Archive: 30 April 2005
98 articles found
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Garuda suffers Rp 139b operational loss in Q1
Garuda suffers Rp 139b operational loss in Q1 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Citing soaring fuel expenses and tougher competition in the industry, national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia reported on Friday a whopping first quarter operational loss, almost twice the amount posted in the same period a year earlier. "This year's first quarter operational loss is bigger than last year's.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Through the INA, the Indonesia-Netherlands-Belgium Association
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.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
KL defends move on Myanmar motion
KL defends move on Myanmar motion Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday defended the blocking of a parliamentary motion seeking to deny Myanmar the ASEAN chairmanship next year unless it implements democratic reforms. The motion, similar to those proposed in other parliaments of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was expected to be heard on Thursday but was shelved on government orders.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Littoral states want forum to discuss Malacca security
Littoral states want forum to discuss Malacca security Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Foreign Ministers of Southeast Asia's three littoral states -- Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore -- are planning on holding a ministerial forum to discuss security matters in the Strait of Malacca. The forum will be aimed at addressing issues pertaining to security in the strait from a political perspective, according to a foreign ministry official.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Unocal's profit rises on higher prices
Unocal's profit rises on higher prices Robin Saponar, Bloomberg, Chicago Unocal Corp., a U.S. oil company that ChevronTexaco Corp. is buying, said first-quarter profit rose 69 percent on higher gas and oil prices and production. Net income rose to US$454 million, or $1.66 a share, from $269 million, or $1, a year earlier, the El Segundo, California-based company said in a statement today. Sales rose 17 percent to $2.19 billion from $1.88 billion.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Replanting the mangroves along Indonesia's coasts
Replanting the mangroves along Indonesia's coasts Sukristijono Sukardjo, Jakarta The long-neglected mangrove coastal areas of Indonesia are once again in the news, although thankfully not because of any natural disaster, but due to the announcement of plans to redevelop a mangrove belt along the coast, especially in Aceh. "Take a long look at the mangroves in Aceh, it may be the last you may see," says an article: de vloedbosschen in Atjeh, in the Dutch scientific journal, Tectona of 1923.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
~Tsunami - 125 days after
~Tsunami - 125 days after Message from Minister for Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Agnes van Ardenne-van der Hoeven In Indonesia, on the streets of Banda Aceh, the impact of the tsunami is still being felt. Children are still crying because their parents died. Fathers and mothers are missing their lost children every day. Men cannot work, children cannot go to school, the roads are ruined and many still have no running water or electricity.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Javanese culture barrier to democracy, say observers
Javanese culture barrier to democracy, say observers Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The dominant non-confrontational nature of Javanese culture is responsible for the failure of democracy in Indonesia, as it does not encourage people to speak out or be open to criticism, observers say.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Visa reports 188.6 percent growth in debit cards
Visa reports 188.6 percent growth in debit cards The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Visa International recorded 188.6 percent growth in debit card subscribers in Indonesia last year, with the number of subscribers rising to 6,756,000 from about 3.6 million in 2003. Visa also reported that last year's debit card volume at merchant points of sale rose 126 percent to over Rp 1.6 trillion (US$167.19 million). "By the end of last year, Visa had issued more than 10.4 million debit and credit cards.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Globalization creates opportunities for many domestic companies
Globalization creates opportunities for many domestic companies Michael Nicholas, Jakarta Changes in the business environment have made it easier for small and medium sized companies from countries such as Indonesia to access international business opportunities in a way never before possible. But research shows that managers will have to develop a more innovative and international mindset if they are to succeed in global markets.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Replanting the mangroves along Indonesia's coasts Sukristijono Sukardjo Jakarta 2. Mike -- Global opportunities growing for Indonesian companies 2 x 30 Globalization creates opportunities for many astute domestic companies Michael Nicholas Jakarta
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Teh Poci' close to the heart of Tegal people
'Teh Poci' close to the heart of Tegal people Bambang M, Contributor/Tegal, Central Java Spending an evening in Tegal, Central Java, would not be complete without sipping a cup of teh poci or tea served piping hot in an earthenware pot locally known as poci. Teh poci is the specialty of both the municipality and regency of Tegal that has long been renowned as the "city of tea". Home to a dozen tea factories, the region's image is very noticeable once you enter the town.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
