Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 April 2005

90 articles found

* Supreme Court torpedoes Pertamina tanker case appeals Page 2

* Supreme Court torpedoes Pertamina tanker case appeals Page 2 * Jakarta KPUD denies markup allegations Page 3 * RI Catholics hail election of new pope Page 4 * Ambon Police raid Pattimura University Page 5 * Hail Pope Benedict XVI, confidant of John Paul II Page 6 * U.S.-based Amerada to invest $500m in Indonesia Page 10 * Rice urges Russia to improve democracy record Page 11 * Bali theater festival explores gender themes 16

RI Catholics hail election of new pope

RI Catholics hail election of new pope The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI) and the country's Catholics hailed the election of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday. "All Catholics in Indonesia, either individually or collectively, will have their own ways of expressing joy at the election of the new pope.

Specials Report -- Singapore-MICE

Specials Report -- Singapore-MICE More wireless rooms available in Singapore The rising number of business visitors has prompted more hotels and serviced apartments in Singapore to offer services and facilities specially designed to meet the needs of business travelers. Besides fully equipped business centers, the country's star- rated hotels also provide wireless broadband Internet access, or Wifi hotspots.

Puteh barred from leaving Jakarta

Puteh barred from leaving Jakarta JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officially executed on Wednesday a change in corruption criminal Abdullah Puteh's status to that of "city arrest", due to health concerns, KPK prosecutor Khaidir Ramli said. He said his office was responsible for making sure that Puteh, who was suspended as Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam governor late last year, would not leave Jakarta.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, April 23, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, April 23, 2005 Exhibitions * Indian Painting Exhibition, at World Trade Center, Jl. Sudirman Kav. 27-29 South Jakarta, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until April 30 * Painting Arok Dedes Pramoedya: Sebuah Tafsir Visual by Muhamad Yusuf at Gallery Lontar , Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), until April 30 * Kris, The Passion of the Collector, Erasmus Huis, Jl. HR Rasuna Said kav. S-3, South Jakarta (Tel.

Police to pursue alleged graft in block grant fund for schools

Police to pursue alleged graft in block grant fund for schools Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police said on Wednesday they would investigate the alleged misuse of a block grant by officials at SMP 232 junior high school in East Jakarta, even if the City Primary Education Agency and City Council agree to let the City Audit Agency handle the matter. "We will continue our investigation into the case.

'Cak' Roes: Bandung Conference mastermind

'Cak' Roes: Bandung Conference mastermind Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta On Friday and Saturday, Indonesia and South Africa will jointly host a gigantic summit of Asian and African leaders in Jakarta. For Indonesia, it will not be the first time for such a gathering. Exactly, 50 years ago, Indonesia hosted the first-ever Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) in Bandung in which 29 leaders from the two continents participated.

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.

The legends of '55, leaders to watch in 2005

The legends of '55, leaders to watch in 2005 The magnitude of the 1955 Bandung conference was, in part, due to the presence of Asian and African leaders who were legends in their own time. Who will shine at the 2005 summit? Below are brief sketches of the legends of 1955 and the potential stars of this coming summit. Legends of 1955 Sukarno The Indonesian president was a fiery orator who could captivate an audience whenever he took the podium.

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.

RI can learn from other countries

RI can learn from other countries Jakarta will soon host the two-day Asian-African Summit 2005, with at least 56 heads of state expected to attend. The Jakarta Post interviewed two residents to find out what they thought about the event. Maudy Lini, 42, is general secretary for the Indonesian Businesswomen's Association. She lives in Cibubur, East Jakarta.

Correction: In the article Toshiba to expand market via education

Correction: In the article Toshiba to expand market via education on page 13, April 15, we misquoted "The company will donate ..." in the first paragraph. The article should have read "The company cooperates with Pelita Harapan University by selling..." We apologize for the error. -- Editor

Between meeting -- planes, trains and automobiles

Between meeting -- planes, trains and automobiles The Jakarta Post, Jakarta How do you transport 60 of the most important people in Asia and Africa? Arranging safe, reliable and fitting transportation, both for within Jakarta and for the day trip to Bandung, West Java is one of the summit organizer's main responsibilities. In 1955 a total of 143 sedans, 30 taxis and 20 buses were allocated for the conference.

