Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 July 2005

81 articles found

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 18, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 18, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,140 -50 5,000 Adhi Karya 750 -10 1,086,500 Adira Dinamika 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 135 -5 244,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 265 -35 172,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,200 0 1,010,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...

Death sentence for servants

Death sentence for servants From Republika An Indonesian migrant worker, Rohana, could face the death penalty for allegedly killing her employer in Singapore, according to a report on July 4. In March 2004, two other domestic servants, Juminem and Siti Aminah, were also charged with murder in that country. There are other such cases involving Indonesian women working abroad.

Papuan students demand graft probe

Papuan students demand graft probe JAYAPURA, Papua: Some 100 Papuan students staged a protest outside the Papua Provincial Council building demanding that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono approve a graft investigation into Jayawijaya Regent David Hubi. Hubi is accused of embezzling Rp 100 billion (US$10.4 million) from the 2002 and 2003 Jayawijaya budgets. According to the students, the National Police had submitted a request to the President to be allowed to question Hubi.

Susilo should visit Israel too

Susilo should visit Israel too Emanuel Shahaf, Tel Aviv The recent report indicating that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono intends to visit the Palestinian Authority (The Jakarta Post, July 13) is a welcome sign that Indonesia may consider assuming an active role in mediating the Middle East conflict.

Mixed response in House to Aceh deal

Mixed response in House to Aceh deal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The reaction was mixed in the House of Representatives on Monday to the draft peace deal signed by the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), with some legislators questioning GAM's main demand to establish a local political party in the province.

Budget deficit may widen to 1.3 percent of GDP

Budget deficit may widen to 1.3 percent of GDP Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta This year's state budget deficit is likely to soar far above initial forecasts unless immediate measures are taken to contain surging spending on fuel subsidies amid high global oil prices and soaring fuel consumption at home, the Minister of Finance says.

Peace agreement raises doubts, hopes in Aceh

Peace agreement raises doubts, hopes in Aceh Reuters/Banda Aceh People in Aceh reacted cautiously on Monday to a deal aimed at ending 30 years of civil war in the Indonesian province devastated by the Dec. 26 tsunami. Unlike the agreement reached in late 2002 that had Acehnese crowding newspaper stalls for the details, the new deal failed to distract people from going about their business as usual.

Twins Anggi and Angeli doing well, return home

Twins Anggi and Angeli doing well, return home Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Conjoined twins Anggi and Angeli returned home on Monday after they were successfully separated at Singapore's Gleneagles Hospital in May. The two babies, who were born in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra on Feb. 11 last year, arrived at 11.30 a.m. at Polonia Airport in Medan. The infants seemed healthy. They were placed in baby strollers, and escorted by their parents and doctors from Singapore.

BNI, BPN officials arrested for graft

BNI, BPN officials arrested for graft Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police arrested over the weekend an employee of the Kota branch of state-owned bank BNI in West Jakarta, an official of the National Land Agency (BPN) and a businessmen for defrauding the bank of Rp 6 billion (US$631,570). The city police's special crimes unit chief, Sr. Comr.

Subscribers incensed by cable TV blackouts

Subscribers incensed by cable TV blackouts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has been a long, tiring day at the office and Anton, a 27-year old project control engineer, just wants to watch his favorite late night sports on ESPN. "I was disappointed when I turned on my TV and found that Kabelvision had disconnected at midnight," he said.

Search continue for Digoel accident

Search continue for Digoel accident JAYAPURA, Papua: A search and rescue (SAR) team continued its search on Monday for the bodies of those who died when the Digoel sank on July 7 off Merauke, Papua. As of Monday, a total of 67 bodies had been found, while 15 people had been rescued. It is estimated that over 100 people are still missing. According to the Merauke Social Affairs Agency, the Digoel was carrying 206 passengers when it sank.

Laos limits travel ahead of ASEAN meet

Laos limits travel ahead of ASEAN meet LAOS: Laos will restrict travel to its capital Vientiane and close schools and government offices for security reasons when it hosts a major meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next week. Laos will host the annual meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, followed by talks with the group's major diplomatic partners and a meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum, the region's main security forum, from July 24 to July 29.

