Archive: 17 February 2005
97 articles found
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 7,734.14 Danish krone 1 1,706.40 1,530.61 1,627.05 1,609.92 Euro 1 12,700.36 11,394.98 12,109.71 11,985.41 Poundsterling 1 18,485.32 16,587.34 17,625.63 17,446.81 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,251.68 1,123.32 1,193.47 1,181.52...
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hockey chapters take split decision
Hockey chapters take split decision Moch. 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 December. Spokesman for the provinces Erizal Azhar said they had appointed Rizki Habibie of Gorontalo as the lone supervisor to formulate a new structure of the association in one month.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /
JP/ / Susilo's 100 Days and the tsunami The 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 simply reaching for a checklist and seeing how many election promises have been kept and how many have fallen by the wayside.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 Alfindo Tbk 2,300 0 73,500 Adhi Karya 1,120 0 10,010,500 Adira Dinamika 2,575 -25 7,000 AGIS Tbk 95 0 13,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 290 -20 143,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,110 -10 1,307,000 Alakasa Industrindo...
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Unpaid wages of migrant workers
Unpaid wages of migrant workers V.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 illegals. Jakarta has engaged a battery of lawyers to represent the workers to claim their salaries from their bosses.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. When she asked why the fee was so high, she was told that it was just what the regulations said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/kpk
JP/4/kpk Southeast Sulawesi governor reported to KPK Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Another 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 embezzling Rp 20.9 billion (US$2.3 million) from his provincial budget.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wahyu Susilo
Wahyu Susilo Jakarta 2. Naga -- Deportation of TKI and political protection 2 x 30 Political protection for illegal Indonesian workers in Malaysia Marsen S. Naga Jakarta
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. When she asked why the fee was so high, she was told that it was just what the regulations said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Council gives nod on parking fee increase
Council gives nod on parking fee increase Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The 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. "We can understand the reason behind the proposed increase. For the last five years, with inflation and all, the parking fees have remained the same ...
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Standard Chartered's 2004 profit up as provisions fall
Standard Chartered's 2004 profit up as provisions fall Bloomberg, London Standard 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$1.48 billion from a restated $1.02 billion a year earlier, the London-based lender said on Wednesday in a Regulatory News Service statement.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Davos organizers should consider moving venue to Asia
Davos organizers should consider moving venue to Asia Harry Bhaskara The Jakarta Post/Davos If 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. The main conference building's seemingly illogical design is an outgrowth of the original building, with annexes continuously added to it to accommodate the increasing number of participants, today hovering over 2,200.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
President calls on Aceh insurgents to end conflict
President calls on Aceh insurgents to end conflict Agencies, Singapore Indonesia'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. "Aceh's rehabilitation and reconstruction will need to be carried out under a condition of maximum peace," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said during a visit to Singapore.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
BCA profit rises 32% on lending exoansion, spurred by GDP growth
BCA profit rises 32% on lending exoansion, spurred by GDP growth PT 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 3.15 trillion (US$339 million), Finance Director Jahja Setiaatmadja said in Jakarta. The lender earned Rp 2.39 trillion in 2003 profit, according to previously announced figures.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Presidential approval needed for probe
Presidential approval needed for probe AMBON, 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. Zainal Arifin, deputy chief of Maluku Prosecutor's Office, said on Wednesday that he hoped the President would issue a permit immediately that will allow prosecutors to probe alleged embezzlement committed by the officials.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
I-Buku public library opens
I-Buku public library opens A 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. 14, by Ibu Mas Beratha, Taman Baca I-Buku is located within Taman Budaya Arts Center on Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar. A.A.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Survivors defiant through graffiti
Survivors defiant through graffiti Dan Eaton, Reuters/Banda Aceh After 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 Banda Aceh on the northwestern tip of Indonesia.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'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. Despite these efforts, the number of dengue cases continues to increase. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinion on the issue. Kristina Sri Widiati, 37, is a staff member at the Organization of Indonesian Elderly People.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 titled Ang Ah Lan Ah Ang, (wording of a Hindu mantra) published in 2004. I Made Taro was also selected for his significant contribution to the development of Balinese modern literature.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. In an interview with The Jakarta Post at the embassy on Wednesday, Lu said that China's fast economic growth should be seen as an opportunity for Indonesia. "The world is changing.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
City to raid illegal apartment tenants
