Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 June 2005

79 articles found

Homemade bomb explodes in Poso

Homemade bomb explodes in Poso A homemade bomb exploded in Poso city on Tuesday at 9:50 p.m. local time, or 8:50 p.m. Jakarta time, near the office of a campaign team for candidates running in the upcoming Poso regental elections. No casualties were reported in the incident, the latest after the Tentena bombings in May where two bomb blasts killed 21 people, but the campaign team office of Piet Inkiriwang and A.

Former New Order economics minister dies

Former New Order economics minister dies The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former coordinating minister for the economy and finance Saleh Afiff died on Tuesday evening at the Pertamina Hospital. He was 74. The official cause of his death was not made public, however, Saleh was admitted to the hospital earlier in the day due to respiratory problems, according to Antara. Born in the West Java town of Cirebon on Oct.

'The tsunami has now turned a new page for women in Aceh'

'The tsunami has now turned a new page for women in Aceh' Debra H. Yatim born in 1954 from Acehnese father Abdullah Yatim and Manadonese mother Caroline Kalempouw, studied at the Academy of Publicistics in Jakarta and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Australia).

*Safety fears hamper work of polio vaccinators Page 2

*Safety fears hamper work of polio vaccinators Page 2 *Muhammadiyah seeks to create movement to enlighten all Page 3 *President wants Sutanto to boost antigraft drive Page 4 *Family feud brews in Lampung election Page 5 *The future of cooperation between China and Indonesia Page 6 *Sharia law in Aceh only for petty criminals Page 7 *House demands closure of Bojong dump Page 8 *Placing women's priorities center stage in Aceh Page 17 *Looking and feeling healthy no guarantee Page 18

Telkom may delay earnings report

Telkom may delay earnings report JAKARTA: PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia said on Tuesday it may miss a deadline for filing its 2004 earnings report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on June 30. The largest Indonesian telecommunications company said its auditor hadn't completed the report, which will present its earnings based on the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. "We expect KPMG, our auditor, to deliver the 2004 earnings report based on the U.S.

Safety fears hamper polio vaccination

Safety fears hamper polio vaccination The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Tangerang/Bogor Concern was etched on the faces of health workers at a vaccination post in Pondok Ranji, Ciputat, Tangerang when only 28 children showed up by 11 a.m., four hours after it opened. And in a desperate move to persuade parents to bring their children under five to the post, the workers resorted to a "white lie" -- announcing through a loud speaker that celebrities from the capital Jakarta had come to the village.

PLN books RP 2 trillion in net losses

PLN books RP 2 trillion in net losses Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State power firm PT PLN suffered a net loss in 2004 of Rp 2.02 trillion (US$211 million), but was able to book a operational profit for the first time since the 1997 monetary crisis. PLN recorded an operational profit of Rp 2.56 trillion last year, from an operational loss of Rp 3.5 trillion in 2003, the company's president commissioner, Roes Ariawijaya, said after a general shareholders meeting on Tuesday.

Family feud brews in Lampung election

Family feud brews in Lampung election Oyos Saroso H.N, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung There is a popular saying in Lampung politics: "No matter who is elected governor, Alzier is the real power in Lampung." That is a reference to Alzier Dianis Thabranie, a longtime Lampung political power broker. In addition to being the head of the Golkar Party in Lampung, Alzier is known for his numerous supporters, earning him the nickname the "Godfather" from the Lampung media.

Lawmakers question arrival of EU observers in Aceh

Lawmakers question arrival of EU observers in Aceh The Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite growing calls from legislators not to internationalize the conflict in Aceh, the government has said it will go ahead with talks with Aceh rebels in Finland. The recent arrival of international observers in Aceh only adds insult to injury.

Sharia law in Aceh only for petty criminals

Sharia law in Aceh only for petty criminals Aguswandi, London A young girl falls into a hole and enters a world of confusion and absurdity. Everything has been turned upside down and she is trapped into dealing with small things, unable to focus on the world beyond. The world of Alice in Wonderland is not dissimilar from the world the Acehnese now inhabit.

TNI chief against leadership rotation

TNI chief against leadership rotation JAKARTA: Indonesia Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto expressed rejection on Tuesday of rotating the military leadership among its three forces. "I disagree with leadership rotation, because it means that if (the military chief is) now from the Army, the next chief must be (someone) from the Navy," he said.

