Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 March 2005

112 articles found

Two Indian auto firms to invest in RI

Two Indian auto firms to invest in RI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seeing potential in Indonesia's automotive market, two Indian companies -- Bajaj Auto Ltd. and TVS Motor Co. -- plan to set up manufacturing and assembly plants in the country next year.

Hindu priest impresses upon Balinese gift of life

Hindu priest impresses upon Balinese gift of life I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Hindu high priest Ida Pedanda Gde Bang Buruan Manuaba nodded gently and immediately people began to lower the eight turtles into the salty water of Candidasa beach, some 70 kilometers east of the provincial capital, Denpasar. Upon touching the water, some wriggled animatedly as if they could sense their imminent freedom.

Indonesia, India hope for improved trade, investment

Indonesia, India hope for improved trade, investment The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and India are exploring the possibility of improving investment and trade relations in the coming years, says Minister of Trade Mari E. Pangestu.

Grey Global Group joins WPP

Grey Global Group joins WPP The Jakarta Post Jakarta Another marketing and communications firm is flying under the wings of the WPP Group, after the global conglomerate, which has also swallowed up communications firms such as J. Walter Thompson and Ogilvy & Mather, officially acquired the Grey Global Group early this week.

The ASEAN-EU Partnership

The ASEAN-EU Partnership Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Jakarta Today Indonesia is hosting the 15th regular meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) and of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It takes place barely three months after the worst natural disaster of recent history took hundreds of thousands of lives and destroyed the livelihoods of millions in coastal areas throughout the Indian Ocean.

SBY told to summon AG over general's E. Timor acquittal

SBY told to summon AG over general's E. Timor acquittal Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been urged to summon Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh over an Army general's acquittal of human rights violations in the 1999 East Timor carnage. The Supreme Court recently upheld the acquittal by the human rights tribunal of Brig. Gen.

Settling migrant worker problems

Settling migrant worker problems V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia A month should be sufficient for the Indonesian government to put its house in order so that it will be easier for its workers to return to work legally in Malaysia. The Malaysian government, the employers and those Indonesians waiting on the other side of the Straits of Malacca are frustrated by the delay by Jakarta in the approval process.

Joint master plan a must, Ali says

Joint master plan a must, Ali says Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former governor Ali Sadikin told the city administration on Wednesday to work with neighboring cities on a joint master plan for Greater Jakarta that would address urban woes such as overpopulation, unemployment and environmental degradation.

Growing internationalism vital for modern education

Growing internationalism vital for modern education Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta It has, to some extent, become habit for people to propose that we now live in "the age of globalization", but globalization has been an on-going process for literally centuries now. We only have to think of the Indonesian archipelago to see this in action; think of the centuries that colonizers, merchants, traders and spreaders of religious messages have come to the archipelago and had a lasting influence upon it.

Post-tsunami deal on debt swap signed

Post-tsunami deal on debt swap signed Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Italy and Indonesia agreed on Wednesday to swap some of Jakarta's debt for the reconstruction of tsunami-affected areas in northern Sumatra and poverty alleviation programs. Italian Foreign Minister Margherita Boniver and Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda signed the debt-to- development swap worth US$24.2 million and 5.7 million euros.

Harmful wate too close at home

Harmful wate too close at home Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Galang Baru Island The environment minister has gone to Galang Baru Island to personally make sure 3,000 tons of dangerous waste illegally imported from Singapore goes back to that country. However, environmentalists doubt the waste will actually leave the country and believe the minister is being duped by those responsible for the dumping.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Friday. The Post will reappear on Saturday. -- Publisher

AirAsia to serve China: Report

AirAsia to serve China: Report BEIJING: Malaysia's AirAsia is to offer daily services between Bangkok and the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen, becoming the first no-frills foreign airline to fly to China, state media said on Wednesday. Asia's biggest and pioneering budget carrier will start operations next month, the China Business News reported, citing sources.

House opposes extra funds for local elections

House opposes extra funds for local elections Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Lawmakers opposed on Wednesday a government proposal for an additional Rp 1 trillion (US$107.5 million) in funds to support upcoming regional elections, saying the requested amount was too much. The House of Representatives Commission II overseeing governance and regional autonomy affairs questioned the purpose of the additional funds.

Clarification sought on governor's status

Clarification sought on governor's status KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Councillors in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province are demanding an explanation from the police over the naming of NTT Governor Piet Tallo as a suspect in a corruption case. Speaker of the NTT provincial council Melkianus Adoe said that the council would invite NTT police chief Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang to explain why the police changed Tallo's status from suspect to merely a witness in the case.

Prosecutors close in on Adiguna

Prosecutors close in on Adiguna The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors have requested that the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday resume the trial of Adiguna Sutowo, a prominent businessman charged with murder, rejecting the defense team's motion to throw the case out of court.