Theater festival explores gender-sensitive themes

Theater festival explores gender-sensitive themes I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar The All-Bali Theater Festival at the island's arts center in late April promises to provoke thought on the roles that women play in a traditionally patriarchal society, which is insensitive toward gender issues.

Asian-African partnership endorsed

Asian-African partnership endorsed Dwi Atmanta and Adrian Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ministers from Asia and Africa endorsed on Wednesday the draft of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP), which will serve as a framework for political solidarity, economic cooperation and sociocultural ties between the continents.

OK, thnks

OK, thnks 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.

Ready to help,

Ready to help, but no one asked. I am interested to know why your country did not ask for help with rescuing village people trapped in the aftermath of the recent earthquake on the island of Nias. I am a member of New Zealand's Specialized Urban Search And Rescue task force, and we were saddened to watch international media reports of people pleading for help days after the earthquake. Our country, as loyal neighbors of Indonesia, would have been proud to help our friends.

Exxon, Pertamina told to settle dispute

Exxon, Pertamina told to settle dispute Bloomberg, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered state oil and gas company PT Pertamina and Exxon Mobil Corp. to settle a dispute that has stalled development of the nation's biggest untapped oil field for more than three years.

Mothers play vital role in health of families

Mothers play vital role in health of families The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A boy asks for the carton of milk that his mother has just bought for him. He finishes it in less than five minutes and returns the empty container to his mother, who thoughtlessly throws it out of the window. That small incident actually happened during a recent minibus ride in Jakarta, but it could have happened any time, anywhere, whether on a bus, in a fancy car or in any public space in this country.

Rupiah depreciation unlikely to affect business: Minister

Rupiah depreciation unlikely to affect business: Minister Rendi A. Witular and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The sharp depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah against the U.S. dollar is unlikely to affect the country's business sector much as the main driver behind the depreciation was external in the form of the recently high demand for dollar-denominated assets.

Kartini, her life and letters

Kartini, her life and letters Susan J. Natih, Jakarta April 21 is always remembered in Indonesia as the day of women's emancipation that was initiated by Kartini, who was born on this day in 1879 in a village called Mayong, which is today located in the province of Central Java.

Bandung-CityGuide

Bandung-CityGuide JP/7/BAND1 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 away from Jakarta. The city is 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.

Indonesia-India cultural links

Indonesia-India cultural links I was going through the article Exploring Indonesian and Indian cultural links published in The Jakarta Post on April 11, and realized that Indonesia and India share an ancient history. India is one of the oldest democracies in the world. The concept of Shodash Maha Janapada is a testimony to this and now, when Indonesia is a rising democracy, if India reaches out, especially in the field of education, it will benefit the common people here.

'Myanmar must not take ASEAN chair'

'Myanmar must not take ASEAN chair' PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Senate unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday calling for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strip Myanmar of the group's chairmanship next year. Myanmar "should not assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006 unless there has been compliance with the principles of human rights law, particularly those which necessitate the freedom from house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi," the resolution said.

Wary officials eye Mt. Soputan

Wary officials eye Mt. Soputan Jonker Rumteh, The Jakarta Post, South Minahasa Mount Soputan in South Minahasa, North Sulawesi, has had two minor eruptions during the past two days and officials are worried about the safety of nearby residents. The first eruption occurred on Tuesday evening at 5:15 p.m, with the second taking place the following morning at 6:38.

Objectivity in Mulyana's case

Objectivity in Mulyana's case From Bisnis Indonesia The press has apparently reached a verdict on the case of Mulyana W. Kusumah's alleged bribery and corruption in the General Elections Commission, while in fact before any court decision, Mulyana should be presumed innocent. With the opinion formed by the press, there are fears that the panel of judges may no longer be objective in the trial of the case now in the public spotlight.

