Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 April 2005

88 articles found

Students entertain receptive audience with Shakespeare

Students entertain receptive audience with Shakespeare Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Nothing can be bad when simpleness and duty tender it." The quotation from the last act of a drama staged by students from the English department of Atmajaya University last weekend sounded like a perfect wrap-up of their theatrical attempt. After all, the play, based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, was played by amateurs, not professionals.

22 hurt as Merpati skids off runway

22 hurt as Merpati skids off runway Twenty-two people were injured as a Merpati plane skidded off the runway upon landing at the Makassar airport, South Sulawesi, on Thursday amid heavy rain and strong wind, officials said. At least 10 of the injured passengers were hospitalized, while the accident at around 7:15 p.m. forced the airport to close as the runway was obstructed by the plane's broken wheel. Merpati general manager at the local office Zainuddin blamed the crash on bad weather.

Howard seeks compromise on Asian peace pact

Howard seeks compromise on Asian peace pact Australia is likely to swallow its pride and sign a Southeast Asian peace pact in order to secure a place at a key regional meeting in Malaysia at the end of the year, commentators in Canberra said on Thursday.

Poor Kalimantan farmers face hard life

Poor Kalimantan farmers face hard life Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda Hartono, 41, puffs on a rolled cigarette while he plows the land. His wife, Aida, is working nearby, wearing a woven wide-rimmed hat to protect herself from the unforgiving sun. At noon, they sit in the shade of a cluster of banana trees to rest. Aida dishes up a plate of boiled cassava and they eat it with unsweetened tea for lunch. After eating, her husband goes back to work, usually until late afternoon.

1. Kontras -- 4x10

1. Kontras -- 4x10 Authorities in Medan break up workshop on trauma healing 2. Bluepri -- 1x34 Govt to issue rules on Aceh reconstruction 3. Holiday -- 4x10 Sutiyoso asks students to stay at home during summit 4. GAM ----- 1x40 GAM pitches for self-rule at Helsinki peace talks 5. Aceh ---- 1x40 Children learn about earthquakes, tsunami

1. Mul (3x15)

1. Mul (3x15) Mulyana may revise initial statements 2. MA (2x24) Bagir: Court determined to win public trust 3. Flu (1x27) Bird flu in RI may infect people

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.

Bagir: Court determined to win public trust

Bagir: Court determined to win public trust Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Court said in its 2004 annual report that it was still struggling to restore public trust in the country's weak judicial system, a core part of the reform drive launched in 2003.

Asian and African countries must strengthen their collaboration

Asian and African countries must strengthen their collaboration in advocating for global peace and security and the establishment of an equitable international economic order. We are happy that the Asian African Summit to be held in Jakarta from April 22 to April 24, this week will strengthen and reinforce the pillars of solidarity that were laid down between the two regions during the Bandung Conference in 1955.

Jackie Chan to raise mine awareness

Jackie Chan to raise mine awareness CAMBODIA: Hollywood action hero Jackie Chan is to tour Cambodia next week to raise mine awareness in his role as a goodwill ambassador for the UN children's fund UNICEF and UNAIDS. Chan, arguably the most successful Asian star in Hollywood, is due to arrive in the impoverished kingdom next Wednesday for a three-day visit, UNICEF said in a statement on late Wednesday. It will be his second visit as an ambassador.

Annan ask A-A Summit to discuss UN reform

Annan ask A-A Summit to discuss UN reform Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has asked the organizers of the upcoming Asian-African Summit to hold a special session to discuss reform within the world body. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told the press on Thursday after a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace that the organizers had approved the request.

Susilo appoints Sjahrir as advisor

Susilo appoints Sjahrir as advisor Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday appointed economist-cum-politician Sjahrir as his personal economic adviser. After meeting with the President at the State Palace on Thursday, Sjahrir said Susilo had asked him to give advice on economic affairs and the settlement of business disputes. "I was asked by the President to be one of his personal advisers in the economic sector," he said.

TNI won't demand payment for business takeovers

TNI won't demand payment for business takeovers Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian military (TNI) will not seek financial compensation in return for the relinquishment of its businesses to the state, but has asked the government to improve the welfare of soldiers. TNI Commander Gen.

