Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 April 2005

97 articles found

PLN to reduce diesel-fueled plants

PLN to reduce diesel-fueled plants JAKARTA: State electricity company PLN plans to gradually reduce its use of diesel fuel to run its power plants, following a decline in the country's oil production and rising energy prices. Company president Eddy Widiono said the company expected during the next two years to eventually use diesel in only 5 percent of its power plants, with the number reduced further to only 2 percent in 2010.

East Asia's growth to slow down in 2005

East Asia's growth to slow down in 2005 Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse, Singapore Growth in East Asia's emerging economies is projected to slow to 6.0 percent in 2005 as it moves into a phase of more moderate, sustained expansion, the World Bank said on Wednesday. For 2006, the region is expected to also grow by 6.0 percent, after 7.2 percent in 2004, the Washington-based lender said in its twice-yearly outlook on East Asia.

'Rolling Stone' ready to rock

'Rolling Stone' ready to rock M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The waiting is now over. Those who have been dissatisfied with dumbing down local music newspapers and longed for a prime media to quench their thirst for an intelligent music guide can now rejoice the publication of the Indonesian-language edition of Rolling Stone magazine.

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?

Earthquake, tsunami ruin W. Sumatra's tourist industry

Earthquake, tsunami ruin W. Sumatra's tourist industry Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang Hotel and travel operators in West Sumatra have suffered large losses following the tsunami in Aceh and the earthquake in Nias. The operators say the natural disasters have scared away tourists from West Sumatra. "Many groups of foreign tourists have canceled their visits following the earthquake and tsunami disasters.

Foreign 'professor' apprehended for trying to cheat rector

Foreign 'professor' apprehended for trying to cheat rector Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor A Pakistani claiming to be a professor was arrested by Bogor Police after he tried to hypnotize Ibnu Khaldum University (UIK) rector Didin Saefudin on Wednesday. Sawaran Singh, 63, who claimed to be a lecturer at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, arrived at the UIK Campus on Jl. Soleh Iskandar, Bogor at around 10 a.m.

Rich-poor gap widens in communist Vietnam, but millions climbing

Rich-poor gap widens in communist Vietnam, but millions climbing out of poverty [ Eds: The Vietnam war ended on April 30, 1975.[ AP Photos DL101, 103-104[ By DENIS D. GRAY= Associated Press Writer= HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - Denis D. Gray Associated Press/Hanoi Chu Thi Thanh Ha, who grew up studying by the light of an oil lamp and eating rationed rice, dines in trendy restaurants, vacations in the United States and is daily chauffeured to her office at Vietnam's largest private IT enterprise.

ASEAN to look into free trade pact with EU

ASEAN to look into free trade pact with EU Agence France-Presse, Hanoi Economic ministers from Southeast Asian nations ended a meeting in Vietnam on Wednesday agreeing to study a potential free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, a joint statement said. Ministers or senior officials from the 10 ASEAN countries met EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson in Halong city 170 kilometers (more than 100 miles) east of Hanoi on Wednesday after talks among themselves the previous day.

*Govt allows delay in direct regional elections Page 2

*Govt allows delay in direct regional elections Page 2 *Alwi camp sets conditions for PKB reconciliation Page 4 *Five E. Java firms blacklisted as polluters Page 5 *Human rights violations continue to haunt us Page 6 *Council unearths more irregularities in KPUD Page 8 *Empty-handed Sutan gives Chris John an ultimatum Page 10 *Lebanese look to May elections after Syria departure Page 11 *Education, health still focus of poverty eradication Page 13 *Waste keeps the lights on in Bali Page 17

Council unearths more irregularities in KPUD

Council unearths more irregularities in KPUD Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council has said it can corroborate alleged irregularities in the use of funds by the Jakarta Elections Commission (KPUD) during the 2004 election.

Poverty and apathy

Poverty and apathy We heard resolute words from Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Wednesday -- that in three years, there should be no more elementary school buildings on the verge of collapse. In various areas, he said, many schools are in bad condition and need urgent attention, so that in a couple of years "we should no longer see schools without seats, or schools without walls", he said when opening a national conference on overcoming poverty here.

