Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 July 2005

82 articles found

JP/19/ARMFD

JP/19/ARMFD Local food irreplaceable for Indonesians in America Armando Siahaan Contributor/Jakarta Assimilation, a process whereby immigrants integrate with the culture of the host country, is probably the norm for many Indonesians who emigrate abroad to the United States. But there is one culture that many of them seem unwilling to assimilate: food. It is true that during the initial stages, many Indonesians are attracted by American food such as burgers, pastas and steaks.

TV Program: Thursday, July 21, 2005

TV Program: Thursday, July 21, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Hello Kitty 7:30 Children Film 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

Muhammadiyah intellectuals need meaningful dialog

Muhammadiyah intellectuals need meaningful dialog Hilman Latief, Jakarta The emergence of the Muhammadiyah Young Intellectual Network (JIMM) generated a heated debate among Muhammadiyah members before, during and after the recent Muhammadiyah congress in Malang. A number of congress participants accused JIMM of deviating from the spirit of Islam and of being involved in liberal movements that allegedly originate from "non-Islamic views".

MUI's edict not everything, can be obeyed or ignored

MUI's edict not everything, can be obeyed or ignored Last week's attack on the compound of Ahmadiyah, a religious community in Parung, Bogor, West Java, by the Indonesian Muslim Solidarity group has drawn criticism from many. The Jakarta Post's Sri Wahyuni talked to sociologist Abdul Munir Mulkan of the State Islamic University (UIN) Yogyakarta about the attack and other related issues. The following is the excerpt of the interview. Question: What would you say about the attack?

Saudi man nabbed for enslaving maid

Saudi man nabbed for enslaving maid U.S.: A Saudi Arabian man accused of enslaving an Indonesian woman and forcing her to have sex was ordered held without bail on Monday, after federal prosecutors said there was a good chance he would flee to his native country. Federal Magistrate Michael Watanabe said Homaidan Al-Turki is facing serious charges and has little reason to stay in this country.

Earthquake damages nine buildings

Earthquake damages nine buildings KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Nine buildings were damaged during a moderate earthquake in Kualin and Kuanfatu districts in South Central Timor regency here on Monday morning. The damage included two schools and two churches, said Fransiscus Salim, the secretary to East Nusa Tenggara's Disaster Mitigation Agency, on Tuesday. "No fatalities were found after the quake, because when the earthquake hit the areas, people were mostly outside," said Salim.

Five rebels killed as peace deal reaches

Five rebels killed as peace deal reaches Indonesian soldiers shot dead five rebels in Aceh province at the weekend as a new peace deal was agreed between the government and separatist leaders, a report said on Tuesday. The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels were shot dead during three separate skirmishes in South Aceh district on Sunday, military sources and local residents were quoted as saying in the Serambi Indonesia newspaper.

Hotels strive to save energy due to fuel crisis

Hotels strive to save energy due to fuel crisis The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the midst of the fuel crisis, hotels are working to conserve energy by ensuring the efficient use of electric appliances. The Jakarta Twin Plaza Hotel's chief engineer, Riyantho Butarbutar, said on Tuesday fewer hotels were using generators because of the fuel shortages. "Due to the fuel shortage, hotels have stopped operating their own generators and instead are using power from PLN.

Regency, BKSDA fight over fees

Regency, BKSDA fight over fees Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Bogor regency has terminated its work agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), which manages the Telaga Warna tourism park, after the agency refused to share funds collected from visitors. Bogor Tourism Agency head Robhi Kosasih also accused the BKSDA of failing to develop the tourist attraction even though it had the full support of the government.

Interfaith dialog: Time to come down from the hill

Interfaith dialog: Time to come down from the hill Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua Beach, Bali A prelude to this week's interfaith dialog of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was aptly called "Talks on the Hills", which brought together leaders of different faiths from different countries in the two regions.

7 more bodies found in Papua sinking

7 more bodies found in Papua sinking JAYAPURA, Papua: Residents and a search and rescue team found seven more bodies in the sea on Tuesday, bringing the number of discovered after the Boven Digoel ship accident to 74. Over 100 others were still listed as missing, while only 15 of approximately 200 passengers survived when the overloaded ferry capsized nearly two weeks ago. The seven newest fatalities were found in the waters off of Wambi and Buraka villages in Merauke and all were male.

