Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 May 2005

88 articles found

Tsunami victims soon to get new homes

Tsunami victims soon to get new homes Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Aceh Jaya Hayatul Nufus smiled. "Please come in to my house", she said, welcoming her guest into her simple house in Janguet village in Aceh Jaya regency, 90 kilometers from Banda Aceh. The 28-year-old woman, who is now on her own after losing her husband and three children in the Dec. 26 tsunami, lives in a temporary house measuring six by four meters, comprising a room, a family room, a bathroom and a kitchen.

AIM S$27.9M from IPO

AIM S$27.9M from IPO Dow Jones, Singapore Singapore's Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Corp., or AIM, expects to raise about S$27.9 million (US$16.8 million) in net proceeds from its initial public offering on Monday. The Singapore-incorporated company with operations in Singapore, Indonesia and China, is offering investors 171 million shares at 20 Singapore cents each, it said in a prospectus registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Electing our local leaders

Electing our local leaders In just over a month, Indonesians will begin witnessing and participating in a series of elections for local chief executives. This will mark the beginning of an almost perpetual cycle of elections in this country to elect governors, mayors and regents. The advent of local elections is a giant step forwards on the long road toward a truly democratic society.

Tsunami survivors lack clean water

Tsunami survivors lack clean water Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh People arrive in droves at the clean water facility in Simpang Lima every afternoon. Several cars, be they jalopies or swank cars, park at the site in the downtown Banda Aceh district to obtain free potable water. The facility was established after the Dec. 26 tsunami. People are free to fill an unlimited number of containers to take home. "It's not bad as it's free.

Journalists protest colleagues' jail term

Journalists protest colleagues' jail term BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Hundreds of journalists and activists rallied here on Monday to protest the use of Criminal Code to imprison two local tabloid editors for defamation recently.

Quality education

Quality education starts with books From Republika Education 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. The number of school dropouts in Indonesia continues to increase due to high fees, so does the rate of unemployment as job opportunities are few.

Medan children forced to work to stay in school

Medan children forced to work to stay in school Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan While some children enjoy an education in which all expenses are provided by their parents, other more unfortunate children have to work just to stay in school. For the past four years, junior high school student Edi Situmorang has worked as a craftsman in the North Sumatra town of Parapat to earn money to help finance his education.

Consumers urged to file suit over faulty gas pumps

Consumers urged to file suit over faulty gas pumps Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In response to the discovery that pumps at 51 gas stations in Greater Jakarta and West Java had been tampered with, a consumer rights activist urged class-action lawsuits against the stations, state oil company Pertamina and the Ministry of Trade.

Does success on sporting field really matter?

Does success on sporting field really matter? Primastuti Handayani, Jakarta "Even if Indonesia wins, so what?" a friend asked a few days ago, prior to Indonesia's semifinal berth against Denmark at the ninth Sudirman Cup badminton mixed team championship in Beijing. Indonesia finally bowed out to eventual champion China 0-3 in Sunday's final. But praise has been showered on the national shuttlers, as on paper it was predicted they would lose against China.

Israel bans Mahathir from Jerusalem

Israel bans Mahathir from Jerusalem Nasser Abu Bakr, Agence France-Presse/Ramallah, West Bank Israel on Monday banned former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad, whose comments have in the past infuriated Jews, from entering Jerusalem while visiting the West Bank. Mahathir was delayed for an hour at the Allenby crossing from Jordan into the West Bank where Israeli officials banned him from going to Jerusalem or the city of Jenin in the West Bank, Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qurie said.

Suicide attempt changes a child

Suicide attempt changes a child Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Two years after his suicide attempt, 14-year-old Heriyanto is not the same boy he used to be. After undergoing a series of different medical treatments, the first of three siblings now has to spend most of his days at a Bandung psychiatric hospital. "His IQ is only around 50, and his way of thinking is almost similar to a five-year-old child.

