Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 February 2005

97 articles found

Davos organizers should consider moving venue to Asia

Davos organizers should consider moving venue to AsiaHarry Bhaskara The Jakarta Post/DavosIf you are fond of playing hide-and-seek, you will have a good time at the annual Davos gathering. Discussion rooms in the Congress Center can be a nightmare to locate.

Standard Chartered's 2004 profit up as provisions fall

Standard Chartered's 2004 profit up as provisions fallBloomberg, LondonStandard Chartered Plc., the British bank that makes about two- thirds of its profit in Asia, said 2004 profit rose 44 percent as it set aside less money for loans that may not be repaid.Net income advanced to US$1.

Council gives nod on parking fee increase

Council gives nod on parking fee increaseDamar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/JakartaThe City Council will likely permit the Jakarta administration to increase on-street parking fees, but set the increase at a maximum of 100 percent, much lower than the 300 percent hike earlier proposed.

1. KPK (4x12)

1. KPK (4x12) Corruption watchdog reports governor 2. Puteh (1x38) Puteh's lawyer demands court drop case 3. PMI (2x32) Red Cross to embark on massive Aceh reconstruction project

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.

Wahyu Susilo

Wahyu Susilo Jakarta2. Naga -- Deportation of TKI and political protection 2 x 30 Political protection for illegal Indonesian workers in Malaysia Marsen S. Naga Jakarta

JP/4/kpk

JP/4/kpkSoutheast Sulawesi governor reported to KPKEva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/JakartaAnother major graft case was being unveiled when the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) reported Southeast Sulawesi Governor Ali Mazi to the Corruption Eradication Commission on Wednesday for allegedly...

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.

Unpaid wages of migrant workers

Unpaid wages of migrant workersV.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia It is indeed commendable that the Indonesian government has taken up the cause of its nationals whose wages have yet to be paid by their employers who are taking advantage of the fact that the workers are...

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb.16, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb.16, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 30,000 Ades...

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...

Hockey chapters take split decision

Hockey chapters take split decisionMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Representatives from 13 provincial chapters of the Indonesian Hockey Association (PHSI) announced on Wednesday they would break away to form a new organization due to the reappointment of Rajkumar Singh as its chief in...

Rupiah Rates Feb.16

Rupiah Rates Feb.16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,663.17 6,873.79 7,306.78 7,229.95 Brunei dollar 1 5,952.44 5,339.75 5,675.61 5,616.43 Canadian dollar 1 7,920.49 7,106.24 7,552.13 7,474.45 Swiss franc 1 8,194.41 7,353.14 7,813.31 7,734.

Strong aftershock rattles Aceh

Strong aftershock rattles AcehAgencies, Banda AcehA strong aftershock measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale jolted the tsunami-devastated province of Aceh on Wednesday but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, meteorologists said.The brief offshore quake occurred at 7:25 a.m.

Political protection for illegal Indonesian workers in MAlaysia

Political protection for illegal Indonesian workers in MAlaysiaMarsen S. Naga, Jakarta Malaysia's impending crackdown on Indonesian migrant workers (TKI) confirms the hypothesis that the workers have been victimized, both by the Malaysian and Indonesian authorities.

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.

JP/17/ESTATE

JP/17/ESTATEJaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian marketM. Taufiqurrahman and Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post/JakartaSeveral decades ago, station wagons, or estate vehicles, were quite popular here before falling out of fashion.

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.

The last Portuguese-Acehnese of Lamno

The last Portuguese-Acehnese of LamnoAboeprijadi Santoso, Contributor/Lamno, AcehHundreds of Acehnese men, women and children of mixed Portuguese origin were swept away by the tsunami last December.They were the last remaining descendants of Portuguese- Acehnese communities in Lamno.

Delaying the crackdown

Delaying the crackdown What if you had exhausted all the possibilities, and there was still no way for you to make a decent living? Then, the word went around that another country needed workers with the very skills you had.