Headings

Headings 1. DEPOK -- 2x18 Tension heightens in Depok elections 2. BOJONG -- 2x24 House demands closure of Bojong dump 3. ASSET -- 1x36 Asset dispute settlement goes off rails 4. BURON -- 1x27 'Kidnap victim' declared fugitive 5. MURDER -- 1x27 Alleged cyanide killer on trial 6. CHINA -- 1x32 Museum resurrects Chinese history 7. SPEAK -- 1x30 'It's not for us to judge them'

Rupiah Rates June 28

Rupiah Rates June 28 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,815.87 7,044.22 7,468.33 7,391.63 Brunei dollar 1 6,065.04 5,464.79 5,795.35 5,734.30 Canadian dollar 1 8,247.46 7,433.09 7,880.73 7,799.68 Swiss franc 1 8,017.83 7,225.64 7,661.30 7,581.99 Danish krone 1 1,660.65 1,496.06 1,586.81 1,569.84 Euro 1 12,366.74 11,146.47 11,816.84 11,696.20 Poundsterling 1 18,572.47 16,739.87 17,746.62 17,565.45 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,308.37 1,179.60 1,250.19 1,237.77...

Asset dispute settlement goes off rails

Asset dispute settlement goes off rails Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An attempt by Jakarta's Regional Representatives Council (DPD) members to settle land disputes between the city administration and the central government hit a snag on Tuesday as the Ministry of Transportation and the State Secretariat failed to show up for a scheduled meeting.

Thai Airways, Air New Zealand team up

Thai Airways, Air New Zealand team up BANGKOK: Thai Airways International and Air New Zealand will begin reciprocal code-share flights from July 1, the airlines said on Tuesday. The agreement will see Air New Zealand code-share on Thai services between Bangkok and the Asian destinations Singapore and Phuket, and between Bangkok and European cities Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London, Rome and Stockholm.

Visas on arrival

Visas on arrival I have not seen a country that resists going forward as much as Indonesia does. Instead of abolishing all the silly tourist visa requirements, they grant another 13 countries visa-on- arrival privileges. Not for Holland or Sweden, because they fear that the members of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and members of Free Papua Movement (OPM) might enter...(don't they still have to bring passports?) Anyway, Indonesia, apart from Bali, is as good as cleansed of its tourists.

Major party nominees sweep elections for local leaders

Major party nominees sweep elections for local leaders The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The strongest political parties flexed their muscles in the direct elections of regional heads across the country, with their nominees becoming democratically elected leaders in the landmark elections.

'Kidnap victim' declared fugitive

'Kidnap victim' declared fugitive Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Police have put out an all points bulletin on a businessman who earlier reported being kidnapped and tortured. Setiadjie Munawar has been a fugitive since June 15 after he failed to respond to a summons from the police to answer questions about a related fraud case in which he has been named a suspect.

Blind Papuans ignored of their voting rights

Blind Papuans ignored of their voting rights Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura As many Jayapura residents headed to polling stations to cast their votes in the city's mayoral election on Tuesday, it was business as usual at the Humania Foundation boarding house for the blind in Polimak. Some 50 blind people living in the house with their families went about their daily routines, drinking coffee on the terrace or cleaning up.

TNI chief against leadership rotation

TNI chief against leadership rotation JAKARTA: Indonesia Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto expressed rejection on Tuesday of rotating the military leadership among its three forces. "I disagree with leadership rotation, because it means that if (the military chief is) now from the Army, the next chief must be (someone) from the Navy," he said.

House approves budget with $8b in fuel subsidies

House approves budget with $8b in fuel subsidies Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives finally approved the government's revision of the 2005 state budget on Tuesday after three months of deliberation that nearly clouded the country's first semester financial position.

EC helps RI curb deforestation

EC helps RI curb deforestation JAKARTA: Minister of Forestry Malam Sambat Kaban is scheduled to launch a joint project between the European Commission (EC) and Indonesia aimed at tackling deforestation in the country. The EC will donate 16,746,000 euro to finance the five-year project until 2010, while Indonesia will contribute only 1,765,000 euro, a statement from Kaban's office said on Monday.

