Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 May 2005

96 articles found

Prabowo may let go of Kiani

Prabowo may let go of Kiani Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Berau, East Kalimantan Prabowo Subianto, the former son-in-law of ex-president Soeharto, is ready to sell his controlling stake in troubled pulp producer PT Kiani Kertas if there are no investors willing to inject badly needed fresh capital into the company.

Jambi Governor in hot water for reneging on promise

Jambi Governor in hot water for reneging on promise Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post, Jambi Zulkifli Nurdin, the Jambi governor who is seeking reelection this year, is facing legal trouble over an unkept promise he made to residents. The case, which could affect his popularity ahead of the June 26 election, began two weeks ago when a local non-governmental organization filed a lawsuit against Zulkifli.

Resident witness to change on Jl. Jaksa

Resident witness to change on Jl. Jaksa Andina Sawitri Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It doesn't take long to walk the length of the road, which is just a bit wider than an alley. Jl. Jaksa has been a magnet for budget tourists since the 1980s, and has felt the ups and downs of the country's tourist industry. Cheap hotels, bars and food stalls offering beer line the some 500-meter-long street, which many local residents count on for a living.

Czech Embassy gets new counselor

Czech Embassy gets new counselor JAKARTA: A new diplomat who has vast experience in Asian affairs joined the Czech Embassy as its new counselor recently. Jiri Vobis also holds the post of head of mission at the embassy. Vobis, 53, is a career diplomat who joined the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993. He was a counselor in New Delhi (1994-1998) and Islamabad (1999-2002).

Malacca needs more warships, says TNI

Malacca needs more warships, says TNI JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) requires at least 36 warships to ensure effective security in the Strait of Malacca, where piracy is rampant, a senior officer said on Saturday. Western Region Fleet Military Commander Second Vice Adm. Didik Purnomo said that 36 warships were needed because pirates were well-organized and equipped with more sophisticated weapons. "In order to operate maximally, we need 36 warships in the Strait of Malacca.

Huawei plans to enters country's WCDMA market

Huawei plans to enters country's WCDMA market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Telecommunications equipment provider Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. plans to enter the country's Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) market beginning in the fourth quarter of this year. WCDMA is a form of 3G, a third generation advanced technology which enables cellular subscribers to enjoy several services such as video streaming and video conferencing via cellular phones, in addition to much faster data transfer.

Febi overpowers top seed Prima to keep the edge in rivalry

Febi overpowers top seed Prima to keep the edge in rivalry Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Febi Widhianto clearly has Prima Simpatiaji's number in their continuing rivalry for the top spot in national men's tennis. The third seed from Jakarta overcame the top seeded Central Java player on Saturday in the most highly anticipated semifinal of the Hemaviton Challenge 2005.

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.

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.

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.

Maspion arrests, harassment or quality law enforcement?

Maspion arrests, harassment or quality law enforcement? Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What a surprise. Alim Markus, a Surabaya-based tycoon who is best know for his clean record and successful businesses, was detained by the police on dubious criminal charges. It all began two weeks ago when National Police officers arrested three employees of PT Maspion -- Fo Tjin Yen, alias Yeyen, Kim Siang and Pauline -- in Surabaya and took them to Jakarta for interrogation.

Sports academy falls behind the times

Sports academy falls behind the times Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ragunan in South Jakarta was once known for more than its zoo. Its athletics academy, home to a junior and high school in a compound replete with training facilities, was the place where 1990s badminton queen Susy Susanti, former world badminton champion Icuk Sugiarto, world top 20 tennis player Yayuk Basuki and her husband Suharyadi studied and trained.

Jakartans suffer from 'discriminating' public service, survey says

Jakartans suffer from 'discriminating' public service, survey says Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Economic, religious and racial discrimination and cronyism are widespread in Jakarta's public service at the subdistrict level, a new survey says. A report from the Indonesian Institute for Civil Society (INCIS) also shows that residents here doubt if Governor Sutiyoso has the ability to stop corruption at the local level.

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.

Be afraid, be very afraid of trash

Be afraid, be very afraid of trash There is one immediate activity to be taken before medium- and long-terms steps can begin. Start punishing people and households who/which: 1) Throw their trash into public areas. 2) don't have any tukang sampah (trash collector) coming to their place regularly. 3) Burn trash (viciously at night). People need to be afraid about the punishment in order to stop this disgusting behavior. MELINDA TAN, Jakarta

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.

