Archive: 30 December 2005
98 articles found
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 20:03 WIB
Tupai/Thuggish Ex-Investment Chief Held For Alleged Corruption
December, 28 2005 @ 11:46 pm Thuggish Ex-Investment Chief Held For Alleged Corruption By Roy Tupai Former Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chairman Theo F. Toemion, fired earlier this year after attacking expatriates during a children’s basketball game at a Jakarta school, has now been declared a suspect in a corruption case.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
BATTLE OF THE MINDS: A cleric preachers to the masses at Al Azhar
BATTLE OF THE MINDS: A cleric preachers to the masses at Al Azhar Grand Mosque in South Jakarta during a gathering to discuss the Islamic Liberal Network. The polemic between so called "liberal" and "conservative" Islam heightened in 2005 as one side sought to demonize the other.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Foreign bank employee missing
Foreign bank employee missing JAKARTA: A receptionist working for the Kemang branch of Dutch bank ABN Amro in South Jakarta, Citra Sari Dewi, 23, was reported missing on Friday Dec. 24. She was last seen leaving her rented room in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, early in the morning on her way to the office by taxi. The police found out that someone had withdrawn a total of Rp 250,000 from her bank account at two different automatic teller machines one day after she failed to show up at the office.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/Aji
JP/3/Aji Press must promote self-censorship: Experts Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Journalists must diligently adopt a self-censorship principle in the current press freedom era to put a stop to what is described as "legal violence," experts claim.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Garuda Indonesia may not meet target for reducing losses
Garuda Indonesia may not meet target for reducing losses Arijit Ghosh, Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Garuda Indonesia, the nation's biggest airline, may not meet its target to cut losses by 50 percent this year after bookings slowed amid rising fuel costs following the Oct. 1 suicide bombings in Bali. The Jakarta-based airline may report a loss of as much as US$70 million in 2005 higher than its previous estimate of about $40 million, President Emirsyah Satar said.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 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?
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
No great expectations
No great expectations 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stable and peaceful, if improvements occur
Stable and peaceful, if improvements occur 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Formaldehyde-free products in Lampung
Formaldehyde-free products in Lampung The Jakarta Post, Lampung/Yogyakarta Following the widespread use of dangerous chemicals in food products, the Metro and Bandarlampung city administrations in Lampung province are planning to give certification to products by labeling them formaldehyde-free and to issue a bylaw to regulate the sale of formaldehyde. Metro Mayor Lukman Hakim said on Wednesday that his office was currently registering producers who supplied food products to the markets.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Islam (4x12)
1. Islam (4x12) Promoting pluralism is job for Muslims, clerics say 2. Theo (1x27) KPK pushes ahead with Theo probe 3. Service (1x32) No payoff, no public services OR 'Free' services criticized 4. Lampung (1x34) Formaldehyde-free products in Lampung 5. Ahmad (1x28) Court rejects Ahmadiyah suit
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
NGOs demand SBY resolve Munir case
NGOs demand SBY resolve Munir case JAKARTA: Dozens of local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sent a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, urging him to instruct the police to further investigate the murder of the country's top human rights activist Munir.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
New survey rates SBY's popularity as high
New survey rates SBY's popularity as high The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In spite of mounting criticism of his administration following the fuel price increases, the latest survey shows that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's popularity remains high, with over half of the population deeming that he is doing a good job. However, they are unhappy with the government's economic performance.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Announce names of House absentees!