Aceh likely to have local parties

Aceh likely to have local parties The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is considering amending the 2001 law on special autonomy for Aceh to accommodate the Free Aceh Movement's (GAM) demand to set up its own local political party there. The move to allow GAM to field candidates in regional elections in Aceh is part of a peace deal that negotiators hope will end three decades of conflict in the province.

Sutiyoso has an each-way bet

Sutiyoso has an each-way bet Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even though he publicly announced his support for the current campaign against gambling, Governor Sutiyoso expressed doubt on Tuesday that police would succeed in stamping out the practice in the country. "We have repeatedly launched similar eradication measures in the past ... but gambling still continues.

JP/2/heads

JP/2/heads July 21, 2005 1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42 MUI's edict not everything, can be obeyed or ignored 2. TIMOR: 2 X 25 Timor Leste truth commission set to start work on Aug. 1 3. ROBERY: 2 X 25 Masked thieves bust into home of Japanese citizen 4. GAMBLE: 1 X 32 Leaders float idea of legal betting

Jakarta owes no power bills

Jakarta owes no power bills In connection with the report in The Jakarta Post, July 13, entitled Power operator says city owes Rp 200 b, we would like to make a clarification after contacting the relevant unit of the state electricity company, PT PLN - Jakarta and Tangerang Distribution.

Combating terrorism at home

Combating terrorism at home Instead of being a token participant in President George W. Bush's war on terrorism in Iraq, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should realize that the Philippines can play a much more significant role in the international effort to combat terrorism by taking care of the home court, and not being part of exhibition matches abroad.

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.

Teater Mandiri gets verbal in telling gloomy state of Motherland

Teater Mandiri gets verbal in telling gloomy state of Motherland JP/19/PUTU Teater Mandiri presents downbeat view of Motherland M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The theater company of prominent playwright Putu Wijaya, Teater Mandiri, is known for promoting performance art as a tontonan (spectacle) -- a genre that gives primacy to visual forms that often shun dialog, plot, characterization or conflict, as in conventional theater.

RP to get nuclear detection equipment

RP to get nuclear detection equipment PHILIPPINES: The United States said on Tuesday it would install special equipment at Manila Port to detect shipments of nuclear and other radioactive material as part of Washington's efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism. The U.S. and the Philippines signed a pact to install the equipment at the busy international port, which would boost the allies' "work on the war on terrorism," the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. The gear was developed by the U.S.

JP/2/heads

JP/2/heads July 20, 2005 1. Cabinet -- 60 pts 6 cols 1line (1x23) Aceh likely to have local parties 2. Party -- 36 pts 2 cols 3lines (3x16) Local political parties: Why not, analysts ask 3. Typhoon -- 36 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x30) Typhoon slams China, over 1m evacuated 4. Sutiyoso -- 36 pts 3 cols 1lines (1x27) Sutiyoso has an each-way bet --- 6. Photos and oddworld

* Timor truth commission set to start work on Aug. 1 Page 2

* Timor truth commission set to start work on Aug. 1 Page 2 * Police lose big catch in fight against gambling Page 4 * TNI to withdraw outside troops from Maluku Page 5 * China, ASEAN move to propel regional economy Page 7 * Motorbikes may be banned from Jakarta's main roads Page 8 * Hartley's gold ends China domination in diving worlds Page 9 * Criminal charges await Arroyo Page 11 * Bank loans crucial to manufacturing sector Page 13 * Leeches can cure range of illnesses Page 17

check query in bold

check query in bold Toyota aims to strengthen SUV market with Fortuner The Jakarta Post Jakarta Indonesia is an important market for Toyota; therefore, PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) has continually released new products in a bid to maintain its 30 percent share in the domestic automotive market. After successfully launched the Kijang Innova last year, for which the company had already received 14,000 orders before the car's official release, TAM, the Indonesian arm of Japan's Toyota Motor Corp.

1. Judi (3x18)

1. Judi (3x18) Police lose big catch in fight against gambling 2. Bomb (2x18) Police find powerful bombs, detonators 3. Road (1x32) Govt urged to halt road project 4. Saudi (2x24) Saudi Arabia promises to protect RI workers

IBM offers e-solution packages to help develop SMEs

IBM offers e-solution packages to help develop SMEs Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya In an effort to penetrate the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) market segment, PT IBM Indonesia is offering an e-solution package to improve their efficiency and performance. The company's country manager Fetra Syahbana said at a press conference here on Tuesday that the firm has been aware of the potential of the SME market.

