Archive: 20 April 2005
86 articles found
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Guards in place for summit and delegates
Guards in place for summit and delegates Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Walking back and forth in front of the entrance of the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Central Jakarta, Second Private Yatno, 27, remained on the alert. With his rifle under his arm he promptly questioned anyone that he thought would enter the building where the Asian-African Summit will take place on April 22 to April 24.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
'TVRI' under investigation
'TVRI' under investigation SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Prosecutors are investigating the alleged embezzlement of Rp 1.7 billion (US$188,888) of East Kalimantan's TVRI television station's 2003-2004 operational funds. The investigation is based on a report from TVRI employees dated April 7, citing the misappropriation of financial assistance from provincial and regental/municipal administrations.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Court grants convicted Puteh city arrest status
Court grants convicted Puteh city arrest status Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Suspended Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh, who was sentenced to 10 years' in jail last week following his conviction on corruption charges, has been granted city arrest status by the Jakarta High Court due to health concerns, his lawyers said on Tuesday.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI motorcycle sales rise 34%
RI motorcycle sales rise 34% JAKARTA: Indonesia's motorcycle sales rose 34 percent in March from a year earlier, faster than the growth in February, PT Astra International, the nation's biggest auto distributor, said on Tuesday. Motorcycle sales rose to 400,720 units in March from 299,820 units in the same month last year, Astra said in a faxed report, citing figures from the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investment opportunities abound, risks remain high
Investment opportunities abound, risks remain high Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Benoa, Bali Australian and Indonesian businesspeople are of the view that investment opportunities in Indonesia are abundant -- especially in the infrastructure sector -- but that equally risks are still high, and to some extent this keeps them at bay -- unless the returns are attractive.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/7/BAND1
JP/7/BAND1 Please don't delete bolding, thx. Bandung, a haven for snack-lovers and shoppers Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post/Bandung Bandung, the capital of West Java province, is about 180 kilometers distant from the national capital, Jakarta. The city is well-known as a haven for snack-lovers and shoppers, as thousands of food vendors, upmarket restaurants and factory outlets selling garments, bags, footwear and other such things at low prices can be found everywhere around the city.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia employs three million child laborers: Survey
Indonesia employs three million child laborers: Survey Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More than three million school-aged children in the country work in numerous sectors to help support their family. According to the recent national labor survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, of the 4.5 child workers, more than three million work voluntarily for economic reasons, while 1.5 million are forced to work.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, April 21, 2005
TV Program: Thursday, April 21, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 7:30 Cartoon: Hero Classic 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bali is 'a narcotics transit hub'
Bali is 'a narcotics transit hub' Reuters, Jakarta Smugglers are using the resort island of Bali as a waystation for narcotics distribution, the country's police chief said on Tuesday, following the arrest of nine Australians in Bali on allegations of heroin trafficking.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
The U.S. 'revitalizes' its Southeast Asia policy
The U.S. 'revitalizes' its Southeast Asia policy Kavi Chongkittavorn, The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok It was a splendid coincidence in Washington. Last week the cherry blossoms (sakura) were in full bloom, beautifully dotting the curve of the Potomac River and hanging over the sidewalks, giving this capital city the air of Tokyo's Yoyogi Park. This springtime also brings with it a more focused U.S. diplomacy towards Southeast Asia. When U.S.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
In recognition of the significance of the Asian-African Summit
In recognition of the significance of the Asian-African Summit and the Commemorative Summit of the Bandung Conference, The Jakarta Post is presenting special daily coverage of historical events both in Jakarta and Bandung. - Editor
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
BATI forecasts higher cigarette sales
