Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 February 2005

83 articles found

Champ Thongchai takes six-shot lead at Malaysian Open

Champ Thongchai takes six-shot lead at Malaysian OpenAgencies, Kuala Lumpur Title-holder Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand pulled six shots clear of the chasing pack after the third round of the Carlsberg Malaysian Open on Saturday, poised to defend a title for the first time in his illustrious career.

Bush, Clinton take tour of grim tsunami sites

Bush, Clinton take tour of grim tsunami sitesAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehAmid tight security, former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush senior toured Banda Aceh on Sunday to see directly the havoc caused by the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster.

BSD launches new housing

BSD launches new housing JAKARTA: The developer of Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) City on Sunday launched a 80-hectare housing complex in Tangerang, Bante, which it expects to build over the next three years.

New Zealand, Australia warn of attacks on tsunami aid workers in

New Zealand, Australia warn of attacks on tsunami aid workers in Indonesia Agencies Auckland/ JakartaNew Zealand and Australia warned on Sunday they had information of possible terrorist attacks on Western aid workers involved in tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia.

Harsh responses to Muslim separatists risk increased terror, say

Harsh responses to Muslim separatists risk increased terror, say analysts Lawrence Bartlett Agence France-Presse/Kuala LumpurHarsh government responses to separatist violence in Thailand and the Philippines risk drawing international terrorists more deeply into the region, analysts say.

Indonesia's rights image improves

Indonesia's rights image improvesFrom Koran Tempo Despite the negative domestic evaluation of Indonesia's upholding of human rights, the image in the international community is positive. Indonesia is seen as actively promoting rights.

Indonesian petroleum industry caught in confusing web of rules

Indonesian petroleum industry caught in confusing web of rulesJohn Mcbeth, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore The recent oil strike by Australian-owned Santos off the coast of East Java and major untapped oil and gas deposits in ExxonMobil's disputed Cepu field will not be enough to...

Truth, reconciliation pose a challenge for the government

Truth, reconciliation pose a challenge for the government On Monday representatives of truth and reconciliation commissions from several countries will convene to share their experiences with Indonesia, that has only recently passed a law, long awaited, setting up such a commission.

Trade union demands hospital for workers

Trade union demands hospital for workersWahyuana, The Jakarta Post, BekasiSeveral workers' unions in Bekasi urged the government to establish a special hospital for workers where they can receive quality treatment and where insurance claims can be expedited.

Introductory Workshop on

Introductory Workshop on LPG and LNG Processing Operations PT OTI Transformasi Lintas Internasional will run an introductory workshop on natural gas handling, conditioning and processing operations to help companies face the highly competitive market.

~CONVENTION AGENDA

~CONVENTION AGENDAMarch 14, 200508.30 - 09.10 Report from the Organizing Committee, Gunadi Sugiharso (Co-Chairman of APMF - Indonesia) Opening Speech from the Steering Committee Chairman, Senyon Kim (Chairman of Steering Committee APMF) Opening Ceremony, Aburizal Bakrie (Coordinating Minister for...

Govt-Cemex agreement

Govt-Cemex agreement The article Govt's court battle with Cemex looms in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 16 prompted me to offer some comments. I have followed this story ever since the government considered an amicable out-of-court settlement.

Bank loans to SMEs grow by 32.5%: BI

Bank loans to SMEs grow by 32.5%: BIUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIn an encouraging sign for the country's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), loans to the sector grew by 32.5 percent to Rp 72 trillion (US$7.

Cooler heads prevail in House-AGO dispute

Cooler heads prevail in House-AGO disputeJAKARTA: House of Representative Speaker Agung Laksono said on Sunday a dispute between the House and the Attorney General's Office had cooled down.He said the dispute between House members and officials from the Attorney General's Office was the result of a...

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.

LGEIN to shift to premium products in three years: CEO

LGEIN to shift to premium products in three years: CEOConsumer electronics producer PT LG Electronics Indonesia (LGEIN) earlier revealed that it would invest up to US$15 million in the country this year, bringing its total investment in Indonesia to $90 million from 15 years ago.

