Archive: 26 February 2005
106 articles found
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bumi to issue US$600m in bonds
Bumi to issue US$600m in bonds Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia's largest coal exporter, PT Bumi Resources, plans to issue US$600 million-worth of bonds later this year to refinance its debts, says a top company executive.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
C. Effendi
C. Effendi Jakarta While the majority of senior Ministry of Home Affairs officials prefer to be regarded as serious and unapproachable, Progo Nurdjaman, the director general of regional autonomy, comes across as being a friendly character who is open to suggestions. In fact, Progo has an enormous responsibility for managing Indonesia's largest democratic experiment: Direct elections for 216 regents, mayors, and governors throughout Indonesia this year.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Poor accountability of civil servant creates room for corruption
Poor accountability of civil servant creates room for corruption The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Radical reform of the Indonesian administration and bureaucracy is imperative to help curb endemic corruption among civil servants, an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report has said.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Conserve the forests
Conserve the forests It is said that a lot of timber will be used to rebuild Aceh and how it could lead to the plunder of the forests. In the disaster areas, apart from being painful reminders, the timber materials and the wonderful boats appear to be very useful resources and good for recycling and reusing even as a tribute to the lost craftpersons. It is not second best.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami aid tolats $6.28 billion, Germany largest donor: UN
Tsunami aid tolats $6.28 billion, Germany largest donor: UN Jerry Norton, Reuters/Banda Aceh Humanitarian assistance to tsunami-affected countries in the Indian Ocean totals US$6.28 billion, with Germany the largest contributor at $683 million, the United Nations said on Friday. But if the United States follows through on a pledge to increase its contribution, it will become the biggest donor, said Hiro Ueki, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Detaching ourselves from the culture of violence
Detaching ourselves from the culture of violence Alpha Amirrachman, Jakarta From the pre-independence to post-Soeharto eras, violence has marred the history of this nation, perhaps prompting some to ask: Are we born violent? It would be shameful to answer "yes", but we might also argue that violence occurs everywhere in the world. Jawahar L. Nehru once bitterly admitted, "Violence has played a great part in the world's history".
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police gather list of suspects in dump disaster
Police gather list of suspects in dump disaster Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung A team of four experts from the Office of the State Minister for the Environment has been assigned to determine whether the management of the Leuwigajah dump was responsible for the garbage collapse on Monday that buried more than 100 residents. Sixty-eight bodies had been recovered from the mountains of garbage as of Friday, while 88 others are still missing.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Don't hype fuel price hikes: Susilo
Don't hype fuel price hikes: Susilo Rendi A. Witular and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Fearing that the government's plan to raise fuel prices will become a political commodity, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged politicians not to take advantage of the price hike by provoking the public and creating social instability.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
U.S. diplomats visit Palu
U.S. diplomats visit Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: Senior American diplomats Phillip L. Antweiler and Mara A. Kaplan visited the Central Sulawesi police headquarters on Friday and discussed security issues with top police officers in the province. In the meeting, the diplomats queried Brig. Gen. Aryanto Sutadi, the chief of the provincial police, on the current security situation in the province, particularly in the religious violence-prone area of Poso regency.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Soloist, youth ensemble accord Bach full majesty
Soloist, youth ensemble accord Bach full majesty M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The setting could not have been more perfect for the evening concert. A marriage of European and Mediterranean architectural styles in the ballroom of Marocco House, in upmarket Menteng, beamed a serenity and grace to match the works of J.S. Bach and other composers of classical music.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/18/CAN1
JP/18/CAN1 Infrastructure is still not supportive Unlike those in Europe, people in Asia, including -- if not, especially -- Indonesia like to have the most advanced cellular phone available, even if it is quite expensive. A visit to several shops in Paris showed the latest-model handsets being offered were being sold in Jakarta several months ago. Many people in Paris still use handsets that are no longer popular in Jakarta.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Smoking restriction
Smoking restriction Herawati (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 16) misses the point about smoking restrictions. True, the smoker makes the decision whether or not to smoke, but his fellow passengers have no such choice. Like Herawati at home, they have to endure an unhealthy smoky environment whether they like it or not. The existence of more serious environmental problems doesn't mean that the smoking problem should be put on hold. That's a recipe for never doing anything.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sand extraction endangers Bantul coast, causes environmental damage