BATI forecasts higher cigarette sales The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After posting a decline in sales in 2004, PT British American Tobacco Indonesia (BATI) expects to bounce back and enjoy higher cigarette sales this year, in line with projected improvements in the country's tobacco market. "I believe the tobacco market in Indonesia will continue to grow throughout 2005.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Mining in forests opposed in court
Mining in forests opposed in court Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmentalists testified on Tuesday before the Constitutional Court about the devastating effects of open-pit mining in protected forests as they attempted to have a controversial law permitting that practice annulled. The environmentalists are challenging the constitutionality of Law No. 19/2004, which allows 13 mining firms to resume open-pit mining in protected forests.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Officials discuss grant guidelines
Officials discuss grant guidelines JAKARTA: The City Council's Commission E on people's welfare met with officials of the City Elementary Education Agency on Tuesday to discuss guidelines on the use of the scholarship grants for schools following reports of alleged misuse of the funds by some schools. Commission chairman Dani Anwar said it would require the agency to make specific guidelines to avoid various interpretations of the clauses.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
A dummy's guide to the Asian-African Summit
A dummy's guide to the Asian-African Summit Indonesia hosts one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders outside of the United Nations. Below is a quick guide to the conference that will bring together leaders and senior officials from 106 countries. FROM BANDUNG 1955 TO JAKARTA 2005 The 1955 Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung, West Java, was a landmark meeting where the Third World sought to assert itself for the first time.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Six killed, nine injured as train smashes into crowd
Six killed, nine injured as train smashes into crowd Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta At least six people were killed and nine others seriously injured when a passenger train smashed into a crowd gathered along the tracks between Jatinegara station in East Jakarta and Manggarai station in South Jakarta early on Tuesday morning.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Japanese tourists cancel trips to HK
Japanese tourists cancel trips to HK HONG KONG: Japanese tourists are canceling holidays to Hong Kong fearing they will be caught up in anti-Japanese protests that have erupted in Chinese cities, travel associations said on Tuesday. Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association estimated that about 30 percent of Japanese tours to the city for May had been canceled and up to 50 percent to mainland China had been called off.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Courage to face history
Courage to face history When Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Chinese President Hu Jintao attend the Asian-African Summit on Saturday and Sunday in Jakarta and Bandung, the legacy of the pre-World War II era of Japanese colonialism of China will continue to haunt their relationship. It can only be hoped, therefore, that the two leaders will find the time to sit down together to look at ways of cooling down the escalating violence in the two countries.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Trade Fair reflects economic relations
Trade Fair reflects economic relations Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Perhaps the most interesting "product" displayed in the 2005 Asia Africa Trade Fair, held at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium (Istora) in Senayan from Monday to Thursday, is the original copy of the Final Communique of the 1955 Asian African Conference (AAC).
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Charlton eyes Asian player for Man. United
Charlton eyes Asian player for Man. United Agencies, Hong Kong English soccer great Bobby Charlton said on Tuesday that the standard of Asian soccer had improved significantly and that he hoped Manchester United would one day sign a player from the region. "Asia is not a joke any more," Charlton, a Manchester United director and former star player, told a news conference in Hong Kong to promote the club's exhibition match against Hong Kong on July 23.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wawasa residents struggle against poverty, malaria
Wawasa residents struggle against poverty, malaria M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Wawasa Despite the scorching sun, eight-year-old Ratima was shivering. She appeared weak and her eyes did not shine with anticipation, as other children's do when they greet visitors. Ratima has had malaria for over two months. She is not the only one in her family who is sick. Her four siblings and her parents have malaria. "I'm hungry," Ratima said.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sweepers clean AA toll road
