Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 June 2005

88 articles found

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 42

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 42 Peaceful, prosperous Aceh remains just a dream Indonesian government officials and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) representatives have returned to their respective homes after the fourth round of peace talks in Helsinki, Finland. Yet, the six-day meeting, which concluded on May 31, still were unable to produce satisfactory results as they seem to have a lot of unfinished business, requiring a fifth meeting before they can reach a final agreement.

Saudi Arabia's envoy leaving RI soon

Saudi Arabia's envoy leaving RI soon JAKARTA: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Indonesia Abdullah Abdul Rahman Alim will soon be leaving Indonesia when his tenure in Jakarta ends, a source close to the Saudi Arabian Embassy said. The source said Ambassador Alim, who first submitted his credentials on Jan. 16, 1993 to president Soeharto, is the most popular envoy among Indonesian Muslims. He helped several Islamic charity organizations during his tenure in Indonesia.

Peaceful, prosperous Aceh remains just a dream

Peaceful, prosperous Aceh remains just a dream Imanuddin Razak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian government officials and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) representatives have returned to their respective homes after the fourth round of peace talks in Helsinki, Finland. Yet, the six-day meeting, which concluded on May 31, still were unable to produce satisfactory results as they seem to have a lot of unfinished business, requiring a fifth meeting before they can reach a final agreement.

Malaysian firm mulls Kalimantan investment

Malaysian firm mulls Kalimantan investment Rusman , The Jakarta Post, Samarinda A Malaysian firm will invest in the construction of an 88- kilometer road linking Samarinda and Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. In a meeting with the East Kalimantan administration, Daimori Venture Capital Corporation Sdn Bhd's senior vice president Azali Arifin said on Tuesday that the company wanted the land for oil palm plantations in return for its financing of the Rp 1.92 trillion (about US$205 million) project.

Maha El Dahan

Maha El Dahan Common Ground News Service -- Partners in Humanity Washington, DC 2. Alpa -- Searching for gender equality through education 2 x 30 Developing gender equality in Indonesia through education Alpha Amirrachman Jakarta

Kalla warns lawmakers off Cepu

Kalla warns lawmakers off Cepu Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawmakers' opposition to the ongoing negotiations to resolve a serious contract dispute over the Cepu oil block between state oil and gas firm Pertamina and U.S. company ExxonMobil has irked Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Kalla has responded by telling legislators "not to interfere in the government's domain".

It is high time to improve the teacher's welfare

It is high time to improve the teacher's welfare JP/6/SETIO It is time to improve the welfare of teachers Setiono Jakarta Lots of people would agree that unlike lawyers or doctors, teachers receive very little respect from the community. The status of teachers is far below that of lawyers or doctors. As a group, teachers have painstakingly struggled in this race for status, but they have been among the least successful in legitimizing their claims for professional status.

Over $272m of potential losses found in KAI

Over $272m of potential losses found in KAI Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indications of corruption and mismanagement were found in the state train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) during its 1998-2002 operations, risking Rp 2.59 trillion (US$272.63 million) in state money, a House of Representatives committee says.

Is there a time bomb in the library?

Is there a time bomb in the library? Rosa Widyawan Jakarta Transferring printed material into digital form has become a main activity in large libraries here lately.

1. Munir -- 1x40

1. Munir -- 1x40 New schedule set for questioning BIN officials 2. TNI --- 2x24 TNI sets terms for rights body to summon generals 3. Water -- 2x30 Customers oppose plan to raise water rates due to poor service 4. Terror - 2x24 National Police chief warns of fresh terror attacks 5. Susul -- 2x20 Over $272m of potential losses found in PT KAI

Batam upgraded to 'Bonded Zone Plus'

Batam upgraded to 'Bonded Zone Plus' Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is slated to amend its regulation on Batam within the next three weeks by upgrading the status of the island to a "Bonded Zone Plus" as a temporary solution to provide legal certainty for investors. Minister of Trade Mari E. Pangestu said the government had opted to amend Presidential Decree No.