Sand extraction endangers Bantul coast, causes environmental damage Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post/Bantul, Yogyakarta Some 15 years ago, hundreds of sand dunes were still in evidence along the southern coastal areas of Bantul regency, Yogyakarta. Sometimes they looked huge but on other occasions they looked a little thinner when the wind blew hard on them. It always left long, meandering traces on the surface of the sands, creating beautiful, natural pictures on the beach.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Corrupt (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3 lines (3x18)
1. Corrupt (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3 lines (3x18) Radical reform necessary to curb corruption: Report 2. Salary (40) - 36 pts 3 cols 2line (2x21) Lampung activists query regent's salaries plan 3. Cutline (45) - 28 pts 4cols 1line (1x32) Ryamizard hands over Army post 4. Aceh (45) - 36 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x28) Aceh business back on track 5. Tsunami (40) - 32 pts 3 cols 2line (2x22) Tsunami aid totals $6.28b, Germany largest donor: UN --- 6. Photos and odd
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Smokers and 'Post' cartoon
Smokers and 'Post' cartoon I am very much concerned about the cartoon published in The Jakarta Post, Feb. 19, which described the Jakarta governor as blaming smokers for causing pollution in the capital. It is true that smoking risks the health of millions of people from all walks of life in the city, including slum dwellers, who are generally active smokers while their homes are poorly ventilated.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shuttlers vie to make the top grade
Shuttlers vie to make the top grade Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Standing a diminutive 1.65 meters, Alamsyah has already made his mark as the second ranked men's singles player outside of the national training center. Yet the 20 year old from Tangkas Bogasari club knows it will be a tall order to move up a level to gain a place among the country's big boys at the training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Schools can help end conflict
Schools can help end conflict Simon Marcus Gower, Jakarta It is truly sad that the youth of Jakarta seems so often to be engaged in violent conflict. Adolescents in their school uniforms may still be seen running amok on the streets of Jakarta as they enter into, what appears to be, nothing short of gang warfare. Even college students engage in street battles, as evidenced by the problems experienced in the Salemba district of the city. Why is this happening?
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Government set to issue more state bonds
Government set to issue more state bonds Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is likely to issue more state bonds -- a total of Rp 50.1 trillion (US$5.41 billion) -- to help finance a likely spending increase in the 2005 state budget, a finance ministry official says.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
The furel price rise dilemma
The furel price rise dilemma From Koran Tempo An Indonesian economic think tank has proposed that the government postpone its plan to raise fuel oil prices until 2006, because the increase would trigger price hikes as a psychological consequence of the public reaction. The government indeed faces a dilemma in its fuel oil price policy-making. While state budget deficits necessitate subsidy reductions, the follow-on effects of a fuel price rise will also be grave.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Students bite back in dengue war
Students bite back in dengue war The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was half past nine in the morning. Mujtahid, a student at a public health university, rushed into the Pasar Minggu subdistrict health clinic in South Jakarta to inform the doctor on duty that groups of students were ready to start their regular Friday battle against the Aedes aegypti mosquito. "Doctor, my friends are waiting in the community secretariat. Some groups have already gone down to neighborhoods in the north.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bali fears tsunami could affect recovery
Bali fears tsunami could affect recovery Slobodan Lekic, Associated Press/Bali Still recovering from terrorist attacks and the SARS crisis, Indonesia's premier travel destination is facing a new concern - a possible downturn because of the earthquake and tsunami disaster. Although not directly affected by the waves that devastated the northern tip of Sumatra some 2,800 kilometers (1,800 miles) away, many people in Bali are worried that the Dec. 26 tragedy could derail their fledgling recovery.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Past graft cases not priority: SBY
Past graft cases not priority: SBY Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Friday that the government was focusing its antigraft efforts on the prevention of corruption in the future rather than pursuing graft cases that took place in the past. "I am concentrating more on preventative measures for the future. If we only look to the past, it means delving into things that are far from certain.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI to attend UN session on women
RI to attend UN session on women JAKARTA: State Minister for Women's Empowerment Meutia Farida Hatta Swasono is heading for New York this weekend, to detail the country's efforts to empower women at the 49th plenary session of the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women. Held on Monday until March 11, the session is aimed at evaluating the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) signed in 1995 to end all discrimination against women.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Competition Landscape of Three World Giants: Citigroup, Stanchart