Sweepers clean AA toll road At least 600 people were recruited as street sweepers to clean the Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang (Cipularang) toll road ahead of the planned visit to Bandung, West Java, on Sunday. Parts of the 41.3 kilometer toll road needed cleaning as concrete residue and other materials remained after the road was completed on April 18. Hundreds of people carried brooms and were divided into several groups to work along the Rp 1.63 trillion road.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police arrest man for cement fraud in Bogor
Police arrest man for cement fraud in Bogor Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Bogor City Police arrested a man for selling cheap cement and passing it off as Tiga Roda cement produced by PT Indocement Tunggak Prakasa Tbk. during a raid at a warehouse belonging to a brick company on Saturday. Bogor Police operational chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Syarief Hidayat said on Monday that during the raid his officers also confiscated hundreds of sacks of cement in Cimanggu village, Bogor regency.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
America rethinks its Southeast Asia policy
America rethinks its Southeast Asia policy Morton Abramowitz and Stephen Bosworth, Washington, D.C. The United States needs a longer-term approach to Southeast Asia. This means getting a better perspective on China's role in the region. It also means serious cooperation to help improve governance in the region, particularly to help make Indonesia and Vietnam dynamic, successful states. That would enormously strengthen the areas regional stability, cohesion, and independence.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police, ILO issue dispute guidelines
Police, ILO issue dispute guidelines JAKARTA: Police officers in the country now have guidelines on how to approach situations stemming from labor disputes, such as strikes. The National Police and the International Labor Organization (ILO) jointly launched on Tuesday a book of guidelines in a ceremony attended by Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Fahmi Idris, National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, Executive Director of ILO Kari Tapiola and U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia B. Lynn Pascoe.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Exxon asks for buyers' guarantee before developing block in Aceh
Exxon asks for buyers' guarantee before developing block in Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As negotiations to develop the Block A gas field in Aceh continue, ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia, which with ConocoPhilips hold the concession rights to the field, has requested a payment guarantee from buyers. The guarantee would ensure that the natural gas reserved for specific buyers would be paid for in full, Kardaya Warnika, chairman of the Upstream Oil and Gas Executive Agency (BP Migas), said on Tuesday.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Migrant workers still not receiving training
Migrant workers still not receiving training Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam The three-story building looked quiet. There was little sign of life, apart from a guard at the security post up front. It's been a year since the Indonesian Migrant Worker Training and Empowerment Center, which is located in the Puri Industrial Park 2000 on Batam island, was opened by former president Megawati Soekarnoputri on May 28, 2004.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Election of new chief not expected to heal PKB rift
Election of new chief not expected to heal PKB rift The Jakarta Post, Semarang/Cirebon The election of House of Representatives deputy speaker Muhaimin Iskandar as the new National Awakening Party (PKB) leader here early on Tuesday is not likely to end the internal rift within the party, as his rivals vowed to press ahead with legal action to be reinstated as party executives.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Providing evidence of corruption in economic perspective
Providing evidence of corruption in economic perspective Jhon Tafbu Ritonga, Medan Two prominent economists who are well-known for their critical analysis of economic affairs and corruption were legally warned by Taxation Directorate of the State Department of Finance. In the warnings, the directorate challenged the two economists to prove the corruption at the tax office, which they had alleged.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Workers report manpower agency
Workers report manpower agency BATAM, Riau Islands: Fed up with waiting to be sent to Malaysia as promised by a manpower agency, some 13 women left the agency's shelter in Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands, a police officer said on Tuesday. Tanjung Pinang Police chief of criminal investigations Adj. Comr.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia and human rights
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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
BlueScope mulls upping capacity
BlueScope mulls upping capacity MELBOURNE: BlueScope Steel Ltd., Australia's biggest steelmaker, is considering doubling the capacity of a metallic- coating and painting factory in Indonesia as demand for its products increases. The company may spend between A$80 million (US$61 million) and A$150 million on the plant and is conducting a study which could be completed by the end of the year, Sandi Harwood, a spokeswoman for Melbourne-based BlueScope, said on Tuesday.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Adiguna's gun killed Rudy: Ballistic, forensic experts
