Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 May 2005

87 articles found

OPEC happy with RI's membership: Govt

OPEC happy with RI's membership: GovtLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has no problem with Indonesia's membership, even if the country becomes a net crude oil importer, a top official says.

Javanese culture and democracy

Javanese culture and democracy Although members of the Javanese community may claim they represent a "non-confrontational" culture (Javanese culture barrier to democracy: The Jakarta Post, April 30), it might be arrogant to not consider the experiences of young girls sold into prostitution...

Susilo puts the squeeze on corruption

Susilo puts the squeeze on corruptionThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Nusa Dua, BaliPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has repeated his promise to seriously fight corruption at all levels of both state and private institutions, establishing a special team to strengthen and speed up his antigraft drive.

Singapore, Australia to resume 'open skies' talks this month: Yeo

Singapore, Australia to resume 'open skies' talks this month: YeoAgence France-Presse, SingaporeAustralian aviation officials will visit Singapore this month for further talks on giving Singapore Airlines (SIA) the right to fly the Australia-U.S.

Star returns home to culture shock

Star returns home to culture shockKarl Wilson, Agence France-Presse/ManilaAfter 20 years performing on the European stage, leading Filipino dancer Augustus Damian has returned home to helm the national ballet -- and a culture shock.

'TVRI' official implicated in graft

'TVRI' official implicated in graft SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Prosecutors are investigating an alleged graft case involving the head of East Kalimantan state television station TVRI, Asmuny S. Noor.Asmuny is implicated in the embezzlement of the station's operational funds, which caused Rp 1.

ASEAN-U.S. relations at risk over Myanmar chairmanships issue

ASEAN-U.S. relations at risk over Myanmar chairmanships issueAgencies, BangkokU.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick welcomed the regional efforts to get Myanmar to reform but warned of "severe limitations" on U.S.-ASEAN relations if the military-ruled state chaired the grouping.

Ambulance 118 expands fleet, services

Ambulance 118 expands fleet, servicesEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAn elderly neighbor falls down. Blood is streaming down her face and she is crying in pain. You do not know first aid. What do you do?Don't panic. Dial 65303118. It works like 911.

Be proud of yourself

Be proud of yourself I refer to the letter of Fenty Ang (an Indonesian student in Singapore) that appeared in The Jakarta Post on April 23 and felt sorry for her having such a low opinion about her country and its people.

AGO to probe bad debtors linked with govt officials

AGO to probe bad debtors linked with govt officialsRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaStepping up their investigations into the alleged lending scandal at state Bank Mandiri, prosecutors plan to probe a number of bad debtors who have links with top government officials.

Top Maluku separatist nabbed at Ambon airport

Top Maluku separatist nabbed at Ambon airportM. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, AmbonAmbon Police were holding a top separatist activist on Thursday on suspicion that he is involved in subversive activities.

2 x 25

2 x 25 Top Maluku separatist nabbed at Ambon airport JP/4/poso1 x 51 Poso blast suspects arrested, linked to Mamasa riot JP/4/SHOOT 1 x 25 Boy killed in TNI-GAM clash JP/4/4Unicef1 x 47 Unicef gives $90 million to Aceh, Nias schools

~Tsunami - 125 days after

~Tsunami - 125 days after Message from Minister for Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Agnes van Ardenne-van der Hoeven In Indonesia, on the streets of Banda Aceh, the impact of the tsunami is still being felt. Children are still crying because their parents died.

Unicef gives $90 million for Aceh and Nias schools

Unicef gives $90 million for Aceh and Nias schoolsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) has handed over US$90 million in financial aid to build 300 new elementary schools and repair 200 damaged school buildings in disaster-devastated Aceh province and Nias Island,...

Jakarta Monorail struggles to reach deal before deadline

Jakarta Monorail struggles to reach deal before deadlineBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAlmost a year after PT Jakarta Monorail (JM) signed a concession agreement with the city administration, the company is still struggling to close a deal with potential financiers.