Industry urged to win back Japanese tourists

Industry urged to win back Japanese touristsWahyoe 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 tourism in affected areas.

JP/4/kpk

JP/4/kpkSoutheast Sulawesi governor reported to KPKEva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/JakartaAnother major graft case was revealed on Wednesday when the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) reported Southeast Sulawesi Governor Ali Mazi to the Corruption Eradication Commission for allegedly embezzling...

Syria wants to give new life to relations with Indonesia

Syria wants to give new life to relations with IndonesiaVeeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, JakartaSince Asia is now poised to become the new strategic hub in international trade and politics, Syria -- an influential regional power in the volatile Middle East -- wants to raise its economic and...

Life getting harder for legal RI workers in Malaysia

Life getting harder for legal RI workers in MalaysiaRusman The Jakarta Post/Nunukan, East KalimantanThe Malaysia government's threat to crack down on Indonesian illegal workers has not only affected the illegals, but also Indonesian workers whose status is completely above board.

JP/5/FOCUS

JP/5/FOCUSFire razes 14,000 hectares of forestPEKANBARU, Riau: Fire has razed 14,000 hectares of forest in two regencies here over the past week, and causing smoke haze problems. Due to the haze problem, at least 26 people have been treated at hospitals after suffering respiratory symptoms, a high...

TV Program: Thursday, February 17, 2005

TV Program: Thursday, February 17, 2005 .TB.30" .90"TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee8:00 Cartoon: Hero Classics8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha11:00 Sport Documentary 12:00 p.m.

Indonesia threatens to pull out of hosting Asian karate event

Indonesia threatens to pull out of hosting Asian karate eventMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's karate body warned on Wednesday it would decline to host the 7th Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Championship here in May if scheduled regional referee training and testing was...

IP opens e-procurement

IP opens e-procurementJAKARTA: PT Indonesia Power, an affiliate of state-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), will begin an online procurement system in May in a bid to ensure transparency.

Taking a deeper look at migrant workers in Malaysia

Taking a deeper look at migrant workers in MalaysiaWahyu Susilo, Jakarta The period from the second half of 2004 through to the beginning of 2005 was a vulnerable time for Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, who were besieged with uncertainties.

S. Korea to import gas from Yemen, Malaysia and Russia

S. Korea to import gas from Yemen, Malaysia and Russia South Korea will buy US$20 billion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Yemen, Malaysia and Russia over 20 years from 2008, officials said on Wednesday. Korea Gas Corp.

1. CORRUPT: 3 LINES, 10 COUNTS

1. CORRUPT: 3 LINES, 10 COUNTS Jakarta, customs top graft list 2. TKI: 2 LINES, 22 COUNTS Life getting harder for legal migrants in Malaysia 3. SUSUL: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS EU aims to bolster flyers' rights 4. DEBATE: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Debate contest dominated by long-time rivals

Debate contest dominated by long-time rivals

Debate contest dominated by long-time rivalsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaAfter more than 218 hours of debate involving 58 teams from 37 universities over five days, the Eighth Indonesian Varsity English Debate came down to a standoff between two long-time rivals: the University of Indonesia (UI),...

Sense of empathy for tsunami victims still strong in Paris

Sense of empathy for tsunami victims still strong in ParisKornelius Purba, ParisContributions for tsunami-devastated areas continue to pour in -- though with a quiet reserve over whether the hundreds of thousands of victims will really get any of it.

Police prepare for direct elections

Police prepare for direct electionsSuherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, SemarangOver 500 senior police officers from across the archipelago are attending a four-day workshop in Semarang, Central Java, as the first ever elections for heads of regional governments draws near.

* Law on local elections 'undemocratic' Page 2

* Law on local elections 'undemocratic' Page 2 * SE Sulawesi governor reported to anticorruption commission Page 4 * Contest brings couples cheek to cheek Page 5 * Taking a deeper look at migrant workers in Malaysia Page 6 * Jakarta Council gives nod on parking fee increase Page 8 * Anthony's shot...

