Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 December 2005

104 articles found

Laksmi Pamuntjak's 'Ellipsis' gets outstanding UK review

Laksmi Pamuntjak's 'Ellipsis' gets outstanding UK review The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At home, Laksmi Pamuntjak, author of the three-volume Jakarta Good Food Guide, showed she knew just what appealed to the reading public when she made a restaurant guide a best-seller. Abroad, her new book Ellipsis, an anthology of poems and prose, which is published by Pena Klasik, was mentioned as one of books of the year in Scotland's leading daily, The Herald.

JP/3/COMMENTARY

JP/3/COMMENTARY A place for human rights in RI foreign policy or Is there a place for human rights in RI foreign policy? Meidyatama Suryodiningrat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As the world marks International Human Rights Day on Saturday, Indonesians have a lot to be proud of. While many facets of rights protection are still wanting, Indonesia has -- since 1998 -- begun laying in earnest the foundations of a nation-state with greater accountability and respect for human rights.

Surabaya, Curabhaya or Surabhaya?

Surabaya, Curabhaya or Surabhaya? I would like to comment on the article about "Surabaya" in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 2, page 18. I am convinced that Surabaya port has been known since before Borobudur temple was built, not just in the year 1293. In Sanskrit Sura means God, or deity. It is strange also if a shark was called Sura by modern historians. The Sanskrit word Surabhaya means "that which produces a sweet smell".

Jakarta supermarkets nursing hangovers after booze ban

Jakarta supermarkets nursing hangovers after booze ban Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "We've taken them off our shelves, but if you like I could get a bottle from our store for you," an attendant at a supermarket in Jakarta told a customer looking for a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Headings

Headings 1. XMAS -- 2x18 Police to guard over 640 churches at Christmas time 2. KYOTO -- 2x25 Jakarta stands to benefit from Kyoto Protocol 3. EXTORT -- 1x30 Extortion allegations queried 4. SPEAK -- 1x40 'Is City Hall hiring disabled people?'

Police to guard over 640 churches at Christmas time

Police to guard over 640 churches at Christmas time Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As they have for the past three years, police will provide additional security for the 647 churches and Christian places of worship across Greater Jakarta during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Jakarta Police chief of operations Sr. Comr. Komang Udayana said the police would deploy some 18,000 of its 24,000 officers to provide security during Christmas and New Year's services.

Singapore celebrates biggest and brightest Christmas ever

Singapore celebrates biggest and brightest Christmas ever Singapore is celebrating its biggest and brightest "Christmas in the Tropics" with an irresistible line-up of fun-filled activities and exciting entertainment.

'I La Galigo' unaffordable

'I La Galigo' unaffordable The headline of your Dec. 2 front-page story, 'I La Galigo' finally back home, struck me as somewhat ironic given that Indonesian audiences will be charged Rp 250,000 (US$25) to Rp 750,000 ($75) for a ticket to view a piece of their own culture. Such prices are understandable in Singapore or New York or Amsterdam or Paris, where this wonderful production garnered rave reviews and much prestige.

1. 5OTONOMI (3x18)

1. 5OTONOMI (3x18) Central govt urged to be earnest about regional autonomy 2. 5Usaha (2x24) Aceh tsunami survivors receive start-up capital 3. 5PERDA (2x26) West Sumatra to implement bylaw on coastal management 4. 5FIRE (1x28) Firefighters lack equipment

National rugby team flies flag in international debut

National rugby team flies flag in international debut Geoffrey Atkinson The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia is set to be awarded full membership in the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) following a historic silver-medal performance in the exhibition games played in conjunction with the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Manila last weekend. It was the first time a full national team has represented Indonesia, and also the first full international to be played on Philippine soil.

We must be more professional, AFC president says

We must be more professional, AFC president says Agence France-Presse Singapore When Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammed bin Hammam talks about developing the game in the world's most populous continent, the word he keeps coming back to is professionalism. This, he feels, is what is missing from the sport in many parts of the region, and what is hampering its growth potential. The Qatari has grand plans for Asian soccer, and is the driving force behind a policy of expansionism.

Singapore -- the region's hub of corporate education

Singapore -- the region's hub of corporate education Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Singapore Known worldwide as a thriving, dynamic center for commerce and industry, Singapore has not only evolved into a preferred academic destination for overseas students but also a corporate learning and training hub. With education being the key to the development of Singapore's society, numerous educational institutions have been established to meet the need for quality education.

Asian powers reach tentative agreement on plans for economic

Asian powers reach tentative agreement on plans for economic community Vijay Joshi Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur Diplomats preparing for the inaugural East Asia Summit reached a tenuous agreement on Thursday on a grand plan to eventually create a cohesive economic community across the disparate region.