Competition Landscape of Three World Giants: Citigroup, Stanchart and Temasek Paul Sutaryono Jakarta The merger trend has struck not only Indonesia, but other countries around the world as well. In Korea, Citibank of South Korea, a member of Citigroup, the U.S-based financial group, merged with South Korea's KorAm Bank in a US$2.7 billion deal in February 2004, with the intention of improving South Korea's banking industry.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Gen. Ryamizard hands over Army post
Gen. Ryamizard hands over Army post Outgoing Army chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu (left) jokes with his successor, Lt. Gen. Djoko Santoso, (right) after a handover ceremony at the Army's headquarters in Central Jakarta on Friday. The two brushed aside rumors of intense rivalry between them for the top TNI post. "With a sincere heart, I must say that I am very happy today that I officially handed over the Army's command baton to Pak Djoko. He is my junior and my former deputy.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
UGM issues book on fuel price hike
UGM issues book on fuel price hike YOGYAKARTA: In response to the government plans to raise fuel prices, Gadjah Mada University's Center for Pancasila Economy Studies (Pustep-UGM) launched on Wednesday a book on issues related to the price increases. The 77-page volume tries to explain why people are opposed to the fuel price increases and why they should be rejected.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
UGM, Sleman govt agree to cooperate
UGM, Sleman govt agree to cooperate YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to achieve closer cooperation in education and human resources development, the government of Sleman regency and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) signed an agreement on Wednesday that covers both fields. The agreement was signed jointly by Sleman regency secretary Sutrisno and UGM rector Sofian Effendi, and will be effective for five years.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Airport told to pay up by Tangerang
Airport told to pay up by Tangerang Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang municipality complained on Friday that PT Angkasa Pura II, operator of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, had not fulfilled its promise to spend at least 5 percent of its net profit to build public facilities in subdistricts surrounding the airport. "Through a memorandum of understanding signed by then mayor M.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hospital accused of negligence
Hospital accused of negligence JAKARTA: The family of Marpha Manulang, 25, has accused St. Carolus Hospital in Central Jakarta of negligence that led to blindness and paralysis. Tangkas Manulang told the police on Friday that his sister Marpha had been treated at the hospital on Dec. 27, 2004, for inflammation of the throat. She was discharged on Jan. 31.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Future on the line as opefuls seek place at Cipayung
Future on the line as opefuls seek place at Cipayung Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Standing a diminutive 1.65 meters, Alamsyah has already made his mark as the second ranked men's singles player outside of the national training center. Yet the 20 year old from Tangkas Bogasari club knows it will be a tall order to move up a level to gain a place among the country's big boys at the training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Get rid of old buses
Get rid of old buses I'm happy to hear that the Jakarta governor, Bapak Sutiyoso, dreams about a green Jakarta. I'm only wondering why he doesn't take any action on the local bus system -- rotten old vehicles that pollute the air significantly and endanger citizens by the way they are being operated. If Sutiyoso is really serious about fighting for a better Jakarta, then he should really take care of those criminals. KARL DELBRUECK Jakarta
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Flooding may cost farmers $5 million
Flooding may cost farmers $5 million BANDUNG: Flooding in the past few days has damaged several thousand hectares of rice fields in several regencies in West Java, which will mean little or no harvests this season in the affected areas, a senior official has said.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
SAID will devote $157 million to education in Indonesia over the
SAID will devote $157 million to education in Indonesia over the next five years. We will focus on primary education -- the source of Indonesia's next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. With the government's expressed promise to dedicate a portion of the savings resulting from the reduction of energy subsidies to education, we see education reform as very possible. Broadly available quality primary education will yield long-term dividends that will propel the Indonesian economy forward.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesians facing morality and rationality problems
Indonesians facing morality and rationality problems Benget Simbolon Tnb, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The immoral and irrational behavior of its citizens has hindered Indonesia's efforts to emerge from the economic crisis that has plagued the country for eight years, experts say.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Haj pilgrimage for
Haj pilgrimage for Islamic bodies From Koran Tempo The Religious Affairs Ministry's Director General for Haj Affairs, Tulus, has stated that the operational improvements of the haj should be realized by amending the Haj Pilgrimage Law of 1999. Earlier, the House of Representatives' team for the pilgrimage supervision proposed the ministry's function be abolished -- which would leave the ministry with the main role of providing religious direction.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kediri, Purwakarta named as top investment areas in RI
Kediri, Purwakarta named as top investment areas in RI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city of Kediri in East Java and Purwakarta regency in West Java have been named as the most attractive investment destinations in the country for 2004, according to an annual survey conducted by the Regional Autonomy Watch (KPPOD).