WB helps people with HIV/AIDS

WB helps people with HIV/AIDS BEKASI: Head of the Bekasi Health Agency Bambang Djati Kusumo said on Wednesday the World Bank would provide a grant to help people with HIV/AIDS in the regency.He said that four cities would receive a similar grant from the World Bank.

1. Corrupt -- 3x12

1. Corrupt -- 3x12 Susilo puts the squeeze on corruption 2. Press --- 2x20 Media freedom under attack as newsmen jailed 3. LSM ----- 4x12 BIN suspects foreign NGOs 'crossing the line' in Aceh 4. Poll --- 1x40 Britons vote, Blair tipped for another term

Down with smugglers!

Down with smugglers! The recent Asian-African Summit concluded successfully. The hurly-burly of the golden jubilee commemoration of the Asia- Africa Conference may continue, but smugglers are operating like it's business as usual.

Indian food attracts wider market

Indian food attracts wider marketEvi Mariani The Jakarta Post/JakartaThanks partly to Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and other Bollywood people, all things Indian are gaining popularity here, including its spicy and pungent cuisine.

*RI pays $1.8m for grounded jet fighter in U.S. Page 2

*RI pays $1.8m for grounded jet fighter in U.S. Page 2 *Borneo's ancient jungles offer new insight into modern life Page 3 *Top Maluku separatist nabbed at Ambon airport Page 4 *Parents feel the bite of education cost Page 5 *How a poll hero turned into 'public enemy' Page 6 *Monorail struggles to...

DPD pushes for legislative power

DPD pushes for legislative powerTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Regional Representatives Council (DPD) is seeking support for a constitutional amendment that would give it legislative power.DPD Speaker Ginandjar Kartasasmita said the council had received positive support from House of...

C. Sulawesi's Lore Lindu park, home to biological wealth

C. Sulawesi's Lore Lindu park, home to biological wealthRuslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, PosoLore Lindu National Park is a unique place to visit as it is home to flora and fauna peculiar to Central Sulawesi, as well as prehistoric statues and building blocks.

Poso blast suspects arrested, linked to Mamasa riot

Poso blast suspects arrested, linked to Mamasa riotThe Jakarta Post, JakartaCentral Sulawesi Police have confirmed that three suspects arrested recently in connection with two Poso bomb attacks were also on the police wanted list for allegedly sparking an April 24 riot in Mamasa, West Sulawesi.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-ratesRupiah Rates MAy 4 JP/13/ConverRupiah Rates May 4 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,781.21 7,003.50 7,430.09 7,354.57Brunei dollar 1 6,117.63 5,503.54 5,841.58 5,779.42Canadian dollar 1 8,009.76 7,207.

KPU's graft exposure

KPU's graft exposureFrom RepublikaWith the arrest of Mulyana W. Kusumah, a rights campaigner and member of the General Elections Commission (KPU), as a non- governmental organization activist I feel concerned over Mulyana's alleged bribery involvement.

Polio sufferers in dire need of help

Polio sufferers in dire need of helpYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, SukabumiFikri Ramdani, just 19-months-old, has lost a toddler's joy since contracting polio two months ago. He cries all the time as he suffers from recurring bouts of high fever and frustratingly hits his legs that have become...

Side-by-side refrigerator: A hot status symbol for riche

Side-by-side refrigerator: A hot status symbol for richeThe Jakarta Post, JakartaIf a fire strikes Rina's home, irreplaceable valuables such as photo albums and family heirlooms will not be on top of her priority of what-should-be-saved-first list.

RI scores largest scholarship batch

RI scores largest scholarship batchJAKARTA: Seventy Indonesian scholars and students have been granted Fulbright scholarships to study in the United States, the American Indonesian Exchange Foundation announced on Thursday.

Media freedom under attack as newsmen jailed

Media freedom under attack as newsmen jailedOyos Saroso H.N, The Jakarta Post, BandarlampungMedia freedom in Indonesia is on the brink of ruin, with two senior journalists in Lampung being sentenced to nine months in jail for defamation.