Asian powers reach initial agreement on pan-Asia trade

Asian powers reach initial agreement on pan-Asia trade Vijay Joshi, Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur Diplomats preparing for the inaugural East Asia Summit reached an eleventh-hour agreement on Thursday on a grand plan to eventually create a cohesive economic community across the disparate region. At issue was how deeply integrated the community should be and how fast it should be created, and whether it should be driven by the summit's sponsor, the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Asia's main convention city

Asia's main convention city Situated in the heart of Asia, the colorful, cosmopolitan and unique city of Singapore has always been a natural place for people to meet. With a world-class port and direct air links to more than 175 cities worldwide, it is the leading destination for business exchange across the globe. It is no wonder that the International Congress and Convention Association has ranked Singapore as the best convention city in Asia.

Another Step Forward

Another Step Forward Asia News Network takes another step forward with this poll, marking the first time that the grouping's Southeast Asia partners have come together to conduct a region-wide poll. ANN boasts of a membership of 13 English newspapers and a vernacular daily. It was formed in 1999 to improve coverage of Asian affairs in the Asian media.

West Sumatra to implement bylaw on coastal management

West Sumatra to implement bylaw on coastal management Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang The West Sumatra administration is drafting a bylaw on coastal management, the first of its kind in the country, a government official says.

C.G. Moghe

C.G. Moghe Jakarta 2. Dyer8 -- Japan, China and "Congagement" 2 x 21 Japan, China and increasing 'congagement' Gwynne Dyer London 3. Bennita -- ASEAN and the EU -- 25 years of partnership for peace and 2 x 21 ASEAN and the EU -- 25 years of partnership for peace and Prosperity JP/7/BENITA ASEAN and the EU: 25 years of partnership for peace Benita Ferrero-Waldner Jakarta

Malaysia hands over PULO suspect to Thai

Malaysia hands over PULO suspect to Thai THAILAND: Malaysia has handed over a suspected leader of the separatist Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) to Thai authorities, Interior Minister Kongsak Wantanna confirmed on Thursday. "There was an arrest warrant for this man issued in Pattani," said Kongsak, before departing for Hat Yai, 710 kilometers south of Bangkok, to interrogate Manasae Jaeloh, 35.

Jordan offers RI used fighter jets

Jordan offers RI used fighter jets Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jordan wants to give Indonesia used military equipment for free, including U.S.-made F-5E Tiger fighter jets and armored vehicles, as part of defense cooperation arrangements between the two countries. Visiting Jordanian military chief Gen. Khalid Jamil Sarayreh made the offer during his meeting here on Thursday with Indonesia's Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono.

World-class school to be built in Yogya

World-class school to be built in Yogya YOGYAKARTA: In cooperation with the Yogyakarta provincial government, the Sampoerna Foundation is set to open an internationally accredited senior high school in Yogyakarta. The school, which is expected to open in July 2006, will admit some 90 to 100 first year students in its first year, said the school's chief operating officer Elan Eddy.

Jakarta stands to benefit from Kyoto Protocol

Jakarta stands to benefit from Kyoto Protocol Damar Harsanto and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Think globally, act locally. That's what environmentalists often say when inviting the public to join campaigns to save the planet from the consequences of the greenhouse effect. But after Indonesia ratified the Kyoto Protocol last year, people might well change the phrase to: act locally and profit financially.

1. Commentary -- 48 pts 7 cols 1lines (1x42)

1. Commentary -- 48 pts 7 cols 1lines (1x42) A place for human rights in RI foreign policy 2. Animal -- 48 pts 5 cols 1 line (1x32) Unexplored forest reveals mystery 3. Laksmi -- 36 pts 2 cols 2lines (2x16) Laksmi Pamuntjak's 'Ellipsis' gets outstanding UK review --- 4. Photos and ad

Extortion allegations queried

Extortion allegations queried Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Internal affairs officers from the Jakarta Police are questioning the head of the Pasanggrahan Police subprecinct, Comr. Sudiyono, over allegations he extorted Rp 30 million (US$3,000) from a suspect in a case he was handling. Internal affairs chief Sr. Comr. Anwaruddin said that as of Wednesday his officers were still questioning Sudiyono over the allegations he extorted money from a man identified only as Julius.

1. ACEH: 3 X 20

1. ACEH: 3 X 20 Aceh partition could derail peace accord, warn GAM, scholars 2. KYOTO: 2 X 21 3. PILGRIM: 2 X 24 Indonesian Muslims start departing on annual haj 4. X-MAS: 1 X 56 NU militia members to help guard churches on Xmas eve

GAM to hand over more weapons to AMM

GAM to hand over more weapons to AMM BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The fourth stage of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) weapons decommissioning will take place in Southeast Aceh regency between Dec. 14 and Dec. 17, chief of a peace monitoring team said on Thursday. Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) chief Pieter Feith said he believed GAM would stick to its commitment to hand over the weapons.

