Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 May 2005

87 articles found

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates MAy 4 JP/13/Conver Rupiah 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 7,354.57 Brunei dollar 1 6,117.63 5,503.54 5,841.58 5,779.42 Canadian dollar 1 8,009.76 7,207.26 7,648.33 7,568.54 Swiss franc 1 8,416.23 7,572.22 8,036.46 7,951.80 Danish krone 1 1,743.39 1,568.53 1,664.72 1,647.16 Euro 1 12,976.02 11,678.82 12,390.50 12,264.25 Poundsterling 1 19,052.33...

KPU's graft exposure

KPU's graft exposure From Republika With 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. However, while hoping the case will not become a bad precedent and induce cynicism, I think that in a muddled bureaucratic system, even a wise man may be caught in a difficult situation.

Polio sufferers in dire need of help

Polio sufferers in dire need of help Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Sukabumi Fikri 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 too weak to kick a ball. "Like most kids, Fikri was able to walk by the age of one year, and he could run well not long after. He likes to play soccer with his friends.

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

Side-by-side refrigerator: A hot status symbol for riche The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If 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. "Instead, I will try to save my side-by-side refrigerator first," she said, acknowledging that moving the U.S.-made 120- kilogram sleek glass-paneled fridge worth Rp 24 million (US$2,515) by herself would be a bit problematic.

RI scores largest scholarship batch

RI scores largest scholarship batch JAKARTA: Seventy Indonesian scholars and students have been granted Fulbright scholarships to study in the United States, the American Indonesian Exchange Foundation announced on Thursday. The Fulbright recipients will study in fields such as American Literature, Food Technology, Religious Studies, Education, Business Administration and Law.

Media freedom under attack as newsmen jailed

Media freedom under attack as newsmen jailed Oyos Saroso H.N, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Media freedom in Indonesia is on the brink of ruin, with two senior journalists in Lampung being sentenced to nine months in jail for defamation. The verdicts on Wednesday are hurtful to democracy, moreover coming on the heels of government efforts to produce a new Criminal Code that will be detrimental to freedom of expression, a legal expert commented.

Syafii Maarif, moderation and the future of Muhammadiyah

Syafii Maarif, moderation and the future of Muhammadiyah Hilman 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. Ahmad Syafii Maarif has already confirmed he will not be standing for the Muhammadiyah post of chairman, creating a power vacuum that will have to be filled.

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. Sayuti was rushed to Tual Hospital on Tuesday after he was shot in the left hip by police who were trying to quell a riot that broke out in Kei Kecil district. He was among 22 people, four of whom were police personnel, who were wounded in the incident.

~CD:

~CD: Dewa must bow to Islamists From Koran Tempo A 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. Group leader Dhani, as a Muslim, should apologize to his fellow citizens of the same faith who have given him advice and suggestions to do something good for the sake of Islamic brotherhood.

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.

Poso blast suspects arrested, linked to Mamasa riot

Poso blast suspects arrested, linked to Mamasa riot The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Central 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. Police chief Brig. Gen.

Drivers make way for dead, not the living

Drivers make way for dead, not the living Evi 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 Puspitarini, who drives a 118 Ambulance, said.

Polish pianist toasts human spirit in calamity's wake

Polish pianist toasts human spirit in calamity's wake M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Like 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 Wednesday to celebrate human perseverance in the wake of the tsunami in northern Sumatra and to raise funds for the survivors.

Headings

Headings Page 8 1. 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. Head of the Siti Sarifah Dedi Suteja said the administration allocated a fund of Rp 5 million (US$536.32) per month in the 2004 budget, but without reason it had decided not to allocate any budget this year.

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. There was widespread suspicion that the test would be a ruse to extort money from motorists. Tests for roadworthiness have been enforced for years but only on commercial and public transport vehicles.

Madagascar populated from Africa and Indonesia's Kaliamantan: Study

Madagascar populated from Africa and Indonesia's Kaliamantan: Study Reuters, Washington The 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 on Tuesday.

