Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 April 2005

73 articles found

Fuel subsidy benefits well-to-do residents

Fuel subsidy benefits well-to-do residents Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Agus Sahlan, 30, a resident of Sribawono, East Lampung, was frustrated trying to arrange for his two nephews to receive free treatment at a hospital in Bandarlampung. In the end, Agus had to pay in full for the boys' hospital stay, even though Lampung Governor Sjachroedin Z.P.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 11, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 11, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,950 0 5,000 Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk 890 -10 1,332,500 Adira Dinamika Multi Fina 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 140 5 1,002,500 Akbar Indo Makmur Stimec 300 -20 500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,190 -10 1,860,500...

Singapore economy slows in first quarter

Singapore economy slows in first quarter Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore's economic growth slowed in the first quarter to 2.4 percent, official figures showed on Monday, although economists said official full-year forecasts of 3.0-5.0 percent remain achievable.

The Asian-African Summit 2005: In search of possibilities

The Asian-African Summit 2005: In search of possibilities Teuku Faizasyah, Pretoria, South Africa The coming together of Asian and African leaders in Jakarta and Bandung for a summit on Apr. 22 and Apr. 23, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference, is a good time to reflect on the relevancy of building a "new bridge" between the two continents.

Protests not banned during int'l summit

Protests not banned during int'l summit Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung The government said on Monday that activists would be allowed to stage peaceful protests or rival conferences to mark the golden jubilee of the Asian-African Summit later this month, while police said they would tighten security to thwart terror attacks during the international event.

Earthquakes leave Nias children traumatized

Earthquakes leave Nias children traumatized Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan After his hometown on Nias island was shattered by an earthquake, life is no longer the same for seven-year-old Alui Zalukhu. He has been at the Pirngadi hospital in Medan for over a week, all alone. He was separated from his family when the 8.7- magnitude quake destroyed his house in Hombolate village in Afulu district. Three days after the quake, he had to be taken to Medan because of his broken legs.

1 x 40

1 x 40 Munir probe team tries to open lid on BIN JP/4/NIAS 1 x 47 42 quake survivors in South Nias die in shelters JP/4/KAA 3 x 15 Protests not banned during int'l summit JP/4/4PKB 1 x 33 PKB still depends greatly on Gus Dur JP/2/DADE 1 x 50 The perspectives of emergency relief and rebuilding

City, govt settle feud over new port development

City, govt settle feud over new port development Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a prolonged tug-of-war between the Jakarta administration and the central government over the development of the Jakarta New Port (JNP), the two have started talks on port development on the north coast of the city. The talks will cover the port in dispute, located in East Ancol, North Jakarta, which, it is estimated, will cost some Rp 8 trillion (US$860.2 million) to develop.

Police launch traffic center

Police launch traffic center JAKARTA: The Jakarta Police introduced on Monday a new Traffic Management Center to monitor traffic throughout the capital. "This is part of our effort to modernize our services," city police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said. The Rp 2.3 billion center, on Jl. MT Haryono in South Jakarta, is supported by closed-circuit TV cameras located in 50 strategic areas throughout the capital, plus global positioning systems (GPS) that have been placed in police cars.

Indonesian human rights: Between image and reality

Indonesian human rights: Between image and reality Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The trouble with praise or accolades is that when you get too much, you get too high. And at the ongoing 61st session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Indonesia is getting plenty of praise, and deservedly so, one might argue.

UGM reveals new admission scheme

UGM reveals new admission scheme Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University (UGM) plans to introduce a new admission scheme for wealthy students this academic year, with fees reaching over Rp 80 million (US$8,888), in a bid to make the cross-subsidy system work better, a university official said on Sunday.

BPK to file graft report in June

BPK to file graft report in June JAYAPURA, Papua: The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) promised on Monday to provide the House of Representatives in June with a report on alleged graft in the sale of two tankers belonging to state-owned oil firm Pertamina. Deputy BPK head Abdullah Zainie said his office was working hard to audit the huge fund used for the sale and investigate the Pertamina officials involved.