Adiguna's gun killed Rudy: Ballistic, forensic experts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A police ballistics expert testified on Tuesday at the murder trial of businessman Adiguna Sutowo that the defendant's gun was used in the shooting of trainee waiter Johannes "Rudy" Berchmans Haerudy Natong at the Hilton Hotel's Fluid Bar and Lounge on Jan. 1. Adj. Sr. Comm.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Japan urged to invest in RI manufacturing
Japan urged to invest in RI manufacturing Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is seeking an increase in Japanese investment in the manufacturing sector through an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) the two countries are currently discussing, to further bolster Indonesian trade to Japan, a minister says. Preparatory talks between Indonesia and Japan towards negotiations on the EPA -- equal in essence to a free trade agreement (FTA) -- are nearing completion.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Textile expos expected to bring in $5m
Textile expos expected to bring in $5m Eighty-three companies from 17 countries are participating in two major textile machinery exhibitions at the Jakarta International Expo Center in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. Organizers of the four-day Seventh International Textile and Garment Machinery and Accessories Exhibition and Indo Textile 2005 show expected on-site deals to reach between $4 and $5 million.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Chan says no to tsunami-based movie
Chan says no to tsunami-based movie JAKARTA: Action movie star Jackie Chan said that he had no plans to make a film that would be based on the Asian tsunami after witnessing the utter destruction that was left by nature's wrath in Banda Aceh. Chan, famous for starring in action-packed movies such as Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon, said that he was so saddened at the plight that befell the Acehnese that making such a movie would be inappropriate.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Summit gong Bandung bound
Summit gong Bandung bound A two-meter-diameter, 270-kilogram gong has left for Bandung to become the symbol of the Asian-African Summit to be held later this week. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to sound the gong on Sunday, which will be displayed during the entire event. The gong features the embossed names and flags of the 106 attending nations.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Invest (45) -- 48 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x26)
1. Invest (45) -- 48 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x26) Investment opportunities abound, risks remain high 2. Sidebar (40) - 28 pts 2 cols 2line (2x20) Urban infrastructure needs better incentives 3. Aim (45) -- 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) China eyes power, energy partners at A-A Summit 4. Insur (45) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Few families interested in earthquake insurance --- 5. Oddworld and photos
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
'I'm Alive!' project continues to reunite families in Aceh
'I'm Alive!' project continues to reunite families in Aceh 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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Child (3x16)
1. Child (3x16) Indonesia employs 3 million child laborers: Survey 2. Puteh (2x24) Court grants Puteh city arrest status 3. Drug (1x28) 'Bali a narcotics transit hub' 4. Mining (2x22) Mining in protected forests opposed in court 5. Munir (2x27) BIN urged to be more cooperative in Munir case
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Women in Asia, Africa still in slow lane
Women in Asia, Africa still in slow lane Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955 attempted to lay the foundations for freedom, justice and equity in Asia and Africa, it had little to say about including women in the process. Fifty years later, women in Asia and Africa remain the least prosperous and least powerful group in society, and are discriminated against in almost all aspects of life.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
China eyes power, energy partners at A-A Summit
China eyes power, energy partners at A-A Summit Verna Yu, Agence France-Presse/Beijing China will seek to foster new friendships with Asian and African countries at the Bandung Conference this week to increase its political clout and pursue its relentless quest for energy, analysts say.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates April 19
Rupiah Rates April 19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,739.27 6,966.94 7,391.82 7,314.22 Brunei dollar 1 6,098.12 5,489.10 5,824.35 5,762.71 Canadian dollar 1 8,079.61 7,274.19 7,716.88 7,636.77 Swiss franc 1 8,482.60 7,636.21 8,101.78 8,016.84 Danish krone 1 1,760.20 1,584.82 1,681.18 1,663.81 Euro 1 13,119.61 11,811.98 12,530.61 12,400.75 Poundsterling 1 19,169.47 17,258.22 18,308.86 18,118.46 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,290.92 1,162.62 1,232.96 1,220.58...