Summit-UN-reform

Summit-UN-reform JP/1/Cabinet Annan to discuss UN reform at next week's Summit Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Jakarta United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has asked the organizers of the upcoming Asian-African Summit to hold a special session to discuss reform within the world body. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told the press on Thursday after a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace that the organizers had approved the request.

TV Today: Saturday, April 16, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, April 16, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:30 Music 11:30 Oto Screen 1:00 p.m.

Budget disaster or energy policy

Budget disaster or energy policy The recent increase of fuel prices, which sparked debate among the general public, could have been hindered from the onset. Indonesians have been used to enjoying subsidized fuel, at least from the first oil boom in 1974 at a time when domestic consumption was low, and the burden of the state budget was relatively surmountable.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 14, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 14, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,710 -140 46,000 Adhi Karya 880 -20 16,917,000 Adira Dinamika 2,350 0 0 AGIS Tbk 140 -5 1,072,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 325 -10 13,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,260 -10 3,629,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165...

Survivors start life all over, again

Survivors start life all over, again Dedy Ardiansyah, The Jakarta Post, Singkil The only thing 30-year-old Linda could do was after disaster struck again was to start again from scratch. When the tsunami struck on Dec, 26, she and her husband fled from Meurebo district in Meulaboh, West Aceh as the disaster took her home and eight of her relatives. They eventually found shelter in her husband's birthplace in Kilangan village in Singkil district, Aceh Singkil regency.

Govt to issue regulations on Aceh reconstruction

Govt to issue regulations on Aceh reconstruction Rendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected in the next few days to sign a number of regulations that should provide a legal framework for rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in Aceh and Nias.

GAM pitches for self-rule at Helsinki peace talks

GAM pitches for self-rule at Helsinki peace talks Agencies, Helsinki/Jakarta/Aceh Indonesia is pouring over a proposal from Aceh rebels for self- government after the two sides reached a broad agreement on future economic ties, the separatists said on Thursday.

GAM makes self-rule pitch in peace talks

GAM makes self-rule pitch in peace talks Agencies Helsinki/Jakarta/Aceh Indonesia is pouring over a proposal from Aceh rebels for self- government after the two sides reached a broad agreement on future economic ties, the separatists said on Thursday. The rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is seeking self-rule for Aceh province devastated by last December's tsunami that led the rebels and Jakarta into peace talks to end a decades-long conflict which has killed some 12,000 people since 1976.

Uniting (East) Asia

Uniting (East) Asia The conclusion of the ministerial meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cebu, the Philippines, earlier this week was quite satisfactory. The 10 foreign ministers of the regional grouping agreed to a set of modalities for membership to a high-level pan-Asian caucus set to hold its inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur later this year, called the East Asia Summit.

Danamon bond

Danamon bond issue postponed JAKARTA: Due to high market volatility and an inevitable future rise in Bank Indonesia's benchmark interest rate, Bank Danamon has decided to postpone its plans to issue Rp 2.5 trillion (US$264.55 million) in bonds.

Global bond more than twice oversubscribed: Government

Global bond more than twice oversubscribed: Government Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Patience does pay. Waiting for just the right moment to enter the market, the government sold on Wednesday US$1 billion worth of sovereign bonds, having previously delayed the offering amid unfavorable market conditions.

Who to give the

Who to give the money to in Aceh? I've just spent about ten days up in Aceh in one of the Lhoknga camps in an attempt to come up with some projects that will get a few people up and running into a new livelihood. They have all lost everything -- family, house, community and livelihood. We have about Rp 100 million that was raised by hashers who supported a run in Medan at the end of January 2005 and this money must be spent on something.