IBRAHIM

IBRAHIM Cimahi, West Java

KPU secretary dies after lunch

KPU secretary dies after lunch JAMBI: A secretary to the Batanghari regency General Election Commission (KPUD) died on Sunday in mysterious circumstances shortly after eating lunch in a hotel in neighboring Muaro Jambi. The secretary, Iskandar, went to the Pondok Aurduri Hotel with a woman, Dewi Susanti, an employee of the Nationhood Unity and Community Protection bureau. Both had lunch together in the hotel's restaurant and checked into a hotel room after lunch.

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 42

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 42 Indonesian human rights: between image and reality 2. GAM: 3 X 16 Aceh rebel group criticizes peace talk facilitators 3. SUMMIT: 2 X 20 Australia, New Zealand may miss E. Asian summit

Councillors kick up a dtink over Bekasi dump operation

Councillors kick up a dtink over Bekasi dump operation Damar Harsanto and Wahyuana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bekasi Residents' complaints over the presence of Jakarta's dump Bantar Gebang in Bekasi are getting fiercer after its management was handed over to PT Patriot Bekasi Bangkit last August, prompting the Jakarta City Council to put more pressure on the firm.

Munir probe team tries to open lid on BIN

Munir probe team tries to open lid on BIN Tiarma Siboro and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government-sanctioned fact-finding team probing the murder of noted human rights campaigner Munir signed a protocol on Monday with the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) in a bid to enable investigations into BIN agents who stand accused of involvement in the matter.

High costs discourage investment: Deiss

High costs discourage investment: Deiss Zakki P. Hakim and Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta High costs in the Indonesian economy remain the main barrier to attract foreign investment, including investors from Switzerland, according to visiting Swiss Minister of Economic Affairs Joseph Deiss.

Another Bojong escapee nabbed

Another Bojong escapee nabbed JAKARTA: Jajang Suparman, who escaped last week with six other detainees from Bojong Police detention center, was rearrested over the weekend in Garut, West Java, by a joint team from Depok Police and local police. The arrest was made after a tip-off from the fugitive's family, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said on Monday.

RI, Malaysia to avoid repeat of gunboat incident

RI, Malaysia to avoid repeat of gunboat incident Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi have agreed to act to prevent a repeat of last week's incident in which naval ships from the two countries brushed against each other in a disputed, oil-rich maritime area.

KPK determined to uncover graft in KPU

KPK determined to uncover graft in KPU Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Responding to demands for a full inquiry after the arrest of a General Election Commission (KPU) official, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) seeks to uncover alleged graft practices within the commission. Demands for an inquiry mounted following the arrest of Mulyana W.

Minister denies barring foreign budget airlines

Minister denies barring foreign budget airlines Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has denied that it is restricting foreign budget airlines from flying to the four major cities in the country, asking the airlines to first make use of the landing rights for other cities that have already been issued.

Semen Gresik books 30% profit raise

Semen Gresik books 30% profit raise JAKARTA: Indonesia's largest cement maker PT Semen Gresik recorded a 30 percent increase in its 2004 net profit from Rp 378 billion (US$39.79 million) a year earlier, its Chief Financial Officer Cholil Hasan said on Monday. Its sales, meanwhile, increased 10 percent last year from Rp 5.5 trillion in 2003, Hasan said without giving figures for 2004 net profit and sales.

PKB still depends greatly on Gus Dur

PKB still depends greatly on Gus Dur Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang/Jakarta The National Awakening Party (PKB) remains much dependent on its founder Abdurrahman "Dus Dur" Wahid, who has endorsed selected figures to compete for the party's top job in its congress, scheduled to begin this weekend. While Gus Dur has won overwhelming support to maintain his powerful position as the party's chief patron, he has endorsed some young figures close to him to vie for the leadership post. Adhie M.

Officer linked to illegal logging

Officer linked to illegal logging JAYAPURA, Papua: Papua Police have declared a detective a suspect in an illegal logging case, a day before he faces questioning. Spokesman for the police team sent to crack down on illegal logging in the province, Sr. Comr. Saud Usman Nasution said the officer, identified only as Comr. MR, was connected to an illegal logging ring of which other members remained at large.

