Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 May 2005

88 articles found

Residents block Ambon street

Residents block Ambon street AMBON, Maluku: Residents from the Batumerah subdistrict blocked a main street in Ambon city from Friday night to Saturday morning to protest police detentions of several locals. The blockade of a main thoroughfare leading into the Batumerah area caused large traffic jams. It was voluntarily called off after Ambon police Adj. Sr. Comr. Leonidas Braksan spoke to the demonstrators on Saturday.

1. HOUSE: 3 X 15

1. HOUSE: 3 X 15 SBY endorses replacement of KPU members 2. BUMN: 2 X 15 Rp 2.7 trillion lost at state-owned firms 3. DEMOCRAT: 1 X 27 Election of PD leader stalled

UNICEF sponsors children Jambore

UNICEF sponsors children Jambore BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Achnese children will two days of fun and games on Monday and Tuesday when the Ministry of Social Affairs and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) hold the Aceh Children's Jamboree on May 23 and 24. The event, to be held in Syah Kuala University compound, will be participated in by hundreds of children who survived the tsunami disaster that swept through Aceh and North Sumatra on Dec. 26 last year.

JP/5/BURU

JP/5/BURU Two more arrested for Seram attack M. Azis Tunny The Jakarta Post/Ambon A police team has arrested two more people on charges of attacking a police command post on Seram island recently, a police spokesman said on Friday. The two were arrested on Thursday afternoon in two separate locations on Buru island, said Maluku provincial police spokesman Comr. Endro Prasetyo.

Students vow to fight drug abuse on their campuss

Students vow to fight drug abuse on their campuss The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of university students from Greater Jakarta have vowed to fight drugs at their respective campuses. The declaration was read out during a commemoration for National Awakening Day last Friday at the campus of state Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University (UIN) in Ciputat, Tangerang regency. The students expressed concern about drug use in the country, which often affected younger people.

Rp 6b to renovate Muara Angke market

Rp 6b to renovate Muara Angke market JAKARTA: City market operator PD Pasar Jaya spent a total of Rp 6 billion (US$635,000) to renovate the Muara Angke traditional market in North Jakarta. PD Pasar director Prabowo Soenirman expected more buyers to come to the market as it is now cleaner and more comfortable. "Its condition is now much better as we replaced the 30-year- old building with a new one," he said on the sidelines of the market inauguration ceremony on Friday.

RI firms to take part in Romanian fair

RI firms to take part in Romanian fair JAKARTA: At least 11 Indonesian companies will take part in this year's Bucharest International Fair for Consumer Goods (TIBCO 2005) in the Romanian capital, the Romanian Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement.

5,000 students to take final exams in tents

5,000 students to take final exams in tents The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Medan Many Aceh school buildings that were destroyed by recent natural disasters have still not been rebuilt, meaning some 5,000 students will have to sit their national final exams under makeshift tents. Spokesman for the provincial education agency Bustaman Aly said on Saturday that the affected students attended junior and senior high schools in the regencies of Aceh Besar, Aceh Jaya, Simeulue and West Aceh.

Are there lessons to learn from Buyat mining case?

Are there lessons to learn from Buyat mining case? Harry Bhaskara, Buyat, Manado/North Sulawesi It's a classic case. A multinational company is operating in a region and the local people feel alienated. It's frequently happened in various parts of the country, from Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua to the westernmost province of Aceh. This time around, it's happening in North Sulawesi with the PT Newmont Minahasa Raya gold mining company in the spotlight.

Page 8

Page 8 1. Toll -- 3 col, 3 lines 3 x 18 New toll roads will not cure Jakarta's chronic congestion 2. Polio -- 3 cols, 2 lines 2 x 24 Parents told to take their kids for polio vaccination 3. DBD -- 3 col, 2 lines 2 x 27 Dengue fever to soar again in May, June, official says Page 9 1. Japan -- 1 col, 1 line 1 x 42 Japanese products invade Indonesian households 2. Depok -- 3 col, 2 lines 2 x 24 Five pairs of candidates in Depok election 3.

Govt cannot ban pageant contest

Govt cannot ban pageant contest YOGYAKARTA: Defying pressure from Muslim hard-liners and ulemas, the government said on Saturday it would not ban Indonesian citizens from joining international pageant contests.