Komnas HAM plans branch office in Palu

Komnas HAM plans branch office in Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said on Monday it is exploring the possibility of opening a representative office in Palu, Central Sulawesi. The new branch office would be responsible for monitoring and dealing with human rights issues across Sulawesi island, deputy Komnas HAM chairperson Zoemrotin K. Susilo said in Palu after discussing the plan with Central Sulawesi Deputy Governor Rully Lamdjido.

Susilo texts millions in antidrug campaign

Susilo texts millions in antidrug campaign Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Millions of mobile phone users across the country received on Tuesday a short text message from a very important person. For most it would have been the first time they received an SMS from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

1. Discourse -- 42 pts 7 cols 1lines (1x45)

1. Discourse -- 42 pts 7 cols 1lines (1x45) Muhammadiyah seeks to create movement to enlighten all 2. Panel -- 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18) Rights groups laud UN move on Indonesia war crimes tribunal 3. EU -- 36 pts 2 cols 2lines (2x16) EU observers' visit to Aceh questioned 4. Ancham -- 36 pts 5 cols 1line (1x35) U.S. businesses keen on Asia despite uncertainties 5. Cutline -- 28 pts 4 cols 1line (1x36) HK aid worker shot in Aceh returns home --- 6. Photos

Poland eyes long-term strategic partnership with Indonesia

Poland eyes long-term strategic partnership with Indonesia Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Poland's relations with Indonesia have been traditionally warm and friendly. But the present relationship fails to take advantage fully of both countries' potential. That is why the new Polish ambassador to Indonesia wants to give a new impetus to the existing relationship to forge a long-term strategic partnership between the countries.

Blind Papuans ignored of their voting rights

Blind Papuans ignored of their voting rights Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post/Jayapura As many Jayapura residents headed to polling stations to cast their votes in the city's mayoral election on Tuesday, it was business as usual at the Humania Foundation boarding house for the blind in Polimak. Some 50 blind people living in the house with their families went about their daily routines, drinking coffee on the terrace or cleaning up.

Hopes high for peaceful Poso election

Hopes high for peaceful Poso election Fears of pre-election conflict after the Tentena bombings were proved groundless in Poso on Monday, as candidates for regent wrapped up their campaigns. Two bomb blasts on May 28 in North Pamona district, here, ripped a traditional market apart, killing 21 people. The five pairs of candidates solicited public support without disturbance, and Muslim and Christian communities came together to attend campaign events. The five pairs are Dede K.

Govt appoints Semen Padang president to lead SG

Govt appoints Semen Padang president to lead SG Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government, as the majority shareholder, appointed Dwi Soetjipto as the new president director of PT Semen Gresik, amid plans by the country's largest cement maker to expand its capacity and cope with threats of future cement shortages.

1. POSO: 1 x 36

1. POSO: 1 x 36 Hopes high for peaceful Poso election 2. POLIO: 4 x 10 Safety fears hamper work of polio vaccinators 3. MUNIR: 1 X 32 Marsudi leads police Munir murder probe

Government starts second round of polio vaccinations

Government starts second round of polio vaccinations Agencies, Jakarta Jakarta, West Java and Banten began the second round of a polio vaccination campaign on Tuesday as the confirmed number of cases in the country's first brush with the disease in 10 years rose to 65. Last month, about 6.5 million children were vaccinated in the three provinces to counter further outbreaks.

Failed students on the rise

Failed students on the rise KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The number of students failing the National Final Examination in Southeast Sulawesi had increased dramatically this year, an official said on Tuesday. "The increase in the number of failed students was not only happening in Southeast Sulawesi, but in other provinces around the country," claimed head of the province's Education Office, Halili Sailan.

Rp 13.5b house for governor

Rp 13.5b house for governor Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang At a time when the people of East Nusa Tenggara are still coping with a food crisis and widespread malnutrition, the provincial council has approved a proposed a budget of Rp 13.5 billion (US$1.5 million) to construct a new official residence for the governor.

Govt to disburse Rp 76.5 trillion for fuel subsidy

Govt to disburse Rp 76.5 trillion for fuel subsidy Urip Hudiono The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The House of Representatives finally approved the government's revision of the 2005 state budget on Tuesday after three months of deliberation that nearly clouded the country's first semester financial position.

