Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 July 2005

107 articles found

House proposes budget rise

House proposes budget rise From Republika The House of Representatives plans to propose a budget increase for legislators in July of Rp 1.105 trillion, comprising Rp 760.98 billion for allowances and Rp 389.34 billion for the House Secretariat. This indicates the government is continuing to ignore the interests of the public. In the case of the fuel subsidy, for instance, the government used the budget deficit as an excuse, resulting in fuel price hikes and higher prices for basic necessities.

JP/18/BRIEFS

JP/18/BRIEFS Nine suspects, 585 crickets taken Sukawati police arrested on Monday nine suspects and confiscated 585 crickets in a raid on a gambling den in Tegal hamlet, some 15 kilometers east of Denpasar. Two suspects, including the owner of the den, escaped arrest. Cricket-fighting, according to chief of Sukawati police Adj. Comr. I Nyoman Budiarta took place three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. Budiarta deployed 30 officers to storm the premises.

Govt responsible for education

Govt responsible for education From Koran Tempo The high cost of education in Indonesia gives poor people no choice but to keep their children at home, as it is already difficult for them to meet their daily needs, even before considering school fees. For kindergarten and elementary education, a student has to pay Rp 500,000 to Rp 1 million and for secondary and high school education above Rp 1 million.

Minangkabau airport opens for business

Minangkabau airport opens for business PADANG, West Sumatra: Minangkabau International Airport kicked off operations on Friday, making it the first international airport operating in West Sumatra. With the opening of the new airport, Tabing Airport, the only civilian airport in West Sumatra, which was established in 1971, will close down.

Firms give hope to Acehnese kids

Firms give hope to Acehnese kids Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta Many companies have shown their concern for the welfare of the children of Aceh following the tsunami that struck the province last December. Some companies have helped the children return to school and resume normal lives by building schools and providing school supplies such as stationery and books. Others have provided decent housing and introduced small enterprise schemes.

Faith and diplomacy

Faith and diplomacy Religion has moved into the realm of international affairs with the first interfaith dialog of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM), a forum involving 39 countries, in Bali this week. Religion and politics in many countries don't mix and thus it was strange to see religion taking center stage at an international forum like ASEM.

JP/3/Heads

JP/3/Heads 1. BLAST: 2 X 20 Police hunting London bombers shoot man dead 2. BATAM: 1 X 32 Govt offers 'Bonded Zone Plus' 3. ROBINHO: 1 X 27 Real sign Robinho for $30m

Yogyakarta city dominates 'pesantren' debate contest

Yogyakarta city dominates 'pesantren' debate contest Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bogor Yogyakarta participants dominated a debate competition held on Friday at the Jaya Raya resort outside Bogor, placing six groups in the final eight. Yogyakarta certainly lived up to its reputation as the city of education. Three of the six groups from Yogyakarta came from Muhammadiyah I high school, two from the Indonesian Islamic University and another from Achmad Dahlan University.

Busway offers school visits

Busway offers school visits JAKARTA: TransJakarta wants more elementary school students to use its busway routes and is offering to visit schools to promote the idea of safe and efficient public transport, the company says. Company general manager Irzal Djamal said the staff from the company would share their experiences with children about riding busway buses. Staff would explain the company's vision for public transport and educate children on how to travel politely and safely, he said.

Making ethanol from cassava is easy, Lampung BPPT researcher says

Making ethanol from cassava is easy, Lampung BPPT researcher says Oyos Saroso HN, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Besides being a sugar producer, Lampung province also produces cassava. In 2004, there were 300,000 hectares of cassava fields in four regencies. Even though Lampung's cassava fields are huge, most Lampung farmers remain poor, with one hectare only producing a maximum of 14 tons of cassava. Several months ago, the price of cassava stood at Rp 120 (0.012 U.S.

Southeast Asia gets penny-wise about energy

Southeast Asia gets penny-wise about energy Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Bangkok With oil prices at historic highs this year, hiking import bills and slowing economies, Southeast Asian governments are pursuing a host of energy saving measures such as raising office temperatures, turning off night billboards and encouraging car pools and the use of alternative fuels.

Australian government's hard line

Australian government's hard line The Australian government has taken a tough stance against people smuggling from Indonesia with a "border protection" policy of turning back boats and locking asylum seekers who make landfall in offshore camps. During the past 20 years the average number of asylum seekers has been about 1,000 a year. At the height of the people- smuggling controversy only 4,000 made it to Australia. Now few boats attempt the journey.

Murder-suicide raises concern

Murder-suicide raises concern Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post/Boyolali Anisa, 9, a third grader at the Sindon Madrasah Ibtida'iyah Islamic school screamed in panic, "Astiwi is hanged... Astiwi is hanged." Anisa seldom found the main door locked when she returned home from school at around 11 a.m. Her mother, Mujinem, 30, would often greet her affectionately at the front door. This time, however, there was no one to open the door and she peeked through the keyhole.