Police make arrests in credit cards scam

Police make arrests in credit cards scam The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City police on Wednesday arrested two people who they allege were involved in fraudulently using a number of Citibank and HSBC credit cards, purchasing products at several shopping centers. The two, identified as Budi Priyanto alias Ramadi, 44, and Armansyah, 41, were arrested as they waited to pay for two computers at Electronic City in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), South Jakarta.

THAI FOOD FESTIVAL: Hotel Borobudur's General Manager Poul E.

THAI FOOD FESTIVAL: Hotel Borobudur's General Manager Poul E. Bitsch (left) and the Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy H.E. Atchara Seriputra jointly cut a ribbon to open the Thai Food Festival at the hotel's Bogor Cafe.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 10, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 10, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Video Installation VIDEO Spa : Therapy For Everyday Living by Krisna Murti, at Gaya Gallery, Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252, www.gayafusion.com). Opening ceremony at 7:30 p.m., March 15 * Arts Ocean Mood by Made K. Bendesa at Ganesha Gallery Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran Bay, 10 a.m.

HS Dillon, a fearless campaigner

HS Dillon, a fearless campaigner Joyeeta Dutta Ray, Contributor, Jakarta In a country rife with corruption it takes a person of immense courage to fight for justice without once giving in. Dr. Harbrinderjit Singh Dillon is one such. As Dr. H. S. Dillon sits at his desk, ready for yet another interview with relaxed ease, he makes a remark. "This is the year of the Rooster -- this is my year!" Like the traits associated with his birth sign, there is an element of vibrancy about him.

Ambalat & TNI law

Ambalat & TNI law From Media Indonesia The Indonesian Navy has played a very important role in transporting illegal migrant workers from Malaysia and volunteers to tsunami-stricken Aceh. And lately it is flexing some muscle in the Ambalat border dispute. The question posed by most people is, will there be open war with Malaysia and, is the use of the erstwhile political motto "crush Malaysia" appropriate today? In my view, this case is not easy to solve through the politics of confrontation.

Military to up spending to modernize equipment

Military to up spending to modernize equipment Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The recent dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia over territory and resources has rung alarm bells for the Indonesian military (TNI) to immediately increase spending to modernize its tattered war machines. TNI Commander Gen.

Krung fends off Persebaya at home

Krung fends off Persebaya at home ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Krung Thai Bank jumped out to an early lead and held off the concerted fightback of Persebaya Surabaya to win 2-1 in an Asian Champions League game in Surabaya on Wednesday. All three goals in the contest were scored by the Thais -- two from Sarun Promkeaw, and one own goal from Amnart Kaewkaew.

Ali Sadikin throws gambling issue on Council's table

Ali Sadikin throws gambling issue on Council's table Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin, who made his name legalizing gambling in the city during his tenure from 1966 to 1977, proposed on Wednesday that the city administration reintroduce gambling in the capital. "I completely agree with suggestions to legalize gambling in restricted areas.

Businesses in Indonesia find success in similiar culture

Businesses in Indonesia find success in similiar culture Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many Indonesians would recognize the name Texmaco but not Ispat Indo. Both are Indian companies, each with different fates, and between them they represent the wide range of Indian businesses in Indonesia. Texmaco is a business group that still has massive debts following the monetary crisis.

1. Toba (1x35)

1. Toba (1x35) Summit to discuss post-tsunami issues 2. Women (2x26) RI women face obstacles in improving political role 3. Pilkada (2x26) House opposes extra funds for local direct elections

Lesotho man nabbed for dealing drugs

Lesotho man nabbed for dealing drugs JAKARTA: Police arrested a citizen of Lesotho, Ramakau Jonas, 32, outside a Hero grocery store in Ciputat, South Jakarta, on Monday and charged him with dealing drugs. The head of the Jakarta Police's narcotics division, Sr. Comr. Jackson Laponga, said on Tuesday that the suspect had been wanted by the police since 2000. Officers reportedly found on the suspect 50 grams of heroin, which has a street value of Rp 14.5 million.

Speaker supports pay hike proposal

Speaker supports pay hike proposal JAKARTA: House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono defended on Wednesday the proposal to increase the salaries of House members by some Rp 15 million (US$1,612) each, saying the current salary was insufficient to cover their operational expenses. He said legislators often had to spend their current salary of Rp 16 million each on operational items connected with their job as the people's representatives, including visits to their constituents.

THAI FOOD FESTIVAL: Hotel Borobudur's General Manager Poul E.

THAI FOOD FESTIVAL: Hotel Borobudur's General Manager Poul E. Bitsch (left) and the Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy H.E. Atchara Seriputra jointly cut a ribbon to open the Thai Food Festival at the hotel's Bogor Cafe.

