

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...

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.

Economic and clean-governance approaches to reconciliation in

Economic and clean-governance approaches to reconciliation in PosoRuslan Sangadji Palu, Central Sulawesi Before President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono eventually decided to set up a special Task Force for Poso, there had been a long list of major unsolved crimes, bombings, corruption cases and human...

President, House agree to regulate official wages

President, House agree to regulate official wagesRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAt the height of debate over a request by Bank Indonesia's board of governors for a hefty salary hike, the government and lawmakers will be pushing for the drafting of a new law which will regulate, among...

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//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.

Wanted, an integrated approach to thuggery!

Wanted, an integrated approach to thuggery!Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/JakartaThree days after his release from a police detention center in July, Salim, 23, was back on the streets, extorting money from drivers passing by Tanah Abang market.

1. CASINO (1 x 32)

1. CASINO (1 x 32) S'pore casinos could boost GDP 2%

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.

No paper

No paperIn observance of Christmas, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Sunday. The Post will reappear on Monday.-- Publisher

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.

1. TNI: 1 X 42

1. TNI: 1 X 42 BRR-TNI reconstruction plan raises questions 2. NATAL: 2 X 27 Modest celebration of Christmas in Aceh due to poor economy 3. GOOD: 3 X 16 Religious groups try good deeds in tsunami zone 4. MARTUNIS: 1 X 38 Aceh tsunami boy prepares for film debut

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.

AGO detains former Petral boss

AGO detains former Petral bossEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Zainul Arifin, former vice president of PT Pertamina Energy Trading Limited (Petral), a subsidiary of state oil and gas firm Pertamina, has been arrested on corruption charges.

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.

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.

City faces formidable challenges in implementing smoking ban

City faces formidable challenges in implementing smoking banTantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post/JakartaA man calmly lit his cigarette without so much as a by-your- leave. It does not matter that he was on a public Kopaja bus, it does not matter that he was setting a bad example for his son sitting...

Susilo promises to submit name for top TNI post soon

Susilo promises to submit name for top TNI post soonRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After months of uncertainty over leadership succession within the Indonesian Military (TNI), President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has indicated the wait could soon be over.

Key stock index drops as Bumi, Telkom decline

Key stock index drops as Bumi, Telkom declineNaila Firdausi, Bloomberg/JakartaIndonesia's key stock index slid on Friday for a second day in three, paced by coal exporter PT Bumi Resources as investors bet coal prices will drop next year.

Economy of Year of the Rooster heading for bleak finale

Economy of Year of the Rooster heading for bleak finaleFor Dec. 27Primastuti Handayani The Jakarta Post/JakartaFor "Donny", a 32-year-old employee of a private company in Central Jakarta, the Year of the Rooster has brought no good."This year sucks," he said.

Asian coal prices may fall 20%

Asian coal prices may fall 20%Angela Macdonald-Smith, Bloomberg/SydneyAsian contract rates for coal used in power plants may fall more than 20 percent next year as Indonesia and rival mining nations raised output after prices surged, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. said.

Government's insensible plan

Government's insensible planFrom Kontan I was deeply astonished to read the news report about the customs laws, in which the government plans to impose a fantastically high tax of 340 percent on the cement products.

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.

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.

Malang schools get budget cut

Malang schools get budget cut SURABAYA: Cash assistance for eight elementary schools in Gedangan district, Malang regency, has reportedly been cut by up to Rp 76 million (US$7,600) by an official at Malang's education office.

Shoe workers hospitalized after eating spoiled chicken

Shoe workers hospitalized after eating spoiled chickenMulta Fidrus The Jakarta Post/TangerangSome 300 workers of shoe company PT Prima Inreksa in Cikupa, Tangerang were rushed to hospital on Friday morning with suspected food poisoning.

Aceh tsunami boy prepares for film debut

Aceh tsunami boy prepares for film debutTomi Soetjipto, Reuters/Banda AcehMartunis, found wandering delirious on a beach in ruined Aceh province three weeks after last December's tsunami, made headlines around the world with his miraculous story of survival.

Sutiyoso's balance scorecard for 2005

Sutiyoso's balance scorecard for 2005Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/JakartaJakartans can easily recount the promises made by media-savvy Governor Sutiyoso for the city in 2005 by delving into his well- documented statements in various media.

Recent robberies may be linked to terrorism: Police

Recent robberies may be linked to terrorism: PoliceEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe National Police said they would step up their investigation into a string of recent robberies across the country, amid fears the robberies were related to terrorism.National Police spokesman Sr. Comr.

Aceh 2006: A refugee's hope

Aceh 2006: A refugee's hopeNani Afrida Banda Aceh Salmiati (43), a refugee in the village of Mon Ikeun in Aceh Besar regency, said she had grown weary of living in a tent. It had just rained in the settlement.