PAN's younger members cast doubt on newly-elected chairman

PAN's younger members cast doubt on newly-elected chairman Hera Diani and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang The younger generation of the National Mandate Party (PAN) expressed disappointment on Monday over the election of Soetrisno Bachir as the party's leader, saying the process was undemocratic and only accommodated the party's elite instead of the grassroots.

Arpeni sees smooth sailing for years to come

Arpeni sees smooth sailing for years to come The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Armed with a recently issued presidential instruction forbidding foreign vessels to transport cargo domestically in Indonesian waters, local shipping giant Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line has ordered eight more ships to anticipate a rapid growth in the sea freight sector.

South Pacific Island nations to attend Asian-African Summit

South Pacific Island nations to attend Asian-African Summit Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The upcoming Asian-African Summit (AAS) will not be an exclusive meeting for Asian and African countries as most of the South Pacific Island nations (excluding Australia and New Zealand) have been invited as full participants at the summit.

Financial facilities allocated for informal business sector

Financial facilities allocated for informal business sector Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta With little fanfare, the city administration in March last year launched a program aimed at helping vendors and small traders. Under the program, the city administration offers loans of up to Rp 5 million (US$526) to individuals, without need for collateral, to expand or open businesses in the informal sector, including home industries and farming.

Australia, New Zealand may miss E. Asian summit

Australia, New Zealand may miss E. Asian summit Australia and New Zealand will not be allowed to attend an inaugural East Asian summit unless they sign a non-aggression pact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN ministers decided on Monday. Malaysia in December will host the summit, which brings together ASEAN and its "Plus 3" partners China, Japan and South Korea. Australia, New Zealand and India have also expressed a desire to join the summit.

Switzerland to provide $100m in loans

Switzerland to provide $100m in loans The Swiss government signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding with its Indonesian counterpart to facilitate access to credit for small and medium enterprises in the country. Swiss Minister of Economic Affairs Joseph Deiss told a press conference that a credit line of up to US$100 million would be channeled to five local banks.

Conservation a priority for endangered Javan gibbon

Conservation a priority for endangered Javan gibbon Jarot Arisona, Contributor, Depok The Javan, or silvery, gibbon (Hylobates moloch) is one of the world's rarest primates. This lesser ape occurs nowhere but on Java, more precisely, in the western and central part of the island. It is confined to floristically rich patches of relatively undisturbed lowland to lower mountain rain forest of less than 1,600 meters in altitude.

Govt disburses subsidy funds to Pertamina

Govt disburses subsidy funds to Pertamina The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The current cashflow problems being experienced by state oil and gas company Pertamina will not disrupt national fuel supply as the government has started disbursing fuel subsidies. For the first phase, the government disbursed Rp 4 trillion (US$421 million) last Friday in fuel subsidies to Pertamina to assist the company pay for oil imports.

Australian heroes of humanity on Nias island

Australian heroes of humanity on Nias island Sudirman Nasir, Melbourne As an Indonesian currently studying in Australia, it was very hard not to weep reading about the deaths of nine young servicemen and women of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) who lost their lives while helping earthquake victims on Nias Island. It was a dramatic moment when the bodies of these nine were returned home.

ASEAN FMs can't agree on Myanmar during retreat in Philippines

ASEAN FMs can't agree on Myanmar during retreat in Philippines Jason Gutierrez, Agence France-Presse/Mactan, Philippines Southeast Asian foreign ministers failed to reach a consensus Monday on the issue of Myanmar's ASEAN chairmanship next year but told the military-ruled state to push forward with democratic reforms.

Principals acknoledge shift in scholarship funds

Principals acknoledge shift in scholarship funds Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several principals of city-run junior high schools admitted on Monday that they had used scholarship funds for other school purposes. Following the investigation into the principal of SMP 232 in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, who used scholarship funds to furbish his office, the principals found it necessary to explain that the law entitled them to redirect the funds.

Taman Mini theme park urban forest for water birds

Taman Mini theme park urban forest for water birds Bambang Parlupi, Jakarta Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is one of Jakarta's "urban forests", with its unique location for water birds. The East Jakarta tourist destination offers its lakes and swamps as habitat for these water fowls, which feed on fish and other water biota.