House proposes budget rise

House proposes budget rise From Republika The House of Representatives plans to propose a budget increase for legislators in July of Rp 1.105 trillion, comprising Rp 760.98 billion for allowances and Rp 389.34 billion for the House Secretariat. This indicates the government is continuing to ignore the interests of the public. In the case of the fuel subsidy, for instance, the government used the budget deficit as an excuse, resulting in fuel price hikes and higher prices for basic necessities.

'Muslims suffer most from London attacks'

'Muslims suffer most from London attacks' The July 7 attacks on London, followed by four minor explosions two weeks later, have put British Muslims -- numbering around 1.7 million of a total population of 60 million -- in an uncomfortable situation. The Jakarta Post's Hera Diani talked to secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain Sir Iqbal Sacranie on the sidelines of the Bali Interfaith Dialog that ended on Friday.

ITS pigs exports to Singapore unaffected

ITS pigs exports to Singapore unaffected Fadli, The Jakarta Post/Batam The government's plan to carry out of cull of pig at two farms in Tangerang, Banten, has not affected PT Indo Tirta Suaka (ITS) based near Batam, which exports pork to Singapore, an official said. ITS production manager Titus said exports to Singapore remained high, despite headlines of bird flu deaths in Indonesia. "We still export 1,000 pigs to Singapore per day, which accounts for 20 percent of the country's demand.

Gambling bosses facing hard times

Gambling bosses facing hard times Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Arif (not his real name), a prominent numbers racket (togel) operator in Surabaya, shows a scar on his head to The Jakarta Post. "When I was riding a motorcycle last year, suddenly somebody hit me on the back of the head with a lump of wood. I fell off the bike as a result," said Arif. Arif then received treatment at the police's Bhayangkara Hospital in the city.

Indonesia Cellular Show rings in the changes

Indonesia Cellular Show rings in the changes This week, cell phone producers and authorized dealers nationwide are ringing in the changes; exhibiting new products and telecommunication technologies at the second Indonesia Cellular Show. Despite the cell phone industry's rapid growth here, the country's market penetration, estimated at 18 percent, still lags behind many of its ASEAN peers, meaning there is huge potential for increased sales.

No quality guarantee

No quality guarantee From Gatra The direct elections of regional chiefs now taking place in several regions was inspired by the 2004 general election, which was considered successful despite the various irregularities reported. In reality, some candidates for regional heads have been involved in vote buying to gain their seats. So, only those who can afford to finance campaigns, or are close to fund holders, have a good chance of winning.

President told to reform BIN

President told to reform BIN JAKARTA: The President must take the necessary measures to force the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) to cooperate with police investigating the murder of human rights campaigner Munir, human rights watchdog Imparsial says.

House of Reps: Just who are they representing?

House of Reps: Just who are they representing? B. Herry-Priyono, Jakarta The House of Representatives, which is already so low in the eyes of the public, has sunk even lower. The crux this time revolves around gluttony for money. This may be disguised by terms like "welfare", "performance boost", "comparative studies", or even "respectability boost", as if the House members don't feel respectable enough. The fact remains, however, that gluttony is at the root of it all.

* The death of public representation Page 2

* The death of public representation Page 2 * AGO launches internal reform drive Page 4 * Children with impairments taught to fend for themselves Page 5 * Misreading radicalism in Muhammadiyah Page 7 * Police say they'll now crack down on big fish Page 8 * Roddick and Kiefer reach Indianapolis quarters Page 10 * Peace treaty key to nuclear issue: N. Korea Page 11 * Four power plants to start using LPG Page 13 * The 'losmen' of lost dreams Page 19

page 8

page 8 1. JUDI: 1 x 36 Police say they'll now crack down on big fish 2. AHMADIYAH: 1 x 36 Komnas HAM condemns Ahmadiyah attack 3. ROAD: 1 x 32 Embassies pressed to remove barriers 4. SPEAK-7: 1 x 27 ;JP;ASF; ANPAj..r.. City-speakup-energy 'Shuttle buses ease traffic' JP/8/speak 'Shuttle buses ease traffic'

Mariana, an Aceh orphan hopeful about future

Mariana, an Aceh orphan hopeful about future Annastashya Emmanuelle Contributor Jakarta Left orphaned by the tsunami is not the end of the world. There is more to life than just grief, an Aceh orphan believes. Shortly before the tsunami struck Umong Seribee village in Lhoong Aceh Besar district, 13-year-old Mariana was in her house planning to go to a friend's. Suddenly people outside were scrambling about yelling "water rising, water rising" and she was unsure of what they meant.

Embassies pressed to remove barriers

Embassies pressed to remove barriers Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The city administration has reiterated its calls for the American and Australian embassies to remove protective barriers erected outside their premises that are blocking traffic in South and Central Jakarta. City secretary Ritola Tasmaya said that there was no reason why the barriers had to stay on Jl. Rasuna Said and Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan.