Two malpractice cases a month

Two malpractice cases a month JAKARTA: West Jakarta Health Agency office head Indrawati Hadi said on Wednesday that two malpractice cases were reported to her office every month, as reported by beritajakarta.com on Wednesday. Chairman of the Indonesian Doctors Association Kerkutanto said Jakarta had the highest number of malpractice cases in the country. "This is caused by a lack of discipline among doctors, the presence of quacks, ignorance and lack of skill," he said.

Govt to focus on education, health in eliminating poverty

Govt to focus on education, health in eliminating poverty Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has reiterated its vow to improve the living conditions of people by raising the quality of public education and health services. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Wednesday all public school buildings and community health centers (Puskesmas) in the country would be up to standard within three years.

China's Hu boosts Manila ties with investments

China's Hu boosts Manila ties with investments Stuart Grudgings, Reuters/Manila Chinese President Hu Jintao reaffirmed burgeoning ties with the Philippines on Wednesday by agreeing investments and loans worth US$1.7 billion to fund infrastructure and mining projects in the Southeast Asian nation. The Philippines also edged toward closer security ties with China, despite concerns by some senior Philippine military officers that this could irritate the United States, Manila's traditional ally.

Government issues decree allowing delay in regional elections

Government issues decree allowing delay in regional elections Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government issued on Wednesday a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) that will enable the postponement of direct regional elections for regents, mayors and governors. Due to poor preparation, some regions are not ready to hold the unprecedented direct elections, scheduled to start in June. The government also issued a regulation to revise Government Regulation No.

Koreans smell opportunity in resto business

Koreans smell opportunity in resto business The Jakarta Post Jakarta An inviting smell of oven-baked pizza lingers in the left wing of Entertainment Xchange in Plaza Indonesia on Jl. M.H. Thamrin in Central Jakarta. The aroma emanates from Red Tomato, a hand-tossed pizza and pasta restaurant that offers grease-free pizza. Famous for its Cream Funghi pizza, the restaurant offers pizza that seems so Italian that no one would guess that it is owned and managed by South Korean Kwak Bong Kyu.

City plays down Menteng field history

City plays down Menteng field history Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration played down on Wednesday the historical value of the Menteng soccer field in Central Jakarta and insisted that it would go ahead with its plan to convert the field into what it describes as a "multipurpose park". "Time doesn't stand still and we must keep up with the latest developments and progress.

Rupiah Rates April 27

Rupiah Rates April 27 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,861.54 7,083.50 7,511.11 7,433.80 Brunei dollar 1 6,145.08 5,537.38 5,871.16 5,811.22 Canadian dollar 1 8,141.31 7,336.06 7,778.40 7,698.85 Swiss franc 1 8,531.76 7,685.84 8,151.45 8,065.93 Danish krone 1 1,765.23 1,590.31 1,686.54 1,668.96 Euro 1 13,147.52 11,848.18 12,561.46 12,434.11 Poundsterling 1 19,303.52 17,396.16 18,443.05 18,256.45 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,300.28 1,171.98 1,242.32 1,229.93...

Susilo steps in to ease panic over rupiah

Susilo steps in to ease panic over rupiah Rendi A. Witular and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made an impromptu visit to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Wednesday to encourage the business community to have confidence in the country's economy, following a recent slump in local currency and stocks.

BCA Q1 net rises to Rp 837 billion

BCA Q1 net rises to Rp 837 billion Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's second-largest lender by assets, said first-quarter profit rose about 9 percent as it earned more interest income by expanding lending. The bank said it's planning a share buyback. Net income in the three months ended March 31 rose to Rp 837 billion (US$87.4 million), or Rp 68 a share from, Rp 768 billion , or Rp 124 a share, a year earlier, the bank said in a statement.

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.

Asia-Pacific youth share experiences on drugs

Asia-Pacific youth share experiences on drugs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prevention, people say, is better than cure. In most cases, this should be relatively straightforward. Not, however, when it comes to preventing drug abuse.

3 x 18

3 x 18 Alwi faction sets conditions for PKB reconciliation JP/4/DRUG 2 x 25 Asia-Pacific youth share experiences on drugs JP/4/SHEIK 1 x 31 Sheikh Yusuf named national hero KID 2 x 25 SBY urged to work harder to boost his govt's image

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?