JP/20/BARDI

JP/20/BARDI Bardi, committed regreening activist People just call him Bardi. As a field forestry counselor, he has an impressive record of achievement as an environmentalist under his belt. Since he was first assigned to Sedayu district, Bantul, Yogyakarta, in 1988, he has successfully regreened 382 hectares of barren, hilly land in four villages: Argodadi, Argorejo, Argomulyo and Argosari. This has now become a forest that produces economic benefit for local people.

EU observers' visit to Aceh questioned

EU observers' visit to Aceh questioned The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite growing calls from legislators not to internationalize the conflict in Aceh, the government has said it will go ahead with talks with Aceh rebels in Finland. The recent arrival of international observers in Aceh only adds insult to injury.

Gaikindo says progressive tax may not hurt auto demand

Gaikindo says progressive tax may not hurt auto demand Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's plan to impose vehicle progressive tax is unlikely to affect domestic demand since the policy is aimed at discouraging people from having more than one car rather than being a fuel saving effort, an association says.

Siawieto sunk at Yogyakarta pool meet

Siawieto sunk at Yogyakarta pool meet Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta National pool ace Siawieto found the Yogyakarta pool tournament a hotter-than-expected warmup ahead of his participation at the World Championship next week, suffering a series of stunning defeats here on Tuesday. Held at the Galaxi Billiard Sport House, the fifth series of the A Mild Billiard Cup saw Siawieto go down to local player Widi Harsoyo 7-0, and 7-6 to Erma Yuliharto of West Java.

Antigraft operation on the move

Antigraft operation on the move From Kompas As the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was trying to escalate its antigraft operation, on May 19 the central boards of Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah signed a statement giving moral support to this legal action against corruption.

Police arrest two with illegal guns

Police arrest two with illegal guns JAKARTA: Jakarta police have arrested two cafe visitors for alleged possession of illegal firearms on Monday. The police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono revealed on Tuesday that they had received reports that one of the suspects, identified as VS, had aimed his pistol at a man while at a cafe in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, early this month.

Stock index gains; Gresik advances

Stock index gains; Gresik advances Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesia's stock index rose for the first day in three. PT Semen Gresik advanced to a four-month high on optimism that a new head at the country's biggest cement maker may help end a four- year dispute with Mexico's Cemex SA. The Jakarta Composite Index added 7.92, or 0.7 percent, to 1127.82 at the 4 p.m. local time close. Gaining stocks led declining ones 67 to 37, while 232 stocks were unchanged.

Rights groups laud UN move on RI war crimes tribunal

Rights groups laud UN move on RI war crimes tribunal Agencies, Jakarta Human rights groups on Tuesday hailed a United Nations panel recommendation that an international tribunal be formed to try Indonesian military officers accused of violence in East Timor in 1999 and attacks on the United Nations mission there. "We agree with the UN's Commission of Experts that continued strong international involvement is essential to ensure that impunity does not prevail for the ...

Ciputra looks to get back in black

Ciputra looks to get back in black The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Developer PT Ciputra Development will build a shopping center in Jakarta and develop two housing estates outside of the capital as it seeks to return to profitability this year. Corporate secretary Tulus Santoso said on Tuesday the publicly listed company would soon begin constructing a mall in South Jakarta. "We will begin construction on the mall this year, at a total cost of Rp 900 billion," said Tulus after a shareholders meeting.

Poland eyes strategic partnership with RI

Poland eyes strategic partnership with RI Veeramalla Anjaiah The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Poland's relations with Indonesia have been traditionally warm and friendly. But the present relationship fails to take advantage fully of both countries' potential. That is why the new Polish ambassador to Indonesia wants to give a new impetus to the existing relationship to forge a long-term strategic partnership between the countries.

Incensed voters hold 'shave-in'

Incensed voters hold 'shave-in' JEMBER, East Java: Voters in the town of Jember found an interesting way to express their opposition to the voting results: they shaved their heads clean. The action on Tuesday was conducted by supporters of the losing candidate Samsul Siswoyo and his running mate Baharudin Noer.