BII posts decline in 1st Qtr profit
BII posts decline in 1st Qtr profit JAKARTA: Publicly listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) posted a 2.2 percent decline of unaudited net profit in the three months ending March 31 to Rp 221 billion (US$23.1 million) from Rp 225 billion booked last year on lower interest income. Interest income in the period -- Rp 407 billion -- was lower than the Rp 419 billion recorded in 2004, the bank said in a statement.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sutan prepares to sue Chris John
Sutan prepares to sue Chris John Musthofid, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Surrounded by a posse of attorneys, sports officials and members of the media, boxing champion Chris John came face to face with former trainer Sutan Rambing on Friday in a last-ditch effort to end their acrimonious dispute. Their next encounter, however, is likely to be in court.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asian FTA negotiations
Asian FTA negotiations Japan is about to begin talks with ASEAN as a whole, including Vietnam and four other countries with which Japan has not yet had bilateral talks. Japan and Indonesia have already agreed to begin trade negotiations separately. In the run-up to trade talks with those countries, Japan should not set a bad precedent by signing a poor agreement with Thailand.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
European Union to observe 'Europe Month 2005' in RI
European Union to observe 'Europe Month 2005' in RI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta From May 1 through until June 1, the European Union (EU) -- the world's richest regional organization -- and its 25 member countries will organize a series of events in Indonesia, under the banner of "Europe Month 2005" to mark Europe Day. The Delegation of the European Commission (EC) to Indonesia said on Friday that it will be organizing several events in Indonesia throughout May to increase awareness of the EU.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt eyes incentives from gas fields
Govt eyes incentives from gas fields Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In a bid to increase gas output and secure domestic supply, the government is planning to draft another incentive package to lure investors to exploit the country's marginal gas fields.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's Aston wins under-8s at junior chess championship
Indonesia's Aston wins under-8s at junior chess championship Brian Church Associated Press/Athens The first world school chess championships ended Thursday with top prizes split between host Greece, Indonesia, Poland, Romania and Russia. The tournament, held at the northern Greek seaside resort of Halkidiki, involved 200 young players from more than 20 countries. It was organized by the Athens-based World Chess Federation, FIDE, which named 2005 the year of school chess.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
On Helsinki's Aceh talks
On Helsinki's Aceh talks Dr. Damien Kingsbury (The Jakarta Post, April, 26) refers to the issues of monitoring and political participation in my article on the third round of Aceh talks (From Aceh to Helsinki, April, 20). Both are important issues, though, needless to say, they're not final yet until the agreement is signed. It's true, the discussion was about local political parties, not a local party, for Aceh.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bird flu may spread in Samarinda
Bird flu may spread in Samarinda SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Poultry breeders have to be more vigilant over possible outbreaks of bird flu, a senior official has warned. The warning was issued after 30 chickens were found dead recently in Sidomulya subdistrict, Samarinda. The government is conducting laboratory tests to confirm whether the chickens actually died from bird flu virus, said Rini Purwati, chief of Samarinda animal husbandry office.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
D;
D; *Activists doubt Susilo's antigraft drive Page 2 *Javanese culture barrier to democracy Page 4 *Way Kambas National Park on the brink of ruin Page 5 *Replanting mangroves along Indonesia's coasts Page 6 *KPUD unable to explain expenses Page 8 *Men's and Women's team Jakarta 46 BNI reach final Page 10 *China, Taiwan's KMT put end to hostilities Page 11 *Official says stronger Asia an opportunity for Europe Page 13 *Rebel does battle with radical Islam Page 19
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
As a tribute to the Dutch Royal family, orange is the Dutch
As a tribute to the Dutch Royal family, orange is the Dutch national color and is particularly manifest during sport competitions. Caption Untuk Foto Tsunami Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Ben Bot (left) during his visit to Banda Aceh
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Expert opposes soccer field conversion
Expert opposes soccer field conversion The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the Jakarta administration moves forward with plans to convert a historic soccer field in Menteng, Central Jakarta, some observers have questioned whether this will help create a "healthy environment" in the city. The Jakarta administration plans to convert the soccer field into a "multipurpose park", which will include green spaces, playing fields, a jogging track and a futsal field.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Singapore suggests easing ban on Malaysian newspapers
Singapore suggests easing ban on Malaysian newspapers Reuters, Singapore Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore, suggested that Malaysia and Singapore ease a three-decade old ban on each other's newspapers. Predominantly Muslim Malaysia and ethnic-majority Chinese Singapore have had a testy relationship since they split 1965, but ties have been on the mend since Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took power in October 2003. "We read Indonesian papers.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Revitalizing the spirit of Ki Hajar Dewantara
