Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 May 2005

84 articles found

Part 2 of 2: Islam is syncretic, inclusive by nature

Part 2 of 2: Islam is syncretic, inclusive by natureMirza Tirta Kusuma, Chicago With regard to the use of the local vernacular in prayer (salat), we can see how the Javanese have tried to incorporate Islamic tradition into their own tradition.

Bogor police arrest seven alleged robbers

Bogor police arrest seven alleged robbersTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor Bogor Police arrested on Friday seven alleged members of a gang thought to be responsible for a string of violent robberies in Bogor regency and municipality.The head of the general crimes unit at the Bogor Police, Adj.

Councillors to get new official cars

Councillors to get new official carsDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After being awarded a Rp 15 million (US$1,595) monthly housing allowance on average, Jakarta councilors received more good news on Friday when the city administration announced it would provide them with new cars.

Detention urged for charged bankers

Detention urged for charged bankersEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Antigraft activists urged the Attorney General's Office on Friday to detain three top Bank Mandiri officials named suspects in a lending scam to prevent them from fleeing the country.

Mentawai NGOs back revocation of 17 forest concessions

Mentawai NGOs back revocation of 17 forest concessionsSyofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post/Padang A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGO) has supported the Mentawai regent's decision to revoke 17 licenses for the right to undertake and profit from logging in forests on the Mentawai...

Banks ordered to block Indonesians' assets

Banks ordered to block Indonesians' assets USA: The government ordered U.S. banks to block any financial assets in the United States of three Indonesians who are alleged to be leaders of the al-Qaeda-lined Southeast Asian terrorist group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI).

Despite soaring subsidy, fuel price hike ruled out

Despite soaring subsidy, fuel price hike ruled outThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the fuel subsidy threatening to reach a staggering Rp 90 trillion (about US$9.5 billion) this year because of high global oil prices, the government has promised no more domestic fuel price increases.

S'pore woman jailed for beating RI maid

S'pore woman jailed for beating RI maid SINGAPORE: A 44-year-old Singapore woman has been jailed for three months after she pleaded guilty to hitting her Indonesian maid with a TV remote control and a broom as punishment for her mistakes, a newspaper reported on Friday.

'SCTV' takes economist to police

'SCTV' takes economist to police YOGYAKARTA: SCTV reported a Gadjah Mada University economist on Friday to police here for allegedly defaming the private television station.The suit was submitted to the Yogyakarta Police by two SCTV presenters, Rosiana Silalahi and Bayu Sutiyono, executive producer...

Danish misfortune may be RI's lucky break

Danish misfortune may be RI's lucky breakBruce Emond, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Although he got the semifinal matchup that he wanted against Denmark, Indonesia's Sudirman Cup team captain Christian Hadinata refused on Friday to talk up his players' chances.

~FOR Telecommunications Day -- May 17

~FOR Telecommunications Day -- May 17 ;JP;CD; ANPAf..r.. Phones-int'nal-callsInternational calls: Competition getting toughRudijanto Contributor/JakartaInternational callers might have gained some benefits of cheaper overseas rates as PT Indosat Tbk (Indosat) and PT Telkom Tbk (Telkom) engage in a...

Privatization

Privatization of educationFrom Koran TempoNational Education Day on May 2 was marked by demonstrations criticizing the government's attempt to shirk its responsibility for the provision of a nine-year basic education for all students.

RI, Thailand hint Myanmar may decide over ASEAN chair

RI, Thailand hint Myanmar may decide over ASEAN chairIvy Susanti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian government expected Myanmar itself to resolve the deadlock over its taking of the rotating leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) soon, while Thailand foreign minister...

Bukit Sentul tenants protest over high greening fees

Bukit Sentul tenants protest over high greening feesTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor Dozens of residents of the Bukit Sentul housing estate filed a complaint with the Bogor City Council over monthly environmental management fees of between Rp 700,000 (US$74.

Eradicate pornography

Eradicate pornographyFrom Media IndonesiaThe 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.

Yogyakarta to get its first deli

Yogyakarta to get its first deli YOGYAKARTA: Food lovers in the ancient city are invited to an open house this Saturday held to mark the opening of Nino's Gourmet Deli & Bakery in Kompleks Kolombo, to sample bread and pies from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

S'pore woman jailed for beating RI maid

S'pore woman jailed for beating RI maid SINGAPORE: A 44-year-old Singapore woman has been jailed for three months after she pleaded guilty to hitting her Indonesian maid with a TV remote control and a broom as punishment for her mistakes, a newspaper reported on Friday.