City to raid illegal apartment tenants Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A 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. City public order officials have announced their plans to raid 7,000 low-cost apartments managed by the City Housing Agency on suspicion that many are being illegally occupied by people who do not qualify for the housing.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Kyoto (30) - 32 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x24) Feted and hated, Kyoto global warming pact starts --- 5. Photo and one ad
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
* 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 gives Nuggets first win since 1988 Page 9 * Lebanese vent wrath on Syria, U.S.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corruption watchdog reports governor
Corruption watchdog reports governor Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Another 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 20.9 billion (US$2.3 million) from the provincial budget.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian market
Jaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian market M. Taufiqurrahman and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several decades ago, station wagons, or estate vehicles, were quite popular here before falling out of fashion. Some people think station wagons are outdated, especially with the presence of multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Unfortunately, however, a killing took place at Jakarta Hotel Hilton on New Year's Eve.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. 20 as part of their tour of tsunami-hit countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In their planned visit, which was disclosed by deputy press attache of the U.S.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Chappy added that he had proposed three candidates to replace him as Air Force Chief of Staff, but declined to name them. "I have submitted three names to the TNI (Indonesian Military) Chief, so please, be patient.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Property boom can have negative impact on local people
Property boom can have negative impact on local people Anton Muhajir, Contributor, Denpasar It 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. Across the street, several Westerners were seen sitting in the gazebo of a restaurant. They were separated only by several rice fields and a highway known as "Sunset Road".
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Prophet' fails to predict arrest
'Prophet' fails to predict arrest PALU, 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. Tatang Somantri, director of the crime division of the Central Sulawesi police, said that Zikrullah, the supposed prophet, was arrested a few days ago at the request of local figures.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bank information technology touted
Bank information technology touted The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In today's digital information era, banks will have difficulties handling their customers transactions using old-fashioned calculators, ledger books and pencils.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI could see upsurge of investment from Malaysia
RI could see upsurge of investment from Malaysia M. Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse/Kuala Lumpur Malaysian 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. Some 45 Malaysian businessmen met the visiting Indonesian president this week for an hour-long discussion and emerged to say they would seriously consider new investment in Indonesia.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/FOCUS
JP/5/FOCUS Fire razes 14,000 hectares of forest PEKANBARU, 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 official said on Wednesday.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Political protection for illegal Indonesian workers in MAlaysia
Political protection for illegal Indonesian workers in MAlaysia Marsen 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. It is said that the workers, who migrated to Malaysia in the 1980s, have contributed much to the policy there of an ethnic balance between the Malay people and other ethnic groups.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Unfortunately, every time a flood occurs it is heavy rain that is blamed. The reality is, however, that nobody can decide how much or how little rain will fall.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/17/ESTATE
JP/17/ESTATE Jaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian market M. Taufiqurrahman and Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Several decades ago, station wagons, or estate vehicles, were quite popular here before falling out of fashion. Some people think station wagons are outdated, especially with the presence of multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aid fund control crucial
Aid fund control crucial From Koran Tempo The 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. Their immature way of perceiving problems and assuming responsibility has become a major constraint and source of irregularities, besides the inherent weakness of the nation's monitoring system.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
The last Portuguese-Acehnese of Lamno
The last Portuguese-Acehnese of Lamno Aboeprijadi Santoso, Contributor/Lamno, Aceh Hundreds 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. Like the "depoks" (residential areas) of mixed Dutch origin living near Jakarta, they were part and parcel of the local society.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Would you not pack up and head for greener pastures abroad? For so many years, millions of Indonesians have made that decision.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Industry urged to win back Japanese tourists
Industry urged to win back Japanese tourists Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar The 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.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/kpk
JP/4/kpk Southeast Sulawesi governor reported to KPK Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Another 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 20.9 billion (US$2.3 million) from the provincial budget.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Syria wants to give new life to relations with Indonesia