1. TNI: 1 X 42

1. TNI: 1 X 42 Military to up spending to modernize equipment 2. ACEH: 2 X 24 Forum seeks to set up body for Aceh recovery 3. MAID: 2 X 28 Activists call for ruling to protect domestic workers 4. SAWAH: 2 X 24 Villagers evaded tsunami but struggle to survive

The EU way

The EU way With little fanfare, Indonesia today hosts the 15th regular meeting of foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The EU's standing compared to high-profile, and often controversial, ASEAN affairs related to the United States, Japan or China, remains just slightly out of the spotlight. That is not to say that the ASEAN-EU relationship is of secondary importance.

JP/7/let

JP/7/let Proportional response needed From Koran Tempo The government announcement on fuel price increases has triggered student demonstrations but ironically, the support for ordinary people's complaints has been less. In addition, the public is also disappointed with the students unconstructive actions such as their boycotting of fuel tankers -- vehicles that have nothing to do with the government's fuel price policy.

The political economy of (foreign) language

The political economy of (foreign) language Aziz Munich, Germany Most people when asked to name the international language of business and trade would quickly answer English. And recent surveys show that English is frequently nominated as the most useful and sought-after foreign language in most non- English speaking countries in the world.

*Forum seeks to set up body for Aceh recovery Page 2

*Forum seeks to set up body for Aceh recovery Page 2 *More women fat than underfed around world: Study Page 3 *Lake Toba Summit to discuss post-tsunami issues Page 4 *Dangerous waste too close to home Page 5 *Sparring in the sulawesi sea Page 6 *Joint master plan 'a must for Greater Jakarta' Page 8 *Pereira puts some spark into Jakarta Electric PLN side Page 10 *Ministry approves transportation subsidy Page 13 *A frantic week of work for Balinese women Page 18 *HS Dillon, a fearless campaigner...

BI plans to raise rates to stem inflation

BI plans to raise rates to stem inflation Indonesia's central bank said it will raise interest rates in "a gradual and measured manner" this year because a government decision to increase fuel prices threatens to stoke inflation.

Tae kwon do nationals to be held

Tae kwon do nationals to be held Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Tae kwon do Association (PB TI) announced on Wednesday its upcoming national championship would be used to select athletes for the Southeast Asia (SEA) Games later this year. "We will hold the national championship next week," Setiawan Sukardi, PBTI head of daily organizational affairs, said.

Activists call for ruling to protect domestic workers

Activists call for ruling to protect domestic workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fact that no single law exists to ensure the rights of domestic workers is endangering the rights of millions of maids across the country, activists said on Wednesday.

Managing fuel price compensation fund

Managing fuel price compensation fund From Republika Various demonstrations have been held to oppose the fuel price increases. Prices of daily needs even began to climb before the fuel price hike. The president has warned against uncontrolled protests that may produce undesirable consequences. It is also our view that such "demos" should not worsen the present situation and that should lead to some solution.

Honda Jazzes up life after fuel price hikes

Honda Jazzes up life after fuel price hikes Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta I thought the emcee made a slip of the tongue, when he said that a Honda Jazz could drive 45 kilometers on a liter of fuel. Later on, and 80 kilometers later, I learned this was no mistake. During a one-day Honda Jazz Eco-Challenge fuel efficiency contest, the winners used less than two liters of fuel to travel about 80 kilometers.

Locals want better dump management

Locals want better dump management BEKASI: At least 30 Bantar Gebang residents and environmentalists staged a protest at the Bekasi municipal office on Wednesday, demanding better facilities for local residents living in the vicinity of the Bantar Gebang dump.

Govt revives idea for tax amnesty

Govt revives idea for tax amnesty Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the pace of reform of the tax system to prevent corruption is not yet in full swing, the government has revived a controversial idea for providing a tax amnesty for certain tax evaders.

RI women face religious obstacles in improving role

RI women face religious obstacles in improving role Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Conservative religious understanding and cultural elements have hampered the development of the political role of women here, the Women's Research Institute (WRI) revealed on Thursday.

Fire at waste processing firm

Fire at waste processing firm Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Fire engulfed on Wednesday a warehouse used to store drums of toxic materials in Bogor. No injuries were reported in the blaze. The warehouse is part of the Klapa Nunggal facility, owned by Prasadha Pamunah Limbah Industri (PPLi), the country's largest hazardous waste processing firm. Otte Sulistyo, a public relations officer for PPLi, said the warehouse was used to store low-level toxic industrial waste.

Swedish government vows to help Indonesia on GAM issue

Swedish government vows to help Indonesia on GAM issue Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs Laila Freivalds said on Wednesday her government was prepared to help Indonesia resolve its standoff with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), several of whose leaders live in self-imposed exile in Sweden. Freivalds made the offer during bilateral talks with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda in Jakarta on Wednesday.

History of classical Indian music old as the land itself

History of classical Indian music old as the land itself Kousik Dutta, Jakarta The classical music of India is one of the oldest unbroken musical traditions in the world. Its origins go back to the Vedas (ancient scripts of the Hindus). The term "Indian Classical Music" refers to two related, but distinct, traditions rooted in antiquity, both very much alive in India today. The North Indian style is known as "Hindustani", while the South Indian tradition is referred to as "Carnatic".