Once discounted as non-scientific healing method, acupuncture has

Once discounted as non-scientific healing method, acupuncture has gained growing credibility and popularity internationally. In Indonesia, medical doctors are embracing the technique and acupuncturists have become a recognized profession. From May 20 to May 22, the Association of Indonesian Acupuncturists (PAKSI) held an expo, including seminars and workshops on acupuncture.

Aswar's coconut-shell calligraphy

Aswar's coconut-shell calligraphy Fadli, Contributor, Batam At 84, Aswar Rauf speaks in a rather weak and trembling voice. However, he has good sight, hearing and memory; he is still able, with great skill, to cut coconut shells into pieces that he will later shape into Arabic characters and assemble to produce a calligraphic arrangement of a quotation from the Muslim holy book, the Koran. Born in Tawawi, Sawah Luntoh regency, West Sumatra, on Sept.

A better way of restoring your system

A better way of restoring your system If you have questions or comments related to the use of information and communications technology, please send an email to zatni@cbn.net.id and we shall endeavor to provide a solution via this, our new column. Question: Apart from using the System Restore utility, is there any other way I can fix my PC after I have installed some harmful software? What if Windows does not boot at all?

Central govt stays clear of local elections

Central govt stays clear of local elections Direct regional elections, the first in the nation's history, will be held in 226 regional administrations nationwide this year, with the first scheduled for June 1 in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. As the election draws near, The Jakarta Post's Tiarma Siboro spoke with Progo Nurdjaman, the secretary to the Minister of Home Affairs about the elections.

Drug suspect seeks Susilo's pardon

Drug suspect seeks Susilo's pardon An Australian facing the death penalty for allegedly smuggling marijuana into Bali has appealed to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to set her free, just days before a court is due to deliver its verdict, according to a report on Sunday. Schapelle Corby, a 27-year-old student beautician, was arrested in Bali in October when airport authorities found 4.1 kilograms (9 pounds) of marijuana in her surfboard bag.

Rp 2.7 trillion lost at state-owned firms

Rp 2.7 trillion lost at state-owned firms Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Recently disclosed alleged irregularities at 16 state enterprises may have caused more than Rp 2.7 trillion (about US$287 million) in state losses, a report from the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises says.

Tsunami, quake victims get help from Greece

Tsunami, quake victims get help from Greece The Jakarta Post, Medan The Greek government donated on Sunday nine million euros (US$10.8 million) for tsunami and earthquake victims in Aceh and Nias island, North Sumatra. The donation was distributed by Solidarity, a Greek non- governmental organization that provides humanitarian and development aid worldwide.

~Checked version. OK/ FINAL

~Checked version. OK/ FINAL RI's milk consumption among the lowest in the world Nutritionists tell us that drinking fresh liquid white milk each day can help prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension and colon cancer. Making it a habit to drink fresh liquid white milk each day, certainly can be a long-term health investment. But not for most Indonesians.

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.

Justice eludes Trisakti victims

Justice eludes Trisakti victims The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "History speaks for itself." This was the response a mother of a victim killed during the 1998 Trisakti shooting in West Jakarta gave when asked about the zero law enforcement against the killers. Hira Tetty, the 54-year-old mother of Elang Mulya, said she and three other victims' families did not feel that justice had been done, despite it being seven years since the reform movement began and the downfall of former strongman Soeharto.

SBY endorses replacement of KPU members

SBY endorses replacement of KPU members Wahyoe Boediwardhana and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has given the green light for a formal investigation into Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin, and also for the possible replacement of all General Elections Commission (KPU) members, in connection with allegations of corruption that have plagued the poll body.

African embassies to observe Africa Day

African embassies to observe Africa Day JAKARTA: The embassies of African countries in Indonesia will celebrate Africa Day on Wednesday in Jakarta, the Embassy of Mozambique announced. "All the Ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions in Indonesia will jointly celebrate Africa Day on May 25 in Jakarta.

1. Insight (90) - 42 pts 7 cols 1line (1x42)

1. Insight (90) - 42 pts 7 cols 1line (1x42) Ex-strongman Soeharto, still at large and larger than life 2. AGO (35) - 48 pts 4 cols 2lines (4x14) AGO's move to drop probe against top firms queried 3. Pilkada (40) -- 36 pts 2 cols 2lines (2x14) Plan to campaign in local polls by VP criticized 4. KPU (40) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Politicians welcome move to detain KPU chief --- 5. Photos and oddworld

Ex-councillors return haj funds

Ex-councillors return haj funds TANGERANG: Former members of Tangerang Council for the 1999- 2004 term have returned funds they received for a haj pilgrimage trip to regency coffers. The move was made on Friday following the publication of audit results conducted by the State Audit Agency that showed irregularities in the use of billions of rupiah of budgetary funds in 2003 and 2004.

