Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 April 2005

77 articles found

Santos gets improved forecast

Santos gets improved forecast Bloomberg, Sydney Santos Ltd., Australia's biggest natural gas producer, had its 2005 and 2006 earnings forecasts raised by Macquarie Equities Ltd. after agreeing to start development of the Oyong oil and gas project in Indonesia. Adelaide-based Santos said April 14 it and its partners in the Oyong field will begin pumping oil by year-end and producing gas by the end of 2006 in a two-phase project.

Asia Africa partnership and progress

Asia Africa partnership and progress Bali Moniaga, Jakarta Fifty years ago, the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC), also known as the Bandung Conference, convened in Bandung from April 18-24, 1955. It was organized and sponsored by Burma (now Myanmar), Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), India, Indonesia and Pakistan.

Two mortars found in Jatinegara

Two mortars found in Jatinegara JAKARTA: A construction worker, Mahmud, 55, found two mortars when digging a hole for the foundation of an electricity tower on a vacant plot of land belonging to PT Subik in Pulo Kambing subdistrict, Jatinegara, East Jakarta. Mahmud discovered the mortars on Saturday afternoon, but only reported his finding to police on Sunday afternoon. "Fortunately, the two mortars are no longer active," said city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono. --JP

Asian tourism may grow 11 %

Asian tourism may grow 11 % Associated Press, Hong Kong Regional travel experts expect double-digit growth in Asian tourism this year despite the recent tsunami disaster, a newspaper reported on Monday. The industry is still struggling to recover in the Indian Ocean countries that were hit hardest by the Dec.

Bantarto Bandoro

Bantarto Bandoro Jakarta 2. YaLE -- China-India entente shifts global balance 1 X 30 China-India pact shifts global balance Clyde Prestowitz Yale Center for the Study of Globalization Washington

'I'm Alive!' project continues through dailies

'I'm Alive!' project continues through dailies Ati Nurbaiti The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh A romantic picture in a recent edition of the Serambi daily here is of a young couple. A beautiful lady, her hair done up in a bun and wearing a pretty, sleeveless dress is embracing a man in a dapper suit, who poses confidently for the camera. But the photograph is not for a wedding announcement. Above the picture of the couple is one of a little girl, her name is Vei Ren.

19 children hospitalized for suspected food poisoning

19 children hospitalized for suspected food poisoning Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Avoid "kids". It's called a catering firm, not just "a catering". We name the parent, poor guy, but not the catering firm more likely to be responsible -- what is the name of the firm?!! Police are investigating a catering firm after 19 children who attended a birthday party in Cipinang, East Jakarta, were rushed to hospitals with suspected food poisoning over the weekend. City police spokesman Sr. Comr.

Papuans want rights abusers jailed

Papuans want rights abusers jailed Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Some 800 students from the United West Papua Democratic Students Front demanded on Monday that two police officers charged for their roles in human rights abuses four years ago in Abepura, Papua be imprisoned. The demand, which was delivered in a protest at Papua's legislative council, against the two officers, Brig. Gen. Pol. Johni Wainal Usman and Adj. Sr. Comr.

Stopping violence key to lasting peace in Aceh: GAM

Stopping violence key to lasting peace in Aceh: GAM Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The "positive and constructive" results achieved during the third round of peace talks between the government of Indonesia and leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) will be worthless if violence prevails in the province, a senior GAM official has said.

Short stories

Short stories For many, many years we have spent our vacations at the Bali Hilton Ayodya and love the short stories on Sunday. But on Sunday, April 10 there had been no short stories. What happened? HEIKE AND DIETRICH, Bali Note: We also received a similar letter by S.K. Wisastra from Jakarta. --Editor

Oil spill pollutes river

Oil spill pollutes river JAMBI, Jambi: A leaking oil pipe in Mendahara village, East Tanjungjabung regency, some 100 kilometers east of Jambi city, was apparently to blame for the polluted river and forest in the area, an official said on Monday. Head of the Jambi environmental impact management agency, Saleh Sibli, said on Monday that the pipe, was still discharging oil and had been for a week.

