Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 March 2005

55 articles found

Proportional response needed

Proportional response needed From Koran Tempo The government announcement on fuel price increases has apparently 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.

'Beautiful Festival' captures the soul of Korea

'Beautiful Festival' captures the soul of Korea Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cultural identity binds communities living far from home together. Therefore, anything that can make such cultural identity more recognizable both within and outside the community is just another way of tightening the cohesion. For his community, Korean calligraphy artist Sohn In-shik is an effervescent link that binds his compatriots living in homes away from home.

ICT market penetration still low

ICT market penetration still low The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An old villager depicted in a TV advertisement longs for a phone call from his son. When the phone rings, the father's whole face lights up, like it's a miracle. In another setting, a busy executive enjoys a moment of down time as a child calls his cell phone to say hello.

NU avoids role in local elections

NU avoids role in local elections SURABAYA: Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Chairman Hasyim Muzadi warned on Sunday all candidates in the direct regional elections against taking advantage of their close ties with the country's largest Muslim organization. "Candidates, regardless of their status as NU members, are banned from using NU symbols to campaign because they are nominated by and represent political parties," Hasyim said.

Thai AirAsia to fly Bangkok-China

Thai AirAsia to fly Bangkok-China BANGKOK: No-frills Thai AirAsia will launch its first flight to China on April 25, starting with cheap fares of about 6,000 baht (US$150), news reports said on Saturday. Thai AirAsia, the Thai affiliate of AirAsia -- Southeast Asia's first no-frills airlines -- will be the first low-cost carrier to pioneer the Xiamen, China, route from Bangkok, Air Asia chief executive Tony Fernandes said at a press conference in Xiamen.

Ambon Police secure firearms

Ambon Police secure firearms AMBON: A police team managed to secure 22 home-made firearms and 132 rounds of ammunition of various types from Laha village residents in Teluk Ambon Baguala district on Friday. In a two-hour raid, which saw no resistance from the residents, 100 police personnel swept houses in Air Manis and Kampung Baru hamlets in Laha village. During the raid, a woman tried to escape, hiding her gun, before it was finally confiscated by the police.

* Dutch to share more evidence in Munir murder case Page 2

* Dutch to share more evidence in Munir murder case Page 2 * Most conservation areas in Indonesia unprotected Page 4 * Aru's waters vulnerable to illegal fishing Page 5 * Excesses of regional autonomy hinder business Page 6 * Public interest at stake in monorail project Page 8 * Miami Heat too hot to handle for NY Knicks Page 9 * Israel looks to Arab summit peace initiative Page 11 * Opportunities, challenges await drug companies Page 13 * Former hacker turns advocate of computer security Page...

Hatta joins race for PAN top post

Hatta joins race for PAN top post JAKARTA: The competition for the National Mandate party (PAN) chairmanship post is heating up with the inclusion of the party's secretary-general Hatta Radjasa. Hatta, who is also the Minister of Transportation, announced his bid to win the party's top post on Sunday, saying he was fulfilling the request of party constituents in the regions.

Aru's waters vulnerable to illegal fishing

Aru's waters vulnerable to illegal fishing M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon An official says illegal fishing has gotten out of control around the 187 islands of the Aru Island regency, Ambon, which comprises 6,325 square kilometers stretching from Wairalau island to Enu island. Aru community leader Soleman Mantaibobir, who is a candidate for regent of the new regency, which was established in 2003, was discussing the problem on Saturday.

Vietnam to compensate Thailand

Vietnam to compensate Thailand HANOI: Vietnam will compensate Thailand for delaying import tariff cuts on auto parts agreed under a Southeast Asian plan, state press reported on Saturday. Vietnam's finance ministry has sought Thai consent to delay tariff cuts on motorbike parts and completely built cars, the English language Vietnam News daily said.

IT security procedures -- are they being implemented?

