Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 March 2005

74 articles found

Bali property market holding up

Bali property market holding upThe Jakarta Port, JakartaDespite the deadly bomb blast in 2002, Bali remains a potential market for property investors as indicated by the occupancy rate of hotels and villas, currently averaging 85 percent, with annual increases of property prices by 10 percent, said...

Bitung Port, Kupang ready to become international hub

Bitung Port, Kupang ready to become international hubThe Jakarta Post, JakartaBitung Port in North Sulawesi is on the brink of becoming an international port as its infrastructure is up to standard and new investors are coming in.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchage (in rupiah) on March 21, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchage (in rupiah) on March 21, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo...

Rupiah Rates March 21

Rupiah Rates March 21 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,828.90 7,031.66 7,469.76 7,390.57 Brunei dollar 1 6,069.08 5,451.14 5,790.67 5,729.38 Canadian dollar 1 8,200.47 7,366.37 7,824.28 7,742.36 Swiss franc 1 8,454.62 7,595.21 8,066.78 7,982.

Papua Police seize illegall logs

Papua Police seize illegall logsPolice officers in Papua inspect over 60 illegally cut logs of various types on board the Tujuh Buana I barge (see photo). The vessel was seized by the police's air and water units off the coast of Yanma, some 75 kilometers west of the provincial capital Jayapura, an...

Govt to sell stake in BCA

Govt to sell stake in BCAJAKARTA: The government plans to sell its remaining stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA), the country's second largest lender by assets, via the stock market, an official at the asset-sale agency said.

Council questions cemetery fees

Council questions cemetery fees JAKARTA: The City Council has asked the city administration to conduct a full investigation into what it says are jacked-up fees at the Pondok Kelapa Public Cemetery in East Jakarta.

NGOs call for law on witness protection

NGOs call for law on witness protection JAKARTA: A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on Monday urged the government to start deliberating the draft law on witness protection and to set up a special agency to protect witnesses.

Residents protest road project

Residents protest road project JAKARTA: Dozens of residents of Kebon Kacang subdistrict in Central Jakarta protested on Monday a road elevation project in the area, fearing that it would only worsen floods there.The owner of Plaza Indonesia is currently raising the surface of Jl.

TV Program: Wednesday, March 23, 2005

TV Program: Wednesday, March 23, 2005TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee8:30 Music: Asik-asik10:00 Talk Show: Showbiz11:00 Cultural Program: Nusa Budaya12:00 p.m.

17,000 moved out of haj list

17,000 moved out of haj list JAKARTA: The government has moved over 17,000 applicants for the haj pilgrimage in 2006 to a waiting list because they had either performed the haj before, or because they were under 17 years of age.

RI, Australia agree on priorities reconstruction fund

RI, Australia agree on priorities reconstruction fundUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIndonesia and Australia have agreed on how the A$1 billion (some US$806 million) in aid funds will be used in financing reconstruction projects in disaster-affected areas.

Brockovich urges global partnership to save Earth

Brockovich urges global partnership to save EarthRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Parapat"The environment is the place where mankind lives. In dealing with the environment, we have only two extreme positions: Ally or enemy.

RI in China group for Sudirman Cup

RI in China group for Sudirman Cup BEIJING: China and South Korea will head the two top groups at the 2005 Sudirman Cup mixed-team world badminton championships to be held in Beijing from May 5-10 after the draw was made on Monday.

Four months sought for soldier

Four months sought for soldier BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Prosecutors in the trial of an Army soldier being court martialled for allegedly assaulting non-governmental organization activist Farid Faqih demanded on Monday a four-month sentence for the defendant.Prosecutor Maj.

Water crisis looms over Indonesia

Water crisis looms over IndonesiaDebbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta This special report is published to commemorate World Water Day which is observed worldwide on April 22. This year's celebration also marks the beginning of the second International Decade for Action -- Water for Life.

JP/P.J. Leo

JP/P.J. LeoPRECIOUS WATER: Lack of water has forced three girls from Marunda in North Jakarta to walk several kilometers to search for clean water (above). Lack of sanitation and clean water resources has also prompted residents to use water from polluted rivers for washing, bathing and drinking...

The price of negligence

The price of negligenceFrom Media IndonesiaThe recent landslide at the Leuwigajah dump in Cimahi regency, West Java, buried hundreds of houses and killed many people while they were asleep.Like the tsunami in Aceh that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, the Leuwigajah landslide had also been...

Governor plays down bird flu scare

Governor plays down bird flu scare BANDUNG: West Java Governor Danny Setiawan said on Monday that isolation of the all of the province's chicken farms was not necessary because only a small number of farms were affected by bird flu.

No room for women imam in mosques here, says expert

No room for women imam in mosques here, says expertHera Diani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaLiberal Muslim scholars here welcomed on Monday the news of a woman leading a mixed-gender Friday prayer service in New York last week.