JP/18/SELO1

JP/18/SELO1 checked -- JSR Fifteen green years at Seloliman In May, conservationists worldwide celebrate the 15th anniversary of Indonesia's first non-commercial, non-governmental, environment center. Jakarta Post contributor based in Surabaya Duncan Graham reports: When Kermit the TV cartoon frog sang It's not easy being green environmentalists seized on the phrase with gusto. They knew all about battling bureaucracies and developers when it came to the contest between profit and preservation.

Japan thumbs nose at int'l public opinion

Japan thumbs nose at int'l public opinion Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta If one were to ask which countries of East Asia have the most conflicting relations with other countries in the region, the answer is probably Japan. Japan is currently under the diplomatic spotlight due to its policy on its history textbooks and territorial sovereignty over disputed islands both with China and Korea, thus causing diplomatic friction with Seoul and Beijing.

Aceh village staff serve residents in simple tent office

Aceh village staff serve residents in simple tent office Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh A tent measuring three-by-three meters is erected on top of the rubble on the side of the road from Banda Aceh to Krueng Raya. A small desk, a typewriter and several neatly arranged documents in a blue plastic holder are all that the tent holds. Guests have to sit on a small mat because there are no chairs.

BPK, ADB seek inputs in fund management

BPK, ADB seek inputs in fund management Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Recalling the time when Mount Agung in Bali erupted in 1963, Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) chairman Anwar Nasution said that donations of condensed milk for the victims of the terrible disaster had been abundant. Unfortunately, he continued, most of the donated milk was later found to be on sale at Pasar Senen in Central Jakarta, rather than having been distributed to the victims in Denpasar as initially intended.

KPK continues probe into Mulyana case

KPK continues probe into Mulyana case JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned four more people on Monday in connection with the an alleged attempted bribery case involving General Elections Commission (KPU) official Mulyana W. Kusumah. The four were KPU treasury and remuneration division head Didi Karnadi, former secretary-general Safdar Yusacc, and two staff members, Sri Ampimi and Titus Totok.

Blok M and Taman Mini prepared for summit participants

Blok M and Taman Mini prepared for summit participants Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Security officers would direct delegates at the Asian-African Summit to Blok M in South Jakarta should they wish to do some shopping, police said on Monday. The delegates, however, they may visit other shopping centers in the capital but would not be accompanied by security personnel. City police spokesman Sr. Comr.

Locals people unfazed by Krakatau activity

Locals people unfazed by Krakatau activity The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Lesung, Anyer Hariyanto, 34, sailed his boat into the Sunda Strait on Saturday afternoon as he always does, ignoring warnings that Mount Anak Krakatau had come back to life with mild earthquakes rattling its crater in the last few days. The man, who works at Tanjung Lesung Beach Club, said he did not feel a thing when a 5.6 Richter scale earthquake occurred last Friday.

Taiwan not invited to A-A Business Summit

Taiwan not invited to A-A Business Summit Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government of Taiwan will not be invited to attend the Asia- Africa Business Summit although as an economic entity it regularly attended major economic conferences such the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the organizer and a government official said.

Nine Aussies nabbed in major drug bust

Nine Aussies nabbed in major drug bust I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Bali police nabbed nine Australian citizens for attempting to smuggle a total of 10.9 kilograms of heroin worth almost Rp 11 billion (US$1.1 million) out of Bali and into Australia on Sunday night. It was the largest number of foreigners ever arrested in a single drug bust on the island. Five of the suspects were Caucasians identified as SME (29), LR (28), MWC (19), SAR (19) and MJN (18).

'Corruptors should be sentenced to death'

'Corruptors should be sentenced to death' Judges at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced suspended Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh to 10 years in jail last week, while the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested General Elections Commission member Mulyana W. Kusuma for alleged attempted bribery. Are law enforcers now becoming serious about fighting the rampant corruption that has been blamed for pushing the country's economy to the brink of disaster?

