Archive: 23 February 2005
81 articles found
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kaban to vie for top PBB post
Kaban to vie for top PBB post JAKARTA: Forestry minister Malam Sambat Kaban said on Tuesday he was ready to contest the top post of the Crescent Star Party (PBB). Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the current leader of the PBB who is also state secretary, has said he would not run for reelection because he had led the party for two terms. "I'm ready to lead the party," Kaban told reporters after a meeting with the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corpse evacuation in Aceh continues: PMI
Corpse evacuation in Aceh continues: PMI Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, NAD Humanitarian volunteers are still finding corpses in Aceh, almost two months after the tsunami struck the stricken province, a relief worker says. Some 1,850 volunteers from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and other organizations were still recovering and burying between 200 and 300 corpses a day, a PMI official said.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Japan to finance 8 rehabilitation projects in Aceh
Japan to finance 8 rehabilitation projects in Aceh Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Japanese government will finance eight major rehabilitation projects in Aceh using the US$146 million in emergency assistance grants it has disbursed to the Indonesian government for the tsunami-stricken province.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Monorail project going off track as city, company sling the mud
Monorail project going off track as city, company sling the mud Bambang Nurbianto and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least two transportation observers are calling for the termination of a contract between the Jakarta administration and a consortium of investors grouped under the company PT Jakarta Monorail. They claim that the private company is not financially credible nor able to carry out the ambitious monorail project valued at US$650 million.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Microsoft launches first programs in Indonesian
Microsoft launches first programs in Indonesian The Jakarta Post , Jakarta After twenty years as a chemistry lecturer at a Jakarta public high school (SMU), Sri Rahayu Ningsih's dream has come true with all the teachers in her school now having access to computers while teaching.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prana dedicates award to fishermen
Prana dedicates award to fishermen Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali Agung Prana was very happy when he accepted the 2005 ASEAN Tourist Association Excellence Award for the Best ASEAN Conservation Effort, on behalf of the Karang Lestari Pemuteran Coral Preservation Foundation of North Bali. The award was presented by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Hj Mohd Najib on Jan. 25 in Lankawi, Malaysia, during the opening ceremony for the ASEAN tourism forum.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh's fishermen at threat again -- this time from too much help
Aceh's fishermen at threat again -- this time from too much help Sebastian Blanc, Agence France-Presse/Banda Aceh Just eight weeks after December's tsunami turned their fleets into firewood, the fishermen of Indonesia's Aceh province are again facing a serious threat to their livelihood. But this time, it is from the very hand that is supposed to be feeding them.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Eradicating poverty through CSR programs
Eradicating poverty through CSR programs Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta The harrowing drama of thousands of Indonesian overseas workers (TKI) returning home, some simply leaving with their salaries unpaid to avoid detention by the Malaysian authorities, has struck another blow to the country, which has not yet recovered from the tsunami in Aceh.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh's coral reefs harmed after tsunami
Aceh's coral reefs harmed after tsunami JAKARTA: Poachers and local fishermen have begun exploiting the coastal waters and coral reefs off Aceh as local security officers remain paralyzed in the wake of the Dec. 26 tsunami, environmentalists said on Tuesday. They said they have seen several acts of environmental exploitation taking place along the Aceh coast, such as the illegal construction of shrimp ponds and destruction of coral reefs. "I saw it happen in Sabang.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Feb.22
Rupiah Rates Feb.22 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,693.77 6,901.57 7,335.70 7,259.45 Brunei dollar 1 5,964.90 5,350.16 5,687.29 5,627.60 Canadian dollar 1 7,910.96 7,097.11 7,542.78 7,465.14 Swiss franc 1 8,251.56 7,403.81 7,867.54 7,787.74 Danish krone 1 1,714.05 1,537.80 1,634.28 1,617.54 Euro 1 12,757.59 11,447.16 12,163.85 12,040.77 Poundsterling 1 18,514.99 16,614.36 17,653.30 17,475.92 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,250.71 1,122.44 1,192.50 1,180.64...
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Don't care philosophy
Don't care philosophy The new government seems to have adopted a "don't care" philosophy. Recently a headline in The Jakarta Post read I don't care about my reputation, which was supposed to be the answer of the President to a certain complaint. On Feb. 18, according to your newspaper, a minister responded "I dont care" to a survey by an international organization that ranked the tax and customs offices as the most corrupt institutions in this country.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
PLN pooh-poohs Pertamina debt threat
PLN pooh-poohs Pertamina debt threat Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned power firm Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) played down a threat by state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina to cut off its fuel supplies until it paid its debts, saying PLN had never been behind with payments due and owing to Pertamina.