Local wood industry collapses

Local wood industry collapses The Jakarta Post, Jakarta About two-thirds of the nation's wood-based industry has collapsed, with a "high cost economy" and aging machinery making them uncompetitive against more efficient economies such as China and Malaysia, said Indonesian Forestry Society (MPI). "About 60 percent of the 115 wood-based manufacturers have collapsed.

* Politicians welcome move to detain KPU chief Page 3

* Politicians welcome move to detain KPU chief Page 3 * Australian drug suspect appeals to SBY for pardon Page 4 * Central govt to stay clear of local elections Page 5 * Are there lessons to learn from the Buyat case?

1. Disco --- 1x40

1. Disco --- 1x40 RI needs to make changes or it may be left behind 2. Chile --- 3x10 45 soldiers feared dead in Andes

AGO's move to drop probe against top firms queried

AGO's move to drop probe against top firms queried Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The decision by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) to drop investigations into an alleged lending scandal involving two companies linked to leaders at the highest level of government, may backfire against the institution, which is still struggling to improve its public image over poor performance in its handling of graft cases.

Thousands protest against U.S. over Koran incident

Thousands protest against U.S. over Koran incident Agencies, Jakarta Thousands of Muslim activists staged a rally outside the United States Embassy in Jakarta on Sunday, condemning the alleged desecration of Islam's holy book Koran by interrogators at the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Despite the U.S.-based Newsweek magazine's retraction of its report and apology, it failed to mollify outraged Muslim activists in Indonesia.

Progressive ideas 'should start from grassroots'

Progressive ideas 'should start from grassroots' Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The entrenched patriarchal culture and growing religious extremism here meant progressive ideas on women and their position in Islam should be disseminated at the grassroots level first to minimize serious opposition, women's activists say.

Thousands brace for Waisak

Thousands brace for Waisak MAGELANG, Central Java: Thousand of Buddhists have arrived here on Sunday for Waisak rituals at the Borobudur Temple, which will peak on Tuesday. They erected tents in the compound of the world's biggest temple and another Buddhist temple, Mendut, located a few kilometers away. On Sunday, the devotees paraded sacred fire from its origin in Mrapen in Grobogan to Mendut temple, covering a route of some 150 kilometers.

Consumers bemoan debt collectors' methods

Consumers bemoan debt collectors' methods The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After being roughed up by a credit card debt collector, Abadi Negara Sinulingga swore he would not pay the Rp 10 million (US$1,058) owing to the credit card company until he received an apology. "The debt collector hit me in front of my employees! Can you imagine how humiliated I felt?" he said at a discussion on credit card complaints on Saturday, held jointly by the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) and Bank Indonesia.

Steady rupiah to prop up stock market: Analysts

Steady rupiah to prop up stock market: Analysts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Analysts expect the rupiah to remain flat against the U.S. dollar in the coming week due to a lack of sentiment. This steady outlook for the rupiah should help the local stock market remain in positive territory as undervalued telecommunications and banking shares rebound, according to the analysts.

Stop SMS gambling

Stop SMS gambling From Republika A betting game under the guise of an SMS quiz with prize money, which in Malaysia has been declared to be gambling, has absorbed a lot of funds from the public and it should be banned. The Indonesian Ulema Council should urge the government to prohibit gambling through SMS quizzes. It only pays a few million rupiah to several winners while the financiers scoop billions of rupiah.

~Checked/Approved/Final

~Checked/Approved/Final Preserving nutrients in milk via UHT technology Made Astawan Jakarta astawan@indo.net.id Milk is the best food for land mammals because it contains an almost perfect composition of nutrients, such as water, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, fat, along with sufficient amounts of vitamins A, C and D. Today, unlike decades ago, it is seldom that milk is consumed fresh, straight from a cow.

Plan to campaign in local polls by VP criticized

Plan to campaign in local polls by VP criticized Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Election observers criticized on Sunday the plan of high-ranking state officials to campaign for candidates in the upcoming direct regional elections, saying it illustrated a lack of impartiality and would taint the independence of the polls.