Syria wants to give new life to relations with Indonesia Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Since 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 commercial relationship with Indonesia, the third biggest regional power in Asia, extensively to a level commensurate with its political relationship.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Life getting harder for legal RI workers in Malaysia
Life getting harder for legal RI workers in Malaysia Rusman The Jakarta Post/Nunukan, East Kalimantan The 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. Some Indonesian workers in Malaysia, who have legal documents to work there, confessed that they felt insecure following the Malaysian government's campaign to crack down on illegals that began in October last year.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Strong aftershock rattles Aceh
Strong aftershock rattles Aceh Agencies, Banda Aceh A 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. in the Indian Ocean 74.9 kilometers (46 miles) southwest of Banda Aceh, Syahnan of the Aceh Meteorology and Geophysics office was quoted by AFP as saying.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, February 17, 2005
TV Program: Thursday, February 17, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 8:00 Cartoon: Hero Classics 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Sport Documentary 12:00 p.m.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia threatens to pull out of hosting Asian karate event
Indonesia threatens to pull out of hosting Asian karate event Moch. 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 relocated from Jakarta to Macao.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
IP opens e-procurement
IP opens e-procurement JAKARTA: 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. During the launching of the online system on Tuesday, PT Indonesia Power President Director Abimanyu Suroso said that almost 80 percent of the company's expenses would be for procurement and by increasing transparency the company expected to boost its public image.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Taking a deeper look at migrant workers in Malaysia
Taking a deeper look at migrant workers in Malaysia Wahyu 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. The Malaysian government had already warned in July 2004 that mass deportations of undocumented migrant workers in Malaysia would again be carried out based on its Immigration Act of 2002.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. the world's largest LNG importer, has selected Yemen LNG, Malaysia LNG and Russia's Sakhalin Energy Investment as "preferred sellers," the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said. South Korea is the second largest LNG market in the world.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Debate contest dominated by long-time rivals
Debate contest dominated by long-time rivals The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After 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), champions for six consecutive years, and the State Institute of Accounting (STAN), that broke UI's winning streak last year.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sense of empathy for tsunami victims still strong in Paris
Sense of empathy for tsunami victims still strong in Paris Kornelius Purba, Paris Contributions 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. This sense was also present at a charity event in Paris last week. The Secours Populaire Francais building was filled with about 100 people, among them daughters of a leader of the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), Ruri and Elia Aidit.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police prepare for direct elections
Police prepare for direct elections Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Over 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. The officers -- from provincial police chiefs down to regental police chiefs -- are attending the workshop to listen to lectures by officials on the subject of the direct elections.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta, customs top graft list
Jakarta, customs top graft list Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In 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 which were revealed on Wednesday.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Life getting harder for legal migrants in Malaysia
Life getting harder for legal migrants in Malaysia Rusman, The Jakarta Post/Nunukan, East Kalimantan The 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. Some Indonesian workers in Malaysia, who have legal documents to work there, confessed that they felt insecure following the Malaysian government's campaign to crack down on illegals that began in October last year.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 -- that had been their home since the Dec. 26 disaster -- to the more substantial constructions.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The demand was made after the Constitutional Court issued an unclear ruling earlier on Tuesday, which was interpreted by the lawyers as saying that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had no authority to prosecute cases that predated its formation.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 Fantasy and Daily Village Life Collection, at Alila Ubud, Malinggih Kelod village, Payangan Gianyar, until March 11. * Painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Darga Gallery, Komplek Sanur Raya No.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Confucian ethic keeps China in harmony with Indonesia
Confucian ethic keeps China in harmony with Indonesia Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta 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.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Repair service a big hit in Banda Aceh
Repair service a big hit in Banda Aceh Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Pipin Electronic, an electronics store located in the Meuraksa district of Banda Aceh, is overwhelmed with repair orders on all types of electronics equipment. The store, which provides sales and repair services, has seen a 300 percent increase in service orders compared to before the Dec. 26 tsunami. Firdaus, a technician at the store, said on Wednesday the orders began to pour in as soon as the store reopened on Jan.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to put port, airport projects out to tender soon
Govt to put port, airport projects out to tender soon Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As 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).