Syafii Maarif, moderation and the future of Muhammadiyah

Syafii Maarif, moderation and the future of MuhammadiyahHilman Latief, Kalamazoo, Michigan At the next Muhammadiyah Congress from July 3-8 in Malang, East Java, the issue of the organization's leadership will feature prominently.

Man dies after communal clash

Man dies after communal clash AMBON, Maluku: Sayuti Roroa, a victim of a recent communal conflict in Kei Kecil district, Southeast Maluku regency, died on Thursday afternoon as a result of gunshot wounds.

~CD:

~CD: Dewa must bow to Islamists From Koran TempoA number of Islamic organizations have reported the Dewa pop rock band to the Jakarta police for failing to change the group's newest album cover, which bears a logo resembling the word Allah.

Govt sets up tsunami early warning system

Govt sets up tsunami early warning system JAKARTA: Following the Dec. 26 tsunami in Aceh and North Sumatra, the government is setting up a tsunami early warning system it claims will be able to predict incoming killer waves only five minutes after an initial earthquake.

Petronas launches Syntium lubricants

Petronas launches Syntium lubricants JAKARTA: PT Petronas Niaga Indonesia (PNI), a subsidiary of Malaysia-based oil and gas firm Petronas, has launched a synthetic lubricant oil that meets the latest performance requirements of the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Drivers make way for dead, not the living

Drivers make way for dead, not the livingEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta"My ambulance, in which I was transporting a three-day-old baby with breathing difficulties, was caught in traffic. Other vehicles wouldn't give way even though I had the siren and the flashing light on," Asti...

Polish pianist toasts human spirit in calamity's wake

Polish pianist toasts human spirit in calamity's wakeM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, JakartaLike the main character portrayed in Roman Polanski's award- winning film The Pianist, who seeks solace in music while the world crumbles around him, Polish piano player Janusz Olejniczak performed on...

Headings

HeadingsPage 81. MONORAIL -- 3x18 Jakarta Monorail struggles to reach deal before deadline 2. THEO -- 2x20 Theo may be declared suspect in assault case 3. TIGER -- 1x28 (cutline) Taman Safari gets 4 new tiger cubs 4. SPEAK -- 1x30 'Menteng stadium is an historical site'

Bekasi scraps budget for old folks' home

Bekasi scraps budget for old folks' home BEKASI: The Bekasi regental administration has decided to scrap the budget for 19 elderly men and women living in Siti Sarifah old people's home in Kampung Serang Baru subdistrict.

Getting more polluted

Getting more polluted When Director General for Land Transportation Iskandar Abubakar launched the idea of having all private vehicles undergo a roadworthiness test in 2003, he was met with strong resistance from the public.

Madagascar populated from Africa and Indonesia's Kaliamantan: Study

Madagascar populated from Africa and Indonesia's Kaliamantan: StudyReuters, WashingtonThe Malagasy people of Madagascar carry the genes from ancestors in both nearby East Africa and also distant Borneo suggesting a big migration from Asia back to Africa 2,000 year ago, British researchers reported...

Govt expects growth in fishing industry

Govt expects growth in fishing industryThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government is focusing its fishery policy on promoting downstream industries to add extra value to maritime resources, a government official says.

Borneo's ancient jungles offer new insight into modern life

Borneo's ancient jungles offer new insight into modern lifeSebastien Blanc, Agence France-Presse/Malinau, IndonesiaMany of us suspect it as we trudge to work in the morning, but scientists studying some of the last primitive tribes in deepest Borneo say they now have proof -- modern life is,...

Gloomy picture of a worker's life

Gloomy picture of a worker's lifeID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, SidoardjoAn old bicycle is parked among hundreds of motorcycles near a machinery assembling factory in East Java town of Sidoardjo. The bicycle is rusty, and its seat torn.

Theo may be declared a suspect in assault case

Theo may be declared a suspect in assault caseAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaCity police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani says former Investment Coordinating Agency (BKPM) chairman Theo Toemion is likely to be declared a suspect in an assault case that occurred at Jakarta International School...