'Pesantren' English debate kicks off

'Pesantren' English debate kicks off Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Over 150 students from Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and universities across the country began on Thursday a two-day debate and speech competition at the Jaya Raya Resort outside of Bogor. In the competition, the first ever in the country for pesantren students, the participants are competing to show their abilities in expressing their thoughts in English on such subjects as human rights and democracy.

JP/2/heads

JP/2/heads July 23, 2005 1. Inter -- 60 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x14) Bali forum urges interfaith studies 2. Yuan -- 36 pts 2 cols 3lines (3x16) Reevaluation of yuan receives mixed reactions 3. Vaccine -- 36 pts 3 cols 1lines (1x27) Bird flu vaccine sufficient: Ministry 4. Discourse -- 36 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x42) 'Muslims suffer the most from London attacks' --- 6. Photos and oddworld

KL's reforms bring cheer to economy

KL's reforms bring cheer to economy Eileen NG, Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's decision to scrap its seven-year-old fixed currency regime will bring cheer to the slowing economy and put the country back into the sights of foreign investors, economists said on Friday.

President told to reform BIN

President told to reform BIN JAKARTA: The President must take the necessary measures to force the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) to cooperate with police investigating the murder of human rights campaigner Munir, human rights watchdog Imparsial says.

Komnas HAM condemns Ahmadiyah attack

Komnas HAM condemns Ahmadiyah attack Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor A member of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said on Friday that looking at the preliminary evidence, last week's attack on the Ahmadiyah complex in Parung, Bogor, was a rights violation. M. Billah said on Friday that everybody had the right to practice the religion of their choosing and to pray in accordance with their convictions.

Govt offers 'Bonded Zone Plus'

Govt offers 'Bonded Zone Plus' Zakki P. Hakim and Fadli, The Jakarta Post/Batam The status of the Batam Industrial Bonded zone, Bintan Industrial Estate and Karimun Industrial Cooperation zone have been upgraded to "Bonded Zone Plus" to give investors more legal certainty, top officials say. Minister of Finance Jusuf Anwar and Minister of Trade Mari E. Pangestu introduced the governmental regulation and three ministerial decrees through the July Package of deregulation measures here on Friday.

Intro:

Intro: This special page is in observance of National Children's Day, which is commemorated on July 23 each year. This page takes a look at how children in Aceh are doing following the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami that devastated much of the province, leaving many children homeless, orphaned or separated from their families.

Indonesia will lose out in free trade era: Researcher

Indonesia will lose out in free trade era: Researcher Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia will not be able to take advantage of increasing world trade liberalization because many stakeholders here are not even aware it is going on, an official says. The chief of the Manpower and Transmigration Ministry's Center for Research, Information and Development, Harry Heriawan Saleh, said the government had moved too slowly to anticipate opening markets.

SBY's proposed side visit to Israel

SBY's proposed side visit to Israel Emanuel Shahaf's reasoning behind President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's proposed side visit to Israel whom the former claims would represent the views of the world's biggest Muslim country on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (The Jakarta Post, July 19: Susilo should visit Israel too) is merely an oversimplification of facts and argument.

Missing Air Force plane found at East Java's Jabung Hill

Missing Air Force plane found at East Java's Jabung Hill ID Nugroho and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya/Medan After two days of intensive searching, the wreckage of an Indonesian Air Force plane was finally found on Friday morning at Jabung Hill, in Malang regency, East Java. The Bronco OV-10 aircraft was totally destroyed, with the plane's nose buried in the soil. The plane's pilot Maj. Robby and copilot First. Lt. Harcus were found dead.

Rupiah Rates July 22

Rupiah Rates July 22 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,852.73 7,084.95 7,507.71 7,429.83 Brunei dollar 1 6,189.33 5,583.01 5,917.40 5,854.78 Canadian dollar 1 8,441.61 7,612.98 8,070.72 7,983.57 Swiss franc 1 7,992.06 7,211.24 7,640.92 7,562.27 Danish krone 1 1,674.06 1,510.24 1,600.51 1,583.75 Euro 1 12,493.53 11,273.65 11,944.62 11,822.43 Poundsterling 1 17,987.36 16,231.35 17,197.07 17,021.46 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,321.00 1,192.16 1,262.97 1,250.19...

JP/18/IMAGES

JP/18/IMAGES Street children come together to enjoy communal meal Reports have circulated recently about the incidence of malnutrition in Indonesian children, a cause of much concern.

Mariana, an Aceh orphan hopeful about future

Mariana, an Aceh orphan hopeful about future Annastashya Emmanuelle, Contributor, Jakarta Left orphaned by the tsunami is not the end of the world. There is more to life than just grief, an Aceh orphan believes. Shortly before the tsunami struck Umong Seribee village in Lhoong Aceh Besar district, 13-year-old Mariana was in her house planning to go to a friend's. Suddenly people outside were scrambling about yelling "water rising, water rising" and she was unsure of what they meant.

Most Indonesian schools struggling with bilingual education issue

Most Indonesian schools struggling with bilingual education issue Eric E. Hallett, Jakarta In previous articles, Alex Tubagus and Jan Dormer addressed issues about bilingual education predominately within the domain of National Plus schools or their equivalent.