House votes in favor of fuel hike

House votes in favor of fuel hikeTony Hotland and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaOne major hurdle for the government's fuel hike policy was cleared on Monday as the House of Representatives came to the decision that the policy simply needed to be reviewed.

Reform group proposes collective leadership of PDI-P

Reform group proposes collective leadership of PDI-PThe Jakarta Post, JakartaA faction in the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), calling itself the Reform Group, has suggested the upcoming party congress form a presidium to provide transitional leadership as the party moves away from...

Is it a mad world?

Is it a mad world? I refer to the article F-16 fighter jets remain on alert near Ambalat oil block (The Jakarta Post, March 16, page 4).Please explain to your readers how an F-16 fighter jet can take off with a braking-schute employed, (see photo).

Pollycarpus 'facilitated Munir murder'

Pollycarpus 'facilitated Munir murder'Eva C. Komandjaja and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaPolice investigators said on Monday that Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto, the only suspect so far in the murder of human rights activist Munir, was not the main executor, but "facilitated" the murder to...

Govt to screen foreign NGOs in Aceh

Govt to screen foreign NGOs in AcehTiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaForeign aid organizations will have to pass government screening to be eligible to stay in Aceh during the post-emergency response period, a top official says.

Curry Club returns to Sahid's Shah Jahan

Curry Club returns to Sahid's Shah JahanEvi Mariani The Jakarta Post/JakartaAfter an absence of about a year, Indian restaurant Shah Jahan is now offering again a special buffet of curry dishes at a reasonable price with a free flow beer for curry-lovers.

UN special envoy to visit Aceh

UN special envoy to visit Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: United Nations special envoy for post- tsunami rehabilitation Erskine Bowles will visit hard-hit Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam next week to take a look at the scale of the destruction in the province.

Garuda's new board faces tough task

Garuda's new board faces tough taskUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaState Minister of State Enterprises Sugiharto has told the newly appointed board of national flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia that they have a daunting task ahead of them.

Vendors disturb

Vendors disturb neighborhoodFrom KompasFor almost 50 years there have been hundreds of sidewalk vendors operating in Rawa Badak Utara subdistrict, Koja district, North Jakarta. These vendors disturb our residential neighborhood, while a commercial center that was built for them is not being...

Watchdog expects local polls to be success

Watchdog expects local polls to be successHera Diani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe unprecedented direct presidential and legislative elections last year were widely praised as free and fair.One of the organizations that contributed a great deal to the successful elections was the International...

Govt goes ahead with bond plans

Govt goes ahead with bond plansThe Jakarta Post, JakartaDefying concerns about a delay in its planned global bond issue, the government confirmed on Monday that it would go ahead with the plan as scheduled, saying it would set the price guidelines for the bond offering on Tuesday.

RI, Malaysia to begin Ambalat talks

RI, Malaysia to begin Ambalat talksThe Jakarta Post, JakartaIn an attempt to seek a peaceful solution to the Ambalat dispute, technical teams from Indonesia and Malaysia will meet in Jakarta on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

Justice for 'G30S' detainees

Justice for 'G30S' detainees The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has asked the President to approve the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission. Based on a law enacted by the House of Representatives last year, the deadline for the setting up of this 21-member Truth and...

Rupiah Rates March 21

Rupiah Rates March 21 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,828.90 7,031.66 7,469.76 7,390.57 Brunei dollar 1 6,069.08 5,451.14 5,790.67 5,729.38 Canadian dollar 1 8,200.47 7,366.37 7,824.28 7,742.36 Swiss franc 1 8,454.62 7,595.21 8,066.78 7,982.

Protecting water sources

Protecting water sourcesSudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The quality of Indonesia's water sources continues to be degraded with the widespread use of rivers to dump industrial and household waste.

Indonesia's fragile defense

Indonesia's fragile defenseFrom Koran TempoThe Indonesia-Malaysia border dispute over the Ambalat oil block off East Kalimantan should be given serious attention, but it is not enough for the nation to only mobilize militia volunteers against Malaysia.

Part 2 of 2: Powering media dynamics

Part 2 of 2: Powering media dynamicsJakob Oetama, Jakarta Globalization has positive and negative impacts. Information again has become global, instantaneous and interactive. There are ample opportunities for members of the international community to know and understand one another and to cooperate...

Siregar still in active service for love of sports

Siregar still in active service for love of sportsMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A health scare forced Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar to adopt a strict diet and exercise regimen.After undergoing heart surgery in the early 1990s, the secretary-general of the Badminton Association of...

Two hostages freed: Officer

Two hostages freed: OfficerPuji Santoso, The Jakarta Post, PekanbaruAfter more than a week, a group of criminals claiming to be members of the secessionist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Sunday finally freed two hostages, a senior Navy officer said on Monday.

