Archive: 24 February 2005
89 articles found
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
World must act on bird flu or face pandemic: UN
World must act on bird flu or face pandemic: UN Darren Schuettler, Reuters/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam The world is overdue an influenza pandemic and it must act swiftly to prevent one being triggered by bird flu now endemic in parts of Asia where it has killed 46 people, UN officials said on Wednesday. The world usually had a flu pandemic every 20 or 30 years, but it has been 40 since the last one.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI hostages deliver militants' warning
RI hostages deliver militants' warning Reuters, Amman Two Indonesian television reporters who had been held captive by Iraqi guerrillas said their kidnappers asked them after their release to warn foreign journalists not to come to the conflict- ridden country.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bursa Malaysia to raise at least $105m in IPO
Bursa Malaysia to raise at least $105m in IPO Bloomberg, Kuala Lumpur Bursa Malaysia Bhd., which runs the nation's stock exchange, said it plans to raise at least 400 million ringgit (US$105 million) in an initial sale of shares, as it seeks to upgrade trading systems and boost volumes. Bursa is offering institutional investors 116.9 million shares at a price that will be determined on the basis of bids by potential buyers, the company said in sale documents today.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian democracy reawakens
Indonesian democracy reawakens Adam Tyson, Leeds, Britain One of the consequences of the reformasi era has been the reassertion of local customs, traditions and values, known broadly as adat, resulting mainly from the policy of decentralization and the apparent loosening of uniformity in local politics.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Feb.23, 2005
Rupiah Rates Feb.23, 2005 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,710.12 6,915.50 7,350.55 7,274.93 Brunei dollar 1 5,982.67 5,365.15 5,703.66 5,644.00 Canadian dollar 1 7,930.11 7,112.03 7,560.28 7,481.68 Swiss franc 1 8,395.86 7,532.12 8,004.31 7,923.60 Danish krone 1 1,734.21 1,555.79 1,653.34 1,636.66 Euro 1 12,907.64 11,579.12 12,305.68 12,180.94 Poundsterling 1 18,588.01 16,674.24 17,721.14 17,540.88 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,248.16 1,119.87 1,189.95...
Thu, 24 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.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Amputees receive 'free' prosthetics, at a price
Amputees receive 'free' prosthetics, at a price Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan For the past few weeks, M. Isa, a survivor from Meulaboh, has been trying in vain to help his son get an artificial limb after his leg was badly injured during the tsunami and later amputated. The father of two said that since arriving in Medan in early January, he had no money because all of his belongings, including his house, were lost in the disaster.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPU to probe forgery allegations
KPU to probe forgery allegations JAMBI, Jambi: Following recent reports from members of the public, the local elections commission is set to start checking the authenticity of school and college diplomas belonging to Jambi provincial, regental and municipal councillors.
Thu, 24 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.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Agent's wife murder reenacted
Agent's wife murder reenacted JAKARTA: City Police held on Wednesday the reconstruction of the murder of Barkah Hanim, the wife of a director of the National Intelligence Agency, and her driver, who were stabbed to death earlier this month. The reconstruction started at the house of the suspect, where the murder allegedly took place, in Billy Moon housing complex in Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta. The police took the four suspects to the crime scene at about 10:50 a.m.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Safety first' rule not enough for reporters covering war zones
'Safety first' rule not enough for reporters covering war zones Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legendary photographer Robert Capa once said: "If your picture's not good enough, you're not close enough". The remark has become a guideline for photographers and journalists covering armed conflicts. The question is, how close is close enough?