Gasohol BE 10, a fuel substitute from cassava

Gasohol BE 10, a fuel substitute from cassava The nation's fuel crisis has made many aware of the urgent need for Indonesia to seek alternative fuel sources to prevent such problems from reoccurring. One fuel mix that would economize the use of gasoline and is also more environmentally friendly than traditional mixes is Gasohol BE 10. Oyos Saroso, The Jakarta Post stringer in Bandarlampung, writes the first of two articles about gasohol.

Australian attempts suicide in Bali jail

Australian attempts suicide in Bali jail BALI, Indonesia: One of nine Australians awaiting trial on heroin-smuggling charges in Bali has tried to commit suicide by slashing her wrists in her jail cell, police said on Friday. Bali Police chief Inspector General I Made Mangku Pastika said Renae Lawrence, 27, had attempted suicide last week, but her life had been saved after she was taken to a nearby hospital. "We don't know where she got (the razor blade) from," Pastika told reporters.

[b]

The theology of difference: It's a blessing, not a curse Sukidi Cambridge, Massachusetts 2. Eric -- Most schools struggling with bilingual education 2 X 30 Most Indonesian schools struggling with bilingual education issue Eric E. Hallett Jakarta

Children with impairments taught to fend for themselves

Children with impairments taught to fend for themselves Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta For many people, National Children's Day on July 3 is a time to remember children for whom life has not been easy. Seven-year-old Faisal Junior is a boy who has never experienced the freedom of childhood. It was discovered he was autistic as an infant after his self-absorption and inability to interact set him apart from other children.

Woman who lost her three children to tsunami reverses her

Woman who lost her three children to tsunami reverses her sterilization[ Eds: CLARIFIES in graf 2 that death toll is for Sri Lanka[ AP Photos XGA101-102[ By DILIP GANGULY= Associated Press Writer= GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) - Woman who lost three children to tsunami reverses her sterilization Tsunami woman reverses sterilization A Sri Lankan surgeon has reversed the sterilization of a mother whose three children were killed by the Dec.

~;JP;CD;

~;JP;CD; For Focus Issue --- International Healthcare Centers: July 24, 2005 Hospitals gear up to promote customer satisfaction Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta Patients want to be satisfied with the quality of care they receive from a hospital. Their interactions with staff members at the hospital will determine whether they will choose the same hospital again or recommend it to others. Therefore, hospitals do their best to tailor their services to the needs of patients as customers. Dr.

1 x 34

1 x 34 AGO launches internal reform drive JP/4/KPK 2 x 15 KPK to hire new members JP/4/visit 1 x 32 Susilo to visit China next week

Hungarian PM to visit Indonesia to boost trade ties

Hungarian PM to visit Indonesia to boost trade ties Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Hungary's Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany will arrive in Jakarta on Saturday for a three-day state visit to boost ties with Indonesia, Hungary's Ambassador Gyorgy Busztin said in Jakarta. "The main aim of the visit is to strengthen the relations -- especially trade ties -- between Hungary and Indonesia. Our prime minister is bringing a 25-member business delegation with him.

Bird flu vaccine sufficient: Ministry

Bird flu vaccine sufficient: Ministry Eva C. Komandjaja and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The supply of bird flu vaccines for poultry in the country is sufficient to help prevent a further spread of the highly pathogenic virus amid the reemergence of new cases, an official said.

Police say they'll now crack down on big fish

Police say they'll now crack down on big fish Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta police confiscated on Thursday evening gambling equipment from 16 gambling dens across the city, almost two weeks after they vowed to eradicate the practice within three days. The machines, including those popularly known as the "micky mouse" video arcade game, slot machines called "jackpot" and roulette tables were seen stacked up at the city police headquarters parking lot. City police chief Insp. Gen.

Indonesia to host wold development seminar

Indonesia to host wold development seminar Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia will host the Asia-Pacific ministerial meeting on the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the Jakarta Convention Center from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5. Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, foreign ministry's secretary general, said that participants of the meeting, which is the first to be held in conjunction with the Millennium project, would discuss strategies for the region to accomplish the MDGs.

Committed to children's welfare

Committed to children's welfare Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar Although the public and central government tend to be more focused on politics and other issues, Azikin Soulthan, the regent of Bantaeng, South Sulawesi province, has been directing his efforts and attention to the creation of decent conditions for children in his area, particularly the fulfillment of their basic rights.

AirAsia won't buy Valuair

AirAsia won't buy Valuair HONG KONG: Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd., Southeast Asia's biggest budget airline, said on Friday that it had decided not to buy Singapore rival Valuair. "We have considered it, but we decided that we are not going into Valuair. It doesn't fit with our business model," AirAsia Chief Executive Tony Fernandes said. Fernandes also said AirAsia is still talking to the Hong Kong Airport Authority about opening flights to the city, but an outcome isn't expected soon. -- AP

PT PAL hands over 'Alugara' to govt

PT PAL hands over 'Alugara' to govt SURABAYA: State-owned ship maker PT PAL Indonesia handed over on Friday the marine disaster mitigation ship the Alugara to the Ministry of Transportation's Directorate General of Sea Transportation. The 60-meter-long ship has a maximum speed of 18.3 knots. Its construction was jointly financed by the directorate general and two Japanese firms, Tomen Corp. and Takeshi Matsushita.