President calls on Aceh insurgents to end conflict

President calls on Aceh insurgents to end conflictAgencies, SingaporeIndonesia's president on Wednesday urged separatist rebels in Aceh province to negotiate peace, saying an end to the conflict was essential before the tsunami-battered region could be rebuilt.

BCA profit rises 32% on lending exoansion, spurred by GDP growth

BCA profit rises 32% on lending exoansion, spurred by GDP growthPT Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's second-largest lender by assets, posted a 32 percent increase in 2004 profit as an expanding economy spurred companies and individuals to borrow more.Unaudited net income last year was Rp 3.

Presidential approval needed for probe

Presidential approval needed for probeAMBON, Maluku: Maluku Prosecutor's Office could not proceed with their investigation into two top officials in the South West Maluku regency as they are awaiting approval from the president.

I-Buku public library opens

I-Buku public library opensA number of Bali-based artists, journalists and committed individuals jointly lent a hand to establish a public library, to be known as Taman Baca I-Buku, to provide children, students and the public access to a large range of books.Officially launched on Monday, Feb.

Survivors defiant through graffiti

Survivors defiant through graffitiDan Eaton, Reuters/Banda AcehAfter all that was lost, the writing on the wall is a simple, defiant statement."The owner of this house lived. Tsunami Dec. 26, 2004," say the words scrawled across one of the few structures left standing in the waterfront area of...

'Squatters at high risk of dengue'

'Squatters at high risk of dengue'The Jakarta administration has taken steps to prevent the spread of dengue fever, including fumigating neighborhoods and encouraging residents to clean and bury containers that can hold standing water.

Writers receive Rancage Awards

Writers receive Rancage Awards Two prominent Balinese writers, I Made Suarsa and I Made Taro, were declared recipients of Rancage Literary Awards 2005.Member of the judges panel, chaired by veteran writer Ajip Rosidi, have given an award to Made Suarsa for his excellent work, a poetry collection...

For outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Shumin, following

For outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Shumin, following the age-old Chinese adage of maintaining a harmony of mind and manners has helped him keep congenial relations between his country and Indonesia.The Confucian ethic is also applicable in trade and politics.

City to raid illegal apartment tenants

City to raid illegal apartment tenantsBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaA warning from the city to all illegal tenants of low-cost apartments -- soon you will be raided. Unfortunately, that likely goes for all you legal tenants as well.

1. GDP (45) - 48 pts 2 cols 4 liens (4x11)

1. GDP (45) - 48 pts 2 cols 4 liens (4x11) Economy grew by 5.13% in 2004: BPS 2. Redtape (40) - 36 pts 5 cols 1line (1x35)Susilo pledges to curb red tape, corruption 3. Infra (40) - 36 pts 3cols 2lines (2x20)Govt to put port, airport projects out to tender 4.

Jakarta, customs top graft list

Jakarta, customs top graft listTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIn the eyes of the business community, Jakarta is the most corrupt city and the customs service the most corrupt institution in the country, according to a survey by Transparency International Indonesia (TII), the results of...

Corruption watchdog reports governor

Corruption watchdog reports governorEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAnother major graft case was revealed on Wednesday when the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) reported Southeast Sulawesi Governor Ali Mazi to the Corruption Eradication Commission for allegedly embezzling Rp 20.

Jaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian market

Jaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian marketM. Taufiqurrahman and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, JakartaSeveral decades ago, station wagons, or estate vehicles, were quite popular here before falling out of fashion.

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.

Bush, Clinton to visit tsunami-hit areas

Bush, Clinton to visit tsunami-hit areas Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton, and George Bush -- the current president's father -- are scheduled to arrive in the country on Sunday, Feb.

