Archive: 28 May 2005
102 articles found
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt turns to smokers to boost revenue
Govt turns to smokers to boost revenue Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Attempting to strike two birds with one stone, the government will raise the retail price of cigarettes by up to 20 percent to increase state revenue from excise as well as discourage smoking in the country, the finance minister said. The price increase could mean that the government is turning to smokers to help balance a likely ballooning of fuel subsidies that could result in a widening of the budget deficit.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian artists teeter on 'reformasi' road
Indonesian artists teeter on 'reformasi' road Evi Mariani and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta American writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr. has the most apt expression to describe the state Indonesian artists are in these days.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
SG to propose less than 40% dividend
SG to propose less than 40% dividend State-owned PT Semen Gresik, the nation's largest cement maker, plans to allocate less than 40 percent of its 2004 net profit for dividend payments as the company will need extra funds to finance the construction of its new plants. "The dividend payment of below 40 percent will be proposed at the upcoming annual shareholder meeting on June 27," said Satriyo as reported by Antara at the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises on Friday.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
City withholds money for KPUD
City withholds money for KPUD Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Jakarta administration revealed on Friday that it would withhold Rp 3.2 billion in operational funds for the Jakarta Elections Commission (KPUD) this year amid alleged irregularities in the use of Rp 168 billion in election funds. "The City Finance Bureau has yet to disburse the funds to the KPUD.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 30, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, May 30, 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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hogg the speaker at JCA dinner
Hogg the speaker at JCA dinner JAKARTA: Former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg will be the guest speaker at the annual Jakarta Cricket Association (JCA) dinner to be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central Jakarta on Saturday. Hogg, known as the "Rocket", was one of the fastest bowlers in the modern era, making his test debut in 1978 and eventually playing in 38 tests. He is now involved in coaching in Victoria, Australia.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 28, 2005
Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, May 28, 2005 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Under Attack at Kedai Kebun Forum, Jl. Tirtodipuran 3 Yogyakarta. Tel. 0274 376114, until May 30 * Fine Arts Omong Kosong # 2, at Rumah Seni Cemeti, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (Tel. 0274 371015), until May 29 * Fine Arts Rumah Seni Tembi ke-5 by 19 artists Tgl 20 Mei-19 Juni 2005 di Balai Roepa Tembi Satoe dan Doea, Jl Parangtritis Km 8,4 Tembi, Bantul, Yogyakarta (Tel.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
17 councillors named suspects
17 councillors named suspects YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta prosecutors named on Friday 17 former city councillors as suspects in a corruption case. They will now be tried for receiving Rp 17 million (US$7,978) each in severance pay. The severance pay was deemed illegal as there was no provision for it under the law. Deputy chief of Yogyakarta Prosecutor's Office Godang Riyadi Siregar said on Friday that the prosecutor's office would summon the suspects soon for more interrogations.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
BOK involved in US$7b swap
BOK involved in US$7b swap Associted Press, Seoul, South Korea The Bank of Korea on Friday signed local-currency swap agreements worth the equivalent of US$3 billion with the Bank of Japan and $4 billion with the People's Bank of China as part of a planned expansion of ties among Asian central banks.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Mawarni hopes to be pretty after surgery
Mawarni hopes to be pretty after surgery Betsy Taylor, Associated Press/St. Louis, Missouri An 8-year-old Indonesian girl who was brought to the United States by earthquake relief workers to correct her birth defect has a new look - but her same old cheerful disposition. On Thursday, Mawarni Zega prepared to be released from St. Louis Children's Hospital, eight days after surgery to remove a large bulge from between her eyes.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates May 27
Rupiah Rates May 27 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,585.21 6,823.61 7,241.42 7,167.25 Brunei dollar 1 6,026.53 5,421.94 5,753.39 5,695.00 Canadian dollar 1 7,894.94 7,102.25 7,537.12 7,459.93 Swiss franc 1 8,090.50 7,278.10 7,723.81 7,644.63 Danish krone 1 1,681.22 1,511.99 1,605.02 1,588.14 Euro 1 12,513.74 11,257.24 11,946.58 11,824.17 Poundsterling 1 18,224.88 16,398.78 17,398.88 17,224.65 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,284.72 1,156.11 1,226.49 1,214.33...