TV Today: Friday, April 22, 2005

TV Today: Friday, April 22, 2005 .TB.30" .90" 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 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Religious Teachings 1:00 p.m.

KPUD washes hands of mark-up allegations

KPUD washes hands of mark-up allegations Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta provincial General Election Commissions (KPUD) said it was not responsible for any alleged mark-ups on the rental fees of houses used for its secretariats in six regions.

U.S. firm Amerada to invest $500m in RI

U.S. firm Amerada to invest $500m in RI Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta U.S.-based energy firm Amerada Hess Corp. plans to invest some US$500 million during the next two or three years to develop its offshore gas and oil concession in Pangkah, East Java. Chief executive officer John B. Hess said on Wednesday that the investment was a vote of confidence in the business climate in Indonesia, with the company exploring further business opportunities in the energy sector here.

Bali-SingaporeAirlines-promotion

Bali-SingaporeAirlines-promotion 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 a result of minor cyclone Juliet, which swept through East Indonesian waters from April 7 through April 10.

Indonesia and the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference

Indonesia and the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia, which declared its independence on Aug. 17, 1945, launched an historic movement in international politics 50 years ago by hosting the Asian-African Conference (AAC) in the city of Bandung. It was the first-ever intercontinental gathering of colored peoples in the history of mankind and a demonstration of the growing diplomatic significance of the Asian and African countries.

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.

Summit a major feat in RI's active diplomacy

Summit a major feat in RI's active diplomacy Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia scores a major diplomatic coup this week by hosting the Asian-African Summit. Bringing together leaders and representatives from more than 100 countries spanning two continents is no easy task. But Indonesia is pushing ahead with the plan even as it struggles to get back on its feet after a series of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis.

Limited edition

Limited edition In conjunction with the national holiday commemorating Prophet Muhammad's birthday on Friday, The Jakarta Post will run a limited edition that will only be distributed to delegates of the Asian-African Summit. However, latest updates of current affairs will continue to be available at the Post's web site www.thejakartapost.com and http://mobile.thejakartapost.com. The regular edition will reappear on Saturday. -- Publisher

Sideshows fail to boost Summit hype

Sideshows fail to boost Summit hype The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If the taste of a main course is determined by its appetizers, then the 2005 Asian-African Summit is in trouble. The series of events which preceded the Summit apparently did not whet the appetite of ordinary Jakartans, or, quite probably, the international delegations.

Rupiah Rates April 20

Rupiah Rates April 20 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,777.23 7,001.81 7,427.97 7,350.93 Brunei dollar 1 6,102.22 5,492.61 5,828.18 5,766.48 Canadian dollar 1 8,128.74 7,319.34 7,763.69 7,684.30 Swiss franc 1 8,526.77 7,677.00 7,763.69 8,059.79 Danish krone 1 1,765.76 1,589.77 1,686.46 1,669.03 Euro 1 13,165.02 11,850.67 12,573.80 12,441.57 Poundsterling 1 19,309.70 17,388.48 18,442.54 18,225.51 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,290.60 1,162.30 1,232.64 1,220.25...

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.

Business summiteers seek to create direct links

Business summiteers seek to create direct links The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is hosting the two-day Asian-African Business Summit 2005 which began on Wednesday, where nearly 500 CEOs and business leaders from the two continents were meeting and exploring new business opportunities. The Jakarta Post's Zakki P. Hakim talked to Kadin chairman Mohamad S. Hidayat about the event, which would feature China's President Hu Jintao and Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Australians see Susilo as open-minded, honest

Australians see Susilo as open-minded, honest Professor of history at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, John Ingleson talked with The Jakarta Post's Rita A. Widiadana about Australia and Indonesia relations. He was one of the speakers at the recent Indonesia-Australia Business Conference in Bali on April 18 and 19. This is an excerpt. Question How do you view the relationship between Indonesia and Australia as neighbors in the region?