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Local elections will be 'undemocratic'
Local elections will be 'undemocratic' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Law 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. A number of experts told the Constitutional Court that the law contravenes the Constitution because it allows the government to intervene in the electoral process.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shares at JSX end on new high
Shares at JSX end on new high Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian 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. They said buying was also boosted by news that Indonesia's economy last year grew slightly better than expected.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Council gives nod to parking fee hike
Council gives nod to parking fee hike Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. "We can understand the reason behind the proposed increase. For the last five years, with inflation and all, the parking fees have remained the same ...
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 that is being developed by PT Rekapastika. "The most blatant mistake is that the municipality agreed to receive only 35 percent of the fees after the first five years.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Economy grew by 5.13% in 2004: BPS
Economy grew by 5.13% in 2004: BPS Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite 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. The figure, which exceeded the initial target of 4.8 percent and 2003's growth of 4.1 percent, has pushed the nation's income per capita to Rp 10.64 million (US$1,181), from Rp 9.57 million the year before.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The demand was made after the Constitutional Court issued an unclear ruling earlier on Tuesday, which was interpreted by the lawyers as saying that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had no authority to prosecute cases that predated its formation.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP reels from two-notch credit ratings cut
RP reels from two-notch credit ratings cut Agence France-Presse, Manila Confidence 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. The rating action pointed again to a damaging build-up of public debt, the government's main worry after President Gloria Arroyo conceded last year that Manila was fast approaching a fiscal crisis.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /
JP/ / 'Kopi luwak', the world's most expensive coffee Elvera 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. You cannot find this in major cafes, even in Indonesia itself. So beware of fake kopi luwak.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fire razes 14,000 hectares of forest
Fire razes 14,000 hectares of forest PEKANBARU, 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 official said on Wednesday.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Soldier implicated in brutal killing
Soldier implicated in brutal killing Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta One 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. City police said that the Army soldier, identified as Private First Class Leo Hasibuan from the North Sumatra Military Headquarters in Medan, had been taken to the Military Police office in South Jakarta.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ex U.S. presidents to visit Aceh
Ex U.S. presidents to visit Aceh 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. 20 as part of their tour of tsunami-hit countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In their planned visit, which was disclosed by deputy press attache of the U.S.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Expats have mixed views on dengue fumigation
Expats have mixed views on dengue fumigation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Expatriates living in Jakarta have different views on the effectiveness of fumigation in preventing dengue fever outbreaks. Dr. Wright of the U.S. Embassy Medical Unit said that the embassy has also appealed to their expatriate staff, who mostly live in endemic areas, such as Menteng, Central Jakarta, and Tebet and Cilandak in South Jakarta, to always cover water containers and empty unused containers that can hold water.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo pledges to curb red tape, corruption
Susilo pledges to curb red tape, corruption Christopher Torchia, Associated Press/Singapore Indonesia's president vowed on Wednesday to clear away red tape, corruption and other obstacles that have long deterred foreign investment in his vast nation. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also said his government planned to achieve annual growth of 6.6 percent over the next five years, with a planned investment of US$150 billion (euro115 billion) in infrastructure. Growth was 5 percent in 2004.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Residents sue Mayor over Punclut
Residents sue Mayor over Punclut BANDUNG: 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. The lawsuit, filed at the Bandung state administrative court, was a last ditch effort by the activists and residents to stop the project. In the suit, the group allege that the development of Punclut Tourist Resort was in contravention of West Java provincial Bylaw No.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Contest brings couples cheek to cheek
Contest brings couples cheek to cheek Withstanding 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. Held at the Bandung Trade Center, the couples pressed their cheeks together (see photo) for 47 hours, 32 minutes and five seconds. Theo Rettob, 20, said he felt sore and weak after taking part in the contest with Iwan, his 33-year-old uncle.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sharp launches 10 new fax machines