Proton eyes China, Russia to boost exports

Proton eyes China, Russia to boost exports Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's national carmaker Proton on Tuesday said it plans to export 100,000 units by 2008 and open production plants in China and Russia to minimize the impact of a regional trade pact, an official said on Tuesday. "It will hurt all the players who have invested in Malaysia -- Proton and Perodua (under AFTA)," Haris Fadzilah Hassan, Proton's strategic planning head told reporters.

Rupiah Rates June 28

Rupiah Rates June 28 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,815.87 7,044.22 7,468.33 7,391.63 Brunei dollar 1 6,065.04 5,464.79 5,795.35 5,734.30 Canadian dollar 1 8,247.46 7,433.09 7,880.73 7,799.68 Swiss franc 1 8,017.83 7,225.64 7,661.30 7,581.99 Danish krone 1 1,660.65 1,496.06 1,586.81 1,569.84 Euro 1 12,366.74 11,146.47 11,816.84 11,696.20 Poundsterling 1 18,572.47 16,739.87 17,746.62 17,565.45 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,308.37 1,179.60 1,250.19 1,237.77...

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 28, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 28, 2005 ___________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,400 0 4,500 Adhi Karya 830 10 2,602,500 Adira Dinamika 2,225 0 0 AGIS Tbk 130 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 200 0 5,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,190 -10 1,307,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo...

Museum resurrects Chinese history

Museum resurrects Chinese history The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Not many people know why June 22 was chosen as the capital's anniversary date, but fewer know who actually built the original city. As Jakarta celebrates its 478th anniversary this year, the Jakarta Historical Museum on Jl. Taman Fatahillah in Kota, known popularly as Fatahillah Museum, is exhibiting old documents and artifacts from Malay-Chinese history.

Obituary

Obituary Former Indonesia ambassador to Canada Eki Syachrudin died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack. He was 65 years old. A family member said Eki was admitted to Mitra International Hospital in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, after complaining of feeling ill earlier in the day. The relative said there were no indications that Eki was seriously ill. Doctors announced Eki's death at about 6 p.m. He is survived by a wife and two children.

Shot HK aid worker on her way home

Shot HK aid worker on her way home HONG KONG: A Red Cross worker shot in the neck while helping tsunami-hit communities in Indonesia's Aceh province was on her way home to Hong Kong on Tuesday following requests from her family, a spokeswoman said. Eva Yeung was due to arrive in the Chinese territory later on Tuesday and be transferred to a local hospital, Red Cross Hong Kong spokeswoman Almen Chui told AFP.

City to have Las Vegas-style fountains

City to have Las Vegas-style fountains Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After the laser lighting on the National Monument (Monas) and the deer zone in its park, a new attraction emulating the Las Vegas Bellagio dancing fountains is set to become another city icon next month.

Blind Papuans ignored of their voting rights

Blind Papuans ignored of their voting rights Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post/Jayapura As many Jayapura residents headed to polling stations to cast their votes in the city's mayoral election on Tuesday, it was business as usual at the Humania Foundation boarding house for the blind in Polimak. Some 50 blind people living in the house with their families went about their daily routines, drinking coffee on the terrace or cleaning up.

Muhammadiyah seeks to create movement to enlighten all

Muhammadiyah seeks to create movement to enlighten all Indonesia's second largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah, will hold its 45th congress in the East Java town of Malang from July 3 to July 8. Its outgoing chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarif talked to The Jakarta Post's Sri Wahyuni about the congress and its related issues. The following is an excerpt from the interview. Question: What is the main agenda of the congress this year?

Tension heightens in Depok elections

Tension heightens in Depok elections Abdul Khalik and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor Protests and intimidation overshadowed vote counting in the Depok mayoral elections on Tuesday, prompting the Depok General Elections Commission (KPUD) to hold the tally until the counting is completed.

Road map planned for the insurance industry

Road map planned for the insurance industry The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will issue a "road map" for the insurance industry by the end of September, the Ministry of Finance says. "This way, there will be a clear picture of where the insurance industry should be heading," said the ministry's director for insurance, Firdaus Djaelani, during a seminar attended by insurance executives on Tuesday.

U.S. businesses keen on Asia despite uncertainties

U.S. businesses keen on Asia despite uncertainties Agence France-Presse, Singapore Asia remains an attractive region for U.S. investments despite concerns over slowing economic growth, top U.S. business executives said in a survey released here Tuesday. The Southeast Asia-based executives said they expect to hire more employees, expand operations and post profits this year despite becoming less optimistic about economic prospects globally and in their countries of operation.