Fees and graft

Fees and graft at Priok I read with interest your two articles published on May 9 and May 10 about illegal fees and graft at Tanjung Priok Port (Illegal fees double RI export costs; Congestion, chaos, graft in port).

After the tsunami, Aceh faces chronic mental health problems

After the tsunami, Aceh faces chronic mental health problemsNani Afrida, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Thirty-four-year-old Maisarah Muharram M. Noer can still remember when she was brought to a psychiatrist several weeks after the tsunami, screaming her lungs out with an intravenous drip in her arm.

Australia helps in fight against polio

Australia helps in fight against polio JAKARTA: Australia has donated A$1 million to help Indonesia control a polio outbreak that has so far infected seven children aged under five.Australian Ambassador to Indonesia David Ritchie said the assistance would held fund a house-to-house immunization...

Singapore allows return of waste

Singapore allows return of wasteMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After months of dispute, Singapore is set to allow the return of tons of waste that Indonesia says is hazardous, with the process expected to be completed within the coming week.

Three states to discuss security

Three states to discuss security INDONESIA: The ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will discuss the security at Malacca Strait at a meeting on the island of Bintan next month, an Indonesian foreign affairs ministry official has said.

China says no revaluation when forex trading expands

China says no revaluation when forex trading expandsAgence France-Presse, Beijing China's central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan said on Friday there will be no revaluation of the yuan when the country expands its foreign exchange trading system next week, quashing intense media speculation.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 13, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 13, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo...

Govt 'too slow' to rescue RI hostages

Govt 'too slow' to rescue RI hostagesTony Hotland and Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Stunned by reports of the killing of an Indonesian held hostage by Philippine pirates for over a month, the House of Representatives slammed the government for failing to make rescue efforts.

Three-day house renovation expo opens

Three-day house renovation expo opens About 100 architects, interior designers, building contractors, house developers and finance companies are participating in a three-day exhibition that opened on Friday at the Jakarta Convention Center.

BPK told to continue audits on vote body

BPK told to continue audits on vote bodyThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said it was ready to assist the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in conducting investigative audits into several projects carried out by the General Elections Commission (KPU) during last year's...

Indonesia back in Miss Universe pageant after ban

Indonesia back in Miss Universe pageant after banNovan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post/Bangkok The continuing violence in the southern Thailand failed to dampen the festive atmosphere surrounding a parade marking the start of the campaign to pick Miss Universe this year.

1. Tsunami (50) - 42 pts 6 col 1line (1x25)

1. Tsunami (50) - 42 pts 6 col 1line (1x25) UN: Tsunami rebuilding too slow 2. Aceh (45) - 36 pts 2 cols 3lines (3x14) Critics question why military still in Aceh 3. Audit (40) -- 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) BPK finds 'missing funds' in budget 4. MU (35) - 36 pts 6 col 1line (1x32) Fans see red U.S.

Border problems plague RI-E. Timor

Border problems plague RI-E. Timor KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A senior Indonesian government official said on Friday East Timor's separation from Indonesia resulted in several problems, most notably concerning 1,187 plots of land located on the border between the two countries.

Govt finds bird flu virus in Banten pigs

Govt finds bird flu virus in Banten pigsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has found the bird flu virus in pigs in Jakarta's neighboring province of Banten, Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono said on Friday.

Mario scores double-double in Aspac advance

Mario scores double-double in Aspac advanceMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta League leader HP Aspac continues to go from strength to strength in the A Mild Indonesian Basketball League, with Mario Wuysang scoring a double-double in Friday's victory against Malang Avian Bima Sakti.

Is Jakarta too small?

Is Jakarta too small?Robert Kelly Jakarta By some measures, Jakarta is the fourth-largest city in the world. Traffic congestion, air pollution, over-crowding, crime and rising property prices all attest to its rapid growth, and all are problems the capital's residents have to confront daily.

PKB holds campaign sharing

PKB holds campaign sharing YOGYAKARTA: The National Awakening Party (PKB), in cooperation with the Friedrich Neumann Stiftung (NFS) foundation, is hosting a three-day international workshop on running a successful political campaign.

Gambling: Yes or No?

Gambling: Yes or No? Las Vegas is widely known for its legal gambling, while people say gambling is part of the culture in China. In Malaysia gambling is legal only for certain groups of people.While in Indonesia gambling is illegal but - ironically - it prevails.