IT security procedures -- are they being implemented? Tedy Djajawinata, Contributor, Jakarta, tedy.djajawinata@csindonesia.co.id Many companies spend long hours and excessive amounts on consultancy fees in developing IT security procedures for different reasons. Some are genuinely keen on protecting valuable information assets, while others are responding to issues raised in audit reports.

Women executed for murder and mutilation

Women executed for murder and mutilation ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya A 49-year-old housewife was shot dead by a firing squad early on Sunday morning after spending eight tough years in prison. Astini, the housewife, had been found guilty of murdering and mutilating three women between 1993 and 1995. She was executed in an undisclosed location at 1:20 a.m. by a 12-member firing squad who fired six live bullets at her heart from a range of five meters.

No plan to raise power prices: Govt

No plan to raise power prices: Govt Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro has said state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) would not be allowed to increase its rate by up to 7 percent in the near future. Yusgiantoro said the government would instead look for increased efficiencies from the company to help it save costs.

Public interest at stake in monorail project: Experts

Public interest at stake in monorail project: Experts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Transportation Council (DTK) and city councillors warned over the weekend that they were unwilling to risk public money in the ambitious monorail project worth $650 million. "I am afraid that giving (developer PT Jakarta Monorail) a form of a subsidy or loan will further entrap the Jakarta administration in what is a flawed contract so that it has to shoulder the burden of the project in the future.

Prosecutor probes assistance projects

Prosecutor probes assistance projects JAMBI: The Jambi Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating a suspected embezzlement involving projects worth a total of Rp 6.7 billion (US$744,444) aimed at assisting poor residents in the province over the last two years. "All of the projects were related to provisions," said assistant of the prosecutor office's detective unit, Nudy D. Siburian on Saturday.

What pirate attacks mean

What pirate attacks mean Mariners and shipping companies tired of pirate attacks dared hope that the Dec. 26 tsunami had cleaned out buccaneers and hideout coves along Sumatra's indented coastline. But the regenerative powers of this ancient breed of brigands are unhelpfully well celebrated. They were back in the past week, seizing crewmen for ransom in separate boardings of commercial vessels in the Malacca Strait.

'Legislators fight for own interests'

'Legislators fight for own interests' Factions in the House of Representatives clashed last week over the government's decision to raise fuel prices by an average of 29 percent. What were they fighting for? The Jakarta Post asked some Jakarta residents what they thought were the reasons behind the incident. Edo, 22, a student of school of economics at the University of Indonesia (UI) who lives in Pasar Minggu subdistrict, South Jakarta.

Securing public infrastructure

Securing public infrastructure Jim Geovedi, Contributor, Jakarta A cyberwar between Indonesia and Malaysia was sparked by the dispute over the Ambalat oil fields in the Sulawesi Sea, and, possibly, the impact of the ending of the amnesty for illegal Indonesian workers.

Elite bowlers playing at Ancol

Elite bowlers playing at Ancol JAKARTA: The Masters Challenge Cup 2005 opened on Saturday with 300 national bowlers participating in the annual event. Tournament organizing committee Mahendra Wardhana from Jaya Ancol Bowling Club said the weeklong Rp 141 million (US$15,300) tournament attracted some of the country's top names, including several promising juniors. Men's bowler Ryan Lalisang, known for bowling perfect games, nd women's bowler Putty Armein will be on hand.

Bogasari to launch IPO in September

Bogasari to launch IPO in September JAKARTA: Giant flour maker PT Bogasari plans to launch its initial public offering (IPO) in the fourth quarter of this year, an executive of the company says. "The IPO will take place between September and October this year," Bogasari president director Fransiscus Welirang said on Saturday. The IPO would mark a spin-off for Bogasari from its principal giant food company PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk.

Exxon told to explore before extend contract

Exxon told to explore before extend contract Bloomberg, Jakarta Exxon Mobil Corp. should start exploring for oil in the Cepu field in Central Java if it wants its contract extended for 20 years, said Mustiko Saleh, a vice president with Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina. "If Exxon wants its contract extended, it should fulfill its existing contract with us," Mustiko told reporters over the weekend at an energy conference.

