Archive: 29 December 2005
108 articles found
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/ /tni
JP/ /tniWar on terror benefits only TNI, or the nation?Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/JakartaDespite the precious little progress the Indonesian Military (TNI) has achieved in the area of internal reform, it has does have something to be proud this year: the lifting of the arms embargo by the...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
More graft uncocovered in RI missions in Malaysia
More graft uncocovered in RI missions in MalaysiaThe Indonesian foreign ministry has discovered more cases of corruption in its consulates general in four cities in Malaysia -- Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Tawau, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda has said.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Hunger in Yahukimo
Hunger in YahukimoFrom KompasAfter the previous cases of hunger and malnutrition in West and East Nusa Tenggara, there have been reports that at least 50 people have died of hunger and 112 others are suffering from famine-related diseases in Yahukimo regency, Papua.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Where to put your money in 2006
Where to put your money in 2006Frank van Lerven Jakarta It is never easy and straightforward to answer the question "where to put your money?". Certainly right now, with the year 2005 ending and 2006 around the corner, it is a very interesting question as regards the Indonesian financial...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Careful policy mix is critical now
Careful policy mix is critical nowKahlil Rowter Jakarta Without doubt 2005 was a turbulent year. The rupiah and gross domestic product (GDP) growth fell substantially while inflation and interest rates rose dramatically.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Bank Indonesia -- Another regulatory failure
Bank Indonesia -- Another regulatory failureJohn Le Jakarta It has been five months since Bank Indonesia introduced regulation 7/14/PBI/2005, entitled, "Restrictions on Rupiah Transactions and Foreign Currency Lending by Banks", which aimed at restoring integrity and stability to the rupiah.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, December 29, 2005
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, December 29, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions* Photo by Natisa Jones at Three Monkeys Cuisine and Art Cafe, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, until Jan. 22 * Fine Arts Beauty for Peace by Joni K. Soaloon, Ganesha Gallery Four Season Resort Bali, at Jimbaran Bay, until Jan.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Collapsed mosque owner named suspect
Collapsed mosque owner named suspect JAKARTA: The owner of a mosque in Koja, North Jakarta, was declared a suspect on Tuesday evening, after police found sufficient evidence that he had caused the deaths of workers by allowing the construction of the mosque to continue.North Jakarta Police chief Sr.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Significance of being a moderate and progressive Muslim
Significance of being a moderate and progressive MuslimMohamad Abdun Nasir Mataram Religious radicalism and extremism have proven to be a danger to social stability and order. While liberalism and secularism often trigger fear among Muslims that they are being secularized and cut off from Islamic...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Protest marks Poso conflict anniversary
Protest marks Poso conflict anniversaryRuslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, PaluSome 250 residents observed the 7th anniversary of the Poso conflict on Wednesday by staging a protest outside the Central Sulawesi Police Headquarters.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/9/SASKIA
JP/9/SASKIASunaryo Sakia struggles to preserve Surabaya-style 'ludruk' Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/SurabayaSunaryo Sakia, 49, the leader of Irama Budaya Surabaya -- a ludruk art group, an indigenous East Java folk drama featuring an all-male cast -- was hanging his head as the day-long heavy...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Environmental Outlook 2006
Environmental Outlook 2006 The problems of environment in the years to comeE.G. Togu Manurung Bogor Indonesia is blessed with some of the most extensive and biologically diverse tropical forests in the world.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Indonesia's economic challenges
Indonesia's economic challengesStephen 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...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Patching up decentralization to boost the service delivery
Patching up decentralization to boost the service delivery Riyadi Suparno The Jakarta Post/JakartaThere 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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Heretic cult enrages locals
Heretic cult enrages locals JAKARTA: Dozens of followers of Lia Eden, previously known as Lia Aminuddin, were evacuated by police on Wednesday from their headquarters on Jl. Mahoni, Central Jakarta, to a safe place after thousands of people surrounded the place.Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/18/local
JP/18/local Local designs struggle against massive attack Jakarta's socialites still prefer Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga to creations by local fashion designers. Jakarta Post contributor Syahmedi Dean looks at the hits and misses of 2005 and finds that a bit of competition can be a good thing.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
