Archive: 18 May 2005
78 articles found
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Japan, Malaysia begin new FTA talks
Japan, Malaysia begin new FTA talks Sean Yoong, Associated Press/Putrajaya, Malaysia Japan and Malaysia began a new round of negotiations on Tuesday to narrow differences in a planned free trade agreement which they hope to draft before the Malaysian prime minister's visit to Tokyo this month.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates May 17
Rupiah Rates May 17 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,535.61 6,773.64 7,192.46 7,116.56 Brunei dollar 1 6,002.53 5,397.51 5,729.20 5,670.77 Canadian dollar 1 7,835.54 7,045.11 7,478.73 7,401.78 Swiss franc 1 8,130.77 7,311.65 7,760.52 7,681.81 Danish krone 1 1,687.93 1,517.12 1,611.07 1,593.93 Euro 1 12,558.36 11,291.48 11,986.49 11,863.12 Poundsterling 1 18,278.46 16,437.48 17,446.11 17,269.64 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,275.50 1,147.21 1,217.42 1,205.29...
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Military in Aceh
Military in Aceh The Jakarta Post of May 14 reported a question forwarded by critics, as to why the military is still in Aceh. I wonder why it is necessary to put forward such a question. But then, we are a democratic country and anybody is free to ask or offer their opinion. The government has lifted the state of Civil Emergency, but failed to order the withdrawal of military troops from Aceh.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
BP Migas signs three gas sale agreements
BP Migas signs three gas sale agreements Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Gas field operators, state power firm PT PLN and a local company signed on Tuesday three gas sale and purchase agreements for a period of between five and 16 years, worth a total of US$1.4 billion.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI to host Asian athletics grand prix
RI to host Asian athletics grand prix Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia will host the first series of the 2005 Asian Athletics Grand Prix next month in Sidoarjo, East Java, featuring eight sporting events each in the men's and women's divisions. "It is an honor for us to host the first series of the Asian Grand Prix after we held the Asian Championship in 2000," Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) chairman Bob Hasan said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fire razes Cirebon market
Fire razes Cirebon market CIREBON, West Java: Fire razed Drajat market in Cirebon, West Java, on Monday night, inflicting billions of rupiah in losses on hundreds of small traders. No fatalities were reported in the incident. An eyewitness, Udin Khoiruddin, said on Tuesday that the fire broke out in one of the kiosks and quickly spread to others as almost all the kiosks were made from combustible materials such as wood.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
;JP;MSA;CD;
;JP;MSA;CD; ANPAv..r.. Photo-police- expo Photo caption JP/2/capsB JP/Murdani Usman POLICE GET-TOGETHER: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, accompanied by National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar (second right), visits a stand at the ASEANPOL expo in Bali. The President opened the 25th ASEANPOL conference on Thursday. The event will last through May 20, and is being attended by about 250 participants from 10 ASEAN countries, and 10 other countries as observers.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Focus on farmer income
Focus on farmer income The blueprint the government is finalizing for the revitalization of agriculture, including fisheries and forestry, is raising new hope that this time the government is really serious about redesigning its agricultural policy to become an integrated development concept.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Germany trains RI on tax, finance
Germany trains RI on tax, finance YOGYAKARTA: Two German government-supported organizations, GTZ (Gesellschaft fur technische Zusammenarbeit) and InWEnt (Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung gGmbH) are holding a four-day training seminar on taxes, financial management and the business climate for 30 provincial administration officials, starting on Monday.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Former student activists frustated by reform results
Former student activists frustated by reform results The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Seven years after the fall of former authoritarian leader Soeharto, there has been little improvement in people's welfare and law enforcement, former student activists say. "There were two things that we student activists fought for in 1998: first, lower the prices of basic needs and second, bring Soeharto to trial.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. KPU: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS
1. KPU: 2 LINES, 21 COUNTS KPU chief faces new blow in graft probe 2. MANDIRI: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS Ex-Mandiri chief detained for graft 3. LAMPUNG: 1 LINE, 48 COUNTS Lampung residents panic over tsunami rumor 4. SUSUL: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS RI and China to develop missiles
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPU chairman faces new blow in corruption probe