JP/7/let

JP/7/let Indonesia and human rights The recent series of articles in The Jakarta Post from Geneva on Indonesia's chairmanship of the UN Commission on Human Rights contain statements that are simply not factual -- not to call them wrong.

TNI clarifies

TNI clarifies With reference to a report in The Jakarta Post of April 15, under the title Controversy as Sjafrie given key defense post, we deem it necessary to correct or clarify two points. The points are related to the following paragraph: "Sjafrie was Jakarta Military commander when the capital was hit by ethnic riots that led to ouster of former dictator Soeharto in May 1998. Thousands died in the rampage.

Fifteen green years at Seloliman

Fifteen green years at Seloliman In May, conservationists worldwide celebrate the 15th anniversary of Indonesia's first non-commercial, non-governmental, environment center. Jakarta Post contributor based in Surabaya Duncan Graham reports: When Kermit the TV cartoon frog sang It's not easy being green environmentalists seized on the phrase with gusto. They knew all about battling bureaucracies and developers when it came to the contest between profit and preservation.

PKB sets dual standards on double jobbing

PKB sets dual standards on double jobbing Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Semarang The National Awakening Party's (PKB) controversial decision to prohibit its executives from holding government posts may be arbitrary in its enforcement as it is not regulated in its new statutes agreed upon on Monday.

Daewoo Shipbuilding wins $370m order

Daewoo Shipbuilding wins $370m order SEOUL: South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering said on Monday it had won a US$370 million order to build three oil carriers for Pacific Star International Holding Corp. Daewoo will deliver the very large crude oil carriers (VLCCs) to the firm, registered in the British Virgin Islands, by November 2008. The latest deal brings orders so far this year to $1.4 billion or 23 percent the 2005 target of $6 billion, Daewoo said.

1. PKB (45) -- 48 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x26)

1. PKB (45) -- 48 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x26) PKB faces imminent split as clerics shun leadership race 2. Taxi (40) - 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x30) Taxi companies take heat for robberies 3. GAM (45) -- 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Stopping violence key to lasting peace in Aceh: GAM 4. Crash (35) - 36 pts 5 cols 1line (1x35) Rescuers locate bodies from Papua plane crash --- 5. Oddworld and photos

Welcoming Asia Africa

Welcoming Asia Africa For the next six days Indonesia will play host to some of the most important people in Asia and Africa. About five dozen heads of state and government from two of the world's most populous continents will be attending the Asian-African Summit here in Jakarta and a one-day commemorative gathering in Bandung on Sunday. The events will be preceded by a marathon of high level meetings between senior officials and ministers, which begin today in Jakarta.

Govt unveils special agency for Aceh, Nias

Govt unveils special agency for Aceh, Nias Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has formally inaugurated the much-awaited special agency tasked with coordinating the rebuilding of tsunami-stricken Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and the Nias islands. The agency will manage some Rp 46.1 trillion (US$4.81 million) in reconstruction funds over the next five years, as well as award tenders to the private sector for reconstruction work.

1. Summit -- 3x16

1. Summit -- 3x16 Susilo wants Asia, Africa to lead energy revolution 2. Confere - 1x34 Blok M, Taman Mini prepares for delegates

Regent revokes logging permits

Regent revokes logging permits PADANG, West Sumatra: The Mentawai Islands Regent Edison Saleleubaja has revoked all permits for timber concessions that he issued during 2004-2005 period. In the decision, the regent ordered all permit holders to stop felling trees and pay the state their obligations based on the amount of cubic meters they had already obtained. He also assigned the regency's forestry office to take necessary steps to conduct technical inspections of the sites.

