Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 March 2005

80 articles found

Puteh says corruption charges baseless

Puteh says corruption charges baseless The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After twice missing hearings for asthma and heart treatment, suspended Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh appeared at the Anticorruption Court on Monday. He defended his decision to place state money allocated to buy a helicopter in his personal bank account.

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.

Parking agency report queried

Parking agency report queried The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For the sixth-straight year, BP Perparkiran, the city-owned agency which manages on-street parking in more 500 roads in Jakarta, reported a deficit, collecting only Rp 14 billion in parking revenue last year. This is equivalent to roughly 38,000 of the 3.8 million registered vehicles in Jakarta using the agency's more than 15,000 parking spots.

Petronas to boost presence in RI

Petronas to boost presence in RI KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's national oil firm Petronas is likely to become a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power plants on Java island in a move that would boost its presence in Indonesia, a report said Monday. Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) was in talks to supply LNG to power plants owned by Indonesia's PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the New Straits Times said, quoting sources.

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.

Fuel prices hiked, sacrifices called

Fuel prices hiked, sacrifices called The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After weeks of uncertainty, the government has announced a hike in domestic fuel prices by an average of 29 percent, which would come into effect on March 1, despite objections from the House of Representatives and the public.

Recycling militants: Darul Islam and terrorism

Recycling militants: Darul Islam and terrorism International Crisis Group (ICG), Singapore No understanding of jihadism in Indonesia is possible without understanding the Darul Islam movement (DI) and its efforts to establish the Islamic State of Indonesia (Negara Islam Indonesia (NII)). Over the last 55 years, that movement has produced splinters and offshoots that range from Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) to non-violent religious groups.

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.

Community involvement essential in Aceh rebuilding

Community involvement essential in Aceh rebuilding United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Hafiz Pasha visited Aceh from Feb. 25 to 26 to find ways for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to boost the reconstruction of the tsunami-devastated province. He shared his views about the program with The Jakarta Post's Abdul Khalik. Question: After two months of emergency relief efforts, how do you see progress in Aceh?

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.

Supporters demand release of Ba'asyir

Supporters demand release of Ba'asyir JAKARTA: Around 50 supporters of terror suspect Abu Bakar Ba'asyir rallied outside the Supreme Court building in Central Jakarta on Monday to demand the release of the Muslim cleric. The people claimed the ongoing trial of Ba'asyir failed to prove his link to bomb attacks in Bali in 2002 and the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in 2003 as charged by the prosecutors.

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).

Cimahi dump slide victims upset with Kalla

Cimahi dump slide victims upset with Kalla Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Victims of the garbage collapse at Leuwigajah dump created havoc on Monday after missing out on an opportunity to talk face-to-face with Vice President Jusuf Kalla. At least 27 residents destroyed three trucks, an excavator and broke the windows of the dump management office. They had allegedly been about to set the trucks on fire when police officers intervened.

Bosnian energy firm plans to invest $60 million in RI

Bosnian energy firm plans to invest $60 million in RI Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has close and cordial ties with the Indonesia, is aiming to increase its trade with Indonesia in many areas and invest US$60 million in the power sector in the near future. "Bosnia and Hezegovina's Energoinvest co. is planning to invest around $60 million in Indonesia's power sector.

Key Bali bombers to move to Nusakambangan

Key Bali bombers to move to Nusakambangan The authorities plan to move 28 people convicted for the Bali bombings, including three key players on death row, from a jail in Bali to prisons in Central Java province, an official said on Monday. "It is still a plan but we want to move 28 Bali bombing convicts to jails in Central Java for security reasons," the head of the Central Java justice office, Marsono, told AFP.

1. CABINET: done already by Chief Editor

1. CABINET: done already by Chief Editor 2. COMPENSATION: 4 X 10 Govt aims to redirect oil subsidy to the poor 3. TKI: 2 X 28 Malaysia set to net 400,000 Indonesian illegal immigrants

Govt to regulate markets, hypermarkets

Govt to regulate markets, hypermarkets Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Besides preparing better regulations on the operation of hypermarkets in the country, the government will also empower traditional markets to make them more competitive against giant retailers. Speaking at a hearing with House of Representatives Commission VI on industry and trade on Monday, Minister of Trade Mari E.

