Archive: 24 December 2005
137 articles found
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Economic and clean-governance approaches to reconciliation in
Economic and clean-governance approaches to reconciliation in Poso Ruslan 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 rights violations in conflict-torn Poso regency in Central Sulawesi. The President's decision has encouraged more people to cooperate with the police.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /NAJIB
JP/ /NAJIB Indonesia Outlook 2006 (Religion) Competition between Liberal and Conservative Group to Change the Very Face of Islam in Indonesia Ahmad Najib Burhani Jakarta The year 2005 saw numerous disputes between conservative Muslims and liberal Muslims to change the face of Islam in Indonesia. A number of incidents that occurred this year were a manifestation of these disputes.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Returning legislators play cat and mouse with journalists
Returning legislators play cat and mouse with journalists Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mounting public criticism over a visit by lawmakers to Egypt appears to have taken its toll on their maturity. A game of cat and mouse with journalists at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Friday appeared to be first on the agenda for the returning legislators. Scheduled to touch down at 1:45 p.m, Qatar Airways Flight No. 626 from Doha via Singapore was delayed for an hour.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/yearend/PAPUA
JP/yearend/PAPUA Special autonomy implementation in Papua treading water A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Four 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. Special autonomy has not improved the lives of Papuans, many of whom live in poverty in spite of the funds channeled to regional administrations for the autonomy drive, which total between Rp 1.3 trillion and Rp 1.5 trillion a year.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. In times such as these, we find him calling for a culture of excellence. How can one reconcile these calls? Lest one be accused of drawing too hasty a conclusion, let us try to look at the facts.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/year
JP/4/year Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Although 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 country. However, the corruption eradication campaign is still far from satisfactory. Starting with the replacement of the national police chief in July, the president's hand-picked successor, Gen.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Security beefed up ahead of Christmas
Security beefed up ahead of Christmas The Jakarta Post, Batam/Kupang/Medan/Yogyakarta Thousands of police officers and soldiers have been deployed across the country following warnings that al-Qaeda-linked militants could be planning Christmas attacks. A joint team comprising 2,552 personnel from the police, the Indonesian Military and local security guards have been deployed to ensure a safe Christmas and New Year's holiday in East Nusa Tenggara. East Nusa Tenggara Police chief Sr. Comr.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI shuttlers steal the show at Anaheim worlds
RI shuttlers steal the show at Anaheim worlds Moch. 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Gambling: Can police bite the hand that feeds them?
Gambling: Can police bite the hand that feeds them? Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Immediately 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 and face criminal charges. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. A relative of the boy, Zainuri, said on Thursday the fifth grader was found gravely ill on the roadside near his school and was rushed to Tlogomulyo Hospital in Tegowanu district in Grobogan regency. He died before reaching the hospital.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/yearend/Aceh
JP/yearend/Aceh Peace in Aceh: A momentum too strong to resist A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After 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. 15 this year, and finally agreed on a landmark peace deal that could help end almost 30 years of conflict in Aceh.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Poor economy keeps Xmas celebrations modest
Poor economy keeps Xmas celebrations modest Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh This 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. "We are not in a good economic condition this year," Kasmiati told The Jakarta Post.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 in speed, and great in magnitude.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The Aceh and Nias Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR) was only set up in April, four months after the tsunami struck on Dec. 26, 2004.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 groundwater has encroached on some 14 kilometers of land around the National Monument (Monas) Square, or a third of the territory of the capital city of Jakarta.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Abdul said that from the 60 raids organized during the year, North Jakarta held the record for the most violations with 3,921 people detained, 1,033 people tried and Rp 20 million collected in fines.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/Y/FILML
JP/Y/FILML Many local films released, but has quality improved? Lisabona Rahman and Paul F. Agusta Contributors/Jakarta Indonesian 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Government's insensible plan
Government's insensible plan From 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. The reasons for imposing such a high excise is that cement belongs to the category of products that produce high pollutants. I think this argument is quite naive and insensible.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asian coal prices may fall 20%
Asian coal prices may fall 20% Angela Macdonald-Smith, Bloomberg/Sydney Asian 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. Japanese utilities such as Tokyo Electric Power Co.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Economy of Year of the Rooster heading for bleak finale