Revitalizing the spirit of Ki Hajar Dewantara Mateus Yumarnamto Surabaya Indonesians annually celebrate National Education Day on May 2. What we know about the day is that students partake in the flag ceremony, educational institutions have seminars on education and the mass media does special reports on education. Not only that, some private companies have special sales events just for teachers, which can include books, computers or even motorcycles.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. MANDIRI: 2 x 16
1. MANDIRI: 2 x 16 Family firm debtor at Mandiri: Kalla or VP admits family firm debtor at Bank Mandiri 2. THEO: 2 x 16 Govt to replace Theo as BKPM chief 3. DOCTORS: 1 X 32 Independent medical council formed 4. POLAND: 2 X 18 Armed men break into Polish consul's house
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indovision responds
Indovision responds With regard to the letter from Michael Beer titled Indovision does not care (The Jakarta Post, April 26), we would like to clarify as follows. Emails and SMS are the most cost-efficient means of communication (also the best communication inventions in our lifetime), thus we are encouraging our subscribers to use these technologies to bring down operating costs both for our subscribers and for Indovision.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
VP admits family firm debtor at Bank Mandiri
VP admits family firm debtor at Bank Mandiri Rendi A. Witular and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice President Jusuf Kalla acknowledged that a cement company owned by his nephew, PT Semen Bosowa, was a debtor at giant Bank Mandiri, but insisted the company would have no problem servicing its loan. "I do not have a direct relation with Bosowa although it is owned by my nephew. I have seen the (company's) 2003 (financial) figures ... there is no problem," he said on Friday.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
The economics of direct local elections
The economics of direct local elections Awan Wibowo Laksono Poesoro, Jakarta We will soon witness direct regional elections -- mayors, regents and governors -- in many regions throughout the country. After directly electing their president and vice president last year, Indonesian voters now will also exercise the same rights to elect their local leaders. Will leaders brought to the fore by these democratic fiestas bring leviathan enhancements in the society's welfare?
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Earthquake rocks Sinabang
Earthquake rocks Sinabang Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Medan An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale shook the area around Sinabang island in North Sumatra on Thursday night, causing panic among residents of the island. The earthquake, one of the largest since the massive quake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale struck Nias island on March 28, was felt on Nias and in Medan city, the capital of North Sumatra. There were no immediate reports of fatalities or damage.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Permata's Q1 net profit rises by 3%
Permata's Q1 net profit rises by 3% JAKARTA: The seventh largest domestic lender Bank Permata booked a 3.56 percent increase in net profit in the first three months of 2005 on higher interest income and loan expansion. The bank posted an unaudited net income of Rp 131 billion (US$13.74 million) in the first quarter ending March 31 from Rp 127 billion booked last year, it said in a statement. Net interest income rose to Rp 404 billion in the year's first quarter from Rp 385 billion in 2004.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Santika to manage Ambarrukmo hotel
Santika to manage Ambarrukmo hotel YOGYAKARTA: PT Grahawita Santika, the managing company of Santika hotel chain, is to manage the newly renovated Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel under the name Graha Santika Ambarrukmo Hotel. The confirmation about the new management came earlier this week following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PT Grahawita Santika and PT Putera Mataram Indah Wisata that oversees the property during a dinner reception here at Santika Jogja hotel.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hundreds lured by phony voucher business
Hundreds lured by phony voucher business Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Hundreds of people, lured by the promise of fast money, have been swindled out of money in a scam involving the sale of fake vouchers. City police said on Friday they had arrested M. Ucok Panggabean, alias Pangondian Panggabean, a suspect in the Rp 62.9 billion (US$6.5 million) scam, which ran from December 2003 to October 2004. Ucok is being detained for further questioning. Police confiscated from the suspect Rp 2.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tugu Muda replica made of garbage
Tugu Muda replica made of garbage SEMARANG: Students grouped under the Student Nature Lovers of Semarang State University have created a replica of the renowned Tugu Muda, the city's landmark, from garbage in protest over improper management of waste. The same height as the original landmark, the replica now stands 15 meters high in the yard of the library building of the university.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sampoerna's profit up, Gudang Garam's down
Sampoerna's profit up, Gudang Garam's down Agencies, Jakarta The country's cigarette producer PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna said on Friday that its first-quarter net profit rose 32 percent to Rp 753 billion from Rp 569 billion a year earlier due to an increase in sales. Sales rose 24 percent to Rp 4.44 trillion from Rp 3.58 trillion a year earlier because of higher sales volume. During the quarter, Sampoerna sold 11.3 billion sticks of cigarettes, up 14 percent from Rp 9.9 billion a year earlier.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police link Poso blasts with deadly Mamasa riot
