Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 February 2005

89 articles found

Amputees receive 'free' prosthetics, at a price

Amputees receive 'free' prosthetics, at a priceApriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, MedanFor 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.

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...

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.

Indonesian democracy reawakens

Indonesian democracy reawakensAdam 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...

Bursa Malaysia to raise at least $105m in IPO

Bursa Malaysia to raise at least $105m in IPOBloomberg, Kuala LumpurBursa 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.

RI hostages deliver militants' warning

RI hostages deliver militants' warningReuters, 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.

World must act on bird flu or face pandemic: UN

World must act on bird flu or face pandemic: UNDarren Schuettler, Reuters/Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamThe 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.

Shares close higher as companies with small capitalization gain

Shares close higher as companies with small capitalization gainAgencies, JakartaIndonesian shares ended higher in volatile trading on Wednesday as investors continued to chase companies with small market capitalization, dealers said.

ANPAc..r..

ANPAc..r..Bali-Nyepi-OgohOgohJP/18/OGOH2'Ogoh-Ogoh' parades conjure up demons among Bali's youthsI Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post/DenpasarTraffic congestion in Denpasar is often the result of erratic activities.

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.

Malaysian diplomat complains of haze

Malaysian diplomat complains of hazePEKANBARU, 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...

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...

Newcrest profit may surge by 54%

Newcrest profit may surge by 54%Matt Chambers, Bloomberg/MelbourneNewcrest 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.

KPK, tax office sign MoU on fighting corruption

KPK, tax office sign MoU on fighting corruptionUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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...

Aceh peace talks star touching on substance

Aceh peace talks star touching on substanceAgencies, HelsinkiAceh 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.

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.

Corruption and secrecy

Corruption and secrecyFrom Koran TempoThe 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.

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.

Bad weather kills over 1,100 in S. Asia

Bad weather kills over 1,100 in S. AsiaPenny MacRae, Agence France-Presse/New DelhiAvalanches 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...

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.

BMW 530i comes with more safety features

BMW 530i comes with more safety featuresGerman 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.

Experts say better management first, not parking fees hike

Experts say better management first, not parking fees hikeBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWith 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...

Mass deportation inevitable, says Fahmi

Mass deportation inevitable, says FahmiRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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...

Tsunami to affect GDP growth: IMF

Tsunami to affect GDP growth: IMFWASHINGTON: 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).

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.

Local pizza chains looking to expand

Local pizza chains looking to expandThe Jakarta Post, JakartaMamma 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...

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.

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.

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.

KPU to probe forgery allegations

KPU to probe forgery allegationsJAMBI, 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.

Again, fine for littering

Again, fine for litteringFrom 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.

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.

'Safety first' rule not enough for reporters covering war zones

'Safety first' rule not enough for reporters covering war zonesHera Diani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaLegendary 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.

Kuntowijoyo's clarity his hallmark

Kuntowijoyo's clarity his hallmarkAziz, Contributor, JakartaKuntowijoyo 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.

Instruments that are gifts from the heart

Instruments that are gifts from the heartTri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, DenpasarAs 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.

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...

Oil surge steadies

Oil surge steadiesReuters, LondonHigh-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...

Corruption and secrecy

Corruption and secrecyFrom Koran TempoThe 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.

Garuda delays Munir probe

Garuda delays Munir probeEva 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.

Illegal logging comes under spotlight, again

Illegal logging comes under spotlight, againAn 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.

'Ogoh-Ogoh' parades conjure up demons

'Ogoh-Ogoh' parades conjure up demonsI Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, DenpasarTraffic 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,...

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.

* 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...

Sutiyoso wants in cheap for big transportation projects

Sutiyoso wants in cheap for big transportation projectsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaAmid 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...

'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.

TV Program: Thursday, February 24, 2005

TV Program: Thursday, February 24, 2005 .TB.30" .90"TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee8:00 Cartoon: Hero Classics8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha11:00 Sport Documentary 12:00 p.m.

Uniforms fund target of alleged graft

Uniforms fund target of alleged graftTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, BogorClothes 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.

Subdued 'Cap Go Meh' parades in Jakarta, Bekasi and Bogor

Subdued 'Cap Go Meh' parades in Jakarta, Bekasi and BogorThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThousands 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.

Former boxer Syamsul now lord of his own ring

Former boxer Syamsul now lord of his own ringMoch. 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.

Karate body mulls hiring Japanese coach

Karate body mulls hiring Japanese coachMoch. 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.

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.

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.

19 die of diarrhea in Morowali regency

19 die of diarrhea in Morowali regencyPALU, 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.

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...

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...

Chinese chipmakers threaten small SE Asian rivals

Chinese chipmakers threaten small SE Asian rivalsJennifer Tan, Reuters/SingaporeTwice 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.

Voters question ID cards use in local election

Voters question ID cards use in local electionIndra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, SurabayaObjections 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.

Awang inauguration protested

Awang inauguration protestedKUTAI 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.

Paper producer plans to raise prices

Paper producer plans to raise pricesIndra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, SurabayaPaper 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.

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.

Preparing public for higher fuel prices

Preparing public for higher fuel pricesVincent 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...

KL to build terminal for low-cost airlines

KL to build terminal for low-cost airlinesAssociated Press, Kuala LumpurMalaysia 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...

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.

Susilo needs the press more than his predecessors

Susilo needs the press more than his predecessorsArdimas 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.

Govt must revise reconciliation law

Govt must revise reconciliation lawTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaA 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.

4 heads

4 heads1. 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

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.

Ford Ranger RAS provides more cabin space

Ford Ranger RAS provides more cabin spaceThe Jakarta Post, JakartaMeeting 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...

Loans and foreign control

Loans and foreign controlFrom Media IndonesiaIndonesia 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.

Semsar's dream stays alive, despite his death

Semsar's dream stays alive, despite his deathWahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Tabanan/BaliIndonesia 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.

[b]

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...

Govt to launch microfinancing year

Govt to launch microfinancing yearMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe 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.

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.

Manila to discuss illegal workers in KL

Manila to discuss illegal workers in KLPHILIPPINES: 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.

Former boxer champ Syamsul now lord of his own ring

Former boxer champ Syamsul now lord of his own ringMoch. 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.

RP, Japan to seal free trade accord

RP, Japan to seal free trade accordMANILA: 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.

Semsar, the rebellious artist

Semsar, the rebellious artistA. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, JakartaSemsar 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...

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...

Dump mismanagement 'responsible for disaster'

Dump mismanagement 'responsible for disaster'Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungMismanagement 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...

Locals see mark ups in airport

Locals see mark ups in airportMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, TangerangThe 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.

JI may survive top members' arrest, says ICG

JI may survive top members' arrest, says ICGAgence 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.

Acehnese refuse to be relocated to govt barracks

Acehnese refuse to be relocated to govt barracksAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehStanding 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.

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.

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.

Asia may diversify reserves in face of global imbalance

Asia may diversify reserves in face of global imbalanceAgence France-Prese, TokyoSouth 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.

Govt to suspend labor supply to Mideast

Govt to suspend labor supply to MideastThe 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.

NGOs accuse MPR of graft

NGOs accuse MPR of graftThe Jakarta Post, JakartaA 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.

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.

Controversy heightens on fuel price hike plan

Controversy heightens on fuel price hike planUrip Hudiono and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/YogyakartaTo 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.