* TNI sets conditions for rights body to summon generals Page 2

* TNI sets conditions for rights body to summon generals Page 2 * Wife of fugitive terrorist suspect gets three years Page 4 * Malnutrition rampant in East Kalimantan Page 5 * Developing gender equality in RI through education Page 7 * Protest mars first day of Depok election campaigns Page 9 * Arroyo vows to fight back as coup rumors hit markets Page 11 * Batam upgraded to 'Bonded Zone Plus' Page 13 * Geldof dislikes Live8, doubtful about G-8 Page 18 * Tennis gives disabled a new lease on life...

It is time to improve the welfare of teachers

It is time to improve the welfare of teachers Setiono Jakarta Lots of people would agree that unlike lawyers or doctors, teachers receive very little respect from the community. The status of teachers is far below that of lawyers or doctors. As a group, teachers have painstakingly struggled in this race for status, but they have been among the least successful in legitimizing their claims for professional status.

Singapore suggests Myanmar forego 2006 ASEAN chair

Singapore suggests Myanmar forego 2006 ASEAN chair Geert De Clercq, Reuters/Singapore Singapore, Southeast Asia's wealthiest nation, suggested on Thursday that military-ruled Myanmar forego its chairmanship of the ASEAN grouping next year because of international concerns over its human rights record.

Workers in limbo as radio station closes

Workers in limbo as radio station closes JAKARTA: The fate of journalists working for Jakarta News FM remains uncertain with the radio station stopping operations three weeks ago due to an internal conflict among its owners. "The management has yet to explain the problems to us since they decided to stop activities. They also took away all radio equipment from the office," Hendrik Siahaan, who chairs the company's labor union, said during a protest rally on Thursday.

ANPAk..r..

ANPAk..r.. Traditional or alternative methods for students? JP/7/SUNITA Traditional or alternative methods for students? Sunitha Girish Bekasi What kind of education system should we adopt? Should we choose traditional methods or the alternatives? Does it even make a difference?

Batam police nab men for ecstasy

Batam police nab men for ecstasy BATAM: Batam police arrested on Wednesday night two men they accuse of possessing dozens of ecstasy pills for supply at a local hotel. Dalizanolo and Edy Sutriyono were arrested as they were distributing the pills in the Karaoke Island bar at the Garden Hotel, police said. Senior detective Adj. Comr. Putut Wicaksono said on Thursday the pair admitted to distributing the drugs.

What is bilingual education?

What is bilingual education? Jan Dormer Malang, East Java Apparently, misconceptions abound as to the nature and purpose of bilingual education.

KONI urges quick budget provision

KONI urges quick budget provision Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) has told legislators that the delayed disbursement of funds from the state budget for the 2005 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games contingent is preying on the minds of athletes.

National Police chief warns of fresh terror attacks

National Police chief warns of fresh terror attacks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have warned that terrorist groups within the country might be planning another attack as there has been an increase in communications between them. National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Thursday, as quoted by AFP, that police detected the communications increase due to the hard work of intelligence agencies who were monitoring the militants' activities.

In the vanguard of the anticorruption struggle

In the vanguard of the anticorruption struggle Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung One evening in November 1996, in the 21st Century Poets' Forum at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, a diminutive, slant-eyed, fair-skinned youth with shoulder-length hair was arguing with the organizing committee and almost landed a punch on poet Remmy Novaris DM in his rage.

What is bilingual education?

What is bilingual education? Jan Dormer Malang, East Java Apparently, misconceptions abound as to the nature and purpose of bilingual education.

Rebels help hunt RI terrorists

Rebels help hunt RI terrorists PHILIPPINES: Muslim separatist rebels are helping the Philippine government hunt down two Indonesian terrorists spotted by the military in the southern region of Mindanao, a guerrilla spokesman said on Thursday. Eid Kabalu, spokesman for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said the rebel group had information that Pitono, alias Dulmatin, and Umar Patek -- suspects in the 2002 Bali bombings -- were being protected by al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf rebels.