Wed, 23 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.
Wed, 23 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.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corruption and secrecy
Corruption and secrecy From Koran Tempo The Coalition for Freedom of Access to Information has rejected the House of Representatives debate of the state secrecy bill for fear of the future use of this law by the government to cover up information needed by society. It is natural for us to worry about the state secrecy bill, because the government should be open to the public. In this way, all policies that are incorrect can be straightened out.
Wed, 23 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.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'I paid a bribe to get my free ID'
'I paid a bribe to get my free ID' A survey of 1,305 businesses and top managers of local and multinational firms here named Jakarta as the most corrupt city in the country. The survey was conducted last year by Transparency International Indonesia at a time when the city administration was making much-publicize noises about turning Jakarta into a "service city". The Jakarta Post asked residents to relate some of their experiences when dealing with government officials.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
13 more RMS supporters arrested on treason charge
13 more RMS supporters arrested on treason charge M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Maluku Police say they have arrested 13 people for allegedly hoisting flags bearing the symbol of the separatist South Maluku Republic (RMS) on Friday. The two flags were raised separately in the Hative Besar and Kudamati subdistricts in Ambon, as 299 German tourists on board the MV. C. Columbus cruise ship arrived in the city. The 13 were detained in connection with the flag raising in Hative Besar.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Mie Aceh', now a popular alternative regional specialty
'Mie Aceh', now a popular alternative regional specialty Lila Fitri Aly, Contributor, Jakarta Poverty and the desire to make a better living prompted M. Yahya Abubakar, a native of Paya Gajah village, Kuburan Anak Tiga, Peureulak, East Aceh, to move to Jakarta in mid-1989 to try his luck in the food business. "I wanted to do better," Yahya said of his decision to come to the capital.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Emerging fears of press control
Emerging fears of press control Kornelius Purba, Paris President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's serious consideration of the empowerment of the Office of the State Minister of Communications and Information has raised concerns among many parties, particularly the press. The timing of the President's decision to put state-owned telecommunications industries under the state minister's office, which was coincidentally around National Press Day on Feb.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Saucy thieves hit soy factory
Saucy thieves hit soy factory BOGOR: Four armed men robbed soy sauce producer PT Sinar Nusa Cemerlang in Kampung Kembang Kuning, Klapanunggal district, early on Monday, making off with a safe containing Rp 100 million (US$11,235) in cash. Two security guards, Susmanta and Eris, told police that the robbers had gained entry to the compound some time before 1:30 a.m., when the two were watching a soccer game on television.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ambon to disburse refugee funds
Ambon to disburse refugee funds AMBON, Maluku: The Ambon municipal government is to pay out over Rp 500,000 (US$55) to each Maluku refugee family as the central government deadline for the resettlement of Ambon refugees draws near. The money will be handed over to 1,024 refugee families in order to allow them to return to their homes and start new lives, said M.A. Namsa, the director of the Ambon Social Affairs Office.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 through hell going from regional immigration office to the directorate general of immigration.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Writer Kuntowijoyo leaves legacy to RI
Writer Kuntowijoyo leaves legacy to RI Slamet Susanto and Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Kuntowijoyo, a prominent writer and historian, died on Tuesday at Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta after suffering from meningoencephalitis for more than 10 years. The 63-year-old lecturer is survived by his wife Susilaningsih, 58 and two sons Punang Amarireja, 34 and Alun Paradita, 23. Relatives said Kuntowijoyo was a productive person who always threw himself into things.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Freed journalists stuck at Iraqi border
Freed journalists stuck at Iraqi border Agencies Amman Two Indonesian journalists and a Jordanian driver freed by militants in Iraq were stuck at the Iraq-Jordan border on Tuesday, waiting for permission from Iraqi authorities to leave the country. Meutya Hafid, 26, and 36-year-old cameraman Budiyanto, as well as their Jordanian driver, Ibrahim Abdel Khader, were abducted last week by militants outside Ramadi, west of Baghdad.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Amnesty offer 'would not reveal truth'
Amnesty offer 'would not reveal truth' Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of international human rights observers have expressed their pessimism that offering amnesty for human rights violators would be effective in revealing the truth of their wrongdoings. Based on experience in countries such as South Africa and Sierra Leone, the experts concluded that the amnesty offer was insufficient incentive for culprits to come clean about the past.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Second bond issue continues to draw strong demand
Second bond issue continues to draw strong demand The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government struck gold again in its second bond issue for the year when it managed to sell on Tuesday Rp 3 trillion (some US$326 million) worth of local-currency bonds -- nearly twice the amount initially planned -- amid robust investor demand.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh at the peace table
Aceh at the peace table Indonesian and GAM negotiators last night returned for the second round of tentative new peace talks in Finland. There is evidence the informal ceasefire is already failing on the ground, threatening the safety of reconstruction teams. But only new political momentum at the peace table can address the local tensions which continue to feed the ranks of the guerrillas. Ostensibly, GAM is fighting for independence.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Two freed RI journalists cross into Jordan safely