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI, Cemex likely to resume legal battle
RI, Cemex likely to resume legal battle Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta With the deadline fast approaching, and no out-of-court deal made, the government is gearing up for a legal battle at the international arbitration court to settle its years of dispute with Mexican cement giant Cemex SA. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie said on Friday the two opposing sides were unlikely to reach a settlement by the Feb.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Leased apartments expect more guests this year
Leased apartments expect more guests this year With the improvement in business sentiment, the demand for leased and serviced apartments in Jakarta is likely to continue to revive this year. New demand is expected to come from the increase in the number of short-term business visitors and expatriates working for multinational companies in the capital.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
The SBY magic
The SBY magic The rise to power of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono may be attributed to magical power or charisma. This magical power was expected to continue to work wonders during the first 100 days of his administration and beyond, but many have become disillusioned by a certain decline in his popularity, although the President himself has brushed it aside.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corruption management
Corruption management It is very interesting to analyze the 2004 survey conducted by Transparency International Indonesia of governmental institutions in 21 cities in Indonesian. More details of the survey should be published to let the public know more about corruption in Indonesia. Many theories, hypotheses, assumptions and aspects can be derived and developed about corruption.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Officials wary of Great Timor State
Officials wary of Great Timor State KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A council commission has demanded that the government follow up on a military report, which revealed that a group of people on the Indonesian side of Timor island was trying to establish a Great Timor State. Pius Rengka, the head of Commission A overseeing governance at the East Nusa Tenggara provincial council, said that the government should investigate the group, in order to prevent it from becoming a bigger movement.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Haze chokes Pekanbaru and neighboring cities
Haze chokes Pekanbaru and neighboring cities Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Pekanbaru Historically thick haze from forest fires and burn-offs blanketed several parts of Riau on Friday, including the capital of Pekanbaru, disrupting flights and forcing schools to close. The haze from Sumatra also spread to other cities in the region, sparking fears that the thick, hazardous "pea-souper" smog would increase to the extreme levels experienced in 1997.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Home is where the money is for Jakarta councillors
Home is where the money is for Jakarta councillors The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political observers questioned on Friday Governor Sutiyoso's motives in granting Rp 15 million (US$1,620) monthly housing allowances to each of 71 city council members, and Rp 20 million allowances for city leaders, arguing that they did not deserve such generous facilities due to their poor performance.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lessons from East Asian Financial Cooperation
Lessons from East Asian Financial Cooperation JP/6/MAKMUR Part 2 of 2 Lessons from East Asian Financial Cooperation Makmur Keliat Jakarta What lessons can we learn from the evolvement of such regional financial cooperation? First, the idea of regional financial cooperation seems to have been a belated response to crisis. The idea only became fashionable after the regional financial crisis struck in mid-1998.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hot and bothered by porn
Hot and bothered by porn From Republika Public anxiety has climaxed as pornographic video compact disks (VCDs) are widely circulated in the city. The police should seek ways to deal with this problem after the recent drive against steamy pictures. As reported in the media, it seems difficult to eradicate smut because as soon as one place is raided, another opens. Security officers are also apparently halfhearted in their attempts to stop smut.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt considers revision to special autonomy in Aceh
Govt considers revision to special autonomy in Aceh Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is considering modifications to the implementation of special autonomy in Aceh to put an end to three decades of rebellion in the province. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Friday the government would try to provide more details of the special autonomy program on offer to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels when the peace talks resume in Helsinki in mid-April.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pregnant women to get free health care
Pregnant women to get free health care YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to help create a healthier population, the Yogyakarta municipal government plans to waive all fees at health centers in the municipality for pregnant women. "The details are still being discussed," Yogyakarta Mayor Herry Zudianto said recently, expressing hope the program would be able to start soon.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Half a sewer spells trouble