;JP;DAN;
;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Dec. 28 JP/13/ConverRupiah Rates Dec. 28 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,533.37 6,801.39 7,205.36 7,129.18Brunei dollar 1 6,216.17 5,612.67 5,945.51 5,883.16Canadian dollar 1 8,834.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Loans, projects to spur growth
Loans, projects to spur growthRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaTo stimulate higher economic growth through the utilization of the state budget, the government is to speed up the disbursement of massive loan commitments from overseas creditors within the first semester of next year.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Vibrant visual arts scene encapsulates the soul
Vibrant visual arts scene encapsulates the soulCarla Bianpoen, Contributor, JakartaFor the art world 2005 was a year of milestones, one of which no doubt was the 20th anniversary of Edwin Gallery which was celebrated with a major extension of the premises and a memorable exhibition of selected...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/YZATNI2/
JP/YZATNI2/Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacementZatni Arbi Contributor/JakartaThis year we saw a new era emerge in the automotive industry. We began the year with engines getting larger and larger. People flocked to dealers to check out the latest SUVs.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacement
Gas-guzzlers and variable engine displacementZatni Arbi, Contributor, JakartaThis year we saw a new era emerge in the automotive industry. We began the year with engines getting larger and larger.People flocked to dealers to check out the latest SUVs.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Performing arts intentive, but still lack adequate support
Performing arts intentive, but still lack adequate supportHelly Minarti, Contributor, JakartaAnother 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...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Greater self-confidence and the need for
Greater self-confidence and the need for cogent foreign policy approach: Outlook for 2006Bantarto Bandoro Jakarta A free and active (proactive) foreign policy has characterized Indonesia since its independence. This basic policy has shown a remarkable degree of resilience and adaptability.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
The Indonesian economy in 2006
The Indonesian economy in 2006Ross H. McLeod Canberra Indonesia's economic performance next year is likely to be similar to that in 2005. Output growth -- the key determinant of changes in individuals' incomes -- should remain around 5.5-6 percent per annum.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Pastika sworn in as new BNN chief
Pastika sworn in as new BNN chief JAKARTA: Insp. Gen. I Made Mangku Pastika, who was sworn in on Wednesday as the new chief of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), said his two main priorities would be arresting drug dealers and providing rehabilitation for users.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
1. ROTI: 1 X 55
1. ROTI: 1 X 55 Roti fin fishers caught in legal loop in Australia 2. CABINET: 2 X 18 Loans, projects to spur growth 3. AD: 2 X 24 Ad spending grows slower as strategy shifts 4. RICE: 2 X 9 Rice to visit Indonesia 5. SAILING: 1 X 34 'Wild Oats' breaks Sydney-Hobart record
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Terrorists may stike back for Azahari: BIN
Terrorists may stike back for Azahari: BINAgence France-Presse, JakartaThe killing of Malaysian bombmaker Azahari bin Husin by Indonesian police could spark revenge attacks and kidnappings for ransom, National Intelligence Agency (BIN) director Syamsir Siregar warned on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/18/top
JP/18/top Indonesia's top five fashion designersAn increasing number of new designers have emerged in Indonesia. Five of them have enjoyed considerable media coverage this year. Syahmedi Dean Contributor/JakartaDespite the rapid development of international fashion in Indonesia throughout 2005,...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Mainstream languishes, indie gets stronger
Mainstream languishes, indie gets strongerM. 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...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
2005: A year of no clean air to breath
2005: A year of no clean air to breath Tb. Arie Rukmantara The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesians in many parts of the country were still unable to enjoy clean air this year due to chronic pollution. Choking haze from the annual forest fires in Sumatra earlier this year covered most of the region's...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Indonesia's economic challenges
Indonesia's economic challengesStephen 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...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Environment office seeks more power
Environment office seeks more powerTb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government plans to revise the Environment Law to give the authorities more power to go after polluters, an official said on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/ /NAJIB