KPU chairman faces new blow in corruption probe The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More witnesses and suspects have blamed General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin for corruption at the national election organizer, making it more difficult for him to shrug off allegations over his role in the high-profile case. KPU deputy secretary-general Sussongko Suhardjo has said that Nazaruddin promised him "help" in return for testifying during the investigation in his favor.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso asked to take Jakarta KPU to antigraft body
Sutiyoso asked to take Jakarta KPU to antigraft body Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council is urging Governor Sutiyoso to report alleged corruption at the Jakarta Elections Commission (KPUD) to the Corruption Eradication Commission and the prosecutor's office for further investigation.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Public suspect vested interest'
'Public suspect vested interest' The newly issued Presidential Regulation No. 36/2005 on land provision for development in the public interest is aimed at resolving the government's problems acquiring land for state infrastructure projects. Many, however, oppose the new regulation, saying it violates the rights of property owners. The Jakarta Post asked some residents for their opinions about the new rules. Ramdansyah, 35, is a social science researcher.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
The rise of Islamic protestantism in Indonesia
The rise of Islamic protestantism in Indonesia Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post This goes beyond a simple case of an "oddball" preacher in Malang leading prayers in Arabic and Bahasa Indonesia. The controversy over the preacher from East Java performing prayers in two languages is, unwittingly, part of the growing enlightenment that rejects the traditional dogma of state-sponsored religion.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Photo exhibition shows grief lingers among tsunami victims
Photo exhibition shows grief lingers among tsunami victims M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The massive tsunami that hit Aceh and North Sumatra in December was so cataclysmic that many of the victims of the natural disaster have been unable to come to terms with the reality of what happened.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Motorcycle sales expected to grow
Motorcycle sales expected to grow TOKYO: Japanese motorcycle manufacturers are gearing up to expand sales in Asia outside Japan, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported in its Tuesday morning edition. In the Asian region -- chiefly Indonesia, India and China -- motorcycle demand is rising in tandem with economic growth. Honda Motor Co. expects to sell roughly 11.31 million motorbikes in Asia outside Japan in the year through March 2006, a 23.1 percent increase from fiscal 2004.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Free primary education set for July
Free primary education set for July The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Starting this upcoming semester in July, elementary and junior high students, particularly those from poor families, are expected to enjoy free education as mandated by the Constitution. "We will begin providing free education beginning this upcoming school year," Minister of National Education Bambang Sudibyo said on Tuesday, adding, however, that the term "free" would not mean that it would be totally without payment.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Good thing for a flight
Good thing for a flight Very often the letters about airline companies are for complaints, but this letter is different. I flew with Air Asia on April 26 from Kuala Lumpur to Denpasar. I got a big surprise when flying on that date as almost at the end of the flight they held a competition, in which they asked four questions and the winners got a prize, just a small one.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, May 19, 2005
TV Program: Thursday, May 19, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 7:30 Cartoon 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
* Kuwait parliament grants women right to vote Page 2
* Kuwait parliament grants women right to vote Page 2 * Free basic education to start in July Page 4 * W. Java administration asked to pay Rp 56b for garbage disaster Page 5 * Polio eradication methods: Lessons from Nigeria Page 6 * Sutiyoso asked to take Jakarta KPU to antigraft body Page 8 * Roger Federer, Kelly Holmes win top Laureus awards Page 10 * 'Newsweek' told to do more to repair damage from retracted article Page 11 * Blocked in U.S., Chinese textile might flood RI market Page 13
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Depok graft charges 'vague'
Depok graft charges 'vague' Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor A defense lawyer for 17 Depok councillors on Tuesday pointed to what he said were various defects in the prosecution graft charges laid against their clients for corruption some time during their terms from 1999 to 2004, and asked the Cibinong District Court to throw out the case. Most of the defendants have been reelected for the current 2004 to 2009 term.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Court to hear civil action against 'AWSJ'
Court to hear civil action against 'AWSJ' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court will start hearing on Wednesday a civil lawsuit filed by American lobbyist Harvey Goldstein against The Asian Wall Street Journal for an article that described his firm's involvement in a US$50,000 cash payment to a former Indonesian minister.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Nurlaila stands firm against injustice