Malaysia's trade minister in tears, denies cronyism

Malaysia's trade minister in tears, denies cronyism Jalil Hamid, Reuters/Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's trade minister denied on Tuesday her ministry handed out lucrative import licenses to corporate cronies, bursting into tears and swearing on the Koran she had no reason to resign.

Penang cuisine result of many external influences

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. Such is their food obsession that excellent street stalls and canteen-style eateries are rarely more than a short stroll away, but foreign visitors often find the experience bewildering. Where do you start? Our Malaysian Chinese friend Lian gave us a quick beginners' guide.

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.

Leeches can cure range of illnesses

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.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 19, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 19, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,130 -10 29,000 Adhi Karya 770 20 497,000 Adira Dinamika 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 130 -5 40,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 305 40 116,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,200 0 1,146,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

Leaders float idea of legal betting

Leaders float idea of legal betting Iman Dwianto Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The situation at the "M" arcade in downtown Surabaya was rather different from usual on Monday night. There were only a few gamblers on the premises, which is famous for roulette. There were also very few cars parked in the building's vicinity. Usually, the center is crowded. "Visitors have become rare since the National Police launched their nationwide gambling crackdown," said an employee of the center.

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.

1. Rail -- 1 x 36

1. Rail -- 1 x 36 Trains save energy, ease pollution 2. Motor 1 x 32 Motorbikes may be banned from main roads OR Main roads may see last of motorbikes OR Motorbikes may be confined to back roads OR Sutiyoso may limit motorbikes on roads 3. Monkey -- 2 x 18 Regency, BKSDA fight over fees 4. Pet -- 2 x 18 Imported pets to be quarantined 5. Speaks -- 1 x 30 'Developers must prepare buses'

Clubbers caught in drug raids

Clubbers caught in drug raids JAKARTA: Police raids on five clubs in West and Central Jakarta over the past several days have netted 132 people for drug use. The head of the city police's drug unit, Sr. Comr. Carlo Tewu, said on Tuesday the 132 people failed drug tests given to club patrons on July 15 and July 17 from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. On July 15, police raided the Crown and Millennium discotheques. Seventy people at Crown tested positive for drugs and 27 people at Millennium tested positive.

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.

Local political parties, why not analysts ask

Local political parties, why not analysts ask Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political analysts are throwing their weight behind calls to create regional political parties in the country, arguing that such parties do not have to be synonymous with separatist movements, as some politicians fear.

Imported pets to be quarantined

Imported pets to be quarantined The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pets brought into Indonesia will now have to wait for two weeks to six months in quarantine before going home to their owners. Dogs, cats and other pets will be housed in the brand new Animal Quarantine Center near the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Head of the Agricultural Quarantine Body Syukur Iwantoro told The Jakarta Post on Monday that the new kennels had been launched in May.

Lessons of peace in Indonesia

Lessons of peace in Indonesia Thailand would do well to learn from the accord struck between the Susilo government and the Free Aceh Movement. A long-awaited peace agreement between the government of Indonesia and rebels in Aceh province was finally concluded over the weekend with both sides saying that they would sign the agreement next month. Both parties emerged from the meeting triumphant because both understood the importance of compromise. Credit must be given to all parties.

Rupiah ends down on dollar demand

Rupiah ends down on dollar demand Dow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian rupiah lost further ground and closed lower on Tuesday as dollar demand from local importers continued to weigh on the local unit, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 9,825, up from Rp 9,810 on Monday. Indonesia's imports have been rising steadily since last year as business activities pick up amid an improving domestic political climate.

Cipularang toll road brings positive impacts to local economy

Cipularang toll road brings positive impacts to local economy Kelik Dewanto, Antara/Jakarta President Bambang Susilo Yudhoyono officially opened on July 12 the second section of the Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang toll road, better known as the Cipularang II, spanning 41 kilometers. Motorist are now required to pay a toll after being exempt from paying one since April 26. Some 30,000 vehicles pass the road daily.

Timor Leste truth commission set to start work on Aug. 1

Timor Leste truth commission set to start work on Aug. 1 Reuters / Jakarta A joint truth commission set up by Indonesia and East Timor will start work on Aug. 1, hoping to put behind the Asian neighbours a 1999 rampage in which pro-Jakarta militias slaughtered about 1,000 East Timorese. Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda told reporters after a ministerial meeting on Tuesday that Jakarta's contribution to the team would be finalized this week. "On Aug. 1 it will start working," he said.