Economy of Year of the Rooster heading for bleak finale For Dec. 27 Primastuti Handayani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta For "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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Key stock index drops as Bumi, Telkom decline
Key stock index drops as Bumi, Telkom decline Naila Firdausi, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia'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. PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia and PT Gudang Garam led slides among the biggest companies by value after the police said the country was on top alert for terror attacks during the Christmas and New Year period.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo promises to submit name for top TNI post soon
Susilo promises to submit name for top TNI post soon Rendi 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. He said on Friday that he would soon submit a candidate for the top post at the TNI to the House of Representatives for approval. Susilo is expected to make the move to replace TNI Commander in Chief Gen.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
City faces formidable challenges in implementing smoking ban
City faces formidable challenges in implementing smoking ban Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A 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 next to him, and he probably cares little for the distasteful looks of others bothered by his cigarette smoke.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
People's hope is but a dream
People's hope is but a dream From 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. Unfortunately, SBY and Kalla have not been successful in fulfilling the people's aspirations.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /GRAFT
JP/ /GRAFT Mixed results in anticorruption drive Reiner 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. So far Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's results have been mixed; and there are worrying signs that corrupt forces are fighting back -- and are equally as aggressive.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
President, House agree to regulate official wages
President, House agree to regulate official wages Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At 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 other things, appropriate wages for state officials.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
A better economic outlook possible in the year ahead
A better economic outlook possible in the year ahead Umar 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 8.7 percent, much higher than anybody expected. By the end of 2005, inflation is expected to be around 18 percent as firms make price adjustments in line with higher prices for energy, transportation, credit, wages and intermediate goods.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Beyond well enough
Beyond well enough Arya 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. Exports became one of the main sources of growth, contributing to around 80 percent of total growth in the first two quarters of 2005.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
No paper
No paper In observance of Christmas, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Sunday. The Post will reappear on Monday. -- Publisher
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. For Indonesia's newly elected government there was the tsunami and a succession of terrorist acts to recover from.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wanted, an integrated approach to thuggery!
Wanted, an integrated approach to thuggery! Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Three 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. "I was arrested together with dozens of others in a big raid in July. I spent one week inside the cell and was released after my family paid the police Rp 200,000.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP//HEALTH
JP//HEALTH Diseased healthcare system needs overhaul Hera Diani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The 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. It began with the colossal work of dealing with the health problems and the destruction of the healthcare system, in the aftermath of the Dec. 26 tsunami in Aceh province.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /tni
JP/ /tni War on terror benefits only TNI, or the nation? Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite 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 United States. The U.S. decision last November was linked to George W. Bush's global war on terror.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
AGO detains former Petral boss
AGO detains former Petral boss Eva 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. Attorney General's Office (AGO) spokesman Masyudi Ridwan said on Friday, the day after the arrest, that Zainul was being held at the AGO's detention facility.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bank Indonesia -- Another regulatory failure
Bank Indonesia -- Another regulatory failure John 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. Contrary to Bank Indonesia's intention, however, it has also been five months of rough riding for the rupiah in the foreign exchange market.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Egypt (3x18) Returning lawmakers play hide 'n seek with journalists
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
All alone confronting Goliath
All alone confronting Goliath M. 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. A box office documentary film in the same league as Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The event, which will be divided in four age-groups, will feature about 900 swimmers competing in 172 events -- 146 individual and 26 medley events -- with a total of 750 medals on offer. First held in 1977, the annual club meet aims to identify swimming talent from across the country.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Councillors: Do they work hard for the money?