The aspiration and strategies of Asian and African countries

The aspiration and strategies of Asian and African countries Han Sung-Joo, Jakarta Even though most of us, Asian and African countries are still trying to catch up with what we used to call the "First World" in the economic area, we can see so much has changed between the first and second Asian-African Summit, 50 years apart, in the tenet, purpose and rationale of the two meetings. The representative slogans of the first meeting were anti- imperialism and non-alignment.

Human rights violations continue to haunt us

Human rights violations continue to haunt us Aguswandi, London Oppression is bad for a government's image, especially a government such as Indonesia that is still struggling to repair its reputation internationally. It deprives it of its legitimacy and provides other countries with a justified reason to censure it.

On Mount Semeru

On Mount Semeru I am writing in response to the photo and caption published on the front page of The Jakarta Post on April 17. The photo displays Mount Semeru, located southeast of Surabaya. The caption states that Indonesia lies along the geologically active "Pacific Ring of Fire" and has more than one hundred active volcanoes. The picture and caption suggest that the eruption of Mount Semeru is related to Indonesia being located on "the Pacific Ring of Fire".

1. Munir ----- 3x16

1. Munir ----- 3x16 Ex-BIN official resists fact-finding team's summons 2. Menteng --- 1x29 City plays down Menteng field history 3. Flood ----- 1x30 Flash flood kills nine in Aceh 4. Stone ----- 1x28 'Rolling Stone' ready to rock 5. Survey --- 2x30 Anti-Japan sentiment soaring in China, S. Korea: Survey

Shares end flat; Index up on Mandiri gains

Shares end flat; Index up on Mandiri gains Dow Jones Jakarta Indonesian shares ended flat on Wednesday, with rebounds in Bank Mandiri and nickel miner International Nickel Indonesia keeping the main index in positive territory, dealers said. Overall sentiment, however, remained cautious following declines in most Asian markets due to Wall Street's overnight losses, they added. "There was nothing much going on here," said a trader with a local securities firm.

Paper boy becomes millionaire overnight

Paper boy becomes millionaire overnight M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Celebrated American pop-artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol said in the late 1960s that "in the future, everyone will have their 15 minutes of fame." Earlier this month, Warhol's prediction came true for paper deliverer Agus Misyadi; he also went home with a fortune that he could only imagined having days before.

Anti-Japan sentiment soaring in China, S. Korea: Survey

Anti-Japan sentiment soaring in China, S. Korea: Survey Nearly two thirds of Chinese and South Koreans dislike Japan with more than 80 percent opposing Tokyo's longstanding dream of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a survey showed on Wednesday. Sixty-four percent of Chinese and 63 percent of South Koreans dislike Japan, Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper said in a joint survey with the South Korean daily Donga Ilbo and the Chinese Academy of Social Science.

Aguswandi

Aguswandi London 2. Hans -- Asia, Africa and the world of tomorrow: Aspiration and strategies 2 X 30 The aspirations and strategies of Asian and African countries Han Sung-Joo Jakarta

Piracy may prompt unilateralism

Piracy may prompt unilateralism B.A. Hamzah, New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur Contrary to reports by the Piracy Centre in Kuala Lumpur, there is no piracy -- only sea robberies in the Straits of Malacca. The Piracy Centre of the London-based International Chamber of Commerce has been churning out reports of sea robberies in the Straits of Malacca and classifying them as piracy. The classification is contrary to international law.

Community home project in Lampaya, Aceh

Community home project in Lampaya, Aceh Through the INA, the Indonesia-Netherlands-Belgium Association in Jakarta, over 200 Dutch and Belgian companies in Indonesia vowed to support the Acehnese victims in the most practical sense. INA and the company PA Asia are working hard on the preparations of a so-called Community Home in Lampaya. Talks are being held with the keucik, the local village head, about the land on which the Community Home can be built.

Young talents conquer stage with powerful plays

Young talents conquer stage with powerful plays I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar At the end of the performance, Cok Sawitri, the driving force behind the All-Bali Theater Festival, was so overwhelmed with joy that she jumped up from her chair and began yelling, betraying her usual calm. A few meters away, another leading dramatist, Mas Ruscitadewi, sat quietly, trying to hide her teary eyes. The rest of the spectators broke into wave after wave of thunderous applause.

Oil weel drilling delay causes $600,000 in losses

Oil weel drilling delay causes $600,000 in losses Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Joint Operation Body (JOB) of Sukowati oil field in East Java has suffered around US$600,000 in losses as drilling of new wells is put on hold pending an agreement with a local government administration, which is demanding a 10 percent stake in the field. Drilling equipment in the oil field operated by JOB Sukowati -- comprising state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina and Chinese oil company PetroChina Co.