Half a sewer spells trouble BEKASI: Residents of Jatimakmur in Pondok Gede district, Bekasi, complained on Friday about the construction of a drainage system along Jl. Raya Jatimakmur that had remained half completed for three years. "We heard that the developer absconded with part of the money ... but the unfinished project has caused more trouble," a resident, Rifai, 40, was quoted as saying by Antara. Only two kilometers of the planned four-kilometer sewer has been completed.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
2. Pro -- Diagnosis as public policy
2. Pro -- Diagnosis as public policy 1 x 30 Medical diagnosis as public policy John Z. Sadler Project Syndicate 3. Nation -- Obstacles to peace remain in Aceh 2 x 21 Obstacles to peace remain in Aceh The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
New apartment units sell like hotcakes
New apartment units sell like hotcakes T. Sima Gunawan Contributor/Jakarta Apartment units, be they mid-market or exclusive, are selling like hotcakes. When it comes to comfort, money apparently does not matter. A number of developers contacted by The Jakarta Post confirmed that their properties were selling well. Interestingly, many people are so eager they buy units long before construction is completed.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
The furel price rise dilemma
The furel price rise dilemma From Koran Tempo An Indonesian economic think tank has proposed that the government postpone its plan to raise fuel oil prices until 2006, because the increase would trigger price hikes as a psychological consequence of the public reaction. The government indeed faces a dilemma in its fuel oil price policy-making. While state budget deficits necessitate subsidy reductions, the follow-on effects of a fuel price rise will also be grave.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Haj pilgrimage for
Haj pilgrimage for Islamic bodies From Koran Tempo The Religious Affairs Ministry's Director General for Haj Affairs, Tulus, has stated that the operational improvements of the haj should be realized by amending the Haj Pilgrimage Law of 1999. Earlier, the House of Representatives' team for the pilgrimage supervision proposed the ministry's function be abolished -- which would leave the ministry with the main role of providing religious direction.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
The competition landscape of three financial giants Paul Sutaryono Jakarta 2. Fendi -- Direct elections: A democratic experiment fraught with problems 2 x 30 Direct elections of regional chiefs could be fraught with problems Direct elections experiment in democracy C. Effendi Jakarta
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/4/Express
JP/4/Express Freedom of expression remain in the back seat OR State of RI's democracy reflected in lack of freedom Hera Diani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After last year's landmark direct presidential election, the upcoming direct election of local administration chiefs may further lead Indonesia toward being a full-fledged democracy.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesians immoral, irrational beings: Experts
Indonesians immoral, irrational beings: Experts Benget Simbolon Tnb The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The immoral and irrational behavior of its citizens has hindered Indonesia's efforts to emerge from the economic crisis that has plagued the country for eight years, experts say.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI men held in RP 'not linked to JI'
RI men held in RP 'not linked to JI' Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Two Indonesians being detained in the Philippines are not connected with recent bomb attacks in this country despite allegedly being members of the regional terror group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), the National Police say. National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said he was aware of the capture of the two men but said there was no evidence he knew of connecting them with any regional terrorist groups operating here.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Students learn about gender from films
Students learn about gender from films Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The high school students -- still in their gray and white school uniforms -- looked so enthusiastic when renowned Indonesian actress Nurul Arifin asked them what they knew about gender or gender-related issues during a talk show held here recently. Some of them were so enthusiastic that they often yelled out answers, hoping that actress and gender equality activist Nurul would hear their voices above the clamor.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lampung activists query regent's salaries plan
Lampung activists query regent's salaries plan Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Activists in Lampung have strongly objected to a planned salary scheme for the regent and vice regent of North Lampung regency, as proposed in the 2005 regental budget. The proposed salaries would give the North Lampung regent an annual basic salary of Rp 1.286 billion (US$139,000), or Rp 107 million per month, and the vice regent Rp 773 million, or Rp 64.4 million.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Writers discuss their craft at World Economic Forum
Writers discuss their craft at World Economic Forum Harry Bhaskara The Jakarta Post/Davos Most young writers dream of someone offering them a retreat for a season, somewhere in the hills, where the view over the lake and the absence of a telephone would inspire in them absolute dedication. Likewise, inner-city artists might wonder, in those long days between paintings, if creativity is encouraged by clean air. In the real world, though, do beautiful surroundings make for better works?