Announce names of House absentees! From Kompas The photographs of vacant seats in the meeting room of the House of Representatives (DPR) published by Kompas (Dec. 2) and the same photos carried in other newspapers do not seem to have changed the habit of absenteeism among lazy legislators. The latest Kompas photo has further affirmed the public conviction that the Rp 10 million in extra monthly allowances per legislator will not increase their performance.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cogent steps, self-confidence to face int'l challenges
Cogent steps, self-confidence to face int'l challenges 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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Radicalism and national security
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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
LG sees sales up 7 percent this year
LG sees sales up 7 percent this year Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the economy slows down, a local unit of South Korean electronics giant LG sees a lower-than-expected 7 percent rise in sales this year, with the number of lower-end units sold on the decline.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asking the right questions to fight terror
Asking the right questions to fight terror 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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Jakarta's environment: Good lessons from abroad Edward McMillan Jakarta 2. kELL -- Cronulla beach riots: Making waves for the Asia Pacific region. 2 X 30 Cronulla Beach riots make waves in Asia Pacific Peter Kell Wollongong, New South Well
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
A focus on customer service Carolyn Baytion-Sunaryo Jakarta 2. James -- Civil groups need to count what counts 1 X 30 Civil groups must count what counts James Rose Brisbane 3. dIANA -- "Marriage collateral" endeavor appears unfair to foreigners 1 X 30 Marriage tax outrageous Dian Sasmita Bogor
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Court rejects Ahmadiyah suit
Court rejects Ahmadiyah suit Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung The Bandung State Administrative Court has rejected a lawsuit filed by the West Java office of the Ahmadiyah congregation to annul a decree issued by the Bogor regency consultative leadership council (Muspida) prohibiting the congregation's activities in the area.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Positives amid disasters and conflicts
Positives amid disasters and conflicts In 2005, mankind was taught a number of harsh life lessons by natural disasters that struck with a force beyond human comprehension. But some moves are bringing rays of hope for the next year. In Indonesia, the central government and an armed separatist group in Aceh Province signed a peace agreement, while Indian and Pakistani governments opened the Line of Control in Kashmir, which both Pakistan and India claim sovereignty over.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta stocks shine despite lower trading on last day
Jakarta stocks shine despite lower trading on last day Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite a slowdown in the economy as a result of the instable macroeconomic condition, the Jakarta stock market has again become the best performing bourse in Southeast Asia, booking a 16.39 percent rise since the start of the year.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
No playoff, no public services
No playoff, no public services Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For over 30 years, Wati has never enjoyed "free" public services. Each time she renews her ID card, her driver's license, or applied for marriage and land certificates, as well as birth certificates for her three sons, she always is forced to pay hundreds of thousands of rupiah in bribes to obtain her documents. "If I do not pay, it would be time consuming to get those certificates.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Formaldehyde noodles? No thanks
Formaldehyde noodles? No thanks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor Jakartans have not taken kindly to the news from the Jakarta Food and Drug Office (BB-POM) that formaldehyde is being poured into foods, such as tofu, noodles and salted fish, to keep it fresher, longer. Days after the announcement of the high content of the mortuary preservative in certain foods, tofu vendors saw a drop in sales and sidewalk eateries found customers were avoiding fried tofu and noodles.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sect leader, followers arrested
Sect leader, followers arrested Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a move that many saw as unnecessary, Jakarta Police declared on Thursday Lia Eden and 32 of her followers suspects for defamation of religion a day after members of the cult were forcibly evacuated from their headquarters on Jl. Mahoni in Senen, Central Jakarta.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Garin says govt leaves artistes in cold
Garin says govt leaves artistes in cold JP/20/GARIN Garin: Govt leaves artistes out in cold The Jakarta Post Jakarta Irked by the government's lack of attention toward culture and the arts, noted filmmaker Garin Nugroho has lambasted the country's leaders by labeling them as culture-blind people who have never acquired a taste for even the simplest of the refined arts.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese reprise their lives in new documentary
Acehnese reprise their lives in new documentary The 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 near-apocalyptic disaster. Christine Hakim Film is one of film studios that quickly seized the opportunity to shoot a film based on the disaster.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
A better outlook
A better outlook The verdict of economists is virtually unanimous. Despite the tough challenges -- strong inflationary pressures and high interest rates -- the economic outlook for next year is brighter because the foundations for stability are now in place. True, the government has conceded, and most analysts also agree, that the 6.2 percent economic growth target next year is far too optimistic.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Companies urged to stop paying soldiers
Companies urged to stop paying soldiers Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono has told local and international companies not to make direct payments to the military officers guarding their operations as the practice is illegal.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
BP leads energy firms borrowing
BP leads energy firms borrowing Denise Kee and Patricia Kuo, Bloomberg/Singapore BP Plc., the world's second-largest publicly traded oil company, led international oil companies this year in seeking loans to expand in Asia as the region's economic growth drives demand for raw materials and fuel. BP, with Hong Kong-based oil producer Cnooc Ltd., this week hired banks to arrange $1.3 billion for a project to supply liquefied natural gas to China.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 31, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, December 31, 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Nyi' Sumiati highlights role of women in 'wayang'
'Nyi' Sumiati highlights role of women in 'wayang' Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The 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, Surabaya, on Dec. 20. The audience applauded as Nyi Sumiati raised the gunungan (triangular symbol of life) as a sign that the show was about to commence.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hunger in Yahukimo
Hunger in Yahukimo From Kompas After 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. This is tragic because the deaths of so many people were due to hunger rather than ailments such as malaria, which can still be found in this easternmost province.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Competition between liberal and conservative group
Competition between liberal and conservative group 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.
Fri, 30 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?
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPK pushes ahead with Theo probe
KPK pushes ahead with Theo probe The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) plans to question more witnesses in connection with an alleged graft case involving former chief of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Theo F. Toemion.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang to be 'religious city': Mayor
Tangerang to be 'religious city': Mayor Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang municipal administration destroyed on Thursday thousands of bottles of name-brand alcoholic drinks, pornographic pirated VCDs and six gambling machines confiscated in a string of raids this month. "The raids were made as the introduction to the newly endorsed Bylaw No.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
The challenge to the right of faith: Quo vadis?