Politicians welcome move to detain KPU chief

Politicians welcome move to detain KPU chief The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Top politicians welcomed the move to detain General Elections Commission (KPU) chief Nazaruddin Syamsuddin, saying it signaled real progress in the ongoing investigation of the high-profile corruption case.

Rector Forum to oversee Jambi poll

Rector Forum to oversee Jambi poll JAMBI: Poll fraud is likely in Jambi as there is only one organization accredited to observe the June 26 election for the post of Jambi Governor, an election official says. "Three organizations had applied to help oversee the (regional) elections, but after thorough checking only one organization was found to be eligible ... the Rector's Forum," a member of the Jambi General Elections Commission (KPUD), Yasir Arafat, said on Saturday.

RI needs to make changes or it might be left behind

RI needs to make changes or it might be left behind Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has visited Indonesia three times since Ambassador Yutaka Iimura became Japan's envoy to Indonesia in May 2002. Amid preparations for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's visit to Japan this week, the ambassador spoke with The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba about developments in the past three years.

Japan, Malaysia reach agreement on FTA to boost trade, investment

Japan, Malaysia reach agreement on FTA to boost trade, investment Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and Japan on Sunday agreed to set up a free trade area as part of a comprehensive economic relationship after resolving the last remaining differences in emergency, high-level talks.

Female artist, NGO help fight against human trafficking

Female artist, NGO help fight against human trafficking Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta The fourth grade students looked very happy as renowned TV presenter Dewi Hughes "taught" in front of their class. "So, what do you think is the moral of the story, dear students?" she asked tenderly while waving a piece of purple paper with a comic strip on it.

The danger of poor broadcasting regulations for local election

The danger of poor broadcasting regulations for local election R. Kristiawan, Jakarta Indonesia will soon see dozens of local direct elections. Next month alone, according to Cetro (The Center for Electoral Reform), there will be 181 elections, an average of six elections per day throughout the country. For the year there will be 215 elections -- mayors, regents and governors.

Vertu opens new store in Jakarta

Vertu opens new store in Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To increase its share in the Indonesian market, luxury mobile phone manufacturer Vertu opened on Friday its latest outlet in the country at a six-star hotel here in Jakarta. The England-based producer of handcrafted mobile phones has more than 200 outlets worldwide. The new outlet -- at the Ritz Carlton Hotel -- is the company's fifth here since it began operations in April last year.

SBY, please axe the 'fiskal' tax

SBY, please axe the 'fiskal' tax When I came to Indonesia in 1958, optimism was in the air. My husband had a Master's degree in Economics and wanted to build up his country. Bread cost seringgit (Rp 2.5); one could catch a clean, safe Opelet (a six-seated public transport) on Jl.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 23, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 23, 2005 Exhibitions * Japanese Food Promotions at Hotel Nikko Jakarta, The Olive Tree Restaurant, Jl. MH Thamrin 59, Central Jakarta (Tel. 2301122), until May 31. * Photo Images from the Heart by Arbain Rambey, Arun Taneja, Charlie Sianipar, Deniek G. Sukarya, Karin Sukarya, Keijo Fujii, etc., at Deniek G. Sukarya Gallery, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 15 South Jakarta, open daily Monday - Saturday 10 a.m.

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.

NISP values customers with 'Tanda Seru' drawing

NISP values customers with 'Tanda Seru' drawing Relaxing in a trendy up-market cafe, Shinta, a mother of two in her 30s, sips her cup of tea and sits back to enjoy a music performance by a reality TV star. "God bless Bank NISP, if it were not for them, I'd probably be at home watching TV, thinking about what to cook for dinner," said Shinta, who has been a customer of the bank for over five years, while munching on her plate of food.

More Indonesian students choose to study in China's universities

More Indonesian students choose to study in China's universities Remmy Faizal, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The number of Indonesians studying in China stood at 3,750 in 2004, with the majority of them taking language courses. "The number represents an increase of between 30 and 40 percent from the year before," marketing director of the Universal Language Program Sudjadi Sudjianto said during a one- day Chinese education exhibition here on Sunday.

Indosat expects growth in IPVPN

Indosat expects growth in IPVPN The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Telecommunications firm PT Indosat expects a growing trend in the use of Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IPVPN) as people begin to see the benefits of electronic business solutions. The technology enables a company to connect various types of computers including those of employees, customers and stakeholders within the firm's network, even when they are far apart.