ASIA DEBT PIPELINE: Flurry Of Bonds Seen Before Aug Lull

ASIA DEBT PIPELINE: Flurry Of Bonds Seen Before Aug Lull JP/15/Debt ASIA DEBT PIPELINE: Flurry Of Bonds Seen Before Aug Lull Karen Lane Dow Jones/Singapore Despite hefty issuance last week, there looks to be no let up in Asian international bond sales before the market goes on its August summer break. On the cards are a long-awaited euro-denominated bond from Korea Electric Power Corp. and a deal worth around US$500 million from the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

* Subscribers incensed by cable TV blackouts Page 2

* Subscribers incensed by cable TV blackouts Page 2 * TNI, police boost ties to combat sea crimes Page 4 * Cipularang toll road spurs local economy Page 5 * Slow and steady SBY gains ground Page 7 * BNI, BPN officials arrested for graft Page 8 * S. Korean Lee wins Canadian Women's Open Page 9 * London blasts seen as lesson for SE Asia Page 11 * Use of CNG down despite talk about alternative fuel Page 13 * Giving birth often means death for Bolivia's women Page 19

Residents of Semarang ask, Zheng who?

Residents of Semarang ask, Zheng who? Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Despite the plan to grandly celebrate the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's journey around the world, the majority of Semarang students and residents are still uninformed on the great Chinese explorer. The anniversary will be celebrated in Semarang between 1 and 7 Augusts in Sam Poo Kong Temple, Tay Kak Sie Temple and the Central Java's Trade and Promotion Fair in Marina Beach in the city. "I don't know who is Zheng He.

~Apartments offer privacy, security, comfort living

~Apartments offer privacy, security, comfort living T. Sima Gunawan Contributor Jakarta Seeing a young woman returning home at midnight or at dawn, many people might frown upon her, wondering what she has done and have a negative feeling about her. The idea that a good girl should not go out at night still prevails in the country, even in a metropolitan city of Jakarta.

Sales promotion offers girls much-needed cash

Sales promotion offers girls much-needed cash The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vina Cahyadi, 20, a college student, felt guilty every time she spent her semester break doing nothing but shopping. She finally found the solution when a friend offered her a part-time job as a sales promotion girl (SPG) at last year's Jakarta Motor Show. "I prefer making money rather than spending it during my semester break," said Vina, who is studying information and technology at Bina Nusantara University.

Govt set to welcome Farmer

Govt set to welcome Farmer The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian government will likely accept Australia's choice of former immigration department chief Bill Farmer as the replacement for its envoy David Ritchie despite opposition from several House of Representatives members. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Monday that resistance to Farmer's appointment as a candidate for Australian ambassador to Indonesia did not represent the official stance of the legislative body.

Golkar misses target in South Sulawesi elections

Golkar misses target in South Sulawesi elections Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar The Golkar Party has proved its strength in national legislative elections, but that does not necessarily mean that it will always also be victorious in local elections. During the direct local elections here on June 27, the former ruling party only managed to secure victories for five out of the 10 tickets it was running.

'No more gambling in Jakarta': Police. 'Wanna bet?': Public

'No more gambling in Jakarta': Police. 'Wanna bet?': Public Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dismissing widespread skepticism about their ability and commitment to eradicate gambling in the city, the Jakarta Police claimed on Monday that all gambling dens in the capital had been closed down. Jakarta Police deputy chief Brig. Gen.

Homicide case files given to prosecutors

Homicide case files given to prosecutors BEKASI: Police submitted on Monday the case files of four suspects charged in connection with the murder and dismemberment of Yulius Alexander Matital to the Bekasi Prosecutor's Office. The four suspects, identified by their initials as EJ, B, A and AL, were allegedly involved in the murder of Yulius at a restaurant in Harapan Jaya. Yulius's body was then chopped into pieces and disposed of in Tangerang and East Jakarta.

RI lures foreigners to banking sector

RI lures foreigners to banking sector Leslie Lopez, Doe Jones/Asean Wall Street Journal, Jakarta Foreign investors have agreed to acquire controlling stakes in two Indonesian banks, reflecting the growing attraction of the country's financial sector as the economy picks up speed.

Gambling remains rife in West Java

Gambling remains rife in West Java Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon It was business as usual for gambling outlets in the northern coastal areas of West Java province, despite a recent antigambling campaign declared by the chief of the National Police, Gen. Sutanto. As can be seen, the coupons of a local lottery, popularly known as togel, were still being widely circulating on Saturday in dozens of places in Majalengka, Cirebon, Indramayu and Kuningan regencies here.