Smaller hotels urged to avail use E-commerce

Smaller hotels urged to avail use E-commerce Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali The rapid changes in the global tourism industry have left most small- and medium-sized hotels in Indonesia behind as they are not equipped for "E-Commerce", which has become one of the most popular methods of finding and booking hotels for international travelers.

Social critique steals the show at exhibition

Social critique steals the show at exhibition M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For their Mosaic annual contemporary fine art festival the Vanessa Gallery in South Jakarta has put on display a wide array of work, dominated by socially conscious hyper-realist painting and sculpture from scores of homegrown artists. Most of the work delves into the social and political problems encountered by the country's poor and is created with popular images and ideas.

ASEAN economic ministers agree to consider free trade pact with

ASEAN economic ministers agree to consider free trade pact with EU Agence France-Presse Hanoi Economic ministers from Southeast Asian nations ended a meeting in Vietnam on Wednesday agreeing to study a potential free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, a joint statement said.

Laid back diplomacy

Laid back diplomacy To be sure, Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was missed by her counterparts at the Afro-Asian Summit in Jakarta. Important heads of government and state of many countries in the continents of Asia and Africa made themselves available for the high-profile conference.

'Why didn't FPI accuse parties?'

'Why didn't FPI accuse parties?' Popular rock group Dewa has been reported to city police by a number of Muslim organizations led by the Islamic Defender Front (FPI) for using the Arabic script of Allah on the cover of its Laskar Cinta (Love Militia) album. FPI accused Dewa of blasphemy and demanded an apology. The Jakarta Post interviewed residents here to get their comments on the issue. Mala, 24, is a student of the University of Indonesia in Depok, West Java.

SRI WAHYUNI

SRI WAHYUNI Jakarta

Migrant workers' union

Migrant workers' union The first labor union of migrant workers was launched this week by some 90 employees of small firms in the capital city area mostly from Southeast Asia. It is a natural development as the government, under the work permit system implemented last August, recognizes the basic labor rights of foreign workers. The first and foremost concern of foreign workers is to stay here for as long as they want.

Flash flood kills nine in Aceh

Flash flood kills nine in Aceh Agencies, Banda Aceh Flash floods swept through a village in the tsunami-stricken province of Aceh, leaving nine people dead and 20 missing, residents and officials said on Wednesday. The floods, which destroyed about 30 homes in the village of Lawe Mengkudu in southeastern Aceh late Tuesday night, were caused when a river burst its banks after a day of heavy rain.

JP/20/JALA

JP/20/JALA Fishermen's lives expressed in movement Blontank Poer The Jakarta Post/Surakarta Carrying storm lanterns, two men enter the arena from different sides. They walk slowly and stealthily in darkness. When their figures disappear, a man hurries down the stairs of a pole standing erect behind the main stage. A commotion of voices breaks the night's silence moments after the male figure climbs up the stairs again.

Bank Mandiri responds

Bank Mandiri responds We refer to the article Aburizal asks public not to prejudge Mandiri case that appeared in The Jakarta Post on April 23. We wish to respond to two paragraphs in the article that are incorrect.

Mandiri Bank CEO quizzed by prosecutors

Mandiri Bank CEO quizzed by prosecutors Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned Bank Mandiri president E.C.W. Neloe was questioned by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) on Wednesday in connection with an alleged lending scandal at the giant bank. It was the first time for Neloe to face questioning. Earlier, the AGO quizzed three Bank Mandiri directors -- M. Sholeh Tasripan, who is responsible for corporate banking, Omar S. Anwar (responsible for consumer banking) and K.

War on corruption

War on corruption From Bisnis Indonesia Some believe that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) set up General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusumah, which led to his arrest on charges of bribery. Others expect the KPK to continue its tasks until the case is thoroughly settled through the courts. The point is that the war on corruption must go on, because the nation is facing a moral crisis, manifesting itself particularly in graft.

RI-East Timor meeting ends in deadlock

RI-East Timor meeting ends in deadlock KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Officials from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and East Timor Police met again on Wednesday to discuss a recent shooting that injured TNI officer First. Lt. Deddy Setyawan. The meeting ended in a deadlock, as the East Timor delegates refused to disclose what they knew about the case pending a permit from East Timor's Attorney General to probe the shooting, Lt. Col.

