Archive: 27 December 2005
119 articles found
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
C. Java storm damages 39 houses
C. Java storm damages 39 houses Thirty-nine houses were damaged in a storm that hit Suruh village in Tasikmadu, Karanganyar regency in Central Java, 25 kilometers east of Surakarta, on Sunday. No casualties were reported in the incident. By late Monday, there was no report on the financial losses caused by the storm.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Women's studies programs
Women's studies programs We thank you for your report about the 15th anniversary of the University of Indonesia Women's Studies postgraduate program (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 18). While event was ongoing, a rumor emerged that the S2 Gender and Development Program at the University of Hasanuddin Makassar would be closed down. We were concerned about the matter and we feared the unverifiable news would spread quickly.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prayers mark tsunami anniversary
Prayers mark tsunami anniversary A'an Suryana and Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Tearful mourners gathered here on Monday to offer prayers and lay flowers on the first anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the world's deadliest natural disasters.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Chris John stands tall in ring despite outside distractions
Chris John stands tall in ring despite outside distractions Musthofid The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Overshadowed by regional rivals Thailand and Philippines at the recent Southeast Asian Games, Indonesia has Chris John to thank as its savior in the professional scene.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Tuesday, December 27, 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/YKLASIK
JP/YKLASIK Classical music scene remains a vibrant niche One among many recommendations issued during the annual meeting of the Youth Music Orchestra (JMI), an international organization that promotes classical music to young people, was that JMI affiliates in member countries should go online to promote as many classical works as possible.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Endy M. Bayuni
Endy M. Bayuni Jakarta This Christmas provided another fine display to the outside world of the religious tolerance that has developed among peoples of different faiths in Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population. As Christians observed Christmas inside churches, hotel ballrooms and other venues, outside, young people from Muslim organizations worked with the police to provide security.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Robbers make off with Rp 130m
Robbers make off with Rp 130m JAKARTA: Armed robbers made off on Monday with Rp 130 million (about US$13,200) in cash from the safe of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in Plumpang, North Jakarta. "The security guard was held at gunpoint then bound. They then took the money from the safe and a 32-caliber pistol from the bank inventory," Koja Police chief Comr. Eko Syaputro was quoted by Detik.com as saying. The robbery was carried out by eight people at 3:30 a.m.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
World marks tsunami anniversary with prayers
World marks tsunami anniversary with prayers Agencies, Car Nicobar, India/Stockholm Families of the tsunami victims across the world marked the anniversary of the disaster on Monday with candlelight vigils and somber memorial ceremonies. India offered tearful tributes to the thousands killed in last year's tsunami with countrywide memorial services, silent marches and beachside ceremonies. On the palm-fringed island of Car Nicobar, shattered by the Dec.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh twelve months on
Aceh twelve months on Aminah is 44 years old and a widow who lost three children and her husband when the giant tsunami engulfed not only her family and house, but also everything that was life itself. Three children survived, which was indeed a blessing, but also it could be viewed as a burden when you have no money, no real hope and your dignity has been pushed aside in a living environment that severely degrades women and totally frustrates men.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Patching up decentralization to boost the service delivery
Patching up decentralization to boost the service delivery Riyadi Suparno The Jakarta Post/Jakarta There were many positive changes to local democracy in 2005, especially the direct elections of regional heads, but too often this did not translate into the improved delivery of services. Therefore, the challenge for 2006 will be to help our burgeoning local democracy improve the delivery of services, especially to the poor. Why does improving services to the poor matter?