Govt sets minimum signing bonus of US$500,000 for new oil blocks

Govt sets minimum signing bonus of US$500,000 for new oil blocks Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has set a minimum signing bonus of US$500,000 each for the 27 oil and gas blocks being offered to investors, meaning a total of at least $13.5 million in proceeds if all the blocks create sufficient interest. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' director of exploration and production Novian M. Thaib said that before, there was no requirement of a minimum signing bonus.

Healthy test-tube triplets born in Surabaya

Healthy test-tube triplets born in Surabaya ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Adriani Widianto was sprawled on her hospital bed, her face pale, and her body in pain, wrapped in a thick blanket. "Thanks for paying me a visit. I'm surprised that my babies are attracting so much attention from the media," she told The Jakarta Post in an interview in St. Vincensius A. Paulo Catholic Hospital in Surabaya.

A moment of truth nears Down Under

A moment of truth nears Down Under Kavi Chongkittavorn The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok Australia has to decide whether it wants to climb on board the vessel known as the East Asian Summit (EAS). Time is running out -- as is the patience of the member countries of ASEAN. Ongoing rows with Indonesia over the conviction for drug-smuggling of Schapelle Corby, and with China over a defecting Chinese diplomat, are complicating the overall scheme of things for Canberra.

Locals breathe life into old Brit-pop hits

Locals breathe life into old Brit-pop hits M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Joy Division's now-deceased frontman, Ian Curtis, was surely delighted from the other side knowing that a song he penned a year before committing suicide, Love Will Tear Us Apart, has inspired a bunch of young people from Bandung, West Java, to shoot videos based on the hit.

3 x 18

3 x 18 Wife of fugitive terrorist suspect gets three years JP/4/Canada 2 x 28 Canada funds environmental awareness program in Sulawesi JP/xx/NAVY 1 x 38 RI, Thailand to secure Strait of Malacca 2 x 25 Govt seeks out-of-court settlement with Newmont

Sunnis offered greater role in Iraqi politics

Sunnis offered greater role in Iraqi politics Omar Anwar, Reuters/Baghdad Iraq's Shiite-led government said on Thursday it would give representatives of the restive Sunni Arab minority a greater role in drafting the country's new constitution, but the offer fell short of Sunni demands. Leading officials in the committee tasked with writing the constitution by Aug. 15 said the size of the committee would be expanded to 69 people from 55.

Poverty lingers in East Kalimantan

Poverty lingers in East Kalimantan Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda In spite of the unbearable heat, Hasan, 46, works with determination, picking up plastic bottles, cans and scrap metal strewn across a vacant lot behind Sempaja Sports Complex in Samarinda. "I earn Rp 5,000 a day scavenging. It is enough for our daily food, but certainly not enough to cover my child's school fees," said Hasan, the father of a 12-year-old boy, Hardian, who has already dropped out of school.

Diplomats gather at Alila Hotel

Diplomats gather at Alila Hotel JAKARTA: The Jakarta Diplomats' Club -- a social organization of diplomats and business executives -- held its first gathering of the year at Alila Hotel in Jakarta. Several foreign diplomats, Indonesian business executives attended the small but colorful gathering, in which free drinks and food were served.

Yogya to host health symposium

Yogya to host health symposium YOGYAKARTA: Hundreds of medical professionals will attend a two- day symposium on cardiovascular disease to be held in Yogyakarta on June 10 and June 11. The symposium is being organized by Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Gadjah Mada University's School of Medicine and the Yogyakarta branch of the Association of Cardiovascular Specialists.