JP/1/head

JP/1/head April 15, 2005 1. TNI: 2 X 21 TNI won't demand payment for business takeovers 2. BOND: 2 X 24 Global bond more than twice oversubscribed: Government 3. SYAHRIR: 1 X 32 Susilo appoints Sjahrir as advisor 4. CLINTON: 1 X 35 Staggering job ahead in tsunami areas 5. SASIA: 1 X 40 ASEAN prefers pragmatic approach to Japan

JP/18/SIA

JP/18/SIA 'Enchanting Bali' and boarding pass aim to lure guests to Bali Rita A.Widiadana The Jakarta Post/Denpasar It was a rainy April morning, unusual weather for normally sunny Bali. This was the result of minor cyclone Juliet, which swept through East Indonesian waters from April 7 through to April 10. That did not prevent journalists and travel writers from Singapore and the Philippines from enjoying a wild rafting adventure on the Ayung River in Ubud, north of Denpasar.

RI may become an oil importer as output slides

RI may become an oil importer as output slides Claire Leow and Grace Nirang Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia, Southeast Asia's only OPEC member, may become a net oil importer this year as projects led by ConocoPhillips, Unocal Corp. and PetroChina Co. fail to stem falling output, helping to boost fuel prices to records.

Danamon bond

Danamon bond issue postponed JAKARTA: Due to high market volatility and an inevitable future rise in Bank Indonesia's benchmark interest rate, Bank Danamon has decided to postpone its plans to issue Rp 2.5 trillion (US$264.55 million) in bonds.

Poor farmers face hard life in Kalimantan

Poor farmers face hard life in Kalimantan Rusman The Jakarta Post/Samarinda Hartono, 41, puffs on a rolled cigarette while he plows the land. His wife, Aida, is working nearby, wearing a woven wide-rimmed hat to protect herself from the unforgiving sun. At noon, they sit in the shade of a cluster of banana trees to rest. Aida dishes up a plate of boiled cassava and they eat it with unsweetened tea for lunch. After eating, her husband goes back to work, usually until late afternoon.

RI, Australia bolster defense, economic ties

RI, Australia bolster defense, economic ties Rendi A. Witular, Canberra After six years of twists and turns in bilateral ties between Indonesia and Australia, the two countries have embarked on a "new era" of enhanced defense and economic cooperation.

RI needs tsunami early warning system

RI needs tsunami early warning system Retno L.P. Marsudi, Jakarta In order to set up a tsunami early warning system in Indonesia, the country will host an international workshop on April 28 and April 29. This workshop is being organized by the Office of the State Minister for Research and Technology, in cooperation with other related ministries and institutions, including the Meteorological and Geophysical Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Illegal slaughter house 'still going'

Illegal slaughter house 'still going' TANGERANG: The Tangerang Government Watch group urged officials to take action against a slaughter house in Panunggangan Barat, Karawaci, which was continuing its operations although it was instructed to close last year. The watchdog's coordinator Tonny Wismantoro said on Thursday that the illegal slaughter house was violating environmental laws because it was dumping its factory waste directly into a river.

Unregistered motorbikes seized

Unregistered motorbikes seized Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor At least 1,400 unregistered motorcycles, mostly used as ojek (motorcycle taxis) in Sukabumi district, have been confiscated by the police over the past several weeks. Sukabumi Police chief Comr. Pujiono Dulrahman said the operation was aimed at getting rid of the town's image as a repository of stolen motorcycles.

Govt to issue regulations on Aceh reconstruction

Govt to issue regulations on Aceh reconstruction Rendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected in the next few days to sign a number of regulations that should provide a legal framework for rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in Aceh and Nias.

'Sogo Jongkok' traders want businesses back

'Sogo Jongkok' traders want businesses back JAKARTA: Some 400 street vendors called for the City Council to allow them to reopen their businesses along Jl. Fachruddin, near Tanah Abang on Sundays and public holidays. Hasan, 45, one of the traders of "Sogo Jongkok", or "squatting Sogo", where the sellers sit on the ground and buyers have to squat to examine the merchandise, said the authorities had evicted them from their spot on Sunday. Sogo is the name of a Japanese retail chain.

Taiwan donates $250,000 to NGO

Taiwan donates $250,000 to NGO INDONESIA: Taipei Economic and Trade Representative to Indonesia David Lin has handed over a donation of US$250,000 to the Helen Keller International Indonesia for tsunami victims in Aceh and North Sumatra provinces. The money, which was given by the NGO Affairs Committee of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was handed over to John Palmer, the country director for Hellen Keller International, at a ceremony held in Jakarta on Thursday.