Police link Poso blasts with deadly Mamasa riot Ruslan Sangadji and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Poso/Jakarta The latest two bombing incidents in Poso, Central Sulawesi, may have been linked with Sunday's attack in neighboring West Sulawesi province, which killed at least four people, police said on Friday. National Police chief Gen.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 29, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 29, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Previous Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,450 -250 13,500 Adhi Karya 730 0 8,959,500 Adira Dinamika 2,100 0 10,000 AGIS Tbk 120 0 155,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 275 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,220 0 1,224,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt policies
Govt policies killing tourism In his letter On shop-house hotels in Batam in The Jakarta Post, April 18) Yohannes Yansen blames Batam's low hotel occupancy on a downturn in the island's economy. The problem is not exclusive to Batam. Three other major tourist destinations are even worse off: Tretes-Bromo, Yogyakarta and Lake Toba. At least Batam has not yet gone into the downward spiral of boarded up hotels and abandoned shopping areas that the visitor sees in Tretes and Lake Toba.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Invitro fertilized babies play together in reunion
Invitro fertilized babies play together in reunion Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Saturday morning last week was a special moment for the Yogyakarta-based Dr. Sardjito Hospital's infertility clinic, Permata Hati. More than 10 years after introducing the invitro-fertilization program at the clinic, the day saw the return of some of the babies that it had helped create through the once-controversial method.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia and International standing
Indonesia and International standing Indonesia has just completed its job as the host of the historical Asian-African summit with more than 80 delegations from the two gigantic continents attending and celebrating the golden jubilee of the first summit conducted in 1955. Unfortunately, I did not see any smart gesture from the Indonesian side to enhance its international standing during this important event. The issue of the day is on the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stewardess quizzed over Munir's death
Stewardess quizzed over Munir's death JAKARTA: Police investigators questioned on Friday another Garuda stewardess in connection with the poisoning death of human rights activist Munir aboard a Garuda flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam almost eight months ago. Tia Dewi Ambari, who was accompanied by Garuda lawyers M. Assegaf and Wirawan Adnan, was quizzed at National Police headquarters for six hours.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Armed men break into Polish consul's house
Armed men break into Polish consul's house Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung Posing as local administration employees, five robbers got away with jewelry and a luxury car from the residence of the Polish honorary consul on Friday. The robbers, armed with a pistol and a sword, locked honorary consul Mariola Budiman, her driver, three maids and a bread seller separately in the kitchen and a bathroom before making their getaway in her car.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Anti-logging operations extended
Anti-logging operations extended JAYAPURA: Massive anti-illegal logging operations in Papua, which were earlier set to wind down on May 6, will be extended to June 7, a senior police officer said on Friday. The operations had to be extended because police personnel are overwhelmed with case files of suspects who have been arrested since February this year, said Sr. Comr. Saut Usman, spokesman for the police operations task force in Papua.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Eradicate pornography
Eradicate pornography From Media Indonesia The sexual harassment by seven Jakarta high school girls against their younger peers and cellular phone flicks that depict bare-breasted school girls masturbating should arouse our deep concern. Many other such cases have certainly escaped the media's eye. The problem of morality and character among teenagers involves not only formal education but also the role of their families, social environment and personal associations.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
~CD:
~CD: Dewa must bow to Islamists From Koran Tempo A number of Islamic organizations have reported the Dewa pop rock band to the Jakarta police for failing to change the group's newest album cover, which bears a logo resembling the word Allah. Group leader Dhani, as a Muslim, should apologize to his fellow citizens of the same faith who have given him advice and suggestions to do something good for the sake of Islamic brotherhood.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah ends up on Bank Indonesia Intervention
Rupiah ends up on Bank Indonesia Intervention Dow Jones/Jakarta The Indonesian rupiah closed slightly higher on Friday as Bank Indonesia reportedly unloaded dollars to prop up the local unit, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 9,560, down from its close on Thursday at Rp 9,570. The dollar was well-bid earlier in the day as several offshore market participants who had short-sold the unit bought back the currency to lock in profits.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Teaching human rights at schools?