1. SBY (45) - 65 pts 2 cols 4lines (4x10)

1. SBY (45) - 65 pts 2 cols 4lines (4x10) to come (with story) 2. Cepu (45) - 32 pts 1 col 3lines (3x10) Kalla warns lawmakers off Cepu 3. AC Nielsen (45) - 32 pts 3 cols 1lines (1x27) Indonesians struggle to save for future 4. SMS (35) - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Nervous Jakartans deal with SMS bomb hoaxes --- 5. Photos, inside, etc.

Malnutrition rampant in East Kalimantan

Malnutrition rampant in East Kalimantan Rusman and Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda/Surakarta Although East Kalimantan is popularly known as natural resource- rich province, malnutrition is still rampant in the area. Government data reveals that 174 infants, out of total 360,298 infants in the province, are currently suffering from malnutrition.

Canada funds environmental awareness program in Sulawesi

Canada funds environmental awareness program in Sulawesi The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In observance with World Environment Day, the Canadian government launched on Tuesday a CA$4.5 million (US$3.7 million) project -- the Multi Media Machine, or M3 -- aimed at building environmental awareness among the people of Sulawesi.

TNI sets conditions for human rights body to summon generals

TNI sets conditions for human rights body to summon generals Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Before it can summon retired and active generals for questioning over the abduction of activists in the final years of the Soeharto regime, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) must first obtain permission from the House, the Indonesian Military (TNI) says. TNI chief Gen.

Ministry proposes Rp 1t budget for Aceh

Ministry proposes Rp 1t budget for Aceh MAKASSAR: The Ministry of Health has proposed a Rp 1 trillion budget for the construction of health facilities in Aceh, which was devastated by a tsunami in December last year. If approved, the money would be taken from the 2006 state budget, said health ministry official Mulya Hasjimi. The Ministry of Health is currently involved in rebuilding the severely damaged Zainul Abidin Hospital in Aceh.

Jakarta shares down on profit taking

Jakarta shares down on profit taking Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended marginally lower on Thursday, taking a hit from profit-taking in Bank Mandiri and oil and gas producer Medco Energi as well as declines in most Asian markets, dealers said. The weaker rupiah against the U.S dollar also hurt sentiment. The dollar closed at Rp 9,610, up from its Rp 9,585 on Wednesday close on dollar demand from importers and the U.S. currency's strength against other regional currencies, dealers said.

Family hit by poverty, child dies from malnutrition

Family hit by poverty, child dies from malnutrition Jemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Deby Henukh, 13, a junior high school student, finally died on Monday night due to malnutrition. She succumbed to the ailment after receiving intensive treatment for a month at the WZ Yohanis Hospital in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. When she drew her last breath, she was extremely emaciated. Deby's death shocked her parents Hendrik Henukh, 60 and Tamar Henukh, 57.

Disabled find their range in tennis

Disabled find their range in tennis Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fit and active throughout his life, Agus Sugiharto was left a paraplegic in a matter of seconds. A soldier in the elite Army's Special Forces (Kopassus), Agus, then 20, suffered a spinal injury in a parachuting accident in Cimahi, West Java, in 1993.

A moment of truth nears Down Under

A moment of truth nears Down Under Kavi Chongkittavorn The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok Australia has to decide whether it wants to climb on board the vessel known as the East Asian Summit (EAS). Time is running out -- as is the patience of the member countries of ASEAN. Ongoing rows with Indonesia over the conviction for drug-smuggling of Schapelle Corby, and with China over a defecting Chinese diplomat, are complicating the overall scheme of things for Canberra.

Stray cats make City Hall home

Stray cats make City Hall home Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the Jakarta administration claims to regularly clear the city streets of stray cats and dogs, some have apparently found refuge in its offices. The Jakarta Post observed at least 10 cats at City Hall taking a nap or dining on scraps from the trash bin (see photo). "I don't know where they (the cats) came from nor when they arrived.

Prosecutors grill 'ill' Taufik

Prosecutors grill 'ill' Taufik The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office have taken the chairman of the Jakarta Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) Muhammad Taufik from the Agung Hospital in Manggarai, South Jakarta. Taufik is a suspect in the alleged embezzlement of Rp 168 billion (US$17.5 million) in funds for the 2004 elections. Taufik, with a drip attached to his arm, was taken by prosecutors at 9:30 a.m.