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Australia urges stability in Papua
Australia urges stability in Papua JAYAPURA, Papua: Australia has reiterated its stance that it wants stability in Papua. The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, David Ritchie reportedly claimed that his government was supporting the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia as well as the special autonomy scheme that was currently being planned for Indonesia's easternmost province.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Reconstructing Aceh
Reconstructing Aceh In the article, Indonesia: The amazing and the baffling, dated May 17, your writer stated that Kuntoro slammed the government for not doing enough to reconstruct Aceh after the tsunami struck last year. In reality, the devastation was so enormous and mind-boggling for the Indonesian government that it was difficult for it to know where and how it should get started, besides calculating how much money and resources were required for the immediate action to be taken.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 27, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 27, 2005 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,440 0 0 Adhi Karya 760 0 2,338,500 Adira Dinamika 2,100 0 0 AGIS Tbk 125 20 924,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 230 -10 5,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,150 0 1,023,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kidnapped seamen seek Gus Dur's help
Kidnapped seamen seek Gus Dur's help JAKARTA: Relatives of three Indonesian seamen, who are currently be held by a rebel group in the Philippines, asked former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid on Friday to help seek their release. Samsudin Abdurahman, a brother of Yamin Labuso -- one of the abducted seamen, urged Gus Dur to communicate with the Moro group in the southern Philippines.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Schools take steps against brawls
Schools take steps against brawls BOGOR: Principals and teachers of secondary schools in Bogor have formed a task force to head off student brawls, which often take place prior to final exams, held from May 30 to June 1 this year. "Students usually let off steam due to the exams by fighting with students from other schools," the task force head, Tubagus Mohamad Ruchjani Atmakusuma, said after a briefing with teachers on Friday.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian artists teeter on 'reformasi' road
Indonesian artists teeter on 'reformasi' road Evi Mariani and M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta American writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr. has the most apt expression to describe the state Indonesian artists are in these days.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI democratic
RI democratic consolidation From Bisnis Indonesia The deepening and expansion of democracy, or democratic consolidation, needs behavioral and institutional changes that reflect socioeconomic demands and democratic values in society. Studies of democratization have mentioned several factors contributing to such consolidation: the quality of civil society, the levels of consensus and nonconsensus among elite circles, the bureaucracy's capacity and effectiveness, and the rule of law.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police up intelligence operations after threat against U.S. mission
Police up intelligence operations after threat against U.S. mission The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Police are intensifying undercover operations following intelligence information claiming that a terrorist group under the leadership of Malaysian fugitive Azahari bin Husin possesses a map of the United States embassy in Jakarta, which prompted the closure of U.S. missions across the country. "Based on the information, the U.S. embassy closed its missions," National Police chief Gen.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Decree on election funds to be revised
Decree on election funds to be revised MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf promised on Friday to revise Ministerial Decree No. 12/2005 that is considered by local election committees to hamper the disbursement of funds for local direct elections. "We have received a lot of complaints regarding the matter and are evaluating the need for revisions," he said while accompanying Vice President Jusuf Kalla on a visit to Makassar.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kunci helps create critical, smart TV viewers
Kunci helps create critical, smart TV viewers When asked if their TV monitoring was tightly monitored, students at the Al-Munawwir Islamic boarding school in Krapyak, on the southern outskirts of Yogyakarta, cried in unison, "No!" When asked why, however, they said it was because there was no television at the boarding school. Still, the students were able to reel off the names of their favorite television programs with little prompting.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Corby's sentence won't affect RI-Australia ties'
'Corby's sentence won't affect RI-Australia ties' Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian government is playing down the tension arising from Australian Schapelle Corby's conviction for drug smuggling in Denpasar, Bali, saying that the verdict will not upset bilateral relations.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
REI to build low-cost apartments
REI to build low-cost apartments Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Real Estate Association (REI) has expressed its wish to construct low-cost apartments in the city to help the administration relocate tens of thousands of squatters. REI Jakarta chairman Alwi Bagir Mulachela said on Thursday there were many REI members who were interested in constructing low-cost apartments on plots of land owned by the administration.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
W. Java administration to build southern port
W. Java administration to build southern port The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The West Java provincial administration, as part of a grand plan to embark on several infrastructure projects, will build a "modest" international fishing and commercial harbor near Cikalong, Tasikmalaya in the southern part of the province, to help boost economic ties with Australia and other countries.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI can be a great country
RI can be a great country I refer to the account in The Jakarta Post on May 21 of the presidential address on the occasion of National Awakening Day, wherein he urged the Indonesian people to "feel proud of themselves and do the best they can for the country". He further urged them to "remain confident in themselves" and expressed his confidence that Indonesia will one day be a developed country.