Terrorism in economic, social terms

Terrorism in economic, social termsS.P. Seth, Sydney Until very recently if anyone sought to understand and explain terrorism in economic and social terms, he/she was likely to be branded as a terrorism sympathizer by the U.S. and Australian establishments.

OIC pledges $145m for Aceh orphans

OIC pledges $145m for Aceh orphans reportAgencies, Kuala LumpurThe world's biggest grouping of Islamic nations has pledged US$145 million for Indonesia's tsunami-ravaged Aceh province, to be spent largely on children orphaned by the Dec. 26 disaster, a report said on Sunday.

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.

Helping Aceh: What works and what does not

Helping Aceh: What works and what does notSimon G. Bell, JakartaA team of international scientists studying the effects of the tsunami in Banda Aceh recently reported in a Seattle newspaper that the initial announcements relating to the height and speed of the tsunami were significantly understated.

NZ, Australia warn of attacks on tsunami aid workers in RI

NZ, Australia warn of attacks on tsunami aid workers in RIAgencies, Auckland/JakartaNew Zealand and Australia warned on Sunday they had information of possible terrorist attacks on Western aid workers involved in tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia.

Farmer finds oil well in a Brebes village

Farmer finds oil well in a Brebes villageNana Rukmana and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Cirebon/JakartaWhen Slamet Bukhori, a middle-aged farmer in the village of Kertasinduyasa, in Brebes, Central Java, went to take a bath on Thursday, he did not expect anything out of the ordinary, and...

Malaysian Open

Malaysian Open Leading third-round scores in the US$1.21 million Carlsberg Malaysian Open at Saujana Golf and Country Club (par 72) on Saturday: 197 - Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) 64-66-67 203 - Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) 70-68-65 204 - Padraig Harrington (Irl) 71-66-67, Prom Meesawat (Tha) 68- 65-71, Henrik...

Saifullah ready to lead PKB

Saifullah ready to lead PKBFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaState Minister for the Development of Disadvantaged Regions Saifullah Yusuf has announced his bid to contest the leadership race of the National Awakening Party (PKB) in April.

Fighting graft 'must start at budget debate'

Fighting graft 'must start at budget debate'Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaJust like government officials, corruption watchdogs showed no surprise on Friday at the results of a survey placing Jakarta as the most corrupt city in the country, but for quite different reasons.

Foreign investment in Indonesia

Foreign investment in Indonesia Minister of Trade Mari E. Pangestu's comments and concerns with regard to "out of control regional administrations' levies on foreign investors" (The Jakarta Post of Feb. 14) are to be commended.

Billions earmarked for Aceh agriculture

Billions earmarked for Aceh agricultureBANDA ACEH, Aceh: Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriantono said on Sunday the government would channel between Rp 300 billion (US$33.3 million) and Rp 400 billion to help rebuild the agricultural sector in Aceh following the tsunami.

Ministry demands repeal of bylaws

Ministry demands repeal of bylawsJAKARTA: The Ministry of Finance has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to repeal 369 bylaws issued by regional governments nationwide on taxes.In a statement, the ministry said the 369 bylaws violated regulations issued by the central government.

Govt plans for inclusion of disabled in public schools

Govt plans for inclusion of disabled in public schoolsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Ministry of National Education is pushing that disabled children be permitted to join public schools as part of its efforts to include them in the nine-year mandatory education program.

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...

When political, national interests collide

When political, national interests collideImanuddin Razak, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto's term in office has been extended twice. He has also tendered his resignation for the second time earlier this month.According to Law No.

Consumers needs education on credit card usage

Consumers needs education on credit card usageThe Jakarta Post, JakartaAs a young professional who has been working for only two years, Dewi, a manager of a small bookstore here has three silver credit cards placed neatly inside her wallet.

Command and control

Command and controlThe president is the supreme commander of the Indonesian armed forces. The 1945 Constitution -- both in its amended and original forms -- clearly stipulates such. Even top military brass would not argue with the president's official distinction as commander in chief.

Weighing the urgency of constitutional amendments

Weighing the urgency of constitutional amendmentsMunafrizal Manan, Jakarta The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) is eager to propose an amendment to Article 22D of the Constitution of 1945. Article 22D regulates the role of the DPD in law making.