Police find powerful bombs, detonators

Police find powerful bombs, detonators Agencies, Jakarta Police said on Tuesday they had found cache of weapons, including two powerful bombs, buried in the yard of an empty house in the Central Java town of Purwokerto. The cache, which also included 16 detonators and 470 rounds of ammunition, was unearthed on Monday after a workman found three bullets while doing repairs in the house. There have been no arrests and police are questioning the owner of the house, identified as Haidar.

Interfaith dialog ready to roll

Interfaith dialog ready to roll DENPASAR, Bali: Delegates from 39 countries began on Tuesday to stream into Bali for the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Interfaith Dialog, which will be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday. During the three-day event, participants of the dialog will seek ways to foster mutual understanding and respect among all faiths and religions and propose recommendations to promote global interfaith harmony.

Manufacturing requires bank backing: Minister

Manufacturing requires bank backing: Minister Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For the country's manufacturing sector to expand by an average of 8.6 percent every year, it would need annual fresh investment of up to Rp 50 trillion (US$5.15 billion), of which 10 percent was expected to come from state banks, a minister said. The remaining investment funds were expected to come from the private sector, including local private banks, Minister of Industry Andung A.

'Developers must prepare buses'

'Developers must prepare buses' In response to the government's call to save energy, some people have decided to leave their cars behind and hitch or commute to the office. Some are also taking shuttle buses provided by housing complexes. The Jakarta Post talked to residents in Tangerang, Banten about the possibility of requiring all developers to provide shuttle buses for their residents. Dino, 35, is a resident of Villa Serpong housing complex in Tangerang regency. He works on Jl.

Industry balks at ASEAN-China FTA

Industry balks at ASEAN-China FTA Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Industry players are generally the most affected stakeholders in any free trade agreement (FTA), but they continually feel they are being left out of the FTA negotiation process. The implementation of the FTA between China and ASEAN nations -- which would see almost all import duties slashed starting on Wednesday and gradually dropping to zero by 2010 -- is the latest example.

EU mulls mission to Aceh to monitor peace agreement

EU mulls mission to Aceh to monitor peace agreement Agencies, Brussels, Jakarta, United Nations The imminent signing of a peace deal ending decades of violent conflict in Aceh has drawn praise from the United Nations, the European Union and the United States. The European Union is considering sending a team of monitors to the troubled province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) to help implement a new peace agreement there, EU foreign ministers said on Monday.

Court rejects attempt to sink Water Law

Court rejects attempt to sink Water Law Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Constitutional Court rejected on Tuesday a petition from a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals to declare some articles of the controversial Water Resources Law (No. 7/2004) unconstitutional. The petitioners claimed the legislation would turn water into a "tradable commodity" that is sold for profit, thus affecting the lives of millions of farmers and poor people.

Strong quake hits Manado city

Strong quake hits Manado city MANADO, North Sulawesi: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook Manado city on Tuesday morning, but no fatalities were reported. The quake's epicenter was located in the Maluku Sea, some 200 kilometers southeast of Manado. The earthquake could be felt as far as Bitung and Tondano cities, said Subardjo, a staffer at the Meteorological and Geophysics Agency (BMG).

TNI to withdraw outside troops from Maluku as security improves

TNI to withdraw outside troops from Maluku as security improves Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As security situation has gradually improved, the government is planning to withdraw some 3,000 non-organic troops from conflict- torn Maluku next year, but maintain other 1,650 of non-organic mobile police there to maintain security.

Book reunites labor ministers

Book reunites labor ministers JAKARTA: Former director general of industrial relations and labor standards Payaman Simanjuntak launched on Monday his latest book in the presence of three former and one current labor minister. The book had nothing to do with the ministers, Payaman said at the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration headquarters."But I am proud they are present at the book launch.

Malaysia's economic growth to slow

Malaysia's economic growth to slow KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economy will grow at a slower pace than previously expected because of rising oil prices and soft global demand for electronic goods, an influential economic think tank said on Tuesday. The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) expects the export-driven country's economy to grow by 5.1 percent in 2005, down from 7.1 percent last year. The government expects growth of between 5 percent and 6 percent.

Etiquette that matters

Etiquette that matters After reading the article by Armando Siahaan on your website, I feel compelled to write in. Although I am English and live in the UK with my wife (who was born in Jakarta), I have visited the city on a number of occasions to visit friends and relatives; the last time being October 2004. During my last visit I experienced exactly the same ignorance cited in the article when trying to exit an elevator at my hotel and also one near the rear entrance of Plaza Senayan.