JP/ /NAJIBIndonesia Outlook 2006 (Religion) Competition between Liberal and Conservative Group to Change the Very Face of Islam in IndonesiaAhmad Najib Burhani Jakarta The year 2005 saw numerous disputes between conservative Muslims and liberal Muslims to change the face of Islam in Indonesia.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Ambitious clean air bylaw lacks support provisions
Ambitious clean air bylaw lacks support provisionsTantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe New Year's resolution by the Jakarta administration is to make the city breathable, but that could be too ambitious even with the issuance of Bylaw No.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Roti fin fishers caught in legal loop in Australia
Roti fin fishers caught in legal loop in AustraliaThe Australian government has been trying to persuade the Indonesian government to take action against shark-fin fishers poaching in northern Australian waters.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Subsidy increase or power rate increase, PLN tells govt
Subsidy increase or power rate increase, PLN tells govtLeony Aurora , The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government will have to increase the subsidy for state power firm PT PLN next year or raise power rates, a company official says.The subsidy of Rp 15 trillion (US$1.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Michael Richardson
Michael Richardson Singapore As China's energy demand has climbed in recent years to fuel its economic growth, Australia and Indonesia have emerged as important sellers of natural gas to the world's most populous nation.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
IT in 2005: From tsunami to germ-free phones
IT in 2005: From tsunami to germ-free phonesZatni Arbi, Contributor, JakartaWe did not start 2005 on a high note. The tsunami that hit several Asian coastal areas including Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam left us in deep mourning.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
[b]
Books on radical Islam reflect diversity Kurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The size of the book store at the Paramadina Foundation office in Pondok Indah Plaza III, South Jakarta, is deceptive.The four-by-four square meter store looks too small to accommodate the diverse ideas of the many...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Combating corruption
Combating corruption Indonesia, based on international surveys, is currently one of the most corrupt countries in the world. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has promised to improve this bad image.Many believe that it would be appropriate to consider the following two ideas: First, why don't we...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
SBY approves more detention requests
SBY approves more detention requestsJAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono approved on Wednesday new requests from prosecutors to question and detain two regents and one mayor implicated in graft cases.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Recreating culture: A spectrum of spectacles
Recreating culture: A spectrum of spectacles Throughout the year, Indonesia's diversity -- whether seen in its ethnic cultures or in its cultural forms -- has found the spotlight on a variety of stages.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Leaders must be responsive, but not thin-skinned
Leaders must be responsive, but not thin-skinnedArdimas Sasdi Jakarta Referring to the diatribes launched by some of the nation's most senior leaders in response to criticism, The Jakarta Post rightly observed recently that it is not easy being a democrat.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
A year after the tsunami
A year after the tsunami A year has passed since the great earthquake generated a tsunami off the Indonesian island of Sumatra.The reconstruction of Aceh in northern Sumatra faces an uphill battle because the area was close to the epicenter and was destroyed by an incomparably more violent force.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Literature development highlights illiteracy
Literature development highlights illiteracyRiris K. Toha-Sarumpaet, Contributor, Jakarta At the turn of the year, amidst the blow dealt by expectations in life and the reality of literary developments in Indonesia, what absolutely needs to be emphasized the most?We agree that literature is not...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Daft law on marriage unfair to foreigners
Daft law on marriage unfair to foreigners Dian Sasmita Bogor Four years ago, Gadjah Mada University economist Revrisond Baswier surprised the public with a proposal that the Ministry of Finance slap a heavy tax on marriages involving celebrities in Indonesia in order to discourage them from seeking...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Indonesian politics in 2006
Indonesian politics in 2006Rizal Sukma Jakarta As Indonesia enters 2006, the general political outlook presents a rather positive picture. There are strong grounds to believe that national politics will be characterized more by continuity than by change.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Ad spending grows slower as strategy shifts
Ad spending grows slower as strategy shiftsAnissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWatch out for advertisement invasions! "There is not a single aspect of our lives that has not been bombarded with advertisements," 25-year-old interior designer Dita Eka said.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Many local films, but has quality improved?