Sat, 28 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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malnutrition claims more infant lives
Malnutrition claims more infant lives Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Mataram An infant has died of malnutrition in West Nusa Tenggara province, bringing to eight the number of people who have died of the affliction since January, a senior health official said on Friday. Two of the victims were from Mataram city, five from West Lombok regency and one from Central Lombok regency, according to the spokesman for Mataram General Hospital, Rudi Syarif Iskandar.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tiger Airways starts flights to the RP
Tiger Airways starts flights to the RP SINGAPORE: Singapore low-fare carrier Tiger Airways said on Friday it will begin daily flights to the Philippines from July 30, up from five times a week, due to strong demand. "The increase will allow Tiger Airways to carry more than 180,000 passengers to the Philippines in a year, bringing about economic benefits to tourism and businesses in the region," the airline said in a statement.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
-Growing interest in MICE business in Singapore
-Growing interest in MICE business in Singapore -Singapore retains its status as Asia's top MICE destination Singapore has served as a trading hub and financial center for Southeast Asia thanks to its strategic location and environment conducive to international business activities. Located on the crossroad of the world on the Strait of Malacca, Singapore is a home to at least 7,000 multinational corporations and several thousands of financial institutions and trading firms.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI envoy on trial in Belgium
RI envoy on trial in Belgium JAKARTA: Head of the Indonesian Mission to the European Community, Abdurrachman Mattalitti, is facing charges in Belgium court for wrongful dismissal of a female employee at his office. A document sent by the plaintiff to legislator Djoko Susilo at the House of Representatives Commission I overseeing foreign affairs said on Friday that Abdurrachman had been summoned to appear before the Labour Court of Brussels next Tuesday to hear the case. In the document, Maria C.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
China lobbies RI on ceramic imports
China lobbies RI on ceramic imports Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta China has asked Indonesia not to impose anti-dumping and safeguard sanctions on Chinese flour and ceramic tableware imports, saying the move would backfire and hurt Indonesian industry, a trade delegation said on Friday. Chinese Ministry of Commerce's bureau of fair trade for imports and exports director Cheng Yongru said there was no urgency for Indonesia to impose safeguard sanctions on ceramic tableware imports.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corby drug trial in Denpasar an unlikely draw for tourists
Corby drug trial in Denpasar an unlikely draw for tourists Chris Brummit, Associated Press/Denpasar, Bali On any other day they would have been sunning themselves on Bali's famous beaches, but on Friday scores of Australian tourists opted for a more unusual holiday activity: attending a drug trial in a baking hot courtroom.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Appeal to minister
Appeal to minister of communications From Koran Tempo After the appointment of the new Minister of Transportation Hatta Radjasa my first expectation was that there would be a very marked improvement in public transportation. But in reality, no changes have taken place. First, transportation by minivans remains in confusion, with an excessive number of these vehicles on the roads due to easy licensing, so that under-capacity can be found particularly in the Greater Jakarta area.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Higher salaries
Higher salaries and corruption From Kompas President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has announced plans to increase the salaries of civil servants and soldiers in an attempt to reduce corruption. In my view, it is more appropriate to raise salaries for the purpose of improving welfare rather than reducing graft, because even as we have gotten new presidents and higher salaries, corruption has continued to spread. When it comes to morality, corruption will prevail over salary increases.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Coming here soon from Cannes
Coming here soon from Cannes The Cannes Film Festival means movies: independent, mainstream, horror, period, trashy, first-rate -- any kind. Promotions and press conferences were made to promote films, which are not even finished yet. Directly from Cannes, The Jakarta Post offers a preview on what will be coming to our movie theaters sometime soon and a prediction on how well the movies will work. Wolf Creek Who?