Puteh gets 10 years in jail for corruption

Puteh gets 10 years in jail for corruption The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's anticorruption drive was given a boost on Monday with the conviction and 10-year jail sentence given to suspended Nanggroe Aceh Darrusalam governor Abdullah Puteh for the illegal mark-up of a helicopter purchase. In addition to the jail term, Puteh may lose his job as Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf said the central government would soon dismiss him as the Aceh governor.

TV Program: Tuesday, April 12, 2005

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

Australia to invest US$2.5b in mining, agriculture sector

Australia to invest US$2.5b in mining, agriculture sector Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several Australian companies have affirmed their plans to invest US$2.5 billion in Indonesia, mainly in the mining and agricultural sectors. Mining giant BHP Billiton Limited would be the biggest investor, contributing $1.7 billion.

Slow disaster handling

Slow disaster handling From Republika A recent magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra has claimed lives and caused material losses. According to the latest news, most settlements on Nias and Simeulue islands were leveled. In this context, we recall how slow the government was to respond to the tsunami disaster in Aceh. The question is, will the government be as slow in delivering aid and rebuilding Nias?

Govt wants to utilize non-bank funds

Govt wants to utilize non-bank funds Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government wants to tap into the more than Rp 200 trillion (US$21.5 billion) worth of resources that non-banking financial institutions (NBFI) in the country manage, to help finance long- term investments, including major infrastructure projects.

Sampoerna awards 34 scholarships

Sampoerna awards 34 scholarships JAKARTA: The Sampoerna Foundation has awarded scholarships to 34 Indonesian students to pursue their master's degrees in business and management for the 2006 academic year. The scholarships will enable the winners to study in universities in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia or at home. "We believe that business and management expertise is vital for the national economic recovery," Eddy P.

Technical aspects of the Ambalat negotiations

Technical aspects of the Ambalat negotiations I Made Andi Arsana, Jakarta It seems that people have begun to lose interest in the dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia over the offshore Ambalat oil block, but with neither country likely to back down the issue can be expected to rear its head from time to time and heat up emotions.

Rupiah Rates April 11

Rupiah Rates April 11 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,717.00 6,942.60 7,368.19 7,291.27 Brunei dollar 1 6,033.55 5,428.55 5,760.83 5,701.19 Canadian dollar 1 8,145.98 7,328.39 7,777.78 7,696.44 Swiss franc 1 8,345.85 7,508.76 7,968.62 7,885.87 Danish krone 1 1,735.30 1,561.23 1,656.86 1,639.63 Euro 1 12,926.00 11,628.90 12,341.74 12,212.93 Poundsterling 1 18,837.00 16,950.60 17,985.57 17,801.90 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,282.28 1,153.98 1,224.32 1,211.93...

China Oilfield wins $98m contract in RI

China Oilfield wins $98m contract in RI BEIJING: China Oilfield Services Ltd., which helps companies drill for oil and gas, said it won a US$98.4 million service contract to drill wells in oil fields southeast of Sumatra in Indonesia. China Oilfield will provide four rigs and project management services to Indonesia CNOOC SES Ltd. for five years starting May 4, the company said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Monday.

Bombing suspect goes on trial

Bombing suspect goes on trial MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Agung Abdul Hamid, a principal suspect in a bomb attack on a McDonald's outlet and car showroom three years ago, went on trial on Monday in Makassar. However, the first trial session was adjourned until next week as the defendant insisted that he was unprepared for the trial. The defendant, who showed up in court without a defense lawyer, demanded a postponement because he had not been informed that he had to attend court.

RI refuses entry to UN experts probing violence

RI refuses entry to UN experts probing violence Chris Brummitt, Associated Press/Jakarta Indonesia will deny entry visas for three legal experts tasked by the United Nations to investigate why Jakarta failed to punish any military officers over the violence that accompanied East Timor's independence vote in 1999, a government spokesman said on Monday.

42 quake survivors in South Nias die in shelters

42 quake survivors in South Nias die in shelters Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan At least 42 quake victims in South Nias regency reportedly died in emergency shelters due to a lack of medical attention and food aid, an official claimed on Monday.