Search for missing plane intensified

Search for missing plane intensified JAYAPURA, Papua: National Police Headquarters deployed at least 15 Mobile Brigade troopers on Thursday to search for a missing plane in Papua. Besides the additional troopers, police headquarters also dispatched a helicopter and a Skytruck police aircraft to assist in the search, said Maj. Yayok Endari Sunar, the chief of the Search and Rescue Unit in Papua.

After decades, uniforms losing their significance

After decades, uniforms losing their significance Whether or not civil servants have to wear uniforms continues to be debated. The real and immediate consequence of the requirement, however, is that billions of rupiah of tax-payers' money is spent on these uniforms. When did civil servants here first start wearing uniforms? The Jakarta Post's Damar Harsanto looks into the matter in the third of four articles on the issue.

Controversy as Sjafrie given key defense post

Controversy as Sjafrie given key defense post Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday a major reshuffle that has seen Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin take up the key post of secretary-general.

Who does the House

Who does the House really speak for? From Media Indonesia With members of the House of Representatives failing or refusing to listen to the voice of people they represent, I wonder who they are really speaking for. As almost everything they do has not met public expectations, they may represent other interests. In the case of fuel, it turns out that the fuel price increase is connected with the plan to liberalize the sector.

Police cross-examine Munir suspects

Police cross-examine Munir suspects Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three Garuda Indonesia employees, suspected of having a role in last year's murder of noted human rights activist Munir, confronted each other during a five-hour interrogation on Thursday to defend their statements in the case.

Indramayu fish catch improves but price down

Indramayu fish catch improves but price down Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu Attention seafood lovers: Increased catches along West Java's northern coast have made fish prices in Indramayu some of the cheapest in the country, but the oversupply is making life tough for fishing families. "The increased catches will certainly influence fish prices.

City OKs state plan on new port

City OKs state plan on new port Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration has decided to drop its plan to build a Rp 8 trillion car terminal in East Ancol, North Jakarta, paving the way for state-owned port operator PT Pelindo II to construct the extension of the Tanjung Priok Port at the site in question.

Scientists keep eye on five raging volcanoes

Scientists keep eye on five raging volcanoes The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Padang/Surabaya/Yogyakarta Scientists anxiously watched five volcanoes nationwide on Thursday, as fears over more natural disasters escalated with four mountains rumbling into life over the past three days. While thousands of refugees spent a third night in tents having fled the slopes of Sumatra's Mount Talang, where hot ash has been raining down since Monday, much attention focused on Mt.

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.

Bird flu in RI may infect people

Bird flu in RI may infect people The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If the latest findings about pigs becoming infected with the avian influenza virus proves to be true, there is a possibility that the virus could later infect humans, a researcher has said. Such a finding might mean that the deadly virus has taken a step closer to infecting humans.

Corruption suspicions

Corruption suspicions The detention of General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusumah for allegedly bribing a Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) official is currently still in the initial investigative phase. Accusations of corruption at the KPU are still unclear. What is coming to the fore is the suspicion that the alleged bribery was intended to conceal "something".

No eye for an eye for Desriyanti Tengkende

No eye for an eye for Desriyanti Tengkende Duncan Graham , Contributor, Surabaya The impact of sectarian violence resonates long after the event, as Desriyanti Tengkende knows only too well. The distressed high school teenager from Palu, Central Sulawesi, is far from her home and friends. She is no longer studying. Her future is uncertain, her once-pretty face permanently damaged. She is in pain but will live.

Ponco apologizes over illegal tunnel at own hotel

Ponco apologizes over illegal tunnel at own hotel The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Businessman Ponco Sutowo, majority shareholder of the Hilton Hotel in Central Jakarta, met with Governor Sutiyoso on Thursday to apologize for the construction of a 210-meter underground tunnel linking the hotel and the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) without securing a permit. "Pak Ponco came to apologize for building a tunnel from the Hilton Hotel to JCC without our consent.