Berau Coal to raise output to 10 million tons

Berau Coal to raise output to 10 million tonsLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaCoal producer PT Berau Coal is planning to raise its output by 10 percent this year to 10 million tons to meet higher domestic and international demand.

RP police wary of RI militants

RP police wary of RI militantsPHILIPPINES: Three Indonesian operatives from the regional terrorist network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) are suspected of plotting with the Abu Sayyaf militant group to launch bomb attacks during the Easter holiday, officials said on Monday.

New Zealand PM announces visits of President Susilo

New Zealand PM announces visits of President SusiloAssociated Press, WellingtonNew Zealand's prime minister on Monday announced coming visits by the leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia and Bahrain, saying it was important for her nation to step up dialogue with the Muslim world.

Jatinegara to have new parking lots

Jatinegara to have new parking lots JAKARTA: East Jakarta's prime business district, Jatinegara, will soon have new parking lots to help ease chronic traffic jams on Jl. Jatinegara Barat and Jl. Jatinegara Timur, an official said on Monday."The idea comes from Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso.

Australian gets six months for drug crime

Australian gets six months for drug crimeWahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, DenpasarThe Denpasar District Court sentenced on Monday an Australian citizen to six months' imprisonment for making ephedrine tablets, a drug that is outlawed in the country.

Sutiyoso gives personal guarantee to Tanah Abang traders

Sutiyoso gives personal guarantee to Tanah Abang traders Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/JakartaGovernor Sutiyoso gave on Monday his personal guarantee that the 3,500 traders at the Central Jakarta Tanah Abang market would get affordable space in the new, renovated market buildings.

Indonesia moves to upgrade coal quality

Indonesia moves to upgrade coal qualityLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIn a bid to fully utilize Indonesia's coal reserves, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in cooperation with Japan plans to build a plant to upgrade low-rank coal (LRC) into high quality fuel.

Astra posts record net income of Rp 5.4t

Astra posts record net income of Rp 5.4tLeony Aurora , The Jakarta Post, JakartaWith over 483,000 vehicles sold last year, publicly listed automotive giant PT Astra International saw its net income in 2004 surge to a record high of Rp 5.4 trillion (US$577.54 million).

Councillors fight over airport

Councillors fight over airportMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, TangerangTangerang regency has laid claim to the country's main gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and the huge amount of revenue it generates, which is currently controlled by Tangerang municipality.

Law against urban

Law against urban air pollution From Koran TempoAir pollution in Jakarta has gone beyond acceptable limits and unless promptly dealt with, it could get worse in the future.The government does not seem to be concerned about the situation and apparently is content to let it deteriorate without any...

Cak Nur discharged from hospital

Cak Nur discharged from hospitalThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe return home of Nurcholish Madjid from hospital on Monday has not only rekindled the hope among his admirers that the respected Muslim scholar will soon be active again, but also reflects his strength in the face of adversity, close...

Transparency and accountability can remove the resource curse

Transparency and accountability can remove the resource curseGeorge Soros, Project Syndicate Countries that are rich in natural resources are often poor, because exploiting those resources has taken precedence over good government.

1. Analy --- 1x44

1. Analy --- 1x44 Philip Morris buys a piece of Indonesian history 2. Garuda --- 3x12 Garuda's new board faces tough task 3. Aussie -- 3x16 RI, Australia agree on priorities in reconstruction fund 4. Reform -- 2x26 UN General Assembly to hear Kofi Annan's overhaul plan

Wolfowitz's appointment is not a smart move

Wolfowitz's appointment is not a smart moveAri A. Perdana, Cambridge, MassachusettsThe nomination of Paul Wolfowitz as the World Bank president has been the hottest issue on the international stage for the past few weeks.

Central govt tips green light to Jakarta New Port

Central govt tips green light to Jakarta New PortDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAfter a prolonged tug-of-war with the Jakarta administration over the development of the Jakarta New Port, the central government gave signs of approval Monday that the project could go ahead.

Philip Morris buys a piece of Indonesian history

Philip Morris buys a piece of Indonesian historyVincent Lingga, JakartaJulius Tahija surprised the financial community in mid-1997 when he sold to the Soemitro Djojohadikusumo family his 40 percent stake in Bank Niaga, a sound, rapidly growing bank, that was then ranked 7th largest in the country.

India keeps high palm oil tariff despite RI protest: Minister

India keeps high palm oil tariff despite RI protest: MinisterZakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIndia will maintain its higher import duty on crude palm oil (CPO) despite complaints from Indonesia, Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono said on Monday.

1. PDIP (3x18)

1. PDIP (3x18) Reform group proposes ditching Megawati for shared PDI-P leadership 2. Tank (2x23) Generals 'knew nothing' about $180m tank scam 3. Bomb (2x23) Second embassy bombing suspect stands trial 4. Susul (1x28) Election funds 'won't be cut' 5.