Govt expects growth in fishing industry

Govt expects growth in fishing industry The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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 life Sebastien Blanc, Agence France-Presse/Malinau, Indonesia Many 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, indeed, rubbish.

Gloomy picture of a worker's life

Gloomy picture of a worker's life ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Sidoardjo An 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. "It's bad, I know, but this bicycle gets me to work every day," Haryono, a factory worker, told The Jakarta Post. He is one of 16 million workers who earn their living in 870,000 companies across the 37 regencies and municipalities of East Java.

Theo may be declared a suspect in assault case

Theo may be declared a suspect in assault case Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City 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 (JIS) on April 17. "If all witnesses and victims say that Theo had committed the assault then we will name him a suspect," Firman said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a U.S.

2 x 25

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

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 discussed in the following page of the same issue of the Post (Human trafficking on the rise in East Java).

Susilo puts the squeeze on corruption

Susilo puts the squeeze on corruption The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Nusa Dua, Bali President 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: Yeo Agence France-Presse, Singapore Australian aviation officials will visit Singapore this month for further talks on giving Singapore Airlines (SIA) the right to fly the Australia-U.S. route, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said on Wednesday.

Star returns home to culture shock

Star returns home to culture shock Karl Wilson, Agence France-Presse/Manila After 20 years performing on the European stage, leading Filipino dancer Augustus Damian has returned home to helm the national ballet -- and a culture shock. Augustus Damian was principal dancer for some of Germany's most prestigious ballet companies before quitting to become the artistic director of Ballet Philippines, but the differences have left him aghast. "In Europe dancers are paid reasonably well ...

'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 1.7 billion (US$178,900) in losses to the provincial administration. After questioning on Wednesday, Asmuny said he was quizzed about the mechanism of the fund disbursement.

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

ASEAN-U.S. relations at risk over Myanmar chairmanships issue Agencies, Bangkok U.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, services Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An 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. In an emergency situation, Jakartans can dial this number to connect with an ambulance service that will respond quickly with fully equipped emergency medical technicians (EMTs). "People can dial 65303118 and connect directly to us.

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. I have lived in Indonesia for about 12 years, mainly in Surabaya and Jakarta working in three private enterprises mainly connected to making, shaping and treating of steel. Two of the three are industrial units employing 600 to 700 blue and white collar workers.

AGO to probe bad debtors linked with govt officials

AGO to probe bad debtors linked with govt officials Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Stepping 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 airport M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Ambon Police were holding a top separatist activist on Thursday on suspicion that he is involved in subversive activities. Semmy Waeleruny, the secretary-general of separatist group the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), was arrested early on Thursday morning shortly after he disembarked from a Lion Air flight from Jakarta that landed in Ambon airport.

OPEC happy with RI's membership: Govt

OPEC happy with RI's membership: Govt Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said according to OPEC, what was important was that Indonesia, the organization's second-smallest producer, was a net exporter when it became a member.

~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. Fathers and mothers are missing their lost children every day. Men cannot work, children cannot go to school, the roads are ruined and many still have no running water or electricity.

Unicef gives $90 million for Aceh and Nias schools

Unicef gives $90 million for Aceh and Nias schools The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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, North Sumatra.

Jakarta Monorail struggles to reach deal before deadline

Jakarta Monorail struggles to reach deal before deadline Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Almost 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. JM Director Sukmawaty Sjukur said on Wednesday she could not mention the target date for the financial closing because JM was still waiting for official offers from monorail car producers from China and South Korea.

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. He did not mention the size of the grant. Bekasi regency currently has 32 people living with HIV/AIDS.

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. At least two coincidences occurred during the summit involving one of the summit members, China.