Many local films, but has quality improved?Lisabona Rahman and Paul F. Agusta, Contributors, JakartaIndonesian cinema saw an eventful year in 2005, with more than 50 titles either released or produced, making it the most prolific year in Indonesia's film history in almost a decade.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Govt to open tender for Kalimantan-Java gas pipeline
Govt to open tender for Kalimantan-Java gas pipelineLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government will announce the opening of the much-debated tender for the special rights to build and operate a gas pipeline linking Kalimantan and Java on Thursday, signaling the priority to meet domestic...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Local designs struggle against massive attack
Local designs struggle against massive attackJakarta's socialites still prefer Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga to creations by local fashion designers. Jakarta Post contributor Syahmedi Dean looks at the hits and misses of 2005 and finds that a bit of competition can be a good thing.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/20/DALANG
JP/20/DALANGHighlighting women in 'wayang'Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/SurabayaThe woman puppeteer from Madiun remained silent for a moment before starting to work the wayang shadow puppets at this year's National Wayang Festival at the Cak Durasim Building, East Java Cultural Center,...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
2006 as the year of economic consolidation
2006 as the year of economic consolidationDavid E. Sumual Jakarta Next year's economic difficulties are already becoming apparent. Early indications of the Indonesian economy losing its momentum are seen in slower-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the last two quarters as exports...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
SEAG scandal grows with more arrests
SEAG scandal grows with more arrests HANOI: Vietnamese police have filed criminal charges against four more soccer players, taking to six the number charged with fixing a match against Myanmar at the recent Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, state media reported.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Stock index rises as BRI, BNI climb
Stock index rises as BRI, BNI climbNaila Firdausi and Arijit Ghosh, Bloomberg/JakartaIndonesia's stock index rose, reversing earlier declines. PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia led gains by lenders after the yield at the central bank bill sales remained unchanged, easing concern interest rates may increase.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 30, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 30, 2005Exhibitions* Painting and lithograph by Ken Pattern at Galeri Hadiprana Jl Kemang Raya # 30 South Jakarta (Tel 7194715), Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Indonesia's top five fashion designers
Indonesia's top five fashion designersSyahmedi Dean, Contributor, JakartaAn increasing number of new designers have emerged in Indonesia. Five of them have enjoyed considerable media coverage this year.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Attracting foreign investment requires substance in policy reform
Attracting foreign investment requires substance in policy reformDan Kingsley Jakarta The Indonesian economy, following the adoption of a tightening monetary stance by Bank Indonesia in mid-August and strengthening inflation due to the recent fuel price increase, has shown declining economic growth...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Theo questioned about graft
Theo questioned about graftThe Jakarta Post, JakartaFormer chief of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Theo F. Toemion underwent lengthy questioning at the office of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Wednesday over alleged corruption in the implementation of an investment...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Churches target of bomb threat
Churches target of bomb threat KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A short message service (SMS) sent to Suara Timor radio station in Kupang on Wednesday morning threatened to bomb 31 churches in the city on New Year's Eve.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
SBY urged to push police to continue Munir murder probe
SBY urged to push police to continue Munir murder probeTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of human rights activists has asked President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to order the police to continue the investigation into the murder of noted human rights defender Munir in a bid to reveal...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Spitting, tops Asian peeves
Spitting, tops Asian peevesAgence France-Presse, Hong KongSpitting in public, cutting into a queue and bad driving top the list of irritations for most Asians, according to a survey released by Reader's Digest on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
City to test e-procurement system in February
City to test e-procurement system in FebruaryDamar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In a bid to minimize irregularities in city procurements, the Jakarta administration plans to test an online system for the procurement of goods and services in a number of city agencies starting next February.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Bombings have devastated tourism in Bali