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kuntowijoyo's clarity his hallmark
Kuntowijoyo's clarity his hallmark Aziz, Contributor, Jakarta Kuntowijoyo has gone, and we can barely dry our eyes at the sadness of losing him. It is a loss for Yogyakarta, the home of a handful of great Indonesian writers. We might remember that not long ago we lost Prof. Umar Kayam, author of the best-selling novel Para Priyayi and a series of columns in Kedaulatan Rakyat daily. Most of all, Kuntowijoyo's passing is a loss for Indonesia.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Instruments that are gifts from the heart
Instruments that are gifts from the heart Tri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, Denpasar As a young boy he had often watched his father at work, and been filled with awe as a piece of metal was taken up and transformed into a musical instrument that produced a beautiful sound. "I was so interested that I pushed myself to be directly involved in the process, and I learned how to make instruments," said I Wayan Astawa, the son of I Made Tomblos, a famous gamelan instrument maker.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Menteng Stadium to become a park
Menteng Stadium to become a park JAKARTA: The Jakarta Park Agency announced on Tuesday a plan to turn Menteng Stadium in Central Jakarta into a public park. The stadium, which was previously used by the Jakarta Soccer Club (Persija) as its headquarters, will provide Jakartans with sports and recreational facilities.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Oil surge steadies
Oil surge steadies Reuters, London High-flying oil prices gave back a small portion of rapid recent gains on Wednesday as OPEC sought to assure traders it would not let prices rise too high. Even so prices held near US$51 a barrel, after rallying almost 6 percent on Tuesday spurred by frigid weather in the north and sharp declines in the U.S. dollar. U.S. crude oil prices eased 47 U.S. cents to $50.95 a barrel after gaining $2.80 on Tuesday, the fastest rise in one session since October 2000.
Thu, 24 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.
Thu, 24 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.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Illegal logging comes under spotlight, again
Illegal logging comes under spotlight, again An Investigative team from Riau's Natural Resources Conservation Body (BKSDA) have detained 15 truck drivers since Tuesday who were nabbed carrying illegal logs. According to the team, led by J. Siregar, the drivers have already been declared as suspects. The team has also identified four groups involved in illegal logging practices in the province.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Ogoh-Ogoh' parades conjure up demons
'Ogoh-Ogoh' parades conjure up demons I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Traffic congestion in Denpasar is often the result of erratic activities. This includes occasions when the telephone, electricity and sewerage agencies take it in turns to dig huge holes at precisely the same location, or of artistic endeavors, such as when the municipality organized the largest Ogoh-Ogoh contest on the isalnd on Feb. 20 and 21.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
City to have new stadium
City to have new stadium JAKARTA: North Jakarta Planning Agency revealed on Tuesday the government's plan to build a national sports stadium with international-class facilities in the municipality. The agency head Erwanto said that his office was currently studying the best site for the facility. The options are Penjaringan, Pademangan and Papanggo areas in Sunter.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
* Iran earthquake death toll tops 530 Page 3
* Iran earthquake death toll tops 530 Page 3 * NGOs accuse MPR secretary general of corruption Page 4 * Acehnese refuse relocation to government-built barracks Page 5 * Indonesian democracy reawakens Page 6 * Sutiyoso wants it cheap for big transportation projects Page 8 * Former boxer Syamsul now lord of his own ring Page 10 * Palestinian MPs oppose Qurie's cabinet list Page 11 * KPK, tax office sign MOU on fighting corruption Page 13 * Balinese 'ogoh-ogoh' parades conjure up demons Page 18
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso wants in cheap for big transportation projects
Sutiyoso wants in cheap for big transportation projects The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid pressure for better transportation and infrastructure in the capital, Governor Sutiyoso suggested on Wednesday that the estimated expense of the ongoing monorail project and the planned mass rapid transit project were too high. He said it was necessary to reduce the cost of both projects. "I'm not sure about the estimated total cost ...