Singapore aims to be medical health care destination

Singapore aims to be medical health care destination Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When Emanuel from Manado, North Sulawesi, was diagnosed with glaucoma he could not find a hospital in Indonesia able to treat him, so he ended up traveling to Singapore for care. Emanuel, 40, an entrepreneur, was satisfied with his treatment in Singapore, where it took just one hour to treat his eye problem. He could have ended up losing his sight had he not flown to Singapore for treatment.

'Shuttle buses ease traffic jams'

'Shuttle buses ease traffic jams' To cut fuel consumption by private vehicles, some parties have called on developers of suburban housing complexes to provide shuttle buses for residents. The Jakarta Post talked with several people for their take on the suggestion. Dita Eka Apriyanti, 25, is an interior designer who lives in Lippo Karawaci, West Java, which does provide shuttle buses for residents.

JP/18/IMAGES

JP/18/IMAGES Street children come together to enjoy communal meal Reports have circulated recently about the incidence of malnutrition in Indonesian children, a cause of much concern.

Misreading radicalism in Muhammadiyah

Misreading radicalism in Muhammadiyah Imam Cahyono, Jakarta The article titled Muhammadiyah's new chairman and the future of its liberalism by Ahmad Najib Burhani (The Jakarta Post, July 12) was quite interesting. His article explained Muhammadiyah's future challenge is the rise of radical Islam within the organization. The election of Din Syamsuddin at the 45th congress was seen as the victory of the radical front.

The 'losmen' of lost dreams

The 'losmen' of lost dreams Duncan Graham, Contributor, Surabaya East Java's Pasir Putih is the frazzled Surabayans' weekend escape spot, a four-hour drive east from smog city. Despite its name, the beach is more gray than white, but the sea is shallow and safe. It is ideal for parents who want to relax and let the kids have a splash, a sail and a bit of freedom. Freedom?

Bali governor falls unconscious

Bali governor falls unconscious DENPASAR, Bali: Bali Governor Made Dewa Beratha suddenly fainted as he was attending a celebration to mark National Children's Day at the Ksiarnawa Art Building in Denpasar. The governor fell unconscious after he answered question from a student participant at the function. "After answering the last question, he climbed down from the stage. He then suddenly fell down," said Bagus.

Polio toll climbs to 155

Polio toll climbs to 155 JAKARTA: The polio toll has climbed to 155, the UN health agency said here on Friday, with dozens of new cases reported in the last two weeks. Bardan Jung Rana, a WHO medical officer in Indonesia, said the 33 new cases were all reported in areas already infected with the crippling disease and that the rise has been gradual. "This is pretty much what we have been expecting," he said.

No pork served, we're Muslims

No pork served, we're Muslims Even though Bali is one great place to spend a vacation, we found it was not an easy task to indulge ourselves in pork, let alone the famous lawar, one of the Balinese delicacies. Feeling famished after touring the beautiful Bedugul, we, my three nephews and I, went straight to Mentari restaurant for a buffet lunch.

[b]

Pay rise for legislators? Benget Simbolon Tnb. The Jakarta Post/Jakarta 2. Agung -- Indonesia's security policy 1 x 30 Indonesia's security policy Anak Agung Banyu Perwita Bandung 3. John -- 1 x 30 New rule to stymie English teaching Hinton John Lowe Bandung

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 22, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 22, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,180 60 10,500 Adhi Karya 770 -10 4,546,500 Adira Dinamika 2,500 0 0 AGIS Tbk 135 0 132,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 260 -5 199,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,230 20 1,040,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...

Shares index reaches fresh record high

Shares index reaches fresh record high Indonesian shares ended at yet another fresh record high on Friday as investor sentiment toward local stocks stayed buoyant after Thursday's healthy rally, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange's Composite Index rose 14.73 points, or 1.3 percent, to 1,172.24, after rising 1.5 percent on Thursday. Bear Stearns earlier this week upgraded Indonesian equities to overweight from market weight, which dealers cited as one of the factors behind Thursday's rally.

Rupiah Rates July 22

Rupiah Rates July 22 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,852.73 7,084.95 7,507.71 7,429.83 Brunei dollar 1 6,189.33 5,583.01 5,917.40 5,854.78 Canadian dollar 1 8,441.61 7,612.98 8,070.72 7,983.57 Swiss franc 1 7,992.06 7,211.24 7,640.92 7,562.27 Danish krone 1 1,674.06 1,510.24 1,600.51 1,583.75 Euro 1 12,493.53 11,273.65 11,944.62 11,822.43 Poundsterling 1 17,987.36 16,231.35 17,197.07 17,021.46 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,321.00 1,192.16 1,262.97 1,250.19...