Two freed RI journalists cross into Jordan safely Shafika Mattar, Associated Press/Amman Two Indonesian Journalists and their Jordanian driver freed by militants in Iraq crossed into neighboring Jordan on Tuesday, an Indonesia Embassy official said. "They have crossed the border into Jordan and they will meet the press later in the day," said the embassy official who refused to be identified.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hope fades for finding dump slide survivors
Hope fades for finding dump slide survivors Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Rescuers continued sifting through shattered houses on Tuesday with little hope of finding more survivors of the massive landslide that left 48 people dead and 93 others missing. The mountains of garbage from Leuwigajah dump site in south Cimahi collapsed on Monday, flattening 70 houses in Cilimus hamlet in East Batujajar, Bandung regency and Pojok hamlet in Leuwigajah, Cimahi. As of 6 p.m.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Flood victims face food, clean water shortages
Flood victims face food, clean water shortages Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Over 30,000 flood victims in Dayeuhkolot and Baleendah districts in South Bandung regency were on Tuesday trying to cope with food and clean water shortages after fleeing their homes in the wake of freak floods over the weekend.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Again, fine for littering
Again, fine for littering From Kompas It seems Jakarta's regional regulations on fines for littering in public places will be imposed again soon. The regulation has always existed -- but inadequate implementation means it has been less-than effective. While the regulation deserves our full support, without proper planning it will be to no avail.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Responses to graft survey show depth of problem
Responses to graft survey show depth of problem Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Last week, Transparency International Indonesia (TII), announced the findings of a survey it conducted on corruption in the country. Todung Mulya Lubis, a member of TII's board of directors, discussed these with The Jakarta Post's Tony Hotland.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42
1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42 Responses to graft survey show depth of problem 2. TNS: 3 X 15 Jakartans in favor of national exam, survey says 3. GAM: 1 X 45 Aceh peace talks grapple with autonomy issue
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Wednesday, February 23, 2005
TV Program: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Showbiz 11:00 Cultural Program: Nusa Budaya 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shares end up led by gains in second-liners
Shares end up led by gains in second-liners Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher at yet another fresh closing high on Tuesday as investors snapped up second- and third-liner shares following recent gains by blue chips, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index ended up 6.135 points, or 0.6 percent, at 1099.91 points. Gainers led decliners 105 to 50, with 75 stocks unchanged.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
GAM ready to drop independence bid
GAM ready to drop independence bid Raj Rajendran and Brett Young, Helsinki/Reuters Aceh separatists are ready to drop their 30-year struggle for independence from Indonesia in return for some degree of self- rule, a spokesman said on Tuesday in what could be a turning point in peace talks.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cengkareng airport's poor taxi service
Cengkareng airport's poor taxi service The Sukarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng, Jakarta, remains the strangest I have ever seen, with motorcycle taxis operating in the area, some even moving in the opposite direction of cars, posing the danger of collision. The taxi service at the airport has for years been muddled up, despite a new rule recently introduced to make taxis line up for passengers. This may be due to a lack of control by the airport management and taxi operators.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Telkomsel president to be replaced
Telkomsel president to be replaced JAKARTA: State telecommunications company PT Telkom, the majority shareholder of PT Telkomsel, plans to relieve Bajoe Narbito, the current president of the country's top cellular operator, from duty. "We have determined (the successor), but we are waiting for approval from Singtel," said Telkom's president Kristiono here on Tuesday, referring to the Singapore-based telecommunications firm that owns 35 percent of Telkomsel.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese refugees place hope in peace talks
Acehnese refugees place hope in peace talks Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Acehnese displaced by the tsunami are closely watching the progress of a new round of peace talks between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Finland. Most of the displaced Acehnese living in shelter in Medan believe the separatists want only one thing: to separate from Indonesia.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Karatekas Oemar, Jenny set for World Games
Karatekas Oemar, Jenny set for World Games Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Karatekas Oemar Syarif and Jenny Zeannet will take part in the World Games in Duisburg, Germany, in July thanks to the golds they won at the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) championship last year. The head of foreign affairs for the Indonesian Karate-do Federation (Forki), G.A. Pesik, said on Tuesday that Forki received an invitation from the Games' organizing committee to send the two.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Limited supply partly blamed for illegal logging
Limited supply partly blamed for illegal logging The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The high demand for timber on the growing national and international markets and limited supply keeps the illegal timber trade thriving and results in ever increasing pressure on Indonesia's forests, environmental activists say. Indonesia has the world's highest rate of deforestation, with about three million hectares, or an area of forest the size of Switzerland, being lost every year.