JP/4/aceh

JP/4/aceh Tsunami rebuilding stalls as survivors confront government delays, political squabbling Michael Casey Associated Press/Deah Geulumpang/Aceh Political squabbling, donor demands and government indecision have stalled the building of roads, water treatment plants and nearly 180,000 homes for survivors of last December's tsunami.

Retirees demand higher pensions

Retirees demand higher pensions BANDUNG: Some 500 retired workers from train company PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Java and Sumatra operations demonstrated at the company's headquarters in Bandung on Monday, demanding higher pensions. The demonstrators, who wanted pensions on the same level as those of retired civil servants, set on fire two PT Kereta Api uniforms in protest.

Muslims skeptical over 'Newsweek' back-track on Koran

Muslims skeptical over 'Newsweek' back-track on Koran Sayed Salahuddin, Reuters/Kabul Muslims in Afghanistan and Pakistan were skeptical on Monday about an apparent retraction by Newsweek magazine of a report that U.S. interrogators desecrated the Koran and said U.S. pressure was behind the climb-down. The report in Newsweek's May 9 issue sparked protests across the Muslim world from Afghanistan, where 16 were killed and more than 100 injured, to Pakistan, India, Indonesia and Gaza.

Revisiting Aceh reconstruction

Revisiting Aceh reconstruction Teten Masduki and Firdaus Ilyas, Jakarta It is relieving to note the reluctance of Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, the chairman of the Executive Body for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Aceh and Nias (BRR), to fully implement the Blueprint for the Development of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) and Nias, which was drawn up in April. The former minister's reason is that the blueprint is over-ambitious and unrealistic.

Smuggled Chinese garments hurt Toray Indonesia

Smuggled Chinese garments hurt Toray Indonesia Phelim Kyne, Dow Jones/Jakarta Garments smuggled from China are flooding the Indonesian market and hurting the sales of a local unit of Japan's Toray Industries Inc., a senior company executive said recently. Smuggled garments undercut the prices of products of local factories which buy polyester materials from PT Indonesia Toray Synthetics, Indonesia Toray Group chief executive representative Yukihiro Sugimoto told Dow Jones Newswires.

Aspac routs Angsapura

Aspac routs Angsapura Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mighty HP Aspac continued its winning ways with a 78-48 drubbing of lowly Angsapura Sania in the seventh series of the 2005 A Mild Indonesian Basketball League here on Monday. It was the ninth win in a row for the unbeaten Jakarta team. Despite the convincing victory, however, a team official appeared to be unsatisfied with the players' performance.

Susilo's war on graft: Lots of talk, little action

Susilo's war on graft: Lots of talk, little action Merle Ricklefs, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has just announced a new Coordinating Team for Corruption Eradication consisting of 51 prosecutors, police and financial officers. Is this a breakthrough in Indonesia's battle against corruption? Is this a step taken by a presidency that is successfully tackling Indonesia's challenges and addressing the needs of its people?

Minister denies suit against mining firm Newmont dropped

Minister denies suit against mining firm Newmont dropped Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar denied on Monday that the government had decided to drop its US$117.86 million lawsuit against PT Newmont Minahasa Raya for allegedly polluting Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi. However, he confirmed that the government was attempting to negotiate an out-of-court settlement in the civil lawsuit against the U.S.-based gold mining firm.

Pertamina ensures enough fuel stock

Pertamina ensures enough fuel stock State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina marketing director Ari Soemarno said in a hearing with House of Representatives Commission VII on energy late Monday that the company had enough fuel stock for 20.2 days from last week's 19 days as some banks had already agreed to issue letters of credit (L/C) required to guarantee import payments.

Dilemma caused by sand quarrying at Mt. Merapi

Dilemma caused by sand quarrying at Mt. Merapi Mimin Dwi Hartono, Contributor, Yogyakarta It was 1 p.m. in Boyong hamlet, Hargobinangun village, Pakem subdistrict, Sleman, at the foot of Mount Merapi. The sun shone very brightly, while the heat was at its peak. Sunarto, 63, a Boyong villager, paused for a while from digging sand in his yard with a shovel. Taking a deep breath, he wiped the sweat from his wrinkled face before sitting next to his shovel on the ground.