Govt announces July Package for Batam's 'Bonded Zone Plus'

Govt announces July Package for Batam's 'Bonded Zone Plus' Zakki P. Hakim and Fadli The Jakarta Post/Batam The status of the Batam Industrial Bonded zone, Bintan Industrial Estate and Karimun Industrial Cooperation zone have been upgraded to "Bonded Zone Plus" to give investors more legal certainty, top officials say. Minister of Finance Jusuf Anwar and Minister of Trade Mari E.

Minister admits lack of plane maintenance expenses

Minister admits lack of plane maintenance expenses Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono refused on Friday to speculate on the causes of two military plane crashes in a single day on Thursday, but admitted that the government spent too little on maintenance of the country's war machines. Juwono said only 30 percent of the country's annual defense budget was allocated for maintenance, while the lion's share went to soldiers' basic needs.

Photo A:

Photo A: JP A patient undergoes a brain scan at a hospital in Jakarta. A number of premium class hospitals in Jakarta are highly popular due to international standard medical equipment and good service. Photo B Courtesy of Raffles Hospital With the assistance of sophisticated medical equipment, a nurse examines a patient with an eye complaint in one of the top hospitals in Singapore. Many international patients, including those from Indonesia, travel to Singapore to seek medical treatment.

Hamid to become KPU trial witness

Hamid to become KPU trial witness JAKARTA: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin is to appear in court as a witness in the graft trial of General Elections Commission (KPU) finance head Hamdani Amin. "Hamid Awaluddin will become a witness. We'll listen to what he has to say," Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) head Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean said. He could not say when Hamdani's trial would begin.

Govt responsible for education

Govt responsible for education From Koran Tempo The high cost of education in Indonesia gives poor people no choice but to keep their children at home, as it is already difficult for them to meet their daily needs, even before considering school fees. For kindergarten and elementary education, a student has to pay Rp 500,000 to Rp 1 million and for secondary and high school education above Rp 1 million.

Bali forum urges interfaith studies

Bali forum urges interfaith studies Hera Diani and Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post/Nusa Dua, Bali Leaders and scholars of some of the world's major faiths signed on Friday the Bali Declaration on building interfaith harmony, which they expect to contribute to the global campaign for the culture of peace and against the use of violence in the name of religion.

Shares index reaches fresh record high

Shares index reaches fresh record high Dow Jones Jakarta Indonesian shares ended at yet another fresh record high on Friday as investor sentiment toward local stocks stayed buoyant after Thursday's healthy rally, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange's Composite Index rose 14.73 points, or 1.3 percent, to 1,172.24, after rising 1.5 percent on Thursday.

Susilo to visit China next week

Susilo to visit China next week The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono plans to make a four-day state visit to China next week to discuss bilateral trade and investment cooperation. Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said on Friday that Susilo would leave for Beijing on July 27 but had decided to suspend planned visits to Thailand and Brunei.

Hungarian Prime Minister to visit Indonesia to boost trade ties

Hungarian Prime Minister to visit Indonesia to boost trade ties Veeramalla Anjaiah The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Hungary's Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany will arrive in Jakarta on Saturday for a three-day state visit to boost ties with Indonesia, Hungary's Ambassador Gyorgy Busztin said in Jakarta. "The main aim of the visit is to strengthen the relations -- especially trade ties -- between Hungary and Indonesia. Our prime minister is bringing a 25-member business delegation with him.

Revaluation of yuan receives mixed reactions

Revaluation of yuan receives mixed reactions The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Batam China's decision to revalue the yuan and make it stronger against the U.S. dollar met with mixed reactions here, with experts split on how the move would effect the country's economy.

'Zheng He was greater than Christopher Columbus'

'Zheng He was greater than Christopher Columbus' Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post/Semarang Why is the 600th anniversary of Admiral Zheng He's 28-year exploration (1405 to 1433) commemorated in a large-scale way in Semarang from August 1 to August 7? Zheng He only spent one month in Simongan, Semarang. He built a mosque which later was turned into a temple, and left behind a well that is still used.

Ambon kids learn to ease trauma

Ambon kids learn to ease trauma M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post/Ambon It happened during the Idul Fitri holiday six years ago when Thamrin Wally was on his way home with his mother. As they arrived at the Mardika Terminal, suddenly chaos broke out in the vicinity. People fled in panic, and buildings were on fire. Thamrin was confused as he had lost his mother in the chaos.

Students cook up alternative fuel

Students cook up alternative fuel The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Amid the government's conservation drive, Trisakti University students and alumni have discovered a way to utilize used cooking oil as an alternative to fossil fuel.

JP/5/FOCUS

JP/5/FOCUS Military sets up 50 border posts BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: The Tanjungpura Military Command has built 30 more outposts along the Indonesian and Malaysian border, bringing the total number of posts to 50. The posts were constructed to help prevent illegal logging, smuggling and other transnational crimes along the 1,800- kilometer border between Malaysia and Indonesia, Tanjungpura Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Erwin Sudjono said.