Protest mars first day of Depok election campaigns

Protest mars first day of Depok election campaigns Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Depok mayoral election campaign period started on Thursday, with the five teams of candidates delivering their speeches at the plenary session of the Depok municipal council, and the signing of a joint declaration for a peaceful election.

Antismoking activists seek to thwart international tobacco fair

Antismoking activists seek to thwart international tobacco fair Sean Yoong, Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur Activists are protesting plans by the tobacco industry to stage a regional marketing conference in Malaysia, saying the event will jeopardize efforts to curb smoking in developing Asian countries. City council officials recently approved plans to hold the Emerging Tobacco Markets trade fair from Nov. 14 to Nov.

Indonesians struggle to save for future

Indonesians struggle to save for future The Jakarta post, Jakarta For taxi driver Sandy, in his 20s, meeting his family's daily needs is a hard task, and it is even more difficult for him to put money away in a savings account. The burdens on him have gotten heavier since the government's decision to increase fuel prices by 29 percent on March 1. But Sandy, who has worked as a taxi driver for a year, still manages to allocate a little money for his top priority: his children's education.

The experience of Islam in multicultural Malaysia

The experience of Islam in multicultural Malaysia Muhamad Ali, Hawaii, U.S.A. Islam in Malaysia remains moderate, it is often argued. In response to the Singaporean senior leader Lee Kuan Yew, who recently commented that Malaysia was increasingly predominated by pro-Islam leaders and to similar Western voices, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi asserted that Malaysia is not taking the path toward extremism.

RI, Thailand to secure Strait of Malacca

RI, Thailand to secure Strait of Malacca Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok The Indonesian and Thai Navies have agreed to enhance cooperation so as to increase security in the busy Strait of Malacca, where piracy and arms smuggling are rampant. The cooperation, however, will not allow the two navies to cross into each other's territories, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Slamet Soebiyanto told The Jakarta Post in Bangkok.

Local official debunks warning by foreign seismologist

Local official debunks warning by foreign seismologist Apriadi Gunawan and Sjofiardi Bachyul, The Jakarta Post, Medan/Padang North Sumatra residents were told not to panic in response to analysis from foreign seismologists that another monster earthquake would rock the province in the near future, a government official said on Thursday.

Wife of fugitive terrorist suspect gets three years

Wife of fugitive terrorist suspect gets three years ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Pasuruan, East Java The wife of a Malaysian fugitive suspected of masterminding a spate of terror attacks in the country was jailed for three years on Thursday for hiding information about her husband. The district court in Bangil, 90 kilometers south of the East Java capital of Surabaya, found Munfiatun alias Fitri guilty of withholding information on the whereabouts of alleged terrorism perpetrator Noordin Moh.

'Saving the planet starts at home'

'Saving the planet starts at home' In observance of World Environment Day, which fell on June 5, The Jakarta Post asked residents for their views on recycling. Mendy Andriana, 21, studies at the Library and Information School, University of Indonesia. She lives with her family in Ciputat, Tangerang: Saving the planet can start in your own home. The simplest way is to reuse things, such as storing craft materials in shoe boxes or using the back side of printed paper rather than throwing it out.

Police hunt two men in Pamulang bombing

Police hunt two men in Pamulang bombing Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police have narrowed down their investigation into the Wednesday bomb attack on the house of radical Muslim cleric Abu Jibril by focusing on a witness who saw one of two men on a motorbike throw the explosives. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said the witness, identified as Edy, owned a house and a small shop in front of Abu Jibril's rented premises in Pamulang, Tangerang.

Visa Int'l forecasts Indonesia debit card boom

Visa Int'l forecasts Indonesia debit card boom Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian consumer enthusiasm for non-cash deals could help U.S. credit card company Visa International boost debit-card penetration by double digits annually through 2009, a company executive said.