1. Maluku (50) - 65 pts 3 col 2lines (2x16)

1. Maluku (50) - 65 pts 3 col 2lines (2x16) Five policemen die in Maluku attack 2. Mandiri (40) - 36 pts 2 cols 3lines (3x16) Mandiri directors dismissed over lending scandal 3. Pertamina (40) -- 36 pts 6 cols 1line (1x45) Consumers urged to file suit over faulty gas pumps --- 5. Photos

Profile of Agus Martowardojo

Profile of Agus Martowardojo Name : Agus Martowardojo Born : Amsterdam, January 24, 1956 Education : School of Economics at the University of Indonesia, banking and management courses in the University of New York State and Stanford University in the United States and the Institute of Banking and Finance in Singapore. Career : - Bank of America NT & SA (1984). - Vice president of banking group at Bank Niaga (1986 -1994). - Deputy chief executive officer of Maharani Holdings (1994).

Astra International may raise prices as costs increase

Astra International may raise prices as costs increase Arijit Ghosh, Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Astra International, Indonesia's biggest automobile assembler and distributor, says it may increase car prices to compensate for currency fluctuations and higher fuel costs. Astra International -- which is 49.7 percent controlled by Singapore-based Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. -- may raise prices if the rupiah falls to 10,000 against the U.S.

Indonesia: The amazing, and the baffling

Indonesia: The amazing, and the baffling S.P. Seth, Sydney What amazes and baffles about Indonesia is that its elites can in all sincerity argue the sublime and the ridiculous at the same time. For instance, it was refreshing to hear Kuntoro Mangkusubroto of the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Executing Agency slam the government for doing almost nothing for reconstruction in the tsunami devastated province of Aceh.

Letter from Michigan to Acehnese children

Letter from Michigan to Acehnese children Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Dear Friends, Hi, my name is Maggie, I am sorry for what happened to your country. I have heard something about that. I hope your family and friends are OK. In church, I pray for you and your family. In class we are raising money for your country ... I will continue to pray for you and your country at church.

Devoting herself to 'wayang topeng'

Devoting herself to 'wayang topeng' Indra Harsaputra, Contributor, Malang With great dexterity, Karen Elizabeth demonstrated her skill in the Malang mask dance to The Jakarta Post, showing how she performed one of the folk dances she had mastered. "I like the Gunungsari wayang topeng (stage show with masked players) dance rather than the Bapang dance," she said.

Protecting a rare black hawk chick

Protecting a rare black hawk chick Bambang Muryanto, Contributor, Yoygakarta The news about a pair of black hawks (Ictinaetus malayensis) rearing a chick in a forest on the slope of Mount Merapi in Cangkringan, Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, finally reached Yayasan Kutilang Indonesia.

Phelim Kyne

Phelim Kyne Dow Jones/Jakarta Garments smuggled from China are flooding the Indonesian market and hurting the sales of a local unit of Japan's Toray Industries Inc., a senior company executive said recently. Smuggled garments undercut the prices of products of local factories which buy polyester materials from PT Indonesia Toray Synthetics, Indonesia Toray Group chief executive representative Yukihiro Sugimoto told Dow Jones Newswires.

KPU chief further implicated in alleged graft case

KPU chief further implicated in alleged graft case Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU) chief Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin was once again dealt a body blow on Monday that should make it harder for him to prove his innocence as another senior KPU official corroborated his role in alleged massive graft at the commission.

BI says rupiah to rise in 2005

BI says rupiah to rise in 2005 JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia (BI) said it expects the rupiah to "gradually" strengthen against the dollar this year, supported by foreign investment inflows, the central bank governor said. "Dollar supply is estimated to increase from overseas portfolio investment as well as an increase in foreign-direct investment, in line with a better investment environment," helping support the rupiah, BI Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said in statement to lawmakers on Monday.