Teaching human rights at schools? Alpha Amirrachman Jakarta During my time as a teacher at some informal education institutions, I found the students to be relaxed in their expression of ideas. Jokes that mocked the New Order regime were carefully timed during discussions, making us chuckle. At public schools, however, students were generally tense. Jokes were told, but naturally not about the New Order regime. When I touched on the issues of human rights, students showed interest.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Water firm reports illegal connections
Water firm reports illegal connections JAKARTA: Tapped water operator PT Thames Pam Jaya unveiled on Friday that it has since January 2005 uncovered over 600 illegal connections in 13 areas in North and East Jakarta municipalities. TPJ Customer Service and Operations Director Graham Holt said in a statement that most of the illegal connections were found on Jl. Bisma Timur 2 and Papanggo in North Jakarta.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Scholars call for zero tolerance of arrogant officials
Scholars call for zero tolerance of arrogant officials The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State officials need to control their behavior and show emotional maturity as it reflects upon their competence to carry out their jobs, scholars say. Franz Magnis Suseno of Driyarkara Institute of Philosophy said on Friday that state officials should be able to exert self- control at all times.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian fisherman dies in Darwin custody
Indonesian fisherman dies in Darwin custody Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Sydney, Australia An Indonesian fisherman charged with poaching has died while in custody on a boat in Darwin, Northern Territory police said on Friday. The death of the 37-year-old, the master of a boat caught fishing illegally in Australian waters last week, is not considered suspicious. The man is the second Indonesian fisherman to die while detained on a boat in a quarantined area of the harbor in the past two years.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Leading music magazine set to conquer local market
Leading music magazine set to conquer local market JP/17/STONE Leading rock music magazine set to go native M.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Human trafficking on the rise in East Java
Human trafficking on the rise in East Java Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Madura Eyes glistening with tears, Lina (not her real name) slowly, painfully recalled for her visitor the horrors she had suffered in Batam, where the 13-year-old Madura native had been offered a job as a shopkeeper but instead was forced to work as a prostitute. "I have no future. My friends and family won't have anything to do with me," said Lina, an elementary school dropout, in Pamekasan, Madura, East Java.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Quality in Teaching -- Who is Responsible?
Quality in Teaching -- Who is Responsible? Andrew Vivian Surabaya A recent article in this newspaper about the quality of expatriate teachers in Indonesian schools raised some important issues, and some serious concerns, about the employment of foreign teachers in Indonesia. What we do need to understand is that we exist in a global society. For this reason, in every country, there are foreign workers who bring in their skills and knowledge.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian PM defends blocking of anti-Myanmar motion in
Malaysian PM defends blocking of anti-Myanmar motion in parliament Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday defended the blocking of a parliamentary motion seeking to deny Myanmar the ASEAN chairmanship next year unless it implements democratic reforms.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
A long-standing commitment to Tsunami victims
A long-standing commitment to Tsunami victims 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.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
PT PLN threatens to cut power in Ambon schools
PT PLN threatens to cut power in Ambon schools M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post/Ambon State electricity company PT PLN threatened on Friday to cut electricity to 27 schools in Ambon city as the schools had not paid the bills for a number of years. The company's manager for Maluku and North Maluku operations, Setiabudi Suhud, said on Friday that the total amount of arrears, some dating back to 2000, had reached Rp 375.4 million (US$41,711). "This is annoying.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Simons Says: The 'sweet science' soured again by big body blow
Simons Says: The 'sweet science' soured again by big body blow Greetings sports fans! This is the inaugural edition of Simons Says, with our opening column dedicated to boxing after the recent world featherweight title fight between home fave and WBA belt holder Chris John and former champ American Derrick Gainer. A group of boxing aficionados and I watched the fight with a keen eye but were flabbergasted by the scoring.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asia must wrest Cup berths from Europe, outgoing AFC chief says
Asia must wrest Cup berths from Europe, outgoing AFC chief says Reuters, Kuala Lumpur Asia should aim to take away World Cup places from Europe in a push to improve the continent's standards, outgoing Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary Peter Velappan said on Friday.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indian food attracts wider market
Indian food attracts wider market Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Thanks partly to Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and other Bollywood people, all things Indian are gaining popularity here, including its spicy and pungent cuisine. Until recently, very few could afford Indian cuisine regularly because Indian eateries in Jakarta were mostly upmarket. Now, for less than Rp 40,000 you can enjoy a complete Indian meal plus soft drink at a number of eateries.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Poor villages given access to market