PPP and PKB end internal rifts

PPP and PKB end internal rifts Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Like the National Awakening Party (PKB), the United Development Party (PPP) also appears to have ended its feud with "defiant" members following the mini-Cabinet reshuffle by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Monday. The PPP, the country's third largest, reaffirmed its support for the Susilo administration, although the President retained two PPP members, deemed "disloyal" to party chairman Hamzah Haz, in the Cabinet.

Police to guard 640

Police to guard 640 churches during Christmas Page 8 Special Issue: Singapore -- Corporate Education, MICE Industry Page 16-21 A taste of traditional rural life in Yogyakarta Page 22

Kudos to Detachment 88

Kudos to Detachment 88 Many congratulations to Detachment 88 for ridding the world of Dr. Azahari. Some friendly advice after seeing their elite troops riding around the parking lot wearing bags on their heads -- while this would be wonderful were there a swarm of killer bees in hot pursuit, why don't they spend their time looking for Noordin M Top or perhaps training, instead of trying to prove to people how tough they are.

Surabaya, Curabhaya or Surabhaya?

Surabaya, Curabhaya or Surabhaya? I would like to comment on the article about "Surabaya" in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 2, page 18. I am convinced that Surabaya port has been known since before Borobudur temple was built, not just in the year 1293. In Sanskrit Sura means God, or deity. It is strange also if a shark was called Sura by modern historians. The Sanskrit word Surabhaya means "that which produces a sweet smell".

Philippine corruption and foreign investment

Philippine corruption and foreign investment The latest such survey was done by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) in 12 Asian economies. And again, Singapore and Hong Kong got the highest ratings as far as fighting corruption is concerned. India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam were seen to be making headway in fighting corruption. And the Philippines and Thailand were seen to have a worsening corruption.

Indonesians injured in fight in Penang

Indonesians injured in fight in Penang MALAYSIA: A fight between rival migrant laborers from Indonesia injured dozens and left ten hospitalized in northern Malaysia, a police official said on Thursday. The brawl erupted when a group of 40 workers from the Indonesian province of Aceh confronted three workers of Javanese origin at a construction site hostel in Penang state, following an earlier tiff over a relationship between a woman from one group and a man from the other.

A free Shuttle bus service is available daily during the festival

A free Shuttle bus service is available daily during the festival period, from 10 to 18 December 2005. Operational hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be one minibus on standby in the parking lot of Jakarta Theater and one minibus on standby in the parking lot of Taman Ismail Marzuki (look for "JiFFest Shuttle Service" signage in the parking lot). The bus will leave every half-hour from each venue. (Example: 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., etc.)

Intel to invest $230m in Malaysia

Intel to invest $230m in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: The chairman of Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, said on Thursday the company will invest US$230 million in Malaysia as part of a three-year expansion plan. The project, which will see the creation of a development center and an additional assembly and test site in Kulim in northern Kedah state, will create 2,000 jobs in the region, chairman Craig Barrett said.

JP/17/DUNCAN

JP/17/DUNCAN Getting acquainted with Surabaya through photography Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Australia's Duncan Graham, a veteran journalist and a frequent contributor to The Jakarta Post, held a solo photo exhibition called "Voyeur ou Reporter?" (Seer or Observer?) at Centre Culturel et de Cooperation Linguistique (CCCL) in Surabaya on Dec. 1. "These photos are the most fantastic and most natural that I have taken with my camera.

Aceh tsunami survivors receive start-up capital

Aceh tsunami survivors receive start-up capital Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Brothers Iwan, 26, and Eki, 22, sat next to each other as they waited to receive cash aid from International Relief Development (IRD). "We want to start a poultry farm," Eki told The Jakarta Post. Eki and Iwan began attending a vocational training program in October, studying poultry breeding.

'I La Galigo' unaffordable

'I La Galigo' unaffordable The headline of your Dec. 2 front-page story, 'I La Galigo' finally back home, struck me as somewhat ironic given that Indonesian audiences will be charged Rp 250,000 (US$25) to Rp 750,000 ($75) for a ticket to view a piece of their own culture. Such prices are understandable in Singapore or New York or Amsterdam or Paris, where this wonderful production garnered rave reviews and much prestige.

Djarum offers more than just scholarships

Djarum offers more than just scholarships Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The students were beaming with happiness as musician Djaduk Ferianto called on them, one group after another, to a stage set up in the compound of the famous Prambanan Temple. The students, numbering 387 in total from 65 universities cried out "cak" repeatedly while swaying both their arms in the air -- just as Balinese kecak dancers do.