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Breaking with diplomatic convention
Breaking with diplomatic convention Uly Siregar, Contributor, Jakarta Cutting through the traffic on his 20-year-old Vespa, broad smile out front, suit jacket and tie trailing behind, Kirk Coningham cuts an unconventional figure for a senior diplomat. The "CD" plate on the Vespa is the only giveaway. Dispensing with convention became a signature of his approach to diplomacy during his four-year posting as public affairs counselor at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta from 2000 to 2004.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Internists warn of over-the-counter rheumatic drugs
Internists warn of over-the-counter rheumatic drugs Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Health experts have warned people to be extremely cautious in using over-the-counter drugs to treat rheumatism, arguing that uncontrolled and excessive use of such drugs often leads to acute erosive gastritis. "Every month we've been treating two to three cases of acute erosive gastritis due to uncontrolled use of antirheumatic drugs," said Sutanto Maduseno, an internist at Dr.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Australia hopes to strike Timor deal soon
Australia hopes to strike Timor deal soon CANBERRA: Australia is "hopeful" of reaching an agreement with East Timor on petroleum royalties from the Timor Sea in the "near future," Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said. "Hopefully we can reach an agreement in the near future," Downer said on Tuesday in an interview from Canberra. "The way things are looking at the moment -- they're looking reasonably promising." Woodside Petroleum Ltd.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Convention center makes more history
Convention center makes more history The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite its modern veneer, the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) is quickly becoming one of the most historic edifices in the country. This week it will add to its already impressive roster of events by hosting a summit of over five dozen Asian-African leaders. In the early 1990s, JCC emerged as one of the premier convention arenas of Southeast Asia.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
The significance of the Asia-Africa commemoration
The significance of the Asia-Africa commemoration Jusuf Wanandi, Jakarta The 50th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung, or the Bandung conference, provides a good opportunity to take stock of what the results have been of such a bold and strategic move. The success of the 1955 conference was a remarkable achievement for developing nations during the period of decolonization after World War II.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Activist Farid Faqih went on trial
Activist Farid Faqih went on trial ACEH BESAR: The trial of anticorruption activist Farid Faqih, who is accused of attempting to steal aid destined for tsunami victims, began in Aceh on Tuesday. Proceedings at the Jantho Court, Aceh Besar, about 50 km south of Banda Aceh, started at noon with prosecutors reading an indictment.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
* Few families interested in earthquake insurance Page 2
* Few families interested in earthquake insurance Page 2 * Vendors-councillors meeting ends up in quarrel Page 3 * Bali has become a narcotics transit hub Page 4 * Migrant workers still not receiving training Page 5 * From Aceh to Helsinki: A message for Jakarta Page 6 * Semen Gresik forecasts cement shortage in 2007 Page 10 * China makes gesture to Japan, but keeps up heat Page 11 * Wushu wants to get back into golden groove Page 19 * Joesoef Isak promotes freedom in reform era Page 20
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wushu wants to get its golden groove back
Wushu wants to get its golden groove back Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After returning home red-faced and empty-handed from the last Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Wushu Indonesia (WI) is looking forward to the challenge of Manila with the hope of reclaiming gold. "We had always won a gold since 1993 when wushu was first competed in.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies
Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies I am writing with reference to the article in The Jakarta Post, Separatist protest mar Susilo's visit to NZ, dated April 7, and another article titled Direct flights to start between Denpasar, Auckland: Minister dated April 12, which contained inaccurate information concerning the visit of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to New Zealand on April 6 and April 7.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Urban infrastructure needs better incentives
Urban infrastructure needs better incentives Owing to rapid urbanization, the need for urban infrastructure will continue to rise, therefore the government needs to invigorate regulatory frameworks and offer better incentives to attract investment into the urban sector. J. Scott Younger, commissioner at Glendale Partners who provide project management and finance advisory services, predicted on Tuesday that by 2025 Indonesia's population would be 55 percent urban, from about 35 percent in 2001.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tax incentives sought for downstream sector
Tax incentives sought for downstream sector Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to help boost investment, the Oil and Gas Downstream Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has asked for tax incentives for certain imported capital goods in the downstream sector.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia should downgrade OPEC status: Panel
Indonesia should downgrade OPEC status: Panel Dow Jones, Jakarta A high-level Indonesian panel has recommended that the country downgrade its membership in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to "observer" status, an official document recently viewed by Dow Jones Newswires indicated. A downgrade would reduce the financial commitments of Indonesia, already a net importer of oil, to the group, according to the document.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Paradise lost after quake at Sorake beach, Nias