Rival PHSI steps up hockey efforts

Rival PHSI steps up hockey efforts Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The breakaway board of the Indonesian Hockey Association (PHSI) has pledged to step up efforts to help develop field hockey in Indonesia. Chairman Erizal Azhar said recently that efforts included plans to hold more national tournaments, training clinics for coaches and coaching clinics for students.

1. BELLY -- 2 x 21

1. BELLY -- 2 x 21 Europeans learn to shake it the Arab way 2. TINA -- 1 x 55 German magazine for intercultural dialog with Indonesia

Bandarlampung candidates fight to win support of paramilitary group

Bandarlampung candidates fight to win support of paramilitary group Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Should a dangerous, paramilitary-style martial arts group be mixed up in the equally volatile world of politics? People are asking themselves this question in Bandarlampung, where the leader of the Paku Banten organization has come out support of a mayor candidate, angering some of his senior leadership.

SBY's leadership for Indonesia and the world

SBY's leadership for Indonesia and the world Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government is only eights months old since its inception last October. The President himself realizes that as a national leader he needs to demonstrate to the public his ability to manage the country's national and international problems.

How to handle diplomacy, literacy?

How to handle diplomacy, literacy? JAKARTA: Can diplomacy and writing go hand in hand? T.S. Tirumurti, the new counselor at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, said confidently that there would not be any problem in dealing with diplomacy and writing. "By profession, I am a diplomat. But my hobby is writing.

Election of PD leader stalled

Election of PD leader stalled Wahyoe Boedhiwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar A tough debate over standing orders and statutes forced President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's political party to postpone the election of a party leader. The three-day congress of the Democrat Party (PD) should have elected a new leader on the final day of its first national meeting on Sunday night.

Lippo hands out Rp 250m to school

Lippo hands out Rp 250m to school BEKASI: As part of the a foster parent program, Lippo Cikarang donated Rp 250 million (US$26,300) to a state elementary school in Cibarusah Jaya subdistrict in Bekasi regency. The funds were used to finance the construction of three classrooms, a schoolmasters room, a teachers' room, and two toilets, which were officiated by Bekasi Regent Saleh Manaf last Friday. With the additional facilities, the Cibarusah Jaya 01 elementary school on Jl.

Ex-strongman Soeharto, still at large and larger than life

Ex-strongman Soeharto, still at large and larger than life Wimar Witoelar, Jakarta Time stood still for a moment on the morning of May 21, 1998. Millions of hearts skipped a beat upon hearing the announcement on television. President Soeharto was stepping down from power. Disbelief was followed by amazement as pictures appeared of a hastily conducted ceremony at Merdeka Palace. A tired-looking Soeharto stepped aside in favor of a tense-looking B.J. Habibie.

Japanese products invade Indonesian households

Japanese products invade Indonesian households Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While his children watch the Japanese cartoon Doraemon on a Digitec Ninja television and his wife cooks breakfast with a Toshiba magic jar, Udin, 36, washes his Honda motorcycle in front of his house in Depok, West Java. "I love this motorcycle.

[b]Corruption cases at state enterprises

Corruption cases at state enterprises (As of May 18, 2005) Company Potential state losses 1. PT Angkasa Pura I Rp 1.92 billion 2. PT Pelindo II/PT Jakarta Rp 17 billion International Container Terminal 3. PT Pelindo II US$149.935 Rp 1.24 billion 4. PT Pelindo III Rp 141 million 5. PT Pupuk Kaltim Rp 61 billion US$625,000 6. PT ASDP Rp 9.2 million 7. PT PLN Rp 341.3 billion 8. PT Asuransi Jiwasraya Rp 845 billion 9. PT Djakarta Llyod Rp 887 million 10.

E8020: for speed freaks in needs of portable power

E8020: for speed freaks in needs of portable power Zatni Arbi, Contributor, zatni@cbn.net.id You may have often heard the name "Sonoma" mentioned by computer devotees lately, especially by those who always tote a notebook wherever they go. Actually, it is a code name that Intel Corp. has chosen for its next generation mobile computing specification, the successor of the Centrino that we are all familiar with. So what should a new Sonoma notebook have? A faster processor, certainly.

Dengue fever to soar again in May and June, officials says

Dengue fever to soar again in May and June, officials says The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the public is preoccupied with the spate of recent polio cases of late, the Jakarta administration called on Saturday for residents to stay vigilant against dengue fever, which is on the rise again.