Police to join new illegal logging team

Police to join new illegal logging team JAKARTA: The National Police said on Tuesday they will submit four names to the Military Police chief as members of a joint team that will handle illegal logging cases. The government plans to set up the team to deal with legal procedures for illegal logging trials since most suspects came from different backgrounds, including police and military personnel and civil servants, and different procedures are required in handling their cases.

'Asinan' vs 'Kimchi': Variety is the spice of life

'Asinan' vs 'Kimchi': Variety is the spice of life A. Junaidi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta "Asinan!," we said almost together in a dinner at a restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, four years ago, referring to the pickled vegetable salad kimchi that had just been put into small bowls on our tables. We -- Indonesian journalists and travel company representatives -- had been invited by the South Korean Tourism Agency to see the preparations for the 2002 Asian Games.

2 headings for page 18 -- surfing bali

2 headings for page 18 -- surfing bali 1. WAStE -- 1 x 35 Waste keeps the lights on in Bali 2. YOUTH -- 1 x 47 Young talents conquer stage with powerful plays

Five E. Java firms on pollution blacklist: Minister

Five E. Java firms on pollution blacklist: Minister ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Five private companies in East Java have been included on the environment office's blacklist of polluters, State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Nadi Witoelar Kartaadipoetra said on Wednesday. "There are 42 companies listed as polluters, but eight of them are blacklisted and I want action taken against them," Rachmat said in Surabaya on Wednesday.

Illegal logging hurts industry

Illegal logging hurts industry JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised on Wednesday to intensify the government's crackdown on illegal logging as it had depleted raw materials supplies to small and medium-scale handicrafts producers. "They (illegal loggers) are irresponsible, destroying forests for their personal gain. Their profits kill small and medium-scale handicrafts producers.

35 Jambi councillors investigated for graft

35 Jambi councillors investigated for graft JAMBI: The Jambi Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating an alleged corruption case involving 35 current and former members of the Kerinci council. The 11 current and 24 former councillors are being questioned over charges of embezzling state money worth Rp 1.3 billion (US$144,444) during their 1999-2004 term. They allegedly stole the state money from a regional pension fund, prosecutor's office head Andi Ashari said. -- JP

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?

Earthquake jolts Manado

Earthquake jolts Manado MANADO, North Sulawesi: A mild tectonic earthquake rattled Manado city on Tuesday afternoon, sparking fear among local residents. No building damage was reported during the earthquake that measured 5.4 on the Richter scale. Manado Meteorology and Geophysics Office (BMG) chief Soebardjo said that the quake's epicenter was located somewhere in Maluku Sea, some 150 kilometers east of Manado city.

BHA donates to Aceh and Nias

BHA donates to Aceh and Nias DENPASAR: The Bali Hotels Association (BHA) this week disbursed the final portion of US$41,000 in cash donations to earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Aceh and Nias island. The final $28,000 in funds will be divided equally between three foundations currently providing direct relief in the affected areas. These foundations are: Yayasan IDEP of Ubud, the Bali Crisis Center for Natural Disaster in Denpasar, and Jakarta International School Cares.

Message from the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr. Ruud

Message from the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr. Ruud Treffers, on the occasion of Queen's Day 2005 The Netherlands and Indonesia: A Common Future This year's celebration of the Dutch National Day or Queen's Day, every 30th of April, has a very special character for several important reasons. One of them is that this year Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands celebrates her silver jubilee after being in office for 25 years.

Murder sparks rampage by Lamongan migrants in Timika

Murder sparks rampage by Lamongan migrants in Timika Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura A group of migrants from Lamongan, East Java, went on a rampage on Tuesday night in Timika, Papua, after another Lamongan migrant, Ali Achmad Imron, was stabbed to death earlier in the day. The situation was tense in the city on Tuesday night as a group made up of dozens of Lamongan migrants vandalized and stoned buildings and houses belonging to the Madurese community in Timika city.

Humpuss revenue from Pertamina to fall

Humpuss revenue from Pertamina to fall The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Shipping firm PT Humpuss Intermoda Transportasi said on Wednesday that it was trying to reduce its dependence on revenue exposure from state oil and gas company Pertamina. "Pertamina-related revenue is still dominant, contributing 74 percent of last year's revenue ...