Taiwan's Chen hopes to meet Hu at APEC

Taiwan's Chen hopes to meet Hu at APEC Reuters, Taipei Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on Friday urged South Korea, host of this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, to let him attend the meeting so he can meet his counterpart from rival China. Chen's request is likely to be rejected. Beijing, which views self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province, has shown no sign of being willing to engage the island's pro-independence leader.

HP Aspac win first game in final four

HP Aspac win first game in final four Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Favorite HP Aspac of Jakarta chalked up an easy 91-38 win over Bhinneka Sritex of Solo in the first semifinal match of the A Mild Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) at the Senayan Basketball Stadium, Central Jakarta, on Friday. With the players looking relaxed throughout, HP Aspac took charge from the beginning against their opponents, who by contrast were playing nervously.

TV Program: Tuesday, July 26, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

Asia embraces new landscape after China's currency move

Asia embraces new landscape after China's currency move Karl Malakunas, Agence France-Presse/Singapore Asia embraced a new financial landscape on Friday after China finally abandoned its decade-old peg to the dollar, with regional governments and analysts widely applauding Beijing for the move.

JP/2/heads

JP/2/heads July 23, 2005 1. INSIGHT: 1 X 42 House of Reps: Just who are they representing? 2. CRASH: 1 X 40 Missing Air Force plane found at Jabung Hill 3. CHILD: 2 X 24 Ambon children learn to ease their trauma 4. MDG: 1 X 27 RI hosts world development seminar

TV Program: Tuesday, July 26, 2005

TV Program: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

Asian players have bright future: Sir Alex

Asian players have bright future: Sir Alex Agencies, Hong Kong Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson said Friday his team's two Asian recruits - South Korea's Park Ji-Sung and China's Dong Fangzhou - are a sign of the increasing influence of the region's soccer players. "The future is very bright for them," Ferguson said of the new crop of South Korean, Japanese and Chinese players on the eve of United's friendly against the Hong Kong national team.

Military sets up 50 border posts

Military sets up 50 border posts BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: The Tanjungpura Military Command has built 30 more outposts along the Indonesian and Malaysian border, bringing the total number of posts to 50. The posts were constructed to help prevent illegal logging, smuggling and other transnational crimes along the 1,800- kilometer border between Malaysia and Indonesia, Tanjungpura Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Erwin Sudjono said.

Finished products

Finished products instead of rattan From Republika According to the Asia-Pacific Industrial Property Center (APIC), Indonesia supplies 85 percent of the rattan for the global furniture industry. In my view, Indonesia should export finished furniture rather than rattan. Though the APIC data shows that Indonesia is the largest rattan exporter, that record should be broken in the coming years because the government has again allowed the export of rattan.

Four power plants to start using LPG

Four power plants to start using LPG Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In line with the government's instruction to reduce dependency on fuel, state power firm PLN has announced that four power plants will be converted to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), requiring 850,000 tons of the gas a year.

No light matter

No light matter Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's circular on energy-conserving measures reflects his brisk and positive response to the President's instruction on the same matter. Nevertheless, the city administration's move to halve street illumination has drawn criticism. Street lights in various areas are switched off at night, even on thoroughfares.

Oil prices rise, supported by revaluation of Chinese yuan

Oil prices rise, supported by revaluation of Chinese yuan Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices rose on Friday, supported by a revaluation of the yuan currency the previous day, seen as encouraging Chinese demand for energy from the world's second-biggest consumer of crude. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in September, added 47 U.S. cents to US$57.60 per barrel in electronic deals on Friday.

Mariana, an Aceh orphan hopeful about future

Mariana, an Aceh orphan hopeful about future Annastashya Emmanuelle Contributor Jakarta Left orphaned by the tsunami is not the end of the world. There is more to life than just grief, an Aceh orphan believes. Shortly before the tsunami struck Umong Seribee village in Lhoong Aceh Besar district, 13-year-old Mariana was in her house planning to go to a friend's. Suddenly people outside were scrambling about yelling "water rising, water rising" and she was unsure of what they meant.

[b]

Misreading radicalism in Muhammadiyah Imam Cahyono Jakarta 2. Roby -- A landmark case for Thailand 1 x 30 A landmark case for Thailand Roby Alampay Bangkok 3. nATION -- Move shows a failure to learn from past mistakes 1 X 30 A failure to learn from past mistakes Pravit Rojanaphruk The Nation Asia News Network/Bangkok ------------------------------------------------------------- 3.