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Educate children not to be corrupt'
'Educate children not to be corrupt' Indonesia has long been known as one of the world's most corrupt countries. The latest survey conducted by Transparency International Indonesia (TII) names the capital as the most corrupt city in the country. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinions as to what needed to be done to eradicate corruption. Endang Srihadi, 28, is a researcher at the Indonesian Institute, Central Jakarta. He lives in Depok: Jakarta will never be free of corruption.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, February 24, 2005
TV Program: Thursday, February 24, 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, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Uniforms fund target of alleged graft
Uniforms fund target of alleged graft Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Clothes make the man, and presumably the woman too, but their procurement, particularly in the case of civil service uniforms, can also make a pretty penny -- for some at least.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Subdued 'Cap Go Meh' parades in Jakarta, Bekasi and Bogor
Subdued 'Cap Go Meh' parades in Jakarta, Bekasi and Bogor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thousands of people thronged Jl. Gajah Mada and Jl. Hayam Wuruk on Wednesday to watch the Cap Go Meh parade marking the first full moon of the month and the end of the 15-day Chinese New Year festivities. However, compared to previous years, Wednesday's celebrations were rather subdued, a situation organizers attributed to the tsunami that killed over 170,000 people in Aceh and North Sumatra last Dec. 26.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bad weather kills over 1,100 in S. Asia
Bad weather kills over 1,100 in S. Asia Penny MacRae, Agence France-Presse/New Delhi Avalanches in Indian Kashmir, icy temperatures in Afghanistan and torrential rain and snow in Pakistan pushed the death toll on Wednesday from an extreme cold snap gripping South Asia to over 1,100, many of them children. In Indian Kashmir army and civilian rescuers braved sub-zero cold and harsh Himalayan winds to search for survivors of avalanches that have claimed 229 lives since Saturday, police said.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
ANPAc..r..
ANPAc..r.. Bali-Nyepi-OgohOgoh JP/18/OGOH2 'Ogoh-Ogoh' parades conjure up demons among Bali's youths I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post/Denpasar Traffic congestion in Denpasar is often the result of erratic activities. This includes occasions when the telephone, electricity and sewerage utilities take it in turns to dig huge holes at precisely the same location, or during cultural celebrations, such as when the municipality held one of the largest Ogoh-Ogoh contests ever on the island on Feb.
Thu, 24 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.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian diplomat complains of haze
Malaysian diplomat complains of haze PEKANBARU, Riau: A Malaysian diplomat has complained that haze from Riau has begun to blanket parts of Malaysia, especially Kedah state. Muhammad Nasrib Abdul Rahman, a Malaysian diplomat in Pekanbaru, said that his government had yet to file an official complaint with the Indonesian government as the haze was not yet seriously disrupting life in the neighboring country.
Thu, 24 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).
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Newcrest profit may surge by 54%
Newcrest profit may surge by 54% Matt Chambers, Bloomberg/Melbourne Newcrest Mining Ltd.'s Managing Director Tony Palmer may report a 54 percent increase in first-half profit after the company, Australia's biggest gold miner, started production at a mine in Indonesia and prices rose. Net income probably rose to A$59 million (US$47 million) in the six months ended Dec. 31, from A$38.4 million a year earlier, according to the median estimate of five analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPK, tax office sign MoU on fighting corruption
KPK, tax office sign MoU on fighting corruption Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has taken another step toward controlling graft within the Ministry of Finance by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ministry's Directorate General of Taxation on Wednesday. The MoU gives the KPK full access to all the data from within the tax directorate that it might require to pursue its investigations into likely incidence of corruption.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh peace talks star touching on substance
Aceh peace talks star touching on substance Agencies, Helsinki Aceh separatists and the Indonesian government will hold a third round of peace talks in Helsinki in April with rebels ready to drop demands for independence in exchange for Jakarta agreeing to consider self-rule, they said on Wednesday.
Thu, 24 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.
Thu, 24 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.