Paradise lost after quake at Sorake beach, Nias To surfers around the world, Sorake beach in southern Nias was once a paradise to showcase their skills in riding the wild waves. The 8.7-magnitude earthquake rocked the whole island of Nias on March 28 and inflicted widespread damage to buildings, while also disrupting the lives of the islanders. The earthquake also resulted in the disappearance of the white sand at Sorake beach, leaving only dried mud with brownish foam.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Inculcating
Inculcating creativity in our daily life Dewi Susanti Jakarta Muhammad Zuhdi wrote an attractive article entitled Education and Creativity, published in The Jakarta Post on April 2. The article discussed the importance of creativity and suggested that it should be part of formal education, a message the author strongly agrees with. However, the author thinks that change will take a long time and will take more than shifting the paradigm of the education system.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
BMW unveils New 3 Series
BMW unveils New 3 Series The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT BMW Indonesia has unveiled its fifth generation of the New 3 Series to the press at the Sentul circuit at Bogor on Tuesday, in a bid to strengthen its market leadership in the medium luxury class. "With the New BMW 3 Series, we are once again staking BMW's worldwide claim to leadership and innovation in the automotive industry," PT BMW Indonesia president director Josef Honsel said.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
UNICEF clarifies
UNICEF clarifies UNICEF wishes to correct a factual error in an article in The Jakarta Post dated April 14, concerning imported vehicles currently at the Belawan Port in Medan. UNICEF agreed to purchase the vehicles, 14 Toyota Hiace ambulances, two Toyota Hilux pickups and one Toyota Hiace minibus, at the request of the Department of Health in Banda Aceh to be used for relief activities following the Dec. 26 tsunami. These vehicles arrived in Belawan port in February and March.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aboeprijadi Santoso
Aboeprijadi Santoso Helsinki 2. ASEAN -- The U.S. "revitalizes" its Southeast Asia policy 2 X 30 The U.S. "revitalizes" its Southeast Asian policy Kavi Chongkittavorn The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Semen Gresik forecasts cement shortage in 2007
Semen Gresik forecasts cement shortage in 2007 Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's largest cement producer, PT Semen Gresik (SG), has projected a shortfall in cement supply in 2007 due to the high demand from government-driven infrastructure projects. To anticipate the shortage, SG is planning to construct new plants, either in Sukabumi, West Java, or near Pacitan, East Java, with an installed capacity of between 2.5 million and three million tons per year.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asia, Africa must reduce dependence on the West
Asia, Africa must reduce dependence on the West At least 56 heads of states will attend the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta on April 22 and April 23 and the Golden Jubilee of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung, West Java on April 24. The Jakarta Post interviewed several Jakartans to get their comments on the events. Ferry Areza, 35, is a civil servant at the city administration. He resides with his family in Karawaci, Tangerang.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Coverage Team:
Coverage Team: Abdul Khalik, Adianto P. Simamora, Arief Suhardiman, Ati Nurbaiti, Dwi Atmanta, Endy Bayuni, Harry Bhaskara, Ivy Susanti, Kornelius Purba, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Mulkan Salmona, Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Riyadi Suparno, Veeramalla Anjaiah, Yuli Tri Suwarni, Zakki P. Hakim.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 19, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 19, 2005 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,550 0 15,000 Adhi Karya 780 -10 10,153,000 Adira Dinamika 2,350 0 0 AGIS Tbk 130 0 1,506,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 325 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,210 0 1,817,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI, South Africa sign economic and scientific agreements
RI, South Africa sign economic and scientific agreements Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an effort to strengthen their relationship, Indonesia and South Africa have signed several agreements in the field of economy and science. The bilateral agreements were inked on Tuesday after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met visiting South African President Thabo Mbeki at the State Palace for high-level talks.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Councillors irk vendors for breaking promise
Councillors irk vendors for breaking promise Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A meeting between street vendors working on Jl. Fachrudin and Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Central Jakarta and the City Council's Commission B on budgetary affairs, ended up in a quarrel on Tuesday.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Singapore warns of fresh JI attacks
Singapore warns of fresh JI attacks SINGAPORE: The Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist network is drawing up plans for an attack similar to the deadly 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, a senior Singapore official said, citing intelligence provided by Indonesia's government.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Promoting freedom in reform era