Students demand police chief's dismissal

Students demand police chief's dismissal Suherdjoko and Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Semarang/Jayapura Discontent with disciplinary actions taken against police officers involved in the violent handling of protesters in Papua, dozens of Papuan students demanded on Monday the dismissal of the provincial police chief.

Agus Martowardojo appointed to lead Bank Mandiri

Agus Martowardojo appointed to lead Bank Mandiri Rendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The shareholders of troubled state-owned Bank Mandiri decided on Monday to appoint Agus Martowardojo as the new president of the bank and dismiss four of the nine directors of the country's largest bank in asset terms.

Seawater turned into potable water

Seawater turned into potable water JAKARTA: The City Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) says it plans to apply River Osmosis technology to turn seawater into potable water. Agency head Kosasih Wirahadikusumah said on Monday BPLHD had signed an agreement with city-owned company PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol (TIJA) to implement the technology. TIJA is also the operator of the Ancol Dreamland Park in Ancol, North Jakarta.

Prosecutors briefed on human trafficking

Prosecutors briefed on human trafficking YOGYAKARTA: As many as 41 senior prosecutors from 14 provinces attended a five-day seminar in Yogyakarta on human trafficking, prostitution and child sexual exploitation. The seminar was aimed at helping the prosecutors better understand these types of cases and make the best use of existing laws to jail traffickers and ensure legal protection for victims. The seminar, which was held with the support of the French government and the U.S.

Is the grass really greener on the other side for RI expats?

Is the grass really greener on the other side for RI expats? Maggie Tiojakin, Contributor, Boston, U.S. Every year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants make their way across U.S. borders with the hope of finding a better life. Some cut through barbed wire, some travel on small boats for days, and there are others who would rather do it conveniently -- by plane. Then, there is the problem of not wanting to leave.

Seven die in predawn attack in Maluku

Seven die in predawn attack in Maluku The Jakarta Post Ambon/Jakarta Seven people, including five police officers, died during a predawn attack by unidentified gunmen in troubled Maluku province on Monday. The attackers hit a Mobile Brigade (Brimob)'s operations command post in Loki village, Piru district, West Seram regency at 3 a.m. local time, or 2 a.m. Jakarta time, reportedly using military standard-issue firearms. An attacker and a civilian were also killed in the incident.

RI has vast potential in marine resources

RI has vast potential in marine resources I Ketut Sutika, Antara/Denpasar Indonesia's marine resources could, if developed wisely, increase state revenue and improve the welfare of the people, according to experts. Like an unpolished pearl, the country's marine reserves have not been properly exploited in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or along its coastal areas.

1. Seth -- What is Baffling about Indonesia?

1. Seth -- What is Baffling about Indonesia? 2 X 23 Indonesia: The amazing, and the baffling S.P. Seth Sydney 2. Israel -- Indonesia and Israel 2 x 21 RI has interests in opening ties with Israel Emanuel Shahaf Tel Aviv 3. SBY -- Susilo's war on corruption 1 x 45 Susilo's war on graft: Lots of talk, little action Merle Ricklefs The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore

Govt sees balanced outcome under Lamy

Govt sees balanced outcome under Lamy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government welcomes the prospect of former European Union trade commissioner Pascal Lamy of France in taking over the top job in the World Trade Organization (WTO), a minister says. Minister of Trade Mari E. Pangestu said Lamy was a seasoned global trade negotiator who had a solid track record. "He understands the interests of developing countries and has a sense of (the importance of) development.

House recognizes Muhaimin-led PKB

House recognizes Muhaimin-led PKB Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives says it recognizes the members of the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction loyal to Muhaimin Iskandar as the party's official legislators, despite its worsening internal conflict.

Top police general visits Jayapura

Top police general visits Jayapura JAYAPURA, Papua: National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar visited on Saturday the district court in Jayapura where last week Papua Police officers clashed with separatist supporters. The four-star general said his visit was aimed at gathering first-hand information on what really happened during the violent incident last Tuesday.