Thu, 24 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, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shares close higher as companies with small capitalization gain
Shares close higher as companies with small capitalization gain Agencies, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher in volatile trading on Wednesday as investors continued to chase companies with small market capitalization, dealers said. However, some investors took the opportunity to lock in profit, capping the market's gains, they added. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index ended up 3.013 points, or 0.3 percent, at 1102.93 point, after moving between 1092.43 and 1108.92 during the day.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police officers to face punishment
Police officers to face punishment JAKARTA: The police held a disciplinary hearing for four police officers on Wednesday accused of taking bribes from suspects in the Rp 1.7 trillion (US$188 million) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) scam in 2003. The four officers were police fraud squad deputy chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Premantoro, Sr. Comr. Irman Santosa, Sr. Comr. Mashudi and Adj. Sr. Comr. Wirosaleh.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
BMW 530i comes with more safety features
BMW 530i comes with more safety features German carmaker PT BMW Indonesia's introduction of the new BMW 5 Series last year was a great success as it sold 471 units out of last year's total sales of 2,053 units. However, not all of its cutting-edge features were installed considering the nature of the Indonesian market. This year, however, the company decided to provide more safety features -- adaptive headlights and run-flat tires -- as standard additions to its BMW 530i saloon.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Experts say better management first, not parking fees hike
Experts say better management first, not parking fees hike Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the City Council studying a proposal to raise on-street parking rates, two urban transportation experts told the Jakarta administration first to improve the management and service of city-owned parking operator BP Perparkiran. City Transportation Council chairman Sutanto Soehodo said BP Perparkiran must be transparent in managing parking revenue collected from the public.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Mass deportation inevitable, says Fahmi
Mass deportation inevitable, says Fahmi Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The mass deportation of undocumented Indonesian workers from Malaysia seems inevitable as over 300,000 of them remain in the neighboring country, despite Malaysia's pledge to start a massive crackdown on illegal migrants on March 1.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami to affect GDP growth: IMF
Tsunami to affect GDP growth: IMF WASHINGTON: The economic impact in countries affected by the Dec. 26 tsunami ranges from almost none in Indonesia to as much as 5.5 percentage points in the Maldives, according to a study from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF lowered its 2005 growth estimate for the Maldives to 1 percent from a September forecast of 6.5 percent, Sri Lanka to 5.25 percent from 6 percent, and Thailand to 5.5 percent from 6.4 percent.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
ChevronTexaco pays RI $4.3b
ChevronTexaco pays RI $4.3b JAKARTA: ChevronTexaco Corp., the second-largest U.S. oil company, said it gave Indonesia's government US$4.3 billion last year for its share of oil revenue from fields in central Sumatra. That was 30 percent higher than the $3.3 billion paid in 2003 because of an increase in oil prices, said Yudiana Ardiwinata, president director of ChevronTexaco's local unit, PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Local pizza chains looking to expand
Local pizza chains looking to expand The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mamma mia, it's a pizza attack! If you believe the restaurants, at least 80,000 people a day in more than 20 Indonesian cities now prefer the round, thinly sliced Italian bread topped with meat, sausages and melted cheese, to a traditional rice-dominated meal. The fast-food pizza industry, which first gained a foothold in Indonesia during the mid-1980s, has been rapidly growing.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Feb.23, 2005
Rupiah Rates Feb.23, 2005 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,710.12 6,915.50 7,350.55 7,274.93 Brunei dollar 1 5,982.67 5,365.15 5,703.66 5,644.00 Canadian dollar 1 7,930.11 7,112.03 7,560.28 7,481.68 Swiss franc 1 8,395.86 7,532.12 8,004.31 7,923.60 Danish krone 1 1,734.21 1,555.79 1,653.34 1,636.66 Euro 1 12,907.64 11,579.12 12,305.68 12,180.94 Poundsterling 1 18,588.01 16,674.24 17,721.14 17,540.88 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,248.16 1,119.87 1,189.95...
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Common security goal
Common security goal Japan should urge China to exercise self-restraint. Japanese and U.S. Cabinet officials in charge of security matters have agreed on the "common strategic objectives" in the post-9/11 world. While both Japan and the United States are nervous about China's military buildup, China is a neighbor of Japan. If the relations between China and the United States become tense, Japan would be adversely affected both politically and economically. As a U.S.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Garuda delays Munir probe