Bombings have devastated tourism in BaliRita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, KutaOnly a few days before the deadly bombing of Oct. 1, 2005, the tourism industry in Bali and other places in Indonesia was starting to enjoy robust business after three years of being in the doldrums.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Rice to visit Indonesia
Rice to visit IndonesiaThe Jakarta Post, JakartaU.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will visit Jakarta in the second week of January, an Indonesian government official confirmed on Wednesday.Rice's itinerary in Indonesia, however, has yet to be confirmed, said the official, who refused to be...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
New Year in Bali to have Russian flavor
New Year in Bali to have Russian flavorRita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, DenpasarNew Year's Eve should be a festive event in Bali, with foreign visitors, Russians in particular, set to celebrate the holiday at luxury hotels and villas at the island's top destinations of Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
No great expectations in sports for 2006
No great expectations in sports for 2006Bruce Emond Jakarta The sports year is scheduled to get off to a blazing start in January when the A1 motor racing competition stops by Sentul, Bogor.Hopefully, it will go off with a roar and not a sputter: There have been questions about the preparedness of...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/20/image
JP/20/imageRecreating culture: A spectrum of spectacles Throughout the year, Indonesia's diversity -- whether seen in its ethnic cultures or in its cultural forms -- has found the spotlight on a variety of stages.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
'Tolerance is closely related to education'
'Tolerance is closely related to education'Despite the forced closures of a number of churches this year by hard-line Muslim groups, religious tolerance made a come back over Christmas when Muslim organizations helped with security at churches.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
No great expectations in sports for 2006
No great expectations in sports for 2006Bruce Emond Jakarta The sports year is scheduled to get off to a blazing start in January when the A1 motor racing competition stops by Sentul, Bogor.Hopefully, it will go off with a roar and not a sputter: There have been questions about the preparedness of...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Corruption busters
Corruption busters Corruption remains as prevalent in our society as it did two years ago. We have only seen marginal progress in the effort to convert the culture of payolas into one of responsible and accountable management.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Acehnese reprise their lives in new documentary
Acehnese reprise their lives in new documentaryJP/18/ACEHAcehnese reprise their lives in new documentaryThe Jakarta Post Jakarta The suffering inflicted by the tsunami in Aceh could provide enough material for thousands of films based on the survivors efforts to come to terms with the...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Trends in internal security problems in 2006
Trends in internal security problems in 2006Ikrar Nusa Bhakti Jakarta The year 2005 will end in just a few days. During the year, Indonesia faced quite a number of internal security problems, such as the prolonged communal conflicts in Poso and Palu in Central Sulawesi, the terrorist attacks in...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/yearend/PAPUA
JP/yearend/PAPUASpecial autonomy implementation in Papua treading water A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post/JakartaFour years after special autonomy legislation came into effect in Papua, it has been called a failure for not living up to the expectations of the people.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Books on radical Islam reflect diversity
Books on radical Islam reflect diversityKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The size of the book store at the Paramadina Foundation office in Pondok Indah Plaza III, South Jakarta, is deceptive.The four-by-four square meter store looks too small to accommodate the diverse ideas of the many...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Challenges in the AG's anticorruption strategy
Challenges in the AG's anticorruption strategyMas Achmad Santosa and Nenad Bago, Jakarta The beginning of this month was marked by two remarkable events reflecting the Attorney General's anticorruption efforts.First, on Dec.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Muslims, minorities, and the state in Indonesia
Muslims, minorities, and the state in IndonesiaMuhamad Ali Manoa, Honolulu Indonesian Islam will remain moderate and tolerant by and large, but problems and challenges will continue to exist. The future of Indonesia depends on the ways in which the government and various Muslim groups actually act...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Jakarta's environment: Lessons from abroad
Jakarta's environment: Lessons from abroadEdward McMillan Jakarta Can you imagine paying a "congestion charge" every time you drive your car into the city centre? How about growing your own vegetables? Or using solar energy to heat your tap-water? How does paying for several dozen trees to be...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Terrorism in Indonesia
Terrorism in IndonesiaSidney Jones Jakarta 2005 brought a sobering reminder of the lethal power of terrorism: * 6 Indonesians shot as they slept in Ceram, Maluku on May 16; * 22 Indonesians killed by a bomb in a crowded Saturday morning market in Tentena, Central Sulawesi on May 28; * 14...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Stock prices at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 28, 2005:
Stock prices at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 28, 2005: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
JP/18/Q03
JP/18/Q03 Indonesia's top five fashion designersAn increasing number of new designers have emerged in Indonesia. Five of them have enjoyed considerable media coverage this year.Syahmedi Dean Contributor/JakartaDespite the rapid development of international fashion in Indonesia throughout 2005, five...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
2006 - Building for the future
2006 - Building for the futureDavid O'Brien Jakarta Next year should mark a period of consolidation for the Indonesian economy. In the wake of the tough decision to reduce fuel subsidies and subsequent price increases, domestic demand is likely to remain somewhat weaker.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Sunaryo Sakia struggles to preserve Surabaya-style 'ludruk'
Sunaryo Sakia struggles to preserve Surabaya-style 'ludruk'Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, SurabayaSunaryo Sakia, 49, the leader of Irama Budaya Surabaya -- a ludruk art group, an indigenous East Java folk drama featuring an all-male cast -- was hanging his head as the day-long heavy rain...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Bigger city budget comes with conditions
Bigger city budget comes with conditionsDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAmid rumors of tough discussions between the City Council and administration over a number of issues, the factions on the council unanimously approved next year's city budget on Wednesday.The budget totals Rp 17.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
General confirms Freeport payments
General confirms Freeport paymentsTiarma Siboro and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFormer Trikora Military Commander in Papua Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon has confirmed direct payments from U.S. gold miner Freeport-McMoRan to Indonesian military and police personnel guarding the firm's mine.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Hunger in Yahukimo
Hunger in YahukimoFrom KompasAfter the previous cases of hunger and malnutrition in West and East Nusa Tenggara, there have been reports that at least 50 people have died of hunger and 112 others are suffering from famine-related diseases in Yahukimo regency, Papua.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Roots of conflict and peace agendas in Papua
Roots of conflict and peace agendas in PapuaMuridan S. Widjojo Jakarta The meeting between Vice President Jusuf Kalla, flanked by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo AS, Minister of Home Affairs Mohammad Ma'ruf and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Islam radicalism and national security
Islam radicalism and national securitySutanto Jakarta Although radicalism is alien to the character of various religions in Indonesia, practices of radicalism are not alien in Indonesia's history. In terms of national security strategies, there were occasions in which the country's national...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Corrupt immigration
Corrupt immigration As foreigners, we are required to drop by to the immigration office with great frequency. It's nice that all the fees are displayed openly on the wall, but the nightmare awaits just around the corner.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Beyond well enough
Beyond well enoughArya B. Gaduh Jakarta The economy did rather well in 2005. Estimates by the Asian Development Bank put its growth above that of the regional (Southeast Asian) average and its ASEAN-5 neighbors.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Fortune sees revenue up 30% in 2006
Fortune sees revenue up 30% in 2006The Jakarta Post, JakartaPT Fortune Indonesia, a publicly listed communication services provider, expects revenue growth of up to 30 percent next year -- higher than this year's 7 percent growth -- betting in particular on its public relations division.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
A better economic outlook possible in the year ahead
A better economic outlook possible in the year aheadUmar Juoro Jakarta Eventually, the government decided to put a brake on fuel subsidy spending by raising fuel prices on average by 126 percent on Oct. 1. As a consequence, inflation in that month rose to 8.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
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...
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
A baby for the whole clan
A baby for the whole clanI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, BaliIn Bali, the birth of a baby brings joy not only to the parents but also the entire clan. This affectionate display of communal happiness can be seen in the traditional Balinese Hindu ritual Ngotonin.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
The importance of ratifying the anticorruption convention
The importance of ratifying the anticorruption conventionAdnan Topan Husodo, Jakarta Some time ago, on Dec. 9, 2005, the world commemorated Anticorruption Day. That date was chosen because on Dec. 9, 2003, in Merida, Mexico, the United Nations inaugurated the Convention against Corruption.
Thu, 29 Dec 2005
Prospects for 2006
Prospects for 2006Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta I was not a supporter of Susilo Bamang Yudhoyono (SBY) during the presidential election campaign, because I thought that he would not be a decisive leader. However, now I have to admit, that while not a perfect and decisive leader, he has shown more...