JP/1/hour

JP/1/hour 22 hurt as Merpati skids off runway Twenty-two people were injured as a Merpati plane skidded off the runway upon landing at the Makassar airport, South Sulawesi, on Thursday amid heavy rain and strong wind, officials said. At least 10 of the injured passengers were hospitalized, while the accident at around 7:15 p.m. forced the airport to close as the runway was obstructed by the plane's broken wheel.

Hurley's beau seeks divorce from wife

Hurley's beau seeks divorce from wife BOMBAY: Supermodel Elizabeth Hurley's flamboyant Indian boyfriend Arun Nayar is seeking a divorce from his Italian wife on the grounds that she treated him cruelly, a lawyer said on Tuesday. Nayar, from Bombay, is claiming that his wife Valentina Pedroni put him through "mental torture" during their marital life. "He (Nayar) has said in his petition that my client Valentina was cruel to him," Valentina's lawyer Mrinalini Deshmukh told AFP.

China calls Japan gas drilling plan 'provocation'

China calls Japan gas drilling plan 'provocation' Scott Hillis and Linda Sieg, Reuters/Beijing/Tokyo China called Japan's plan to allow gas exploration in disputed waters a serious provocation on Thursday, but sought to rein in anti-Japanese sentiment that sparked violent protests last weekend. Japan avoided escalating the war of words, saying dialog was needed to resolve the feuds. China also called for talks.

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.

Christian tipped to replace Icuk

Christian tipped to replace Icuk Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) is taking the resignation of head of development Icuk Sugiarto in stride, with coach Christian Hadinata its first nominee as his replacement. "We understand and accept Icuk's decision to leave PBSI," association chairman Sutiyoso said on Thursday after a plenary meeting to discuss the resignation.

Forestry office head goes on trial

Forestry office head goes on trial JAYAPURA, Papua: A senior government official went on trial on Thursday for knowingly issuing illegal permits to loggers in Papua province. During the opening hearing in the Jayapura District Court, Prosecutor Djabaik Haro charged Marthen Kayoi, the director of the Papua Forestry Office, with abusing a scheme that allowed Papuans to selectively log timber for cultural reasons.

Jakarta shares down as Telkom, Indosat fall

Jakarta shares down as Telkom, Indosat fall Dow Jones Jakarta Jakarta shares ended lower on Thursday led by selling in Telekomunikasi Indonesia and Indonesian Satellite, with losses in most Asian markets hurting overall sentiment, dealers said. They added that the market took a break, after gains in the previous two sessions, because of lingering worries that the central bank will increase its key interest rate to fight rising inflation.

Asian and African countries must strengthen their

Asian and African countries must strengthen their collaboration in advocating for global peace and security and the establishment of an equitable international economic order. We are happy that the Asian African Summit to be held in Jakarta from April 22 to April 24, this week will strengthen and reinforce the pillars of solidarity that were laid down between the two regions during the Bandung Conference in 1955.

Toshiba to expand market via education

Toshiba to expand market via education The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to boost sales, Japanese electronics maker Toshiba will attempt to expand its market by entering the education sector. The company will donate 3,000 units of its newest 14-inch-wide tablet PC, called the Satellite R10, to Pelita Harapan University in Tangerang.

Big-fish fugitives located, govt claims

Big-fish fugitives located, govt claims JAKARTA: The government said on Thursday it had identified the whereabouts of a number of convicted graft defendants who had absconded abroad, and vowed to bring them home to serve their jail terms. "We'll hunt down these big-time fugitives no matter where they hide," Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh said after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Three torpedoes found in Ambon

Three torpedoes found in Ambon AMBON, Maluku: An Amahusu resident found three torpedoes on Wednesday that are believed to be a legacy from World War II. The discovery of the torpedoes in the densely populated subdistrict of Amahusu in Ambon city caused unease among local residents. Police personnel were quickly deployed to the area to dig up the torpedoes. They quickly disinterred them and brought them back to police headquarters for destruction.