'IndoIndians.com' brings Indians in Indonesia together

'IndoIndians.com' brings Indians in Indonesia together An Indian woman planning to visit Indonesia posted a message on the message board of a portal on Jan. 16. She wrote that it would be her first visit to Indonesia, so she needed more information about traveling to the country. The first reply was sent on Jan. 24, eight days after the first message was posted. The second reply came on Feb. 8.

Two Indian auto companies to invest in Indonesia

Two Indian auto companies to invest in Indonesia The Jakarta Post Jakarta Seeing potential in Indonesia's automotive market, two Indian companies -- Bajaj Auto Ltd. and TVS Motor Co. -- plan to set up manufacturing and assembly plants in the country next year.

People-profile-Dillon

People-profile-Dillon JP/20/DILLON HS Dillon -- a man who knows no fear Joyeeta Dutta Ray Contributor/Jakarta In a country rife with corruption it takes a person of immense courage to fight for justice without once giving in. Dr. Harbrinderjit Singh Dillon is one such person. As Dillon sits at his desk and readies for the interview, he remarks, "This is the year of the Rooster -- this is my year!" Like the traits associated with his birth sign, there is an element of vibrancy about him.

Managing fuel price compensation fund

Managing fuel price compensation fund From Republika Various demonstrations have been held to oppose the fuel price increases. Prices of daily needs even began to climb before the fuel price hike. The president has warned against uncontrolled protests that may produce undesirable consequences. It is also our view that such "demos" should not worsen the present situation and that should lead to some solution.

Students stage hunger strike

Students stage hunger strike BANDUNG: At least 15 students in Bandung have begun a hunger strike on Wednesday, as prolonged street protests against the fuel price hike fall on deaf ears. Macko, a hunger striker, said that the students would stay on the hunger strike until the government canceled the fuel price increase.

Indian traders feel at home in Pasar Baru

Indian traders feel at home in Pasar Baru The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A sixty-year-old man of Indian descent sat behind the counter of his textile store in Pasar Baru, a 184-year-old market complex in Central Jakarta, waiting for customers to pay for the cloth they had selected. "Actually, I don't like it if people see me as an Indian. I'm an Indonesian.

2 x 27

2 x 27 SBY told to summon AG over general's Timor acquittal Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been urged to summon Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh over an Army general's acquittal of human rights violations in the 1999 East Timor carnage. The Supreme Court recently upheld the acquittal by the human rights tribunal of Brig. Gen.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange(in rupiah)on March 9, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange(in rupiah)on March 9, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,200 25 20,000 Adhi Karya 1,020 -10 5,885,500 Adira Dinamika 2,450 0 25,000 AGIS Tbk 115 -5 427,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 370 -5 435,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,150 0 1,550,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...

Sutiyoso defends new hospital status

Sutiyoso defends new hospital status Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite mounting protests against the corporatization of three city-run hospitals, Governor Sutiyoso refuses to reverse the decision. In a letter dated Mar. 8, Sutiyoso told the Ministry of Home Affairs that the policy could be revoked through a presidential decree or a Supreme Court ruling.

'Mahabarata', 'Ramayana' cement two countries' cultural ties

'Mahabarata', 'Ramayana' cement two countries' cultural ties A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Yogyakarta-born businessman Gunawan nodded his head in appreciation while watching a puppet show at the Taman Mini Indonesia in Miniature Park in East Jakarta on Saturday night. During the show, Manteb Sudarsono, one of Indonesia's foremost puppet masters, put on the Wahyu Makutoromo -- which contains teachings on good and clean governance and is a sequel to the Mahabrata epic.

Newmont mulls bringing case to arbitration court

Newmont mulls bringing case to arbitration court Embattled PT Newmont Minahasa Raya said on Wednesday it was considering taking the government to an international arbitration court following the environment minister's move to file a civil suit against the company. Earlier in the day, State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar said the government was seeking US$100 million in damages from Newmont for the alleged pollution of Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi.

Lake Toba summit to focus on sustainable development

Lake Toba summit to focus on sustainable development Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Medan The Lake Toba summit, scheduled to officially begin on Thursday, will be an important forum for Indonesia to learn how to promote sustainable development following the Dec. 26 earthquake and subsequent tidal waves that devastated Aceh and North Sumatra. North Sumatra Governor T.

East Ambalat row started as 'corporate dispute'

East Ambalat row started as 'corporate dispute' Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the midst of increasing tension over the territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia, it seems that the matter started as a business dispute between multinational oil giants.

Govt plans mass reshuffle in bureaucracy

Govt plans mass reshuffle in bureaucracy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 50 percent of first echelon government officials are facing imminent reshuffle due to their poor performance, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said. Kalla told The Jakarta Post in a special interview on Wednesday that the preparations for the reshuffle would take two or three months to complete. He said the reshuffle was aimed at boosting the performance of the bureaucracy.