Two directors, four precinct chiefs transferred

Two directors, four precinct chiefs transferred Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta police announced on Wednesday a major reshuffle involving two directors from two elite divisions, and four police precinct chiefs, including the chiefs of the prestigious West Jakarta and North Jakarta police precincts. The general crime chief Sr. Comr. Matius Salempang and special crime chief Sr. Comr.

Simeulue regent reported for graft

Simeulue regent reported for graft JAKARTA: The speaker of the Simeulue regental legislature in Aceh, Muhamad Daudsyah, reported Regent Darmili on Wednesday to the Attorney General's Office for allegedly misusing Rp 50 billion (US$5.2 million) in relief funds provided to the regency following the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami.

Alwi faction sets conditions for PKB reconciliation

Alwi faction sets conditions for PKB reconciliation Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Awakening Party (PKB) faction led by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Alwi Shihab said on Wednesday the divided party could only be reconciled if the results of the PKB's recent congress were annulled and an extraordinary congress called.

ADS/SPOT LIGHT

ADS/SPOT LIGHT THAI PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT: The Prime Minister of Thailand Taksin Shinawatra (left) is escorted by the General Manager of the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, Poul E Bitsch, upon his arrival at the hotel. During the recent Asian-African Summit in Jakarta, the Thai Prime Minister took time off from his busy schedule to visit the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta and enjoy his favorite dish, Sop Buntut Legendaris, served in the Bogor Cafe.

Crisis center opens in Yogya for victims of abuse

Crisis center opens in Yogya for victims of abuse Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta An integrated crisis center for physically, mentally and sexually abused women and children was opened on Wednesday at Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta. The center, called UPKT Sekar Arum, was set up in response to the increasing number of abused women and children.

More women drivers to be recruited

More women drivers to be recruited JAKARTA: Head of the TransJakarta management Irzal Djamal said that 30 percent of buses running along busway corridors would be manned by women drivers. "It is part of our service improvement. Busway passengers will be more comfortable because they are expected to be more gentle in driving," Irzal said on Wednesday. But he said the recruitment of women drivers would be carried out in stages.

JP/8/Head28

JP/8/Head28 1. 8KPUD -- 4 col, 2 lines 2 x 20 Council unearths more irregularities in KPUD The City Council revealed on Wednesday that it had discovered ample evidence, which corroborate alleged irregularities in the use of fund by the Jakarta Election Commission (KPUD) during the 2004 election.

Ailing Alvent likely to miss simulation match

Ailing Alvent likely to miss simulation match Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta World second ranked men's doubles player Alvent Yulianto could be out of commission when the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) holds a simulation competition in Bandung on Saturday for the Sudirman Cup mixed team world championship. The players will be divided into two teams, Tiger and Eagle, for the matches, to be held at the badminton hall on Jl. Jakarta.

Low-end cell phones still dominate market

Low-end cell phones still dominate market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Low-end cellular phones will continue to dominate the market as the number of cell phone users rises, according to a mobile phone manufacturer. Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications International in Indonesia estimates that out of the more than 20 million cell phone owners, about 60 percent of them are using low-end cell phones with integrated cameras.

When news reached the Netherlands that Indonesia, Sri Lanka

When news reached the Netherlands that Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand had been hit by the tsunami, a team of foreign ministry relief aid specialists got together with embassy personnel in Jakarta to assess the needs of the victims and what the Netherlands could do to help them. The Netherlands asked the Red Cross, UN agencies and other development organisations to deliver relief aid such as food, medicines, tents and blankets.

Police commission selection to start

Police commission selection to start JAKARTA: As an initial step toward reforming the country's police service, the government is set to select the members of the National Police Commission between May 1 and May 20. Candidates must be aged at least 45, not have ties to a political party, and never have been convicted of a crime. "We will shortlist 12 candidates to be submitted to the President for approval," National Police spokesman Insp. Gen.

Empty-handed Sutan gives Chris John an ultimatum

Empty-handed Sutan gives Chris John an ultimatum Musthofid The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Boxing champion Chris John's embittered former trainer has set a Friday deadline to receive his remaining compensation payment for alleged breach of contract. "I'm only pursuing my rights. If he deviates from what we have agreed upon, I will proceed with my complaint to the police," Sutan Rambing said during a news conference at the office of the State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs on Wednesday.