Poor villages given access to market YOGYAKARTA: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Aburizal Bakrie signed on Thursday night a Memorandum of Understanding with eight state university rectors for a network to build infrastructure in poor villages. The five-year village infrastructure program is expected to cost up to US$150 billion. Aburizal said the government could only provide $25 billion, while the remainder is expected to come from private sectors donations.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Monday, May 2, 2005
TV Program: Monday, May 2, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 8:00 Children Drama 8:30 Music: Asyik Asyik 10:00 Talk Show 12:30 p.m.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Faith lacking in Susilo's anticorruption campaign
Faith lacking in Susilo's anticorruption campaign Tony Hotland and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's introduction of concrete antigraft measures at state institutions will have little impact unless law enforcement institutions are reformed and his Cabinet totally supports the move, observers say.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sutan tells Chris John he will see him in court
Sutan tells Chris John he will see him in court Musthofid The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Surrounded by a posse of attorneys, sports officials and members of the media, boxing champion Chris John came face to face with former trainer Sutan Rambing on Friday in a last-ditch effort to end their acrimonious dispute. Their next encounter, however, is likely to be in court.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, April 30, 2005
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, April 30, 2005 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Ke-semut-an by Beny Dewo, at Parkir Space, Jl. Prawirotaman 2, until May 18. * Fine Arts Omong Kosong, at Cemeti Art House Jl. Patehan Tengah 37 (Tel. 0274 371015), until April 30 * Fine Arts Perempuan dalam Nafsu at Balai Rupa Tembi Satu dan Dua, Jl Parangtritis Km 8,4 Tembi, Bantul (Tel. 0274 368001), until May 10 * Painting Survivors at Galeri OmBo, Jl. Sosrowijayan 10 (FM cafe & Resto), Tel.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Expert opposes conversion of Menteng soccer field
Expert opposes conversion of Menteng soccer field The Jakarta Post Jakarta As the Jakarta administration moves forward with plans to convert a historic soccer field in Menteng, Central Jakarta, some observers have questioned whether this will help create a "healthy environment" in the city. The Jakarta administration plans to convert the soccer field into a "multipurpose park", which will include green spaces, playing fields, a jogging track and a futsal field.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to replace Theo as BKPM chairman
Govt to replace Theo as BKPM chairman Rendi A. Witoelar and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government will replace Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chief Theo Toemion due to his poor performance, but says the decision has no connection with his alleged assault on foreign residents of Indonesia. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Friday the government had been reviewing the performance of the investment board, including its chief, for the past three months.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Independent medical council formed
Independent medical council formed Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Hopes are high that patients will now receive a satisfactory response to malpractice complaints, as an independent medical council has been established to address such charges. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched on Friday the Indonesian Medical Council (KKI), which has been set up to protect patients and improve the country's medical services.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Former Syariah staff reported to police
Former Syariah staff reported to police JAKARTA: Ananto Nugroho, an employee of Bank Mandiri Syariah, filed a police report on Friday against former company branch pawn unit head Trigianto for allegedly embezzling billions of rupiah and customer collateral. Ananto said from Feb. 17 to March 3 Trigianto, who worked in Mandiri Syariah on Jl. Kyai Maja, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta had exchanged gold collateral placed by customers with fakes.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Landslide damages seven houses
Landslide damages seven houses JAMBI: Seven houses in Kampung Baru, Sarolangun regency were severely damaged after a landslide hit the area on Thursday. No fatalities were reported. Fearing further landslides, dozens of residents in the area, located some 250 kilometers west of Jambi city, had taken refuge in safer places. Chief of Kampung Baru subdistrict, Apriyanto, said that he had reported the incident to the Sarolangun regental administration for follow up. -- JP
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Ends Up On Reported Ctlr Bk Intervention
Rupiah Ends Up On Reported Ctlr Bk Intervention JP/14/Market Rupiah Ends Up On Reported Ctlr Bk Intervention Dow Jones/Jakarta The Indonesian rupiah closed slightly higher on Friday as Bank Indonesia reportedly unloaded dollars to prop up the local unit, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 9,560, down from its close on Thursday at Rp 9,570. The dollar was well-bid earlier in the day as several offshore market participants who had short-sold the unit bought back the currency to lock in profits.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Down with smugglers!