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
No real change in Jakarta politics
No real change in Jakarta politics John McBeth The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore National Mandate Party (PAN) legislator Alvin Lie is a 44-year-old paragliding enthusiast with long hair and an idealistic approach to politics. But after winning election in his Central Java hometown of Semarang in 1999 and again last year, he is now ready to call it quits. "I'm afraid we're back-tracking," he declares.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Conservationists build more gardens
Conservationists build more gardens Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor The Center of Flora Conservation at the Bogor Botanical Gardens plans to develop more gardens in West Java's Kuningan district, East Kalimantan's Balikpapan, South Sulawesi's Enrekang and Leuser in Aceh. Coordinator of flora conservation and research Sutrisno said another 10 provinces across the country had also requested cooperation from the institute to help them establish their own botanical parks.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
~For Spotlight:
~For Spotlight: COURTESY CALL: Premier Oil Natuna Sea B.V. (PONSBV), an oil company operating in the East Natuna Sea, paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources on May 20. Seen in the picture (from left to right) are BP Migas' operations deputy R.S.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Vaccine row won't delay war on polio
Vaccine row won't delay war on polio Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung/Jakarta The government has said it will go ahead with its plan to launch the first round of a mass polio vaccination campaign on May 31, despite a report that Indonesia's vaccine producer Bio Farma has been scrapped from the list of United Nations' vaccine suppliers.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
'We must be tolerant of different ideas'
'We must be tolerant of different ideas' The controversy over the participation of Indonesian woman Artika Sari Devi in the Miss Universe contest in Thailand continues, with some members of the religious right claiming that it is a disgrace to Indonesian culture and women. Predominantly Muslim Indonesia at one time banned all local beauty pageants and forbade citizens from competing in international pageants. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on the issue.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Safeguards: An Indonesian trade defense instrument that needs to
Safeguards: An Indonesian trade defense instrument that needs to be improved Harry T. Prabawa Jakarta As we all know, one of the consequences of free trade is that competition between domestic and imported products has increased in the domestic market. The increase in imports may disrupt domestic industries producing the same or similar products.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corby gets 20 years in prison
Corby gets 20 years in prison Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post/Denpasar Ignoring mounting pressure from Australia, the Denpasar District Court sentenced on Friday Schapelle Leigh Corby to 20 years in prison for smuggling marijuana into Bali.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
New manager for Melia Purosani
New manager for Melia Purosani YOGYAKARTA: The Spanish hotel chain Sol Melia has appointed Jean- Paul Riby as the new general Manager of Melia Purosani Hotel to replace Morten Andersen who has moved to Malaysia. A native Frenchman, Riby has more than 20 years' experience in the industry. A graduate of a hotel school of management in southern France, he started his carrier in Monte Carlo. Melia Purosani is his first experience managing an international five- star hotel.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Traps for embezzlers
Traps for embezzlers From Kompas Indonesia's economic downturn, with tens of millions of poor and unemployed people as well as the denudation of vast areas of forest, has resulted from corruption, among other things. The late Soemitro Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia's most senior economist, once said that almost 30 percent of funds for national development vanished annually. Strangely, those involved in the embezzlement have never been punished.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malang joss stick producers lack capital to expand
Malang joss stick producers lack capital to expand Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Malang Joss sticks in various colors are lined up neatly in the front yard of Suhendro Pangestu's house in Jedong village in Malang regency, East Java. Several workers are busy weighing sacks containing joss sticks that will be immediately dispatched to various places of worship. "Orders for joss sticks are quite high at the moment.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Corby's trial judged 'fair and proper'
Corby's trial judged 'fair and proper' Rinduan Zain, Sydney On May 23 I was invited to attend a panel discussion called SBS Insight, organized by SBS Television Network in Sydney. Before the discussion, I was interviewed about the Schapelle Corby trial, which is said by some to be unfair and poisoning Australia's relationship with Indonesia. I was prepared for the discrepancies and logical inconsistencies frequently shown by Australian media when it comes to Indonesia.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shares up led by Astra, Indofood
Shares up led by Astra, Indofood Dow Jones/Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher on Friday led by gains in automotive company Astra International and food producer Indofood Sukses Makmur, with gains across Asian markets providing support, dealers said. "The market ended the week in positive territory and I expect it will continue to maintain its uptrend next week," said a trader with Paramitra Securities.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Erasmus Huis put on display Domestic Circle