The challenge to the right of faith: 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Malacca Strait route not a war risk'
'Malacca Strait route not a war risk' Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore shippers have urged an international insurance body to remove the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest waterways, from its list of "war risk" areas incurring possible higher premiums. Security in the strait, which carries about a third of global trade on 50,000 ships annually, has much improved, the Singapore Maritime Foundation said in a statement obtained on Thursday.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. We have never once managed to get our papers processed without some kind of extra charge, and these charges are rising quicker than the inflation rate. Every extension for a family of four costs at least Rp 3 million, and applying for an exit permit costs another Rp 1 million.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Sunday, January 1, 2006
TV Program: Sunday, January 1, 2006 .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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Disposing of toxic waste
Disposing of toxic waste As a regular reader of The Jakarta Post I value the contribution of your paper to the Indonesian news coverage. Unfortunately, some articles, such as the one entitled Govt slammed for not halting MSM mining operation date Dec. 24 seem to lack responsible editorial review. The article consists of misleading and damaging statements.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Saturday, December 31, 2005
TV Today: Saturday, December 31, 2005 TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 8:30 Rumah Kita 9:00 Indonesian Designers and Cultures 10:00 Live Show: Tablik Akbar 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Oto Screen 12:00 Sports 1:00 p.m.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta's environment: Lessons from abroad
Jakarta's environment: Lessons from abroad Edward 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 planted each year sound to you?
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt may set up alternative forestry financing
Govt may set up alternative forestry financing Annisa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the goal of helping the ailing forestry industry, the government plans to set up an independent financing institution to revitalize and support timber-processing companies with fresh funds.
Fri, 30 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?
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Marriage tax outrageous
Marriage tax outrageous 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 divorce too easily.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
When tolerance is no longer enough
When tolerance is no longer enough 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pollution in city rivers worse: BPLHD
Pollution in city rivers worse: BPLHD Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakartans' out of sight, out of mind attitude to domestic and industrial waste has caused the city's 13 rivers to become so polluted that if the city administration does not clean them up it will have to give up on its dream of riverine transportation. The Jakarta Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) reveals in its official website that the pollution level in the city's rivers is only getting worse.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kepulauan Seribu has its own police station
Kepulauan Seribu has its own police station JAKARTA: To better monitor the many islands off the coast of the capital, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani launched on Wednesday a new police precinct in the Kepulauan Seribu regency. Spokesman Sr. Comr. I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said that the precinct would have more personnel and equipment. "Previously, the Seribu Island precinct depended on the North Jakarta Police precinct.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI to post ambassador
RI to post ambassador in Sweden again JAKARTA: Indonesia said on Thursday it would again post an ambassador in Sweden after leaving the job vacant for a year to protest Stockholm's failure to take action against exiled Aceh separatists. The move to normalize diplomatic ties follows the signing of a peace pact between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in August in Helsinki, ending a nearly three- decade separatist insurgency in the tsunami-ravaged province.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
;JP;DAN;
;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Dec. 29 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Dec. 29 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,538.89 6,807.93 7,210.07 7,136.66 Brunei dollar 1 6,209.46 5,605.57 5,938.63 5,876.25 Canadian dollar 1 8,868.69 8,007.54 8,481.86 8,394.20 Swiss franc 1 7,858.34 7,097.26 7,515.58 7,439.97 Danish krone 1 1,642.10 1,482.30 1,570.48 1,553.88 Euro 1 12,250.83 11,059.49 11,716.49 11,593.52 Poundsterling 1 17,785.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lampung hit by leadership crisis
Lampung hit by leadership crisis JAKARTA: A number of senior members of the Lampung provincial legislative council met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday to seek ways to resolve a leadership crisis in the province. "The president will settle the Lampung problems both legally and politically. He asks Lampung residents to remain calm," speaker of the council Indra Karyadi told reporters at the president's office following the meeting. He did not elaborate.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stability a feature of 2006
Stability a feature of 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pertamax, fuel for industry prices down
Pertamax, fuel for industry prices down Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Citing lower oil prices in the global market, state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina will cut prices of high-octane premium gasoline and fuel for industry by up to 7.7 percent next month. Prices of the company's unsubsidized premium gasoline Pertamax Plus and Pertamax will be slashed by Rp 400 (4 U.S.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPK complains over lack of support in antigraft drive
KPK complains over lack of support in antigraft drive Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) complained on Thursday over a lack of support from other state institutions in its ambitious anticorruption drive. Addressing the commission's second anniversary, KPK chairman Taufikurrahman Ruki said most other state institutions had failed to seize the momentum from the KPK's antigraft campaign and push for reforms.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Leaders must be responsive, but not thin-skinned
Leaders must be responsive, but not thin-skinned Ardimas 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. Leaders in a democracy, where the supreme power lies with the people, must be responsive and learn to accept sometimes harsh criticism by the people. Also, there is no place in a democracy for absolutism, which is more suited to an autocracy.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Trends in internal security problems
Trends in internal security problems 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.