Obasanjo invites Susilo to Nigeria

Obasanjo invites Susilo to NigeriaJAKARTA: Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has invited his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to visit his country, Nigerian Ambassador to Indonesia Moh. Buba Ahmed said in Jakarta.

Dao strikes back to level matchup against Susanto

Dao strikes back to level matchup against SusantoMusthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta GM Dao Thien Hai booked back-to-back wins to even the score with GM Susanto Megaranto in their Japfa chess contest.After taking his first win on Wednesday to reduce the gap to 1-2, the Vietnamese player's...

Taman Safari gets 4 new tiger cubs

Taman Safari gets 4 new tiger cubsTheresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, BogorThe number of tigers at Taman Safari in Bogor has reached 150 now with the birth of four cubs.The mother, a white eight-year-old tiger named Shinta, gave birth to three female cubs and one male on April 25 (see photo).

Down with smugglers!

Down with smugglers! The recent Asian-African Summit concluded successfully. The hurly-burly of the golden jubilee commemoration of the Asia- Africa Conference may continue, but smugglers are operating like it's business as usual.

JP/4/team

JP/4/teamSpecial 51-strong antigraft team sworn inRendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/JakartaPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono installed on Wednesday 51 members of a special team charged with the task of intensifying and improving the government's anticorruption campaign,...

BIN suspects foreign NGOs 'crossing the line' in Aceh

BIN suspects foreign NGOs 'crossing the line' in AcehRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAside from conducting humanitarian work in tsunami-stricken Aceh, a number of overseas non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the province are abusing their original mission, says the head of...

ADB opens new office in Medan

ADB opens new office in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) opened a new office in Medan on Wednesday as part of its efforts to support humanitarian projects in Aceh and Nias.ADB country director David J.

Dewa must bow

Dewa must bow to Islamists From Koran TempoA number of Islamic organizations have reported the Dewa pop rock band to the Jakarta police for failing to change the group's newest album cover, which bears a logo resembling the word Allah.

Boxing chief angered by 'third party' in Chris John-Sutan snarl

Boxing chief angered by 'third party' in Chris John-Sutan snarlAntara Jakarta Chairman of the Indonesian Boxing Commission (KTI) Anton Sihombing has blamed third party meddling for the failure to resolve the contractual dispute between featherweight champion Chris John and his former trainer.

Singapore, RI eye new investment

Singapore, RI eye new investmentAssociated Press, Singapore Singapore and Indonesia will push for new investment from Japan and Europe, launching a joint investors' roadshow at the end of the year, the city-state's trade minister said on Thursday.

FM Hassan to attend ASEM meeting

FM Hassan to attend ASEM meetingJAKARTA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda will attend an Asia-Europe foreign ministers meeting in Kyoto, Japan, from May 6 to May 7, a ministry official said on Thursday.

Riau farmers stage protest

Riau farmers stage protest PEKANBARU, Riau: Angry protesters from the Farmers Action Front for Justice staged a protest outside Riau Governor HM Rusli's residence on Wednesday, breaking down the fence in the process.

Govt to build phone lines worth Rp 400b from USO

Govt to build phone lines worth Rp 400b from USOYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungWith about 40,000 villages nationwide still without access to telecommunication, the government is aiming to build more telephone lines in remote areas using the Rp 400 billion (US$41.

RI maid jailed again in S'pore

RI maid jailed again in S'poreSINGAPORE: A 20-year-old Indonesian maid was back in jail on Thursday for lying about being abused, a newspaper reported.Indrawati, previously jailed three months for theft, was sent back to prison for another three months for making a false statement to a police...

Asian govts agree on wider currency swap

Asian govts agree on wider currency swapMynardo Macaraig, Agence France-Presse/IstambulFinance ministers from China, Japan, S. Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on Wednesday to expand their system of bilateral currency swaps under the Chiang Mai Initiative to a...