Aceh's traumatized fishermen coaxed back to the tranquil sea

Aceh's traumatized fishermen coaxed back to the tranquil seaKarima Anjani, Reuters/Banda AcehThe damage to the important fishing industry in Indonesia's tsunami-hit Aceh province could be lighter than was feared but many fishermen have suffered deep trauma, U.N. officials said on Thursday.

Fire victims suffer food poisoning

Fire victims suffer food poisoning Andi Hajramurni The Jakarta Post/MakassarAfter surviving a fire that reduced their houses and belongings to ashes last week, 30 residents of Tarakan, Malimongan Tua, Wajo district are now facing another ordeal -- food poisoning.

S'pore to raise wage 20% for RI maids

S'pore to raise wage 20% for RI maidsSINGAPORE: Singapore will increase the minimum monthly salary of Indonesian maids working in the city-state by 20 percent, a news report said on Sunday.The Association of Employment Agencies said it would raise the minimum wage to S$280 (US$170; euro 130.

Bloggings, educative online journals for all

Bloggings, educative online journals for allJaha Nababan, Contributor, JakartaBlogging is not bragging.Information written in a blog is maintained as free usable knowledge. That statement contradicts what Roy Suryo, an Indonesian information and communication technology (ICT) expert, said in a...

Court, AGO agree to set up team

Court, AGO agree to set up team JAKARTA: The Supreme Court and the Attorney General's Office have reached an agreement to set up a joint team to seek technical solutions to tackle shortcomings in existing laws in a bid to strengthen law enforcement.

NEWSANALYSIS

NEWSANALYSISTNI chief appointment: When political and national interests collideImanuddin Razak The Jakarta Post/JakartaThe Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto's term in office has been extended twice.

Ex-lepers struggle to survive in Tangerang

Ex-lepers struggle to survive in TangerangMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, TangerangOften overlooked and dismissed, recovered leprosy patients who have been discharged from the leprosy hospital Sitanala in Neglasari district, Tangerang, have no one to turn to in looking for work.

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.

1. Clinton (50) - 60 pts 4 cols 2 lines (2x22)

1. Clinton (50) - 60 pts 4 cols 2 lines (2x22)Bush, Clinton tour grim tsunami sites 2. Berlin (40) - 36 pts 2 cols 3lines (3x12)Berlin film fest puts Africa on map 3. Meutya (40) - 36 pts 3cols 1lines (1x24) RI pushes for journalists' release 4.

On stay permits

On stay permits I am referring to the letter regarding foreign investment in Indonesia by Frank Zieschank (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 11). What the gentleman says here is only the tip of the iceberg. A friend of mine who is married to an Australian and arranging for stay permits for her kids is going...

Corruption hottest topic in Susilo, Clinton, Bush talks

Corruption hottest topic in Susilo, Clinton, Bush talksApriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, MedanPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has held brief talks with visiting former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr.

Manuel Baldemor, traveling artist with colorful diary

Manuel Baldemor, traveling artist with colorful diaryEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFilipino Manuel Baldemor has made thousands of paintings during the 57 years of his life as he journeyed from place to place, from culture to culture.At home, art critics describe him as being "versatile".

Many ways of raising funds for regional direct election

Many ways of raising funds for regional direct electionOyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, BandarlampungAchmad Yulizar, 50, is rather chipper looking for a man who failed to secure the nomination of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) for Bandarlampung mayor.

Harsh responses to Muslim separatists risk increased terror, say

Harsh responses to Muslim separatists risk increased terror, say analysts Lawrence Bartlett Agence France-Presse/Kuala LumpurHarsh government responses to separatist violence in Thailand and the Philippines risk drawing international terrorists more deeply into the region, analysts say.

Baldemor exhibits fine assortment of paintings, gives one away

Baldemor exhibits fine assortment of paintings, gives one awayEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaJakartans may have the privilege of enjoying -- even if they can afford, they can own one -- the works of the Philippines' prolific artist Manuel "Manny" Baldemor at his solo exhibition held from Feb.

Malpractice case ready for trial

Malpractice case ready for trial JAKARTA: The police have submitted two file cases on hospitals involving alleged malpractice to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, but only one has been declared ready for prosecution.Jakarta Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr.