Erasmus Huis put on display Domestic Circle JP/19/DUTCH Erasmus Huis puts Domestic Circle on display M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta To meet the growing demand for the works of Dutch photographers, the Cultural Center in Jakarta, the Erasmus Huis, is currently exhibiting the works of seven lens men who have been promoting a bold new style in their visual art.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
~Susilo and U.S. ties
~Susilo and U.S. ties Though Indonesian lay opinion of the United States remains hostile, relations at government level are at their most stable after a dizzy run of four presidents following Soeharto's fall. This is evident in the good vibes President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is receiving on his Washington visit. The U.S. military's humanitarian contributions in Sumatra after the tsunami struck last year brought a definitive change in Jakarta's attitudes.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fear of blackouts makes energy conservation drive a success
Fear of blackouts makes energy conservation drive a success Remmy Faizal, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Moses has been turning a few lights off in his home in the evening over the past several days. The call to save energy to avoid extensive blackouts in Jakarta due to electricity shortages has become his main concern now. "I'm a little worried about my fish.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Regional autonomy simply absurd, experts say
Regional autonomy simply absurd, experts say Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In order to ensure regional autonomy, the government has been urged to amend the law on regional administrations, which still places governors, mayors and regents as subordinates of the central government. Researcher Sjamsuddin Haris from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said that regional autonomy empowerment must be preceded by the amendment of Law No. 32/2004 on regional autonomy.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kim Jae Won, humble TV drama ambassador
Kim Jae Won, humble TV drama ambassador Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Sporting a formal black suit, clean-cut actor Kim Jae Won hardly looked like a young star of Korean TV dramas, where the latest fashions are always a vital element. "We, Koreans, regard etiquette highly. I view this press conference as an important and formal occasion, so I dressed formally," Kim said to the largely informally dressed journalists.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Korean class prepares skilled workers
Korean class prepares skilled workers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was already 2 p.m. and Rini Febriani, 16, was rushing to reach her Korean class. She was a bit late, actually. "But I couldn't miss this week's special class given by a native speaker who holds a master degree in Korean literature. I'm sure that learning the language directly from a native speaker will be more effective," said the first year student of State High School No. 27 school in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Questions for our economists
Questions for our economists Dita Indah Sari Jakarta The debate over the pros and cons of the fuel price increase has begun to become dreary. Even though in many regions voices of opposition can still be heard, the peak of the debate has already passed. Unlike previous plans to increase the price of fuel, this time the polemic between economists in the mass media was both extensive and open. The opinion pages of many newspapers were filled with articles criticizing each respective position.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
*Intelligence operations up after threat against U.S. Page 3
*Intelligence operations up after threat against U.S. Page 3 *Vaccine row won't delay war on polio Page 4 *Power returns to North Maluku Page 5 *Corby's trial judged fair and proper Page 6 *Council irked by poor reports on education budget Page 8 *Prima to face Febi in semis of Hemaviton Challenge Page 10 *German, Spanish leaders court French left Page 11 *Lamy named new head of World Trade Organization Page 13 *Cannes movies split reactions Page 18
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian quake survivor leaves Missouri hospital after
Indonesian quake survivor leaves Missouri hospital after successful surgery Betsy Taylor Associated Press/St. Louis, Missouri An 8-year-old Indonesian girl who was brought to the United States by earthquake relief workers to correct her birth defect has a new look - but her same old cheerful disposition. On Thursday, Mawarni Zega prepared to be released from St. Louis Children's Hospital, eight days after surgery to remove a large bulge from between her eyes.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prima to face Febi in semis of Hemaviton Challenge
Prima to face Febi in semis of Hemaviton Challenge Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Top seeded Prima Simpatiaji of Central Java will try to make it third time lucky when he meets close rival Febi Widhiyanto of Jakarta in the semifinals of the Hemaviton Challenge 2005 on Saturday.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Council irked by poor reports on education fund use
Council irked by poor reports on education fund use Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The City Council blasted on Friday poor financial reports on the use of the 2004 city budget for education, saying the reports gave the impression that city officials were unprofessional and not serious in handling taxpayers' money.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Artist Rosjid steps forward