Nurlaila stands firm against injustice Tb. Arie Rukmantara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The story of David's triumph against Goliath inspires small people to maintain their courage in facing powerful interests in battles to defend the truth. Nurlaila Haji Muhammad, a former teacher of SMPN 56 junior high school in Melawai, South Jakarta, seems to understand well the moral of that story.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 17, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 17, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,440 0 0 Adhi Karya 750 -30 3,155,000 Adira Dinamika 2,300 0 0 AGIS Tbk 135 10 20,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 230 -70 3,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,150 -10 736,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Alleged graft puts official in hot water
Alleged graft puts official in hot water JAMBI: An antigraft activist urged prosecutors on Tuesday to ensure that an alleged graft case involving a top official with the Muarojambi regental government be investigated quickly and thoroughly. "We are demanding the prosecutors to probe the case as soon as possible," said Eko Putro, a spokesman for an organization calling itself the Anticorruption Movement.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
House set to flunk legislation target, again
House set to flunk legislation target, again Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives is well on its way to failing in its lawmaking function, with zero laws passed and only a few bills drafted since its 550 members took office in October. Bitter political bickering among lawmakers, grouped into two rival camps opposed to and in support of the current government, has interfered with their legislative work.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Commentary - 1x40
1. Commentary - 1x40 The rise of Islamic protestantism in Indonesia 2. BRI ----- 2x23 Bukopin chief Sofyan Basir named new CEO of BRI OR Bukopin chief Sofyan Basir named BRI president director 3. Kuwait -- 3x16 Kuwait law grants women right to vote, run in elections 4. Manpower -- 2x24 Fewer workers employed to avoid rows, reduce risks
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
New international initiative needed to create justice for East Timor
New international initiative needed to create justice for East Timor Agung Yudhawiranata, Jakarta In an effort to stave off the creation of an ad hoc international rights tribunal to investigate the clearly orchestrated violence that accompanied the vote for independence in East Timor, Indonesia made unambiguous commitments to the international community and the people of East Timor to prosecute those individuals responsible for the atrocities.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
KL slams Israel for ban on Mahathir
KL slams Israel for ban on Mahathir MALAYSIA: Malaysia criticized the Israeli government on Tuesday for banning former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad from entering Jerusalem, saying the city "is not theirs". Mahathir, whose comments have in the past infuriated Jews, was visiting the West Bank when he was prevented from entering Jerusalem on Monday. "Jerusalem is not theirs (Israel's) ...
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fewer workers employed to avoid rows, reduce risks
Fewer workers employed to avoid rows, reduce risks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The labor-intensive manufacturing sector is introducing major changes to the way it operates to avoid potential labor disputes as a result of what the sector sees as unfavorable regulations. Many large manufacturers with over 1,000 workers are downsizing and reducing employee numbers, or subcontracting orders to smaller companies, to reduce labor costs and avoid production disruptions caused by labor disputes.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Three suspects arrested over Maluku attack: Da'i
Three suspects arrested over Maluku attack: Da'i M. Azis Tunny and Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Ambon/Nusa Dua Police have arrested three people in connection with the Monday attack on a Maluku police post that killed seven people, National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Tuesday. "We're still questioning the three arrested suspects," Da'i said after the opening of the 25th Asean Chiefs of Police Conference in Nusa Dua, Bali.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, May 19, 2005
TV Program: Thursday, May 19, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 7:30 Cartoon 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Former student activists disappointed with reform results
Former student activists disappointed with reform results ORs Old Forkot members disappointed at lack of reform The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Seven years after the fall of former authoritarian leader Soeharto, there has been little improvement in people's welfare and law enforcement, former student activists say. "There were two things that we student activists fought for in 1998: first, lower the prices of basic needs and second, bring Soeharto to trial.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kutai set for direct election