Photo credit: JP/Nani Afrida

Photo credit: JP/Nani Afrida Aceh village staff serve citizens in tent office A tent measuring three-by-three meters is erected on top of the rubble on the side of the road from Banda Aceh to Krueng Raya. A small desk, a typewriter and several neatly arranged documents in a blue plastic holder are all that the tent holds. Guests have to sit on a small mat because there are no chairs.

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.

5,000 workers to lose jobs

5,000 workers to lose jobs SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The East Kalimantan Manpower Office estimated that some 5,000 timber workers in the province would lose their jobs following the government's recent decision to restrict logging. In the last three months, four timber companies have stopped production. "(An estimated) 5,000 workers might lose their jobs.

RI demands on-arrival visas from Australia

RI demands on-arrival visas from Australia Riyadi Suparno, Jakarta Post, Tanjung Benoa, Bali Following the signing of a partnership agreement between Australia and Indonesia, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie demanded on Monday that the Australian government issue visas-on-arrival to Indonesians.

A cruel irony of nature

A cruel irony of nature After the fall of Soeharto the petty surveillance of green activists vanished. Suryo Prawiroatmodjo won a prestigious Swiss award for his work, was nominated to join Caretakers of the Environment International and became a world figure in the conservation movement. Within the decade PPLH Seloliman had about 50 workers and was functioning beyond his most ambitious dreams. Here was sustainable agriculture thriving in the soil, not books. Then tragedy struck.

PKB faces imminent split as clerics shun leadership race

PKB faces imminent split as clerics shun leadership race The Jakarta Post, Semarang The National Awakening Party (PKB) was facing an imminent split on Monday as senior clerics, in defiance of the party's chief patron Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, called the PKB's national congress here illegitimate and considered setting up a splinter group.

Provisional Agenda

Provisional Agenda Asian-African Senior Officials' Consultation Meeting Tuesday, April 19 1. Opening 2. Adoption of the Agenda and Program Activities 3. Preparation of the Asian-African Ministerial Meeting, Asian- African Summit and the Commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the Asian-African Conference 1995 4. Closing Wednesday, April 20 Asian-African Ministerial Meeting 1.

Policeman commits suicide in church

Policeman commits suicide in church Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Yogyakartans woke up on Monday morning to the news that a police officer had killed himself inside a church. Witnesses said the officer, Second Brig. Yohanes Widiyanto Yeni, 24, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus inside St. Antonius Church in Kotabaru after a morning service.

Jackie Chan wows Aceh children

Jackie Chan wows Aceh children The faces of children at the Lampeuneurut Children's Center in Banda Aceh light up. Their waiting game ends when they spot the familiar face of Hong Kong action movie star Jackie Chan. "The one in orange is Jackie Chan," an awed nine-year-old Muhammad whispers to his two friends. The star of Shanghai Noon and Rush Hour made a brief visit to the tsunami-hit Banda Aceh on Monday, as part of a goodwill gesture to victims of the Dec. 26 massive disaster.

19 taken ill with food poisoning

19 taken ill with food poisoning Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police are investigating a catering firm after 19 children who attended a birthday party in Cipinang, East Jakarta, were rushed to hospitals with suspected food poisoning over the weekend. City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said police would decide soon whether people from the catering firm should be charged over the incident.

Grande dame of sculpture for 40 years

Grande dame of sculpture for 40 years Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Looking back is no small effort, let alone when it concerns four decades of your life. But Rita Widagdo has done it. A solo exhibition of 110 works made during her 40 years as the grande dame of Indonesian sculpture presents the wider public with an striking impression of her oeuvre.

PLN to operate plants using diesel fuel to secure supply

PLN to operate plants using diesel fuel to secure supply Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State firm PT PLN will use diesel fuel to operate its two of its power plants to ensure Java and Bali electricity supplies are stable when the Muara Tawar gas field goes off-stream.