Garuda delays Munir probe Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The investigation into the murder of top human rights campaigner Munir suffered another setback as national carrier Garuda Indonesia canceled a scheduled preliminary reconstruction of the case. Head of the government-sanctioned fact finding team Brig. Gen. Marsudi Hanafi told reporters on Wednesday that he was disappointed with the cancellation. "Pak Pranowo (Director of Transnational Security Brig. Gen.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Susilo needs the press more than his predecessors Ardimas Sasdi Jakarta 2. Pro-de -- Latin America's forbidden debates 1 x 30 Latin America's forbidden debates Dante Caputo Project Syndicate 3. Star -- Policy will ease labor shortage at farms 1 x 30 KL to ease labor shortage on farms Kuala Lumpur to ease labor shortage on farms V.K. Chin The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to launch microfinancing year
Govt to launch microfinancing year Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is set to kick off the Year of the Micro Business and will allocate Rp 50 trillion (US$5.4 billion) to empower micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide, a minister says. "The official announcement on the national campaign will be made by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in a ceremony on Saturday," Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie said on Wednesday.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo defends AG
Susilo defends AG against House JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono rejected on Wednesday the House of Representatives' demand for him to "strongly reprimand" Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh who has helped jail a number of local councillors for graft. As the strong reprimand was interpreted by some legislators as "dismissal", State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the House could not force the President to dismiss the chief prosecutor.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Manila to discuss illegal workers in KL
Manila to discuss illegal workers in KL PHILIPPINES: The Philippines has dispatched a high-level delegation to Malaysia to appeal for humane treatment for Filipino illegals during an impending crackdown, the foreign department said on Wednesday. The delegation, headed by Foreign Undersecretary Jose Brillantes, will also discuss mechanisms with Malaysian authorities to enable thousands of Filipino illegals to return to Malaysia after complying with immigration requirements.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Former boxer champ Syamsul now lord of his own ring
Former boxer champ Syamsul now lord of his own ring Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There is a satisfied look on the face of Syamsul Anwar Harahap as he surveys workers completing the construction of a boxing gym at his home in Cibubur, East Jakarta. "Building a boxing gym has been my vow for a long time," the former Asian light welterweight champion told The Jakarta Post.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP, Japan to seal free trade accord
RP, Japan to seal free trade accord MANILA: Manila and Tokyo are to sign a free trade accord this year which will allow more Philippines nurses and caregivers access to Japan, the Japanese ambassador here said. "We have agreed on many points and now we are going through the details," ambassador Ryu Yamazaki said late on Tuesday. The mission released a transcript on Wednesday. He said both sides were in continuous talks to complete the "technical work" before the agreement is sealed.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Semsar, the rebellious artist
Semsar, the rebellious artist A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Semsar Siahaan was a powerful artist who revealed the complexities and injustices of society with a clear eye. Born on June 11, 1952 in the North Sumatra capital of Medan, Semsar died on Wednesday at Tabanan Hospital in Bali after suffering a heart attack. His passing will be mourned by Jakarta's art community but also by other pockets of society and individuals who knew him as a passionate activist.
Thu, 24 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, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Dump mismanagement 'responsible for disaster'
Dump mismanagement 'responsible for disaster' Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Mismanagement at the Leuwigajah dump in south Cimahi was to blame for the collapse of mountains of garbage on Monday, which killed over 55 people and flattened 70 homes, with 101 people still unaccounted for, an official says.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Semsar's dream stays alive, despite his death
Semsar's dream stays alive, despite his death Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Tabanan/Bali Indonesia is mourning the passing of yet another prominent artist. Semsar Siahaan, a socialist-realist painter, passed away early on Wednesday at the Tabanan Hospital. He was 52. Semsar succumbed to a heart attack only a day after being admitted to the hospital. His body, which was later adorned with Balinese traditional costume, was flown to Jakarta by his family.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JI may survive top members' arrest, says ICG
JI may survive top members' arrest, says ICG Agence France-Presse, Jakarta Indonesia is unlikely to be able to eradicate the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group blamed for the Bali bombings and other attacks but should be able to contain it given the right policies, a report said on Tuesday.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese refuse to be relocated to govt barracks
Acehnese refuse to be relocated to govt barracks Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Standing in front of his ruined house in Lampu'uk, Lhoknga in Aceh Besar regency, 35-year-old Effendi expressed his determination to stay and rebuild his house no matter what. "This is our ancestral land. We'll live and die here. Even after the tragedy, I'm not afraid to continue living here," said the man, who lost his wife and all of his children in the Dec. 26 disaster.