Wed, 23 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.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Earthquake victims seek compensation
Earthquake victims seek compensation KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Hundreds of earthquake victims in Alor regency staged a protest on Tuesday in Alor regency to urge the central government to fulfill its promises of assistance. Earlier, the central government has promised the earthquake victims that it would pay Rp 10 million (US$1,111) compensation and provide a semipermanent house for each family that lost a home during an earthquake in the regency in November last year.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
* Freed Indonesian journalists stuck at Iraqi border Page 2
* Freed Indonesian journalists stuck at Iraqi border Page 2 * Aceh Muslim leaders complain less women wear headscarf Page 4 * Bandung flood victims face food, water shortages Page 5 * Cracking the conundrum of Indonesian unemployment Page 6 * Monorail in jeopardy as Jakarta, company gripe Page 8 * Karatekas Oermar, Jenny set for World Games Page 10 * N.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
ChevronTexaco's oil output in RI falls
ChevronTexaco's oil output in RI falls JAKARTA: ChevronTexaco Corp., the second- largest U.S. oil company, said its oil production in Indonesia declined by about 5 percent last year because the company hasn't explored in new areas to replace older fields in Sumatra. The company plans to spend as much as US$300 million this year to stem a decline in its production after output fell to 507,000 barrels a day in 2004, said W.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Now for the action
Now for the action It has taken Indonesia many years, and an international scandal, for the country to finally wake up to the immensity of the looting that has been going on for decades in its lush tropical rain forests. But now at least it seems that action may finally be taken to do something about it.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Workers will have to pay Rp4m to work in KL
Workers will have to pay Rp4m to work in KL The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and Malaysia have launched a one-stop service that requires Indonesian migrant workers to pay a Rp 3 million (US$320) fee to obtain the necessary documents to work legally in Malaysia.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/17/AUCT
JP/17/AUCT Bachelor auction romantic way to raise funds Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The 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 sent the ladies screaming and crooning. Of the total nine bachelors up for auction, his was the highest bid, at Rp 3.5 million (US$388).
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina sees declining revenue and profit as oil production decreases
Pertamina sees declining revenue and profit as oil production decreases Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company PT Pertamina expects a decline in profit and revenue this year due to declining oil production and higher expenses for its public service obligations (PSOs). In its 2005 business plan that was recently approved by the government, Pertamina projected a net profit of Rp 6.37 trillion (US$700 million), down from its earlier estimate of Rp 7.31 trillion.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asia-Pacific nations need more funds to fight HIV/AIDS, poverty,
Asia-Pacific nations need more funds to fight HIV/AIDS, poverty, study shows Teresa Cerojano Associated Press/Manila Goals to halve poverty in the Asia-Pacific region by 2015 will not be achieved unless more funds are committed to fighting HIV/AIDS, experts warned Monday. About 7 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in the region in 2001, of whom more than half a million died that year.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
NGO bird catches worms in city kids
NGO bird catches worms in city kids The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has taken over 17 years to get worms out of the city's long list of health problems, seeing a decrease in parasitical infections among children living in slums to 8 percent this year.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prosecutors seek 8 years for Ba'asyir
Prosecutors seek 8 years for Ba'asyir JAKARTA: Prosecutors wrapped up their case against Abu Bakar Ba'asyir on Tuesday, accusing the Muslim cleric of being guilty of terrorist charges through his alleged leadership of an Al- Qaeda-linked group. Presenting their closing arguments, the prosecution accused Ba'asyir of failing to prevent Jamaah Islamiyah militants under his leadership from carrying out terror attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
HeidelbergCement Q4 sales rise 9.6 percent on Asia revenue
HeidelbergCement Q4 sales rise 9.6 percent on Asia revenue Bloomberg, Frankfurt HeidelbergCement AG, Germany's largest cement maker, said fourth- quarter sales gained 9.6 percent after it expanded in foreign markets from Eastern Europe to Asia. The company expects revenue to rise this year. Sales climbed to 1.71 billion euro (US$2.25 billion) from 1.56 billion euro a year earlier. Revenue beat the 1.64 billion-euro median analyst estimate.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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 through hell going from regional immigration office to the directorate general of immigration.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investment and RI laws
Investment and RI laws I am an Italian citizen married to an Indonesian woman. We have a seven-year-old daughter. On Feb. 12 we went to the airport to take a Malaysian Air flight to Italy. Me and my daughter both have residence visas that expire on Feb. 13. At the immigration counter, our daughter was prevented from departing by an immigration officer because she did not have an exit visa.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to raise teachers' salary