1. PKB (3x18)

1. PKB (3x18) PKB sets dual standards on double jobbing 2. Nuke (2x28) Activists urge govt to drop nuclear power plant plan 3. Ago (1x27) Executives nabbed in loan case 4. Philant (2x15) 'RI needs more philanthropists'

Indigenous people marginalized at Wasur National Park

Indigenous people marginalized at Wasur National Park R. Kristiawan, Contributor, Merauke, South Papua Wasur National Park is essential for the well-being of Merauke, South Papua. Located 13 kilometers from the city, Rawa Biru, the 10,400 (checking units) area of open water in the center of the park is also a water source of the city's people. The national park is very rich in terms of biodiversity. Melaleuca eucalyptus, savanna, mangrove and lowland forest can be seen.

Well-to people to pay higher hospital charges

Well-to people to pay higher hospital charges Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The administration will increase the cost of first-class, second- class and VIP services at all city hospitals. "The (new) rates for patients occupying class I, II and VIP rooms will be determined later in a gubernatorial decree," City Health Agency head Abdul Chalik Masulili said in a letter to the City Council that was made available to The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Four houses catch fire

Four houses catch fire JAKARTA: Two separate fires burned down four houses on Monday afternoon. No injuries or fatalities were reported in either incident. The first destroyed three houses on Jl. Talang, Pegangsaan, Central Jakarta. The fire department deployed at least 14 fire trucks to douse the flames, which were extinguished at 3:30 p.m. Police are investigating the cause of the fire. The second fire burned down a house in Cipinang, Pulogadung, East Jakarta, early Monday.

Malaysia gets crafty

Malaysia gets crafty From Kompas Malaysia is among the nations in the world with "crafty" moves, as shown in the border dispute with Indonesia over the ownership of Sipadan and Ligitan islands. Malaysia built resorts on the islands even before the dispute was settled, without responding to Indonesia's protests. This Malaysian activity gave the International Court of Justice reason to grant Malaysia's claim over the two islands.

Muhaimin looks set to take PKB's top post

Muhaimin looks set to take PKB's top post Muhaimin Iskandar, a deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, is set to take over leadership of the National Awakening Party (PKB). Muhaimin was the lone candidate when the election began at 11 p.m. in Semarang, Central Java, where the party is holding a national congress. Another candidate, former defense minister Mahfud MD, pulled out of the election.

S. Africa's President Mbeki will be first leader to arrive in Jakarta

S. Africa's President Mbeki will be first leader to arrive in Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta South African President Thabo Mbeki will be the first head of state to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday to attend the historic Asian-African Summit (AAS). South Africa is the co-sponsor of the two-day AAS, which will be held from April 22 to April 23, along with Indonesia.

The prime ministers of the sponsoring countries of the 1955

The prime ministers of the sponsoring countries of the 1955 Asian- African Conference.

Indosat's debt rating kept at BB-

Indosat's debt rating kept at BB- JAKARTA: PT Indosat, Indonesia's second-largest telephone network operator, had its foreign currency debt rating maintained at BB- by Standard & Poor's. "The rating affirmation reflects Indosat's continued solid market position in a rapidly growing cellular market, its moderate leverage, and adequate cash flow protection," S&P said in a statement on Monday. The rating is three levels below investment grade. The outlook was stable, S&P said.

KPUD members summoned over alleged graft

KPUD members summoned over alleged graft Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council is now looking into alleged embezzlement by other members of the Jakarta Elections Commission (KPUD) in 2004, less than two weeks after the arrest of General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusuma for alleged bribery. "We will summon KPUD members on Wednesday.

RI-Australian relationship at new high, but concerns remain

RI-Australian relationship at new high, but concerns remain Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Benoa, Bali Government officials and businesspeople from Australia and Indonesia would likely agree that there has been a recent renaissance in relations between the two countries, but Indonesia still sees some obstacles that need addressing.

Rescuers locate bodies from Papua plane crash

Rescuers locate bodies from Papua plane crash Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The bodies of 17 people onboard the missing GT Air Twin Otter aircraft in Papua were found by a search and rescue team on Monday, police say.