Australia's Santos approves development of Indonesian project

Australia's Santos approves development of Indonesian project Angela Macdonald-Smith, Bloomberg, Sydney Santos Ltd., Australia's biggest natural gas producer, and its partners in the Oyong oil and gas field in Indonesia agreed to develop the US$130 million project, with oil production expected by the year-end. The project off East Java will be in two phases, initially involving only oil production, with gas output starting around the end of 2006, Adelaide-based Santos said today in a statement.

TV Today: Saturday, April 16, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, April 16, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:30 Music 11:30 Oto Screen 1:00 p.m.

Developed countries ready to finance Asian-African project

Developed countries ready to finance Asian-African project Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of European countries have expressed their readiness to finance projects that may be agreed upon at the upcoming Asian-African Summit, according to a senior diplomat. Nana S. Sutresna, the President's special envoy, said that Britain, France and even the European Union looked forward to financing the projects -- if indeed any emerged.

S'pore police set up crack bomb team

S'pore police set up crack bomb team SINGAPORE: Singapore has established a special bomb investigation unit as part of the city-state's increasing anti-terrorism security measures, Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said on Thursday. Wong said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)'s Bomb and Explosive Investigation Division would be an important boost for police in countering the terrorist threat.

'I have lost trust in graft fighters'

'I have lost trust in graft fighters' Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators have arrested General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusumah, who they claim tried to bribe an official responsible for the auditing of KPU funds. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinions about the fight against corruption. Melvi, 27, is a secretary for a media company.

Hyundai embraces the use of CNG

Hyundai embraces the use of CNG Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Hyundai Indonesia Motor is ready to comply with the mandatory use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for public transportation vehicles, saying it has obtained licenses from the government to install converters on the cars it assembles at its Bekasi manufacturing plant.

RI anxious ahead ASEAN-S. Korea talks

RI anxious ahead ASEAN-S. Korea talks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Local industry players warned the government to make sure that the implementation of the free trade agreement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and South Korea was not in conflict with national interests.

Students told to stay at home during summit

Students told to stay at home during summit Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to help ease traffic congestion in the city during the Asian-African Summit from April 22 to April 24, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso told schools in the city on Thursday to give Friday (April 22) and Saturday off for students.

Children learn about earthquakes, tsunami

Children learn about earthquakes, tsunami Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh "Watashi wa Professor Hamada desu," says a visiting lecturer, who is greeted with a hall full of giggles. The man who introduced himself, Masanori Hamada, is from the Japan Society of Civil Engineering. He and his colleagues were here at Kartika elementary school on Thursday for a session on earthquake preparation. "It is the most important" aspect of the society's work, he said.

Mulyana may revise initial statements

Mulyana may revise initial statements The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Corruption suspect Mulyana W. Kusumah is likely to revise several statements he made to investigators during his questioning last week because it was "information given under pressure". Observers suspect the move by Mulyana to change his initial statements could implicate other top officials in the case, and expose what is rumored to be systemic corruption within the General Elections Commission (KPU).

Korean supermarkets bring culture to the capital

Korean supermarkets bring culture to the capital The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For Korean food connoisseurs and gastronomes in the capital, picking up their favorite kimchi (fermented vegetables) or other delicacies need no longer cost them a trip to the country or to a Korean restaurant.

[b]

RI, Australia bolster defense, economic ties Rendi A. Witular Canberra 2. ASEAN -- Myanmar remains a thorn in ASEAN's side 1 x 30 Myanmar a thorn in ASEAN's side Syed Nadzri New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur 3. Retno -- Indonesia urgently needs a comprehensive (tsunami) early warning 1 x 35 RI needs tsunami early warning system Retno L.P. Marsudi Jakarta

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.

Govt to issue rules on Aceh reconstruction

Govt to issue rules on Aceh reconstruction Rendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected in the next few days to sign a number of regulations that should provide a legal framework for rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in Aceh and Nias.

Human infection with bird flu virus feared possible

Human infection with bird flu virus feared possible The Jakarta Post Jakarta If the latest findings about pigs becoming infected with the avian influenza virus proves to be true, there is a possibility that the virus could later infect humans, a researcher has said. Such a finding might mean that the deadly virus has taken a step closer to infecting humans.