Jetro, Kadin sign trade and investment deal

Jetro, Kadin sign trade and investment deal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in trade and investment. Under the MoU, valid until February 2008, both sides will promote trade and investment cooperation, particularly in infrastructures and factories with low-productivity labor.

Total files complaint over delayed project

Total files complaint over delayed project Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With its bankruptcy trial in progress, Total E&P Indonesie has filed a complaint to the Indonesian National Board of Arbitration (BANI) over its US$12 million in loses caused by delays to a construction project by its contractor PT Sanggar Kaltim Jaya (SKJ).

Jetro vows support for Indonesia's revitalization efforts

Jetro vows support for Indonesia's revitalization efforts The Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) on the expansion of cooperation in trade and investment. In a joint interview with Kompas and The Jakarta Post's Zakki P. Hakim, Jetro chairman and CEO Osamu Watanabe talked about the organization's future plans in the country and Japan's perceptions of Indonesia.

Old price New price Increase

Old price New price Increase Premium gasoline 1,810 2,400 33% Automotive diesel oil 1,650 2,100 27% Industrial diesel oil 1,650 2,200 33% Diesel oil 1,650 2,300 39% Bunker oil 1,560 2,300 47% Industrial kerosene 1,800 2,200 22% Household kerosene 700 700 0 ---------------------------------------------------------- Average increase 29%

TV Program: Tuesday, March 1, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, March 1, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

House urged to step in on royal dispute

House urged to step in on royal dispute JAKARTA: A group of people went to the House of Representatives on Monday to ask the lawmakers to help settle protracted dispute at the Surakarta Palace in Central Java. The group, comprising palace officials and workers, community figures and cultural activists, said the fight over who should be eligible to succeed the late Sultan Pakubuwono XII would worsen without intervention from both the House and the government.

Nissan to open regional HQ

Nissan to open regional HQ SINGAPORE: Nissan Motor, Japan's second-largest carmaker, is setting up regional headquarters in Singapore in a US$10 million- operation starting April 1, news reports said on Monday. Initially manned by 25 people, Nissan Asia Pacific will oversee core business functions including marketing and production order processing. The office, according to The Straits Times, will also have a $5 million treasury center to help minimize currency risks.

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.

Extradition talks and Singapore's lectures

Extradition talks and Singapore's lectures Abdillah Toha, Jakarta There is something rather irritating in the recent negotiations between Indonesia and Singapore concerning the extradition of Indonesian white-collar criminals now finding shelter in this island state. The two countries have negotiated this matter before, without success.

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.

Team questions Garuda's commitment in Munir probe

Team questions Garuda's commitment in Munir probe Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A fact-finding team helping the police investigate the death of prominent human rights activist Munir questioned on Monday national flag carrier Garuda's commitment to support the much- demanded probe. The team accused the airline of being uncooperative and concealing key information about last year's death of Munir, thus slowing down the investigation process.

City reaches new depths as land use plan fails to sink in

City reaches new depths as land use plan fails to sink in Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmentalists are telling the city administration to follow the city's land use plan in order to check land subsidence in the capital. "Rampant violations of the land use plan only exacerbate subsidence in the capital. Many new buildings are being constructed in areas previously designated as green zones," Rino Subagyo of the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law said on Monday.

GAM adviser responds to VP

GAM adviser responds to VP Your article quoting the Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, on the CMI Helsinki peace talks aimed at securing a political settlement to the Aceh conflict reflected some confusion over the Free Aceh Movement's (GAM's) position. To clarify, GAM is not proposing that it be given government over Aceh, as suggested by Kalla. Rather, GAM is proposing that there be local elections contested by local parties, and that it stand in those elections.