Clinton to return to Banda Aceh

Clinton to return to Banda Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: More than two months after his visit to tsunami-ravaged Aceh, former United States president Bill Clinton will return to the province on Monday to observe the progress of the relief effort. During his one-day visit as the UN special envoy for tsunami recovery, Clinton is scheduled to hold talks with Indonesian officials, UN representatives, local leaders and Aceh businesspeople.

*Australians still hold out hope for Corby Page 2

*Australians still hold out hope for Corby Page 2 *Muslim clerics reject PKB congress results Page 4 *Bandung Computer shops close on fear of piracy raids Page 5 *Basic questions for Indonesian economists Page 6 *Apartments, condos everywhere, but few tenants Page 8 *EU faces crisis if French vote 'no', but how deep? Page 10 *Air passengers likely to decline by 15 percent: INACA Page 13 *Ragunan Athletic Academy looks back to its heyday Page 21 *Isbedy 'high prince' of Lampung lit Page 24

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.

Spirit upbeat in Kutai ahead of direct local elections

Spirit upbeat in Kutai ahead of direct local elections Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Kutai Kartanegara Heavy rain did not dampen Sudrajat's spirits during a campaign drive of a regental candidate in Kutai Kartanegara. His shirt bearing the picture of his favored candidate was wet due to the rain, but he was unperturbed. He kept dancing along with thousands of others participating in the campaign held in Tenggarong, the capital of Kutai Kartanegara regency.

Several basic questions for Indonesian economists

Several basic questions for Indonesian 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.

Ex-BIN chief sues fact-finding team

Ex-BIN chief sues fact-finding team JAKARTA: The former chief of State Intelligence Body (BIN) Gen. (ret) A.M. Hendropriyono has reported two members of a fact- finding team probing the murder of human rights activist Munir to police for defamation. Hendropriyono, accompanied by his lawyer Maj. Gen.

Drought begins to affect C. Java

Drought begins to affect C. Java DEMAK, Central Java: Drought-like conditions have been reported in Demak regency, Central Java in the past few weeks, sparking fear of an imminent harvest failure. Sutikno, a farmer in Waru subdistrict here, said he had hoped to harvest his rice next month, but without rain, he would suffer harvest failure.

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).

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.

Korean broadcast launches in Asia

Korean broadcast launches in 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. Their schedule in the first-of-its-kind Korea TV Showcase 2005 is quite tight as they plan to continue the marketing tour to Thailand on May 30 and later to India in early June.

Air passengers likely to decline by 15%, says INACA

Air passengers likely to decline by 15%, says INACA The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Due to the prevailing high prices of aviation fuel, the Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) expects this year's number of domestic airline passengers to decline by up to 15 percent.

Tangguh resettlement: Moving not only body but spirit

Tangguh resettlement: Moving not only body but spirit Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Bintuni Bay, Papua Lince has finished decorating her new house. Crimson curtains drape the doorway leading to the bedrooms from the living room. A tablecloth of similar color covers the television in front of the sofa. Religious posters, ornamental ceramic plates and plastic flowers are hung on the walls.

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.

Strong quake jolts western Aceh town

Strong quake jolts western Aceh town ACEH JAYA, Aceh: Another strong earthquake rocked the tsunami- devastated town of Calang, the capital of Aceh Jaya regency on Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale was at sea some 86 kilometers northwest of Meulaboh, the capital of West Aceh regency. "Tsunami survivors still in temporary shelters panicked, as they remain traumatized from the events of Dec.

Separatist rebels hold talks in RP

Separatist rebels hold talks in RP PHILIPPINES: The Philippines' largest Muslim separatist rebel group on Sunday began three days of talks with members on peace talks with the government. Thousands of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members and supporters gathered in a camp in Sultan Kudarat province, 930 kilometers south of Manila, for the meeting.

EKI to stage 'Battle of Love, When Love Turns Sour'

EKI to stage 'Battle of Love, When Love Turns Sour' Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an endeavor to deliver something innovative, the Eksotika Karmawibhangga Indonesia (EKI) dance company will fuse music and film in its next performance called Battle of Love, When Love Turns Sour. In the three-day performance starting April 31 (Tuesday), dance, music and theater will be integrated with a comedy movie screened on stage.