Muhammadiyah announces board, fails to include women member

Muhammadiyah announces board, fails to include women member Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah announced here on Monday its new central executive board comprising 18 members, including 13 people elected during the recent national congress of the country's second largest Muslim organization. Despite calls from some women members of the organization, the new board does not include any women.

Donggala attack damages houses, a car

Donggala attack damages houses, a car DONGGALA, Central Sulawesi: A group of Tolu residents attacked the neighboring subdistrict of Kotarindau on Sunday night, but no fatalities were reported in the incident. However, at least 12 houses and a Toyota Kijang van were damaged as the angry Tolu residents pelted the houses and the car with stones before fleeing the scene. Surprised by the attack, the residents of Kotarindau were unable to do much to defend their property.

Canberra rapped in Corby trial

Canberra rapped in Corby trial DENPASAR, Bali: A lawyer representing an Australian woman convicted of drug smuggling accused Canberra of refusing to provide immunity for key witnesses who could help secure his client's release. Hotman Paris Hutapea, the lawyer for 28-year-old Schapelle Leigh Corby, said on Monday Australia's lack of support would prevent him from presenting about 10 witnesses who could provide crucial testimony on Corby's behalf.

Asians cling to beloved SUVs despite rising oil prices

Asians cling to beloved SUVs despite rising oil prices Roberto Coloma Agence France Presse/Singapore Move over, slow drivers. A busy mom with a monstrous turbocharged truck, a long grocery shopping list and a wailing child strapped to the back seat is looming right behind you. Gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the carrier of choice among fashionable urban women and affluent families, remain highly popular across the Asia-Pacific region despite soaring oil prices.

JP/18/BRIEFS

JP/18/BRIEFS Maya Resort & Spa, a favorite for Aussie couples Maya Ubud Resort & Spa grabbed the Gold Category Award in the Best Resort Spa Overseas and Silver Category Award in Best Hotel/Resort in Southeast Asia based on Holidays for Couples Magazine Readers' Choice Awards 2005. Voting was opened to the public only -- no industry professionals were allowed for vote. Readers were asked to cast their votes either through a form in Holidays for Couples magazine or through a website.

Ahmadiyah prepares legal action against MUI

Ahmadiyah prepares legal action against MUI The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung/Yogyakarta With the support of noted Muslim scholars, the Ahmadiyah religious group is determined to sue the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) over last week's attack on its compound in Parung, Bogor, West Java.

The prolonged political crisis in the Philippines

The prolonged political crisis in the Philippines Ronald Meinardus, Manila If there is one ray of light in the protracted political turmoil besetting the Philippines it is that, thus far, the situation has remained peaceful.

Travel: Penang, Malaysia (1,182) GUARDIAN NEWS SERVICE (MALAYSIA)

Travel: Penang, Malaysia (1,182) GUARDIAN NEWS SERVICE (MALAYSIA) By Andrew Catchpole = STANDFIRST: Chinese, Malays, Indians and Thais have left their mark on Penang cuisine. Andrew Catchpole whets his appetite Penang cuisine result of many external influences Andrew Catchpole Guardian News Service/Penang, Malaysia Eating "C'n'G" (cheap and good) is a national pastime in Malaysia. Locals boast of eating six or seven times a day.

RP says it is free from bird flu

RP says it is free from bird flu PHILIPPINES: The Philippines said on Monday that it was still free of the H5N1 virus after tests conducted on ducks infected by a low-risk strain of bird flu turned out to be negative for the deadly strain. According to the Agriculture and Health departments, "no active infection" was found in the duck samples sent to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL).

Sutiyoso plays down danger of bird flu

Sutiyoso plays down danger of bird flu Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso played down on Monday the danger of avian flu in the capital, saying dengue fever was "more dangerous". Health minister Siti Fadillah Supari said on Sunday that Iwan Siswara of the Vila Melati Mas housing complex in Serpong, Tangerang, some 30 kilometers west of Jakarta, died of bird flu.

RI worker jailed in Saudi Arabia

RI worker jailed in Saudi Arabia JAKARTA: The non-governmental organization Migrant Care has asked the government to file a diplomatic note to protest the imprisonment of an Indonesian migrant worker in Saudi Arabia. The NGO said in a statement the worker, Nurmiati of Sumbawa island in West Nusa Tenggara, was jailed despite having been abused by her employer. A Saudi daily, Arab News, reported that Crown Prince Abdullah had ordered the health minister to treat Nurmiati.