Parents feel the bite of education costs

Parents feel the bite of education costsThe Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta, SemarangAny parent would be proud to see their child graduate. But Sudibyo is far from happy. When his eldest son, Eko Widi, graduates from senior high school this year, Sudibyo will need lots of money since Eko has been accepted...

Rupiah ends higher on dollar's slide

Rupiah ends higher on dollar's slideDow Jones, JakartaThe rupiah closed higher Wednesday, benefiting from the dollar's weakness against most regional units, dealers said.The dollar closed at Rp 9,505, down from its close on Tuesday at Rp 9,545 tracking its loss against the Japanese yen.

Police stops Vietnamese ship

Police stops Vietnamese ship TANJUNG PINANG, Riau Islands: Tanjung Pinang air and water police apprehended MV Vietrans Timex 05 and its cargo of 40,000 sacks of sugar weighing 2,000 tons in Sore island waters in Riau Islands regency late Tuesday.Tanjung Pinang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

FMs gather for Asia-Europe meeting

FMs gather for Asia-Europe meetingAgencies, Tokyo/SeoulNorth Korea's nuclear weapons program, rising oil prices, and human rights in Myanmar top the agenda for a meeting of Asian and European foreign ministers starting on Friday in Japan.

KTI chief slams 'third party' in Chris John-Sutan dispute

KTI chief slams 'third party' in Chris John-Sutan disputeThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the Indonesian Boxing Commission (KTI) Anton Sihombing has blamed third party meddling for the failure to resolve the contractual dispute between featherweight champion Chris John and his former trainer.

Dao strikes back to level matchup against Susanto

Dao strikes back to level matchup against SusantoMusthofid The Jakarta Post/Jakarta GM Dao Thien Hai booked back-to-back wins to even the score with GM Susanto Megaranto in their Japfa chess contest.After taking his first win on Wednesday to reduce the gap to 1-2, the Vietnamese player's experience...

How a poll hero turned into 'public enemy'

How a poll hero turned into 'public enemy'Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta This is a story of a hero-turned public enemy. Mulyana W. Kusumah -- a rights activist and member of the Indonesian Elections Commission (KPU) -- was one of the many so- called "heroes" who it seemed had succeeded in organizing a...

Vietnam backs Australian bid for East Asia Summit

Vietnam backs Australian bid for East Asia SummitMichelle Nichols, Reuters/CanberraAustralia continues to canvass support for its inclusion in a summit of east Asian countries with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on Thursday backing Canberra's push for more acceptance in the region.

Ex-Texmaco workers protest at palace

Ex-Texmaco workers protest at palace JAKARTA: About 500 former Texmaco Group employees held a demonstration in front of the State Palace on Jl. Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta on Wednesday demanding that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono help speed up payment of their salaries by Texmaco.

1. TNI: 3 X 18

1. TNI: 3 X 18 Indonesia pays $1.8m for grounded jet fighter in the U.S. 2. POLIO: 1 X 32 Polio sufferers in dire need of help 3. MANDIRI: 2 X 21 AGO to probe bad debtors linked to govt officials 4. TEAM: 2 X 28 President installs special 51-member antigraft team I-box The Coordinating Team for...

Continental giants South Africa and Nigeria are working together

Continental giants South Africa and Nigeria are working together to bag two permanent seats on the UN Security Council (UNSC) allocated to Africa under a plan to revamp the world body, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad said on Thursday.

Blacking out schools 'unwise'

Blacking out schools 'unwise' AMBON, Maluku: Ambon municipal council speaker lashed out at electricity company PLN on Wednesday for cutting power supply to 27 schools.Council speaker Lucky Wattimury said the council understood that the schools had not paid their bills, but advised the company to...

Eradicating corruption

Eradicating corruption As an Indonesian scholar I am pleased to read Indonesia: Uprooting graft published in the Economist, April 30, 2005, page 26, by correctly posing the question: "Is President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at last getting serious about tackling corruption?"Unfortunately the...