Kutai set for direct election KUTAI, East Kalimantan: An official with the Kutai Kartanegara local election commission said on Tuesday that Kutai Kartanegara was ready for the upcoming direct election for regent. Residents of Kutai Kartanegara will elect the region's new chief executive on June 1. "The preparations are 90 percent completed.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
The U.S. isn't ignoring ASEAN
The U.S. isn't ignoring ASEAN Felix Soh, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore As someone who enjoys long-distance running, it is natural for Robert Zoellick to go the distance when it comes to promoting America's interests. The wiry U.S. Deputy Secretary of State is accustomed to living out of a suitcase as he shuttles from one country to another.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Telekom to raise stake in Excel
Telekom to raise stake in Excel Adeline Lee, Bloomberg/Kuala Lumpur Telekom Malaysia Bhd., the nation's biggest telephone company, will spend US$606.1 million to raise its stake in Indonesia's PT Excelcomindo Pratama to 80 percent, seeking overseas growth to beat slowing sales at home. The stake in Excelcomindo, Indonesia's third-largest mobile- phone company, will rise to 80 percent, Telekom Chairman Muhammad Radzi Mansor told reporters on Tuesday.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bahana launches Asian Bond Fund
Bahana launches Asian Bond Fund JAKARTA: Investment manager Bahana TCW introduced on Tuesday a local edition of the Asian Bond Fund (ABF), a regional securities product that the Executive's Meeting of East Asia and Pacific Central Banks (EMEAP) launched last week. The rupiah-denominated mutual fund investment in mostly government and state-owned enterprise bonds, will be part of EMEAP's second offering of a US$2 billion ABF, after its maiden dollar-denominated ABF issuance in 2003.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Good thing for a flight
Good thing for a flight Very often the letters about airline companies are for complaints, but this letter is different. I was flew with Air Asia on April 26 from Kuala Lumpur to Denpasar. I knew before that their services were very good, difficult to find better on land or in the air. But I got a big surprise when flying on that date as almost at the end of the flight they held a competition, in which they asked four questions and the winners got a prize, just a small one.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Minister pushes use of locally assembled PCs
Minister pushes use of locally assembled PCs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister for Communications and Information Sofyan Djalil launched a campaign promoting locally-assembled personal computers (PCs) in an exhibition here on Tuesday. He said at the opening of the one-day exhibition that the domestic production of low-priced PCs would help increase sales among the youth across the country, thereby increasing their skills in information and communication technology.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ex-Mandiri president detained for graft
Ex-Mandiri president detained for graft Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Just one day after losing the top executive post at Bank Mandiri, Edward Cornelis William Neloe was detained on Tuesday for his role in an alleged lending scam that hit the country's richest bank. The Attorney General's Office (AGO) detained Neloe, the bank's former vice president I Wayan Pugeg and director of corporate banking M. Sholeh Tasripan after a marathon questioning session that lasted over 10 hours.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Phelim Kyne, Dow Jones/Jakarta
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.
Wed, 18 May 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.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Buyat Pantai area: Portrait of a fishing village
Buyat Pantai area: Portrait of a fishing village Harry Bhaskara and Jongker Rumteh, The Jakarta Post, Buyat/Manado/North Sulawesi This is the first of a series of article on Buyat. After a three-hour drive from Manado, the village of Buyat on this northern arm of Sulawesi island does not look like a tempting destination. It has one dirt road lined on each side by wooden huts. Visitors can take solace in the pristine beauty of Buyat Bay.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to regreen Bantar Gebang dump
Govt to regreen Bantar Gebang dump BEKASI: Deputy Mayor Mochtar Mohamad said the city would plant at least 10,000 teak trees in the area around the Bantar Gebang dump here. He expressed hope the regreening effort would help cut down on pollution in the area within five to 10 years. "Youth organizations have collected the seedlings," he said on Tuesday. The dump, located on 108 hectares of land, takes in some 6,000 tons of waste from Jakarta every day. The site is also home to 12,000 scavengers.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia and China to develop missiles
Indonesia and China to develop missiles Reuters, Jakarta Indonesia and China will work together to develop short-range guided missiles as ties between the two large Asian countries warm, the official Antara news agency reported on Tuesday. Research and Technology Minister Kusmayanto Kadiman, quoted by Antara, said the idea had been around since 2002 but was only made concrete when Chinese President Hu Jintao met President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta last month.