RI, GAM to resume talks despite differences

RI, GAM to resume talks despite differencesTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Indonesian government and the exiled leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) are ready to resume a second-round peace talks in Finland on Monday despite their acute differences on how to end the decades' long...

500 officers guard City Hall

500 officers guard City Hall JAKARTA: Public Order Agency officers are guarding City Hall around the clock for fear of retaliatory attacks following the shooting death of gang member John Albert on Friday night.

'Old City' vendors to be relocated

'Old City' vendors to be relocatedDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe West Jakarta administration revealed a plan to relocate hundreds of street vendors packing the narrow Jl. Pancoran in Kota to nearby traditional markets as part of a project to revive the old downtown area.

PM Soe Win arrives in the Philippines

PM Soe Win arrives in the PhilippinesPHILIPPINES: Myanmar Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Soe Win arrived on Sunday in the Philippines on a two-day official visit.Soe Win, accompanied by Foreign Minister Nyan Win, was welcomed by Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in...

Aid groups hope post-tsunami world becomes more generous

Aid groups hope post-tsunami world becomes more generousIrwin Arieff, Reuters/United NationsThe Indian Ocean tsunami has triggered the most generous outpouring of humanitarian aid in history, making relief groups hopeful of a basic shift in the way the world reacts to desperately needy people.

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.

Piracy post-tsunami

Piracy post-tsunamiWelcome though it would be, the marked decline in criminal activity in the piracy-plagued Malacca Straits after the tsunami cannot be attributed to altruistic factors alone.They (pirates) are lying low because global attention is currently focused on the region as never before,...

Residents return home after quake

Residents return home after quakeKENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Thousands of Kendari residents who sought refuge following a major earthquake on Saturday began returning to their homes on Sunday.The residents began returning to their homes after government officials assured them the earthquake had...

Aceh needs Rp 400b to rebuild agriculture

Aceh needs Rp 400b to rebuild agricultureThe government has allocated around Rp 400 billion (US$43 million) fund to help rebuild the agriculture sector in the devastated province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam following Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami.

'Officials demand money unshamedly'

'Officials demand money unshamedly'A survey by Transparency International Indonesia (TII) has ranked Jakarta as the nation's most corrupt city. The tax and customs offices have also come under fire of late, for the gross level of corruption within them.

Jambi taxpayers should pay Rp1b

Jambi taxpayers should pay Rp1b JAMBI: Jambi's land and building tax office disclosed that many businessmen and officials were late in paying taxes amounting to Rp 1.3 billion (US$144.444) in the 1999-2004 period.

Prima in his prime in winning Cigna

Prima in his prime in winning CignaMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experience told on Sunday as second seeded Prima Simpatiaji of Central Java outclassed Jakarta teenager Sunu Wahyu Trijati 6-3, 6-1 for the 2005 Cigna Open men's singles tennis title.

City told to draft garbage law

City told to draft garbage lawTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, BogorThe Jakarta administration renewed demands for a law on the management of waste which is crucial to resolve the current garbage crisis.

Crisis team in Jordan to secure release of journalists

Crisis team in Jordan to secure release of journalistsAdianto P. Simamora and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaSix days after two Indonesian journalists were kidnapped in Iraq, their whereabouts remained unknown as a crisis settlement team leading efforts to secure their release arrived in...

Lay economist's view of fuel subsidy cut

Lay economist's view of fuel subsidy cutFrom Kompas While many people seem to believe that "Fuel subsidies are enjoyed by the rich", I think that these subsidies (for gasoline and diesel) are instead enjoyed by most poor Indonesians, directly or otherwise.

Lost sympathy for GAM

Lost sympathy for GAMFrom Kontan I was still a university student when the New Order regime collapsed. I was then "against" the government and believed that the uprisings in the regions, including the ongoing on in Aceh by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) reflected a rejection of the then government as...

Seminar on Italian Textile Finishing Technology

Seminar on Italian Textile Finishing Technology The Italian Trade Commission in Jakarta and the Italian Association of Textile Machinery (ACIMIT), in cooperation with the Indonesian Textile Association (API), will hold a seminar on the latest Italian textile technology at the Sheraton Hotel,...

One more international school comes in Jakarta

One more international school comes in JakartaThe Jakarta Post, JakartaAnother multilingual school is set to open on Jl. Lodan, North Jakarta, in July, giving more options to parents who are seeking a comprehensive education for their children.