New toll roads will not cure Jakarta's chronic congestion

New toll roads will not cure Jakarta's chronic congestion Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration's plan to build more toll roads connecting busy areas might be seen as a good idea to some people, but transportation experts believe they could cause greater congestion.

JP/5/ORCHID

JP/5/ORCHID Black orchid could lure tourists back to Poso Ruslan Sangadji The Jakarta Post/Poso While it is remains troubled by religious conflicts, the regency of Poso is one of the few in Central Sulawesi province with a great potential for tourism. Besides having the beautiful and unspoiled Tentena Lake, the regency is also home to the Lore and Megalith national parks and the beautiful Natural Orchid Park in Bancea, South Pamona, some 80 kilometers south of Poso city.

TV Program: Tuesday, May 24, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, May 24, 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.

Prayer in two languages

Prayer in two languages The recent arrest of a cleric in Malang who lead prayers in both Arabic and Indonesian shows that there is no tolerance of difference religious opinions in this country. Why should a man be charged with a criminal offense for merely praying unconventionally? By doing this, how could he have despoiled organized religion or contaminated the authenticity of the holy book when he has also recited the verses in their original language -- Arabic.

NISP customers have freedom in Singapore

NISP customers have freedom in Singapore Thanks to a cooperation agreement, Bank NISP customers traveling to Singapore can now withdraw money from 360 ATMs belonging to the OCBC Bank of Singapore. All Bank NISP holders of "Kartu Seru" cards can withdraw money from all ATMs belonging to OCBC Bank and Singaporean travelers can do the same here.

JP/5/MUI

JP/5/MUI Koran controversy hits Jambi JAMBI, Jambi: Copies of the Koran carrying a photograph of gubernatorial candidate Zulkifli Nurdin have been circulating in Jambi over the past few days, sparking controversy ahead of the gubernatorial election on June 26. Sulaiman Abdullah, the head of the Jambi branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council, criticized the circulation of the Korans, calling it an example of religion being abused for political purposes.

Five pairs of candidates in Depok election

Five pairs of candidates in Depok election Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Five pairs of candidates have been declared eligible to contest the mayoral election in Depok on June 26. At least six pairs of candidates registered with the Depok General Elections Commission (KPUD), but one pair -- Gaduh Sunu Soemantri and running mate Agung Wicaksono -- was disqualified from the election for failing to secure the required support from political parties.

Stop SMS gambling

Stop SMS gambling From Republika A betting game under the guise of an SMS quiz with prize money, which in Malaysia has been declared to be gambling, has absorbed a lot of funds from the public and it should be banned. The Indonesian Ulema Council should urge the government to prohibit gambling through SMS quizzes. It only pays a few million rupiah to several winners while the financiers scoop billions of rupiah.

Time running short on Vietnam membership bid for WTO: diplomats

Time running short on Vietnam membership bid for WTO: diplomats Vietnam was told by member states of the World Trade Organization that time was running out if it wanted to join the WTO by the end of the year, trade sources said over the weekend after a round of membership talks.

Indonesian shuttlers look for world titles

Indonesian shuttlers look for world titles Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian shuttlers, after failing once again to win the Sudirman Cup, will be looking for redemption at the World Championships in August in Anaheim, United States. "Our spirits are high. We are ready to win the world championship," doubles specialist Candra Wijaya said on the sidelines of a practice session at the national badminton training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Saturday.

Time running short on Vietnam membership bid for WTO

Time running short on Vietnam membership bid for WTO Vietnam was told by member states of the World Trade Organization that time was running out if it wanted to join the WTO by the end of the year, trade sources said over the weekend after a round of membership talks.

Vesconte strolls to RP Open win

Vesconte strolls to RP Open win MANILA: Australian Adam Le Vesconte broke through for his maiden Asian Tour title when he claimed a four-stroke victory in the US$200,000 Philippine Open on Sunday. Vesconte, who started the final round two strokes off the pace, fired a closing seven-under-par 64 for a winning total of 12-under-par at the Mount Malayarat Golf and Country Club. He won $31,500.

JP/5/KTP

JP/5/KTP Aceh government ready to scrap red and white ID cards Nani Afrida The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh "Oh ... you're holding a red and white identity card? You must be Acehnese then?" This sort of question is often heard during ID inspections whether within or outside of Aceh province.