Councillors: Do they work hard for the money? Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The 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. 26, 2004, more than 1,000 people demonstrated outside the City Council building to remind them of their election promises -- clean governance and improved welfare for the public at large.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Following the model of Jesus the feminist Mirza Tirta Kusuma Chicago 2. Strait-- Timor Leste's past: Let it be or bare it all? 1 x 30 What to do about Timor Leste's past John McBeth The Straits Times Asia News Network/Singapore
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Trends in internal security problems in 2006
Trends in internal security problems in 2006 Ikrar 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 Jimbaran and Kuta in Bali in October 2005, conflicts related to industrial relations following the fuel price increases in October 2005 in some areas in Java and so on.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Christmas: Hope in darkness
Christmas: Hope in darkness Benny 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Foreigners, VIPs to get extra security during Xmas
Foreigners, VIPs to get extra security during Xmas Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hercules named suspect in attack on 'Indo Pos' daily
Hercules named suspect in attack on 'Indo Pos' daily Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. Firman Gani said on Friday that Hercules and 12 other men were arrested on Thursday evening and were being held at city police headquarters. "We have questioned Hercules and members of his gang.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Direct regional elections provide a taste of democracy
Direct regional elections provide a taste of democracy Stevie Emilia The Jakarta Post/Jakarta For 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 institutionalize democratic traditions at the grassroots level. Direct regional elections -- the first in the country's history -- are scheduled to be held in over 200 mayoralties, regencies and provinces.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian politics in 2006
Indonesian politics in 2006 Rizal 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. In other words, no major political upheavals are expected over the next year.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Will the brilliant performance be sustainable throughout the year?
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/20/YEAREND
JP/20/YEAREND Mainstream languishes, indie rises by leaps and bounds M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta At the outset, 2005 showed little promise for music fans who were hoping for new sounds and exciting gigs. They year started with a three-date benefit concert from Scandinavian soft-rock has-beens Michael Learns to Rock -- a fitting omen for worse things to come, namely the release of a self-titled album by the Surabaya, East Java-based pop-rock band, Padi.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI gets $200m for policy reform program
RI gets $200m for policy reform program The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. The loans will be used to finance a Development Policy Support Program, the bank said in a statement on Friday.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Greater self-confidence and the need for
Greater self-confidence and the need for cogent foreign policy approach: Outlook for 2006 Bantarto 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. It will remain so in the future.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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". The legal argument would be filed with the court after Nurdin finished his appeal process, he added. "I am still studying the case file and all the legal arguments from the court.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh 2006: A refugee's hope
Aceh 2006: A refugee's hope Nani 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. The ground around her tent was muddy and she was trying in vain to clean her leaking shelter. The widow shares the abode with her two children. Their father perished as he was swept away by the tsunami a year ago.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Recent robberies may be linked to terrorism: Police
Recent robberies may be linked to terrorism: Police Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. Anton Bahrul Alam said on Friday the police would investigate the robberies to determine whether they were carried out by terrorists to finance their operations in the country.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso's balance scorecard for 2005
Sutiyoso's balance scorecard for 2005 Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakartans 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. But, asking which promises and plans have been materialized by his administration raises more concerns on unfulfilled promises and unmet plans than satisfaction over achievements. When presenting the city's 2005 budget draft to the City Council on Dec.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh tsunami boy prepares for film debut
Aceh tsunami boy prepares for film debut Tomi Soetjipto, Reuters/Banda Aceh Martunis, 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. Now eight-year-old Martunis, who was rescued wearing the red and green jersey of the Portuguese national soccer team, may be poised to make his film debut.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shoe workers hospitalized after eating spoiled chicken
Shoe workers hospitalized after eating spoiled chicken Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post/Tangerang Some 300 workers of shoe company PT Prima Inreksa in Cikupa, Tangerang were rushed to hospital on Friday morning with suspected food poisoning. Vera Damayanti, 24, one of workers treated at the Tangerang General Hospital (RSU), said that she and friends had dinner at the company's cafeteria at around 7 p.m. on Thursday. She ordered a piece of fried chicken and chilly sauce with rice.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. East Java councillor Kuswiyanto said on Friday that a school principal had reported the reduction to the council.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