Govt to raise teachers' salary JAKARTA: In addition to providing scholarships for disadvantaged students, the government plans to raise the monthly salaries of teachers and provide students with free books. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono unveiled the plan for the use of savings from the reduction in the fuel subsidy through the planned fuel price hikes in April, former Indonesian ambassador to Canada Ekky Syahrudin said on Tuesday after a meeting with the President.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
House to push for 3G technology rights for Telkom/Telkomsel
House to push for 3G technology rights for Telkom/Telkomsel Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Throwing its weight behind the country's leading cellular operator Telkomsel, which hopes to establish third-generation (3G) technology here, the House of Representatives will summon government officials in charge of licensing the technology.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cracking the conundrum of Indonesian unemployment
Cracking the conundrum of Indonesian unemployment Roland Lindenthal, Jakarta More than 10 percent of Indonesia's labor force are unemployed, a rate that is too high. What makes matters worse is that it has been increasing over time, and that it reflects only part of the problem. Underemployment is another serious concern, affecting a much larger part of the population and causing a high percentage of the workforce to be poor. Working conditions are a third major concern.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police identify murderer
Police identify murderer BEKASI: The police said on Tuesday they had identified one of what they believed to be a number of murderers of sixth grader Febrina Purnama Sari Harahap, who was found dead on Monday inside the bathroom of a rented room on Jl. Masjid Rahmat, Bekasi. Bekasi Police detectives chief Comr. AB Sinlaeloe said that the identified murderer was the tenant of the room, who had been missing since last Wednesday.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. PMI (2x20)
1. PMI (2x20) Corpse evacuation in Aceh continues: PMI 2. TNI (2x17) Air Force wants turn to lead TNI 3. Log (1x45) Limited supply partly blamed for illegal logging 4. TKI (1x45) Workers will have to pay Rp4 mil to work in KL
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asian retailers upbeat about future prospects
Asian retailers upbeat about future prospects Deutsche Press-Agentur, Singapore Asian retailers are upbeat about business prospects and confidence is improving, an annual survey showed on Tuesday. Retailers in the region did generally well over the past six months as strengthening domestic economies fueled growth in local consumption, according to the Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) survey. Visitor arrivals and increased spending also boosted consumer confidence.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Seminar on Implementing Four Important Business Improvement
Seminar on Implementing Four Important Business Improvement Methodologies Executive Seminars is offering a one-day seminar at the JW Marriott Jakarta on March 8, 2005 to critically review four important management methodologies: Six Sigma, Lean Enterprise, Reengineering, and Balanced Scorecard. The focus of Balanced Scorecard is on implementing strategy and measuring results.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
15 die as plane crashes in Papua
15 die as plane crashes in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Jakarta Fifteen people are dead after a police aircraft nose-dived into an estuary meters in front of Papua's Sarmi Airport early on Tuesday morning. There were three survivors of the crash that killed four police officers and 11 civilians. All were in a critical condition in a Jayapura hospital on Tuesday night. The four police officers who died in the crash are pilot Adj. Comr.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
State banks urged to ignite real sector
State banks urged to ignite real sector Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government, relying on the role of state banks to help speed up economic growth, has asked four large state banks to focus their lending on small and medium enterprises, infrastructure projects, farming and fisheries.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Palembang students protest fuel hike
Palembang students protest fuel hike PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Dozens of Palembang students protested on Tuesday against the central government's plan to raise fuel prices in the near future. During the rally held in downtown Palembang, the students carried banners and posters demanding that the government cancel the plan on the grounds that the fuel hike would inflict undue suffering on the public.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. CRASH: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS
1. CRASH: 2 LINES, 15 COUNTS 15 die as plane crashes in Papua 2. IRAN: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS Over 270 feared dead as quake hits Iran 3. LOGGING: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS SBY: Police, TNI involved in logging 4. EUROPE: 1 LINE, 24 COUNTS to follow
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
The empowerment of local communities
The empowerment of local communities Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Community development (CD) programs have become an integral part of the operations of oil, gas and mining companies. The programs are developed not only to reduce the social impact of these companies' operations, but also to empower the residents living near their operation sites.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Feb.22
Rupiah Rates Feb.22 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,693.77 6,901.57 7,335.70 7,259.45 Brunei dollar 1 5,964.90 5,350.16 5,687.29 5,627.60 Canadian dollar 1 7,910.96 7,097.11 7,542.78 7,465.14 Swiss franc 1 8,251.56 7,403.81 7,867.54 7,787.74 Danish krone 1 1,714.05 1,537.80 1,634.28 1,617.54 Euro 1 12,757.59 11,447.16 12,163.85 12,040.77 Poundsterling 1 18,514.99 16,614.36 17,653.30 17,475.92 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,250.71 1,122.44 1,192.50 1,180.64...