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
National shuttlers steal the show at Anaheim worlds
National 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Equity investment shines as bonds, mutual funds collapse
Equity investment shines as bonds, mutual funds collapse Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Jakarta stock market is in for another shining year this year, hitting record highs along the way, driven in part by the influx of investors from the bond and mutual fund markets as a result of their declining yield due to various economic factors at home and overseas.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
A conversation took place in a modest house, one with unplastered
A conversation took place in a modest house, one with unplastered walls and the exposed roof covered in cobwebs -- in a traditional fisherfolk's village in Labuan, Banten, some five hours drive from Jakarta. The house belongs to a neighborhood unit (RT) chief and he was talking with his son, who had returned from working in Malaysia.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Minimum wage to be revised
Minimum wage to be revised SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The East Kalimantan provincial administration plans to revise the minimum wage for 2006 to reflect the high inflation rate of around 18 percent expected for December. "The governor has requested the manpower office take into account the latest inflation rate when it revises the minimum wage," administration spokesman Jauhar Effendi said on Monday. Effendi could not say how much the new wage would rise.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI, Vietnam improve overall relationship in 2005
RI, Vietnam improve overall relationship in 2005 Veeramalla Anjaiah The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The year 2005 witnessed immense activity in the relations between two Southeast Asian giants -- Indonesia and Vietnam. In May, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Hanoi and his Vietnamese counterpart, Tran Duc Luaong, paid back the favor in April to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Fight terrorism with education!'
'Fight terrorism with education!' Members of some Muslim organizations helped provide security at churches in the capital and surrounding towns during the Christmas celebrations. The participation of these groups in guarding churches and other places used for Christmas services has raised hopes of religious tolerance in the country. The Jakarta Post listened to the opinions of some residents about religious tolerance in the country.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Wednesday, December 28, 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wynne helps RI women players court triumph in Angie's absence
Wynne helps RI women players 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Tuesday, December 27, 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Tuesday, December 27, 2005
TV Program: Tuesday, December 27, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Drama 7:30 Children Show 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 9:30 Health and Prayer 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 1:00 p.m.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tae kwon do streamlines elite training program
Tae kwon do streamlines elite training program Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After returning with a single gold from December's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Indonesian Taekwondo Association (TI) has slashed the number of athletes in its elite training program and is recruiting a new batch of coaches.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Year-end special edition
Year-end special edition The business and sports sectors -- the subjects of today's special section for 2005 -- experienced a few highs and more than their fair share of lows during the past year. In business, the hard-gained macroeconomic stability after the turmoil of recent years came under severe strain. With soaring global prices threatening the fiscal balance, the government was forced to take the unpopular step of hiking fuel prices twice during the course of the year.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stocks shine as mutual funds collapse
Stocks shine as mutual funds collapse Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta stock market is in for another shining year this year, hitting record highs along the way, driven in part by the influx of investors from the bond and mutual fund markets as a result of their declining yield due to various economic factors at home and overseas.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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?
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
City plans to provide buses for schoolkids
City plans to provide buses for schoolkids Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Good news has been proclaimed for students here, who often find it difficult to catch public buses, because the Jakarta administration has announced a new school bus system, free of charge for next year. "Those school buses will be available for free ... so please, do not vandalize them by scribbling, let alone damage the buses," Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday at City Hall.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Timor Leste's past: Let it be or bare it all?
Timor Leste's past: Let it be or bare it all? John McBeth The Straits Times Asia News Network/Singapore It was five years ago. Sitting at the kitchen table in a small, nondescript house on Dili's sun-baked foreshore, the soon- to-be president of Timor Leste was talking about the future.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
TV Program: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Drama 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Dialogue: Showbiz 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Rona Daerah 1:00 p.m.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Angkasa Pura seeks funding for expansion in Soekarno-Hatta airport
Angkasa Pura seeks funding for expansion in Soekarno-Hatta airport The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II is seeking some Rp 3.5 trillion (US$353 million) to fund the expansion of the Soekarno- Hatta International Airport to accommodate a projected rise in the number of airline passengers. President director Edie Haryoto said on Monday the funds would be used to build a third terminal at the airport, which would start construction next year.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Storm wrecks havoc in Central Java Page 3
1. Storm wrecks havoc in Central Java Page 3 2. Shaq gets bragging rights over Bryant Page 5 3. Year-enders: Sport and Business Page 13-20