Thu, 24 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, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo defends AG against House
Susilo defends AG against House JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono rejected on Wednesday the House of Representatives' demand for him to "strongly reprimand" Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh who has helped jail a number of local councillors for graft. As the strong reprimand was interpreted by some legislators as "dismissal", State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the House could not force the President to dismiss the chief prosecutor.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asia may diversify reserves in face of global imbalance
Asia may diversify reserves in face of global imbalance Agence France-Prese, Tokyo South Korea's plan to diversify its huge holdings of U.S. dollar assets highlights concerns that Asia needs to reduce its over exposure to the dollar in the face of the global imbalances caused by the massive U.S. current account and budget deficits. Asian central banks are denying they are ready to reduce their dollar assets given the risks of sparking a wholesale retreat out of the U.S.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to suspend labor supply to Mideast
Govt to suspend labor supply to Mideast The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will temporarily suspend the sending of workers to Middle Eastern countries in March in order to remedy poor coordination and preparation, says an official.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
NGOs accuse MPR of graft
NGOs accuse MPR of graft The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) unveiled on Wednesday a possible corruption case involving the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) secretariat general in accommodating 118 Regional Representative Council (DPD) members last year.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Valderrama set for charity match
Valderrama set for charity match JAKARTA: Although several big names have pulled out, Luis Garcia of Spain, Carlos Valderrama of Columbia and Careca of Brazil are confirmed to play in the March 1 tsunami charity match in Bung Karno stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta. Organizer PT Excelcomindo Pratama (XL) announced on Wednesday that several players withdrew from the match -- originally scheduled to be played on Feb. 28 -- due to other commitments.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Controversy heightens on fuel price hike plan
Controversy heightens on fuel price hike plan Urip Hudiono and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta To hike or not to hike. That is the question -- and the fuel for many arguments currently raging about what the price of fuel should be come April 1. Some economists, welfare groups and students are already protesting the planned cuts to the national subsidies on fuel, which the government said on Tuesday could end up raising gasoline and diesel prices by an average of 29 percent.
Thu, 24 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, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Karate body mulls hiring Japanese coach
Karate body mulls hiring Japanese coach Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Karate-do Federation (Forki) may attempt to reprise a winning formula in international competition by hiring a coach from Japan. Forki secretary-general Hendardji said on Wednesday the association would add more coaches to its national training program, including one from the country where the sport originated.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Six overseas offices planned
Six overseas offices planned JAKARTA: The government said on Wednesday it would open labor offices in six more countries in an move to boost protection for Indonesian workers there and settle their problems immediately. Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris said these offices would be opened in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Kuwait and Taiwan.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aussies not happy with RI visa policy
Aussies not happy with RI visa policy Bali Hotels Association (BHA) hosted a marketing seminar for its members at Conrad Bali Resort and Spa last weekend. The one-day seminar focused on distribution channels for travel purchases, increased competitive markets between Bali and Australia. The meeting also touched on pricing and value-added strategies.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
19 die of diarrhea in Morowali regency
19 die of diarrhea in Morowali regency PALU, Central Sulawesi: Since early February, at least 19 people in Morowali regency here have died due to diarrhea, making the ailment a major cause of concern in the region, a senior official said on Wednesday. The 19 people were among 149 people affected by diarrhea in the regency since the start of February, said Natsir Borman, the head of the Central Sulawesi Provincial Health Office. According to Natsir, the 19 died due to a lack of medical treatment.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, February 24, 2005
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, February 24, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Arts Life-Styles, at Danes Art Veranda, Jl. Hayam Wuruk 159, Tanjung Bungkak, Denpasar (Tel. 0361 242659), until 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. 20-21, Jl.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Camps not the solution
Camps not the solution We represent an international alliance to aid community rebuilding in post-tsunami Sumatra. We wish to expresses our alarm at the news that temporary resettlement camps in barracks are being planned and prepared, and that permanent solutions may also take place in camp-like forms. Were this to become a reality, it would be not only be socially and culturally inappropriate, but also highly wasteful from an aid allocation and investment point of view.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Chinese chipmakers threaten small SE Asian rivals
Chinese chipmakers threaten small SE Asian rivals Jennifer Tan, Reuters/Singapore Twice a week, semiconductor executive John Nelson cloaks himself head to toe in a white jumpsuit to pace the sterile corridors of his wafer fabrication plant, sited by a branch of the Sarawak river in western Borneo. In the sanitized environment of the 1st Silicon (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Voters question ID cards use in local election