Business sentiment low in December-January period

Business sentiment low in December-January period The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even before it was announced, the government's intention to raise domestic fuel prices caused a decline in business sentiment, as gauged by the Business Sentiment Index (BSI), in the December- January period, according to a survey. Exacerbated by concerns over the fallout of the Dec.

Poultry farmers blame govt for industry's collapse

Poultry farmers blame govt for industry's collapse Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Indonesian Poultry Breeders Association has claimed that the government is responsible for the collapse of the poultry industry across the nation. Association chairman, M. Alie Abubakar, said on Wednesday that the government had been too slow in tackling the bird flu outbreak and this had led to the collapse of the industry.

GAM's unreasonable demands

GAM's unreasonable demands From Koran Tempo Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Adi Sucipto has rightly rejected the involvement of international advisers who would be brought by delegates of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to the third round of talks scheduled for April in Helsinki, Finland.

Indonesia and Malaysia spar in the Sulawesi sea

Indonesia and Malaysia spar in the Sulawesi sea Michael Vatikiotis, Singapore Things were going so well between Indonesia and Malaysia, it is hard to believe that one of ASEAN's most critical relationships is foundering on a territorial dispute.

Broaching new frontiers in the ASEAN-EU Partnership

Broaching new frontiers in the ASEAN-EU Partnership Benita Ferrero-Waldner Jakarta Today Indonesia is hosting the 15th regular meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) and of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It takes place barely three months after the worst natural disaster of recent history took hundreds of thousands of lives and destroyed the livelihoods of millions in coastal areas throughout the Indian Ocean.

Acehnese barracks

Acehnese barracks The letter by Peter Droege from Australia (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 24) raises a number of good points. I have just returned from Aceh after staying in a refugee camp at Lhoknga for a few nights that was adequate but not easy for everyone to live in. I looked at the barrack-type wooden homes being built down the road and was not at all impressed -- in fact I was horrified.

On 'Bahasa'

On 'Bahasa' I have long wanted to write to correct the widespread use of the short form Bahasa to describe the Malay language. When the media reports that Singapore is considering teaching Bahasa as a third language in schools, they are saying that Singaporean children are going to be taught "language". This is neither accurate or informative. Bahasa means language in Malay. Thus Bahasa Inggeris is the English language, Bahasa Arab, the Arabic language etc.

Timor Sea boundary negotiations to continue

Timor Sea boundary negotiations to continue Road McGuirk, Associated Press, Canberra The latest round of negotiations between Australia and East Timor on how to divide billions of dollars in revenues from sea bed oil and gas ended on Wednesday with an agreement to hold more talks soon, a negotiator said. East Timor's head negotiator, Jose Teixeira, declined to comment on how the negotiations in the Australian capital, Canberra, had progressed over the past three days.

Elsham wins international award

Elsham wins international award JAYAPURA, Papua: Human rights group Elsham Papua has won an international accolade for defending human rights. The acting chairman of Elsham Papua, Aloysius Renwarin, said that the accolade came from the Regional Rights Resource Team, which is affiliated with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). "Elsham has won the Organization Category.

Extradition treaty must exclude terrorism: Protect RI's interests

Extradition treaty must exclude terrorism: Protect RI's interests Bambang Widjojanto and Mohamad Mova Al 'Afghani Jakarta Dubbed a "red dot on the map" by former President Habibie, Singapore has become a sanctuary for some extremely rich Indonesian tycoons accused of fraud in Jakarta. In Singapore, they have not only found a sanctuary from prosecution, they have also found a safe port to park their hot money.

'Watch where the money is going'

'Watch where the money is going' The government had promised to allocate an extra Rp 10.5 trillion (US$1.13 billion), which will be saved from fuel subsidy cuts, to finance programs targeted at the poor, such as the provision of subsidized rice, subsidized education, rural infrastructure projects and health programs. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakartans their opinions on the issue. Manto, 48, is an airport shuttle driver, who works for a hotel in Central Jakarta.

Ministry approves transportation subsidy

Ministry approves transportation subsidy Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Finance has approved a land transportation subsidy in the form of fiscal incentives on import duties and taxes. With these incentives, the government expects land transportation operators to be able to slash their operational costs by 5 percent and avoid having to raise their fares by more than 10 percent to offset the impact of the recent fuel price hike.

Rachel Davies

Rachel Davies Sydney 2. Simon -- Growing internationalism vital for modern education 2 x 30 Growing internationalism vital for developing modern education Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta

TV Today: Saturday, March 12, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, March 12, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:00 Sports 11:30 TV Drama 1:00 p.m.