RI, Japan focus on cooperation

RI, Japan focus on cooperation Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Japan and Indonesia are focusing their series of negotiations on setting up an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and intellectual property rights, the Minister of Trade says. Mari E. Pangestu said on Monday the two countries had agreed in their first talks ending on Friday to form an EPA with five "expert groups", which would negotiate sector agreements.

Navy cyclists set good example

Navy cyclists set good example Antara, Jakarta Rear Admiral Slamet Subijanto used to ride around the naval base in Surabaya on his bicycle when he chief of the Navy's training department. He continued to do so when he was made chief of the Navy's Eastern Fleet. But when he was appointed as chief of the Navy, which is based in Jakarta, he abandoned his bike.

Use our tax properly

Use our tax properly I share the same sadness as D.J. Pamudji (The Jakarta Post, July 15: Bloating caused by starvation). Indonesia is indeed a very rich country however the people are so poor. We don't know how long this has been going on for. While kids have bloated bellies, another channel on TV shows corruption on an enormous scale in the General Elections Commission (KPU) and Ministry of Religious Affairs. What a sad reality.

* Subscribers incensed by cable TV blackouts Page 2

* Subscribers incensed by cable TV blackouts Page 2 * KPK names Rusadi a suspect in KPU case Page 4 * Cipularang toll road spurs local economy Page 5 * Slow and steady SBY gains ground Page 7 * BNI, BPN officials arrested for graft Page 8 * S. Korean Lee wins Canadian Women's Open Page 9 * London blasts seen as lesson for SE Asia Page 11 * Use of CNG down despite talk about alternative fuel Page 13 * Giving birth often means death for Bolivia's women Page 19

KPK detains KPU member Rusadi

KPK detains KPU member Rusadi The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained on Monday General Elections Commission (KPU) member Rusadi Kantaprawira after naming him a suspect in a graft case at the election body.

Only democratic approaches can end regional conflicts

Only democratic approaches can end regional conflicts Aguswandi, London Honest and open-minded talk about Aceh and West Papua is rare in Indonesia. Yet some Indonesians recently came together in London to have just such a conversation. Students from the Indonesian Student Association organized an event to discuss both conflicts. It was a kind of people-to-people discussion. The conclusion reached was that only democratic and peaceful approaches, not military ones, would find solutions.

This year's state budget deficit is likely to soar far above

This year's state budget deficit is likely to soar far above initial forecasts unless immediate measures are taken to contain surging spending on fuel subsidies amid high global oil prices and soaring fuel consumption at home, the Minister of Finance says.

RP asked to be ready to lead ASEAN

RP asked to be ready to lead ASEAN The Philippines has been asked by some of its neighbors to be ready to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), amid signs that Myanmar may skip its turn next year, a senior foreign affairs official said on Monday. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told Filipino diplomats in a recent meeting that the Philippines would agree to assume the role if Myanmar passes, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Housewives support anti-gambling campaign

Housewives support anti-gambling campaign Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Housewives in Medan have warmly welcomed the nationwide movement against gambling. Interviewed separately, the housewives said that gambling had made their husbands gambling addicts and their habit had adversely affected the households.

'Save energy? I don't have an air conditioner'

'Save energy? I don't have an air conditioner' The government has called on the public to take part in a nationwide drive to save energy, including reducing fuel consumption. The Jakarta Post talked to residents about what they could do at home to save energy. Alex Yuniarto, 30, works as a consultant at a foreign company on Jl. Sudirman in South Jakarta. He lives with his family in Cawang, East Jakarta. My mother is busy reminding everyone to turn off all unnecessary lights. After 9 p.m.

TNI, police boost ties to combat sea crimes

TNI, police boost ties to combat sea crimes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Police chief Gen. Sutanto and Indonesia Military (TNI) commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving maritime security against smuggling and other sea crimes.

Apartments offer privacy, security and comfort

Apartments offer privacy, security and comfort T. Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta Seeing a young woman returning home at midnight or at dawn, many people might frown upon her, wondering what she has been doing. The idea that a good girl should not go out at night still prevails in the country, even in a metropolitan city like Jakarta. That's why Tisa TS, 27, is happy to know that her neighbors do not make a fuss about her activities late at night or in the wee hours.