SBY may announce TNI reshuffle soon

SBY may announce TNI reshuffle soon JAKARTA: Air Force Chief of Staff Marshall Chappy Hakim said on Wednesday that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would likely announce new military chiefs of staff within the next two days at the latest.

Property boom can have negative impact on local people

Property boom can have negative impact on local peopleAnton Muhajir, Contributor, DenpasarIt was drizzling that Saturday, but Ketut Karja and his two friends were still working in their rice field in Legian, on the outskirts of north Kuta.

'Prophet' fails to predict arrest

'Prophet' fails to predict arrestPALU, Central Sulawesi: A resident of the Alabibi subdistrict, Banggai Islands regency, Central Sulawesi province, has been arrested after he announced that he was a Muslim prophet.Sr. Comr.

Bank information technology touted

Bank information technology toutedThe Jakarta Post, JakartaIn today's digital information era, banks will have difficulties handling their customers transactions using old-fashioned calculators, ledger books and pencils.

RI could see upsurge of investment from Malaysia

RI could see upsurge of investment from MalaysiaM. Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse/Kuala LumpurMalaysian businessmen, wary in the past of security threats and a weak legal system in neighboring Indonesia, are giving the thumbs up to new President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's leadership.

Smokers and Corruption

Smokers and CorruptionFrom Koran Tempo Some people say that a fine of Rp 50 million to be imposed on people who smoke in public places is absurd. However, I believe it is now time for the Jakarta city administration to have its own bylaw that bans smoking in public places.

Contest brings couples cheek to cheek

Contest brings couples cheek to cheekWithstanding the pain and boredom, and as their competitors dropped off all around them, four couples in Bandung kept their cheeks pressed together for over 40 hours to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Sharp launches 10 new fax machines

Sharp launches 10 new fax machinesJAKARTA: PT Sharp Yasonta Indonesia (Sharp Indonesia), a local affiliation of the Japan-based Sharp Corporation, aims to acquire a 30 percent share of the domestic facsimile machines market by launching 10 new types of high speed fax machines on Wednesday.

To divorce is costly

To divorce is costlyFrom 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.

Two overpasses inaugurated

Two overpasses inaugurated JAKARTA: Minister of Public Works Joko Kirmanto inaugurated on Wednesday two overpasses in East and South Jakarta.Motorists can enter the 700-meter overpass on Jl. Raya Bogor in Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, in front of Harapan Bunda maternity hospital.

Mengoepeh starts initial production

Mengoepeh starts initial productionJAKARTA: The Pearl Oil Mengoepeh oil field in Jambi has commenced initial production of 310 barrel per day (bpd) on Wednesday, with a target of 4,000 bpd by 2006.Previously, the oil field was operated by ConocoPhillips before the firm transferred it to Pearl Oil.

Bali life-savers to be trained in Oz

Bali life-savers to be trained in OzThe Australian Consulate General in Bali held a send-off party for members of Badung Regency Life Saving Team who went to Western Australia on Feb.15.Nine members of Badung Life Saver Team have entered an intensive training program at Cottesloe Surf Life Saving...

Puteh ill, court adjourned

Puteh ill, court adjourned JAKARTA: Judges of the Anticorruption Court in Central Jakarta, who are trying suspended Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh for graft, adjourned the Wednesday session due to the defendant being sick.

Hundreds evacuated after Egon eruption

Hundreds evacuated after Egon eruptionKUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Sikka regental government has helped evacuate hundreds of residents living near the slopes of the currently active Mount Egon volcano, a senior official said on Wednesday.

INCO doubles net profits in 2004

INCO doubles net profits in 2004Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaPT International Nickel Indonesia (INCO) doubled its net profit in 2004 as higher nickel prices and record-setting production boosted sales, company president and chief executive Bing Tobing says.Net profits rose US$265.

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.

Residents sue Mayor over Punclut

Residents sue Mayor over PunclutBANDUNG: Environment activists and Bandung residents have filed a civil lawsuit on Wednesday against Bandung Mayor Dada Rosada over the development of the Punclut Tourist Resort.