JP/5/AUSTRALIA

JP/5/AUSTRALIA 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.

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.

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 56

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 56 Corby's drug trial and Australian public opinion 2. BBM: 2 X 24 Government restarts nationwide unleaded gasoline campaign 3. ACEH: 1 X 30 Rebels upbeat on EU joining talks 4. BRIBE: 2 X 28 Jakarta's public service discriminates, survey says

Bandung Internet shops close for fear of software piracy raids

Bandung Internet shops close for fear of software piracy raids Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung It was about 10 a.m. and Hidayat, 32, looked nervous after talking to a friend on the telephone. He rushed into a room filled with 16 personal computers and announced that everyone had to leave. Hidayat quickly escorted the confused customers out of his warung (shop) Internet, better known as a warnet, on Jl. Surapati in Bandung.

Smoke-free school campaign kicks off

Smoke-free school campaign kicks off The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Smoking in schools may become a thing of the past now as the Indonesian AIDS Foundation (YAI) has launched a campaign to make high schools in Jakarta non-smoking zones. The foundation, whose primary concern is preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, will select three schools out of 41 across the city which have registered for the non-smoking school award program.

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.

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.

Clinical guidelines sought to reduce malpractice

Clinical guidelines sought to reduce malpractice The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Experts have called for standardized national clinical guidelines in an effort to reduce the number of cases of malpractice as well as to keep medical practitioners updated with the latest medical developments. "Right now we have to follow different sets of procedures when we want to practice in different cities," a fresh medical graduate of Airlangga University, Linda Astari, said on Saturday.

Indonesian safeguards against imports

Indonesian safeguards against imports 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. Indonesia, as a member of the World Trade Organization, ratified Article XIX of GATT 1994 (WTO Safeguards Agreement) in order to protect its domestic markets against an increase in imports.

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.

1. BOMB: 1 X 24

1. BOMB: 1 X 24 Poso blast ups security concerns 2. SBY: 2 X 22 Govt may review security officials after blast: SBY 3. FRENCH: 1 X 25 French 'non' could spark crisis 4. RIYADH: 2 X 16 King Fahd remains in hospital

More police placed in embassies and hotels

More police placed in embassies and hotels Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the bombing in Tentena, Central Sulawesi, that killed at least 20 people on Saturday, city police increased security on Sunday in strategic places, including at embassies and hotels. Around 20 police officers armed with rifles, bulletproof vests and helmets are guarding the U.S Embassy on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, while police trucks and water cannon block the entrance to the embassy.

Appeal to minister of communications

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.

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.

Corby's drug trial and Australian public opinion

Corby's drug trial and Australian public opinion Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 20-year prison term meted out by a court in Bali against Schapelle Corby on Friday for smuggling cannabis into the country is not the end of the road as far as her legal fight is concerned, but if there is one important lesson we can learn from the trial, it is that the massive public campaign in Australia, her home country, for her release has, at times, gone overboard and probably not helped her...

'Energy-saving must be mandatory for all'

'Energy-saving must be mandatory for all' The government has asked residents of Java and Bali to save energy from May 23 to June 6 because of anticipated power supply disruptions as the government does work on its power plants. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on this energy- saving campaign. Fransiskus Budi Setyawan, 25, is an IT consultant with a financial company at the Chase Plaza building on Jl. Sudirman in South Jakarta.

Indosat revenues rise 13.8%

Indosat revenues rise 13.8% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Indosat, the country's second largest telecommunications firm, has started the year off with a positive outlook, booking a steady increase in both its earnings and net profits during this year's first quarter. Indosat announced last week that its operating revenues as of March 31 had grown by as much as 13.8 percent to Rp 2.87 trillion (some US$301 million), from Rp 2.52 trillion in the same period last year.

JP/5/HIO

JP/5/HIO 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.

Singapore Inc. goes on buying spree

Singapore Inc. goes on buying spree Bernice Han, Agence France-Presse/Singapore Got any prime property to sell for a few hundred million dollars in a major world capital ? Try offering it to Singapore, a land-scarce but cash-rich country emerging as a global property titan as it snaps up everything from serviced apartments in Japan to malls in Britain as part of a long-term investment strategy. The acquisitions are driven by the Government of Singapore Investment Corp.