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
12 Papuan babies test HIV positive
12 Papuan babies test HIV positive JAYAPURA, Papua: A senior government official revealed on Friday a recent finding that 12 infants under a year old in Merauke regency, tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Joseph Rinta, the head of Merauke's health office, said the babies likely contracted it from their mothers during birth. "Their mothers were HIV positive and they passed it on to their babies," explained the chief health officer in the area.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Feb. 25
Rupiah Rates Feb. 25 Banknote rates Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,463.15 6,692.40 Brunei dollar 1 5,929.25 5,315.06 Canadian dollar 1 7,825.95 7,015.07 Swiss franc 1 8,069.34 7,233.07 Danish krone 1 1,690.68 1,515.68 Euro 1 12,583.50 11,283.42 Poundsterling 1 18,258.99 16,374.11 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,244.42 1,116.05 Japanese yen 100 9,292.42 8,333.33 Malaysian ringgit 1 -- -- Norwegian krone 1 1,518.07 1,361.01 New Zealand dollar 1 6,885.70 6,167.49 PNG kina 1 3,261.85 2,775.15 Phillipine...
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Part 2 of 2: Lessons from East Asian financial cooperation
Part 2 of 2: Lessons from East Asian financial cooperation Makmur Keliat, Jakarta What lessons can we learn from the evolvement of such regional financial cooperation? First, the idea of regional financial cooperation seems to have been a belated response to crisis. The idea only became fashionable after the regional financial crisis struck in mid-1998. Before the financial crisis, the focus of economic cooperation in the region was mainly directed at trade and investment.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Correction
Correction The Rotary Club of Jakarta's centennial dinner held on Wednesday night was attended by the Canadian ambassador, not the Australian ambassador as stated in Friday's article. We apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment caused. Editor
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, February 26, 2005
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, February 26, 2005 Exhibitions * Painting Radius 1 KM: Jogja Bergera, Kedai Kebun Forum Jl. Tirtodipuran 3 (Tel. 0274-376114), until March 27 * Book Ies IIIustres, at Lembaga Indonesia Perancis - LIP, Jl. Sagan No. 3 (Tel. 0274-566520), until March 3 * Painting Bali Neng Rasa at Balai Rupa Tembi Satu Jl. Parangtritis Km 8,5 Tembi Bantul (Tel. 0274-368001), until March 13 * Painting Lahir dari Kotak at Balai Rupa Tembi Dua Jl.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jamsostek covers dengue sufferers
Jamsostek covers dengue sufferers JAKARTA: State-owned PT Jamsostek will cover the medical cost of workers and their families infected by dengue fever since the epidemic was declared a national disaster. Workers registered with Jamsostek and their family members suffering from the sometimes fatal ailment would be allowed to stay in second class rooms at state-run hospitals or third class in private hospitals.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/POLL
JP/5/POLL Polling on leadership candidates flourishes in Riau Islands Fadli The Jakarta Post/Batam Polling and survey institutions are busy as the date for the Riau Islands regional elections draws nearer, with many candidates paying big money to find out how they are faring and what voters are thinking. Professional survey institutes, along with newspapers and local television stations are carrying out the polls, and some of the results are likely to be published soon.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Saturday, February 26, 2005
TV Today: Saturday, February 26, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:30 Sports 11:30 TV Drama 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Comedy 5:00 Children Show 5:30 Documentary 6:00 Battle of Wits 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Jaya Show 8:00 TV Series: Demigods 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:00 Sports 11:30 Cultural Show TPI 6:30 a.m.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Smoking restriction
Smoking restriction Herawati (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 16) misses the point about smoking restrictions. True, the smoker makes the decision whether or not to smoke, but his fellow passengers have no such choice. Like Herawati at home, they have to endure an unhealthy smoky environment whether they like it or not. The existence of more serious environmental problems doesn't mean that the smoking problem should be put on hold. That's a recipe for never doing anything.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
DHL offers customized distribution service