Red Cross to embark on massive reconstruction project in Aceh

Red Cross to embark on massive reconstruction project in AcehThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and dozens of its international counterparts are teaming up to take an active role in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Aceh and North Sumatra, Red Cross representatives said...

JP/17/ESTATE

JP/17/ESTATEJaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian marketM. Taufiqurrahman and Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post/JakartaSeveral decades ago, station wagons, or estate vehicles, were quite popular here before falling out of fashion.

BI to withdraw vulnerable notes

BI to withdraw vulnerable notesRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIn a bid to reduce the rising number of counterfeited banknotes, the central bank is planning to withdraw more notes considered vulnerable to counterfeiting.

A different perspective

A different perspective Soegih Arto asks why should the Indonesian government conduct peace talks with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), and then lists his personal objections (The Jakarta Post. Feb. 15).Soegih Arto is to be congratulated for the consistency of his perspective, if not his commitment to...

Man arrested for trafficking girls

Man arrested for trafficking girlsYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungWest Java Police officers arrested on Tuesday Surwa, 40, for alleged human trafficking, involving women from Subang regency in West Java and sending them illegally to Malaysia.

Courier firms opens Cibitung warehouse

Courier firms opens Cibitung warehouse JAKARTA: PT Repex Wahana, a subsidiary of U.S.-based RPX Group, opened a new 6,100-square-meter warehouse in Cibitung on Wednesday.The warehouse stands on a 11,000 sqm plot of land and could met RPX clients' specific requirements, particularly regarding...

Law on mining challenged

Law on mining challenged JAKARTA: As many as 90 non governmental organizations (NGOs) and 80 individuals have challenged Law No. 19/2004, which strengthens a government regulation in lieu of law approving open pit mining in protected forests.

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 49

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 49 Sense of empathy for tsunami victims still strong in Paris 2. GAM: 3 X 18 President calls on Aceh insurgents to end conflict 3. PILKADA: 1 X 30 Local elections will be 'undemocratic'4. CUTLINE: 1 X 36 Contest brings couples cheek to cheek

NATO sends bridge equipment to Aceh

NATO sends bridge equipment to AcehBELGIUM: NATO said on Tuesday it will provide 565 meters of bridge equipment for the reconstruction effort in Aceh, Indonesia, that was badly hit by the Dec. 26 tsunami."This equipment, valued at more than US$7.

Locals protest Blue Oasis City

Locals protest Blue Oasis City BEKASI: The ongoing construction of Blue Oasis City complex in Karangkitri, Bekasi, has come up against protest from all sides.Aji Ngumboro, member of Bekasi council Commission A for legal and administrative affairs, said the administration should stop the project...

Life getting harder for legal migrants in Malaysia

Life getting harder for legal migrants in MalaysiaRusman, The Jakarta Post/Nunukan, East KalimantanThe Malaysia government's threat to crack down on Indonesian illegal workers has not only affected the illegals, but also Indonesian workers whose status is completely above board.

Aceh: Focus on people

Aceh: Focus on people The reconstruction of Aceh moved into a new stage this week with the completion of military-style barracks to shelter victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami. Not all the barracks have been completed but some 3,281 families, or more than 11,000 people, have now moved from their tents...

Puteh's lawyer demands court drop case

Puteh's lawyer demands court drop caseThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defense lawyers of graft suspect Abdullah Puteh demanded on Wednesday that the Anticorruption Court in Central Jakarta halt proceedings against their client.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, February 17, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, February 17, 2005.TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions* Arts Life-Styles, at Danes Art Veranda, Jl. Hayam Wuruk 159, Tanjung Bungkak, Denpasar (Tel. 0361 242659), from Feb. 20 to March 20 * National Cartoon Exhibition, Arma Museum, in Ubud, until March 15 * Painting Female Nude...