Govt to spread disaster warnings with SMS messages

Govt to spread disaster warnings with SMS messages Agence France-Presse Jakarta Indonesia, still reeling from a series of natural disasters, plans to use text messages to alert people of impending disasters predicted by an early warning system, a minister said on Wednesday. "The result of a disaster early warning system in an area will be spread through SMSs (Short Message Services)," Minister of Communications and Information Sofyan A. Djalil said.

'Enchanting Bali' and boarding pass aim to attract guests

'Enchanting Bali' and boarding pass aim to attract guests 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.

South Korean people struggle to live with taste of Indonesia

South Korean people struggle to live with taste of Indonesia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Though many foreigners find spicy Indonesian food tough to swallow, it is a different story for 28 year-old Korean woman Lisa Kang, who is a big fan of hot Padang and Manado cooking.

TMII Square inaugurated

TMII Square inaugurated JAKARTA: East Jakarta Mayor Koesnan Abdul Halim inaugurated on Wednesday the construction of a new square called Tamini Square close to the complex of the Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII) in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta. The square, comprising a shopping mall and trade center, would be operational in mid-2006. The six-floor square, to be built on a three-hectare site by PT Kencana Graha Lestari, would accommodate 2,000 kiosks and shops.

RP tries to deal with oil price hike

RP tries to deal with oil price hike MANILA: President Gloria Arroyo has ordered a "contingency plan" drawn up to explore the Philippine government's options should there be further rises in oil prices, which have spurred street protests and boosted inflation, her spokesman said on Wednesday. "This contingency plan ... is calibrated to deal with the risks depending on the level of oil prices," said presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye.

Illegal logging suspect moved to Jakarta

Illegal logging suspect moved to Jakarta Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A senior police officer, accused of involvement in illegal logging activities in Papua province, will face further questioning in Jakarta to prevent possible intervention by his local bosses into the investigation. Comr. Martin Renau, who was declared a suspect in matters relating to illegal logging, was flown aboard a commercial aircraft on Wednesday morning from Papua to Jakarta, National Police chief Gen.

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.

Russian jailed for 10 months

Russian jailed for 10 months DENPASAR, Bali: A Bali court on Wednesday sentenced a Russian man to 10 months in jail and fined him US$520 for possession of marijuana, his lawyer said. Alexei Pestov, 25, was found guilty of possessing 2.5 grams of marijuana following his arrest on New Year's Eve in Denpasar, said lawyer Haposan Sihombing.

More hotels now in Green Globe 21

More hotels now in Green Globe 21 DENPASAR: Eighteen members of the Bali Hotels Association were inducted recently into the Green Globe 21 Standards program as affiliate members, with the international certification system now having 24 members. Affiliate status indicates members have a commitment to better environments, better communities and better business.

Japan, China feud begins to worry Asian ministers

Japan, China feud begins to worry Asian ministers Agencies, Jakarta Asian foreign ministers on Wednesday called on economic powerhouses China and Japan to resolve a festering row they said was sparking concern across the region. The dispute has overshadowed a landmark meeting of Asian and African leaders in Indonesia, with all eyes on whether Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Chinese President Hu Jintao will hold talks on the sidelines of the event this week.

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.

Death sentence for corruptors

Death sentence for corruptors From Media Indonesia The attorney general has said that capital punishment is still needed to deter criminals, but the sentence has not been handed down to any corruptors, and yet the country is still in the midst of a crisis. While drug traffickers and murderers have recently gotten the firing squad, why can't the sentence be given to corruptors? Is it because they are in a position to buy their way out of the sentence?

Rupiah Rates April 20

Rupiah Rates April 20 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,777.23 7,001.81 7,427.97 7,350.93 Brunei dollar 1 6,102.22 5,492.61 5,828.18 5,766.48 Canadian dollar 1 8,128.74 7,319.34 7,763.69 7,684.30 Swiss franc 1 8,526.77 7,677.00 7,763.69 8,059.79 Danish krone 1 1,765.76 1,589.77 1,686.46 1,669.03 Euro 1 13,165.02 11,850.67 12,573.80 12,441.57 Poundsterling 1 19,309.70 17,388.48 18,442.54 18,225.51 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,290.60 1,162.30 1,232.64 1,220.25...