Bank Central Asia's 2004 Profit Rises 34% on Loans

Bank Central Asia's 2004 Profit Rises 34% on Loans Bloomberg Jakarta PT Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's second-largest lender by assets, said profit rose 34 percent last year as an expanding economy spurred companies and individuals to borrow more. Net income rose to Rp 3.2 trillion (US$341 million), or Rp 260 a share, from Rp 2.39 trillion, or Rp 197 a share a year earlier, the lender said in a statement.

Origins of the Indian community

Origins of the Indian community Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Medan, North Sumatra Selvam, 35, of Indian descent, said he did not know how his family came to Indonesia from India. "When I was a child, my grandfather used to tell us his father came from a place called Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu. None of my family members have any knowledge of where this 'Dharmapuri' is.

Finance ministry approves land transportation subsidy

Finance ministry approves land transportation subsidy Urip Hudiono The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Ministry of Finance has approved a land transportation subsidy in the form of fiscal incentives on import duties and taxes. With these incentives, the government expects land transportation operators to be able to slash their operational costs by 5 percent and avoid having to raise their fares by more than 10 percent to offset the impact of the recent fuel price hike.

[b]Hypermarket proliferation

Hypermarket proliferation should be regulated properly Fajar Hidayat Jakarta The hypermarket concept, which combines a supermarket and a department store in a gigantic retail facility with a wide range of products under one roof, including full lines of fresh groceries, apparel and appliances, was pioneered by the French retail group Carrefour. This group opened its first hypermarket in 1962 in Sainte- Genevihve-des-Bois near Paris.

Fuel price hike: Is it truly going to help the poor?

Fuel price hike: Is it truly going to help the poor? Azas Tigor Nainggolan Jakarta On March 1 the government raised the prices of most fuel products despite many protests from the community. The present price hike, the government said, was necessary to cut the subsidies, which have become too costly, and do no benefit the poor or the little people, who actually deserve them.

1. COMMENT: 2 LINES, 28 COUNTS

1. COMMENT: 2 LINES, 28 COUNTS Nyepi, a spiritual journey to silence and emptiness 2. AMBALAT: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS E. Ambalat row started as 'corporate dispute' 3. EXPO: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Indonesia, India hope for improved trade, investment 4. FAT: 1 LINE 27 COUNTS 'More women fat than underfed'

RI, E. Timor seal deal on past atrocities

RI, E. Timor seal deal on past atrocities Ivy Susanti and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta East Timor President Xanana Gusmao said on Wednesday that the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF), jointly set up with Indonesia, would seek to uncover the truth and not seek vengeance. "The Commission is committed to seeking the truth. The commission is open to searching for the truth.

Indian food attracts wider market

Indian food attracts wider market Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Thanks partly to Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and other Bollywood people, all things Indian are gaining popularity here, including its spicy and pungent cuisine. Until recently, very few could afford Indian cuisine regularly because Indian eateries in Jakarta were mostly upmarket. Now, for less than Rp 40,000 you can enjoy a complete Indian meal plus soft drink at a number of eateries.

Increase asphalt prices

Increase asphalt prices State oil and gas company Pertamina should increase asphalt prices. Pertamina is Indonesia's major oil refiner and producer of asphalt, which is mainly used for road building and maintenance. These road projects are paid for by the government, and are often in turn funded by foreign aid. Pertamina asphalt production is not enough to meet the demand and Indonesia has to import asphalt every year at much higher international prices.

RI hackers vent anger against KL

RI hackers vent anger against KL INDONESIA: A territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia moved into cyberspace on Wednesday as Indonesian hackers launched attacks on Malaysian websites. Government sites were the main targets of the campaign which came on top of three days of street protests against Malaysia's granting of an oil concession off Kalimantan island in an area claimed by both countries.

Diplomacy persists

Diplomacy persists The article written by Graham Gerard Ong titled Diplomacy can calm troubled sea (March 9) contains misleading arguments that require clarification. The deployment of an Indonesian naval fleet to Ambalat should not be considered as flexing its muscles aimed at resorting to the use of force in resolving conflicting claims with Malaysia.

Forest fire agency demand autonomy

Forest fire agency demand autonomy PEKANBARU, Riau: A senior government official proposed on Wednesday that the Riau Forest Fire Management Agency be declared an autonomous entity. "We don't have our own budget, which makes us reliant upon government budgetary funds for our operational expenses. If the agency is set up as an autonomous body and has access to our own funds, we will be able to work faster and more efficiently," said Wan Abubakar, the chief of the agency.

Banks, offices close for 3 days

Banks, offices close for 3 days State and private banks in Bali will be closed from March 9 to March 11 for the Hindu religious holidays of Galungan and Nyepi (the Day of Silence), but most ATMs will continue to operate. However, bank BCA announced its ATMs in Bali would not operate on March 10 and March 11. The bank said the ATMs would come back online on March 12 at 9 a.m. Bank branches will reopen for business on March 14.