Awards to mark Nat'l Book Day

Awards to mark Nat'l Book Day YOGYAKARTA: The Indonesian Book Publishers Association will give the Adikarya Award to nine writers and publishers on Tuesday during the commemoration of National Book Day. Association spokesman Awod Said said on Monday the judges had chosen winners from a selection of 118 titles from 24 publishing companies. The awards were separated into three categories; best children's book, best illustration of a children's book and best teenagers' book, Awod said.

Darma Henwa starts mining under contract with KPC

Darma Henwa starts mining under contract with KPC Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After securing financing of about US$175 million for heavy equipment and infrastructure, PT Darma Henwa has begun to mine coal in Belongan, East Kalimantan, under a contract to supply Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) with six million tons a year.

Govt faulted over education policy

Govt faulted over education policy Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In many developed countries, if parents refuse to send their children to school to enjoy free education they can be taken to court. Such a situation is not found in Indonesia, despite the fact that the government is obliged by the amended 1945 Constitution to finance primary education. The government even imposes financial burdens on parents to finance their children's education.

1. Taxi -- 6 col, 1 line 1 x 36

1. Taxi -- 6 col, 1 line 1 x 36 City contradicts itself on taxi licenses Contradicting public statements that the city administration has temporarily shut the door to any requests for new taxi permits, Governor Sutiyoso quietly issued a decree that allows new taxi companies to enter the overcrowded market. City Land Transportation Agency head Rustam Effendy Sidabutar said on Monday that Sutiyoso issued a decree in 2002 allowing new taxi operators to open shop. "Gubernatorial Decree No.

Anti-Mega group files police report

Anti-Mega group files police report JAKARTA: A splinter group of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) filed a police report against party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday for her dismissal of 12 PDI-P members opposed to her leadership. Two members of the splinter group, Roy B.B. Janis and Sukowaluyo Mintoharjo, filed the report at National Police Headquarters, saying the dismissals "defamed" the 12 PDI-P members.

JP/4/aceh

JP/4/aceh Tsunami rebuilding stalls as survivors confront government delays, political squabbling Michael Casey Associated Press/Deah Geulumpang/Aceh Political squabbling, donor demands and government indecision have stalled the building of roads, water treatment plants and nearly 180,000 homes for survivors of last December's tsunami.

Sawah Besar starts polio vaccinations

Sawah Besar starts polio vaccinations JAKARTA: Sawah Besar subdistrict in Central Jakarta has started immunizing 6,600 babies in the area against polio ahead of schedule after an infant tested positive for the virus there this month. The administration's original schedule for the two rounds of vaccinations was for May 31 and June 28. District head Suprihatin called on parents not to be reluctant to take their children to nearby health posts to get the polio antivirus.

Committee head named graft suspect

Committee head named graft suspect JAMBI: The head of the budget committee at the Kerinci Regency Council has officially been named a suspect in a graft case, a senior prosecutor said on Saturday. The chief of the Kerinci Prosecutor's Office, Ilman A. Rachman, said councillor Zainal Arifin would be charged with embezzling some Rp 1.3 billion (US$144,444) from the regency budget between 1999 and 2004.

BI says rupiah

BI says rupiah to rise in 2005 JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia (BI) said it expects the rupiah to "gradually" strengthen against the dollar this year, supported by foreign investment inflows, the central bank governor said. "Dollar supply is estimated to increase from overseas portfolio investment as well as an increase in foreign-direct investment, in line with a better investment environment," helping support the rupiah, BI Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said in statement to lawmakers on Monday.

