Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 February 2005

79 articles found

Councill greets bylaw on Betawi village

Councill greets bylaw on Betawi villageDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAll seven factions in the City Council expressed support on Monday for the idea of designating Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, as the city's Betawi (native Jakartan) culture preservation village, replacing the crowded...

National exam not educational

National exam not educational From Media Indonesia The controversy on whether the government should hold the national exam continues, involving not only educational experts, laymen, politicians and bureaucrats but also the country's Vice President.

Terror group may be linked to JI

Terror group may be linked to JI JAKARTA: National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Monday that a local terror group believed to have been involved in a bomb blast on Jan. 8 in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, was linked to regional terror group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI).

Computer sales to grow by 50%, says association

Computer sales to grow by 50%, says associationUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaDomestic sales of personal computers (PCs) are expected to rise by 50 percent to 1.5 million units this year, on the back of the public's increasing need for computers in their daily activities, an industry...

The Netherlands to renew economic tie with Indonesia

The Netherlands to renew economic tie with IndonesiaRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Netherlands is planning to renew its economic ties with Indonesia through the provision of a number of incentives and assistance.

To divorce is costly

To divorce is costly From Media Indonesia A friend has told me that she has many troubles in her marriage and would like to get a divorce from her husband. However, she cannot afford to file her request at the South Jakarta religious court because she has to pay them Rp 700,000.

KL to assemble RI CN-235 aircraft

KL to assemble RI CN-235 aircraftMALAYSIA: A Malaysian aeronautical company signed on Monday an agreement with an Indonesian aircraft manufacturer to assemble and market its multi-role CN-235 plane here.

The Management and Staff of The Jakarta Post wish to congratulate

The Management and Staff of The Jakarta Post wish to congratulate reporter Hera Diani on her marriage to Primatmojo Djanoe on Feb. 12, 2005 in Bandung.God brings you together as husband and wife. May He bless your home and hearts with all happiness.

BIN agent's wife murdered

BIN agent's wife murderedThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Bekasi Police are investigating the brutal murder of Barkah Hanny, 41, and her driver.The deceased woman was the wife of Abdulrahman Pelu, an agent with the National Intelligence Agency.

Cellular business in the 3G era

Cellular business in the 3G eraB. Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta A young executive looking for an apartment is interested in a mini ad. Unlike other mini ads we usually find in newspapers, this one contains a small bar code. He takes his cell phone and scans the bar code.

TKW policy ignores MUI

TKW policy ignores MUIFrom RepublikaThe government's policy on Indonesian women migrant workers (TKW) has failed to consider the ruling issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council in 2000, despite the country's Muslim majority.

India looks beyond successful `Look East' policy

India looks beyond successful `Look East' policyEndy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, New Delhi Hearing Indian diplomats touting last year's inaugural India- ASEAN car rally as a milestone in New Delhi's foreign policy, it was hard to avoid the impression at first that sports, particularly one...

CDMA market: The rise of a small giant

CDMA market: The rise of a small giantBurhanuddin Abe, Contributor, JakartaThat CDMA is now rising has become evident. Following South Korea, China and Japan, Indonesia is now witnessing increasing popularity on the part of CDMA.

Considering an alternative to the direct elections in Aceh

Considering an alternative to the direct elections in AcehC. Effendi, Jakarta The governor and 16 regency heads will end their tenures in the province of Aceh by the end of 2005. The earliest election for regency head should have been conducted in Aceh Barat regency by Dec. 5, 2004.

'Residents should take the initiative'

'Residents should take the initiative'Jakarta has been placed on the list of regions facing an extraordinary occurrence of dengue fever, with almost 2,000 people having contracted the disease since the beginning of the year, including 18 people who have died.

Corruption convict finally imprisoned

Corruption convict finally imprisonedBANDUNG: Ukman Sutaryan, 68, the former West Java Deputy Governor, from 1994-1998, has been sent to Kebonwaru prison in Bandung after receiving medical treatment at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in the city.