Govt urged to halt road project

Govt urged to halt road project The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) reiterated their demand on Tuesday for the government to cancel the controversial Ladia Galaska road project in Aceh due to its adverse impact on the environment.

Trains save energy, ease pollution

Trains save energy, ease pollution Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As an employee of an electronics shop in Glodok, West Jakarta, Wati, 23, counts on the city train to be able to reach her office every day from her house in Citayam, West Java. "Every day, I and hundreds of people living in my area take the train to office. We don't mind if we have to stand up along the trip as long as we reach our work place on time," she told The Jakarta Post.

Saudi Arabia pledges to protect RI workers

Saudi Arabia pledges to protect RI workers Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Saudi government has vowed to enforce the new labor contract to provide the basic rights of Indonesian maids working in the Islamic country. Director General of Migrant Labor Placement at the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration I Gusti Made Arka said he had received a diplomatic note from the Saudi Embassy in Jakarta to inform him about the Saudi government's plan to enforce the new labor contract.

President to skip DPD invitation

President to skip DPD invitation JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will deliver a speech on the 2006 draft state budget during a plenary session at the House of Representatives on Aug. 16, State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday. The decision put an end to an ongoing debate on whether the President should accept an invitation to speak in a separate session of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), a legislative body established last year.

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.

Percasi eyes 3 golds in Manila

Percasi eyes 3 golds in Manila Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new executive board of the Chess Association of Indonesia (Percasi) on Tuesday expressed optimism about its chase for three gold medals at the next Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. "I am optimistic that we can bring home three golds from the SEA Games," Percasi chairman Eddie Widiono told a press conference during the announcement of the new executive board of Percasi at the Sahid Jaya Hotel in Central Jakarta.

New chief to restore police image

New chief to restore police image From Republika The police should set a good example for society and conduct an internal reordering to restore the image of the police as a public protector. With the change of leadership at the National Police, it is expected the police's image will be restored. New National Police chief Gen. Sutanto has pledged to carry out restructuring and reform to improve the behavior, ethics and culture of the police in providing public services.

Taufik's release request rejected

Taufik's release request rejected JAKARTA: The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office refused to release Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) chairman Muhammad Taufik, who has been detained on graft charges since June 10. "There is no reason to suspend his detention. Our investigation is not completed," said the head of the prosecutor office's interrogation team, Syaeful Taher, on Tuesday. Taufik filed a request last week seeking to be released on health reasons.

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.

Lessons of peace in Indonesia

Lessons of peace in Indonesia Thailand would do well to learn from the accord struck between the Susilo government and the Free Aceh Movement. A long-awaited peace agreement between the government of Indonesia and rebels in Aceh province was finally concluded over the weekend with both sides saying that they would sign the agreement next month. Both parties emerged from the meeting triumphant because both understood the importance of compromise. Credit must be given to all parties.

Tanah Abang traffic to be rerouted

Tanah Abang traffic to be rerouted JAKARTA: The City Transportation Agency will begin rerouting traffic on Wednesday in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, particularly along Jl. Wahid Hasyim, in an effort to deal with the area's traffic woes. The agency will place a road divider on the west side of Jl. Wahid Hasyim, as well as providing two U-turns for vehicles. Traffic moving from north (Jl.

Rupiah Rates Juy 19

Rupiah Rates Juy 19 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,758.16 7,004.23 7,418.56 7,343.79 Brunei dollar 1 6,114.18 5,519.10 5,846.54 5,786.66 Canadian dollar 1 8,453.40 7,629.79 8,083.36 7,999.67 Swiss franc 1 7,949.85 7,177.13 7,601.85 7,525.07 Danish krone 1 1,664.00 1,501.77 1,591.16 1,574.57 Euro 1 12,418.21 11,211.05 11,874.62 11,754.55 Poundsterling 1 18,004.49 16,256.06 17,216.37 17,044.14 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,325.06 1,196.22 1,267.06 1,254.21...

Police lose big catch in fight against gambling

Police lose big catch in fight against gambling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Police vice officers were forced to concede that they had not fared very well in the recent push against gambling, as they had only arrested a few small fries, while the big sharks were still free. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen.

checked -- JSR

checked -- JSR 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 earlier this month, with new FMI president director Rick Baker expressing optimism that the new car would be successful in the domestic market.