Executives nabbed in loan case

Executives nabbed in loan case The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has arrested three top officials of PT Cipta Graha Nusantara/Tahta Medan (CGN/TM) in connection with Rp 1 trillion (US$107 million) in non-performing loans owed to state-owned lender Bank Mandiri. AGO spokesman RJ Soehandojo announced on Monday that the three suspects, identified as company commissioner, SA, a director, DI, and president director ED, were apprehended at 11 p.m. on Sunday at a hotel in Medan, North Sumatra.

TV Program: Tuesday, April 19, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, April 19, 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 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

Direct election and public welfare

Direct election and public welfare Tata Mustasya, Jakarta After directly electing the President last year, many people have great expectations of the direct elections of local government leaders, like governors, regents and mayors. It is believed that a directly elected local government head would better manage public policy as they would have a direct mandate from the voters. In reality, however, the relationship between democracy and welfare is not that simple, particularly in the short-run.

Commerce sets sights on 15% loan growth on Niaga's role

Commerce sets sights on 15% loan growth on Niaga's role Bloomberg, Kuala Lumpur Commerce Asset-Holding Bhd., Malaysia's second-biggest lender, expects to expand loans by at least 15 percent this year, the same pace as in 2004, as a bigger contribution by its Indonesian bank unit helps cover a slowing economy at home.

Ministers say investment climate improving

Ministers say investment climate improving Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Benoa, Bali Indonesian economic ministers have assured Indonesian and Australian businesspeople that the improving relations between the two countries will serve as a "window of opportunity" for them to start or even increase their business activities in Indonesia, but many of them are still deterred by the high cost of doing business here.

Blok M, Taman Mini prepares for delegates

Blok M, Taman Mini prepares for delegates Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Security officers would direct delegates at the Asian-African Summit to Blok M in South Jakarta should they wish to do some shopping, police said on Monday. The delegates, however, may visit other shopping centers in the capital but would not be accompanied by security personnel. City police spokesman Sr. Comr.

The One, another option for fashionable sushi

The One, another option for fashionable sushi Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The One restaurant offers a comprehensive menu of modern Japanese fusion cooking and is another fashionable option for sushi lovers in the capital. Boasting 15 kinds of sushi; from shrimp tempura rolls to crown kani rolls with Alaskan king crab meat, the restaurant also allows diners to request special hand-rolled sushi of their choice. "We are offering a promotion program especially for sushi.

KPUD members summoned over alleged embezzlement

KPUD members summoned over alleged embezzlement Bambang Nurbianto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The City Council is now looking into alleged embezzlement by other members of the Jakarta Elections Commission (KPUD) in 2004, less than two weeks after the arrest of General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusuma for alleged bribery. "We will summon KPUD members on Wednesday.

KFC bomber faces death sentence

KFC bomber faces death sentence MAKASSAR: The alleged mastermind of a series of bombings in Makassar, South Sulawesi, that killed three people went on trial on Monday and faces the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors accuse Agung Abdul Hamid and five others of planning bomb attacks on local outlets of fast-food giants McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a car showroom NV Hadji Kalla on Dec. 5, 2002.

Exclusive zone,

Exclusive zone, territorial claims From Kompas An article in Kompas daily (March 7) written by I Basis Susilo noted that Indonesia's loss of Sipadan and Ligitan islands was due to the lack of a continuous presence, effective settlement and guarantee for nature conservation on border islands. In his book, Indonesia's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, First Adm.

Jazz lovers get bonus in tribute concert

Jazz lovers get bonus in tribute concert M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Performing the works of a maestro is a daunting task for average musicians, but three instrumentalists from the Daya Music Institute proved that not only could they rehash classic compositions of one of the country's jazz legends, Nick Mamahit, they were capable of producing an intriguing interpretation of them.