AGO to counter court verdict

AGO to counter court verdict JAKARTA: Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh said on Thursday he would submit a legal argument to counter the North Jakarta district court's decision to drop a corruption case against Golkar politician Nurdin Halid on the grounds of a "flawed indictment".

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.

RI gets $200m for policy reform program

RI gets $200m for policy reform programThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided another US$200 million in loans for Indonesia to help achieve its millennium development goals of sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation through better macroeconomic policies.

JP/20/YEAREND

JP/20/YEARENDMainstream languishes, indie rises by leaps and boundsM. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta At the outset, 2005 showed little promise for music fans who were hoping for new sounds and exciting gigs.

Weaker trade prospects for 2006: Is oil to be blamed?

Weaker trade prospects for 2006: Is oil to be blamed? Puspa Delima Amri Jakarta Reading the performance of the Indonesian economy this year can be compared to a parent's reaction when the children bring home a fantastic mid-year report card: A mixture of pride, optimism and also anxiety.

Many admit to bribing officials

Many admit to bribing officialsMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIn what is seen as further proof that corruption is entrenched in Indonesian society, up to 30 percent of Indonesian adults may have bribed officials in 2005 for speedy government service in obtaining either an ID...

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...

Hercules named suspect in attack on 'Indo Pos' daily

Hercules named suspect in attack on 'Indo Pos' dailyAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Jakarta Police have arrested members of a gang and their leader Hercules in relation to the attack on the office of Indo Pos daily in South Jakarta last Tuesday.Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen.

Foreigners, VIPs to get extra security during Xmas

Foreigners, VIPs to get extra security during XmasAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaCity police are taking the kidnap threat against non-nationals seriously enough to broaden the focus of their end of year operation.Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen.

Christmas: Hope in darkness

Christmas: Hope in darknessBenny Susetyo, Jakarta Christmas is a time to reflect on the meaning of the savior, particularly in the context of this era, a period marked by the crumbling of public civilization.

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...

[b]

Following the model of Jesus the feminist Mirza Tirta Kusuma Chicago2. Strait-- Timor Leste's past: Let it be or bare it all? 1 x 30 What to do about Timor Leste's pastJohn McBeth The Straits Times Asia News Network/Singapore

Councillors: Do they work hard for the money?

Councillors: Do they work hard for the money?Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/JakartaThe 75 city councillors have been in office for almost 18 months, long enough for them to illustrate commitment to their election pledges.When they were inaugurated on Aug.

Club swim event begins next week

Club swim event begins next week JAKARTA: More than 100 swimming clubs will participate in the 27th Club Swimming Championship at the Bung Karno Swimming Pool in Central Jakarta, between Dec. 27 and Dec. 30.

All alone confronting Goliath

All alone confronting GoliathM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For a film that was aimed as a searing indictment of big business, The Corporation is a major success -- so successful that it has been adopted by the business establishment as a marker in their soul-searching campaign.

1. Women (2x24)

1. Women (2x24) Law prompts more abused women to seek help, report says 2. Petral (1x35) AGO detains former Petral boss 3. Pass (2x27) People warned against using fake documents to enter U.S. 4. Mining (1x48) Govt slammed for not halting MSM mining operation 5.

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.

Cheap Bulog rice a hot item in Medan's markets

Cheap Bulog rice a hot item in Medan's marketsApriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, MedanRice trader D. Sinulingga enjoyed brisk business in North Sumatra town of Medan on Monday, thanks to a popular item -- cheap State Logistics Agency (Bulog) rice.

Jambi records 20 abuse cases

Jambi records 20 abuse cases JAMBI, Jambi: Twenty cases of abused housewives and children were reported to the police in Jambi this year, although many unreported cases are thought to have taken place, an official said on Friday.

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/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.

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.

[b]

Aceh's outlook for 2006 and a refugee's hope Nani Afrida Banda Aceh2. Meine -- Why is the transition from relief to rehabilitation of 2 x 30 Why has transition from relief to rehabilitation been so slow? Meine van Noordwijk, Trudy O'Connor and Gerhard Manurung Bogor

Ship passengers

Ship passengers panic off BatamPassengers on the KM Kelud panicked during a stop in Batam, Riau Islands province, on Friday night when they learned the ship, bound from Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta to Medan in North Sumatra, was carrying 6,000 passengers, far more than the maximum 2,600 passengers...

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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.

2005: Tough year for motorists and commuters alike

2005: Tough year for motorists and commuters alikeBambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/JakartaThroughout 2005, the passage of motorists and commuters on many of Jakarta's streets has often been disrupted by transportation projects that only worsen traffic congestion.