Japan, China and increasing 'congagement'

Japan, China and increasing 'congagement' Gwynne Dyer, London If I were a Chinese strategic analyst of a moderately paranoid disposition -- and all strategic analysts are paranoid by nature -- I would be twitching uncontrollably by now. Call it professional deformation, if you like, but I would have the overwhelming feeling that China is being surrounded and that its enemies are arming against it. And I would take Japan's latest move as the final proof of a vast conspiracy against my country.

RI's IT sector could double in size: BSA

RI's IT sector could double in size: BSA Agencies, Jakarta/Singapore If it were not for software piracy, the Information Technology (IT) industry in Indonesia would have created new jobs and increased local industry revenues.

Forest conversion on Kalimantan border halted

Forest conversion on Kalimantan border halted Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Wednesday it would forbid any new conversion of forests for plantation use in the Kalimantan border areas in a bid to help protect the environment. Minister of Forestry Malam S.

'Single presence policy' likely for private banks

'Single presence policy' likely for private banks Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta tate-owned banks may be exempted from the central bank's plan to implement a "single presence policy" in the banking sector, which bans a controlling shareholder from owning more than one lender, a Bank Indonesia official said, citing their strategic status. "The policy is actually intended to be implemented on private banks, which are considered to be too numerous," BI deputy governor for banking, Siti C.

Planning for a corporate education or executive training?

Planning for a corporate education or executive training? Q: I would like to attend a Corporate Education program in Singapore. How would I find out what is available and go about registering for the course? A: Use the search function to find out about the various open enrollment courses available based on your area of interest or course categories indicated. You can also search based on the name of the corporate education providers or a combination of both parameters.

Aceh reconstruction to speed up in 2006: WB

Aceh reconstruction to speed up in 2006: WB After a slow start, the rebuilding of tsunami-devastated Aceh province is expected to pick up in 2006, a World Bank official and a humanitarian activist said on Thursday. Aceh bore the brunt of the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami disaster, with more than 168,000 people confirmed as dead or missing and some 570,000 people left homeless. Critics have charged that reconstruction has been too slow.

STB opens Singapore Education Services Center

STB opens Singapore Education Services Center The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) recently opened its first Singapore Education Services Center, reaffirming its commitment to providing a holistic experience for international students in Singapore. The center will provide one-stop access to information for international students studying in Singapore and will cater to their needs and well-being beyond the classroom.

ASEAN VOICES ON ASEAN IDENTITY

ASEAN VOICES ON ASEAN IDENTITY "The ASEAN integration is too slow. Look at what the European countries have done though the region includes nations of different development levels. Meanwhile, although ASEAN has embraced all the countries in this region, its 10 members are basically separated countries. I, myself, a Vietnamese, know very little about ASEAN countries like Philippines and Brunei." -- Nguyen Thi Gam Huong, 23, a program administrator of Operation Smile Organisation, Vietnam.

Aceh partition could derail peace accord, warn GAM, scholars

Aceh partition could derail peace accord, warn GAM, scholars Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If responded to by the government, the demands for Aceh's partition into three provinces could undermine the peace accord it signed with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), GAM leaders and Acehnese scholars warned on Thursday. They said the division would contravene the truce, under which the borders of Aceh are defined as those determined on July 1, 1956.

On AIDS cases

On AIDS cases It is a pity that in his generally accurate article on AIDS in Indonesia, An uphill battle against AIDS in Indonesia ( The Jakarta Post, Dec. 3, page 7), Thang D. Nguyen perpetuates the myth that "... gays are one of the largest groups of AIDS victims [in Indonesia]".

Italian guitarist sets high standard on guitar playing

Italian guitarist sets high standard on guitar playing JP/18/GUITAR checked --JSR Desiderio plucks memorable performance out of thin air M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta British music magazine Classical Guitar wrote in its 1992 edition that, like pasta, pizza and extra virgin oil, guitar player Aniello Desiderio was another piece of good news from Italy.

Indonesia urges U.S. to join climate change pact

Indonesia urges U.S. to join climate change pact David Fogarty, Reuters/Montreal, Canada Indonesia urged the United States to back the Kyoto Protocol climate change pact on Wednesday, saying the threat from climate change for the world's fourth most populous nation was very real. Resource-rich Indonesia, with 220 million people, is a vast archipelago that is heavily reliant on agriculture.