Summit lacked poverty eradication action plan

Summit lacked poverty eradication action plan Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While welcoming last week's declaration of the New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership, a coalition of NGOs criticized the absence of an action plan to address issues such as the expansion of multinational firms, debt reduction and trade liberalization.

TV Today: Friday, April 29, 2005

TV Today: Friday, April 29, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabulaga 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Religious Teachings 1:00 p.m.

Policemen kills himself after shooting superior

Policemen kills himself after shooting superior Indra Harsaputra and Eva Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Jakarta A policeman, apparently under stress, shot himself on Wednesday after shooting a senior colleague at a police station in Jombang, East Java. The incident, which occurred just four days after a shooting spree by a military soldier in Jakarta, has served as a wake-up call for the government to improve supervision of security personnel, especially those on stressful assignments.

1. JSX: 2 X 21

1. JSX: 2 X 21 Susilo steps in to ease panic over rupiah 2. MANDIRI: 4 X 9 Mandiri Bank CEO quizzed by prosecutors 3. SHOOTING: 3 X 14 Policemen kills himself after shooting superior 4. AIRBUS: 1 X 39 Airbus's giant A380 soars on maiden flight

Asian markets end mostly lower

Asian markets end mostly lower Agencies, Hong Kong/Jakarta Tokyo and Hong Kong shares on Wednesday were pulled down by the decline on Wall Street, with most markets in the region following suit and finishing lower. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average of 225 selected issues dropped 30.41 points, or 0.3 percent, to 11,005.42. The index lost 37.94 points, or 0.3 percent, on Tuesday. Traders took cues from Wall Street's poor showing and a gloomy outlook from German chipmaker Infineon Technologies AG.

Samarinda polls to cost Rp 13b

Samarinda polls to cost Rp 13b SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Funds worth a total of Rp 13 billion (US$1.4 million) have been approved for the direct mayoral elections in Samarinda next year, an official says. Part of the Rp 13 billion fund will be earmarked to pay the salaries of five members of the Samarinda General Election Commission (KPUD). Each member, who will work for period of one year, will be paid Rp 4 million a month.

Commerce raises Niaga stake to 61.1%

Commerce raises Niaga stake to 61.1% KUALA LUMPUR: Commerce Asset-Holding Bhd., Malaysia's No. 2 lender by assets, bought 6.53 percent of PT Bank Niaga, raising its stake in the Indonesian lender for a second time in two weeks to tap demand for loans in Southeast Asia's biggest economy. Commerce bought 514 million Niaga shares for 109.2 million ringgit (US$29 million), boosting its stake to 61.1 percent, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

ASEAN checks recalcitrant Australia's treaty snub

ASEAN checks recalcitrant Australia's treaty snub Sid Astbury, Deutsche France-Agentur/Sydney, Australia Australian Prime Minister John Howard has set himself up for a big serving of humble pie by holding out for so long against signing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and thereby securing a seat at the East Asian summit to be held in Malaysia at the end of the year.

Waste keeps the lights on in Bali

Waste keeps the lights on in Bali Wasti Atmodjo, Contributor, Denpasar Bali has long faced problems disposing of its waste. As one of the world's top holiday destinations, the island is gradually losing its attractiveness as it fails to deal with its garbage, and piles can now be seen in every corner of Denpasar, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. The rapid growth of the island's population has worsened the conditions and has made the cities' urban landscape look ugly and dirty.

The Netherlands will make 200 million euros available for

The Netherlands will make 200 million euros available for reconstruction aid for the Tsunami victims. In the next five years Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both long-standing development partners of the Netherlands, will receive extra support to deal with the long term reconstruction work in the stricken areas. The Dutch government will select projects and areas in close cooperation with the Indonesian government, participating donors and Aceh civil society organizations.

Ready to help, but no one asked

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.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 27, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 27, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,590 -50 3,500 Adhi Karya 700 30 16,200,500 Adira Dinamika 2,300 0 0 AGIS Tbk 120 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 275 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,220 10 1,100,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo...