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.

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/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...

Democracy and power

Democracy and power Being one of the fledgling democracies in the world, Indonesia's general elections got a thumbs up from many countries. Beginning from the first-ever direct legislative elections in April last year to the direct presidential election, all went off successfully and peacefully.

Students pledges cleaner, greener Padang

Students pledges cleaner, greener PadangSyofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, PadangIn a bid to make the West Sumatra capital city of Padang a clean and green city, junior high school student Febri Ani Syofyan has two programs in mind -- planting a million trees and collecting a million plastic...

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...

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 26, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 26, 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.

Clean, fresh air remains a dream for Jakarta residents

Clean, fresh air remains a dream for Jakarta residentsTantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post/JakartaWouldn't it be nice to be able to walk along Jakarta's roads without being suffocated by exhaust fumes from passing vehicles?But even with the implementation of Bylaw No.

Thuggery at 'Indopos'

Thuggery at 'Indopos'From Media Indonesia On Dec. 20, the editorial office of Indopos newspaper in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, was attacked by a group of 20 people. The attackers brutally beat the journalists of the newspaper (for reporting on gangster activity in the Tanah Abang area of...

Workers hospitalized with food poisoning

Workers hospitalized with food poisoningMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, TangerangSome 300 workers of shoe company PT Prima Inreksa in Cikupa, Tangerang were rushed to hospital on Friday morning with suspected food poisoning.

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.

TV Program: Monday, December 26, 2005

TV Program: Monday, December 26, 2005TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:30 Children Drama8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik9:30 Cultural Show10:00 Talk Show11:00 News: Berita Nusantara1:00 p.m.

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.

BRR-TNI reconstruction plan raises questions

BRR-TNI reconstruction plan raises questionsA'an Suryana and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/JakartaThe government has drawn strong criticism for its plan to deploy 15 battalions, or about 15,000 soldiers, to help speed up reconstruction in Aceh.

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...

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.

Law prompts more abused women to seek help: Report

Law prompts more abused women to seek help: ReportHera Diani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe new law on domestic violence passed last year has encouraged more abused women to seek help, a crisis center's report says.Before the enactment of Law No.

Overcrowded ship's o causes a panic

Overcrowded ship's o causes a panicPassengers on the KM Kelud panicked during a stop in Batam, Riau Islands province, on Friday night when they learned the ship, bound from Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta to Medan in North Sumatra, was carrying 6,000 passengers, far more than the maximum 2,600...

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-ratesRupiah Rates Dec. 23 JP/13/ConverRupiah Rates Dec. 23 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,553.37 6,819.13 7,223.91 7,148.41Brunei dollar 1 6,192.36 5,591.81 5,922.27 5,861.82Canadian dollar 1 8,867.

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.

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...

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...

Christmas and Muhammadiyah

Christmas and Muhammadiyah Some Christians might have felt that Santa Claus came early when Din Syamsuddin -- the chairman of the country's second largest Muslim organization Muhammadiyah, and also vice chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) -- on Wednesday offered the use of Muhammadiyah...

Jakarta to have subdued revelry

Jakarta to have subdued revelry JAKARTA: New Year's celebrations in Jakarta may be muted this year as there is an obvious drop in the number of events being organized around the city, City Public Order Office head Harianto Badjoeri said on Friday.He was quoted by beritajakarta.

Aceh on the right road

Aceh on the right road Too slow is how critics often describe the reconstruction work being carried out in Aceh. We are of a different opinion. We do not reject the critics' findings, as much as the yardsticks they use.

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...

Police confirm Suyitno's arrest

Police confirm Suyitno's arrest JAKARTA: National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam confirmed on Friday that former chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung was detained late on Thursday for abuse of power.

TV Program: Sunday, December 25, 2005

TV Program: Sunday, December 25, 2005.TB.30" .90"TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 Morning News 7:00 Documentary7:30 TV Drama: Tiga Serangkai8:00 Children Show: Arena 1239:00 Music: Delta10:00 Sports: Antar Gelanggang11:00 News: Berita Nusantara11:30 Music1:00 p.m.

Foreigners are humbler

Foreigners are humbler Silvya Sucipto's letter in The Jakarta Post, Dec. 13 about foreigners owning property, states that "foreigners living in luxury in Indonesia would create more jealousy, resentment ... riots ... terrorism" is painting a very negative picture about this subject.

'Society unkind to working moms'

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

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.

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...

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.