2. Tol -- Tolerance in Indonesia: Pseudo-tolerance(?)

2. Tol -- Tolerance in Indonesia: Pseudo-tolerance(?) 1 x 30 Are Indonesians truly tolerant? Muchammad Tholchah Jakarta 3. Pro -- The China question 1 x 30 The China question in security Hideaki Kaneda Project Syndicate

AirAsia receives first Airbus delivery

AirAsia receives first Airbus delivery Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post, Kuala Lumpur What would you give as a present to an airline commemorating its anniversary? Try an airplane. That's what Malaysia's budget carrier AirAsia got on Thursday. After flying 17 hours from Touluse, France, a bright red Airbus A320 bearing the AirAsia logo landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on the exact day the airline was founded four years ago.

Pertamina cuts January imports

Pertamina cuts January imports JAKARTA: State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina cut January imports of fuel by 29 percent to 8.5 million barrels because demand fell after the government raised retail prices. Southeast Asia's biggest fuel buyer cut purchases for January from the spot market to a maximum of 2.4 million barrels, Ari Soemarno, Pertamina's director of trading and marketing, said on Thursday. The balance is bought through term contracts.

JP/19/MKYOGYA

JP/19/MKYOGYA Jakarta hosts Yogyakarta cultural fair Yogyakarta is said to be the heart and soul of Javanese culture. But, like man, no city is an island. Consequently, Yogyakarta has to deal with the impact of modernization and urbanization. Thus, inhabitants and visitors alike often express disappointment over how little of Yogyakarta's legendary heritage nowadays can be explored.

Are Indonesians truly tolerance?

Are Indonesians truly tolerance? Muchammad Tholchah, Jakarta It is commonly assumed that Islam is a tolerant religion, which is supported by normative evidence based on the Koran and Hadith. If we look into Islam from a normative perspective, we will find that Islam is absolutely just, right, precise, tolerant and respectful of human rights.

Bollywood films wins award in Bali Film Festival

Bollywood films wins award in Bali Film Festival JP/19/INDIA checked --JSR Bollywood film wins award at Bali Film Festival An Indian film, Chokker Bali (Sand in the Eyes), an adaptation from Rabindranath Tagore's novel of the same name, won the Sarasvati People's Choice Award at the 7th Bali International Film Festival late last month. The award is the latest recognition that has been given the film, a psychological investigation of relationships between the sexes in a wealthy family.

ANN Asiapoll: The Unity Within

ANN Asiapoll: The Unity Within Shefali Rekhi, The Straits Times/Asia News Network, Singapore A region-wide poll has found that ASEAN's citizens and residents believe they share a common identity and want the pace of integration speeded up. Six in 10 of those polled said that people in ASEAN identified with one another. Just over half said they could speak the language of another ASEAN country.

World-class school to be built in Yogya

World-class school to be built in Yogya YOGYAKARTA: In cooperation with the Yogyakarta provincial government, the Sampoerna Foundation is set to open an internationally accredited senior high school in Yogyakarta. The school, which is expected to open in July 2006, will admit some 90 to 100 first year students in its first year, said the school's chief operating officer Elan Eddy.

'Is City Hall hiring disabled people?'

'Is City Hall hiring disabled people?' Every year countries around the world, including Indonesia, mark Dec. 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons. But, how much attention do we give to disabled people? The Jakarta Post interviewed some city residents on the issue. Fitri Wulandari, 30, works in Central Jakarta. She lives in Bintaro, Tangerang: I think Jakarta should increase its disabled-friendly infrastructure.

ASEAN: The quest for an identity

ASEAN: The quest for an identity By Isagani Yambot in Manila, Shefali Rekhi in Singapore, Yasmin Lee Arpon in Bangkok, Nick Leong in Kuala Lumpur, Novan Imam Santosa in Jakarta and Diem Quynh Pham in Hanoi. Setting aside sheafs of paper, K. Kesavapany picks up the results of The Straits Times -- Asia News Network Asiapoll and begins to ponder.

Govt swaps bonds with longer-maturity debt

Govt swaps bonds with longer-maturity debt The government swapped Rp 5.67 trillion (US$579 million) of local-currency debt with longer-maturity debt, the first such transaction in the country. The government purchased eight series of bonds with maturities ranging from 2006 to 2009, said Mulia Nasution, director general of treasury at the finance ministry. The government received demand for Rp 7.72 trillion at the close of Thursday's auction in Jakarta.

A place for human rights in RI foreign policy

A place for human rights in RI foreign policy Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the world marks International Human Rights Day on Saturday, Indonesians have a lot to be proud of. While many facets of rights protection are still wanting, Indonesia has -- since 1998 -- begun laying in earnest the foundations of a nation-state with greater accountability and respect for human rights.

Micro entrepreneurs given recognition

Micro entrepreneurs given recognition The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nine entrepreneurs were named on Thursday as recipients of the Global Micro-entrepreneurs Awards 2005 from the University of Indonesia's School of Economics' UKM Center, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Citigroup.