House power play keeps checks and balances at bay
House power play keeps checks and balances at bay Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Vehemently, 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. A brawl was imminent, and journalists readied themselves. The same fracas recurred a week later, with the same faces, same floor and the same debate, which stretched to midnight.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Many admit to bribing officials
Many admit to bribing officials Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In 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 card, a driver's license or a business permit. This fact was revealed in the 2005 Global Corruption Barometer, a report issued by Transparency International.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/radical
JP/4/radical Radicalism extends roots, becoming institutionalized Muhammad Nafik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta There is no danger that Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, will be turned into an Islamic state. One reason for this is that most Indonesians practice a moderate strain of Islam and are tolerant of different religions. Another reason is that the nation's founding fathers, who included charismatic Muslim leaders and ulema, never wanted Indonesia to be an Islamic state.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/MK
JP/4/MK Constitutional Court's compromise approach criticized Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The 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 handed down.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
BRR-TNI reconstruction plan raises questions
BRR-TNI reconstruction plan raises questions A'an Suryana and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta The government has drawn strong criticism for its plan to deploy 15 battalions, or about 15,000 soldiers, to help speed up reconstruction in Aceh. Critics said on Friday the deployment could endanger the peace process in the tsunami-ravaged province, after former rebels completed their disarmament and the Indonesian Military (TNI) pulled out most of its combat troops from Aceh.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/YZATNI2/
JP/YZATNI2/ Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacement Zatni Arbi Contributor/Jakarta This 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. Suddenly, we had a worldwide oil crisis and the price of gasoline skyrocketed. Right away, the sales of gas-guzzling cars, trucks and SUVs plummeted, even in the U.S.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Monday, December 26, 2005
TV Program: Monday, December 26, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Children Drama 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 9:30 Cultural Show 10:00 Talk Show 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:30 Quiz 2:00 Channel Dangdut 3:00 English News Service 3:30 Documentary 4:30 Documentary 5:30 Info.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Environmental Outlook 2006
Environmental Outlook 2006 The problems of environment in the years to come E.G. Togu Manurung Bogor Indonesia is blessed with some of the most extensive and biologically diverse tropical forests in the world. But the tragedy is that Indonesia has one of the highest rates of tropical forest loss in the world. Minister of Forestry M.S. Kaban, in his many speeches at various events, repeatedly warns that Indonesia's forests are under serious threat.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Workers hospitalized with food poisoning
Workers hospitalized with food poisoning Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Some 300 workers of shoe company PT Prima Inreksa in Cikupa, Tangerang were rushed to hospital on Friday morning with suspected food poisoning. Vera Damayanti, 24, one of workers treated at the Tangerang General Hospital (RSU), said that she and friends had dinner at the company's cafeteria at around 7 p.m. on Thursday. She ordered a piece of fried chicken and chilly sauce with rice.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 Jakarta). In response to the violence, the Central Board of the Indonesian Journalists (PWI) stated as follows.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Clean, fresh air remains a dream for Jakarta residents
Clean, fresh air remains a dream for Jakarta residents Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Wouldn'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. 2/2005 on air pollution control in February next year, this utopian dream may probably stay just that: a dream.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 26, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, December 26, 2005 Exhibitions * Painting and lithograph by Ken Pattern at Galeri Hadiprana Jl Kemang Raya # 30 South Jakarta (Tel 7194715), Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec. 31 * Italian Fashion Exhibition by Studio Galgano, Fifty Years of Italian Fashion, at Gedung Arsip Nasional (the National Archive Building), Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta (Tel. 6347744) until Jan.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Muslims, minorities, and the state in Indonesia
Muslims, minorities, and the state in Indonesia Muhamad 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 in public life.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cheap Bulog rice a hot item in Medan's markets