Artist Rosjid steps forward Carla Bianpoen, Contributor/Jakarta As a solo exhibition of drawings by Rosid is almost coming to an end, both the owner of Edwin's gallery and the artist may sit back in satisfaction, as sales of the artworks have been more than satisfactory.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stop human exports
Stop human exports From Koran Tempo The news carried by Koran Tempo labeling Indonesia as the world's largest human exporter is interesting and surprising -- especially the quantity of this human traffic -- from 75,000 to 1 million citizens sent overseas a year, including women and children as the most vulnerable groups. This trade in humans has become a lucrative business for entrepreneurs.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt spends $120m Aceh grant from Japan
Govt spends $120m Aceh grant from Japan Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government has spent up to US$120 million in grants that the Japanese government had already disbursed to Indonesia as part of its aid for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Aceh. "We have spent some $120 million so far, from the total of $146 million in grants that Japan has disbursed to us," the Ministry of Finance's director general for state treasury Mulia Nasution said on Friday.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tembi house portrays Javanese cultural pluralism
Tembi house portrays Javanese cultural pluralism Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta For those interested in learning more about Javanese culture and its development, the Rumah Budaya Tembi (or Tembi Cultural House) is an excellent place to start. The center, which celebrated its fifth anniversary last week, is located in Timbulharjo village in Sewon, Bantul, about 8 kilometers south of Yogyakarta and aims to portray Java in all its diversity.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, May 28, 2005
Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, May 28, 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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Campaign teams assure peaceful election
Campaign teams assure peaceful election BATAM, Riau Islands: Riau Islands provincial police signed on Friday a peace agreement with the campaign managers for a group of governor candidates in the province as a direct election approaches. Through the agreement, the campaign teams agreed that they would work to prevent any conflict ahead of the election. The agreement was signed by chief of Riau Islands province Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam and representatives of three campaign teams.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. SBY: 2 X 16
1. SBY: 2 X 16 RI allowed to buy U.S. nonlethal items 2. CORBY: 3 X 14 Corby gets 20 years for drug smuggling 3. MALEO: 1 X 28 Maleo bird on brink of extinction 4. EXCISE: 2 X 18 Govt turns to smokers to boost revenue
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
DPD proposes 'more realistic' budget
DPD proposes 'more realistic' budget The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) is urging the government to be more realistic in its assumptions for the 2005 state budget revision, and to allocate more funds for social and regional development.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
~Susilo and U.S. ties
~Susilo and U.S. ties Though Indonesian lay opinion of the United States remains hostile, relations at government level are at their most stable after a dizzy run of four presidents following Soeharto's fall. This is evident in the good vibes President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is receiving on his Washington visit. The U.S. military's humanitarian contributions in Sumatra after the tsunami struck last year brought a definitive change in Jakarta's attitudes.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Dita Indah Sari
Dita Indah Sari Jakarta 2. Jamie -- New ideas needed for an Afro-Asian Revival 2 x 30 New ideas needed for reviving Afro-Asian cooperation Jamie Mackie Canberra 2. Eric -- The debate on democratization 1 x 30 Debates on democratization Eric Hiariej Yogyakarta
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
BIN plays for time, slows probe into Munir's murder
BIN plays for time, slows probe into Munir's murder Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government-sanctioned fact-finding team (TPF) tasked with assisting police in probing the murder of human rights campaigner Munir is complaining that the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) remains uncooperative in the inquiry.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Maleo bird on the brink of extinction
Maleo bird on the brink of extinction Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post/Palu The population of a Central Sulawesi icon, the striking black-and-white maleo bird (Macrocephalon maleo), is on the verge of extinction due to poaching, environmental workers say. The head of the Lore Lindu National Park conservation office, Amir Hamzah, estimated that the current population of the maleo, which is part of the distinctive and rare Ordo megapodidae species, now numbered less than 1,000.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Indonesian safeguards against imports Harry T. Prabawa Jakarta 2. McBeth -- No real change in Jakarta politics 1 X 30 No real change in Jakarta politics John McBeth The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore 3. Asahi -- Japan not ready for UN Security Council seat 2 x 21 Japan not ready for UN Security Council seat Takashi Tsujii The Asahi Shimbun Tokyo
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Artika, you go girl! Forget the controversy!