Voters question ID cards use in local election Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Objections have been expressed by prospective voters to the requirement for them to present local identity cards to vote in the upcoming direct election of regional heads in East Java. Rudi, who lives in Surabaya but hails from Sidoarjo, responded to the news that to vote he must hold a local identity card with confusion.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Awang inauguration protested
Awang inauguration protested KUTAI KARTANEGARA, East Kalimantan: The Kutai Kartanegara Regental Council has demanded that the central government revoke its decision installing Awang Dharma Bakti as caretaker regent in Kutai Kartanegara. Kutai Kartanegara Regental Council Speaker Bachtiar Effendi said that this was essential to ending a prolonged governance crisis in the regency. Awang Dharma Bakti was installed as Kutai Kartanegara regent on Dec.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Paper producer plans to raise prices
Paper producer plans to raise prices Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Paper producer PT Kertas Leces plans to increase the price of paper by 5 percent to help cope with the rising production costs, in line with the rising trend in the price of natural gas.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Former boxer Syamsul now lord of his own ring
Former boxer Syamsul now lord of his own ring Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta There is a satisfied look on the face of Syamsul Anwar Harahap as he surveys workers completing the construction of a boxing camp at his home in Cibubur, East Jakarta. "Building a boxing camp has been my vow for a long time," the former Asian light welterweight champion told The Jakarta Post.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Preparing public for higher fuel prices
Preparing public for higher fuel prices Vincent Lingga, Jakarta While economic rationale was initially the main demand arising from the plan to increase fuel prices, discussion is now focused on how to make the painful measure politically acceptable to the House of Representatives and palatable to the general public.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
KL to build terminal for low-cost airlines
KL to build terminal for low-cost airlines Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia will build a terminal exclusively for low-cost airlines at the modern Kuala Lumpur International Airport, a minister said on Wednesday, in a blow to no-frills carrier AirAsia which had hoped to use an old airport closer to the city at a cheaper cost. Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy told reporters that the 100 million ringgit (US$26 million) terminal will be ready by the first half of 2006.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Saying no to plastic garbage
Saying no to plastic garbage It requires no less than 240 years to eliminate plastic garbage from the soil. For Bali, plastic garbage is a huge problem as it spreads all over the island, especially in several favorite tourist destinations like Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and other tourist areas.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo needs the press more than his predecessors
Susilo needs the press more than his predecessors Ardimas Sasdi, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's pledge on National Press Day in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Feb. 9 not to curb press freedom deserves praise. The promise, if honored, will endear him to a press that he needs to drum up highly necessary public support at this juncture of his rule. But time will tell whether his statement was the sincere gesture of a statesman or just the political gimmick of a cunning leader.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt must revise reconciliation law
Govt must revise reconciliation law Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A discussion here on Wednesday identified shortcomings in Law No. 27/2004 on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR), and called for amendments to its articles in order to make the much- touted commission actually work.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
4 heads
4 heads 1. Deport (1x32) Mass deportation inevitable, says Fahmi 2. Journo 'Safety first' not enough for war reporters 3. DPD (1x26) NGOs accuse MPR of graft 4. Munir (1x30) Garuda delays Munir probe 5. TKW (1x37) Govt to suspend labor exports to Mideast
Thu, 24 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, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ford Ranger RAS provides more cabin space
Ford Ranger RAS provides more cabin space The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Meeting customers' specific needs is one way to boost sales as everyone is looking for something different when it comes to cars. American carmaker PT Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) recently introduced the Ford Ranger rear access system (RAS) four-by-four to its pick-up line, providing a total of 13 variants of the popular pick-up.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Loans and foreign control
Loans and foreign control From Media Indonesia Indonesia has become the focus of world attention following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Aceh. One of the manifestations of sympathy is the debt moratorium approved by the Paris Club. Indonesia requested such a suspension from the club seven times from 1996 to 2002. The debt rescheduling this time is accompanied by soft loans for the reconstruction of Aceh and North Sumatra.
Thu, 24 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Locals see mark ups in airport
Locals see mark ups in airport Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang Youth Movement (GPT) and several non-governmental organizations are accusing the municipality of manipulation in a land clearance project for airport operator PT Angkasa Pura in 2002. GPT chairman Fahmi Alyusdi said on Tuesday that he had strong evidence showing data manipulation by a nine-member team on land owned by residents in Selapajang and Neglasari districts, both under the Tangerang municipality.