Ezyhealth to buy palm-oil unit of Wilmar

Ezyhealth to buy palm-oil unit of WilmarAngus Whitley, Bloomberg/SingaporeEzyhealth Asia Pacific Ltd. agreed to buy the palm-oil refinery unit of Wilmar Holdings Pte for S$1.29 billion (US$770 million), exiting the health-care business to tap demand for edible oils.

Donated glasses seized by customs

Donated glasses seized by customs Under the auspices of Bali's Yayasan Kemanusiaan Indonesia (YKI)/John Fawcett Eye Foundation, a community drive was launched in October 2005 to collect unwanted, used eyeglasses from residents and visitors.

Supreme Audit Agency wants follow-up on irregularities

Supreme Audit Agency wants follow-up on irregularitiesUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) is asking for greater cooperation from related offices in following up on its findings of irregularities.

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.

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...

Govt slammed for not halting MSM mining operation

Govt slammed for not halting MSM mining operationThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmental activists have lambasted the government for its lack of commitment in protecting the environment as it did not immediately halt the operation of mining firm PT Meares Soputan Mining (MSM), which plans to dump...

Mayor summons mosque owner

Mayor summons mosque owner JAKARTA: North Jakarta Mayor Effendi Anas will summon the owner of the Baiturrahman Mosque in Koja, North Jakarta, following the collapse of its 50-meter minaret on Wednesday.

Jakarta grows into shopping destination

Jakarta grows into shopping destinationTantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post/JakartaKelapa Gading Mall in North Jakarta is the place to go for those with ticklish taste buds, or if you prefer hanging out with friends and drinking coffee then perhaps Cilandak Town Square in South Jakarta is for you.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

East Asia Summit

East Asia Summit The holding of the first meeting of the regional East Asia Summit in Malaysia was very important. Which countries were included, and one that wasn't -- as in, the United States -- was very important.

Luxury cars no shield for air pollution

Luxury cars no shield for air pollutionBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaMotorists in air-conditioned vehicles appear to be more comfortable than motorists and passengers in non air-conditioned vehicles as they can adjust the temperature inside their vehicles to a setting of their choice.

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Maluku 2006: Hope amid the confusionMuhammad Azis Tunny Ambon2. pOSO -- Economic and clean-governance approaches to 2 X21 Economic, clean-governance approaches on Poso Ruslan Sangadji Palu, Central Sulawesi 3.

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.

Gubernatorial aspirants want old-style elections: Sarwono

Gubernatorial aspirants want old-style elections: SarwonoBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWhile many regions have successfully organized direct elections, public figures in Jakarta are lobbying members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to maintain the indirect election system for the...

Sentul preparing for A1 Grand Prix

Sentul preparing for A1 Grand Prix JAKARTA: The Sentul international circuit in West Java is preparing to host an A1 Grand Prix stop from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15, with organizers expecting about 50,000 spectators in total.

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.

No great expectations in sports for 2006

No great expectations in sports for 2006Bruce Emond Jakarta The sports year is scheduled to get off to a blazing start in January when the A1 motor racing competition stops by Sentul, Bogor.Hopefully, it will go off with a roar and not a sputter: There have been questions about the preparedness of...

Acehnese children still not in school

Acehnese children still not in schoolA'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehA year after the tsunami, signs of recovery are evident among Acehnese children, but many challenges remain, a UN body has said.

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.

Work and live here but don't die in Jakarta

Work and live here but don't die in JakartaDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaYou may work and live in Jakarta, but when it comes to deciding where you will be buried, the city should be a last resort. The reason is you will never find a tranquil resting place in the capital.

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.

Online books in Makassar

Online books in Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: At least 20,000 book titles will soon be available through Internet services provided by the South Sulawesi Multimedia Library."The books mainly comprise 10 main subjects like science and technology, philosophy, religion, language, social, art and...

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...

RI churches should not be targets

RI churches should not be targetsAleksius Jemadu, BandungSince 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.

Tsunami remembered: The sad truth about the compassion industry

Tsunami remembered: The sad truth about the compassion industry Thang D. Nguyen Nias, North Sumatra One year ago, the Asian tsunami happened. Of all the affected countries, Indonesia experienced the worst human losses and physical damages caused by the tsunami of Dec. 26 and its related earthquakes.

OPEC, China agree to regular meetings

OPEC, China agree to regular meetingsAssociated Press, BeijingOPEC's president said that the group had very successful meetings with Chinese officials during its first-ever official trip to China, the world's fastest-growing energy consumer.

Rise, fall of Russian communism on show

Rise, fall of Russian communism on showEvi 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 Cola logo next...

Malaysia passes contentious law

Malaysia passes contentious law MALAYSIA: Malaysia's upper house of parliament passed contentious amendments to a Muslim family law despite protests by female senators that the changes would make it easier for men to practice polygamy and divorce their wives.