Artika, you go girl! Forget the controversy! Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post Why is it still an issue here for a woman to take part in a beauty pageant, which we all know are about more than just flesh and a pretty face? If culture is cited, what cultural norms is the woman breaching? Go to any beach or pool in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and you will find plenty of Indonesian women wearing swimsuits. It is normal.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/14/dpd
JP/14/dpd DPD proposes 'more realistic' budget to govt, House The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) is urging the government to be more realistic in its assumptions for the 2005 state budget revision, and to allocate more funds for social and regional development.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Toll roads vs MRT
Toll roads vs MRT People commuting the streets of Jakarta will see worse, more chaotic traffic when the construction of seven new toll roads starts next March. The seven new turnpikes totaling 85.3 kilometers in length will encompass the Kemayoran, Kampung Melayu, Rawa Buaya, Sunter, Kampung Melayu, Duri Pulo, Pulogebang, Ulujami, Tanah Abang, Pasar Minggu and Casablanca areas. The city administration believes the new toll roads will be able to cure the perennial city traffic woes.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fire at decorative fish market
Fire at decorative fish market JAKARTA: At least 11 kiosks at the decorative fish market at Hanggar Teras on Jl. MT Haryono, Pancoran, South Jakarta, caught fire early on Friday. A witness, Sri Poniati, said that the fire was caused by her kerosene stove, which exploded. "No one was hurt in the incident," Pancoran Police officer Brig. Huda was quoted as saying by Tempointeraktif.com. The fire, which started at about 6 a.m., was put out by six fire trucks and support vehicles. -- JP
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Taxing on pensioners
Taxing on pensioners From Kompas As a private employee I have submitted tax returns (SPT) for 20 years, despite my retirement. When I became a pensioner in April 1984, I requested the withdrawal of my taxpayer code number and exemption from my obligation to hand in SPT, only to be rejected. It means, therefore, that I will have to submit annual tax returns until I die though no more income is earned.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI democratic consolidation
RI democratic consolidation From Bisnis Indonesia The deepening and expansion of democracy, or democratic consolidation, needs behavioral and institutional changes that reflect socioeconomic demands and democratic values in society. Studies of democratization have mentioned several factors contributing to such consolidation: the quality of civil society, the levels of consensus and nonconsensus among elite circles, the bureaucracy's capacity and effectiveness, and the rule of law.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Australia-Japan festival bridges cultural gap
Australia-Japan festival bridges cultural gap The Jakarta Post, Jakarta How do Japanese people serve tea to their guests? How do Australians and New Zealanders serve tea? Indonesian Melissa Maria, a sixth semester student of the Japanese language department at LIA college for foreign languages, showed her audience how to perform Cha No Yu, the classic Japanese way to serve special green tea.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
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.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hichens Harrison opens RI branch
Hichens Harrison opens RI branch LONDON: Hichens, Harrison, a London stockbroker, said on Friday that it has established Hichens, Harrison (Asia) Ltd. as a 100 percent owned subsidiary and has opened its first international branch in Jakarta. This expansion strategy has been implemented as a result of the increasing flow of corporate business into Hichens, Harrison from the surrounding Asian region, the company said.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI allowed to buy U.S. non-lethal items
RI allowed to buy U.S. non-lethal items Agencies, Washington The United States will resume sales of nonlethal military equipment to Indonesia, the State Department said on Thursday, as the leader of the Southeast Asian nation wrapped up a U.S. visit. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said, however, full normalization of bilateral military ties with Indonesia, a nation with the world's largest numbers of Muslims, required the punishment of soldiers implicated in past human rights abuses.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
The debate on democratization
The debate on democratization Eric Hiariej Yogyakarta The fall of Soeharto has been followed by debate on the future of democratization in Indonesia. Many Indonesians believe that Soeharto's fall has created chances for the establishment of democratic institutions. Two factors lie behind this optimistic view. First, it is argued that the lack of democratic rules and norms originates in the superiority of the executive branch (that is, President Soeharto).