'It's hard to attach a price to culture'

'It's hard to attach a price to culture' The seventh Jakarta International Film Festival, or JiFFest (www.jiffest.org) runs from Dec. 9 through Dec. 18. The Jakarta Post contributor Daniel Ziv caught up with festival director Orlow Seunke and the cofounder/chairperson, film producer Shanty Harmayn. They talked about JiFFest's humble beginnings and the festival's current challenges. JP: How do you see JiFFest today, seven years on, compared with the original vision?

Navy holds drill

Navy holds drill near Ambalat JAKARTA: The Indonesian Navy on Thursday sent dozens of ships to take part in a major naval exercise off the east coast of Borneo near waters disputed with neighboring Malaysia, a navy spokesman said.

JP/18/BIENNL

JP/18/BIENNL Biennale Jogja expresses concern over the city's heritage Sri Wahyuni The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Biennale Jogja 2005, Yogyakarta's biggest visual art event, kicked off last week with a focus on the preservation of the city's heritage sites, which are disappearing at an alarming rate and a call to preserve them for the benefit of the people and future generations.

Environmentalists move to protect lowland forests

Environmentalists move to protect lowland forests Tb. Arie Rukmantara and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Bogor Environmentalists fear that the remaining lowland forests on Sumatra will vanish in the next 10 years because of its conversion into industrial forest to produce raw materials for the world's rapidly growing pulp and paper industry.

Rupiah gains further on Boediono euphoria

Rupiah gains further on Boediono euphoria The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah gained ground on the U.S. dollar for the fifth consecutive trading day, with a continued market euphoria over the Cabinet's new economic team propelling the currency on Thursday to its strongest level in the past four months.

JP/2/TIGER

JP/2/TIGER Poisoning threatens tiger population Syofiardi Bachyul Jb The Jakarta Post/Padang Villagers poisoning Sumatran tigers in West Sumatra need to be stopped before the problem escalates, a non-governmental organization activist says. Since 1982, at least 10 tigers have died after being poisoned by villagers who feared they would become their next victims.

Mitsubishi asked to increase production in Indonesia

Mitsubishi asked to increase production in Indonesia Antara, Jakarta Despite the fact that automotive sales are expected to dive next year, newly appointed Minister of Industry Fahmi Idris asked PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motor (KTB), the local unit of Japan's Mitsubishi Motor Corp., to expand their production in this country.

Pertamina Halts Talks With Japanese LNG Customers

Pertamina Halts Talks With Japanese LNG Customers Grace Nirang Bloomberg Jakarta PT Pertamina, Indonesia's state energy company, temporarily stopped talks on the extension of contracts with buyers of liquefied natural gas in western Japan after a former minister ordered a halt to new sales agreements. Pertamina wants the Indonesian upstream oil and gas regulator, BPMigas, to clarify the status of gas sales contracts, the company's trading director, Ari Soemarno, told reporters in Jakarta today.

Govt to send doctors to remote areas

Govt to send doctors to remote areas SUBANG, West Java: The government plans to reactivate an old program that requires fresh graduates to work in remote areas for a certain period before obtaining a license to practice medicine. Speaking at a ceremony to mark National Health Day, Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari said on Thursday that the move, expected to start next year, was needed amid a severe shortage of doctors in health clinics in remote areas.

Firefighters lack equipment

Firefighters lack equipment Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Despite a high frequency of fires in Cirebon, the municipal government here still gives low priority to pre-emptive measures, a government official said on Thursday. "It seems that fighting fire is not a government priority," said chief of the firefighter section of the Cirebon municipal government, Deddy Nurayadi.

TV Today: Saturday, December 10, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, December 10, 2005 TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 8:30 Rumah Kita 9:30 Documentary 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Oto Screen 12:00 Sports 1:00 p.m.

RI seamen victims of abuse: ITF

RI seamen victims of abuse: ITF JAKARTA: An international labor activist urged the Indonesian authorities to closely monitor fishing ships operating in the Indonesian waters amid alleged human rights abuse against Indonesian seamen. Shigeru Wada of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) said in a seminar here on Thursday that the organization had recorded a number of cases of human rights abuses on board local and foreign ships employing Indonesian seamen.

Jakarta Theater

Jakarta Theater Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 9 Central Jakarta Tel. 3156725 TIM 21 Galeri Cipta 3 Graha Bhakti Budaya Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Central Jakarta Tel. 334720, 31937325 Teater Kecil Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Central Jakarta Tel. 31923603 Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto No. 117 Central Jakarta Tel. 3927531-32 Goethe Haus Jl. Sam Ratulangi No. 9-15 Central Jakarta (Tel. 23550208) Erasmus Huis Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta Tel.