Rupiah Rates May 16

Rupiah Rates May 16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,576.42 6,814.42 7,232.86 7,157.79 Brunei dollar 1 6,022.43 5,416.32 5,749.34 5,689.24 Canadian dollar 1 7,889.75 7,097.18 7,531.99 7,454.80 Swiss franc 1 8,150.44 7,331.59 7,780.86 7,701.03 Danish krone 1 1,692.36 1,522.18 1,615.62 1,598.88 Euro 1 12,596.39 11,328.30 12,025.20 11,899.12 Poundsterling 1 18,461.52 16,609.03 17,624.38 17,445.94 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,280.92 1,152.62 1,222.83 1,210.70...

High court upholds Ba'asyir verdict

High court upholds Ba'asyir verdict Associated Press, Jakarta The Jakarta High Court has upheld a 30-month prison sentence for accused terror chief Abu Bakar Ba'asyir for conspiracy in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, a court official said on Monday. Lawyers for Ba'asyir, who the United States and Australia allege is the spiritual head of the al-Qaida-linked Jamaah Islamiyah terror group, said they had yet to be informed of the decision but would appeal to the Supreme Court.

TV Program: Tuesday, May 17, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

RI has interests in opening ties with Israel

RI has interests in opening ties with Israel Emanuel Shahaf, Tel Aviv Several weeks ago there was a demonstration in Jakarta: Tens of thousands of devout Muslims poured into the streets of Jakarta to demonstrate against Israel and support their Palestinian brothers opposing a perceived aggression by a handful of Jewish radicals against the Al-Aqsa mosque on the temple mount in Jerusalem.

Quality education starts with books

Quality education starts with books From Republika Education 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. The number of school dropouts in Indonesia continues to increase due to high fees, so does the rate of unemployment as job opportunities are few.

Privatization

Privatization of education From Koran Tempo National 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.

Waste to be sent back to the Netherlands

Waste to be sent back to the Netherlands Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will soon return 20 containers of hazardous waste to the Netherlands that are now in storage in the international container terminal at Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta. State Minister for the Environment Rachmat Witoelar said on Monday that the Netherlands government had expressed its readiness to take back the hazardous waste, which had been sent from Amsterdam last month.

Cell phones: Smart, trendy and more versatile

Cell phones: Smart, trendy and more versatile Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Cell phone users now have more choices of trendy multimedia camera phones with the entry of several new series, providing them with access to a wide range of fun and business support. Nokia, for instance, has launched its Nokia 6680 and 6681 imaging smartphone, Siemens has its SK65 and CX70, Samsung the SGH-D500 and SGH610, Sony Ericsson has the K750i and Z800i and Motorola the RAZR v3 and A780.

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.

Correction to article

Correction to article Regarding 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. Referring to the 13th paragraph of the article, not all of section 299 of the Industrial Relations Act 1988 was declared invalid. Only section 299(1)(d)(ii) of the Act was declared invalid. I stated that in the draft of the article.

International calls: Competition getting tough

International calls: Competition getting tough Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta International callers might have gained some benefits of cheaper overseas rates as PT Indosat Tbk (Indosat) and PT Telkom Tbk (Telkom) engage in a tough battle to grab significant market share, but the public has a legitimate right to expect more benefits from the competition.

* Workers staging fewer strikes, but risk remains high Page 2

* Workers staging fewer strikes, but risk remains high Page 2 * Independent body to organize national exams Page 4 * Students demand Papua police chief's dismissal Page 5 * Indonesia: The amazing and the baffling Page 7 * City contradicts itself on taxi licenses Page 8 * Billups leads Pistons to easy win over Pacers Page 9 * Khatami humiliated, but hopes history will be kind Page 11 * RI's first quarter GDP grows by 6.35% Page 13 * Dilemma caused by sand quarrying at Mt. Merapi Page 21

RI's first quarter GDP grows by 6.35% due to improving FDI

RI's first quarter GDP grows by 6.35% due to improving FDI Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's economy had a good start to the year, achieving higher first quarter growth than last year on improving foreign direct investment, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said. The BPS reported on Monday that the country's economy -- as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) -- expanded by 6.35 percent in the first quarter, compared to 4.83 percent in the same period last year.