Major makeover for Orchard Road

Major makeover for Orchard Road Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse/Singapore Singapore's famous shopping Orchard Road strip is set to undergo a makeover worth nearly US$1 billion as part of the city-state's efforts to become one of the world's premier retail havens.

Direct flight to star between Denpasar, Auckland: Minister

Direct flight to star between Denpasar, Auckland: Minister Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and New Zealand have agreed to initiate a direct flight service between the two nations, with the first route to commence soon between Denpasar and Auckland, the largest city and center of business in New Zealand.

The perspectives of emergency relief and rebuilding

The perspectives of emergency relief and rebuilding Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Meulaboh There is still a lot of help coming into this coastal town, even while some emergency teams rushed to Nias following the latest major earthquake late last month. The issue has been to identify what sort of help is still needed, while the government has said we are over the "emergency phase" and entering reconstruction and rebuilding.

Old mortar shells found in Bogor

Old mortar shells found in Bogor BOGOR: Construction workers at the Pesona Alam housing complex in Cisarua, West Java, uncovered two mortar shells dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Agus, 35, and Hamdan, 17, were digging in the area when they struck the shells. The workers notified the Cisarua Police, which dispatched the bomb squad to the scene. "From the look of them, the mortar shells could still be active," Cisarua Police chief Adj. Comr. Widodo said. -- JP

Asia Foundation spurs Asians to help fellow Asians

Asia Foundation spurs Asians to help fellow Asians Harry Bhaskara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Dec. 26 Indian Ocean tsunami has affected people in different places in different ways. In the United States, it prompted Americans to turn to the Asia Foundation as a halfway house to channel their donations. Douglas Bereuter, the foundation's president, said here last week that this was so despite the fact that the foundation is not well-known in the United States.

1. Ambalat -- 1x40

1. Ambalat -- 1x40 RI, Malaysia to avoid repeat of gunboat incident 2. PAN ---- 2x26 PAN's younger members cast doubt on newly-elected chairman 3. MANDIRI -- 2x21 AGO probes Rp 1t graft case at Bank Mandiri

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 11, 2005:

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 11, 2005: _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,950 0 5,000 Adhi Karya Tbk 890 -10 1,332,500 Adira Dinamika Multi Fina 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 140 5 1,002,500 Akbar Indo Makmur Stimec 300 -20 500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,190 -10 1,860,500 Alakasa...

Time for tough love

Time for tough love There are times when protocol and diplomatic doublespeak will not do, and there are times when soft persuasion and quiet engagement needs to be reinforced with strong words and benign intimidation. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been one of the most loyal and patient partners of the military regime in Myanmar.

University students arrested on campus for drug trafficking

University students arrested on campus for drug trafficking Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have arrested four people, two of them students of the Indonesian Christian University, while trying to sell drugs on campus at the University of Indonesia (UI) in Depok on Friday, a police officer revealed on Monday. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr.

A cup of cappuccino is never enough

A cup of cappuccino is never enough Arief T. Syam, Contributor, Jakarta The motto that "the customer is king" remains relevant to this day. For banks in particular, customers, especially VIPs, remain kings and deserve satisfactory services. "As interbank competition gets increasingly fierce, customer services have likewise gained increasing importance," said a marketing manager of a bank in Melawai, South Jakarta.

Removing anti-graft constraints

Removing anti-graft constraints From Gatra Corruption in Indonesia has become a chronic disease, like a tumor that is spreading all over the body and is nearly incurable. Now the government has apparently become serious about dealing with these criminals and needs the support of law enforcers, state agencies and the rest of society to do something about it.

Alleged Papua rebel shot dead

Alleged Papua rebel shot dead JAYAPURA, Papua: Police offices shot dead on Sunday evening an alleged member of Papua's rebel group, Toliniwamben Giri. Toliniwamben, 59, was killed during police a raid in Kota Mulia Lama, the capital of Puncak Jaya regency, about 750 kilometers west of Jayapura. Police did not explain why he was shot. The raid was carried out after police received a tip-off saying that a group of 11 rebels had been seen in the city.