Confucian ethic keeps China in harmony with Indonesia

Confucian ethic keeps China in harmony with IndonesiaIvy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFor outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Shumin, following the age-old Chinese adage of maintaining a harmony of mind and manners has helped him keep congenial relations between his country and...

Repair service a big hit in Banda Aceh

Repair service a big hit in Banda AcehFadli, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehPipin Electronic, an electronics store located in the Meuraksa district of Banda Aceh, is overwhelmed with repair orders on all types of electronics equipment.

Govt to put port, airport projects out to tender soon

Govt to put port, airport projects out to tender soonRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAs a follow up to January's Infrastructure Summit, the Ministry of Transportation will start the tender processes in March and April for three projects worth over Rp 8 trillion (US$864.9 million).

Local elections will be 'undemocratic'

Local elections will be 'undemocratic'Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaLaw No. 32/2004 on regional administrations could create undemocratic elections of governors, mayors and regents, scheduled to begin in June across the country, a court heard on Wednesday.

Shares at JSX end on new high

Shares at JSX end on new highDow Jones, JakartaIndonesian shares ended at a record high on Wednesday as investors continued to snap up shares of companies, like Bank Mandiri and Astra International, that are expected to report higher 2004 earnings, dealers said.

Council gives nod to parking fee hike

Council gives nod to parking fee hikeDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe City Council will likely permit the Jakarta administration to increase on-street parking fees, but set the increase at a maximum of 100 percent, much lower than the 300 percent hike earlier proposed.

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...

Economy grew by 5.13% in 2004: BPS

Economy grew by 5.13% in 2004: BPSUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaDespite pre-election jitters and a final-quarter slowdown, the economy in 2004 still managed to grow by 5.13 percent, continuing a steady four-year improvement, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said on Wednesday.

Puteh's lawyer demands court drop case

Puteh's lawyer demands court drop case The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Defense lawyers of graft suspect Abdullah Puteh demanded on Wednesday that the Anticorruption Court in Central Jakarta halt proceedings against their client.

RP reels from two-notch credit ratings cut

RP reels from two-notch credit ratings cutAgence France-Presse, ManilaConfidence was hit on Wednesday by a devastating two-notch cut in the Philippines's sovereign credit ratings by Moody's Investors Service just days after deadly bombings rocked the financial district and the south.

JP/ /

JP/ /'Kopi luwak', the world's most expensive coffeeElvera N. Makki Contributor/Houston, Texas Are you a coffee aficionado? If your answer is yes, then you must try kopi luwak. It's the most expensive coffee you can buy here.Another thing is, it is also the rarest coffee ever.

Fire razes 14,000 hectares of forest

Fire razes 14,000 hectares of forestPEKANBARU, Riau: Fire has razed 14,000 hectares of forest in two regencies here over the past week, and causing smoke haze problems.Due to the haze problem, at least 26 people have been treated at hospitals after suffering respiratory symptoms, a high ranking...

Soldier implicated in brutal killing

Soldier implicated in brutal killingAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaOne of the four suspects in the killing of Barkah Hanim, the wife of a National Intelligence Agency (BIN) director, was identified as an Army soldier, investigators said on Wednesday.

Ex U.S. presidents to visit Aceh

Ex U.S. presidents to visit AcehApriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFormer U.S. presidents Bill Clinton, and George Bush -- the current president's father -- are scheduled to arrive in the country on Sunday, Feb.

Expats have mixed views on dengue fumigation

Expats have mixed views on dengue fumigationThe Jakarta Post, JakartaExpatriates living in Jakarta have different views on the effectiveness of fumigation in preventing dengue fever outbreaks.Dr. Wright of the U.S.

Susilo pledges to curb red tape, corruption

Susilo pledges to curb red tape, corruptionChristopher Torchia, Associated Press/SingaporeIndonesia's president vowed on Wednesday to clear away red tape, corruption and other obstacles that have long deterred foreign investment in his vast nation.