Ultra Milk only uses the finest fresh milk with the lowest

Ultra Milk only uses the finest fresh milk with the lowest bacteria arriving daily at the Ultra Milk plant in less than two hours from associations of dairies all over Bandung.

Separated RI twins 'doing very well' after operation

Separated RI twins 'doing very well' after operation Agence France-Presse, Singapore The 15-month-old Indonesian twin girls born conjoined at the hip and abdomen were "doing very well" after they were surgically separated, doctors said on Sunday. "Both woke up this morning and were smiling at their parents and the doctors," Singaporean consultant surgeon Tan Kai Chah said.

Drug suspect seeks Susilo's pardon

Drug suspect seeks Susilo's pardon Agencies, Jakarta An Australian facing the death penalty for allegedly smuggling marijuana into Bali has appealed to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to set her free, just days before a court is due to deliver its verdict, according to a report on Sunday. Schapelle Corby, a 27-year-old student beautician, was arrested in Bali in October when airport authorities found 4.1 kilograms (9 pounds) of marijuana in her surfboard bag.

Akbar institute completes survey

Akbar institute completes survey JAKARTA: The Akbar Tandjung Institute is set to unveil the results of a survey on the upcoming local leadership elections -- its first project following its establishment early this month.

Parents told to take their kids for polio vaccination

Parents told to take their kids for polio vaccination Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fearing a polio outbreak in the capital, the Jakarta administration called on all Jakartans to take their children to get a free polio vaccination between May 31 and June 28. "All children below five-years-old need to get the vaccinations, including foreigners. Please, do not hesitate to bring children to nearby vaccination posts.

Australian drug suspect appeals to SBY for pardon

Australian drug suspect appeals to SBY for pardon Agencies Jakarta An Australian facing the death penalty for allegedly smuggling marijuana into Bali has appealed to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to set her free, just days before a court is due to deliver its verdict, according to a report on Sunday. Schapelle Corby, a 27-year-old student beautician, was arrested in Bali in October when airport authorities found 4.1 kilograms (9 pounds) of marijuana in her surfboard bag.

Bad bank governance

Bad bank governance Lending irregularities at state-controlled Bank Mandiri, which led to the dismissal and arrest of its president and two vice presidents last week, once again shows how fragile the banking industry is, how vulnerable it is to fraud and how deficient the central bank is in its supervisory capacity.

'Connecting the unconnected' strategy to double Motorola sales

'Connecting the unconnected' strategy to double Motorola sales The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If you think the most lucrative markets for cell phones are in big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan, think again! Global communication firm Motorola considers regency towns to be where the money is and worth penetrating.

Credit card debt not critical in KL

Credit card debt not critical in KL KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's central bank sees no cause for concern despite a rise in the number of credit card-related bankruptcies, a news report said on Saturday. The 1,397 bankruptcies last year due to credit card debt constituted only 8.6 percent of the total number of bankruptcy cases, the central bank said in a statement reported by the New Straits Times newspaper.

'She can tell the world we exist'

'She can tell the world we exist' For the first time in two decades, Indonesia has sent a contestant to the prestigious Miss Universe contest, being held in Thailand, despite some loud protests here. This predominantly Muslim country once banned all local beauty pageants and forbade citizens from competing in international pageants, regardless of which religion the girl was, as religious rightists claim it is a disgrace to the culture and women.

JP/18/LUPUS

JP/18/LUPUS People with Lupus Nephritis, RF+ Rheumatic Arthritis get new hope for less costly treatment Emmy Fitri The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Wiry Hendrik Kurnia was just eight years old when he first felt the pain in his Achilles tendon. The pain worsened each day until he could not walk at all. Though not paralyzed, his tiny feet could not sustain his weight just to stand up.

German magazine for intercultural dialogue with Indonesia

German magazine for intercultural dialogue with Indonesia Christina Schott, Contributor, Jakarta If it where not for terrorism or natural disasters like the tsunami, Indonesia would rarely fill the headlines of German media. Even the popular travel stories on Bali became rare after the bomb attacks that have occurred in the archipelago over past years.

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done Caption for Focus Issue --- Asia Destination Reuters A couple enjoy a spectacular sunset on Phuket Island's Phromthep Cape. Authorities in Thailand are advertising a blitz of cheap flights and packages to lure tourists back to tsunami-damaged areas on the resort.