Bogor schools need 6,000 new teachers

Bogor schools need 6,000 new teachers BOGOR: Bogor regency needs at least 5,000 new teachers for elementary schools and another 1,000 for high schools, an official said on Monday.Head of the education agency, Endang Sutisna, revealed that currently the regency has 11,502 teachers plus 1,500...

BI to evaluate banks issuing credit cards

BI to evaluate banks issuing credit cardsLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIn light of the robust growth of consumer spending and credit expansion in Indonesia, the central bank is to review banks issuing credit cards to limit the risk of bad lending.

Total refutes asset preservation order

Total refutes asset preservation orderFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaTotal E&P Indonesie has asked the Commercial Court to reject its two former contractors' demands for the issuance of an asset preservation order, following a bankruptcy petition filed by the contractors.

Last hurdle cleared in Tangguh talks

Last hurdle cleared in Tangguh talksFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaA BP Plc.-led consortium has finally dropped its demand to include regental administrations in the "government acts" clause of the Tangguh construction contract, over concern that in future there would be the...

Army chief nominees revealed, Djoko Santoso tipped to get job

Army chief nominees revealed, Djoko Santoso tipped to get jobTiarma Siboro and Yuli Tri Suwarni, Jakarta/Bandung Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Monday he had proposed four senior Army officers as candidates to succeed him as part of an imminent reshuffle of the Indonesian...

Considering an alternative to the direct elections for governor

Considering an alternative to the direct elections for governor and regency heads AcehC. Effendi Jakarta2. Pro15 -- Kyoto's misplaced priorities 1 x 30 Kyoto Protocol misplaces priorities Bjorn Lomborg Project Syndicate

JP/ /

JP/ /Susilo's 100 Days and the tsunamiThe first hundred days of President Susilo Bambang Yudhyono's mandate have passed and the pundits, predictably, are pontificating.How does one assess the President's success or failure to achieve the expected results? The situation in Indonesia today precludes...

Police hit snag in probing Munir's death

Police hit snag in probing Munir's deathEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police are facing difficulties in the investigation of the death of top human rights activist Munir, particularly due to resistance from the Netherlands government to allow the Indonesian police to...

FATF list removal helps economy

FATF list removal helps economyLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe central bank is optimistic that the removal of Indonesia from the list of non-cooperative countries in the fight against money laundering will encourage foreign banks to extend loans to businesses here and, eventually, boost...

Astra Agro to invest Rp 350b

Astra Agro to invest Rp 350b JAKARTA: In a bid to support its business growth, publicly listed plantation company PT Astra Agro Lestari has decided to raise its investment spending this year to Rp 350 (US$38.8 million) from the initially planned Rp 293.4 billion.

Niaga books record profit in 2004

Niaga books record profit in 2004The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe country's eighth largest lender, Bank Niaga, recorded a Rp 660 billion in consolidated net profit last year, a 41 percent increase from 2003.Niaga president director Peter B.

RI and the international community in the tsunami's aftermath

RI and the international community in the tsunami's aftermathJusuf Wanandi, Jakarta One striking thing that the tsunami has shown to Indonesians is the deep and broad support, solidarity and empathy of the International Community towards Indonesia in overcoming this horrific natural disaster.

Accommodating

Accommodating thousands of children From Republika Following the report in The Jakarta Post on Jan. 3 that there is fear about the future of the child survivors of the tsunami disaster in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, the central executive board of Hidayatullah would like to state as follows: 1.

RI U-15 cricketers finish fourth

RI U-15 cricketers finish fourth JAKARTA: Indonesia's team placed fourth at the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific U-15 Cricket 8, held from Feb. 7-11 in Melbourne, Australia.In the third place playoff on Friday, Indonesia, which had booked four wins and two losses, was narrowly...

Rebalancing the dollar, euro and yen

Rebalancing the dollar, euro and yenDavid E. Sumual, Jakarta Two major events that occurred in the first week of February may play an important role in expediting the rebalancing of the dollar, euro and yen.

Asian infrastructure stocks may rise in coming months

Asian infrastructure stocks may rise in coming monthsBloomberg, San FranciscoAsian building and transportation companies maybe among the region's best-performing stocks in coming months as governments boost spending on infrastructure, such as roads and power plants.