Cheap Bulog rice a hot item in Medan's markets Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Rice 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. A customer, Eva, did not hesitate before deciding to buy seven kilograms of the rice at Rp 2,900 (28 U.S. cent) a kilogram. "I'm grateful there's trader who sells cheap rice.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Following that, more direct elections were held for governors, regents and mayors, and they too were peacefully staged.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/xx/YHELLY
JP/xx/YHELLY please check the bold is right, thnks RI 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 government continues to keep the arts at arm's length.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
The only way is up after sad SEA Games showing
The only way is up after sad SEA Games showing Bruce 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
2006 - Building for the future
2006 - Building for the future David 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. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The economy was exceedingly dependent upon the consumer, with estimates of this sector driving 80 percent of economic growth.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
2005: Tough year for motorists and commuters alike
2005: Tough year for motorists and commuters alike Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Throughout 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Dudi, tolong pakai yang ini The only way is up after sad SEA Games showing Bruce 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ship passengers
Ship passengers panic off Batam Passengers 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 the craft is officially allowed to carry. The sale of fake tickets was blamed for the large number of passengers being carried on the ship.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Aceh's outlook for 2006 and a refugee's hope Nani Afrida Banda Aceh 2. 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
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Since we are not working here, are we not excluded from the obligation of paying fiscal? ALBERTO VAZQUEZ YARZA Jimbaran, Bali
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/YZATNI2/
JP/YZATNI2/ Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacement Zatni Arbi Contributor/Jakarta This 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. Suddenly, we had a worldwide oil crisis and the price of gasoline skyrocketed. Right away, the sales of gas-guzzling cars, trucks and SUVs plummeted, even in the U.S.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Islam radicalism and national security
Islam radicalism and national security Sutanto 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 security was declared to be under the threats stemming from the radicalism of right-wing and left-wing extremists.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. According to the secretary to Jambi city administration's counseling team for abused victims, Hidayatullah Hasanah, 14 cases are being processed by the police and the remaining six are being handled by her team.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Students pledges cleaner, greener Padang
Students pledges cleaner, greener Padang Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang In 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 bags.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta grows into shopping destination
Jakarta grows into shopping destination Tantri Yuliandini The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Kelapa 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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Detikcom reported on Friday that the mayor would ask the management of the Nurul Hidayah Al Bahar Foundation on Dec. 27 to evaluate the continuation of the construction of the mosque, particularly since it has no building license.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt slammed for not halting MSM mining operation
Govt slammed for not halting MSM mining operation The 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 its tailings in the sea off North Sulawesi.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
2006 as the year of economic consolidation
2006 as the year of economic consolidation David 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 eased and investor appetite diminished. The leading economic indicators, which typically move around six to 12 months ahead, also indicated the same thing.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Supreme Audit Agency wants follow-up on irregularities
Supreme Audit Agency wants follow-up on irregularities Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) is asking for greater cooperation from related offices in following up on its findings of irregularities. Such cooperation has become urgent, BPK chief Anwar Nasution said at a workshop on the state audit system on Friday, as the public has increased the pressure on the agency to act on its audit findings.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Donated to the foundation, these cast-off glasses are repaired, gauged and given away (after proper assessment and doctor prescription) to needy Balinese men, women and children across the island.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ezyhealth to buy palm-oil unit of Wilmar
Ezyhealth to buy palm-oil unit of Wilmar Angus Whitley, Bloomberg/Singapore Ezyhealth 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. Ezyhealth will fund the acquisition by selling 21.5 billion new shares to Wilmar for S$0.06 each under a so-called reverse takeover, Ezyhealth said in a statement on Friday. The stock closed at S$0.04 on Thursday.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. According to Ministry of Education figures from 2004, the number of elementary school dropouts reached 650,000, and more than 500,000 others did not continue on to secondary education.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Attracting foreign investment requires substance in policy reform
Attracting foreign investment requires substance in policy reform Dan 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 in the last half of 2005.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