Timber companies go bankrupt

Timber companies go bankrupt SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Over the past five years, 58 of 103 companies with forest concessions have gone bankrupt because of illegal logging, an executive at a timber company association said on Friday.

In search of Poso blast perpetrators

In search of Poso blast perpetratorsRuslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post/Palu The religiously segregated town of Poso has been relatively peaceful and calm during the past six months. Local residents are uninhibited in carrying out their daily activities.

Dea gets a shot in the arm in U.S. collegiate career

Dea gets a shot in the arm in U.S. collegiate careerBruce Emond The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National tennis' loss was the University of Washington's gain when Dea Sumantri accepted a full scholarship to its tennis program three years ago.

Lessons from the dragon

Lessons from the dragonB. Nicodemus Brussels "Get the knowledge, even from China". The question is, "What can we learn from China?". As China is becoming a major player in the world economy, the question can be slightly rephrased: "What does China teach in economy?"One of my colleagues argues that...

~Asian 3G networks -- No turning back

~Asian 3G networks -- No turning backAccording to IDC's latest Competitive Analysis report, "3G Developments in Asia and Pacific (excluding Japan): No Turning Back", 3G subscribers reached 10.5 million in 2004, and is expected to reach 142.6 million in 2009, growing at a CAGR of 68.5 percent.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 14, 2005

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 14, 2005Exhibitions* Fine Arts Ke-semut-an by Beny Dewo, at Parkir Space, Jl. Prawirotaman 2, until May 18. * Painting Survivors at Galeri OmBo, Jl. Sosrowijayan 10 (FM cafe & Resto), Tel.

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 49

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 49 The world's super volcanoes: An eruption is a matter of time 2. KIDNAP: 3 X 10 Govt too slow to save RI hostages4. MISS: 3 X 16 Indonesia back in Miss Universe pageant after ban

Feengers beware: The Mush of Madura wag tongue to marvel

Feengers beware: The Mush of Madura wag tongue to marvelDuncan Graham, Contributor/Surabaya Indonesia ranks high on the International List of English Manglers, even when its recognized that many forms of the world tongue are now considered legitimate variations.

Sutiyoso vows to pursue reports on alleged corruption in KPUD

Sutiyoso vows to pursue reports on alleged corruption in KPUDDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso promised on Friday to pass on to the police, prosecutors or the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) reports on alleged irregularities in the use of Rp 168.6 billion (US$17.

Airport, railway projects to be put out to tender

Airport, railway projects to be put out to tenderRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As a follow-up to January's Infrastructure Summit, the government is slated to open biddings for two airport and one railway projects worth some Rp 4.24 trillion (US$4.48 billion) in June.

Single goal can unite two different worlds

Single goal can unite two different worlds Hardev Kaur New Strait Times Kuala Lumpur Two continents -- Asia and Europe -- account for 40 percent of the world's population, 50 percent of the world's GDP, and 60 percent of world trade.

Tsunami village yet to see aid windfall

Tsunami village yet to see aid windfallBill Tarrant, Reuters/Lampuuk, Aceh Juwaria hammers away at cement rubble, extracting iron rods she will sell to buy food, oblivious that her tsunami-flattened village is benefiting from an aid windfall.

Correction to article

Correction to articleRegarding my opinion piece titled Media, defamation and judicial review: Comparison with Australia published in The Jakarta Post on May 12, I would like to correct a small error in the article.

Serving people or groups?

Serving people or groups?From Media IndonesiaThe House of Representatives (DPR) has finally decided that it will ask the government to review the fuel price increase policy. The decision is indeed disappointing.As people's representatives, legislators should voice what is in the public interest.

The world's supervolcanoes: An eruption is a matter of time

The world's supervolcanoes: An eruption is a matter of time After the tsunami disaster there has been further evidence of earthquake activity around Sumatra. Australia's volcanologist Ray Cas, a professor of the Department of Earth Science, Monash University Melbourne, recently spoke to The Jakarta...

Easier tourist visas needed

Easier tourist visas needed This letter is in reference to the visa restrictions placed on non-Asean tourists to Indonesia.Recently another Canadian and I vacationed in Indonesia. We started in Manado, went to Ternate, through Ambon to the Bandas, to Yogyakarta, and then to Semarang (while my...

City's illiterate women face a confusing world

City's illiterate women face a confusing worldThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Finding illiterate people, even in a metropolis like Jakarta, is perhaps easier than trying to understand how they perceive the world without the ability to read or write.And furthermore, why they stay that way.