Crackdown on illegal starts March

Crackdown on illegal starts MarchAgencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia will crack down hard on Indonesian illegal immigrants from March 1, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Monday after talks with visiting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Waiting game is over for controversial Kyoto Protocol

Waiting game is over for controversial Kyoto ProtocolStevie Emilia, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe tense, grim expressions on the faces of environmentalists and scientists who support the Kyoto Protocol will be a thing of the past after their seven-year wait officially ends on Wednesday, when the...

Thousands of Aceh refugees to move to new barracks

Thousands of Aceh refugees to move to new barracksFadli and Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehThousands of Acehnese people taking refuge in public buildings following the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster will begin moving into new temporary accommodation on Tuesday, local officials say.

Telkomsel cuts rates

Telkomsel cuts rates PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel), the nation's biggest mobile-phone operator, cuts tariffs for calls between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. to compete with rivals PT Indosat and PT Excelcomindo Pratama.

Customs ban people from Bora's hot springs area

Customs ban people from Bora's hot springs areaRuslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, DonggalaThe Higi Bora Customary Council has prohibited people from entering the hot springs area in Bora village, Sigi Biromaru district in Donggala, about 16 kilometers southeast of the Central Sulawesi capital, Palu.

ProFauna saves Aceh animals

ProFauna saves Aceh animalsIndra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, SurabayaDozens of humanitarian aid groups have visited Aceh to help tsunami survivors, now ProFauna wants to do the same for the province's animals.

Da'i fears officers protected gambling house

Da'i fears officers protected gambling houseAbdul Khalik and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaNational Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar suggested on Monday that West Jakarta police officers may have protected a gambling house in Taman Palem, which his officers raided two weeks ago.

Asian govts to borrow over $2.0t in 2005

Asian govts to borrow over $2.0t in 2005Asia-Pacific governments led by Japan are expected to borrow more than 2.0 trillion dollars in long- and medium-term debt in 2005, Standard and Poor's said on Monday.

Why, talk with GAM again?

Why, talk with GAM again? While listening to a recent news broadcast on the Metro TV station, I was very surprised to hear that the government was preparing to renew its talks in Helsinki with the Acehnese separatist rebels, probably by the end of this month.

Govt urged to improve legislation on human rights

Govt urged to improve legislation on human rightsTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaHuman rights activists urged the government to provide better legislation for human rights protection in the country as it aims to ratify the International Bill on Human Rights.

ICC to hold meeting on arbitration

ICC to hold meeting on arbitrationJAKARTA: The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will hold a conference on Feb. 16 at the JW Marriott Hotel in South Jakarta to discuss the use of arbitration in settling international business disputes.

Monty to play at Jakarta event

Monty to play at Jakarta event JAKARTA: Scotland's Colin Montgomerie has signed up to play in next month's Enjoy Jakarta Standard Chartered Indonesia Open 2005 at Cengkareng Golf Club in West Jakarta.The event, to be held March 24-27, is the first Indonesian golf tournament to be included as part...

Football stars make awareness-raising visit

Football stars make awareness-raising visitChristopher Bodeen, Associated Press/Lamno, AcehLike most Indonesian children, the kids in the remote coastal town of Lamno had never heard of American football -- let alone New York Giants' quarterback Kurt Warner.

W. Java government strives to promote use of Sundanese

W. Java government strives to promote use of SundaneseYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungLia Amalia, an official at the West Java Tourism and Culture Office, has been bringing an Indonesian-Sundanese dictionary to work for the past two weeks.

Intellectual property in military procurement

Intellectual property in military procurementZain Adnan, JakartaBefore the devastating Dec. 26 tsunami, of the 20 C-130 Hercules airplanes that Indonesia owns, only around six or seven were operational.