Indian food attracts wider market

Indian food attracts wider market Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Thanks partly to Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and other Bollywood people, all things Indian are gaining popularity here, including its spicy and pungent cuisine. Until recently, very few could afford Indian cuisine regularly because Indian eateries in Jakarta were mostly upmarket. Now, for less than Rp 40,000 you can enjoy a complete Indian meal plus soft drink at a number of eateries.

*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 reach deal before deadline Page 8 *Al-Qaeda leader's arrest may lead to bin Laden Page 10 *Asian govts agree on wider currency swap Page 13 *Boxing chief slams "third party" in Chris John row Page 22

DPD pushes for legislative power

DPD pushes for legislative power Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The 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 Representatives members regarding its rights to participate in bill deliberations.

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

C. Sulawesi's Lore Lindu park, home to biological wealth Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Poso Lore 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. The national park covers an area of 217,991.18 hectares, encompassing Poso and Donggala regencies.

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). PNI president director Faris Mustaffa said the Syntium SM series were "adapted Formula 1 technology" for the public.

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. "This problem is not only between the company and its employees but also the government. We ask SBY to quickly fulfill our rights," said a protester referring to Susilo.

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 Corruption Eradication:

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 act wisely. "Electricity is needed by schools for student activities, and the final exams are approaching. They need electricity.

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 government of Indonesia does not have a strategy to eradicate corruption. And above all, the government is unable to distinguish between "corruption due to need" and "corruption due to greed".

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 36.29 billion ringgit to give a record trade surplus of 10.38 billion ringgit, up 51.2 percent on March 2004, the ministry said.

Bright future for low-cost carriers

Bright future for low-cost carriers Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Singapore The 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. Minister for Transport Yeo Cheow Tong noted budget carriers globally are offering 19 percent more flights this year compared to a year ago at the launching ceremony for the low cost terminal at the Changi Airport.

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. ties at risk over Myanmar issue

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, Jakarta The 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 claimed.

'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 there. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their comments on the proposal. Agus Sudharto, 22, is an amateur football player at Asy- Syafiiyah University, Pondok Gede, East Jakarta.

Vietnam backs Australian bid for East Asia Summit

Vietnam backs Australian bid for East Asia Summit Michelle Nichols, Reuters/Canberra Australia 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. Vietnam joined Indonesia and Singapore in publicly declaring support for Australia joining a new East Asia Summit, due to meet in Malaysia for the first time in December.

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. Hudid Wahyudi MM said the three districts were Pleret, Sewon and Banguntapan. He added that 107 out of 1,498 voting booths in the regency would be prone to conflict.

Potential exists for strong domestic industrial sector

Potential exists for strong domestic industrial sector Rachmat Gobel, Jakarta In recent years, there has been an exodus of international companies from Indonesia. Kyocera is just one of the most recent examples. Because of this exodus, and the reluctance of new investment to come into Indonesia, many are claiming that Indonesia is threatened by a "de-industrialization" process.

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 discussed in the following page of the same issue of the Post (Human trafficking on the rise in East Java).

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.

Boy killed in TNI-GAM clash

Boy killed in TNI-GAM clash Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh A 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 Cup Bruce 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 Young Suk, she expected a fight to the end.

Abolish democracy

Abolish democracy in RI, too costly From 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 the General Elections Commission is allegedly involved in a bribery case to cover up its embezzlement of large portions of the election fund.

Special antigraft team installed

Special antigraft team installed Rendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President 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. The Coordinating Team for Corruption Eradication is aimed at speeding up the anticorruption campaign. The drive, which was launched six months ago, has yet to record significant results.

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 Bangkok U.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.

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. The protesters, comprising some 70 farmers from Tambusai Timur, Kepayang, Kepenuhan Hulu and Pekan Tebih villages in Rokan Hulu regency, became upset when they were unable to meet the governor.

Dao strikes back to level matchup against Susanto

Dao strikes back to level matchup against Susanto Musthofid, 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 told as he crushed Susanto on Thursday in 39 moves, curbing the home fans' euphoria from their teenage star's stunning early lead.