Malaysia's exports hit monthly record

Malaysia's exports hit monthly record KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's exports rose 16 percent from a year earlier to hit an all-time monthly record of 46.67 billion ringgit (US$12.28 billion) in March, the trade ministry said on Wednesday.Imports for the month rose 8.7 percent to 36.

Bright future for low-cost carriers

Bright future for low-cost carriersDeutsche Presse-Agentur, SingaporeThe potential for budget travel growth in Asia is so huge a top Singapore minister predicted on Wednesday intra-regional air transit will one day overtake the United States.

1. INSIGHT, 1 LINE, 50 COUNTS

1. INSIGHT, 1 LINE, 50 COUNTS Potential exists for strong domestic industrial sector 2. PIANO: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Polish pianist toasts human spirit in calamity's wake 3. PUNAN: 2 LINES, 28 COUNTS Borneo's ancient jungles offer new insight into modern life 4. MYANMAR: 1 LINE, 36 counts ASEAN-U.S.

Indonesia pays $1.8m for grounded jet fighter in the U.S.

Indonesia pays $1.8m for grounded jet fighter in the U.S.Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government had paid more than US$1.8 million during the past 10 years to house a grounded jet fighter in the United States after Washington placed a military embargo on Indonesia, a legislator...

'Menteng stadium is an historical site'

'Menteng stadium is an historical site'The move to convert Menteng Soccer Stadium into a city park has sparked protests from noted public figures and scholars, who suspect foul play in the plan as the Sutiyoso administration will be inviting investors to open cafes and other entertainment venues...

The Coordinating Team for Corruption Eradication:

The Coordinating Team for Corruption Eradication:Advisors: Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar BPKP head Arie SoelendroHead: Deputy Attorney General for Special Crime Hendarman Supandji Deputy head: National Police Director of Anticorruption division Brig.

Three districts prone to conflict

Three districts prone to conflict YOGYAKARTA: Three districts in Bantul regency are prone to conflict between supporters of candidates contesting the upcoming election of regional heads, a police officer said on Wednesday.Bantul Police deputy chief Comr.

Potential exists for strong domestic industrial sector

Potential exists for strong domestic industrial sectorRachmat Gobel, JakartaIn recent years, there has been an exodus of international companies from Indonesia. Kyocera is just one of the most recent examples.

Javanese culture

Javanese culture and democracy Although members of the Javanese community may claim they represent a "non-confrontational" culture (Javanese culture barrier to democracy: The Jakarta Post, April 30), it might be arrogant to not consider the experiences of young girls sold into prostitution...

Eradicate pornography

Eradicate pornographyFrom Media IndonesiaThe 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.

Boy killed in TNI-GAM clash

Boy killed in TNI-GAM clashNani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehA seven-year-old boy was shot dead on Wednesday in North Aceh regency, as a car in which he was traveling was allegedly ambushed by a group of Aceh rebels. Ten others were also injured during the incident, including three soldiers.

Indonesia's great escape to win the first Sudirman Cup

Indonesia's great escape to win the first Sudirman CupBruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Five minutes can make a world of difference. As Susy Susanti sat in a corner of Istora Senayan stadium during the mid-match break, listening to her coach's advice for the final game against South Korean Lee...

Abolish democracy

Abolish democracy in RI, too costlyFrom Media Indonesia Democracy in Indonesia today tends to ruin nationhood and statehood because its implementation is high-cost and leads to a waste of public funds.The three elections held last year, for instance, cost a lot of money, and then we discover that...

Special antigraft team installed

Special antigraft team installedRendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono installed on Wednesday 51 members of a special team charged with the task of intensifying and improving the government's anticorruption campaign.

ASEAN-U.S. ties at risk if Myanmar becomes chair, says top US

ASEAN-U.S. ties at risk if Myanmar becomes chair, says top US official Agencies BangkokU.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick welcomed the regional efforts to get Myanmar to reform but warned of "severe limitations" on U.S.-ASEAN relations if the military-ruled state chaired the grouping.