Discrimination in workplace banned

Discrimination in workplace banned Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All Indonesians will soon enjoy equal opportunities as regards employment recruitment and placement, and in the remuneration they receive, regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnic group, political affiliation or social status ... on paper at least.

UN to build 20,000 temporary homes in Aceh by April

UN to build 20,000 temporary homes in Aceh by April Arijit Ghosh, Bloomberg News/Jakarta The United Nations and an aid agency plan to build as many as 20,000 temporary homes in Indonesia's tsunami-affected Aceh province to give shelter to some of the 500,000 homeless as the rainy season starts.

JP/19/NELDEN

JP/19/NELDEN Danusiri's 'Lukas' Moment' has homeland premiere Nelden Djakababa Contributor/Jakarta Not too many of us are aware that this year, a 60-minute documentary film by an Indonesian has been screened at six film festivals in Europe. Festivals in Amsterdam, Stockholm, Berlin, Finland and Norway have all included Lukas' Moment: A Journey Between Hope and Desperation (2005) on their official selection list.

Spending to be key to economic recovery

Spending to be key to economic recovery Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to boost spending to help stimulate the economy so as to overcome the downturn caused by soaring inflation, newly installed Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono said.

SMEs: What have we done with this sector?

SMEs: What have we done with this sector? C.G. Moghe, Jakarta There have been several small tremors already felt by the Indonesian economy this year. The rupiah weakened from less than 10,000 to a dollar, almost entered the free-fall regime and was strengthened only by hiking interest rates.

Central govt urged to be earnest about regional autonomy

Central govt urged to be earnest about regional autonomy Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua The Indonesian central government must wholeheartedly hand over administrative powers to provincial and regional governments in order to properly and effectively enforce the decentralization drive launched in 2001, an expert recommended.

Singapore vs Rest of ASEAN

Singapore vs Rest of ASEAN Thinking Rationally Shefali Rekhi, Asia News Network/The Straits Times, Singapore Pragmatic Singapore believes the pace of ASEAN integration is just right and in this they differ from the other residents of the region who say it is too slow.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 9, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 9, 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 * Documentation Saint-John Perse at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Salemba Raya 25, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3907716), until Dec. 10 * Documentation Paul Claudel at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Wijaya I/48 South Jakarta (Tel. 7208133), until Dec.

NU civilian guards to help secure churches on Christmas eve

NU civilian guards to help secure churches on Christmas eve Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The involvement of civilian guards from Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in securing Christmas and New Year's celebrations comes as a goodwill gesture as the end of the year approaches.

'RI's IT industry could double by 2009': BSA

'RI's IT industry could double by 2009': BSA Agencies Jakarta/Singapore If it were not for software piracy, the Information Technology (IT) industry in Indonesia would have created new jobs and increased local industry revenues.

Why people commit corruption

Why people commit corruption From Kompas It makes us wonder why some people with established status, sufficient wealth and savings as well as a luxury living standard have become perpetrators of corruption syndicates. What surprises us even more is the fact that those involved in embezzlement are mostly in their advanced age, with a lot of grandchildren. This reflects how greedy they are, while they should show repentance and get closer to God for a peaceful life.

ASEAN and the EU: 25 years of partnership for peace

ASEAN and the EU: 25 years of partnership for peace Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Jakarta This week the EU is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of our Co-operation Agreement signed with Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Since 1980, Southeast Asia has undergone profound and positive transformation. Poverty has been reduced at an unprecedented pace, economies enjoy impressive growth rates, and democracy is gaining ground.

Arroyo's approval rating drops

Arroyo's approval rating drops THE PHILIPPINES: Fewer Filipinos are satisfied with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, with the latest survey showing her approval rating sliding to its second-lowest level in nearly five years, an independent pollster said on Thursday. A survey of 1,200 adults, conducted from Nov. 27 to Dec.

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checked For Sponsored Page: Corporate Education --- Dec 9. 2005 Are you thinking of enrolling in an executive training course in Singapore? If so, the following are some tips on corporate education programs to help you find a course that suits your needs. These tips are provided by www.singaporeedu.gov.sg.

A taste of traditional rural life in Yogyakarta

A taste of traditional rural life in Yogyakarta Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Bantul Are you tired of the glitter and bustle of city life? If you would like to rejuvenate your body and soul in a traditional rural atmosphere, try visiting Kampong Kebon Agung in Yogyakarta's Bantul regency. The village, located 17 kilometers south of Yogyakarta city, offers rural tour packages complete with farm rituals and paraphernalia at the Tani Museum.