China, ASEAN move to propel regional economy

China, ASEAN move to propel regional economy Hu Xuan, China Daily, Asia News Network/Beijing China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are taking a tangible step towards creating the world's most populous free trade area (FTA). They are scheduled to lower tariffs on more than 7,000 industrial goods tomorrow, spearheading the full implementation of the Agreement on Trade in Goods inked in November last year.

NTT plagued with malnutrition

NTT plagued with malnutrition The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The malnutrition problem in West and East Nusa Tenggara that has been widely reported in the media recently is comparable to Pandora's Box. When the story was reported, it was quickly followed by similar revelations in other areas nationwide. As the stories made national headlines, the government and the public were surprised that there was still malnutrition in the country in spite of its rich natural resources.

Manulife eyes 25% growth

Manulife eyes 25% growth The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI), a local unit of Canada's largest insurer, Manulife Financial Corp., is confident revenue from its insurance premiums will grow by at least 25 percent this year on higher economic growth in the country. AJMI president director John Harrison said on Tuesday the company expected premium revenue to increase to at least Rp 1.8 trillion (US$185 million) this year from Rp 1.4 trillion last year.

EU considers mission to Indonesia's Aceh province to monitor

EU considers mission to Indonesia's Aceh province to monitor peace agreement Agencies Brussels/Jakarta/United Nations The European Union is considering sending a team of monitors to the troubled Indonesian province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) to help implement a new peace agreement there, EU foreign ministers said on Monday.

Govt maintains aid for parties

Govt maintains aid for parties JAKARTA: The government is set to go ahead and disburse the much-criticized financial package to political parties, an official says. State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday each party would receive Rp 21 million (US$2,164) for each House of Representatives seat it won in the 2004 election. The amount of assistance given to the party offices in the regions is to be determined by governors with a ceiling of Rp 21 million.

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.

Masked thieves bust into home of Japanese citizen

Masked thieves bust into home of Japanese citizen Multa Fidrus and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Jakarta Six masked thieves broke into the house of a Japanese national in Pondok Aren, Tangerang, early on Tuesday, injuring two people and fleeing with cash and two cellular phones. Pondok Aren Police chief of detectives Second Insp. Eko Ari Narianto said the six thieves entered the house of Toshikomi Kubo at about 1 a.m. by climbing over the back wall.

Locusts invade Cirebon regencies

Locusts invade Cirebon regencies Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon At least 1,700 hectares of rice fields in four regencies in Cirebon have been severely damaged by locust swarms and farmers fear the insect menace left uncontrolled could threaten the region's entire harvest. The four districts attacked by locusts were Weru, South Cirebon, Tengah Tani and Plumbon, Cirebon Agricultural Office chief Ali Effendi said.

Govt expects $193m from forestry fees, royalties

Govt expects $193m from forestry fees, royalties The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the country's timber production recently showing signs of increasing, the government believes it can increase next year's revenues in royalties and fees from the timber industry to Rp 1.9 trillion (US$193.39 million), the forestry minister has said.

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.

Aussie ambassador to Indonesia

Aussie ambassador to Indonesia As an Australian citizen currently living in Indonesia, I share the concerns of Pak Djoko Susilo, a member of the House of Representatives, regarding the choice of Bill Farmer as Australia's next ambassador to Jakarta. Over the last nine years, the Howard government has consistently shown little indication or appreciation of the importance that our bilateral relationship has for the national interests of both countries.

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.

Government urged to cut export tax on tea

Government urged to cut export tax on tea Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua State-owned plantation firm PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) VIII is urging the government to cut the 30 percent export tax on tea, claiming it harms the country's competitiveness in the global market.

Police to maintain personnel in Aceh: Sutanto says

Police to maintain personnel in Aceh: Sutanto says Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National Police Chief Gen. Sutanto said that police would maintain their personnel in Aceh, arguing that they play a crucial role in ensuring public order. "The presence of police personnel is still required in Aceh. We are not going to withdraw our personnel from there," Sutanto told reporters after holding a coordinating meeting on political, legal and security affairs on Tuesday.

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.

Motorbikes may be banned from Jakarta main roads

Motorbikes may be banned from Jakarta main roads Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration is considering imposing restrictions on motorcycles in the capital, including banning them from entering the city's thoroughfares, in order to ease traffic congestion. "We have to limit the use of motorcycles in the capital. Frankly speaking, I am worried about the skyrocketing numbers of motorcycles on city streets," Sutiyoso said at City Hall.