TV Today: Saturday, April 23, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, April 23, 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.

[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.

City civil servants to pick their own uniform tailors

City civil servants to pick their own uniform tailors Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration has decided to return to its old policy of handing out material and cash to civil servants to sew their own uniforms following mistakes in the size and color of the uniforms it bought last year. "We have decided to return to our previous policy of providing money for procuring tailors," City Assets Office head Khairul Mahadi said on Wednesday.

Pope urged to continue interfaith talks

Pope urged to continue interfaith talks Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Greeting the election of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as new pope, Muslims and Christian leaders here said on Wednesday they hoped that he would follow in the footsteps of his predecessor in giving much attention to interfaith dialog and the poor in order to promote peace in the world.

South African president visits Banda Aceh

South African president visits Banda Aceh Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Before cohosting the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta, South African President Thabo Mbeki has managed to fit in a visit to the tsunami-hit city of Banda Aceh on Wednesday.

RI sugar imports may reach six-year high, U.S. says

RI sugar imports may reach six-year high, U.S. says Jason Gale, Bloomberg/Singapore Indonesia's sugar imports may surge 24 percent to a six-year high in the coming 12 months as local suppliers struggle to meet growing demand for the sweetener, a U.S. government agricultural attache said. Indonesia, the world's third-largest sugar importer, will probably buy the equivalent of 1.8 million metric tons of the commodity in the year ending April 30, 2006, the U.S.

The enduring values of modern Asia

The enduring values of modern Asia Bunn Nagara, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia This part of the world does not lack political events or diplomatic functions of international stature, but their results are quite another matter. The policy action and intended effects of these efforts need improvement, perhaps with some NGO oversight Monday marked the 50th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference, which led to the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement among other things.

Summit stamps issued

Summit stamps issued A new series of stamps has been issued by postal company PT Pos Indonesia to mark the golden jubilee of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference. Some 350,000 sets of the golden jubilee stamps had been printed, which each set comprising 14 stamps with a total face value of Rp 30,000 per set. The postal company also launched 30,000 commemorative letter pads with a face value of Rp 2,500 each.

Pragmatism should be the mantra for Indonesia in the New Asian-

Pragmatism should be the mantra for Indonesia in the New Asian- African Strategic Partnership Philips Jusario Vermonte Jakarta Much has been written about the Asian-African Summit that will adopt the new strategic partnership between countries of the two continents. Some have delineated pessimism while others shared positive comments on the question of where this new initiative is heading.

Chinese textiles flood local market

Chinese textiles flood local market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After eight years in the garment industry, Supena is savvy enough to know that one must keep abreast of the latest trends to stay in business. That includes the use of imported textiles, regardless of the legality of the practice. "We are now using fabrics from China," said Supena, whose factory in the West Java town of Tasikmalaya employs 200 people.

Taman Mini's museums

Taman Mini's museums require maintenance From Media Indonesia Over the last few months, our family has been visiting various interesting places, particularly museums and regional pavilions at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta. Regrettably, several parts of the park today are no longer as splendid as they used to be. Some of the places we have observed are not properly maintained.

Australian investors urged to help fight bribery, corruption

Australian investors urged to help fight bribery, corruption Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Benoa, Bali While Indonesia was listed this year by Transparency International as the sixth most corrupt country in the world, efforts to fight against corruption here are heading in the right direction.

Busan bundles out Persebaya 3-0

Busan bundles out Persebaya 3-0 ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Hometown team Persebaya was left to lick its wounds on Wednesday after Busan I' Park swept to a 3-0 victory here and snuffed out its hope of advancing to the next round in the Asian Champions League. A goal from Lee Yung-hyo in the eighth minute began the visitors' victory run, followed by a header from Han Jae-won in the 39th minute. Brazilian striker sealed the win with goal number three.