Sampoerna workers wonder what the future will bring

Sampoerna workers wonder what the future will bring Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya News that the world's largest cigarette producer Philip Morris International Inc. would acquire a 40 percent stake in publicly listed PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk. did not reach many of the company's workers.

Sampoerna's success started from modest beginnings

Sampoerna's success started from modest beginnings Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya A worker carefully dusted Raphael, a novel published by Libraine Hachette in 1920 in Paris, at the House of Sampoerna, a two-story museum showcasing the success of the family's cigarette-making history. "After news of the Philip Morris offer, many visitors came here. They're interested in Liem Seeng Tee's book collection," Willy told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Nurcholish urged to speak more on practical strategies

Nurcholish urged to speak more on practical strategies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With Nurcholish Madjid expected to leave Pondok Indah Hospital in South Jakarta on Monday, his colleagues have called on the prominent Muslim scholar for more practical ideas to promote good governance in the country. Nurcholish, better known as "Cak Nur", underwent a liver transplant in Ghuangzhou, China, last year.

$50m Lamongan port deal signed

$50m Lamongan port deal signed Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya PT Lamongan Integrated Shorebase (LIS) has signed an agreement with PT Rotary Engineering Indonesia to construct a US$50 million oil and gas port in Lamongan, East Java. LIS was established in February last year and is co-owned by the East Java provincial government-owned firm PT Petrogas Wira Jatim and the Lamongan regency. The port will be 55 percent owned by LIS, while Eastlog Holding Ptc. Ltd.

Opportunities, await drug companies

Opportunities, await drug companies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trade liberalization among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members and a government plan to subsidize health care costs for the poor offer opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry here to speed up growth in the coming years, say industry executives.

A betrayal of ASEAN?

A betrayal of ASEAN? For the past 30 years, the world has had nothing but praise if not admiration for the spirit of cooperation among countries united under the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose members include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Myanmar. ASEAN drew the world's attention because of its exemplary regional cooperation. With the existence of such a forum, it seemed any dispute could be settled amicably through negotiations.

TNT responds

TNT responds TNT Indonesia is responding to the letter from Vivy Soepardi and Michelle faxed to us on March 16 complaining about our service. Since the incident, TNT has been in contact with both Vivy Soepardi and Michelle to explain the circumstances and have come to a beneficial settlement for both parties. TNT values greatly the cooperation shown by both of our clients, and hopes to maintain this relationship through improved professional services.

Rising fuel price benefit economy: Economist Sadli

Rising fuel price benefit economy: Economist Sadli Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's policy to increase fuel prices will eventually benefit the country's economy by helping it achieve healthier economic growth, an economist says. "Higher fuel prices will not turn the nation's economy into a catastrophe," senior economist M. Sadli told a discussion on Sunday.

Three killed in landslide in two Lampung villages

Three killed in landslide in two Lampung villages Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Following heavy rains, a landslide swept through the villages of Gunung Megang and Tekad in Pulau Panggung district, Tanggamus regency, Lampung, late on Friday, killing three people. The bodies of the victims, identified as A. Rifai, Mairin and Mujiono, have been recovered.

City, govt to draw up sewage master plan

City, govt to draw up sewage master plan JAKARTA: A joint team from the Jakarta administration and the Ministry of Public Works is preparing a master plan for the redevelopment of the sewage system across the capital, an executive said on Saturday. "Hopefully, the team will be able to finalize the master plan this year," said the president director of the city-owned sewage utility, PD PAL Jaya, Pudjo Prihadi Santoso.

Dutch to share evidence in Munir case

Dutch to share evidence in Munir case Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Dutch government has agreed to hand over to Indonesian authorities much awaited information and evidence in the poisoning death of rights campaigner Munir.