Quality education

Quality education starts with booksFrom RepublikaEducation is of great importance for the growth and future of a nation, so every country is striving to introduce the most suitable system for its citizens. Sadly, Indonesia still lacks a good education system.

3 X 11

3 X 11 Guantanamo case angers RI Muslims JP/4/KPU1 X 40 BPK told to continue audits on vote body JP/4/Mandiri1 x 35 Detention urged for charged bankers JP/4/WASTE1 x 33 Singapore allows return of waste

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Our education: Schooling in ruined buildings B. Herry-Priyono Jakarta2. Mirza2 -- If the Prophet Muhammad was Javanese... 1 X 30 Islam is syncretic, inclusive by nature or Syncretism and the propagation of Islam Mirza Tirta Kusuma Chicago

Guantanamo case angers RI Muslims

Guantanamo case angers RI MuslimsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Anti-U.S. sentiment erupted around Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim nation, on Friday following reports that interrogators desecrated Korans at the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Waste processing firm fails to identify explosive substances

Waste processing firm fails to identify explosive substancesBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Hazardous waste processing firm Prasadha Pamunah Limbah Industri (PPLi) acknowledged on Friday its difficulties in identifying the chemical substances that were stored in its warehouse in...

Curug Sewu gets spruced up to attract more tourists

Curug Sewu gets spruced up to attract more touristsSuherdjoko, Contributor/Kendal, Central Java Nestled in dense forest in Patean subdistrict, Kendal regency, Central Java, some 70 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital, Semarang, is holiday resort Curug Sewu.

Residents want road repaired

Residents want road repaired BOGOR: Residents in Bogor are upset over the condition of the road from Atang Sanjaya to Semplak and Kemang districts."The potholes make the traffic worse," Aini, who uses the road to drive her daughter to school in the Rancabungur area, said on Thursday.

'Business Review' to give awards

'Business Review' to give awards JAKARTA: For the second year, businesses and individuals deemed as role-models will be given awards by Business Review, a local magazine focusing on state enterprises."A total of 16 companies and 11 individuals have been selected as nominees, based on questionnaires...

Petronas will not pull out of Iran gas project: Badawi

Petronas will not pull out of Iran gas project: BadawiAssociated Press, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysia's national oil company Petronas will not pull out of a joint-venture project to develop a US$2 billion dollar gas field in Iran despite the Petronas chief's doubts about the deal, news reports...

Rupiah Rates May 13

Rupiah Rates May 13 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,639.69 6,871.50 7,292.92 7,218.13 Brunei dollar 1 6,034.59 5,426.64 5,760.67 5,700.39 Canadian dollar 1 7,980.17 7,177.11 7,617.94 7,539.16 Swiss franc 1 8,205.21 7,380.62 7,832.77 7,752.

Keep good faith in the current system

Keep good faith in the current system This letter is about the happiest day I have experienced in Indonesia since we moved here almost two years ago. Ever since then I have wanted to get my own driver's license (SIM) even though I didn't need it as my company provides a driver.

Bukaka builds hydropower plant in Poso to boost power supply

Bukaka builds hydropower plant in Poso to boost power supplyRuslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post/Palu, Central Sulawesi The Bukaka Group has built a US$230 million hydropower plant in Sulewana village, North Pamona district in the troubled Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, in an effort to overcome an...

Jambi KPUD returns money

Jambi KPUD returns money JAMBI, Jambi: The provincial election body here said on Friday it had returned Rp 300 million (US$33,333) in unused tactical funds to the central General Elections Commission (KPU)."The funds were handed over to us late last year, but we returned them a week later ...

Jayapura's top cop replaced for mishandling violent protest

Jayapura's top cop replaced for mishandling violent protestNethy Dharma Somba and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post/Jayapura/Semarang Under mounting public pressure, Papua provincial police replaced on Friday another senior policeman held responsible for the shoddy handling of a violent protest in...

Jakarta a haven for street racers

Jakarta a haven for street racers JAKARTA: Jakarta traffic police chief Sr. Comr. Djoko Susilo said it was difficult for his unit to stop the use of several thoroughfares as circuits for illegal street motorcycle races.

PD Pasar Jaya to upgrade 26 markets

PD Pasar Jaya to upgrade 26 markets JAKARTA: City-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya plans to renovate 26 traditional markets.In cooperation with private companies, it has allocated Rp 260 billion (US$27.27 million) to renovate 18 of the markets.