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Tuesday, December 27, 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investment climate still walking a tightrope
Investment climate still walking a tightrope Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Philip Morris buys Sampoerna for US$5.2 billion." If there was one sentence that could summarize Indonesia's investment sector in 2005, that could well be it. The U.S. tobacco giant's purchase in March of a 97 percent stake in Indonesia's third largest cigarette producer was clearly the event of the year for investors and the business community.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Removing the confusion
Removing the confusion Chief economics minister Boediono was right to jump in and correct a statement last week by State Minister for Development Planning Paskah Suzetta, about the government's "plan" to seek foreign debt rescheduling in 2006.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. DRILL: 1 x 32
1. DRILL: 1 x 32 Early warning system tested in Padang 2. BABY: 1 X 32 Tsunami baby turns one, but no party 3. NANI: 1 X 56 'I long to see Aceh as beautiful as it was before disaster'
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lawmakers admit to 'fruitless' trip
Lawmakers admit to 'fruitless' trip The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators just back from Egypt have conceded that they accomplished little, blaming technical glitches and erratic changes in schedule for the costly but ineffective trip. Speaking on Monday after a closed-door meeting with House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono and Deputy Speaker Zaenal Ma'arif, the lawmakers apologized to the public if the Egyptian trip was considered inconsequential.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami baby turns one, but no party
Tsunami baby turns one, but no party A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Muhammad Rizal, who goes by the nickname Muhammad Tsunami, slept through most of his first birthday in his cradle in a small room of the temporary barracks in Lambaro Siron area, Aceh Besar regency, Aceh. The room -- filled with various household items, clothes and kitchen utensils -- is shared by seven people; Rizal's four siblings and parents.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Citigroup offers internships
Citigroup offers internships JAKARTA: The Sampoerna Foundation (SF) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Citigroup Indonesia to give the foundation's scholarship students internship opportunities at Citigroup. "The experience gained during internship is significant in ensuring the university graduates land themselves permanent jobs," SF director of programs and alumni affairs Eddy F. Henry said in a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Monday.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Textile sector faces multifarious problems
Textile sector faces multifarious problems Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The already-ailing Indonesian textile sector had the ladder kicked away from it this year. Early in 2005 it was charged with being ill-prepared to face the termination of the Multi Fabric Agreement (MFA), which 20 percent of textile manufacturers here were previously reliant upon. The termination agreement was in fact reached a decade ago.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hercules may get 5 years in jail
Hercules may get 5 years in jail JAKARTA: Hercules and six other men -- whose gang attacked the office of Indo Pos daily on Dec. 20 -- could face a minimum sentence of five years and five months in prison under Criminal Code No. 170 Article 1 on public order offenses. The Jakarta Police have detained the seven since Friday for the attack as well as for injuring several reporters. "To date we have detained seven suspects only," Jakarta Police deputy chief of detectives Adj. Sr. Comr.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asia's year of living tenuously
Asia's year of living tenuously If the human spirit could be flattened as easily as a fishing village, there would be only loss from events such as those we have seen this past year. But in Asia's year of living tenuously, what is amazing is the extent to which lives, and livelihoods, have resumed, often under the weight of bereavement.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. PURA (2 x 34)
1. PURA (2 x 34) Angkasa Pura seeks funding for expansion in Soekarno-Hatta airport
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investment climate still walking a tightrope
Investment climate still walking a tightrope Urip Hudiono The Jakarta Post/Jakarta "Philip Morris buys Sampoerna for US$5.2 billion." If there was one sentence that could summarize Indonesia's investment sector in 2005, that could well be it. The U.S. tobacco giant's purchase in March of a 97 percent stake in Indonesia's third largest cigarette producer was clearly the event of the year for investors and the business community.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
The fall of the Soeharto regime also saw economists lose their
The fall of the Soeharto regime also saw economists lose their traditional tools to analyze the economy. Under the centralized New Order system these were the causal relations between the creation of economic policy and interest groups. The newly appointed Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Boediono, once said economic policy-makers needed to be isolated from day-to-day politics (BIES, Dec. 2005). Now we have a much more confusing reality, which requires a new approach to economic analysis.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Cutline (1x27)
1. Cutline (1x27) C. Java storm damages 39 houses 2. Survivor (1x48) Child tsunami survivors hope for better future 3. Egypt (2x18) Lawmakers admit to 'fruitless' trip 4. DAU (1x24) Said Agil testifies in court
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Draft law on cybercrime hung despite rising scams
Draft law on cybercrime hung despite rising scams Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cybercriminals can rest easy in the knowledge they will not have to spend a maximum of 10 years in jail or pay a fine of as much as Rp 2 billion (some US$200,000). At least for another three months.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sharia banking to grow up to 50% in 2006: BI
Sharia banking to grow up to 50% in 2006: BI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sharia banking, which is based on Islamic law, will expand by up to 50 percent next year in the world's largest Moslem country on an improving economy and the implementation of a new system, a senior central bank official says.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
SBY urged to name members of KKR