War will never solve our problems

War will never solve our problems Rizal Sukma, Jakarta The territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia on the ownership of the Ambalat oil and gas block has taken an increasingly ugly turn. Several Indonesian politicians and legislators have repeatedly called for the government to declare war against Malaysia. Demonstration after demonstration is being staged across Indonesia. The old slogan Ganyang Malaysia (Crush Malaysia) -- is being voiced again.

Timber certification helps to counter illegal logging

Timber certification helps to counter illegal logging Hasrul, The Jakarta Post, Kendari Environmentalists are praising the South Konawe regency in Southeast Sulawesi for its timber product certification, or "ecolabeling" scheme, which involves the community in forest conservation. The program, backed by the provincial administration, prioritizes a community-based forest management system, using a tree-selection culling method in the hope of reducing illegal logging in the area.

Philip Morris to challenge local cigarette giants

Philip Morris to challenge local cigarette giants Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The acquisition of PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna, the nation's second-largest cigarette producer by volume, by U.S.-based Philip Morris International Inc. is set to make the competition in local cigarette industry stronger.

'Puskemas' play key role in TB fight

'Puskemas' play key role in TB fight The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Community health centers (Puskesmas) are at the forefront of the increasingly successful fight against tuberculosis in Indonesia, according to experts.

'Most conservation areas unprotected'

'Most conservation areas unprotected' Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The majority of 277 animal conservation areas across the country are left unprotected, threatening the sustainability of animals here, a noted ornithologist warns. Rudiyanto, a senior program officer of Birdlife-Asia, said most of the important conservation areas in West Java were officially protected. These included Ujung Kulon, Gede Pangrango Mountain and Mount Salak Halimun, he said.

Images

Images Almost three months have passed since Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam witnessed a tragedy worse than anything it could have imagined when a massive earthquake, followed by a devastating tsunami, hit the province. Many loved ones remain missing, people still have to take shelter in refugee camps as their homes have been reduced to rubble, and life as it was seems as far away as ever.

Aceh gets new employment office

Aceh gets new employment office BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris will officially open the Employment Service for the People of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (ESPNAD) on Monday, according to a press release. Located at the Vocational Training Center of Banda Aceh, ESPNAD was jointly set up by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the government and began operation on Feb. 7.

1. COMMO -- 48pt

1. COMMO -- 48pt Oil prices rocket to record high at $58 2. G20 -- 36pt G-20 asks US, EU stop farm aid 3. RIAU -- 28pt Oil production in Riau down by 10 percent annually 4. PORT -- 28pt $50m Lamongan port deal signed 5. EXXON -- 28pt Exxon told to explore before extend contract 6. EU -- 28pt EU in crunch talks on budget pact ahead of summit

Oil production in Riau down by 10 percent annually

Oil production in Riau down by 10 percent annually Puji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, the country's largest oil producer situated in Riau province, is facing a sharp decrease in production by around 10 percent annually due to the reducing oil reserves in its aging wells. The company's president director, Wahyudi Yudiana Ardiwinata, said Caltex was struggling to maintain its production level. "It is not possible for us to increase production.

Cak Nur 'last of great thinkers'

Cak Nur 'last of great thinkers' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With noted Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid being hospitalized for months after undergoing a lever transplant last year in China, scholars and political analysts fear Indonesia might not see another intellectual of his stature emerge in the short term.

House likely to accept fuel price increase

House likely to accept fuel price increase The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Medan Contentious debate in the House of Representatives over the fuel price increase continued on Sunday, with pro-government factions gaining an upper hand as they prepare for Monday's plenary session. As of 10 p.m. on Sunday no agreement had been reached among leaders of House factions, who met behind closed doors to help settle the lengthy debate that started last Monday.

'Corporate Social Responsibility still a mere PR tool'

'Corporate Social Responsibility still a mere PR tool' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The current application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles in Indonesia is still far from ideal as many firms still engage in exploitative practices that threaten the environment and social surroundings.