Taman Safari gets 4 new tiger cubs

Taman Safari gets 4 new tiger cubs Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor The 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). The cubs are the offspring of the white Indian tiger and 11- year old Bono, a male Bengal tiger. Each cub has a coat which is a mix of white and yellow.

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. At least two coincidences occurred during the summit involving one of the summit members, China.

JP/4/team

JP/4/team Special 51-strong antigraft team sworn in Rendi A. Witular and Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President 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, which was launched six months ago, has yet to record significant results. The Coordinating Team for Corruption Eradication is aimed at speeding up the anticorruption drive.

BIN suspects foreign NGOs 'crossing the line' in Aceh

BIN suspects foreign NGOs 'crossing the line' in Aceh Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aside 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 the National Intelligence Agency (BIN).

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. Green said on Wednesday the new office was expected to be able to expedite ADB humanitarian projects in the two areas affected by the tsunami and earthquake.

Dewa must bow

Dewa must bow to Islamists From Koran Tempo A 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. Group leader Dhani, as a Muslim, should apologize to his fellow citizens of the same faith who have given him advice and suggestions to do something good for the sake of Islamic brotherhood.

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

Boxing chief angered by 'third party' in Chris John-Sutan snarl Antara 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 investment Associated 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. Lim Hng Kiang, Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry, said both countries had "complementary economies" and would use the roadshow to push the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a whole.

FM Hassan to attend ASEM meeting

FM Hassan to attend ASEM meeting JAKARTA: 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. Spokesman Yuri Thamrin said the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) ministerial forum with the theme The Deepening Asia-Europe dialog on global challenges, will discuss issues covering politics, economics, and social and cultural affairs.

Obasanjo invites Susilo to Nigeria

Obasanjo invites Susilo to Nigeria JAKARTA: 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. "The invitation was extended to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during our President's recent visit to Indonesia. It was an open invitation," Ambassador Ahmed said on Wednesday. Obasanjo visited Indonesia late last month to attend the Asian-African Summit.

Govt to build phone lines worth Rp 400b from USO

Govt to build phone lines worth Rp 400b from USO Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung With 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$41.91 million) universal service obligation (USO) fund. State Minister of Communications and Information Sofyan A.

RI maid jailed again in S'pore

RI maid jailed again in S'pore SINGAPORE: 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 officer, The Straits Times said. She admitted in court on Wednesday she had lied to a senior staff sergeant last December when he recorded a statement from her at Changi Women's Prison.

Asian govts agree on wider currency swap

Asian govts agree on wider currency swap Mynardo Macaraig, Agence France-Presse/Istambul Finance 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 more multilateral system.

Parents feel the bite of education costs

Parents feel the bite of education costs The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta, Semarang Any 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 for a communications study program at Atma Jaya University in Yogyakarta.

Rupiah ends higher on dollar's slide

Rupiah ends higher on dollar's slide Dow Jones, Jakarta The 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. Dealers said Bank Indonesia sold dollars via state banks to help prop up the local unit. But the amount was likely small, as trading volume thinned out ahead of a public holiday on Thursday.

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. Widodo Eko Prihastopo said on Wednesday that the Vietnamese ship was apprehended because of its questionable manifest.

FMs gather for Asia-Europe meeting

FMs gather for Asia-Europe meeting Agencies, Tokyo/Seoul North 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. "When two continents speak with one voice, they send a very powerful message," European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in Brussels before heading to Kyoto, Japan.

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

KTI chief slams 'third party' in Chris John-Sutan dispute The 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 Susanto Musthofid 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 told as he crushed Susanto on Thursday in 39 moves, curbing the home fans' euphoria from their teenage star's stunning early lead.

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 mammoth task, the 2004 general and presidential election.

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 Soelendro Head: Deputy Attorney General for Special Crime Hendarman Supandji Deputy head: National Police Director of Anticorruption division Brig. Gen.