TV Program: Tuesday, February 15, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, February 15, 2005TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee8:30 Music: Asik-asik10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Eleven people were killed and at least 93 injured on Monday in

Eleven people were killed and at least 93 injured on Monday in Valentine's Day bombings by suspected al-Qaeda-linked Moro militants that hit Manila and two southern Philippine cities, officials said. Three people were killed on the spot and about 60 injured when a powerful bomb ripped through a bus...

President signs regulation on direx regional elections

President signs regulation on direx regional electionsTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, JakartaPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has signed off regulations on the direct election of regional leaders but senior officials say some specific issues still require discussion.Minister of Home Affairs M.

Riady learns about university education

Riady learns about university educationDAVOS, Switzerland: Among the few businessmen from Indonesia who came to Davos, at least one was also a serious student of university education.Meeting at a late-night session themed Great Economies Need Great Universities, James T.

Rudy's family seeks fair trial

Rudy's family seeks fair trial JAKARTA: Central Jakarta District Court president I Made Karna promised on Monday to select experienced judges to preside over the trial on the murder of Yohannes Berchmans Haerudy "Rudy" Natong early this year as requested by the victim's family and friends.

Aceh students again rally for free tuition

Aceh students again rally for free tuitionBANDA ACEH, Aceh: Hundreds of students from Syiah Kuala University (Unsyiah) in Banda Aceh again held a protest at the university compound on Monday, demanding the university president, Abdi Abdul Wahab, to provide them and the lecturers shelter and free...

Jobs to be given to Acehnese first: Mayor

Jobs to be given to Acehnese first: MayorFadli and Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehFuture reconstruction efforts in Aceh, involving many local and foreign agencies and requiring millions of workers, should prioritize Acehnese people, particularly those affected by the disaster,...

Aid fund control crucial

Aid fund control crucialFrom Koran TempoThe distrust in some circles over the utilization of aid funds for the reconstruction of post-tsunami Aceh and North Sumatra is inseparable from the short-term orientation of most Indonesian officials and the lack of supervision.

Asian earthquake and tsunami moved islands, shortened days

Asian earthquake and tsunami moved islands, shortened daysJim Loney, Reuters/JakartaThe massive earthquake that triggered the Asian tsunami wobbled the earth on its axis, forced cartographers back to the drawing board and changed time by a fraction, but there's no need to adjust your clocks.

Jakarta to have tae kwon do center

Jakarta to have tae kwon do center JAKARTA: A 2,100-seat tae kwon do center will be inaugurated next month in Cibubur, East Jakarta, thanks to assitance from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

ICC to hold meeting on arbitration

ICC to hold meeting on arbitrationJAKARTA: The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will hold a conference on Feb. 16 at the JW Marriott Hotel in South Jakarta to discuss the use of arbitration in settling international business disputes.

To divorce is costly

To divorce is costly From Media Indonesia A friend has told me that she has many troubles in her marriage and would like to get a divorce from her husband. However, she cannot afford to file her request at the South Jakarta religious court because she has to pay them Rp 700,000.

Military can learn from tsunami: Scholar

Military can learn from tsunami: ScholarThe tsunami of Dec. 26 should be a turning point in the nation's defense ministry, especially in the light of the inadequate response to the disaster on the part of the Indonesian Military (TNI), a researcher said.

Indonesia off the blacklist

Indonesia off the blacklist Indonesia is no longer considered a high-risk country within the global anti-money laundering (AML) system. This means financial institutions in developed countries are no longer required to give special attention to business and transactions with persons and companies...

1. SBY: 3 LINES, 10 COUNTS

1. SBY: 3 LINES, 10 COUNTS Crackdown on illegals starts March 2. BPK: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS Foreign auditors to help BPK keep eye on Aceh funds 3. GRAMMY: 1 LINE, 27 COUNTS Tributes order of day at Grammys 4. ARMY: 2 LINES, 16 COUNTS Nominees for Army chief made public

The Violent Face of Indonesia

The Violent Face of Indonesia Thang D. Nguyen Jakarta As 2004 came to an end, Western intelligence forces issued a warning of a potential terrorist attack in a Hilton hotel in Indonesia during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Fortunately, no terrorist attacks happened.