'Asian-African countries must stick to their peace agenda'

'Asian-African countries must stick to their peace agenda' Indonesia and South Africa will together host the Asian-African Summit on Friday and Saturday. Scores of leaders of Asian and African countries are expected to attend. The Jakarta Post's Adianto P. Simamora interviewed former diplomat Roeslan Abdulgani to find out more about the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung, West Java. Following is an excerpt from the interview.

Pertamina tanker battle may return to square one

Pertamina tanker battle may return to square one Leony Aurora , The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The legal battle over a ruling by the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) on the sale of two tankers by Pertamina looks set to return to square one after the Supreme Court decided that all the appeals against the ruling would have to be heard by the same judicial panel.

Disaster, cooperation sought by Asia, Africa

Disaster, cooperation sought by Asia, Africa The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Asian and African governments convening here have agreed to foster cooperation in addressing the natural disasters that have been plaguing some parts of the region, an official says.

What day, check date

What day, check date JP/4/scene3 BNN seizes ecstasy raw materials JAKARTA: The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has seized hundreds of kilograms of a chemical used to make ecstasy pills in a house located in Bukit Sentul area in Bogor. Agency director Comr. Gen. Sutanto said on Wednesday that the chemical agent -- pipironil methyl-ketone (PMK) -- was stored inside 17 50-kilogram drums inside a hidden chamber in a luxurious house in Jl. Legian.

BPK suspects corruption at KPU

BPK suspects corruption at KPU Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) hinted on Wednesday that a corruption case involving the General Elections Commission (KPU) may be expanded to include more officials in charge of the provision of election materials for the last polls.

Officials quizzed in graft case

Officials quizzed in graft case JAMBI, Jambi: Jambi Police are questioning three high-ranking Merangin regency officials here for their alleged roles in a corruption case. The three officials in question are Ike Surya Kusuma, the chief of the Merangin Development Planning Board; Hendri Dunan, who manages the administration's legal affairs and Silvia Aryanti, who oversees financial matters.

Nias regent raises official death toll in March quake

Nias regent raises official death toll in March quake The Jakarta Post, Gunung Sitoli, Medan An official announced on Wednesday that the death toll from the earthquake on Nias island in North Sumatra was now at 839. Of the victims, 682 were residents of Nias regency and the rest were from South Nias regency, Nias Regent Binahati Baeha said during a meeting with North Sumatra Governor Tengku Rizal, Antara news agency reported.

checked --JSR

checked --JSR Five artists 'intervene' in CCF's public spaces Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Five young artists experimenting with sound, lighting and other installations have turned the library, toilet, cafe and gallery at the Centre Culturel Francais (CCF) building into fun places, providing a new experience for visitors.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, April 21, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, April 21, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Students Exhibition Initiation from students of I.S.I Denpasar by I Wayan Dania, Dodit Artawan, Tien Hong, and Ketut Moniarta, at Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979253), until May 20 * Sculptor by Bali Indonesia Sculptors Association, at Bali Zoo Park, Jl.

JP/5/FOOD

JP/5/FOOD Food crisis in East Nusa Tenggara disparaging Antara Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), an area of 47,349 square kilometers with an arid climate, has suffered a food crisis this year due to low rainfall triggered by a shortened rainy season. The dry season takes place about nine months in a year from April to November and the rainy season is only three months a year, from December to March.

Coach Zak makes cricket child's play

Coach Zak makes cricket child's play As a fresh graduate in agricultural studies, Zakarya "Zak" M. Awang returned from Bali to his hometown of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, in 1998 expecting to start his own business. Unfortunately, a lack of capital left him thinking of new ways to make a living. And, as with so many things in life which fail to stick to the prescribed script, Zakarya eventually found himself in a new career. It proved to be a whole new ball game.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 20, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 20, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,510 -40 29,000 Adhi Karya 790 10 1,679,500 Adira Dinamika 2,350 0 0 AGIS Tbk 130 0 221,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 325 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,240 30 2,419,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

E-commerce for tourism

E-commerce for tourism DENPASAR: The International Finance Corperation (IFC) PENSA in cooperation with Bali Tourism Board and AusAid Bali Rehabilitation Fund plan to hold a worskhop entitled "E-Commerce Awareness." The one-day workshop will focus on the recent development of web commerce in tourism industry, web portals for tourism industry and tourism trends. The event will be held on April 27 at Mercure Resort in Sanur.