Indonesia may become an oil importer as output slides

Indonesia may become an oil importer as output slides Claire Leow and Grace Nirang, Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia, Southeast Asia's only OPEC member, may become a net oil importer this year as projects led by ConocoPhillips, Unocal Corp. and PetroChina Co. fail to stem falling output, helping to boost fuel prices to records.

Germany to rebuild schools in Aceh

Germany to rebuild schools in Aceh JAKARTA: Representatives from a joint mission involving the German Development Bank (KfW) and German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday with the Ministry of National Education on a 23 million euro (US$30 million) grant facility to help rebuild vocational schools in Aceh and North Sumatra.

ASEAN prefers pragmatic approach to Japan

ASEAN prefers pragmatic approach to Japan Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse/Singapore While Japan's military atrocities remain a source of fury in China and the Koreas, analysts say Southeast Asian nations have been more willing to bury anti-Japanese sentiments for the sake of trade.

Court wants KPPU to reveal informers in tanker case

Court wants KPPU to reveal informers in tanker case Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The saga of Pertamina's tanker sale continues with the state oil and gas firm and its financial advisor Goldman Sachs demanding that the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) submit files revealing the agency's informers to court.

Myanmar remains a thorn in ASEAN's side eight years on

Myanmar remains a thorn in ASEAN's side eight years on Syed Nadzri, New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur Myanmar is proving to be a pain for ASEAN, eight years after joining the fold. And the unease it reportedly created among fellow members at the annual retreat of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Cebu over the weekend has somewhat confirmed that it has indeed become a thorn in the side of one of the world's most prominent regional groupings.

Jakarta shares end lower, led by sales of Telkom, Indosat stock

Jakarta shares end lower, led by sales of Telkom, Indosat stock Dow Jones, Jakarta Jakarta shares ended lower on Thursday led by selling in Telekomunikasi Indonesia and Indonesian Satellite, with losses in most Asian markets hurting overall sentiment, dealers said. They added that the market took a break, after gains in the previous two sessions, because of lingering worries that the central bank will increase its key interest rate to fight rising inflation.

Danamon bond issue postponed

Danamon bond issue postponed JAKARTA: Due to high market volatility and an inevitable future rise in Bank Indonesia's benchmark interest rate, Bank Danamon has decided to postpone its plans to issue Rp 2.5 trillion (US$264.55 million) in bonds.

Authorities in Medan stop workshop on trauma healing

Authorities in Medan stop workshop on trauma healing Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan A joint team from the police, immigration and Indonesian military raided a workshop on trauma counseling for tsunami victims on Thursday, a day after the event was opened at Sumatra Village in North Sumatra town of Medan.

PBB to elect new leader

PBB to elect new leader JAKARTA: The Crescent Star Party (PBB) is expected to hold a national congress later this month, with the election of its leader for the 2005 to 2010 presidential election topping the agenda. Hilman Indra, the party's chief advisor, said on Wednesday outgoing PBB leader Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who is currently the State Secretary, had hinted he would refuse to contest the party's top post during the meeting scheduled for April 28 to May 1.

On shop-house hotels in Batam

On shop-house hotels in Batam Your article that blames Batam shop-house hotels for taking business away from star-rated hotels tells only half the story (The Jakarta Post's April 11 edition, page 5). Shop-house hotels fulfill a valuable social role in helping this expensive city stay economically competitive.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 14, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 14, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,710 -140 46,000 Adhi Karya 880 -20 16,917,000 Adira Dinamika 2,350 0 0 AGIS Tbk 140 -5 1,072,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 325 -10 13,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,260 -10 3,629,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165...

Nike provides worldwide list of factories to address abuse issues

Nike provides worldwide list of factories to address abuse issues Agence France-Presse, Washington Sports equipment giant Nike Inc. has published a detailed list of more than 700 factories it uses worldwide -- more than half in Asia -- to counter allegations it accepts poor labor standards. It said it ran training programs to combat sexual harassment and that the incidence of use of children below legal working age was low.