1. Malacca (45) -- 48 pts 3cols 3line (3x18)

1. Malacca (45) -- 48 pts 3cols 3line (3x18) RI, S'pore reaffirm pledge to protect Malacca Strait 2. Pilkada (40) -- 36 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x28) Govt issues decree allowing delay in regional elections 3. Peace (45) -- 36pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Taiwan KMT chief calls for peace with China 4. Fund (45) -- 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) NGOs skeptical over aid transparency --- 5. Photo, AD

Ex-BIN official resists fact-finding team's summons

Ex-BIN official resists fact-finding team's summons Ridwan M. Sijabat and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite requests from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the former secretary of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Nurhadi Djazuli said on Wednesday that he would not comply with a summons from the government-sanctioned fact-finding team that is tasked to investigate the poisoning death of human rights campaigner Munir Said Thalib.

SBY urged to work harder to boost his govt's image

SBY urged to work harder to boost his govt's image Harry Bhaskara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Observers have urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to work harder to reverse what they perceive to be signs of the trust he won from the people six months ago dwindling. "His political capital is diminishing.

Poso Police prepare to secure elections

Poso Police prepare to secure elections POSO, Central Sulawesi: Poso Police held a security exercises on Wednesday to prepare for the June election of the next Poso regent. Hundreds of officers joined the military-style exercises along the city's main thoroughfares that attracted a large crowd of residents. During the exercises, police demonstrated strategies to guard VIPs from terrorist attacks and assassinations. Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

Communicating risks of disasters to insecure public

Communicating risks of disasters to insecure public Ardimas Sasdi, Jakarta In a terse, sharp remark on the sheer panic that enveloped Padang after a powerful quake jolted the province, an academic- cum-journalist colleague said, "Our society is sick. We need to do something". For the sake of politeness, I just nodded, although I saw the matter differently. It sounds like the all too common excuse by the government to shift the blame for its failure to protect its residents.

Sheikh Yusuf named national hero

Sheikh Yusuf named national hero The Jakarta Post, Jakarta History binds South Africa and Indonesia closer together as Pretoria will declare the shrine dedicated to Indonesian national hero Sheikh Yusuf al-Taj al Khalwatial-Maqasari in the Maccasar area near Cape Town a national monument.

Sutan gives Chris John an ultimatum

Sutan gives Chris John an ultimatum Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Boxing champion Chris John's embittered former trainer has set a Friday deadline to receive his remaining compensation payment for alleged breach of contract. "I'm only pursuing my rights. If he deviates from what we have agreed upon, I will proceed with my complaint to the police," Sutan Rambing said during a news conference at the office of the State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs on Wednesday.

Prosecutors quiz ministry official

Prosecutors quiz ministry official JAKARTA: The Jakarta Provincial Prosecutor's Office questioned Ministry of Transportation Secretary-General Umar Rusdi on Wednesday in connection with a corruption case involving budget funds spent on a 2003 project for the computerized administration of state revenues. The project was administered by the ministry's Directorate General of Sea Transportation and involved the inputting of data on non-tax revenue receipts.

NGOs skeptical of Aceh aid transparency

NGOs skeptical of Aceh aid transparency The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "Do you believe that the Rp 41 trillion in funds apportioned to finance the rehabilitation and reconstruction of disaster- devastated Aceh and Nias in North Sumatra, will not be embezzled?," an activist with Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) asked when addressing a seminar here on Wednesday.

RI, S'pore reaffirm pledge to protect Malacca Straits

RI, S'pore reaffirm pledge to protect Malacca Straits Agencies, Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur Indonesia and Singapore on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to protect the Straits of Malacca which remains a dangerous waterway despite joint naval patrols. Last year, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia launched joint patrols to curb piracy and deter maritime terrorism in the 900- kilometer (550-mile) waterway. Despite the heightened security, dozens of pirate attacks were reported in the Malacca Straits.

BMW 3 Series shows off new features

BMW 3 Series shows off new features Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sports car aficionados will have another option for their shopping lists with the launching of the new BMW 3 Series here.

Libraries fail to lure students to come

Libraries fail to lure students to come The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Librarians working at highschools in Greater Jakarta agreed on Tuesday that school libraries in the city were failing to attract more students because they were neither "fun" nor "relaxing". Aisyah Abdur Rahman, a librarian at the SMUN 66 high school in South Jakarta, said that out of the 700 students studying in the school, only 20 of them used the facility regularly and many said its services were inadequate.