Wed, 18 May 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.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
LIPI-L'Oreal team up to promote science
LIPI-L'Oreal team up to promote science JAKARTA: To get teenage girls more involved in science, a beauty product producer and the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI) have created a science camp, which runs until June 21.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ex-IBRA official faces drug trial
Ex-IBRA official faces drug trial Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The trial of former deputy chairman of the defunct Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Taufik Mappaenre Ma'ruf began on Tuesday, with prosecutors indicting him on drug charges, which carries a punishment of up to 15 years. Prosecutor M.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
East Timor cases under international spotlight again
East Timor cases under international spotlight again Three members of the UN-sanctioned Commission of Experts (COE) are scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on May 20 to meet with legal people involved in the human rights tribunal for Indonesian officers and officials, who were charged with, but acquitted of rights violations in East Timor. Indonesia and East Timor jointly created a Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) late last year.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lampung residents panic over tsunami rumor
Lampung residents panic over tsunami rumor Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Hamdan, a man in his forties whose house is located near a beach in Bandarlampung, is in a terrible panic. It is 2 a.m on Tuesday and he has just heard from a neighbor that Anak Krakatoa volcano, some 100 kilometers south of Bandarlampung, has erupted and that a tsunami is coming. He looks at the water and really sees it rising.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Too much talk about Corby
Too much talk about Corby Let us imagine a young Indonesian woman is on trial in an Australian court. If guilty, she will be sentenced to life in prison. Her case touches the fears of many Indonesians about Australia, its attitudes and court practices. Will she get a fair trial? What if the Australian justice system, so alien to Indonesians, is corrupt? Indonesian public opinion is strongly behind the young woman.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Domas not involved in Mandiri bad loan case
Domas not involved in Mandiri bad loan case The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The management of palm oil company PT Domas Agro Inti Prima, a unit of the Domba Mas Group, has denied any involvement in the alleged lending scam at state-owned Bank Mandiri. Domas president Feery Tanudjaja said recently that his company had secured a loan worth almost US$79 million from Bank Mandiri in 2002 to finance its 74-hectare oleochemical plant in Kuala Tandjung, North Sumatra.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Part 1 of 2: Does master plan for Aceh rehab drive NGOs away?
Part 1 of 2: Does master plan for Aceh rehab drive NGOs away? Daniel Kingsley, Washington DC The recent decision by Medicine Sans Frontieres (MSF) to return donor funds intended for victims in Aceh is an indicator that the international donor community is disappointed with the prospects of developing reconstruction projects in for the Acehnese under the new BAPPENAS master plan.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Polio eradication methods, lessons from Nigeria
Polio eradication methods, lessons from Nigeria Andrio Adiwibowo, Jakarta During the past several weeks, Indonesia has been shocked by the return of the polio virus to Java. The small initial outbreak that was centered in the Sukabumi region in West Java has been reported to have spread to areas nearby.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Senior Medan official stabbed
Senior Medan official stabbed MEDAN, North Sumatra: A senior government official in North Sumatra was stabbed by an unknown assailant on Monday night. The official was in a coma as of Tuesday. Witnesses said that the incident began when Yuspin Ketaren, the chief of the North Sumatra Land Office, was on his way home from his office. As he was about to enter the grounds of his home on Jl. Turi in Medan, a pillion passenger dismounted from a motorcycle and stabbed him in the chest and stomach.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bukopin chief Sofyan Basir named new CEO of BRI
Bukopin chief Sofyan Basir named new CEO of BRI Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to make Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) the nation's leading lender within the next two years, shareholders of the country's fourth largest bank agreed on Tuesday to revamp the bank's management.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Newmont helps finance seminar
Newmont helps finance seminar A two-day international seminar on Buyat Bay hosted by the Manado-based University of Ratulangi (Unsrat) on May 9 and May 10 was sponsored by about 40 companies, including three subsidiaries of the U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corporation. The three subsidiaries were PT Newmont Minahasa Raya, PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara and Newmont Horas Nauli. Asked why Unsrat accepted sponsorship from Newmont, which is at the center of the Buyat Bay controversy, Unsrat Rector Dr.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Skepticism greets UN mission
Skepticism greets UN mission The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Observers cast doubt on Tuesday over the ability of the UN- sanctioned Commission of Experts (COE) to bring the perpetrators of the 1999 atrocities in East Timor to justice. They said the UN mission could instead actually disrupt the efforts by a reconciliation commission jointly established by Indonesia and East Timor to heal past wounds.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Garuda suspends detained staff
Garuda suspends detained staff JAKARTA: Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has suspended three employees who have been named suspects in the poisoning death of noted human rights activist Munir, an official said. Ari Sapari, the company's operations director, said after a meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Tuesday that the move was in accordance with Garuda's internal regulations.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI Embassy gets death threats