Dutch photographers take aim at domestic circles

Dutch photographers take aim at domestic circles 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.

Acehnese worry about future if peace talks break down

Acehnese worry about future if peace talks break down Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh While many take peace for granted, for the Acehnese it is a treasured, yet elusive goal, reflected in the mixed reactions to the ongoing dialog between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Helsinki, Finland. Some wish the best for the two parties in the conviction that the current peace talks will put an end to the long-standing conflict in the resource-rich province.

Slowly but surely, search goes on for athletic talent

Slowly but surely, search goes on for athletic talent Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It's still early days in the campaign of the Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) to scour the country for the best young talent aged between 14 and 16 years. After two years, the program has produced one competitive athlete, although others are in training.

Page 8

Page 8 1. Property -- six col, ine line 1 x 35 Apartments everywhere, but few tenants 2. Vendors -- 2 col, 3 lines 3 x 16 City to impose zone-based levies on vendors 3. Rokok -- 4 col, 1 line 1 x 32 Smoke-free schools campaign kicks off 4. Speakup -- 1 x 38 'Energy-saving must be mandatory for all' Page 9 1. Bomb -- 3 col, 2 lines 2 x 26 More police placed in embassies, hotels after Tentena bombing 2. Jaksa -- 7 col, 1 line 1 x 42 Residents witness to change on Jalan Jaksa 3.

JP/17/TNT

JP/17/TNT TNT now serves domestic shipment, aims to be market leader The Jakarta Post Jakarta TNT Express Indonesia has announced it was now serving the domestic market in 16 major cities across the country, making it the first delivery services firm that offers an integrated international and domestic service in Indonesia. "We are confident that we're able to apply our recognized high quality of international service into domestic service," said TNT Indonesian president director Colin Moran.

Poso blast ups security concerns

Poso blast ups security concerns The Jakarta Post, Tentena, Jakarta Flags were flown half mast on Sunday in the town of Tentena, Central Sulawesi, where two bombs exploded killing at least 20 people on Saturday morning. Although the bombs were placed in a crowded market and outside a bank, and apparently did not target foreigners, security was nevertheless immediately stepped up at Jakarta's embassies and hotels.

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.

Febi and Ayu give Detec double victory at Hemaviton Challenge

Febi and Ayu give Detec double victory at Hemaviton Challenge Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Detec tennis club players dominated the Hemaviton Challenge 2005 here on Sunday with Febi Widhiyanto and Ayu Fani Damayanti winning the men's singles and women's singles respectively.

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.

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.

RI Embassy helps seamen's families

RI Embassy helps seamen's families JAKARTA: The families of two deceased Indonesian seamen -- Samsuri and Suryadi -- received insurance payouts recently with the help of Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, the embassy said recently.

Rebels upbeat on EU joining talks

Rebels upbeat on EU joining talks Agencies, Helsinki/Jakarta The Aceh rebel group has expressed optimism on peace moves on Sunday, with a European Union delegation due to add weight to negotiations under way in Helsinki. "We are gaining ground" in tackling the issues, Bakhtiar Abdullah, a spokesman for the exiled leadership of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), told AFP shortly before talks resumed for a session devoted to security measures.

Displaced Shan asked to move out

Displaced Shan asked to move out THAILAND: Thailand has asked an ethnic Shan rebel group from Myanmar to move a settlement of civilians -- including more than 200 orphans -- from disputed border territory to deeper inside Myanmar, a senior Thai army officer said on Sunday. The Shan say the move would increase the exposure of the civilians to military attacks by the Myanmar pro-government forces, especially shelling that has become more frequent in recent months.

Rexy said eager to get started in Malaysia

Rexy said eager to get started in Malaysia The Star, ANN/Kuala Lumpur Former Indonesian doubles ace Rexy Mainaky is reported set to travel to Malaysia earlier than expected to start work as the new high performance men's doubles coach of the national badminton team. The Badminton Association of England (BAE) announced on Tuesday that Rexy had terminated his contract with them and would be heading for Malaysia to be nearer his widowed mother, Venna, who lives in Jakarta.

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.

The Maspion arrests, harassment or good law enforcement?