Down with smugglers! The recent Asian-African Summit concluded successfully. The hurly-burly of the golden jubilee commemoration of the Asia- Africa Conference may continue, but smugglers are operating like it's business as usual. At least two coincidences occurred during the summit involving one of the summit members, China.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Abolish democracy
Abolish democracy in RI, too costly From Media Indonesia Democracy in Indonesia today tends to ruin nationhood and statehood because its implementation is high-cost and leads to a waste of public funds. The three elections held last year, for instance, cost a lot of money, and then we discover that the General Elections Commission is allegedly involved in a bribery case to cover up its embezzlement of large portions of the election fund.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Tumiun -- 3x16
1. Tumiun -- 3x16 Scholars call for zero tolerance of arrogant officials 2. Africa -- 1x30 African sentenced to life for drugs 3. Graft --- 2x24 Faith lacking in Susilo's anticorruption campaign 4. Menteng - 1x32 Expert opposes soccer field conversion 5. Susul --- 2x18 Beatrix shows how royals still relevant nowadays
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPUD unable to explain expenses
KPUD unable to explain expenses Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Officials from the Jakarta provincial Elections Commission (KPUD) were unable on Friday to justify expenses in their Rp 168.6 billion (US$17.5 million) budget for 2004, raising suspicions that the bulk of the money has been stolen.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Villareal reports newspaper
Villareal reports newspaper Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta American lobbyist Michael A. Villareal filed a police report against The Asian Wall Street Journal on Friday, claiming the daily defamed him in a story that appeared in its April 5 edition. Villareal filed the complaint against managing editor Peter Stein, editor Reginald Chua and reporters Peter Fritsch and Timothy Mapes.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
UN extends presence in East Timor
UN extends presence in East Timor UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations announced on Thursday it would stay in East Timor for another year, under a new political mission that would significantly reduce the UN troop presence there. The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to send 45 civilian advisers, 75 police advisers and up to 10 human rights officers to the developing island country until May 2006.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Women (3x18)
1. Women (3x18) Women's role in politics remains marginal: Activists 2. Book (2x23) Javanese culture barrier to democracy, say observers 3. Drug (2x25) Antidrug campaign 'should be fun'
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sleman to hold Jathilan festival
Sleman to hold Jathilan festival YOGYAKARTA: In an effort to preserve and develop traditional performances, the government of Sleman regency is to hold a Jathilan festival at Kaliurang holiday resort on May 1, May 5, and May 8. Jathilan is a traditional dance performance during which the dancers, usually men, dance into a trance on a horse made of plaited bamboo.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Japan awards RI citizens
Japan awards RI citizens JAKARTA: The government of Japan has awarded two Indonesians, both former state officials, for their contribution to developing the relationship between the two countries.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Teaching human rights at schools?
Teaching human rights at schools? Alpha Amirrachman Jakarta During my time as a teacher at some informal education institutions, I found the students to be relaxed in their expression of ideas. Jokes that mocked the New Order regime were carefully timed during discussions, making us chuckle. At public schools, however, students were generally tense. Jokes were told, but naturally not about the New Order regime. When I touched on the issues of human rights, students showed interest.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates April 29
Rupiah Rates April 29 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,832.45 7,051.93 7,480.88 7,403.36 Brunei dollar 1 6,116.38 5,505.65 5,841.84 5,780.02 Canadian dollar 1 8,043.77 7,243.25 7,682.72 7,604.22 Swiss franc 1 8,461.47 7,618.01 8,081.67 7,997.65 Danish krone 1 1,747.84 1,572.55 1,669.39 1,650.92 Euro 1 13,010.44 11,713.91 12,426.46 12,297.66 Poundsterling 1 19,230.68 17,317.35 18,367.49 18,180.35 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,291.26 1,162.98 1,233.30 1,220.94...