People's hope is but a dream
People's hope is but a dream From 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. Unfortunately, SBY and Kalla have not been successful in fulfilling the people's aspirations.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Law prompts more abused women to seek help: Report
Law prompts more abused women to seek help: Report Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. 23/2004, police, prosecutors and even hospital staff frequently ignored women's claims of abuse when they were brave enough to make a complaint.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. I do not see the effects that she is describing. I think jealousy is created more by those super rich Indonesians who have ten cars, five houses and three wives, and who treat their maids like inferior subjects.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Sunday, December 25, 2005
TV Program: Sunday, December 25, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 Morning News 7:00 Documentary 7:30 TV Drama: Tiga Serangkai 8:00 Children Show: Arena 123 9:00 Music: Delta 10:00 Sports: Antar Gelanggang 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Music 1:00 p.m.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Anton said that Suyitno was being detained at the internal affairs' detention center and was being questioned intensively on Friday following his arrest.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 central government. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) declared the Ahmadiyah organization as a dissenting Islamic movement in July.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The Aceh and Nias Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR) was only set up in April, four months after the tsunami struck on Dec. 26, 2004.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.com as saying that there was a 25 percent drop in the number of events being held for the New Year due to people's lower purchasing power following the fuel price increase in October.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 buildings for Christmas services. However, most Christians feel skeptical about the offer by hard-line group, the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), to protect churches during the Christmas celebrations.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Terrorism in Indonesia
Terrorism in Indonesia Sidney 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 Indonesians and 6 foreigners killed by suicide bombers in Bali on 1 October.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Significance of being a moderate and progressive Muslim
Significance of being a moderate and progressive Muslim Mohamad 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 doctrines that govern the daily lives of Muslims.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/YZATNI2/
JP/YZATNI2/ Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacement Zatni Arbi Contributor/Jakarta This 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. Suddenly, we had a worldwide oil crisis and the price of gasoline skyrocketed. Right away, the sales of gas-guzzling cars, trucks and SUVs plummeted, even in the U.S.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
;JP;DAN;
;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Dec. 23 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Dec.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Overcrowded ship's o causes a panic
Overcrowded ship's o causes a panic Passengers 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 the craft is officially allowed to carry. The sale of fake tickets was blamed for the large number of passengers being carried on the ship.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
'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 in the capital on the issue. Fiona S. Hutapea, 30, is an employee at an advertising firm in South Jakarta. She lives in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Senators debated the amendments to the Islamic Family Law for hours before passing them a little before midnight on Thursday.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rise, fall of Russian communism on show
Rise, fall of Russian communism on show Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vladimir 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 to a tiny hammer and sickle. Posters with Lenin's image on them are only a few of the more than 100 Russian posters on exhibition from Dec. 6, 2005, to Jan. 15, 2006, at Galeri Lontar, Jl.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
OPEC, China agree to regular meetings
OPEC, China agree to regular meetings Associated Press, Beijing OPEC'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. Both sides agreed to hold regular future dialogues, said Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. More than 130,000 persons died, and about 40,000 remain missing, while about 500,000 were made homeless in the province of Aceh and the island of Nias, both in northern Sumatra.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI churches should not be targets
RI churches should not be targets 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. The Indonesian security authorities have credible evidence that the terrorist groups plan to bomb churches and other buildings during the holidays.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/xx/YCARLA
JP/xx/YCARLA Art highlights 2005 Carla Bianpoen Contributor/Jakarta For 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 had been part of the gallery's history.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 culture," said the head of South Sulawesi Archives and Library Office, Zainal Abidin, on Friday.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Roots of conflict and peace agendas in Papua