RI to lobby China on cacao duties

RI to lobby China on cacao dutiesZakki P. Hakim and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Ministry of Agriculture has urged the trade ministry to lobby China to slash import duties on Indonesian cacao beans and products to the same level that Malaysia is currently enjoying.

2. KPUD -- 2 x 32

2. KPUD -- 2 x 32 Sutiyoso vows to pursue reports on alleged corruption in KPUD 3. SENTUL -- 1 x 38 Tenants protest high greening fees 4. PPLi -- 1 x 48 PPLi fails to identify explosive substances 5. RAMPOK -- 2 x 20 Bogor Police arrest seven alleged robbers 6.

Cigarette tax

Cigarette tax increase neededFrom Koran TempoVice President Jusuf Kalla has said that increased state revenue is needed to develop health and educational facilities, including additional revenue from higher cigarette tax.It is right to raise the tax on cigarettes.

Our education: Schooling in ruined buildings

Our education: Schooling in ruined buildingsB. Herry-Priyono, Jakarta As the 2004/2005 academic year draws to a close and the new school year approaches, an old cycle of urgency is returning. It is the angst of enrolling children in school, the problem of paying for their education and the...

Website, ini untuk tanggal 16 May, halaman 21

Website, ini untuk tanggal 16 May, halaman 21Dea gets a shot in the arm in U.S. collegiate careerBruce Emond The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National tennis' loss was the University of Washington's gain when Dea Sumantri accepted a full scholarship to its tennis program three years ago.

JP/4/EDU

JP/4/EDUGovt criticized for 'avoiding responsibility' in educationHera Diani The Jakarta Post/JakartaIn many developed countries, if parents refuse to send their children to school to enjoy free education they can be taken to court.

Islamic programs on TV hailed

Islamic programs on TV hailedFrom RepublikaThe programs with an Islamic tone aired by several private TV stations lately deserve a warm welcome, because such films are very beneficial and provide guidance through their important messages.

Indosat to install 100 hotspots

Indosat to install 100 hotspots YOGYAKARTA: In its bid to provide Internet users with much higher access speeds, PT Indosat Mega Media (or Indosat M2), which provides Internet and multimedia services, has planned to install some 100 hotspots throughout the country this year alone.

BPK finds 'missing funds' in budget

BPK finds 'missing funds' in budgetTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Noting a staggering Rp 8.82 trillion (US$929.32 million) missing from the 2003 state budget, the House of Representatives is likely to order the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to carry out an investigative audit in hopes of...

Burned-out buildings remain a reminder of May 1998 riots

Burned-out buildings remain a reminder of May 1998 riotsBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Years after massive riots forced iron-fisted president Soeharto to resign in May 1998, many burned-out shop houses in Jakarta have yet to be restored, bearing witness to the full ferocity of one of...

'We have equal rights to quality education'

'We have equal rights to quality education'Parents often complain about the cost of ensuring their children receive a quality education, especially the illegal fees schools often charge, while children of the very poor often miss out on schooling completely.

1. Pilkada -- 3x16

1. Pilkada -- 3x16 Mayoral candidates pull out the stops ahead of election 2. Riots ---- 2x25 Burned-out buildings remain a reminder of May riots 3. Illeterate - 2x22 City's illiterate women face a confusing world 4. Lampuuk -- 1x26 Tsunami village yet to see aid windfall

Mayoral candidates pull out the stops ahead of election

Mayoral candidates pull out the stops ahead of electionIman Dwianto Nugroho, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Bambang Dwi Hartono hurries down the stairs of a two-story shop- house on Jl. Genteng Kali in Surabaya.

Australia, East Timor finish talks on expected Timor Sea pact

Australia, East Timor finish talks on expected Timor Sea pactAngela Macdonald-Smith, Bloomberg, Sydney Australia and East Timor completed the latest, and possibly last, round of talks between officials on the split of royalties from oil and gas fields in the Timor Sea.

Critics question why military still in Aceh

Critics question why military still in AcehTiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Critics questioned on Friday the government's failure to order the withdrawal of military troops from Aceh despite lifting the state of civil emergency, a decision they deemed a compromise.

'We have equal rights to quality education'

'We have equal rights to quality education' Parents often complain about the cost of ensuring their children receive a quality education, especially the illegal fees schools often charge, while children of the very poor often miss out on schooling completely.