'It's not for us to judge them'

'It's not for us to judge them' In a recent survey of students by the Cinta Anak Bangsa Foundation, a non-governmental organization working to combat drug use among teenagers, one in two respondents had a tolerant attitude toward pornography, while one in five had permissive views on drugs and violence. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on the issue. Hana, 24, is a student at the University of Indonesia in Depok, West Java.

Tsunami-battered Asia slow to prepare for new disaster

Tsunami-battered Asia slow to prepare for new disaster by Barry Neild = (PICTURES) = BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, June 24 (AFP) - Tsunami-battered Asia slow to prepare for new disaster Barry Nield Agence France-Presse/Banda Aceh Aftershocks still jolt Indonesia six months after the huge quake and tsunamis that took Asia by surprise, but despite an urgent need to prepare for a new catastrophe, little has been achieved.

Alleged cyanide killer on trial

Alleged cyanide killer on trial Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Cibinong District Court opened on Monday the trial of a 23-year- old who allegedly killed with poison last January two brothers and their sister. Prosecutor Djamil Zaini charged Budiono Mujiono, alias Maman, with premeditated murder. "The defendant killed the three by lacing their coffees with cyanide," he told the court presided over by judge Edison Muhamad.

Nurturing Youth Entrepreneurship

Nurturing Youth Entrepreneurship President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on June 24, 2005 between Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Adyaksa Dault and Ki Tony Agus Ardie, the coordinator of the Yogyakarta-based Task Force for the Empowerment of Small and Medium Enterprises. The MoU is intended to facilitate the designing and implementing of joint programs to nurture youth entrepreneurship.

China agrees to add $200m in loans: Jusuf

China agrees to add $200m in loans: Jusuf The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following up the recently signed Sino-Indonesian strategic partnership agreement, China has agreed to increase its financial aid to Indonesia, adding another US$200 million in loans to finance major infrastructure projects in the country, the finance minister says. Minister of Finance Jusuf Anwar said the additional bilateral loans would come on top of the $400 million that China had already committed to Indonesia.

President wants Sutanto to boost antigraft drive

President wants Sutanto to boost antigraft drive Tony Hotland and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has confidence that Comr. Gen. Sutanto, his nominated replacement for National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, will be able fight corruption and improve the police's professionalism. "Mr.

Placing women's priorities center stage in Aceh

Placing women's priorities center stage in Aceh The following are reports from The Jakarta Post's contributor Carla Bianpoen on the recent Acehnese Women's Conference, the second of its kind. This year's conference aims to strengthen the role of women in the province's ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation. The Aceh Women's Conference 2, or Duek Pakat Inong Aceh 2, once again showed Aceh women's leadership at critical times.

HK aid worker shot in Aceh returns home

HK aid worker shot in Aceh returns home Associated Press, Hong Kong A Hong Kong Red Cross aid worker, shot while serving in Indonesia's tsunami-ravaged Aceh province, returned home on Tuesday to continue her recovery at a local hospital. Eva Yeung (center on a stretcher) said after arriving from Singapore that she enjoyed working in Aceh and the aid mission there must continue. "I was very happy working there.

National media widely availed of by candidates in local leadership polls

National media widely availed of by candidates in local leadership polls Sylvia Yazid, Bandung As with any attempt to initiate change, the local leadership elections have raised various interesting issues. One of them is the campaign process and how it is managed. The candidates, and their campaign teams, have been making the most of all resources, means and media they could possibly be of use to them in reaching out to and convince people to vote for them.

Indonesia NPL reform to hit bank profits

Indonesia NPL reform to hit bank profits Phelim Kyne, Dow Jones, Jakarta Bank Indonesia is intensifying bank sector reform with stricter bad loan rules likely to take a sharp-but-temporary bite out of major corporate lender profits. The short-term pain will deliver long-term gain in the form of tighter loan classification standards aimed at improving the health of a sector still recovering from the impact of the 1997- 98 Asian financial crisis, central bank officials and analysts say.