Democracy, defense and development

Democracy, defense and development JP/7/JUWONO Part 1 of 2 Democracy, defense and development Juwono Sudarsono Jakarta From a centralized government backed by the military for more than 32 years under President Soeharto, Indonesia today remains the focus of attention of many policymakers and academicians.

BI sees further raise in SBI

BI sees further raise in SBI Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia (BI) will continue raising its benchmark interest rates to help keep the country's inflation rate -- which has been mellowing out but remains under pressure from high oil prices and a recently weak rupiah -- on a tight leash.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, June 10, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, June 10, 2005 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Black is Black by M. Faisal (Iconk) at Galeri Nasional Indonesia Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No.14 Central Jakarta, until June 14 * Photo Images from the Heart by Arbain Rambey, Arun Taneja, Charlie Sianipar, Deniek G. Sukarya, Karin Sukarya, Keijo Fujii, etc., at Deniek G. Sukarya Gallery, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 15 South Jakarta, open daily Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until June 13 * Photo Domestic Circle, Erasmus Huis, Jl.

Nervous Jakartans deal with SMS bomb hoaxes

Nervous Jakartans deal with SMS bomb hoaxes Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After receiving a forwarded text message warning that three vehicles loaded with explosives were traversing the city, Tista, 27, an employee at a five-star hotel, felt the responsibility to spread the news to everybody in her phonebook. "It said that the information came from the police. I thought my friends and family members should know about this," she told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 9, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 9, 2005 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,500 0 5,000 Adhi Karya 780 0 2,003,500 Adira Dinamika 2,300 0 0 AGIS Tbk 120 0 110,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 240 -40 25,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,130 -10 1,204,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

Pilot project to promote environmental education

Pilot project to promote environmental education The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government is designing a pilot project to carry out environmental education in schools across Indonesia in a bid to improve students' awareness of the environment. Officials from the Ministry of National Education and the Office of the State Minister for the Environment are scheduled to hold a meeting with UNESCO representatives later this month to discuss the preparations for the project.

Disabled persons fight hard to get decent jobs

Disabled persons fight hard to get decent jobs Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Without hesitation, Sigit, whose legs have been paralyzed since he was small, immediately set about filling in the survey form to evaluate the status of disabled persons in Surabaya. He hopes that after filling out the form, he will be accorded the same rights as able-bodied persons in obtaining decent jobs.

Defendants freed for lack of evidence

Defendants freed for lack of evidence JAMBI: Four graft suspects who allegedly stole a total of Rp 10 billion (US$1.1 million) from regional governments have been freed by the Jambi District Court during the past six months because there was a lack of evidence to convict them. Senior prosecutor Andi Azhari said he was concerned about the dropped cases but said Jambi prosecutors had done their best to convict the four.

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.

Govt plans to revive notorious agency

Govt plans to revive notorious agency Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to prevent future terrorist attacks, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered the country's governors on Thursday to revive a regional intelligence agency that once helped Soeharto's New Order regime silence opposition voices.

Drought hits Gunungkidul regency

Drought hits Gunungkidul regency Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Residents of Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta province, are facing a shortage of clean water due to drought conditions that have hit the area in the past two weeks. As many as 220 or 85 percent of the 260 wells which are the main source of water for residents in the regency have dried up. As a result they have to buy water at Rp 45,000 (US$5.00) to Rp 100,000 per 5,000-liter tank.

Tennis gives physically disabled a new lease on life

Tennis gives physically disabled a new lease on life Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Fit and active throughout his life, Agus Sugiharto was left a paraplegic in a matter of seconds. A soldier in the elite Army's Special Forces (Kopassus), Agus, then 20, suffered a spinal injury in a parachuting accident in Cimahi, West Java, in 1993.