RI Embassy gets death threats AUSTRALIA: The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra has received death threats over the trial in Bali of an Australian drug smuggling suspect, a spokesman said on Tuesday. The spokesman confirmed a report in the Canberra Times about the threats but declined to elaborate, saying it could hamper an Australian police investigation.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Polio eradication methods, lessons from Nigeria Andrio Adiwibowo Jakarta 2. Agung -- Quo vadis justice for East Timor? 2 X 30 New international initiative needed to create justice for East Timor Agung Yudhawiranata Jakarta
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Part 1 of 2
Part 1 of 2 Does master plan for Aceh rehab drive NGOs away? Daniel Kingsley Washington DC 2. Strait -- Sign that U.S. isn't ignoring ASEAN 1 x 30 The U.S. isn't ignoring ASEAN Felix Soh The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
W. Java administrations asked to pay Rp 56b for garbage slide
W. Java administrations asked to pay Rp 56b for garbage slide Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Four West Java administrations that used Leuwigajah dump will be required to pay Rp 56 billion (US$5.8 million) in damages, an official said on Tuesday. Mountains of garbage at Leuwigajah dump in South Cimahi collapsed in February this year, flattening 69 houses and burying 143 residents living nearby.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese civilians to meet in Sweden
Acehnese civilians to meet in Sweden Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ahead of talks that it is hoped will seal an enduring peace in tsunami-devastated Aceh at the end of this month, a group of civilians born in Aceh will meet with leaders of GAM, which has been fighting for an independent state at the northern tip of Sumatra.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Putaw and HIV/AIDS: The crisis worsens across the country
Putaw and HIV/AIDS: The crisis worsens across the country David and Joyce Djaelani Gordon, Contributors, Jakarta Recently, four addicts, putaw (low-grade heroin) users, undergoing treatment for recovery from drug addiction in Makassar, South Sulawesi, were tested for HIV/AIDS. (The testing was consensual and was part of the program.) Three of the four tested positive for the virus.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso ready for party job
Sutiyoso ready for party job JAKARTA: Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso expressed his readiness on Tuesday to contest the leadership post of the Democratic Party, despite party statutes that may stand between him and the position. Sutiyoso said executives of the party's Jakarta chapter and regional branches visited him and pledged their support for his nomination during its congress in Bali from Friday through Monday.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ex-Aceh commanders get key posts
Ex-Aceh commanders get key posts Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two former military operations chiefs in Aceh received strategic posts in the latest military reshuffle, which affected several other high-ranking officers overseeing security in other provinces. Maj. Gen. George Toisutta and Maj. Gen. Bambang Darmono have been assigned respectively to head the Trikora Military Command in Papua and the Army's Infantry Command in Bandung, West Java.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stronger Asian economies to cope with higher yuan
Stronger Asian economies to cope with higher yuan Martin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse/Singapore Asian countries are better prepared to absorb the impact of any revaluation of the Chinese yuan after the bitter experience of the 1997/1998 regional financial crisis forced them to strengthen their economic management systems, analysts said. "Any impact of a yuan revaluation is expected to be minor," Asian Development Bank (ADB) chief economist Ifzal Ali told AFP.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Disabled people want better education
Disabled people want better education Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Mojokerto Being born with a disability has not stopped Ismail from getting on with his life. The resident of Ketidur village in Kutohardjo, Mojokerto, in East Java earns a living teaching children in his neighborhood to read the Koran. "I don't set a flat fee for teaching the children, but their parents voluntarily give me money or things, such as clothes and food," the 16-year-old told The Jakarta Post.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt sells Rp4.65t of domestic bonds
Govt sells Rp4.65t of domestic bonds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government sold Rp 4.65 trillion (some US$490 million) worth of domestic bonds in the form of two-year and 11-year rupiah securities on Tuesday, with both issues oversubscribed. The two-year bonds, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement, had received up to Rp 4.47 trillion worth of bids from investors, before a total of Rp 2.1 trillion of them were finally auctioned at an average yield of 9.71 percent.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Court convicts terror accomplices
Court convicts terror accomplices JAKARTA: Three men were found guilty on Tuesday of aiding wanted terrorist suspects Azahari bin Husin and Noordin Mohd Top, who are both currently still on the run, to avoid arrest, and for failing to inform the authorities as to their whereabouts. The South Jakarta District Court sentenced Bagus Budi Pranoto and Luthfi Haidaroh to three-and-a-half years in jail each, while Son Hadi was jailed for four years.
Wed, 18 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Policeman gets teacher arrested for allegedly slapping son
Policeman gets teacher arrested for allegedly slapping son Abdul Khalik and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A high school teacher in North Jakarta, detained last Friday for allegedly slapping the son of a police officer from the National Police Headquarters, was finally released on Tuesday.