Roots of conflict and peace agendas in Papua Muridan 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. Endriartono Sutarto, and the official leaders of the province of Papua on Nov. 24, followed by the talks with the leaders of West Irian Jaya province the next day, resulted in a positive consensus.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Work and live here but don't die in Jakarta
Work and live here but don't die in Jakarta Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta You 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. Head of the Jakarta Cemetery Office Dadang Kadarusman said on Friday that the city was running out of space to bury some 150 people who die every day or some 54,000 per year.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Careful policy mix is critical now
Careful policy mix is critical now Kahlil 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. Late policy responses caused the crisis to spread from microeconomic to macroeconomics. Therefore policy adjustments caused a shock to the system. The situation has since stabilized, and confidence in economic management has resurfaced.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese children still not in school
Acehnese children still not in school A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh A year after the tsunami, signs of recovery are evident among Acehnese children, but many challenges remain, a UN body has said. Many children are not going to school, still suffering from trauma and boredom, and living in tents and barracks, all of which require urgent attention, said Lely Jauhari, spokeswoman of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Banda Aceh.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/Y/ZATNI1
JP/Y/ZATNI1 IT in 2005: From the tsunami to germ-free handsets Zatni Arbi Contributor/Jakarta We 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. For many months, we were wondering what Mother Nature was telling us through this disaster.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP//SBY
JP//SBY Cabinet reshuffle caps year of silent rivalry Dwi Atmanta The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's face stiffened prior to announcing the first Cabinet reshuffle that night of Dec. 5. He spent most of his introductory speech denying media reports regarding an alleged tug-of-war that preceded the changes to his Cabinet team, which he said were speculative and baseless. Why did he bother responding to such unsubstantiated news in that case?
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The vice president of A1 Grand Prix Indonesia, Basuki Wijaya, said in a press release on Friday that the event, in which Indonesia will be represented by Ananda Mikola, would help boost the image of the country.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Gubernatorial aspirants want old-style elections: Sarwono
Gubernatorial aspirants want old-style elections: Sarwono Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While 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 capital. DPR members are now deliberating the draft revision of Law No. 34/1999 on Jakarta as a special capital region.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wynne helps RI women court triumph in Angie's absence
Wynne helps RI women court triumph in Angie's absence Bruce 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. The former Wimbledon and Roland Garros junior champion underwent surgery on her right knee in November 2004, and was out of commission for the rest of 2005. An expected return for the U.S.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Maluku 2006: Hope amid the confusion Muhammad Azis Tunny Ambon 2. pOSO -- Economic and clean-governance approaches to 2 X21 Economic, clean-governance approaches on Poso Ruslan Sangadji Palu, Central Sulawesi 3. tHANG -- Tsunami remembered: The sad truth about the compassion industry 2 X 30 Tsunami remembered: The sad truth of the compassion industry Thang D. Nguyen Nias, North Sumatra
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Luxury cars no shield for air pollution
Luxury cars no shield for air pollution Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Motorists 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. But a recent study in Jakarta shows that motorists in luxury cars do not escape air pollution. Like those in non-air conditioned vehicles, they also inhale dangerous airborne pollutants.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The United States wasn't invited because it refused to sign a pledge renouncing the use of force and interference in the internal affairs of the region.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
The Indonesian economy in 2006
The Indonesian economy in 2006 Ross 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. Inflation is likely to decline steadily, with significant reductions in the year-on-year rate in March and October as the impact of the 2005 fuel price increases disappears.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to put your money in 2006
Where to put your money in 2006 Frank 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 markets! Will the bull run that the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has enjoyed for an unprecedented 3-1/2 year period come to a halt?
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 societies as a whole. Looking at the whole history of radicalism among Muslims, I would argue that radicalism among Muslims is more political than religious.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prospects for 2006
Prospects for 2006 Jusuf 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 willingness to bite the bullet on many crucial issues, albeit after a lot of pressure, advise and deliberation.
Sat, 24 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
No great expectations in sports for 2006
No great expectations in sports for 2006 Bruce 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 the circuit to host the championships -- a rival to F1 featuring 24 teams representing different nations -- on Jan. 15.