DHL offers customized distribution service The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Birotika Semesta/DHL Express, a courier company operating in Indonesia since 1973, offers purpose-designed facilities to provide inventory management, storage and urgent delivery services through its strategic parts center (SPC), a market manager says. At each of DHL Express SPCs, the company offers inventory management, reporting, storage, packaging and labeling.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Corruption can't be eradicated overnight'
'Corruption can't be eradicated overnight' Indonesia is regularly listed as one of the world's most corrupt countries. Now the most recent study by Transparency International Indonesia lists Jakarta, the national center of power, as the country's most-corrupt city. The Jakarta Post asked two residents about their opinion on should be done to eradicate corruption. Fara, 26, works at an advertising company in Central Jakarta.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh business gets back on track
Aceh business gets back on track Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Dozens of people from all walks of life were busy shopping or dining out with their partners or friends in Banda Aceh's popular Neusu district. When the tsunami swept Aceh and North Sumatra on Dec. 26, Banda Aceh suffered catastrophic losses, with several busy districts on the West side, including Pasar Aceh market and Penayung, being destroyed.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt seeks to raise education standards
Govt seeks to raise education standards The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian and Australian officials met here on Thursday to discuss ways to raise educational standards in the country and adjust qualification yardsticks to meet requirements in the two countries.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
TNI to pick officers for vacant posts
TNI to pick officers for vacant posts JAKARTA: Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said on Friday the TNI headquarters was now in the process of selecting officers to fill in posts that had become vacant following its latest reshuffle.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/ /
JP/ / .rm New Strata-Titled Apartments in Jakarta No Development Area Completion 1 Airlangga Apartment Mega Kuningan 2005 2 Bellagio Mansions Mega Kuningan 2005 3 Bellagio Residence Mega Kuningan 2005 4 Bellezza Permata Hijau (Bellezza de Casa) Permata Hijau 2005 5 Daksa Residence Kebayoran 2005 6 Gading Resort Residence Kelapa Gading 2005 7 Grand Permata Hijau Permata Hijau 2005 8 Mediterania Gajah Mada Residence Gajah Mada 2005 9 Mediterania Palace Residence Kemayoran 2005 10 Pakubuwono...
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Radical reform necessary to curb corruption: Report
Radical reform necessary to curb corruption: Report The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Radical reform of the Indonesian administration and bureaucracy is imperative to help curb endemic corruption among civil servants, an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report has said.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
FOCUS ISSUE: Sunday - Feb.26 -- APARTMENT
FOCUS ISSUE: Sunday - Feb.26 -- APARTMENT Jakarta will have 54 more apartment buildings Hendarsyah Tarmizi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta At least 54 new condominium (strata-titled apartment) projects are under construction in Jakarta, adding more than 3,400 new apartment units to the growing condominium market in the capital.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Algeria will never forget Indonesia's help: Envoy
Algeria will never forget Indonesia's help: Envoy Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Algeria, an oil-rich North African country, will never forget the 1955 Bandung Conference and Indonesia's first president Sukarno, says Algeria's new ambassador to Indonesia Hamza Yahia- Cherif. "At that time we were under the French colonial administration like caged birds. It was both the Bandung Conference and Sukarno who inspired the birds to be free.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Local innovation for national prosperity
Local innovation for national prosperity William M. Frej Jakarta The Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami have had an enormous impact on Indonesia and the economic program of the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono government. USAID Indonesia and a host of U.S. government agencies have worked closely with the Indonesian government to provide relief and other assistance.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Monday, February 28, 2005
TV Program: Monday, February 28, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 7:30 Children Show 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Documentary 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 TV Drama 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Dangdut Music TPI 5:30 a.m.
Sat, 26 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).