Pamulang seeks foreign aid to conserve lake

Pamulang seeks foreign aid to conserve lake Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang After receiving an award for environmental management from the Tangerang regency administration recently, the Committee for the Conservation of Situ Tujuh Muara Pamulang (Kompas) is preparing a proposal to obtain foreign aid to finance the rehabilitation of the lake.

Nias to begin reconstruction work

Nias to begin reconstruction work Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan The North Sumatra provincial government is planning to start the reconstruction of highways and bridges on quake-devastated Nias island in August this year. A senior government official has said that road and bridge reconstruction would cost the provincial government about Rp 467 billion (US$49 million).

SBY's anti-terror policy

SBY's anti-terror policy Ridarson Galingging Jakarta We have yet again experienced a terrorist attack. The recent bombing in Poso, Sulawesi and the "attack" on the Indonesian Embassy in Australia show that we have failed to learn from similar incidents in the past and only react after innocent people's lives are taken. The government conducts investigations and tries to prosecute the perpetrators. For the most part, the government just looks helpless.

New schedule set for questioning BIN officials

New schedule set for questioning BIN officials Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The team set up to assist with the police investigation of rights campaigner Munir's death remains hopeful of being able to question former and active high-ranking officials of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) next week, before its mandate expires.

S. Korea to miss 2005 growth target

S. Korea to miss 2005 growth target SEOUL: South Korea is likely to miss its 2005 target of five percent economic growth because of weak consumption and falling overseas demand, the finance minister said on Thursday. "It will be difficult for the economy to achieve the five percent growth target," Han Duck-Soo, the finance and economy minister, told the National Assembly.

Headings

Headings page 9 1. DEPOK -- 2x24 Protest mars first day of Depok election campaigns 2. RABIES -- 1x27 Stray cats make City Hall home 3. LAKE -- 1x40 Pamulang seeks foreign aid to conserve lake 4. KOREAN -- 1x32 Korean movies introduce culture 5. MURDER -- 2x28 Suspected wife killer charged with premeditated murder

Roh, Bush on fence-mending mission at Washington summit

Roh, Bush on fence-mending mission at Washington summit Charles Whelan, Agence France-Presse/Seoul South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun left for Washington on Thursday for a summit with President George W. Bush aimed at shoring up an alliance whose future has been increasingly called into question. The former human rights lawyer and the conservative U.S. leader will meet at the White House on Friday for talks focussing on North Korea and bilateral relations.

Indosat may sell $250m of bonds for expansion

Indosat may sell $250m of bonds for expansion Netty Ismail, Bloomberg/Singapore PT Indosat, Indonesia's second-biggest phone company, plans to raise as much as S$250 million selling high-yield, dollar- denominated bonds to fund the expansion of its network. The company plans to sell between S$200 million and S$250 million of seven-year bonds it can redeem in the fifth year, according to an e-mail sent to investors by one of the sale's arrangers.

Securing the straits

Securing the straits Speaking at a regional security forum in Singapore on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak had called on the international community to make "concrete contributions" to help the littoral states develop the capabilities which would allow them to continue to make the Straits of Malacca "an unattractive target for pirates and terrorists".

Developing gender equality in Indonesia through education

Developing gender equality in Indonesia through education Alpha Amirrachman, Jakarta Despite the recently lifted beauty pageant ban slapped on our women -- which prevent any from participation in the Miss Universe competition in 1996 -- on the grounds of "cultural, religious and sexual exploitation" reasons, gender inequality has always been ubiquitous in our society.

Suspected wife killer charged with premeditated murder

Suspected wife killer charged with premeditated murder Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police have charged a Sumatra man and his cousin for premeditated murder of the man's Japanese wife for more than Rp 800 million (US$83,000) of her money. City police charged Eddie Alharisons, 25, of premeditated murder of Tomoko Ishizawa, 30. General crimes unit chief Sr. Comr.

Sundanese, a vanishing language

Sundanese, a vanishing language Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Three-and-a-half-year-old Rinda Nurliyanti, the only daughter of a native Sundanese couple living in Sindangjaya subdistrict, Arcamanik, Bandung, speaks fluent Sundanese, but this has not exactly endeared her to her neighbors. "Kumaha aing siah.