RI migrant workers want to return to Malaysia, legally

RI migrant workers want to return to Malaysia, legally Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Rini Sulistiya, an Indonesian illegal migrant worker from the West Java town of Cirebon, has been in Medan for the past month after arriving from Malaysia. The 27-year-old preferred not to return to her hometown, remaining in Medan to arrange the necessary documents she needed to work again in Malaysia. This time, legally.

Malaysia, S'pore renew push to improve strained ties

Malaysia, S'pore renew push to improve strained ties Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur A second round of talks between Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and former Singapore premier Goh Chok Tong this week will see a renewed push to boost strained ties, Malaysia's foreign minister said.

Astra Agro Lestari's 2004 profit jumps, plans expansion

Astra Agro Lestari's 2004 profit jumps, plans expansion Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cashing in on robust crude palm oil (CPO) output and higher prices in the international market last year, publicly listed plantation company PT Astra Agro Lestari's profit in 2004 shot up to Rp 800 billion (US$86.49 million). Last year's unaudited profit almost tripled the figure it booked the previous year of Rp 280 billion, the company's finance director Julie Syaftari said recently.

'Something untoward is going on'

'Something untoward is going on' Critics have called the policy to disburse between Rp 15 million and Rp 20 million a month each to Jakarta city councillors' in housing allowances a glaring extravagance. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinions about the issue. Syaifulloh, 50, is a taxi driver. He lives with his family at a rented home in Cililitan, East Jakarta, nearby his taxi station: Such an extravagance must be ended in this reform era.

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.

Rusli gets '3 days' to sort out haze

Rusli gets '3 days' to sort out haze PEKANBARU: Riau students staged a protest on Monday and said they would give the governor a three-day deadline to start dealing with a haze problem the province. The students, of the Riau Students Alliance, did not say what action they would take if the governor ignored their call.

BlueScope looking to invest in RP

BlueScope looking to invest in RP MANILA: Australia's BlueScope Steel may invest in the Philippines' iron and steel industry, the Philippine Board of Investment (BOI) said on Monday. A spokeswoman for the Board of Investments confirmed media reports that the Australian company had met with Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Elmer Hernandez last week but could not give any details.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates Feb. 28 JP/13/Conver Rupiah Rates Feb. 28 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,705.52 6,915.14 7,347.09 7,273.53 Brunei dollar 1 5,996.19 5,378.52 5,717.27 5,657.27 Canadian dollar 1 7,899.64 7,088.53 7,532.17 7,455.90 Swiss franc 1 8,411.62 7,546.52 8,020.34 7,937.63 Danish krone 1 1,742.08 1,562.30 1,661.04 1,643.27 Euro 1 12,963.23 11,630.65 12,360.23 12,233.43 Poundsterling 1 18,776.

Smoking ban in Indonesia

Smoking ban in Indonesia Why must be the penalty for smoking in public places be so extremely high in Jakarta? Fifty million rupiah is 10 times an average yearly salary, so if an average person get a fine for smoking he or she cannot feed his or her family for 10 years. OK, you can make a deal, but this means corruption. An average fine outside of Indonesia for something similar is about 10 percent of a month salary.

Cop investigated for shooting

Cop investigated for shooting JAKARTA: A police officer has been named a suspect in a shooting at a bar in the Royal Legal Hotel on Jl. Tamansari in Mangga Besar, West Jakarta, on Sunday afternoon. The head of the Jakarta Police's internal affairs, Sr. Comr. Irawan Dahlan, said on Monday the suspect was identified as a second brigadier assigned to National Police Headquarters.

Team questions Garuda's commitment in Munir probe

Team questions Garuda's commitment in Munir probe Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A fact-finding team helping the police investigate the death of prominent human rights activist Munir questioned on Monday national flag carrier Garuda's commitment to support the much- demanded probe. The team accused the airline of being uncooperative and concealing key information about last year's death of Munir, thus slowing down the investigation process.