HS Dillon, a fearless campaigner

HS Dillon, a fearless campaigner Joyeeta Dutta Ray, Contributor, Jakarta In a country rife with corruption it takes a person of immense courage to fight for justice without once giving in. Dr. Harbrinderjit Singh Dillon is one such person. As Dillon sits at his desk and readies for the interview, he remarks, "This is the year of the Rooster -- this is my year!" Like the traits associated with his birth sign, there is an element of vibrancy about him.

Danamon to extend up to Rp15t in loans

Danamon to extend up to Rp15t in loans JAKARTA: PT Bank Danamon, Indonesia's fifth largest lender, plans to extend as much as Rp 15 trillion (US$1.6 billion) in loans this year, 74 percent more than last year, even if lending rates increase, a bank official said on Wednesday. The new lending will help the bank post a 25 percent increase in operating profit this year, Vera Eve Lim, Danamon's chief financial officer, said.

House opposes extra funds for local elections

House opposes extra funds for local elections Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawmakers opposed on Wednesday a government proposal for an additional Rp 1 trillion (US$107.5 million) in funds to support upcoming regional elections, saying the requested amount was too much. The House of Representatives Commission II overseeing governance and regional autonomy affairs questioned the purpose of the additional funds.

Frantic week of work for Balinese women

Frantic week of work for Balinese women I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar For Wartini and millions of Balinese women across the island, this week is one of the busiest and confusing seven days of the year. The week sees two major religious festivals taking place only a day apart. Galungan falls on March. 9 and the Hindu new year, Nyepi, falls on March 11.

Rupiah Rates March 9

Rupiah Rates March 9 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,863.39 7,061.86 7,502.31 7,422.72 Brunei dollar 1 6,083.50 5,463.45 5,804.14 5,742.64 Canadian dollar 1 8,135.41 7,305.92 7,761.83 7,679.25 Swiss franc 1 8,487.48 7,625.81 8,097.74 8,015.48 Danish krone 1 1,768.24 1,587.83 1,687.04 1,668.97 Euro 1 13,161.88 11,825.02 12,557.49 12,429.28 Poundsterling 1 19,016.76 17,084.63 18,143.51 17,957.65 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,264.81 1,136.52 1,206.73 1,194.60...

Ngruki: A school of terrorism?

Ngruki: A school of terrorism? Part 1 of 2 Noor Huda Ismail Jakarta The Jakarta Post on Feb. 28, 2005 released a report on a Ngruki alumni involved in terrorism activity. As a graduate of that school, I understand how such people think. In this brief report, I would like to share my experiences studying there and investigate why a fringe of Ngruki alumni are involved in terrorism activities but the majority are not. From age 12 to 17 I attended the now-famous Islamic boarding school.

Govt to seek $100m

Govt to seek $100m from Newmont JAKARTA: The government plans to file a civil suit demanding that mining firm PT Newmont Minahasa Raya pay US$100 million in damages for allegedly polluting Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi. State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar said on Wednesday the amount had been calculated based on the environmental damage allegedly caused by the firm.

Cultural movement more effective

Cultural movement more effective From Media Indonesia In our quest for a quality improvement of democracy to keep pace with advanced countries, the emerging views of bureaucrats and religious institutions constitute a natural phenomenon. The cultural movement of Islam has turned out to be more successful than political Islam in presenting a humanistic, pluralistic and dynamic face of Islam. In the Indonesian context, the struggle through the political path (of Islam) has failed.

Pereira puts spark into Jakarta Electric

Pereira puts spark into Jakarta Electric Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It could have been a listless Aline "Lily" Pereira who took the court for the opening of the 2005 Proliga Volleyball championship. The Brazilian, who arrived here only a few days before the tournament began last Friday, instead provided a much-needed boost to defending champion Jakarta Electric PLN.

ADB tsunami meeting to sustain momentum

ADB tsunami meeting to sustain momentum The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Wednesday it aims to sustain the momentum in the rebuilding of tsunami-affected countries when it hosts a ministerial conference to discuss the recovery effort next week. The Manila-based ADB said it has invited ministers and senior government officials from the five most affected countries -- India, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand -- to the March 18 meeting.

Mitsubishi Grandis offers (more) affordable luxury MPV

Mitsubishi Grandis offers (more) affordable luxury MPV Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is known, at least in Southeast Asia, as a lucrative market for multipurpose vehicles (MPVs), from the most basic models to the most expensive and deluxe. Eager to grab a piece of this sweet pie, Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi introduced on Feb. 23 its Grandis MPV, through local partner PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors (KTB).

Krung fends off Persebaya in Champions League

Krung fends off Persebaya in Champions League ID Nugroho The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Krung Thai Bank jumped out to an early lead and held off the concerted fightback of Persebaya Surabaya to win 2-1 in an Asian Champions League game in Surabaya on Wednesday. All three goals in the contest were scored by the Thais -- two from Sarun Promkeaw, and one own goal from Amnart Kaewkaew.