Bandung landslide damages two houses

Bandung landslide damages two houses BANDUNG: Two houses were damaged in a landslide in Bonjot hamlet, Rancapanggung village in Cililin district, Bandung Regency on Saturday. No casualties were reported.Head of Cililin district, Maskur, said the landslide was the first in the village.

Mayoral candidates pull out all stops

Mayoral candidates pull out all stopsOyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, BandarlampungThat morning, a well-built man in his 40s came to Tanjungkarang train station wearing a black suit, followed by officials from state railway PT Kereta Api Indonesia.

JP/17/AUCT

JP/17/AUCTBachelor auction romantic way to raise fundsEvi Mariani The Jakarta Post/JakartaThe hottest bachelor at the charity auction was Alexander Jovanovic, 43, an Aussie with a pair of hazel-colored eyes, 180 centimeters in height, sexy streaks of gray hair in his wavy, dark hair and charm that...

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.

Envoys read poems to console tsunami victims

Envoys read poems to console tsunami victimsJP/18/EnvoyEnvoys read poems to console tsunami victimsM. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In the aftermath of the tsunami that swept across Aceh and North Sumatra, countries around the world have contributed much to ease the suffering of survivors.

* TNI chief's appointment: interests collide Page 2

* TNI chief's appointment: interests collide Page 2 * Police shrug off corruption report Page 4 * Mayoral candidates pull out all stops Page 5 * RI petroleum industry in confusion Page 7 * Ex-lepers struggle to survive Page 8 * Tennis' Prima in his prime in winning tourney Page 10 * Bangladesh...

1. Disco --- 1x45

1. Disco --- 1x45 Truth, reconciliation pose a challenge for govt 2. GAM ----- 4x12 RI, GAM to resume talks despite differences 3. Threat -- 3x16 NZ, Australia warn of attacks on tsunami aid workers in RI 4. Lebanon - 1x37 Lebanon protests to UN over Hariri killing probe

Solutions for pollution

Solutions for pollution As one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world, Jakarta only needs to fix three major sources of pollution. First, emissions created largely by diesel engines (public buses, public minivans). Second, trash burning (remember we live in the city not in the village.

Police shrug off corruption report

Police shrug off corruption reportEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police have shrugged off a report that declares it to be the second most corrupt institution in the country, saying the accusation was without foundation.Director of the Special Economic Crime unit Brig. Gen.

Garbage crisis calls for a law

Garbage crisis calls for a lawTheresia Sufa The Jakarta Post/BogorThe Jakarta administration renewed demands for a law on the management of waste which is crucial to resolve the current garbage crisis."A bylaw made by each region will not be enough because the issue goes beyond borders," said...

Tourist sport becomes haven for refugees

Tourist sport becomes haven for refugeesFadli, The Jakarta Post, Aceh BesarBefore the quake-triggered tsunamis hit Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam on Dec. 26 last year, Mata Ie was a popular tourist attraction famous for its mountain spring.

1. ANALYSIS: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS

1. ANALYSIS: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS When political, national interests collide 2. CORRUPT: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS Stopping graft should begin at budget discussions: Fitra 3. MEDAN: 3 LINES, 16 counts Corruption hottest topic in SBY, Clinton, Bush talks 4.

Astra's car sales to grow by 10%

Astra's car sales to grow by 10%JAKARTA: PT Astra International, Indonesia's leading automotive producer, projects a 10 percent increase in their car sales this year to maintain last year's market share of some 45 percent.

Seminar on Italian Textile Finishing Technology

Seminar on Italian Textile Finishing Technology The Italian Trade Commission in Jakarta and the Italian Association of Textile Machinery (ACIMIT), in cooperation with the Indonesian Textile Association (API), will hold a seminar on the latest Italian textile technology at the Sheraton Hotel,...

Muslim writers tell of harmony with West

Muslim writers tell of harmony with WestThe Jakarta Post, JakartaOh, East is East and West in West, and never the twain shall meet. Till earth and sky stand presently, at God's greatest judgment seat.These words by Rudyard Kipling, a British Nobel prize winner for literature, were quoted by Ismail...