Excesses of regional autonomy hinder business

Excesses of regional autonomy hinder business P. Agung Pambudhi, Jakarta The recommendations of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to the new government on industrial and investment revitalization have strongly indicated that implementing regional autonomy is causing major obstacles to Indonesia's economic development. The business community has so far argued that regional autonomy has negatively affected the investment climate.

Garuda's bold move

Garuda's bold move The government's decision to head the new management and supervisory boards of Garuda Indonesia with experienced financial managers is the right business strategy. Good management is especially needed in the airline, in view of the increasingly fierce competition in the industry and the heavy burden Garuda has of servicing its US$838 million debts.

Part 1 of 2: Powering the media dynamics for common good

Part 1 of 2: Powering the media dynamics for common good Jakob Oetama, Jakarta The theme of this Asia Pacific Media Forum is Powering the Media Dynamics. Media dynamics is a phenomenon that has become increasingly "globalized, simultaneous and interactive" in this 21st century. Together we have witnessed and experienced it. The moment the earthquake-generated tsunamis struck Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Malaysia on Dec.

City's mangrove planting fails

City's mangrove planting fails JAKARTA: The city program to replant mangrove forest in Marunda, North Jakarta has hit a serious snag in the form of residents' unawareness of the benefits. "Some local residents even uproot the mangrove trees as they think the trees disturb their fish farming businesses," Supardiyo, the head of the North Jakarta Environmental Management Agency, was quoted as saying by Tempointeraktif.com.

Councillors press ahead with new municipality

Councillors press ahead with new municipality Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Although Tangerang regent Ismet Iskandar has publicly rejected demands for the creation of what is being called the Cipasera municipality, councillors there say that they will press ahead with hearings on the issue. Public demands have mounted for Ciputat, Pamulang, Pondok Aren, Serpong, Cisauk and Pagedangan districts to form the new Cipasera municipality.

Berries World adds zest to Mandarin class

Berries World adds zest to Mandarin class The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Singing a Chinese children's song he learned 10 minutes earlier, three-year-old Jonathan cheerfully walks through a well-lit spacious corridor at the Berries World of Learning School and heads to a pond, full of paper cards, to fish.

1. BBM ----- 3x18

1. BBM ----- 3x18 Rising fuel prices benefit economy: Economist Sadli 2. Caknur -- 1x26 Cak Nur last of great thinkers 3. Rokok --- 2x21 Philip Morris to challenge local cigarette giants 4. Munir ---- 1x32 Dutch to share evidence in Munir case

Jakarta 46 BNI's women undefeated

Jakarta 46 BNI's women undefeated Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta 46 BNI's women team swept aside defending champions Jakarta Electric PLN on Sunday for a superb 5-0 win-loss record in the Sampoerna Hijau Proliga Volleyball Championship 2005. The team won 3-0 (25-19, 30-28, 25-15) and remained atop the league standings. But its men's team could not emulate its feat in its match against Jakarta Monas Bank DKI.

Srengseng gears up for Islamic Betawi village

Srengseng gears up for Islamic Betawi village Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of young couples are sitting on benches along the bank of a small lake, locally known as setu, in South Jakarta, while others are busy fishing in the lake. Day in day out, young and old people flock to Setu Babakan in Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, which is to become the center point of a planned Betawi village aimed at preserving the Betawi culture in the capital.

Jakarta Monas keeps up its winning streak

Jakarta Monas keeps up its winning streak Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Men's team Jakarta Monas Bank DKI handled the pressure points against Surabaya Samator on Saturday to maintain its perfect match record and stay atop the standings in the Sampoerna Hijau Proliga Volley Ball Championship. Jakarta Monas Bank DKI finally got the upper hand 3-2 (23-25, 26-24, 17-25, 25-18, 15-12) at Senayan, Central Jakarta, the third stop in the league series.

2 x 28

2 x 28 Nurcholish urged to speak more on practical strategies JP/4/BIRDS 2 x 17 'Most conservation areas unprotected' JP/4/TBC 4 x 9 'Puskesmas' play key role in TB fight