Independent body to oversee national exams for students

Independent body to oversee national exams for students The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed on Monday a government regulation that provides a legal basis for the controversial national final examination for students. Minister of National Education Bambang Sudibyo said the government would in coming days establish the National Education Standardization Body (BSPN), which will organize and supervise the exams.

Lampung reserve to evict squatters

Lampung reserve to evict squatters Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Up to 15,600 squatter families living in semi-permanent homes and cultivating crops inside the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) will soon be removed from the forest. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of squatter homes are set to be demolished by TNBBS forest rangers assisted by police from West Lampung and Tanggamus regencies.

Art by Acehnese orphans on display

Art by Acehnese orphans on display JAKARTA: What is the color of a tsunami? Mostly black, dark brown and blue, according to Acehnese children who lost their parents in the Dec. 26 tsunami in the province. British-based non-governmental organization Islamic Relief has brought 50 paintings by Acehnese orphans to the National Archive Building in West Jakarta. Opening on Monday, the four-day exhibition presents drawings by Acehnese students between the ages of six and 15 years.

'Govt must have land price reference'

'Govt must have land price reference' The government has issued a regulation on land acquisition in an effort to speed up the construction of major infrastructure projects. However, many observers believe the new regulation sacrifices the rights of property owners for the benefit of these projects. The Jakarta Post asked some residents for their thoughts on the issue. Yasir, 32, works for a non-governmental organization in Jakarta.

Criminal Code revision fails to address domestic violence

Criminal Code revision fails to address domestic violence The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The draft revision of the Criminal Code has sparked new concerns about gender questions, specifically with regard to female and morality issues, a scholar said. Criminologist Harkristuti Harkrisnowo of the University of Indonesia told a discussion on Monday that the draft failed to address domestic violence, which is a crime in nature but has been widely ignored in the male-dominated nation.

Islamic programs on TV hailed

Islamic programs on TV hailed From Republika The 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. Presented by among others TPI, SCTV and Lativi, the shows carry religious values and generally demonstrate divine powers beyond human reasoning, which are derived from legends as well as true stories.

City contradicts itself on taxi licenses

City contradicts itself on taxi licenses Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Contradicting public statements that the city administration has temporarily shut the door to any requests for new taxi permits, Governor Sutiyoso quietly issued a decree that allows new taxi companies to enter the overcrowded market. City Land Transportation Agency head Rustam Effendy Sidabutar said on Monday that Sutiyoso issued a decree in 2002 allowing new taxi operators to open shop. "Gubernatorial Decree No.

Police arrest three robbers

Police arrest three robbers TANGERANG: Tangerang Police have rounded up three of a gang of five robbers who had targeted bank customers in the area. The robbers identified only by initials as RN, 26, JKI, 38, and PDN, 30, were apprehended separately at their homes. Tangerang Police detectives chief Comr. Moch Hendra said that detectives had tracked them for a long time before the arrest.

Govt officially installs Luthfi as new BKPM head

Govt officially installs Luthfi as new BKPM head Zakki P. Hakim The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government officially installed Muhammad Luthfi as the new head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) on Monday. The most pressing him will include finalizing the investment bill, slashing the time needed to start up businesses and ensuring better coordination with the relevant ministries.

Luthfi takes up BKPM post with new mission

Luthfi takes up BKPM post with new mission Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government officially installed Muhammad Luthfi as the new head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) on Monday. The most pressing him will include finalizing the investment bill, slashing the time needed to start up businesses and ensuring better coordination with the relevant ministries.

On gambling

On gambling I refer to your editorial Gambling: Yes or No? (The Jakarta Post, May 14). My experience is that Yogyakarta is in the grips of "gambling fever". There must be trillions of rupiah won and lost everyday, and all of it "black money", all of it beyond the control of regulation, and moderation. There is betting on the outcome of matches in the Italian Soccer League, the European League, and the F.A Cup.