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Obstacles to peace remain in Aceh
Obstacles to peace remain in Aceh The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok The international community has welcomed the progress that the Indonesian government and the rebels in Aceh have made towards resolving their differences, as both sides have shown a willingness to be flexible and make necessary concessions in order to give the ongoing peace talks a real chance of success.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Spiritual approach to addressing trauma
Spiritual approach to addressing trauma Andayani, Canada The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10 percent of tsunami survivors are suffering severe psychiatric problems and as many as 50 percent, less acute psychological disturbances (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 28). This is hardly surprising considering the nature of the catastrophe. Indeed, following the 1993 Latur earthquake in India, the Voluntary Health Association reported that 89 percent of survivors suffered depression.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kornelius Purba
Kornelius Purba The Jakarta Post/Cannes, France Alcatel, the French telecommunications giant, invited three Indonesian journalists, including The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba to cover, from Feb. 6 through Feb. 17, the Alcatel Forum 2005 in Paris and the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes. Below is a report of the visit. Watching your favorite TV program or film or downloading your favorite song via your cell phone is closer to becoming a reality.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt opens call center for fuel price queries
Govt opens call center for fuel price queries Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Starting on Saturday, the public can file any complaints they have about the government's disbursement of low-income assistance funds to a 24-hour toll-free call center. Located at the National Information Agency (LIN) media center in Central Jakarta, about 30 staff from a series of ministries will also answer the public's questions about fuel price hikes and low-income assistance funds.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese children paint happier pictures of life
Acehnese children paint happier pictures of life Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Laughing and shouting at each other, dozens of children rushed out of their temporary shelter in Lambaro refugee camp just outside Banda Aceh and ran to a general purpose building nearby to take part in a drawing and coloring event organized by a number of volunteers groups from Jakarta and Banda Aceh. "I want some crayons and paper, please.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Banda Aceh hospital gets donor help, requests more
Banda Aceh hospital gets donor help, requests more Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Almost two months after the Dec. 26 tsunami, Zainoel Abidin General Hospital in Banda Aceh is still facing problems because it lacks laboratory and medical equipment, medicine and personnel, the hospital's vice director said in Banda Aceh, Aceh. Zainoel Abidin hospital, located on Jl. Tengku Daud Beureuh, is Aceh's biggest state hospital.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Photos show human resilience amid unrelenting disaster
Photos show human resilience amid unrelenting disaster M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While words may not be adequate to describe the severity of the tsunami that washed away a large part of Aceh, and its impact on the Acehnese; a visual account of the calamity says much more about nature's wrath.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Darmin named Bapepam chairman
Darmin named Bapepam chairman Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government has decided to appoint Darmin Nasution as chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam), a minister says. "The final assessment team has decided on Darmin," Minister of Finance Jusuf Anwar said on the sidelines of the Indonesian Capital Market Seminar and Expo on Friday. "We are waiting for a presidential decree (to make the appointment official)," he said.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Graft (3x12)
1. Graft (3x12) Past graft cases not priority: SBY 2. Basyir (2x24) Ba'asyir warns judges of damnation in afterlife 3. Nalar (1x42) RI facing morality, rationality problems 4. Militan (1x29) RI men detained in Manila
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ba'asyir warns judges of damnation in afterlife
Ba'asyir warns judges of damnation in afterlife The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawyers representing terror defendant Abu Bakar Ba'asyir availed of their final chance on Friday to convince a district court of their client's innocence before the court brings in its verdict next Thursday. The lawyers said the South Jakarta District Court must acquit the Muslim cleric of all charges on the grounds that the prosecution had used concocted evidence.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt plans to revitalize capital market
Govt plans to revitalize capital market Rendi A. Witular and Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is aiming to revitalize the country's capital market industry by trying to streamline bureaucracy and improve legal certainty, and make the industry one of the key drivers in the country's economic growth.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian railwayman makes history
Indonesian railwayman makes history Dr. Julison Arifin (shown with daughter Ovi) has become the first employee of state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) to be awarded the title doctor of philosophy (PhD) at an overseas university. He received his award at a ceremony on Jan. 13 from the university chancellor. He has also become the first employee to obtain an MSc or PhD in railway science.
Sat, 26 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.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
Persani prefers Russia for rhythmic gymnasts
Persani prefers Russia for rhythmic gymnasts Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani) is pushing for its rhythmic gymnasts to train in Russia instead of China, fearing the latter country may be loath to part with technical expertise to a regional sporting rival.
Sat, 26 Feb 2005, 00:00 WIB
New apartment units sell like hotcakes
New apartment units sell like hotcakes T. Sima Gunawan Contributor/Jakarta Apartment units, be they mid-market or exclusive, are selling like hotcakes. When it comes to comfort, money apparently does not matter. A number of developers contacted by The Jakarta Post confirmed that their properties were selling well. Interestingly, many people are so eager they buy units long before construction is completed.