JP/2/heads

JP/2/heads July 19, 2005 1. KPU: 1 X 30 KPK detains KPU member Rusadi 2. REAX: 3 X 15 Peace agreement raises doubts, hopes in Aceh 3. AHMADIYAH: 1 X 42 Ahmadiyah prepares legal action against MUI 4. JAK-TV: 4 X 11 Subscribers incensed by cable TV blackouts

Use of CNG declining despite talk about alternative fuel

Use of CNG declining despite talk about alternative fuel Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite constant talk about the need to revert to alternative fuel amid soaring global oil prices, the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the transportation sector is actually on a decline, hampered mostly by expensive imported conversion kits and lack of infrastructure.

Apartments the place for fast -- pace city living

Apartments the place for fast -- pace city living Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, The Jakarta Post The apartment business is still a lucrative venture today as living in an apartment has become an integral part of the fast- paced modern life of urbanites in this country. Also, the freedom of not have to worry about security along with stable political climate has given a direct impact to the growth of the business.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 18, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 18, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,140 -50 5,000 Adhi Karya 750 -10 1,086,500 Adira Dinamika 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 135 -5 244,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 265 -35 172,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,200 0 1,010,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...

London blasts seen as valuable lesson for Southeast Asia

London blasts seen as valuable lesson for Southeast Asia Dan Eaton, Reuters/Jakarta Copycats could stage deadly London-style bombings in Southeast Asia's major cities, many of which are ill equiped to deal with such carnage, the secretary general of the region's main political grouping said on Monday. The July 7 London attacks serve as a valuable lesson to remain alert for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is battling its own forms of home-grown terrorism.

Air Force lets UN workers go

Air Force lets UN workers go MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: After three days of questioning, the Air Force released on Monday six UN humanitarian workers and let them fly off in their Russian-made helicopter. Hasanuddin Air Base commander Commodore Edy Suyanto said he found no evidence the five Russian and one Australian relief workers were involved in a "suspicious mission" when they changed their original flight plan and flew over the province's airspace en route to Papua New Guinea from Aceh.

Equality before the law

Equality before the law I would like to comment on the news Thousands besiege Ahmadiyah complex published in The Jakarta Post dated July 16. In my opinion, the matter of somebody's faith and belief is a very personal issue. Thus it is not the responsibility of any council or government to decide about someone's belief. And no council has the right to discriminate against a minority just because of a difference of opinion.

NGOs slam decree limiting television operating hours

NGOs slam decree limiting television operating hours Ridwan Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A group of non-governmental organizations joined forces on Monday to protest a ministerial decree requiring radio and television stations to reduce their airtime as part of the government's energy conservation drive. Agus Sudibyo, coordinator of the Coalition for the Free Flow of Information and the Alliance for Defenders of Chapter 28, said Ministerial Decree No.

JP/1/TWINS

JP/1/TWINS Twins Anggi and Angeli return home Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Medan Conjoined twins Anggi and Angeli returned home on Monday after they were successfully separated at Singapore's Gleneagles Hospital in May. The two babies, who were born in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra on Feb. 11 last year, arrived at 11.30 a.m. at Polonia Airport in Medan. The infants seemed healthy. They were placed in baby strollers, and escorted by their parents and doctors from Singapore.

JP/18/LEECH

JP/18/LEECH 'Repugnant' leeches can cure range of illnesses Bambang Muryanto Contributor/Yogyakarta You will immediately be welcomed by the rancid smell of blood the moment you enter the consulting room of an alternative healer in Trayemen village, Pleret, Bantul, Yogyakarta. Was it a room where surgery is performed? No. Inside, five adult males were undergoing therapy. They were sitting in a relaxed manner with their feet pointing upward.

Jakarta apartment outlook bright despite threat of oversupply

Jakarta apartment outlook bright despite threat of oversupply Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta The Indonesian apartment market is expected to remain strong as apartment is still seen as a more profitable investment compared to the currently low bank deposit rate but the shadow of oversupply or imbalance between demand and supply persists. Data from property consultants and analysts show a jump in the annual supply of apartment units launched in the market.

Pontianak turns off the lights

Pontianak turns off the lights PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: As part of the nationwide energy saving drive, the Pontianak city government has instructed that all advertising lights on the street had to be turned off at midnight. The municipal government would also replace standard street lights with energy saving lights, said Pontianak Mayor Buchary Abdurrahman. The city government embarked on the energy saving measures after presidential decree No.