Jakarta water birds in peril

Jakarta water birds in peril Bambang Parlupi, Jakarta Although a metropolis, Jakarta has remained home to various species of exotic animals, notably water birds, which live near lakes, marshes, downstream areas and coasts. Yet the wetland habitats have now become increasingly rare, with the city's growing population and fast development of settlements and industrialized areas.

Index falls; Gudang Garam, Bank Mandiri slump

Index falls; Gudang Garam, Bank Mandiri slump Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesia's key stock index fell, led by consumer-related shares such as PT Indofood Sukses Makmur and PT Gudang Garam, after the government said it might raise its budget deficit forecast this year because of higher fuel costs. "The forecast of a higher deficit, though expected as oil prices have risen, adds negative stock sentiment," said Baradita Katoppo, head of research at Kim Eng Securities in Jakarta.

Workers protest unfair payment

Workers protest unfair payment BATAM, Riau Islands: About 650 docksiders working for two shipping companies in Batam protested outside the city council on Monday, demanding the firms pay them the meal, overtime and transportation allowances they were entitled to.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 11, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 11, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,950 0 5,000 Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk 890 -10 1,332,500 Adira Dinamika Multi Fina 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 140 5 1,002,500 Akbar Indo Makmur Stimec 300 -20 500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,190 -10 1,860,500...

JP/1/head

JP/1/head April 12, 2005 1. Puteh (45) -- 65 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x16) Puteh gets 10 years in jail for graft 2. Pertamina (40) -- 36 pts 2 cols 3lines (3x12) Govt disburses subsidy funds to Pertamina 3. Mulyana (40) -- 36 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x28) KPK determined to uncover graft in KPU 4. Golf (20) -- 28 pts 2 cols 2lines (2x18) Woods seals 9th major title in close fight --- 5. Photos

Removing anti-graft constraints

Removing anti-graft constraints From Gatra Corruption in Indonesia has become a chronic disease, like a tumor that is spreading all over the body and is nearly incurable. Now the government has apparently become serious about dealing with these criminals and needs the support of law enforcers, state agencies and the rest of society to do something about it.

AGO probes Rp 1t graft case at Bank Mandiri

AGO probes Rp 1t graft case at Bank Mandiri Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned Bank Mandiri, the country's largest bank in terms of assets, is being investigated by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) over possible graft involving more than Rp 1 trillion (US$107 million) due to huge bad loans.

Aceh rebel group criticizes peace talk facilitators

Aceh rebel group criticizes peace talk facilitators Jerry Norton, Reuters/Jakarta The military wing of rebels in Aceh province has lashed out at the group trying to facilitate a peace agreement between the separatists and the government on the eve of talks aimed at negotiating a settlement.

Fire victims request more aid

Fire victims request more aid Fire victims in Utan Panjang district, Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, as seen in the photo, are in need of clothes and temporary shelters. Many of the fire victims have had to sleep in the alleys of the district as the eight temporary shelters were not enough to accommodate the 120 families who lost their homes in the large residential fire on Saturday morning.

Open dumping system hazardous

Open dumping system hazardous From Kompas The recent landslide at the Leuwigajah municipal dump in Cimahi, West Java, buried several settlements, with 103 victims so far reported and 40 others missing. The slide was caused by a lack of response from the municipal administration to a study of the Leuwigajah dump, which found that the open dumping system in use was unsafe. Weak municipal coordination and dump management also contributed to the disaster.

Slow disaster handling

Slow disaster handling From Republika A recent magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra has claimed lives and caused material losses. According to the latest news, most settlements on Nias and Simeulue islands were leveled. In this context, we recall how slow the government was to respond to the tsunami disaster in Aceh. The question is, will the government be as slow in delivering aid and rebuilding Nias?

Merpati Airlines service

Merpati Airlines service As a frequent Merpati flyer to Bandar Lampung, I fully agree with Vatsala S. that Merpati's ground staff deserve praise and compliments ("Kudos to Merpati", The Jakarta Post dated April 6). As far as Merpati Airlines itself is concerned, however, my experiences with them over the years more often than not have been exercises in sheer frustration.