1. Malay --- 3x12

1. Malay --- 3x12 RI, Malaysia differ on ways to solve row or RI, Malaysia differ on ways to mend rift 2. Timor ----- 1x28 RI, E. Timor seal deal on past atrocities 3. Kalla --- 1x28 Govt plans mass reshuffle in bureaucracy 4. Gamble --- 1x42 Ali Sadikin throws gambling issue on Council's table

Bank Central Asia's 2004 profit rises 34% on loans

Bank Central Asia's 2004 profit rises 34% on loans Bloomberg, Jakarta PT Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's second-largest lender by assets, said profit rose 34 percent last year as an expanding economy spurred companies and individuals to borrow more. Net income rose to Rp 3.2 trillion (US$341 million), or Rp 260 a share, from Rp 2.39 trillion, or Rp 197 a share a year earlier, the lender said in a statement.

Summit to discuss post-tsunami issues

Summit to discuss post-tsunami issues Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The Lake Toba summit, scheduled to officially begin on Thursday, will be an important forum for Indonesia to learn how to promote sustainable development following the Dec. 26 earthquake and subsequent tidal waves that devastated Aceh and North Sumatra. North Sumatra Governor T.

Mercedes-Benz introduces compact B-Class vehicle

Mercedes-Benz introduces compact B-Class vehicle The Jakarta Post, Jakarta German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has recently introduced its new compact hatchback Mercedes B-Class with the company calling it a Compact Sports Tourer. The B-Class is the second compact produced by the company after the A-Class. The B-Class has its first world premier at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show which will end this Sunday.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner

Benita Ferrero-Waldner Jakarta 2. Katopo -- Reflections on International women's day 1 x 30 Reflecting on Women's Day Marianne Katoppo Jakarta 3. Star -- Important that Indonesia resolves worker delay quickly 1 x 30 Settling migrant worker problems V.K. Chin The Star Asia News Network Selangor, Malaysia

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Sparring in the Sulawesi sea Michael Vatikiotis Singapore 2. Pro10 -- The China threat, part two? 1 x 30 China's military threat, part two? Jinichi Matsumoto The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo 3. Asahi -- Failed states give al-Qaeda safe haven 1 x 30 Failed states protect al-Qaeda Jinichi Matsumoto The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo

Slowly but surely, Mandarin becomes second foreign language

Slowly but surely, Mandarin becomes second foreign language Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After four years of freedom for the expression of Chinese culture, the Mandarin language has started attracting Indonesians, as private schools begin to provide Mandarin courses in response to popular demand. "The interest in Mandarin is growing in Indonesia. Not very fast, but steadily," said Michelle Vivi, the owner of Hua Mandarin Language School.

Govt to seek $100m from Newmont

Govt to seek $100m from Newmont JAKARTA: The government plans to file a civil suit demanding that mining firm PT Newmont Minahasa Raya pay US$100 million in damages for allegedly polluting Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi. State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar said on Wednesday the amount had been calculated based on the environmental damage allegedly caused by the firm.

RI, Malaysia take steps to mend rift

RI, Malaysia take steps to mend rift Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an effort to prevent xenophobia fueled by the Ambalat dispute from spreading in the two countries, Indonesia and Malaysia met in Jakarta on Wednesday and agreed to solve the row peacefully on the negotiating table, rather than the battlefield.

Rachel Davies

Rachel Davies Sydney 2. Simon -- Growing internationalism vital for modern education 2 x 30 Growing internationalism vital for developing modern education Simon Marcus Gower Jakarta

Villagers survived tsunami disaster, but strunggle to farm devastated land

Villagers survived tsunami disaster, but strunggle to farm devastated land Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe The situation just outside Lhokseumawe in the northern part of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam is not as gloomy as you might imagine. Students ride their bicycles home through green paddy fields. The landscape bears no scars, it is picture-perfect as though the tsunami had passed it by. But 15 kilometers east, green pastures give way to dry, cracked land.

Flood produces sinking feeling for Bekasi traders

Flood produces sinking feeling for Bekasi traders The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was far from business as usual at Mal Mega Bekasi shopping complex on Tuesday, with floodwater inundating the center since early Sunday. Floodwater on the ground floor was still up to one meter deep. One of the 600 traders in the mall, Alay, 45, said the 2.5- meter-deep flood on Sunday had destroyed his merchandise -- mostly electronic goods.

Forum seeks to set up body for Aceh recovery

Forum seeks to set up body for Aceh recovery Dedy Ardiansyah, The Jakarta Post, Medan Although the central government has aborted its plan to establish a special body to take charge of reconstruction of Aceh, the recently held Aceh Recovery Forum was adamant that such a body was badly needed by the Acehnese people.

Workers demand higher salaries

Workers demand higher salaries BATAM, Riau Islands: Some 2,000 hotel and entertainment workers in Riau Islands province staged a protest on Wednesday in Batam, demanding that the government raise the minimum wage in the area. The increase in the minimum wage should follow on the increase of fuel price, the protesters said.