The Maspion arrests, harassment or good law enforcement? NEWS ANALYSIS Riyadi Suparno The Jakarta Post/Jakarta What a surprise. Alim Markus, a Surabaya-based tycoon who is best know for his clean record and successful businesses, was detained by the police for on dubious criminal charges. It all began two weeks ago when National Police officers arrested three employees of PT Maspion -- Fo Tjin Yen, alias Yeyen, Kim Siang and Pauline -- in Surabaya and took them to Jakarta for interrogation.

~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.

Isbedy, 'literary pope' of Lampung

Isbedy, 'literary pope' of Lampung Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung No discussion about modern Indonesian 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.

JP/5/UNDP

JP/5/UNDP Electricity returns in Maluku's formerly riot-torn areas 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.

LG aims to sell 150,000 air conditioners

LG aims to sell 150,000 air conditioners The Jakarta Post, Jakarta LG Electronics Indonesia (LGEIN) targets to sell up to 150,000 air conditioners this year to households and commercial properties such as offices, hotels and shopping malls, an executive said. "We have set a target to sell 150,000 this year, compared to last year's 130,000 units," LGEIN Commercial AC manager Achadiat Sudarmadi said during a press conference.

City to impose zone-based levies on vendors

City to impose zone-based levies on vendors Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta administration will impose zone-based fees on the over 141,000 street vendors operating, and critics say causing traffic, in the city. "This way we can regulate them and provide them with better assistance," City Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Agency head Sukri Bey told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

JP/5/FOOD

JP/5/FOOD More people in West Nusa Tenggara die of malnutrition 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.

~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.

Traders complain of quiet conditions

Traders complain of quiet conditions JAKARTA: Traders at Kebon Jati Market in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta are complaining about quiet business conditions, saying that their incomes had dropped significantly since they were moved into their new kiosks. "As you can see, there are no buyers here," Vini, 40, one of the traders, was quoted by Antara as saying on Sunday. She said she could only stay in business because trading was only a side job for her. Vini is a teacher.

Senior councillor return graft money

Senior councillor return graft money JAMBI: Rustam Effendi, a former councillor in East Tanjungjabung regency, has recently returned Rp 130 million (US$13,829) in state funds that he allegedly embezzled, but the Jambi Prosecutor's Office remains adamant that he will still be tried for corruption. "Despite the fact that he has returned some of the money, the alleged crime already took place," said Warsa Susanta, a deputy chief of Jambi Prosecutor's Office, on Saturday.

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.

Minister visits, offers help to malnourished children

Minister visits, offers help to malnourished children Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari visited disadvantaged people in Mataram on Saturday to see for herself the extent of malnutrition among children.

Tenaga to open bids for new power plant

Tenaga to open bids for new power plant KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian power utility Tenaga Nasional Bhd. plans to call for bids to construct a 150-megawatt power plant in eastern Sabah state estimated to cost one billion ringgit (US$263 million), a report said on Sunday. The Edge financial newspaper said the power plant would increase the utility's capacity to 300 megawatts.

LG launches new laptops to tap RI IT market

LG launches new laptops to tap RI IT market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's laptop computer market has a newcomer. LG Electronics Indonesia (LGEIN) has launched its new line of products, including portable computers and USB flashdiscs. LGEIN president director Kee Ju-lee said that the firm decided to launch the products in the country after market surveys suggested good opportunities.

Bekasi fines over 13,000 motorists

Bekasi fines over 13,000 motorists BEKASI: Bekasi Police, working with officials from the transportation agency, ticketed 13,635 cars and motorcycles in May. Traffic police head Comr. Gatot Subroto said over the weekend that most of the tickets were for failure to carry necessary papers, failure to wear a helmet and ignoring street signs. "What really concerns us is that people continued to violate traffic rules even though they saw us out there writing tickets.

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.

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.

Govt may review security officials after bombs: SBY

Govt may review security officials after bombs: SBY Reiner Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Hanoi Following the latest blasts that rocked the country, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Sunday a performance assessment of security officials was likely. The performance of security officials in the field, be they from the police, intelligence agencies or the military, were subject to regular evaluations, the President said while on a state visit to Vietnam.

TNT express aims to be market leader

TNT express aims to be market leader The Jakarta Post, Jakarta TNT Express Indonesia has announced it was now serving domestic shipment to 16 major cities across the country, making it the first carrier and logistic provider that offers an integrated international and domestic service in Indonesia. "We are confident that we're able to apply our recognized high quality of international service into domestic service," said TNT Indonesian president director Collin Moran.