Ruing corruption

Ruing corruption President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's remark that certain members of the business community and the bureaucracy were resisting his anticorruption drive seemed like a cry for help, a warning and an alibi at the same time. His remark before members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) was quite poignant, noting that "businesses and (personal) interests had been severely affected by the move (to combat corruption)".

Customers oppose plan to raise water rates due to poor service

Customers oppose plan to raise water rates due to poor service Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tap water customers in the capital are increasing their opposition to plans to raise water rates in July despite continued poor service, ranging from billing problems to frequent supply disruptions.

Medco's founders to sell 32% stake

Medco's founders to sell 32% stake JAKARTA: PT Medco Energi Internasional's founding family plans to sell 32.4 percent of Indonesia's largest publicly traded oil company in Luxembourg and use the proceeds to pay Medco's debt and buy oil fields overseas. The Panigoro family will sell the shares next month, Medco's President Director Hilmi Panigoro said in Jakarta on Thursday. The family has hired Merrill Lynch & Co., Credit Suisse First Boston and United Overseas Bank Ltd.

Environment minister installs 7 deputies

Environment minister installs 7 deputies JAKARTA: State Minister for the Environment Rachmat Witoelar installed seven new deputies at a ceremony here on Thursday. Those inaugurated included deputy environment minister for environmental planning Arie Djunardi Djuhana, deputy minister for pollution control Moh. Gempur Adnan, and deputy minister for natural resource conservation and environmental impact control Masnellyarti.

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 42

1. COMMENTARY: 1 X 42 Peaceful, prosperous Aceh remains just a dream 2. REFORM: 2 X 24 Brazil, Germany, India, Japan drop demand for veto in UNSC 3. POWDER: 1 X 30 Powder at embassies harmless: Police 4. BABY: 2 X 24 Healthy test-tube triplets born in Surabaya 5. SUSUL: 3 x 9 Pope wants better ties with Jews

Residents protest slow graft probe

Residents protest slow graft probe MEDAN: About 100 Serdang Bedagai residents protested outside the North Sumatra Prosecutor's Office on Thursday, demanding the speed up of a probe into a Rp 2.3 billion (US$244,680) graft case allegedly involving the region's former acting regent. Chairullah was named a suspect in December last year for embezzling election funds when he was secretary to the Deli Serdang regency, a case that has still not been brought to court.

Traditional or alternative methods for students?

Traditional or alternative methods for students? Sunitha Girish Bekasi West Java What kind of education system should we adopt? Should we choose traditional methods or the alternatives? Does it even make a difference?

Is there any time bomb in the library?

Is there any time bomb in the library? JP/6/ROSA Is there a time bomb in the library? Rosa Widyawan Jakarta Transferring printed material into digital form has become a main activity in large libraries here lately.

TV Today: Saturday, June 11, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, June 11, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 10:30 Music 11:30 Oto Screen 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:30 Nature Documentary 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Comedy 5:30 Documentary 6:00 Battle of Wits 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 7:30 Sitcom: Nusa Getir 8:05 Film 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:30 TV Drama 11:00 Documentary 12:00 Cultural Show TPI 6:00 a.m.

Soeharto welfare concepts renewed

Soeharto welfare concepts renewed In addition to reviving an intelligence system introduced by former president Soeharto, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also plans to adopt a number of welfare programs that were originally initiated by the now ailing former leader. Among the programs that will be revived are immunization week, the family prosperity program, the integrated health post system, community cooperation week and national health week. "Not everything from the past is bad.

Govt seeks out-of-court settlement with Newmont

Govt seeks out-of-court settlement with Newmont The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will soon negotiate an out-of-court settlement with PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR), a local unit of a U.S.-based gold mining company, which non-governmental organizations have accused of polluting Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi, State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar said on Thursday.