Traders protest rent increase

Traders protest rent increaseThe Jakarta Post, JakartaCity-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya has raised the rental fees of at least 39 of 153 traditional markets in the capital since January, despite the traders' opposition.

Indonesians snap up digital cameras

Indonesians snap up digital camerasThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe latest camera technology has helped foodie and culinary TV host Sisca Soewitomo to prepare the materials for her programs without extra help from others.

Suitable education for Aceh

Suitable education for AcehFrom Media Indonesia Education is very important. Our earliest education comes from our families.There are many kinds of education and the most suitable type of education for post-tsunami Aceh is a psychological education to erase the trauma many Acehnese were subjected...

New RP central bank chief named

New RP central bank chief namedMANILA: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday appointed Amando Tecangco as the new Central Bank chief to replace Rafael Buenaventura who was due to retire in July.

Kissing gets students hot and flustered

Kissing gets students hot and flusteredThe Jakarta Post, JakartaDebate on the morality of teen flick Buruan Cium Gue! (Kiss me quick!), which led to its withdrawal from cinemas last year, became heated again at the midway point of the preliminary round of the Indonesian Varsity English Debate...

9 die, 4 missing in boat accident

9 die, 4 missing in boat accidentMEDAN, North Sumatra: Nine people were found dead and four others were still missing after their fishing boat capsized on Saturday in the waters off South Aceh on the northwestern coast of Sumatra.

1. JUSUF: 1 X 49

1. JUSUF: 1 X 49 RI and the international community in the tsunami's aftermath 2. ACEH: 4 X 12 Thousands of Aceh refugees to move to new barracks 3. DEBATE: 1 X 35 Kissing gets students hot and flustered 4. MARRIAGE: 2 X 24 Personality, not values, makes a marriage: Study

JP/18/JAPAN

JP/18/JAPANTourist industry urged work hard to win back Japanese market Wahyoe Boediwardhana The Jakarta Post/DenpasarThe Dec. 26 tsunami that struck Aceh and North Sumatra in Indonesia and other countries in Asia and Africa, including Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, has had a dramatic impact on...

Foreign auditors to aid BPK watch Aceh fund

Foreign auditors to aid BPK watch Aceh fundUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) will collaborate with state comptrollers from foreign donor countries to audit all financial aid channeled to tsunami-stricken Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.

Sumbawa villagers riot, one dead

Sumbawa villagers riot, one deadMATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: One villager was killed and four others severely injured after gang fight between neighboring villagers in Bima regency, West Nusa Tenggara province on Sunday.

Maluku police place snipers on ships

Maluku police place snipers on shipsAMBON, Maluku: Following a string of armed attack against ships in the waters off Ambon, the Maluku provincial police have decided to place armed officers aboard every commercial ship and ferry that sails into or out of all ports in the area.

Migrant workers

Migrant workers Malaysia is indeed a very compassionate country. While Malaysians are counting on the government to take a harder stand on illegal foreign workers, the government continues to show leniency towards these illegal migrants.

[b]

Rebalancing the dollar, euro and yen David E. Sumual Jakarta 2. Dyer -- Kyoto comes into effect 2 x 21 Assessing the impact of the Kyoto Protocol Gwynne Dyer London 3. Zain -- Intellectual property in military procurement 2 x 21 Intellectual property in military procurement Zain Adnan Jakarta

Flooding is a commonplace problem for the people of Jakarta

Flooding is a commonplace problem for the people of Jakarta and other flood-prone areas across the country, such as Lampung, South Sumatra and Kalimantan. Almost every year, Jakarta and these areas are inundated during the wet season.

Government must import rice to avert shortage

Government must import rice to avert shortageMuninggar Sri Saraswati and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWhile the government has extended the ban on rice imports until June due to adequate local rice supplies, state-owned logistics company PT Bulog is planning to import some 300,000...

Newmont demands closure of case

Newmont demands closure of case JAKARTA: Gold mining firm PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) has demanded the police halt an investigation into the alleged pollution of Buyat Bay, North Sulawesi, after Jane Pangemanan retracted claims she made against the firm on Feb. 3.