Rupiah Ends Lower On Dlr Demand From Importers

Rupiah Ends Lower On Dlr Demand From Importers JP/14/Market Rupiah Ends Lower On Dlr Demand From Importers Dow Jones/Jakarta The Indonesian rupiah ended lower on Monday as dollar demand from local importers dragged on the local unit, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 9,810, up from its close on Friday at Rp 9,775. Dealers said that state banks were the main dollar buyers, likely mainly on behalf of oil importer Pertamina.

Majority of married couples eschew condoms usage

Majority of married couples eschew condoms usage Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung A member of the West Java legislative council's Commission E, Ani Rukmini, said her husband did not like to use condoms. "No thanks, dear. It feels uncomfortable and it will take too long to finish," she quoted her husband as saying. Eventually, Ani, who is concerned with the issue of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially HIV/AIDS, gave up trying to get her husband to use a condom.

Jakarta apartment outlook bright despite threat of oversupply

Jakarta apartment outlook bright despite threat of oversupply Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta The Indonesian apartment market is expected to remain strong as apartments are still seen as more profitable investments given the currently low deposit interest rates. But the threat of oversupply persists. Data from property consultants and analysts show a jump in the annual supply of apartments on the market.

Govt to sell up to 10% of PGN stake this year

Govt to sell up to 10% of PGN stake this year Indonesia plans to sell as much as 10 percent of state-run gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) this year, part of a strategy to bridge the budget deficit. "For PGN, the stake that will be sold is maximum 10 percent," State Enterprise Minister Sugiharto said on Monday. The government also plans to sell this year a part of a publicly traded state-controlled bank, or banks, he said, without giving more details.

~For Special Edition --- Apartment Living

~For Special Edition --- Apartment Living Apartment is still much on demand Debbie A. Lubis Contributor The Jakarta Post Apartment business is still a lucrative venture today as living in an apartment has become an integral part of the fast- paced modern life in the city. Also, the alleviation of security concerns along with stable political climate has given a direct impact to the business growth.

Slow and steady SBY gains ground

Slow and steady SBY gains ground John McBeth, The Straits Times, Asia News Network/Singapore It is unspoken, of course, but there are many impatient Indonesians who wish President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would dispense with the velvet glove and start using the mailed fist. Seven months into his presidency, most people give him an A- plus for style, for his obvious sincerity and for doing the right things.

Lawmakers pay rise proposal comes under more fire

Lawmakers pay rise proposal comes under more fire The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The controversial plan to raise the take-home pay of legislators came in for a further round of criticism on Monday, with observers warning the money would end up being abused by unscrupulous politicians or political parties.

City not to be kept totally in the dark

City not to be kept totally in the dark Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta city administration said Monday that it would maintain full street lighting in public places across the capital due to fears of rising crime, despite its policy of reducing street illumination as part of energy-saving measures.

Jambi police battle illegal loggers

Jambi police battle illegal loggers JAMBI, Jambi: Jambi provincial police has vowed to intensify a crackdown against illegal loggers. Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Saturday, chief of Jambi provincial police Brig. Gen. Soewadji said the police were currently focusing their fight against illegal logging in five regencies, namely Tebo, Batanghari, Merangin, Kerinci and Muarojambi, where four national parks are located.

Towards peace in Aceh

Towards peace in Aceh It would be naive to foreshadow peace prematurely in any conflict, no matter how hopeful the signs...But what progress has been achieved is historic. GAM is no longer demanding independence; by accepting autonomy within Indonesia it has kept Jakarta talking and brought a peace deal in sight for the first time. The deal, say Indonesian officials, is 90 percent done. What may delay it is GAM's demand to form a political party. The pressure must be kept up.

Principal nabbed for embezzlement

Principal nabbed for embezzlement JAKARTA: A principal of a private elementary school in Duren Jaya, East Bekasi, was arrested by detectives on Monday for allegedly embezzling Rp 260 million (US$68,500) in savings belonging to 693 students. East Bekasi Police chief of detectives First Insp. Warija said the suspect, identified only by his initials as "GG", was arrested by the police after they received complaints from outraged parents of pupils the school.