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Aceh ---- 3x16
1. Aceh ---- 3x16 Govt, GAM discuss tough issues at upbeat peace talks 2. Girl ---- 1x30 Mawarni able to smile after surgery in U.S. OR Mawarni hopes to be pretty after surgery OR Nias girl ready to leave U.S. hospital 3. Tourist - 2x23 Corby drug trial in Denpasar an unlikely draw for tourists 4. Electric - 2x28 Energy conservation drive proves a roaring success OR Fear of blackouts makes energy conservation drive a success
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt, GAM discuss tough issues at upbeat peace talks
Govt, GAM discuss tough issues at upbeat peace talks Agencies, Helsinki The Indonesian government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) leaders tackled tough issues here on Friday at peace talks aimed at finding a solution to the decades-old conflict in the tsunami- ravaged province, and Finnish organizers said the atmosphere was positive and constructive.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Specific rape legislation demanded
Specific rape legislation demanded Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After seven years, the reported rapes of more than 60 women, mostly Chinese-Indonesians, during the riots in May 1998 remain unresolved. Many other cases of rape and sexual assault only end up in embarrassment and further trauma for the victims if they dare to report the attacks, as even law enforcers often accuse them of having "aroused" or "encouraged" the rapists by dressing "provocatively" or walking alone at night.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
The big challenge for independent and ethical journalism Ardimas Sasdi Jakarta 2. Dyer -- No plan B: The French EU referendum 2 x 21 The French on the EU: There is no plan B Gwynne Dyer London 3. Nation -- Dhamma lessons from the beauty queens 1 x 30 Dhamma lessons from beauty queens Nantiya Tangwisutijit The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/20/ISBEDY
JP/20/ISBEDY Isbedy, 'literary pope' of Lampung Oyos Saroso H.N. The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung No discussion about Indonesian modern literature in Lampung would be complete without touching upon Isbedy Stiawan ZS. The father of five, with two grandchildren, is now undeniably Lampung's literary icon. He is the driving force for literary activities carried out by the new generation of Lampung writers.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
A buoyant economy
A buoyant economy The economy's performance during the first six months of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration was fairly impressive, with gross domestic product growing by 6.65 percent on a yearly basis in the fourth quarter of last year and 6.35 percent in the first quarter of this year.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Clerics, politicians meet to confront Gus Dur
Clerics, politicians meet to confront Gus Dur Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya The National Awakening Party (PKB) camp led by Alwi Shihab geared up here on Friday for a two-day national meeting, shortly after its rival ended a similar forum in a showdown that is ravaging the party's internal consolidation.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sujiwo releases new album
Sujiwo releases new album YOGYAKARTA: Musician-cum-puppeteer Sujiwo Tejo released his new album here earlier this week at the Sheila On 7 Management office. Entitled Syair Dunia Maya (Poem of a Virtual World), the album is the third after Pada Suatu Ketika (Once upon a time, 1998) and Pada Sebuah Ranjang (Of a bed, 1999). Speaking at the event, Tejo said of the 11 songs in the album only two were composed in Indonesian and one in Madurese, while the rest were in the Javanese language.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/19/CARLA
JP/19/CARLA Rosjid steps forward Carla Bianpoen Contributor/Jakarta As a solo exhibition of drawings by Rosid is almost coming to an end, both the owner of Edwin's gallery and the artist may sit back in satisfaction, as sales of the artworks have been more than satisfactory.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian firm eyes Tanjung Api-Api Port
Malaysian firm eyes Tanjung Api-Api Port The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Malaysian infrastructure firm PT Orient Technology Indonesia will invest some US$250 million for the construction and operation of the Tanjung Api-Api international port in South Sumatra. As reported by Antara, the plan was conveyed during a meeting between Orient president commissioner Mohd Sopian Rashdi and South Sumatra Governor Syahrial Oesman in Palembang on Friday.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Electricity returns to North Maluku
Electricity returns to North Maluku M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post/North Maluku While residents in North Sumatra and Java are experiencing electricity blackouts, North Maluku residents have again begun to enjoy electricity services since Thursday. Electricity has returned to 10 remote subdistricts here after United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) repaired electricity networks that had been destroyed in sectarian violence in 2000.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Saturday, May 28, 2005
TV Today: Saturday, May 28, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:30 Music 11:30 Oto Screen 1:00 p.m.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Corby's trial judged 'fair and proper' Rinduan Zain Sydney 2. Eric -- The debate on democratization 2 x 30 The continuing debates on the democratization process Eric Hiariej Yogyakarta
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Teach our children well
Teach our children well On May 16, junior high school students in Karangasem, Bali, had to take their 120-minute English language test. The last test page showed the following questions: Indonesia is a large archipelago (Correct). It lies between Asia and Australia continents, between Indonesia (How can it lie between itself?) and Pacific Ocean.
Sat, 28 May 2005, 00:00 WIB
Korean broadcast industry launches ardent marketing to Asia
Korean broadcast industry launches ardent marketing to Asia Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Toting sneak peaks of TV dramas, cartoons and documentaries as well as business commodities, dozens of South Korean TV people visited Jakarta to sell some of their finest broadcast productions to local TV stations earlier this week.