Bali police identify election threats

Bali police identify election threats Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Bali police detectives have indicated that the direct election of regional heads in Bali in June may be prone to a number of risks and could even lead to anarchy. Bali police spokesman Sr. Comr. AS Reniban said on Monday that the police have received reports of at least 11 types of threats that might possibly occur during the elections in Bali.

Family comes to terms with daugther's murder

Family comes to terms with daugther's murder Wahyuana, The Jakarta Post, Bekasi The colorful bobby pins that 11-year-old Heni Febrina Purnama Sari took such joy in decorating her hair with served a much sadder purpose a week ago; they helped Febrina's family identify the young girl's body. Merry Nainggolan, 57, recalled how happy her granddaughter was with the set of hairpins she gave her for her birthday on Feb. 15. "It was a simple family gathering ... all my children were there.

Two brothers sentenced to death for murder

Two brothers sentenced to death for murder Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto Four members of a family in Banyumas regency, Central Java, have received severe sentences for premeditated murder and dismembering a body. A panel of judges led by Bambang Widyatmoko at the Purwokerto District Court sentenced on Monday Agus Santoso, 28, and his younger brother Ruslan Abdul Ghani, 24, to death for the murder of Hery Best, a bodyguard working for a former Banyumas legislative council speaker.

Shares end down; fuel price woes spark selling

Shares end down; fuel price woes spark selling Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended lower on Monday as worries over the fuel prices hike spurred investors to continue to take profit, dealers said. Higher fuel prices may weaken consumer purchasing power and push up the operating costs of many companies, thereby hurting their financial performance. Analysts say the higher fuel price could also trigger massive protests and affect the nation's stability.

Police confiscate 13,000 ecstasy pills

Police confiscate 13,000 ecstasy pills JAKARTA: City police confiscated on Sunday 13,000 ecstasy pills, 95 grams of shabu-shabu, or crystal methamphetamine, and thousands of counterfeit cigarettes in a raid on two warehouses in Taman Palem, Cengkareng, West Jakarta, an officer said on Monday. The head of the police's narcotics unit, Sr. Comr. Carlo Tewu, said the alleged manufacturer of the ecstasy, identified as MT, had been detained.

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.

RI ministers to attend JC meeting in India

RI ministers to attend JC meeting in India The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda and Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari arrived in New Delhi on Monday to attend the second meeting of the Joint Commission (JC) between Indonesia and India, an official from India's Ministry of External Affairs said in the Indian capital. "Both ministers arrived in New Delhi on Monday.

Students, teachers to learn how to react during disaster

Students, teachers to learn how to react during disaster Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of National Education plans to introduce a natural disaster anticipation program to schools located in disaster- prone areas following the tsunamis that devastated Aceh and Nias Island in December.

IMET resumption seen as recognition of TNI reform

IMET resumption seen as recognition of TNI reform The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States' decision to resume training members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) after a 14-year suspension of cooperation shows Washington's recognition of the government's efforts to reform the TNI, officials said on Monday.

Mandiri to disburse Rp 6.7t for infrastructure projects in 2005

Mandiri to disburse Rp 6.7t for infrastructure projects in 2005 Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's largest lender Bank Mandiri is set to disburse Rp 6.7 trillion (US$722.14 million) of credits for infrastructure projects this year as part of its commitment for the next five years.

S'pore' January tourist arrivals up

S'pore' January tourist arrivals up SINGAPORE: Tourist arrivals in Singapore numbered 666,994 in January, a 2.3 percent hike over the same month last year with Indonesia the top visitor-generating market, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said on Monday. Indonesia's 146,000 arrivals were far ahead of second-place Australia with 62,000, Japan's 48,000, the U.K.'s 48,000 and China's 46,000. The five markets accounted for 52.5 percent of total visitors for the month.

Indonesia Open expects huge turnout

Indonesia Open expects huge turnout Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Golf lovers, enjoying the rare chance to see the sport's top names, are expected to turn out in droves for the Standard Chartered Indonesia Open in West Jakarta later this month. The March 24-27 event at the Cengkareng Golf Club Jakarta has the goods to draw all the attention.