SBY urged to name members of KKR JAKARTA: A human rights group said on Monday President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must immediately select the 21 members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR), pointing out the government already missed a deadline for naming members. In a statement, the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy accused the President of ignoring the KKR. The institute said a selection committee submitted the names of 42 candidates for the commission four months ago.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
'I long to see Aceh as beautiful as it was before the disaster'
'I long to see Aceh as beautiful as it was before the disaster' Nani Afrida, Special to The Seattle Times It has been one year since the tsunami devastated Aceh. What Aceh looked and felt like when the tsunami struck, and the panic of the people around me are still fresh in my mind. The sad faces of those looking for missing family members stick in my memory. And like any other survivor, I've had to accept the fact that half of Banda Aceh, disappeared in the huge waves.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Land tenure reform proposed to save community forests
Land tenure reform proposed to save community forests Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sumbanese winner of the Kalpataru award, Katrina Koni Kii, has more than seven small green hills surrounding her modest house in North Wejewa, West Sumba, where she grows various crops and plants, including thousands of sandalwood trees. Her sandalwood forest brought her to the presidential palace to receive the award from the President himself earlier this year.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Community overcomes problems by working together
Community overcomes problems by working together Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With a tap water crisis looming, millions of residents in the crowded and chaotic capital have reason for concern. But not Ramelan, 66, and his wife, Saminem, 57, and 23 other families who live on the tiny and crowded Gg. Setia in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Old city to get face-lift next year
Old city to get face-lift next year Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After years of little or no progress in reviving the historic downtown area of Kota, West Jakarta, Governor Sutiyoso's administration plans to take major steps toward developing the area in 2006. The first step toward achieving this goal will be to declare the neighborhood around the Jakarta History Museum a vehicle-free zone.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bill Gates and the strengthening of CSR
Bill Gates and the strengthening of CSR Rochman Achwan, Jakarta For the past decade or so, Corporate Social Responsibility, (CSR), has been a hotly contested topic. Arguments for and against CSR strike at the core of what business is; whether it integrates social and political demands or sticks to the bottom line; the maximization of value for shareholders.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Water consumers to get complaint center
Water consumers to get complaint center Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Responding to public complaints about the quality of tap water in the capital, the Indonesian Consumers Organization (YLKI) has set up a center for dissatisfied water utility companies. YLKI executive secretary Husna Gustiana Zahir said that tap water consumers could submit complaints by telephone, fax or e- mail.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Illegal fishing costs RI Rp 20t
Illegal fishing costs RI Rp 20t Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Monday it had managed to keep state losses from illegal fishing at Rp 20 trillion (US1.9 million), with monitoring saving Rp 501 billion in further losses. The government's increasing monitoring and law enforcement measures contributed to the success, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said. Most illegal fishing is blamed on foreign boat crews.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
2005: Yet another year of ad hoc measures
2005: Yet another year of ad hoc measures Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta From elementary school on, students have the postulate drummed into them that Indonesia is rich in natural resources, including abundant oil and gas, to be used for the greater good of all. While this assumption, presumably encouraged to build one's pride in being an Indonesian, is true in theory, the challenges in extracting and making use of these resources efficiently are often not addressed.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI-Singapore ties growing stronger despite hiccups
RI-Singapore ties growing stronger despite hiccups Adianto P Simamora The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite the changes in leadership in Indonesia and its tiny neighbor Singapore, relations between both countries have remained good and cordial in 2005. The days have gone when two consecutive Indonesian presidents, B.J. Habibie and Abdurrahman Wahid, launched verbal onslaughts on the city-state for the latter's non-cooperation on certain matters.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Early warning system tested in Padang
Early warning system tested in Padang Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang Some 5,000 residents in West Sumatra capital city of Padang left their belongings and houses behind them in the coastal areas of Ulakkarang and Purus, spilling onto the streets and heading to higher ground some three kilometers away on Monday morning.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Christians in Ambon visit graves
Christians in Ambon visit graves M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon In the six years since the sectarian conflict broke out in Ambon, Maluku province, in 1999, the members of the Lopulalan family have never paid a visit to the grave of their mother, Wihelmina Lopulalan, who is buried in a Muslim area.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's economic challenges
Indonesia's economic challenges Stephen Schwartz Jakarta Judging by the stock and foreign exchange markets over the past few weeks, the coming of the New Year and a recent cabinet reshuffle have brought fresh hope to Indonesian market-watchers that macroeconomic stability will endure, and that economic growth will continue to rise toward its enormous potential.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
P.4
P.4 1. Bus -- 4 x 14 City plans to provide buses for schoolkids 2. Water -- 1 x 36 Water customers to get complaint center 3. Kota -- 1 x 36 Old city to get face-lift next year 4. Speaks -- 1 x 30 'Fight terrorism with education!"