Stop selling coral

Stop selling coral Pondok Indah Mall in South Jakarta last weekend organized a display and sale of coral in various sizes worth millions of rupiah. Let us hope it was imitation coral, because it takes millions of years to form the habitat of such marine biota, which, in turn, is important to humans. I am sick of this psychopathic behavior shown by all those concerned: Businessmen, mall operators, buyers and relevant authorities. Have they no feelings of guilt or shame whatsoever?

Support for Palestine sought

Support for Palestine sought The Congress of Indonesian Muslims in Jakarta on Wednesday issued a recommendation for the Asian-African Summit to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Asia-Africa club

The Asia-Africa club What is it that this week's Asian-African Summit in Jakarta hopes to accomplish? Why go through all the trouble of bringing in leaders and representatives from 106 countries, given the logistical and security nightmare, not to mention the financial challenge, that gatherings of this magnitude usually create? Anyone seriously looking for concrete results out of this summit will most likely to be very disappointed.

26 Apr-29 Apr ASEANPLAS 2005 - International Trade Fair for

26 Apr-29 Apr ASEANPLAS 2005 - International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber 26 Apr - 27 Apr 7th Asia Cement Markets Conference 2005 27 Apr - 29 Apr Asian Airport World 2005 29 Apr - 30 Apr Indulgence Expo 4 May - 6 May Opto Electronics World 2005 4 May - 6 May Nanotech World 2005 4 May - 6 May Photonics World 2005 4 May - 6 May Semicon Singapore 2005 5 May - 7 May ISPA 2005, Singapore 9 May - 12 May International Conference on Computational Science & Its Application (ICCSA2005) 10 May-14...

Governor irked by disguised campaign

Governor irked by disguised campaign SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: East Kalimantan Governor Suwarna A.F has lashed out at disguised campaigns ahead of direct elections in the province. "Some parties have violated campaign rules. Strangely enough, the Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) has done nothing," said Suwarna. The protest came after posters and banners expressing support for certain candidates were erected and posted across regencies and municipalities in the province.

Chikungunya spreads in West Lombok

Chikungunya spreads in West Lombok Chikungunya epidemic has struck at least two subdistricts in West Lombok regency in the past week, infecting and paralyzing dozens of residents in the area. Thamrin Hijaz, a senior official at the West Lombok Health Office, said on Wednesday that 48 people in Gunung Sari subdistrict and 55 others in the neighboring subdistrict of Belencong had been infected with the virus. "The disease is not lethal.

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.

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.

More tourists visit China, M'sia, Thailand

More tourists visit China, M'sia, Thailand SINGAPORE: China, Malaysia and Thailand have been reeling in international tourists while Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines have seen their share slide, World Tourism Organization data showed on Wednesday. China has grown the fastest with arrivals increasing at an average rate of 9 percent a year from 1995 to nearly 37 million in 2002, the latest year which figures were available, said the report published in The Business Times.

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.

Three students hospitalized after Ambon police raid

Three students hospitalized after Ambon police raid M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Ambon police officers stormed the Pattimura University campus and attacked students there on Wednesday after a minor quarrel, leaving at least 10 students injured, three of whom had to be admitted to a local hospital after suffering serious injuries.

Women drivers join TransJakarta buses

Women drivers join TransJakarta buses JAKARTA: Three of 12 women recruited to drive busway buses will report to work Thursday, the day the country celebrates the anniversary of the birth of national heroine Kartini on April 21. "Hopefully, the newly recruited women drivers will help us improve our services to busway passengers," said TransJakarta Busway head Irzal Z. Djamal. He did not say when the other nine drivers would start working.