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Antidrug campaign 'should be fun'
Antidrug campaign 'should be fun' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. In the case of campaigning against drug abuse, of course, that does not mean following suit and using drugs. Australian non-governmental organization (NGO) Community Solutions Inc., who specialize in community based projects including drug prevention, takes a unique approach in making sure that youth parties and get-togethers do not involve drugs and alcohol.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
No surprises as Jakarta 46 BNI teams into finals
No surprises as Jakarta 46 BNI teams into finals Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Heavily favored Jakarta 46 BNI men's and women's teams lifted their games when it mattered on Friday to advance to the finals of the 2005 Sampoerna Hijau Proliga volleyball tournament. Men's team Jakarta 46 BNI was too strong for Jakarta Electric PLN, winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-18), while its women's team also came through 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25 -22) over Jakarta Monas Bank DKI.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
The economics of direct local elections Awan Wibowo Laksono Poesoro Jakarta 2. Dyer -- Hitler anniversary 2 x 21 Hitler anniversary and warning on absolute evil Gwynne Dyer London 3. Pro29 -- Giving till it heals 2 x 21 Rich countries should do more to fight poverty Jeffrey D. Sachs Project Syndicate 3. Strait -- Two men and their moment in history 1 x 30 The Hu Jintao-Lien Chan meeting Leslie Fong The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Women's political role still 'marginal'
Women's political role still 'marginal' Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After 10 years of implementing the declaration of the United Nations conference of women in Beijing, most Asian countries including Indonesia have yet to meet the mandates, particularly in increasing the numbers of women in positions of power.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Ties (45) -- 48 pts 4cols 2line (2x26)
1. Ties (45) -- 48 pts 4cols 2line (2x26) Koizumi pushes strategic ties with India amid rift with China 2. Media (40) -- 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) S'pore suggests easing ban on Malaysian papers 3. Boxing (45) -- 36pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) Sutan prepares to sue Chris John 4. Junta (34) -- 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) PM defends move on Myanmar motion 5. Fishermen (25) - 28 pts 3 cols 1line (1x27) RI fisherman dies in Darwin custody 6. Korea (40) - 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) N.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/5/POOR
JP/5/POOR Death awaits poor refugees in Ambon M. Azis Tunny The Jakarta Post/Ambon It has been almost a week since two-year-old Salfiah Lussy died at a shelter for displaced people in Ambon because her parents could not afford to take her to the hospital. The little girl is thought to have died from pleurisy and complications from malaria. Salfiah's mother, Santi Lussy, 22, earlier took her daughter to Al-Fatah Hospital in Ambon, where she was hospitalized for more than a week.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
'The design is artistic, nothing more'
'The design is artistic, nothing more' Rock band Dewa was reported to the city police by a number of Muslim organizations led by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) last Monday for using the Arabic word for Allah on the cover of its Laskar Cinta (Soldier of Love) album. The organizations accused Dewa of blasphemy and demanded a public apology. The Jakarta Post asked people in the capital to comment on the issue. Melisa, 25, is a shop owner in South Jakarta. She lives in Tangerang.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
'USNS Mercy' winds up operations
'USNS Mercy' winds up operations JAKARTA: The U.S. Navy Hospital ship USNS Mercy will depart Nias waters on Saturday, concluding 25 days of humanitarian assistance to victims of the earthquake on the island, according to a release by the U.S. Embassy made available to the media on Friday. Upon arrival off the coast of Nias on April 5, the hospital ship has provided assistance to international relief organizations and host nation medical teams ashore.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI woman held for baby's death
RI woman held for baby's death MALAYSIA: A young Indonesian woman was arrested in Malaysia for allegedly beating her 15-month-old baby to death, the Star newspaper reported on Friday. The 24-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday after her husband, a Malaysian security guard, found the baby dead in his cot, the Star said. She was charged with murder, which is punishable by a mandatory death sentence. The paper said an autopsy found multiple bruises on the boy's abdomen, face, chest and head.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
Way Kambas National Park on the brink of ruin
Way Kambas National Park on the brink of ruin Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Famous for its elephant training school, the Way Kambas National Park in East Lampung is deteriorating, with more than 60 percent of the park being pillaged of its trees and thousands of hectares turned into cassava and corn plantations.
Sat, 30 Apr 2005, 00:00 WIB
South African sentenced to life for drugs
South African sentenced to life for drugs Agencies, Denpasar, Bali The Denpasar District Court sentenced a South African man to life imprisonment on Friday for smuggling heroin into Bali. John Gabrielle, 37, was found guilty of smuggling and trafficking heroin. The verdict came only five days after Gabrielle's accomplice, Martin Christopher Akujobi, was also sentenced to life in prison. "(The court) declares the defendant ...