Bomb threat in Makassar

Bomb threat in Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: A bomb threat was received at the Denpasar Hotel in Makassar on Tuesday morning, causing panic among the hotel's employees and guests. The threat was made by a man who had called the hotel's receptionist, Syamsianah Arsyad. The caller said there was a package containing a bomb ready to explode in the hotel, which is situated between two shopping malls.

Marsudi leads police Munir murder probe

Marsudi leads police Munir murder probe Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police have established a team to follow up on the recommendations of a government-sanctioned fact-finding team that recently completed a six-month investigation into the murder of human rights campaigner Munir. The 30-member police team is led by Brig. Gen. Marsudi Hanafi, who also headed the fact-finding team. The appointment of Marsudi was signed off on by National Police detectives chief Comr.

Indonesia deploys policewomen as concerns rise for child tsunami

Indonesia deploys policewomen as concerns rise for child tsunami survivors by Barry Neild = (PICTURE) = BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, June 17 (AFP) - See caption file at end Concern for children's well-being prompts use of policewomen Barry Neild Agence France-Presse/Banda Aceh While most Indonesian child tsunami victims are being cared for by family or friends six months after the disaster, new fears are emerging that young survivors living in tightly packed camps are being exposed to new dangers.

Looking, feeling healthy no guarantee

Looking, feeling healthy no guarantee Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a country where moralists and the judgmental are quick to condemn the sick, such as people with HIV/AIDs, it is not surprising that many people are reluctant to take blood tests. This is particularly the case when a suspected ailment is seen as being closely related to moral values, such as those diseases that can be passed through sexual intercourse and intravenous drug use.

EC helps RI curb deforestation

EC helps RI curb deforestation JAKARTA: Minister of Forestry Malam Sambat Kaban is scheduled to launch a joint project between the European Commission (EC) and Indonesia aimed at tackling deforestation in the country. The EC will donate 16,746,000 euro to finance the five-year project until 2010, while Indonesia will contribute only 1,765,000 euro, a statement from Kaban's office said on Monday.

Graft probe into poll body continues

Graft probe into poll body continues JAKARTA: The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office has collected more evidence on alleged corruption by members of the Jakarta Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta). On Tuesday, head of the investigating team Syaiful Tahir retrieved all procurement contracts for election materials used in last year's election that were made by KPU Jakarta as well as a financial report from the State Audit Agency.

TV Program: Thursday, June 30, 2005

TV Program: Thursday, June 30, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 7:30 Cartoon 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

House demands closure of Bojong dump

House demands closure of Bojong dump Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Members of the House of Representatives recommended on Tuesday the closure of the controversy Bojong dump in Bogor, south of Jakarta, as its presence violated land zoning regulations. A team of legislators, set up following violent protests by Bojong residents against the dump that led to riots, also said that the local administration should be held responsible for its presence, while the dump must be relocated.

Komnas HAM plans branch office in Palu

Komnas HAM plans branch office in Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said on Monday it is exploring the possibility of opening a representative office in Palu, Central Sulawesi. The new branch office would be responsible for monitoring and dealing with human rights issues across Sulawesi island, deputy Komnas HAM chairperson Zoemrotin K. Susilo said in Palu after discussing the plan with Central Sulawesi Deputy Governor Rully Lamdjido.

Major party nominees sweeping local elections

Major party nominees sweeping local elections The Jakarta Post Jakarta The strongest political parties flexed their muscles in the direct elections of regional heads across the country, with their nominees becoming democratically elected leaders in the landmark elections.

House rebukes three members of PDI-P for rowdy behavior

House rebukes three members of PDI-P for rowdy behavior The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives disciplinary council on Tuesday reprimanded three Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) members for disrupting a March plenary session, but found House leaders not guilty. The decision prompted PDI-P member Permadi to resign from the council, saying it discriminated against House members by failing to take action against the House leaders for their role in the incident.

The future of cooperation between China and Indonesia

The future of cooperation between China and Indonesia Natalia Soebagjo, Shanghai Tong Djoe must feel quite honored that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, our President, has asked for his help in opening the door to mainland China's corporate community. Hopefully, he's not also shaking his head in dismay that after all the years since he lent a hand in paving the way to reestablishing Indonesian-Chinese relations back in 1990, the Indonesian government is still seeking his advice.