Jalan Jaksa offers more than cheap beer to tourists

Jalan Jaksa offers more than cheap beer to tourists Andina Sawitri Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Close to the center of the bustling city, Jl. Jaksa is really easy to reach. Coming alive after 5 p.m. and alive till the break of dawn everyday, foreigners and locals come to this little one-way street for many reasons: to celebrate an event that won't cost a fortune, to hang around, to relax after work, to look for a side job -- as an English tutor -- or just to kill time.

NU irked by minister for deploying militia

NU irked by minister for deploying militia SIDOARJO, East Java: The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) central board has announced plans to officially reprimand Saifullah Yusuf, who chairs the organization's youth wing Ansor, after he deployed a paramilitary group during a meeting of the NU-founded National Awakening Party (PKB).

KL in a tight spot over currency revamp

KL in a tight spot over currency revamp Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Speculators betting on a revaluation of the Malaysian ringgit peg to the dollar may be in for a long wait amid mixed signals in recent weeks over the seven-year-old fixed exchange rate policy. Most analysts agree that the ringgit, fixed at 3.80 to the dollar since 1998 after the Asian financial crisis, is undervalued by around 10 percent and should be allowed to strengthen.

NU clerics declare Semarang congress illegitimate

NU clerics declare Semarang congress illegitimate The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Awakening Party (PKB) is veering away from internal reconciliation as a group of Muslim clerics who helped found the party demanded on Sunday a new congress to elect legitimate leaders.

Jasa Marga to close airport toll gate

Jasa Marga to close airport toll gate JAKARTA: Beginning at midnight on Sunday, toll operator Jasa Marga will close one of the three toll gates on the Cengkareng airport toll road. "This policy is meant to improve services on the toll road and increase its capacity," Jasa Marga executive Septerianto was quoted as saying by Antara on Saturday. He said daily traffic on the toll road was increasing by up to 8 percent a year. Currently, about 70,000 vehicles use the road daily.

SGX to tie up with SE Asian bourses

SGX to tie up with SE Asian bourses SINGAPORE: The Singapore Exchange is looking to tie up with more exchanges in Southeast Asia as a way of providing more investment opportunities for investors, Channel News Asia reported over the weekend. Chief executive Hsieh Fu Hua said the SGX was due to seal its tie- up with Malaysia soon. A deal, expected by the end of next year, will see the two markets operating as one. Hsieh made the comments on the sidelines of the Wharton Alumni Forum in Singapore.

Apartments everywhere, but few tenants

Apartments everywhere, but few tenants Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta New apartments and condominiums continue to flood the capital's market despite the fact only few of them are being occupied. What prompts developers to continue to build new apartments and condos? The following is the first of a series of articles on apartments and condominiums in the capital.

Downer says RI presidential pardon best hope for Corby

Downer says RI presidential pardon best hope for Corby Agence France-Presse, Sydney Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on Sunday advised a young Australian woman sentenced to 20 years in an Indonesian jail for smuggling marijuana to seek a pardon from Indonesia's president.

Mari to visit Egypt to boost trade ties

Mari to visit Egypt to boost trade ties JAKARTA: Egypt and Indonesia will have their fourth session of the Joint Ministerial Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation meeting in Cairo next month, Egyptian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohamed E. Taha said in Jakarta. "This meeting's main aim is to boost bilateral economic relations between the two countries.

Govt restarts nationwide unleaded gasoline campaign

Govt restarts nationwide unleaded gasoline campaign Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has restarted a nationwide campaign promoting the use of unleaded gasoline, imploring suppliers to introduce the fuel to outlets across the country by the end of the year. The program was an earlier initiative of the Megawati Cabinet in 2003.

Inco upbeat about Asia-Pacific

Inco upbeat about Asia-Pacific Lynne Olver, Dow Jones/Toronto Beyond its current development projects in Canada and New Caledonia, nickel producer Inco Ltd. is considering Australia, the Philippines and China for future nickel mines and facilities, Chairman and Chief Executive Scott Hand said Friday. Asian countries account for 62 percent of Inco's total sales, up from about 50 percent five years ago, Hand said in an interview.