Indonesia will lose out in free trade era: Researcher

Indonesia will lose out in free trade era: Researcher Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia will not be able to take advantage of increasing world trade liberalization because many stakeholders here are not even aware it is going on, an official says. The chief of the Manpower and Transmigration Ministry's Center for Research, Information and Development, Harry Heriawan Saleh, said the government had moved too slowly to anticipate opening markets.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, July 23, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, July 23, 2005 Exhibitions * Lampung Traditional Textile, at Museum Textile Indonesia, Jl. KS Tubun No. 4, West Jakarta (Tel. 5606613, mustekstil@telkom.net) until July 27 * Painting by Ivan Sagita at CP Artspace Jl. Suryopranoto 67 A, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3448126), until July 29 * Jakarta Video Festival 2005 OK. Video: Sub/Version at Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jl. Merdeka Timur 14, Central Jakarta, open daily Monday - Friday, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Zheng He, the eunuch admiral and ruler of the seas

Zheng He, the eunuch admiral and ruler of the seas Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Chinese immigrants, or hoakiau, as well as native people have hoped to gain knowledge and wisdom from the great explorer Zheng He (also called Cheng Ho) when he visited Semarang city some 600 years ago. As a well-learned person who had mastered untold knowledge, most people felt they needed him, and had urged him to stay.

'RI must play a role in Korean peninsula'

'RI must play a role in Korean peninsula' Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia must help to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula by using its close links with North Korea, a group of South Korean scholars said in Depok, West Java. "Right from the beginning, Indonesia has had close links with North Korea. Even at the personnel level, the leaders of Indonesia and North Korea have been maintaining good rapport for several decades.

'Paralysis gone thanks to tsunami'

'Paralysis gone thanks to tsunami' Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Sixteen-year-old Farida is a pretty girl with bluish-brown eyes. She comes from Lamno district, Aceh Jaya, an area populated by Acehnese with Portuguese blood. She does not live with her parents in Lamno, but stays with an older sister in Lingke, Banda Aceh. Farida used to be paralyzed and relied on her sister to take care of her. "My sister loved me despite my paralysis," she said. On Dec.

AGO launches internal reform drive

AGO launches internal reform drive Eva C. Komandjaja and Rendi Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Attorney General's Office (AGO) launched an internal reform program compiled in a book titled Agenda Pembaruan Kejaksaan RI during its 45th anniversary ceremony attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the AGO building on Friday.

To be combined with a story on Aceh children

To be combined with a story on Aceh children Meanwhile, the chairman of the National Commission for Child Protection, Seto Mulyadi, emphasized the importance of adopting effective approaches for handling traumatized children to allow them to have fun and be happy. "Having fun and feeling happy are rights of children and we must honor that," he told the Post. Therefore, he said, play therapy is necessary for traumatized children.

Two Bogor students off to Australia

Two Bogor students off to Australia BOGOR: Two Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) students are going to Australia to conduct research into food technology at Curtin University. The two young researchers are Arvi Felicia and Elvina Yohana, sixth semester students at IPB's department of food technology. The program came about following a memorandum of understanding signed between the two tertiary institutions.

KPK to hire new members

KPK to hire new members The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will hire some 156 people this year to speed up the investigation of a growing backlog of corruption cases. "More than 6,000 graft cases have been reported to the KPK and we cannot handle the increasing workload because we do not have the personnel," KPK chairman Taufiqurrahman Ruki was quoted by Antara as saying on Friday.

Salary rise & House ethics

Salary rise & House ethics From Bisnis Indonesia The plan to increase the take-home pay of members of the House of Representatives (DPR) from Rp 28.37 million to Rp 51.87 million and House leaders from Rp 40.1 million to Rp 82.1 million indicates that the House is failing to abide by what is stipulated in its own Code of Ethics.

Quake jolts Aceh, no fatalities

Quake jolts Aceh, no fatalities JAKARTA: An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale rocked the western coast of Indonesia's tsunami-hit Aceh province on Thursday but there were no reports of damage or casualties, meteorologists said. The undersea quake occurred at 8:42 a.m. and its epicenter was 33 kilometers under the floor of the sea, some 17 kilometers southeast of Meulaboh, the main town in West Aceh district, they said.

Ahmadiyah and public order

Ahmadiyah and public order I would like to correct some of the misunderstandings published almost every day regarding Jamaah Ahmadiyah in The Jakarta Post. First of all, it is a big mistake to say that the Ahmadis go to Parung, Bogor, to perform the haj. This is a lie. Ahmadis do not believe in this at all. They would even consider such thinking to be a sin. We can find many Ahmadis in Indonesia who have been to Mecca to perform the haj.

All that's needed to start your car is in the kitchen

All that's needed to start your car is in the kitchen The Jakarta Post Jakarta Amid the government's conservation drive, Trisakti University students and alumni have discovered a way to utilize used cooking oil as an alternative to fossil fuel.

Acehnese children slowly recover from traumatic experiences

Acehnese children slowly recover from traumatic experiences Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Trauma suffered by tsunami survivors has slowly slipped from memory of most children, but orphans keep their traumatic experience longer. "I'm not traumatized. Only sometimes my memory returns," said 15-year-old Meutia. "If I feel afraid, I will pray to Allah," said Farida, also 15. "I still have my fear, especially because I have lost my parents," said Irwan, 16.