Rupiah Rates 18 July

Rupiah Rates 18 July Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,707.94 6,953.50 7,369.78 7,291.44 Brunei dollar 1 6,094.74 5,498.61 5,827.36 5,765.84 Canadian dollar 1 8,425.54 7,599.71 8,055.90 7,969.04 Swiss franc 1 7,940.68 7,166.02 7,592.31 7,514.29 Danish krone 1 1,660.69 1,497.93 1,587.83 1,570.73 Euro 1 12,385.34 11,177.76 11,841.98 11,720.99 Poundsterling 1 18,021.87 16,265.06 17,231.22 17,055.52 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,321.98 1,193.31 1,263.98 1,251.30...

Ford launches Focus, targeting sedan market

Ford launches Focus, targeting sedan market The Jakarta Post Jakarta After concentrating on marketing sports utility vehicles (SUVs) over the past five years, PT Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) is targeting the sedan segment by launching the all-new Ford Focus. The launch took place at the opening here of the Gaikindo Auto Expo last Friday, with new FMI president director Rick Baker expressing optimism that the new car would be successful in the domestic market.

Rupiah ends lower on dollar demand from importers

Rupiah ends lower on dollar demand from importers Dow Jones, Jakarta The rupiah ended lower on Monday as dollar demand from local importers dragged on the local unit, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 9,810, up from its close on Friday at Rp 9,775. Dealers said that state banks were the main dollar buyers, likely mainly on behalf of oil importer Pertamina. "State banks usually buy dollars on behalf of Pertamina," a dealer said.

TV Program: Wednesday, July 20, 2005

TV Program: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Hallo Kitty 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Showbiz 11:30 Cultural Program: Rona Daerah 12:00 p.m.

Ronald Meinardus

Ronald Meinardus Manila 2. Strait -- Slow and steady President taking action 1 x 30 Slow and steady SBY gains ground John McBeth The Straits Times Asia News Network/Singapore

'Jak-TV' to focus on traffic

'Jak-TV' to focus on traffic Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Car owners may have to install televisions in their cars if they intend to monitor and avoid traffic jams, which are daily occurrences in the capital. New television station Jakarta TV (Jak-TV) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday with city police that allows them to broadcast detailed reports on traffic in many parts of the capital starting next month.

Backing U.S. in Iraq put UK at risk, think tank says

Backing U.S. in Iraq put UK at risk, think tank says Paul Majendie Reuters/London An influential think-tank said on Monday that backing the United States in Iraq put Britain more at risk from terrorist attacks, an accusation forcefully rejected by Prime Minister Tony Blair's government. Security experts said the Iraq war had boosted recruitment and fund-raising for al-Qaeda, suspected of being behind London bombings on July 7 that killed 55 people.

Death sentence for servants

Death sentence for servants From Republika An Indonesian migrant worker, Rohana, could face the death penalty for allegedly killing her employer in Singapore, according to a report on July 4. In March 2004, two other domestic servants, Juminem and Siti Aminah, were also charged with murder in that country. There are other such cases involving Indonesian women working abroad.

160,000 Tangerang toddlers 'sick'

160,000 Tangerang toddlers 'sick' TANGERANG: About 160,000 children under five in Tangerang are malnourished and should be eligible for a supplement offered through local health centers, a local councillor said on Monday. Councillor Endang Saptorini of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) lamented that the regency's 2005 budget allocated food supplements for only 405 children under five, Antara reported.

Haj pilgrims told to pack jackets

Haj pilgrims told to pack jackets JAKARTA: Minister of Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni told haj pilgrims on Monday to be prepared for cold weather during the pilgrimage in January. "To many Indonesians, the winter in Saudi Arabia will be extremely chilly," said Maftuh, a former Indonesian ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He told pilgrims to pack thick clothes because the temperatures in Saudi Arabia could drop to minus five degrees Celsius, particularly in Medina.

RI remains anti-foreigner

RI remains anti-foreigner This is a reply to your article Investors or retired people? published in The Jakarta Post on June 9. After reading the indignant reaction to a suggestion that Indonesia let elderly foreigners retire in Indonesia, I think there may be some short-sightedness when looking at issues concerning immigration, investment, etc. Clearly both threats and benefits exist and those may be different for different layers of society.

Aceh's new deal

Aceh's new deal "There will be peace." A bold statement indeed from Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin at the conclusion of the Aceh peace negotiations in Helsinki. Free Aceh Movement (GAM) spokesman Bakhtiar Abdullah also expressed a degree of confidence that the peace process would be successful.