ASEAN's quest for an identity gains urgency

ASEAN's quest for an identity gains urgency Shefali Rekhi, The Straits Times, Singapore Poll highlights need for closer ties but leaves open ways and means of achieving integration The Straits Times AsiaPoll signals a yearning for a stronger ASEAN identity but also highlights just how much needs to be done to achieve it. This was the view of analysts and ASEAN watchers who studied its findings. Mr K.

Challenging experience of team-building

Challenging experience of team-building Developing a committed, cohesive team sounds more like hard work than fun. But, during a series of indoor and outdoor team-building exercises sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), participants learned great collaboration comes from both meeting challenges and learning how to relax.

For Sponsored Page: Singapore's MICE

For Sponsored Page: Singapore's MICE Tobe combined with previous story on Singapore: Asia's main convention city Asian readers of TIME Magazine of Dec. 5, 2005 voted Singapore as their favorite Business City. This is the fifth year running that Singapore has clinched the accolade. Singapore's MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions) facilities were also voted the best in Asia for the second year in a row.

Ship with 320 logs intercepted in Riau

Ship with 320 logs intercepted in Riau PEKANBARU, Riau: Military personnel has intercepted a ship carrying 320 logs without the required legal documents. The logs were reportedly being transported to Malaysia, said chief of Bengkalis military command Lt. Col. Herindra. After being apprehended on Tuesday, five seamen had been taken to a local police precinct for further questioning, while the ship has been docked in the nearest seaport as evidence, said Herindra.

City to vacate hospital soon

City to vacate hospital soon JAKARTA: Following Wednesday's storm that ripped off the roof of city-owned Budhi Asih Hospital in Cawang, East Jakarta, the Jakarta administration now plans to vacate the dilapidated building. "We don't want the incident to be repeated in the future. That's why we plan to expedite our schedule to vacate the old building," Jakarta deputy governor Fauzi Bowo told reporters at City Hall.

1. Cabinet --- 4x10

1. Cabinet --- 4x10 Govt spending to play key role in fixing economy 2. Liquor ---- 2x24 Jakarta supermarkets nursing hangovers after booze ban 3. Rupiah ---- 1x40 Rupiah gains further ground on Boediono euphoria 4. Jiffest --- 3x11 Movie buffs all agog as JiFFest comes to town

Rural tourism booms amid natural beauty

Rural tourism booms amid natural beauty Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Bantul, Yogyakarta If you are bored with modern tourism and traipsing round the same old shopping malls then you might want to re-energize yourself in a natural rural environment with its air of tranquility. And Yogyakarta is the perfect place to find such tranquility.

Due to retire, with heart still in RI

Due to retire, with heart still in RI M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta During a 10-year stint in Indonesia, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) director for Asia-Pacific Stephen Hill has traveled to the country's most exotic corners and accumulated enough experience to make even Robinson Crusoe green with envy.

1. Borneo (2x25)

1. Borneo (2x25) Forest conversion on Kalimantan border halted 2. Forest (2x25) Environmentalists move to protect lowland forests 3. Jordan (1x42) Jordan offers RI second-hand fighter jets 4. Ilo (2x18) Discrimination in workplace banned

Stock index gains; PGN, Cibinong up

Stock index gains; PGN, Cibinong up Naila Firdausi, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia's key stock index rose to a 17-week high. PT Semen Cibinong had its biggest gain in 11 months as the rupiah climbed on expectations new economic ministers will be able to spur growth and rein in inflation. "There is optimism that the new people in office will be capable and do well," said Kennyarso Soejatman, who helps manage about US$55 million at First State Investments in Jakarta.

Indonesian Muslims start departing on annual haj

Indonesian Muslims start departing on annual haj Agencies, Jakarta Thousands of Muslims departed for Saudi Arabia on Thursday on the annual haj pilgrimage as a haj corruption scandal hit the country. In Jakarta, Minister of Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni and Minister of Transportation Hatta Radjasa saw off 445 pilgrims who departed on a government-chartered flight from Jakarta.

Rice stocks to last only until January

Rice stocks to last only until January JAKARTA: The National Logistics Agency Jakarta office (Bulog Jakarta) announced on Thursday that its rice stock could only cover December and the first two weeks of January as most of it would be distributed to the poor. "We have only 3,474 tons of rice in our warehouses right now. We have a national program called 'Rice for the Poor'. Each month, we distribute 2,300 tons of rice for them," head of Bulog Jakarta Rito Angky was quoted as saying by Antara.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.8, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.8, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Waters 1,730 -20 3,000 Adhi Karya 700 10 29,037,500 Adira Dinamika 1,750 10 4,500 AGIS Tbk 90 0 150,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 190 -15 500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,610 0 1,166,000 Alakasa Industrindo 220 0 0 Alfa...