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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. We will, however, wait and see if these words are finally going to turn into concrete action. Foreign investors have been patiently waiting six years for Indonesia to change legislation to attract or keep foreign investors.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh peace talks grapple with autonomy issue
Aceh peace talks grapple with autonomy issue Agence France-Presse Helsinki Peace talks between Indonesian government representatives and leading Aceh separatists continued on Tuesday, amid uncertainty over whether the rebels will accept a special autonomy proposal for the tsunami-stricken province.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Cracking the conundrum of Indonesian unemployment Roland Lindenthal Jakarta 2. Purba -- Fear of control of the press by the refurbished information ministry 1 x 30 Emerging fears of press control Kornelius Purba Paris
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt agencies implicated in animal smuggling
Govt agencies implicated in animal smuggling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The customs agency, airport security and the Soekarno-Hatta Animal Quarantine office often work in cahoots with smugglers to bring protected animals out of the country, a source at the Soekarno-Hatta Animal Quarantine office says.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
E. Asia Summit's birthing pains
E. Asia Summit's birthing pains Eric Teo Chu Cheow The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore At last October's meeting of ASEAN heads of government in Vientiane, Laos, it was announced that an East Asian Summit will be launched by Malaysia (as host of the next ASEAN Summit) towards the end of this year. Many political observers in the region proclaimed the birth of a "new Asia" -- breaking new ground in Asian integration and community building.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kemayoran to stage all-Honda race
Kemayoran to stage all-Honda race JAKARTA: Kemayoran racing track in East Jakarta is scheduled to host the opening leg of the Honda One-Make Race on March 19- 20. "The 2005 race will coincide with our 15 millionth product, expected in the middle of this year," organizer Kristanto from Astra Honda Motor said at a press conference here on Tuesday. The race will be over 20 laps on the 1.2 kilometer track.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Air Force wants turn to lead TNI
Air Force wants turn to lead TNI Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Outgoing Air Force Chief of Staff Marshall Chappy Hakim has suggested that the President consider a high ranking Air Force officer as the next commander in chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI), saying that a rotation among the three forces in leading the TNI was in line with the spirit of the existing law on the military.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
SBY: Police, military involved in logging
SBY: Police, military involved in logging Rendi A. Witular and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Military and police personnel along with officials from the ministries of forestry and immigration are all involved in the lucrative business of illegal logging in Papua, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has proclaimed. His statement, quoted by Ministry of Forestry MS Kaban on Tuesday, drew immediate signals of apparent cooperation from the mentioned institutions.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakartans in favor of government-organized exams, survey says
Jakartans in favor of government-organized exams, survey says The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators and education experts may object to them, but most Jakartans are in favor of final exams for elementary and high school students. In a survey jointly organized by the Taylor Nelson and Sofres (TNS), a leading market information company, and The Jakarta Post, 77 percent of the 501 respondents said the government should continue to organize final school examinations.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Envoys read poems to console tsunami victims
Envoys read poems to console tsunami victims JP/18/Envoy Envoys read poems to console tsunami victims M. 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.
Wed, 23 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Reconciling East Timor
Reconciling East Timor All too frequently this nation has refused to come to terms with its past. The circumstances surrounding historical events remain blurred, the rhetoric that exalts heroes and condemns villains left untested. Our past, scripted for political interest rather than historical purity, is a collection of slanted half-truths colored by emotive perceptions.
Wed, 23 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.