Sharp launches 10 new fax machines JAKARTA: 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. The newly launched fax machines included two thermal facsimiles, five plain-paper, one jet-ink and two lasers.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. When she asked why the fee was so high, she was told that it was just what the regulations said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. The overpass ends at the three-way intersection in Cijantung. The expressway was built to ease traffic congestion at Pasar Rebo.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Mengoepeh starts initial production
Mengoepeh starts initial production JAKARTA: 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. According to the Oil and Gas Upstream Regulatory Agency (BP Migas), the oil field was discovered in 1996 and began production in December the same year.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bali life-savers to be trained in Oz
Bali life-savers to be trained in Oz The 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 Club. The purpose of this training is to help prepare an Indonesian team to compete at the World Championships to be held in Victoria, Australia, in February 2006.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Puteh is on trial for allegedly marking up the purchase price of a Russian-made MI-2 helicopter. He is being charged under the Anticorruption Law and could face a life-sentence or a Rp 1 billion (US$108,000) fine if found guilty.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hundreds evacuated after Egon eruption
Hundreds evacuated after Egon eruption KUPANG, 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. Residents in the two subdistricts were evacuated after the volcano again started spewing out hot ashes beginning last week, said Sikka Regent Alex Longginus. The residents will live in temporary shelters until the volcanic activity ceased, said Alex.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
INCO doubles net profits in 2004
INCO doubles net profits in 2004 Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT 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$265.1 million in 2004, from $104.2 million the year before, supported by a 56 percent jump in sales revenues from $509 million in 2003 to $792.1 million.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. It supports the government's policy not to let these children be taken out of Aceh until clear data about their families has been obtained. 2.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Smokers and Corruption
Smokers and Corruption From 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. Jakarta residents, in particular, and Indonesians, in general, must respect other people in their own surroundings and maintain their environment in a good condition.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Red Cross to embark on massive reconstruction project in Aceh
Red Cross to embark on massive reconstruction project in Aceh The 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 on Wednesday.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/17/ESTATE
JP/17/ESTATE Jaguar launches station wagon for Indonesian market M. Taufiqurrahman and Novan Iman Santosa The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Several decades ago, station wagons, or estate vehicles, were quite popular here before falling out of fashion. Some people think station wagons are outdated, especially with the presence of multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
BI to withdraw vulnerable notes
BI to withdraw vulnerable notes Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to reduce the rising number of counterfeited banknotes, the central bank is planning to withdraw more notes considered vulnerable to counterfeiting. Bank Indonesia governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said the banknotes subject to immediate withdrawal were the Rp 50,000 and Rp 10,000 notes. New Rp 100,000 and Rp 20,000 banknotes were released last month.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 peace.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Man arrested for trafficking girls
Man arrested for trafficking girls Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung West 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. A senior officer said on Wednesday that the suspect was arrested in Subang regency after the police learned that he had sold many Subang women, who eventually ended up in Malaysia as prostitutes.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 temperature and humidity control, group chief executive officer Harsha E. Joesoef said. It was built in line with international health and safety and environmental standards, Joesoef said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. Dede Nurdin Sadat, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, said that the law unconstitutional because its clearly states that the law was enacted to support the interests of investors, rather than the Indonesian people.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
NATO sends bridge equipment to Aceh
NATO sends bridge equipment to Aceh BELGIUM: 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$7.8 million, is being readied for transportation and assembly in the disaster area as soon as possible," NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement. His announcement came a month after a U.S.
Thu, 17 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/18/JAPAN
JP/18/JAPAN Tourist industry urged work hard to win back Japanese market Wahyoe Boediwardhana The Jakarta Post/Denpasar The 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.