Promoting freedom in reform era M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta French writer Albert Camus once said from a podium in Belgium in 1957, "Freedom is a long-distance race", urging those who championed of freedom to strive unceasingly for the cause. The owner of Hasta Mitra publishing house, Joesoef Isak, not only firmly believes in Camus' statement, he is also living proof that such a struggle is hard won.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jambi residents asked not to vote
Jambi residents asked not to vote JAMBI, Jambi: Banners calling for voters to abstain in the upcoming regional leadership election have been put up in the city center here. Women's groups allegedly made similar calls after a female member of the Golkar Party and her running mate were refused as candidates for the June 26 gubernatorial election. "I'm not responsible for the calls not to vote," Azizah Uteng, who had hoped to run for deputy governor, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Singapore remains Asia's top MICE destination
Singapore remains Asia's top MICE destination Singapore has served as a trading hub and financial center for Southeast Asia thanks to its strategic location and environment conducive to international business activities. Located at the crossroads of the world in the Strait of Malacca, Singapore is home to at least 7,000 multinational corporations and several thousand financial institutions and trading firms.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Astra Agro crude palm oil sales up
Astra Agro crude palm oil sales up JAKARTA: Indonesia's PT Astra Agro Lestari said on Tuesday its sales of crude palm oil rose 4 percent on year in the first quarter. Astra Agro sold 178,050 metric tons of CPO in the January to March period, compared with 170,743 tons in the same period last year, the company said on its website. However, the company's exports dropped 52 percent in the first quarter to 39,594 tons, from 82,101 tons in the first quarter of 2004, on stronger domestic demand.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Gresik's 4th-Quarter Profit Rises on Cement Demand
Gresik's 4th-Quarter Profit Rises on Cement Demand Bloomberg News Jakarta PT Semen Gresik, Indonesia's biggest cement maker by volume, had a 43 percent gain in fourth-quarter profit as the lowest interest rates in six years boosted construction in the country and demand for Gresik's products. Net income in the three months ended December rose to Rp 151 billion (US$$16 million) from Rp 106 billion a year earlier.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Few families interested in earthquake insurance
Few families interested in earthquake insurance The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even though Catherine is alarmed by what she perceives as the "remote, but realistic" chance of an earthquake rocking her Rp 1.5 billion (nearly US$157,000) West Jakarta residence, she will not budge on her refusal to purchase earthquake insurance. "If disaster strikes, I'll accept it as fate," said the 28- year-old civil engineer, who earns Rp 8 million per month.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bandung hotels enjoy bustling business
Bandung hotels enjoy bustling business Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Prior to the celebration of the Asia-Africa Conference's golden jubilee in Bandung on April 24, most of hotels in the city are already fully booked with orders coming from members of delegations, businesspeople and foreigners. Preanger Hotel's Executive Assistant Manager Geraldine Christine, said the hotel could no longer receive new reservations for people wanting to stay this week.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
BIN urged to be more cooperative in Munir case
BIN urged to be more cooperative in Munir case The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The State Intelligence Agency (BIN) is hindering the investigation into the murder of rights activist Munir, and the President and the National Police need to help, the government fact-finding team says. Member Asmara Nababan said the team, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the National Police and BIN leadership needed a face-to-face meeting to resolve the problem.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Batik Danar Hadi Jl. Melawai, Blok M, South Jakarta
Batik Danar Hadi Jl. Melawai, Blok M, South Jakarta offers wide selection and abundant of batik fabrics from variety of patterns and styles and verying degrees of quality. Batik Keris, Keris Gallery in Menteng, South Jakarta sells ready-to-wear kebaya, batik fabrics and more modern ensembles. Jl. Surabaya, Menteng, Central Jakarta silver jewelries from around the country are sold as antiques at the stalls erected by the side of a narrow road.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Surfers show quick response in the wake of Nias quake
Surfers show quick response in the wake of Nias quake Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Nias About 36 hours after a massive 8.7 Richter scale earthquake shook Nias on March 28, Surf Aid International's chartered boat, the Katika, arrived at the southern part of the island, Teluk Dalam. The seven-strong emergency team aboard -- including Dr. Dave Jenkins, two other medical doctors and two nurses -- carried with them rice, potable water and tarpaulins.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Officials iron out summit declaration
Officials iron out summit declaration Dwi Atmanta and Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Senior officials at the Asian-African Summit agreed on Tuesday to three draft declarations aimed at boosting solidarity and cooperation among the nations of the two continents, officials have said.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 20 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
From Aceh to Helsinki: A message for Jakarta
From Aceh to Helsinki: A message for Jakarta Aboeprijadi Santoso, Helsinki The third round of the Helsinki negotiations between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to find "a comprehensive and permanent solution with dignity for all" was just concluded with new hope for a peaceful breakthrough. So, what do we make of this newfound hope?