1. MURDER: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS

1. MURDER: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Two brothers sentenced to death for murder 2. BBM: 2 LINES, 27 COUNTS Jakarta braces for protests over fuel price increases 3. TNI: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS IMET resumption seen as recognition of TNI reform 4. NZ: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS NZ maintains military ties suspension

Susilo and DPD discuss regional issues

Susilo and DPD discuss regional issues Rendi A. Witular and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had his first consultative meeting with the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on Monday to discuss social and economic development in the country's 32 provinces.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Cirebon, West Java After a series of tests and studies, state-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina stated it had found no oil reserves on land belonging to Slamet Bukhori, a farmer in Brebes, West Java. Slamet claimed two weeks ago that the water in his well was mixed with oil.

RP leader presses to pass tax law

RP leader presses to pass tax law MANILA: President Gloria Arroyo on Monday urged Congress to pass a key tax measure as well as the 2005 national budget to avoid a potential debt crisis for the Philippines in the near future. "The clock is ticking. There's no time to waste," she said in a speech to Filipino businessmen less than two weeks after the country suffered a double-notch downgrade of its sovereign credit ratings due to its debt burden.

KPK investigates Jambi officials

KPK investigates Jambi officials JAMBI: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in Jambi is probing top officials in the provincial administration following corruption and collusion allegations from the public. The investigated officials included individuals connected to the Wiltop Trade Center construction project as well as renovation projects in the Jambi governor's office and Jambi provincial council building. The projects, which were financed by the provincial budget, took part in 2004.

More health workers recruited for Aceh

More health workers recruited for Aceh BANDA ACEH: The Ministry of Health plans to recruit 880 health workers for postings in 55 resettlement areas of displaced persons camps across Aceh. Human resources development officials at the provincial health agency, Burhanuddin, said on Monday the new recruits, comprising general practitioners, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists and environmental health experts, would serve for three months, with a possible extension, if necessary.

Biting the bullet

Biting the bullet We should commend President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's determination to make the unpopular-but-necessary decision to forge ahead and increase fuel prices. The increases will enable the government to allocate a larger share of resources to poverty alleviation and improve public services and other basic infrastructure in the country.

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.

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.

*IMET resumption a recognition of TNI reform: Officials Page 2

*IMET resumption a recognition of TNI reform: Officials Page 2 *Centralized policy blamed for slow reform in prosecution Page 4 *Cimahi dump slide victims upset with Kalla Page 5 *Extradition talks and Singapore's lectures Page 6 *City reaches new depths as land use plan fails to sink in Page 8 *Toms cruises to match play title with record win Page 9 *Thousands of anti-Syria protesters defy Beirut ban Page 11 *Mandiri to disburse Rp 6.7t for infrastructure in 2005 Page 13 *City of dead in Aceh...

1. Discourse (55) - 36 pts 7 cols 1 line (1x30)

1. Discourse (55) - 36 pts 7 cols 1 line (1x30) Community involvement essential in Aceh rebuilding 2. Ambalat (50) - 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) Oil block within our area: KL 3. Oscar (45) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) 'Million Dollar Baby' knocks out 'The Aviator' --- 6. Photos and odd

Govt aims to redirect oil subsidy to the poor

Govt aims to redirect oil subsidy to the poor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government claims the massive fuel subsidy benefits the rich more than the poor, and that by cutting the subsidy and raising fuel prices it can redirect the money into programs that will benefit those most in need.

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.

Prosecutions indicted over poor showing

Prosecutions indicted over poor showing The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Huuuu...! That's what you get when you skip classes all the time," spectators at the Anticorruption Court in Jakarta once mocked a prosecutor who was warned by the presiding judge to deliver clear and intelligent questions to the defendant, Abdullah Puteh, who has been suspended as Aceh governor while being tried for graft.