Global cabling system company eyes Indonesian market

Global cabling system company eyes Indonesian market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seeing the low level of investment in cable channeling infrastructure in Indonesia, an American company specializing in cabling systems and connectivity solutions sees an opportunity to expand in the country by promoting a new cabling solutions technology.

* All 17 on board crash plane found dead Page 2

* All 17 on board crash plane found dead Page 2 * Activists urge government to drop nuke project Page 4 * Papuans want rights abusers to be jailed Page 5 * Japan thumbs nose at international public opinion Page 7 * Locals unfazed by increased Anak Krakatau activity Page 8 * Boxer Gainer stands on his own two feet Page 10 * RI-Australia relations at new high; concerns remain Page 11 * Taiwan not invited to Asia-Africa Business Summit Page 13 * Fifteen green years at Seloliman Page 18

Activists urge govt to drop nuclear power plant plan

Activists urge govt to drop nuclear power plant plan The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists have called on the government to reconsider its plan to construct a nuclear power plant given the possible hazardous effects of such technology and the need for public transparency concerning the project. They also demanded that the government review its own efforts to conserve energy and use alternative sources other than nuclear.

Taxi companies take heat for robberies

Taxi companies take heat for robberies Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Slack hiring policies, poor monitoring and a lack of training are among the reasons being cited for a recent increase in robberies committed by taxi drivers against passengers in Jakarta over the past several weeks. Taxi driver Dani, 34, said anybody could become a taxi driver for any taxi company, as long as he had an identity card and a valid driver's license.

'RI need more philanthropy'

'RI need more philanthropy' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists working to promote human welfare say that if philanthropic organizations received more funds and support the nation would advance more rapidly. "The money and energy channeled through philanthropic activities could help society build itself," Public Interest Research Advocacy Center (PIRAC) executive director Zaim Saidi said on Friday.

Govt asked to ban farm comodity imports

Govt asked to ban farm comodity imports The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of non-governmental organizations staged a rally on Monday in front of the Ministry of Trade and the State Palace to demand that the government ban the import of staple agricultural products and protect local farmers with subsidies and tariffs.

Tax debate unproductive?

Tax debate unproductive? From Koran Tempo The war of words between Taxation Director-General Hadi Poernomo and economist Faisal Basri over irregularities in the use of tax revenue has boiled down to the need to present relevant evidence. The debate is counter-productive for both Hadi and Faisal -- the directorate-general of taxation is spending too much time guarding its image and reacting to comments and less time doing the work it is supposed to.

Rupiah falls further on capital outflow, strong dollar demand

Rupiah falls further on capital outflow, strong dollar demand Agencies, Jakarta The rupiah on Monday continued last week's slide, ending lower on capital outflows from the country and on dollar demand from oil importers, according to dealers. The local unit closed at 9,575 a dollar, the lowest level in more than 10 months, according to Bloomberg data. The rupiah ended at Rp 9,535 last Friday.

Advertorial; for Tuesday

Advertorial; for Tuesday African-Asian Summit 2005: Reinvigorating the Bandung Spirit When Nehru and Zhao Enlai arrived for the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung 50 years ago, they represented two Asian countries that were struggling to stand on their own feet economically and politically. But now, no one doubts that these two countries have become the world's rapidly growing economic giants. The world has undergone a dramatic change after fifty years.

Dairy farmers want increase in milk price

Dairy farmers want increase in milk price Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung After being in the dairy business for over 10 years, the thought to switching to another business has started to cross Yayat Ruchiyat's mind. It's not that this resident of Sukanagara village in Pagerwangi, Lembang, hates his job. It's just that this year is the worst his business has ever been. Unchanging raw milk prices -- Rp 1,800 (19 U.S. cents) per liter -- simply cannot cover his production costs.

Susilo wants Asia, Africa to lead energy revolution

Susilo wants Asia, Africa to lead energy revolution Rendi A. Witular and Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid the decline in conventional energy resources and rising global pollution, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono suggested on Monday that nations from Asia and Africa initiate the use of renewable energy resources.