Cigarette too easy to tax: Putera

Cigarette too easy to tax: PuteraThe Jakarta Post, JakartaBreaking a weeklong silence, the Sampoerna family has spoken out about the historic sale of 92-year-old cigarettemaker PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna to Philip Morris International Inc.

Ismeth eyes governor position

Ismeth eyes governor position BATAM, Riau Islands: After resigning from his position as Riau Islands' interim governor, Ismeth Abdullah also plans to resign from his post as head of the Batam Authority's board so he can become a candidate in the upcoming election of the province's governor.

* Pollycarpus 'acted as facilitator' in Munir murder Page 2

* Pollycarpus 'acted as facilitator' in Munir murder Page 2 * Generals claim no knowledge of $180 million tank scam Page 4 * Australian gets six months on drug charge Page 5 * Wolfowitz's appointment not a smart move Page 6 * Rare flowers disappear from Sumatra's rain forests Page 8 * MF Siregar...

Indonesia Plans to Sell Remaining Stake in Bank Central Asia

Indonesia Plans to Sell Remaining Stake in Bank Central Asia Indonesia plans to sell its remaining stake in PT Bank Central Asia, the country's second- largest lender by assets, on the stock market, an official at the asset-sale agency said.

1. Seaport (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18)

1. Seaport (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18) Central govt tips green light for Jakarta New Port 2. Munir (35) - 36 pts 4cols 1line (1x28) Pollycarpus 'facilitated murder' 3. Imam (45) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) No room for women imam in mosques here, says Expert 4.

Historian helps preserve heritage

Historian helps preserve heritageIndra Harsaputra, SurabayaDukut Imam Widodo displayed his small red notebook before speaking at length about his works, notably Surabaya Tempo Dulu (Old Surabaya) and Gresik Tempo Dulu (Old Gresik).

Second embassy bombing suspect stands trial

Second embassy bombing suspect stands trialAgencies, JakartaA militant went on trial on Monday accused of transporting and storing explosives used in last year's suicide bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

Tiger Airways to fly to Padang

Tiger Airways to fly to Padang SINGAPORE: Budget carrier Tiger Airways, an offshoot of Singapore Airlines, said on Monday it would begin flying to the Indonesian city of Padang from May and has applied for landing rights in Jakarta and Medan.

City launches Enjoy Jakarta 2005

City launches Enjoy Jakarta 2005 JAKARTA: The Jakarta Tourism Agency launched on Monday an annual promotional package for tourists coming into town under the slogan Enjoy Jakarta 2005."Throughout the year, we will distribute discount cards to tourists visiting the city," agency head Harianto...

Landslide case handed over to prosecutors

Landslide case handed over to prosecutorsYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungAfter a month long investigation, Cimahi Police submitted to prosecutor's on Monday the case file of Awan Gumelar, a suspect in the Leuwigajah landslide case last month that killed 143 residents.

Election funds 'won't be cut'

Election funds 'won't be cut'The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf said that the central government would not reduce the state budget allocation for regional elections from the proposed figure of Rp 1.25 trillion (US$135.87 million) despite rejection from some lawmakers.

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Wolfowitz and McNamara: What's the difference? W. Scott Thompson Sukawati, Bali2. Jakob2 -- Powering the Media Dynamics 1 x 30 Powering media dynamics Jakob Oetama Jakarta

Main index surges at JSX with gains in Telkom, BCA

Main index surges at JSX with gains in Telkom, BCADow Jones, JakartaIndonesian shares ended higher on Monday, with gains in Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), driving the main index to surge to a new closing high, dealers said.

Pirates free kidnapped Japanese, Filipino sailors

Pirates free kidnapped Japanese, Filipino sailorsM. Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse/Kuala LumpurTwo Japanese officers and a Filipino crewman kidnapped during a pirate attack in the Malacca Strait have been released unhurt in southern Thailand after being held captive for almost a week, officials...

Rare flowers disappearing from Sumatra rain forests

Rare flowers disappearing from Sumatra rain forestsTheresia Sufa, BogorThe gigantic and pungent Titan Arum or Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum), which can reach up to three and a half meters in height, is slowly disappearing from its native Sumatra rain forests and increasingly blooming in...

Sutiyoso offers his guarantee to traders

Sutiyoso offers his guarantee to tradersDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaGovernor Sutiyoso gave on Monday his personal guarantee that the 3,500 traders at the Central Jakarta Tanah Abang market would get affordable space in the new, renovated market buildings.

Niaga's bond issue plans approved

Niaga's bond issue plans approved JAKARTA: Bank Niaga, an Indonesian lender controlled by Malaysia's second largest bank, said it received central bank approval for the planned sale of as much as US$100 million of bonds.Bank Indonesia approved the sale two weeks ago, said Peter B.