Fri, 30 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 were questions about the preparedness of the circuit to host the championships -- a rival to F1 featuring 24 teams representing different nations -- on Jan. 15.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. KPK ------ 2x25
1. KPK ------ 2x25 KPK complains over lack of support in antigraft drive 2. LSI ---- 2x18 New survey rates SBY's popularity as high 3. Web ------ 1x35 Men want facts, women seek ties in survey 4. Banks ---- 2x24 Banks gear up for ATMs, on-line banking services 5. Obit ----- 1x35 Noordin Sopiee, one of Asia's great thinkers
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Troop withdrawal complete
Troop withdrawal complete Agencies, Banda Aceh, Aceh The Indonesian Military (TNI) withdrew its final contingent of non-local troops from Aceh on Thursday, a key step in a peace pact that was propelled forward by the devastating tsunami one year ago. "The troops have pulled out... this is the final relocation," spokeswoman Faye Belnis from the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) told AFP, adding that troops had boarded departing ships.
Fri, 30 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
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
"Religious conflicts fueled by politics"
"Religious conflicts fueled by politics" Members of Muslim groups took the initiative to help provide security for Christians during Christmas celebrations at churches and other places across the country. The Jakarta Post asked some residents their opinion on the issue as religious tolerance made a comeback. J. Setiadi, 40, is a resident of Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing complex in Tangerang regency. He works as a financial consultant in a foreign company on Jl.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Court rejects Ahmadiyah suit
Court rejects Ahmadiyah suit Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung The Bandung State Administrative Court has rejected a lawsuit filed by the West Java office of the Ahmadiyah congregation to annul a decree issued by the Bogor regency consultative leadership council (Muspida) prohibiting the congregation's activities in the area. The state administrative court said on Thursday that it had no authority to adjudicate the case as the decree was not an official state policy.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
A balance between profit, readers' needs and idealism
A balance between profit, readers' needs and idealism Ati Nurbaiti, Jakarta The performance of the Indonesian media is pleasantly surprising, if we can believe the Asia Democracy Index of 2005. Published by the Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia, based in Singapore, the survey covers 16 countries and was conducted between February and June 2005.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Foreign tourist numbers drop 6%
Foreign tourist numbers drop 6% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With a dip in foreign tourist arrivals already evident this year, as compared to the year before, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has allocated US$10 million to promote tourism for next year, higher than some $6 million set aside this year. Foreign tourists visiting the country between January and October reached 3.5 million, about 7 percent lower than the figure booked in the same period in the previous year.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Newsmakers 2005
Newsmakers 2005 Each year brings hope, sorrow, shock and happiness. The stories of everyday life that make headlines at this newspaper are stories of people who go through enduring times -- some unavoidable, others by their own doing. While individuals can be singled out as newsmakers, the courage of the Indonesian people to embark on a celebration of democracy through regional elections, and the fortitude of survivors of the second Bali bombings, are acts of valor deserving of distinction.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Banks gear up for ATMs, on-line banking services
Banks gear up for ATMs, on-line banking services The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Need to do a banking transaction? Go to the nearest automated teller machine (ATMs) instead, with banks closed on Friday. The Central Bank announced earlier that as the year had come to an end there would be no banking activities on Friday. Normal activities will resume on Monday.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta to test e-procurement
Jakarta to test e-procurement Damar 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.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
A focus on customer service
A focus on customer service Carolyn Baytion-Sunaryo, Jakarta Customer service is like the icing on the cake. When a customer decides to buy a cake, she chooses whether it's chocolate, mango or black forest. When she eats the cake, the enjoyment does not come from the cake alone but comes from the icing too, which gives the customer deeper satisfaction.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Meeting China's demanding thirst for energy
Meeting China's demanding thirst for energy 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. Lying relatively close to China, they enable it to reduce dependence on longer haul energy supplies from politically volatile areas in the Middle East and Africa.
Fri, 30 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.
Fri, 30 Dec 2005, 00:00 WIB
Promoting pluralism is Muslims' job, clerics say
Promoting pluralism is Muslims' job, clerics say Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With pluralism put at risk in 2005, as illustrated by increasing conservatism and interreligious conflicts, a scholar says that Muslims as the majority in the country hold the greatest responsibility in promoting pluralism.