Valderrama, Poyet pull out of benefit

Valderrama, Poyet pull out of benefit JAKARTA: Former Colombian team captain Carlos Valderrama and Uruguay's Gustavo Poyet have pulled out of Tuesday's Aceh Tetap Sekolah (Aceh Stays in School) fund-raising game. "At the last minute, Carlos Valderrama said he couldn't come.

City of dead in Aceh showing signs of life

City of dead in Aceh showing signs of life Jerry Norton and Pipit Prahara, Reuters/Calang, Aceh The city of the dead. That's what some called Calang on Aceh's west coast after December's tsunami smashed nearly every building to rubble and left more than 6,000 of its 7,300 people dead or missing. But nearly two months after the Dec.

Japan troops prepare to leave Aceh

Japan troops prepare to leave Aceh Japanese troops in Indonesia's tsunami-devastated Aceh province have begun winding down their relief operation and plan to be out by the middle of next month, a spokesman said on Monday. Lt. Hiroji Yamashita said all Japanese forces in Aceh, on their biggest overseas deployment since World War Two, would be pulled out by March 16. The first batch would leave the northern tip of Sumatra island near the epicenter of the huge Dec.

Jakarta braces for protests over fuel price increases

Jakarta braces for protests over fuel price increases The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration moved swiftly on Monday to anticipate possible violent protests over the government's plan to raise fuel prices by an average of 29 percent. Governor Sutiyoso said more than 13,000 security personnel from the city police, public order agency and the military were already on alert to prevent any possible protests from degenerating into mass riots.

Malaysia set to net 400,000 Indonesian illegal immigrants

Malaysia set to net 400,000 Indonesian illegal immigrants The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following its fruitless persuasive approach, Malaysia will launch on Tuesday a major crackdown on around one million illegal immigrants -- mostly Indonesians -- who risk jail, fines, caning and deportation.

Oil block within our area: KL

Oil block within our area: KL Agencies, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Monday rejected a protest from its giant neighbor Indonesia for granting Royal Dutch/Shell Group an oil exploration concession in an area claimed by Jakarta, saying the bloc was within Malaysian territory. The spat comes amid strain in Malaysia-Indonesia ties ahead of the crackdown from Tuesday on hundreds of thousands of illegal Indonesian workers in Malaysia.

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.

Singapore-based budget carriers hope to fly Malaysian routes

Singapore-based budget carriers hope to fly Malaysian routes Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Three Singapore-based budget airlines are hoping to fly Malaysian skies following last week's surprise tie-up between the two countries' national carriers, a report said on Monday.

Megawati may keep PDI-P's top post

Megawati may keep PDI-P's top post PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Despite her defeat in the presidential election and her party's loss in the legislative election, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle leader Megawati Soekarnoputri remains the favorite when the party congress opens in Bali at the end of the month, according to one party functionary.

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.

In recent years, foreign communities have put down roots in large

In recent years, foreign communities have put down roots in large cities throughout Indonesia, becoming part of the fabric of the country. In order to serve the needs of all of our readers, The Jakarta Post plans to expand its coverage of these communities. This month, the Post will cover the thriving Indian community in Indonesia. Coincidentally, Indonesia's and India's foreign ministers are participating in the Second Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Surabaya candidates stress need for investment ahead of election

Surabaya candidates stress need for investment ahead of election ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Ignoring the hot weather, Mustiyah cut fruit up into slices and mixed it with shrimp paste. She then wrapped the food and handed it to a customer. "Six thousand rupiah, please," said the rujak cingur (vegetable and fruit salad with slices of cow's muzzle served with shrimp paste). This is a routine job for the 49 year old who has been selling the popular food for years in Surabaya.

NZ military ties suspension

NZ military ties suspension Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Wellington New Zealand is not ready to restore cooperation with Indonesia's army, despite Washington's decision to resume full military education and training programs, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said on Monday. Both the United States and New Zealand suspended military cooperation in protest over the brutality of Indonesian soldiers in East Timor during the former province's struggle for independence in the 1990s.