Govt reports fewer labor strikes

Govt reports fewer labor strikes Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fewer labor strikes were recorded during the first quarter of this year, indicating that businesspeople and workers might be beginning to better understand their obligations under labor regulations, a report said.

Cigarette tax

Cigarette tax increase needed From Koran Tempo Vice 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. In fact, the tax should even be doubled or tripled, given that most smokers will continue to buy cigarettes as they are addicted to nicotine.

Robbers break into Bukit Sentul house

Robbers break into Bukit Sentul house Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Four robbers armed with sharp weapons broke into a house in the Bogor's Bukit Sentul housing complex, tied up the house's owners and got away with several sets of jewelry and Rp 10 million in cash early on Monday. The thieves broke into the house through the guest room window at about 3:00 a.m. when the house's owner, Hartoyo, 45, his family members and a maid were asleep.

Former students lend support to fired teacher

Former students lend support to fired teacher The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About 50 former students of SMPN 56 junior high school demonstrated on Monday at the State Administrative Court in East Jakarta in support of teacher Nurlaila, who is suing Governor Sutiyoso over her dismissal. "We have come to support our beloved teacher. She does not deserve to be treated like this.

Malaysian inquiry urges reform of security laws

Malaysian inquiry urges reform of security laws Jalil Hamid, Reuters/Kuala Lumpur Malaysian police have been abusing powers of preventive detention and should no longer be permitted to use internal security laws to sidestep courts and lock up suspects, an official inquiry found on Monday. Malaysia's most sweeping inquiry into its police force since independence in 1957 found the police to be the most corrupt department of government, and said it should be overseen by an independent watchdog.

1. ENVIRONMENT: 3 X 18

1. ENVIRONMENT: 3 X 18 Minister denies suit against mining firm Newmont dropped 2. KPU: 2 X 24 KPU chief further implicated in alleged graft case 3. MANPOWER: 1 X 32 Govt report records fewer labor strikes 4. BASYIR: 1 X 32 High court upholds Ba'asyir verdict 5. LETTER: 1 X 36 Letter from Michigan to Acehnese children

Serving people or groups?

Serving people or groups? From Media Indonesia The 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. In reality, however, what they have done fails to meet public expectations. If the DPR was really struggling for society as a whole, it should have firmly rejected the government's fuel price policy.

Antiterrorism center raises profile of Indonesian police

Antiterrorism center raises profile of Indonesian police Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang A bus packed with passengers passes by quickly on an empty street. It seems that everything is normal from the outside. However, inside the bus the passengers are being held hostage by a group of heavily armed terrorists. Suddenly, a car moves swiftly to overtake the bus.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 16, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 16, 2005 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,440 0 0 Adhi Karya 780 0 226,000 Adira Dinamika 2,300 0 0 AGIS Tbk 125 -5 238,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 300 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,160 0 1,067,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,000...

Primastuti Handayani

Primastuti Handayani Jakarta 2. Teten -- Aceh reconstruction: Blow-up or actual demand? 1 X 30 Revisiting Aceh reconstruction Teten Masduki and Firdaus Ilyas Jakarta

1. PKB (1x36)

1. PKB (1x36) House recognizes Muhaimin-led PKB 2. Exam (2x24) Independent body to oversee national exams for students 3. Edu (1x32) Govt faulted over education policy

Seven people die in Maluku attack

Seven people die in Maluku attack The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Jakarta Seven people, including five police officers, died during a predawn attack by unidentified gunmen in troubled Maluku province on Monday. The attackers hit the East Kalimantan's Mobile Brigade (Brimob)'s operations command post in Loki village, Piru district, West Seram regency at 3 a.m. local time, or 2 a.m. Jakarta time, reportedly using military standard-issue firearms.

Debt management and govt's financial reporting

Debt management and govt's financial reporting David E. Sumual, Jakarta The Ministry of Finance recently introduced a new type of financial statement that will be a valuable tool in gauging the government's financial soundness in a more comprehensive way.