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Economy in Year of the Rooster heading for bleak finale
Economy in Year of the Rooster heading for bleak finale 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. "Although my office raised our salaries recently, it was not a significant raise considering the inflation rate." With a monthly salary of about Rp 6 million (US$615), Donny has to set aside a third of it to pay his housing loan installments.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Best IT brains take flight for more money
Best IT brains take flight for more money Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A conversation took place in a modest house, one with unplastered walls and the exposed roof covered in cobwebs -- in a traditional fisherfolk's village in Labuan, Banten, some five hours drive from Jakarta. The house belongs to a neighborhood unit (RT) chief and he was talking with his son, who had returned from working in Malaysia.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Chris John stands tall in ring amid outside distractions
Chris John stands tall in ring amid outside distractions Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Overshadowed by regional rivals Thailand and Philippines at the recent Southeast Asian Games, Indonesia has Chris John to thank as its savior in the professional scene.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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?
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Said Agil testifies in court
Said Agil testifies in court The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The former minister of religion admitted in court that a number haj pilgrimage accounts had not been properly accounted for, particularly those that provided funding for House of Representative members' haj trips. Former minister Said Agil Hussein Al Munawar testified that the funds were not reported because it had not been regulated in Law No. 17/1999 on haj pilgrimage arrangements.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
The only way is up after sad SEA Games debacle
The only way is up after sad SEA Games debacle 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.
Tue, 27 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
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Set minimum wages fairly: Minister
Set minimum wages fairly: Minister Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Erman Suparno has called on his regional counterparts to remain neutral in negotiations with employers and workers in setting regional minimum wages. Partiality could otherwise spark industrial conflicts and disrupt political stability in the regions, he said.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
National soccer promises much, but can't quite deliver
National soccer promises much, but can't quite deliver Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The expectations from the national soccer team's promising start to the year in the Tiger Cup had fizzled by the end of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Broadway comes to Jakarta for two-date show
Broadway comes to Jakarta for two-date show M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta You do not have to spend a small fortune flying all the way to the Big Apple for a Broadway theater show after all. A local promoter in Jakarta has invited a cabaret troupe to bring in the razzle-dazzle from New York's most famous street to perform for a two-date show. Original Production, a domestic entertainment promoter that has brought us British rock band Deep Purple, U.S.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Child tsunami survivors hope for better future
Child tsunami survivors hope for better future Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Tsunami survivor Muzakir still hopes for a better future one year after the tsunami killed his father and separated him from his mother and two siblings. At the tender age of 13, the native of Aceh Besar regency in Aceh has learned to be independent, spending his days at school and working as a shoeshine boy.
Tue, 27 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.
Tue, 27 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Reform in tax regime not going anywhere
Reform in tax regime not going anywhere Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Rising public expectation over a substantial reform in the country's tax regime seems to be fading away now as vested interests within the Ministry of Finance's Directorate General of Taxation have stalled the deliberation of the tax law amendments.
Tue, 27 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.