Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 July 2005

82 articles found

Alwi forbids clinics from charging

Alwi forbids clinics from charging BANDUNG: Following the disbursement of health funds saved from the fuel subsidy cuts, community health centers would no longer be allowed to charge people for treatment, a minister says. Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare Alwi Shihab said the government had allocated Rp 3.78 trillion (US$389 million) of the total money saved to provide free health care for the poor.

27 more Padang councillors sent to prison

27 more Padang councillors sent to prison Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang Twenty-seven Padang councillors were sentenced to four years in jail on Wednesday for graft, in a verdict that has given a boost to the nationwide anticorruption drive. Besides sending the defendants to prison, the Padang District Court also fined them Rp 200 million (US$21,050) each.

Dutch juniors have an Indonesian connection

Dutch juniors have an Indonesian connection Moch N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Spectators at the Milo Junior Championships could be forgiven for assuming that Lisa Malaihollo is a local player, or perhaps part of the diaspora of Indonesian badminton players to more lucrative training spots around the world. "I was born in the Netherlands, but my father Patrick Malaihollo is an Indonesian who became a Dutch citizen, while my mother Ciska is from Suriname," she said.

JP/18/AMPEL

JP/18/AMPEL Ampel, tourist destination and place of prayer Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/Surabaya All of a sudden, several men aged around 26, sitting at the entrance to Jl. Nyamplungan, Ampel, Surabaya, got up and approached The Jakarta Post. In a slightly angry tone, the men, pointing to the warning sign put up at the entrance of the road, told a journalist to get off his motorcycle. "Don't ride when you enter this area," one of them said, in a rather angry and loud voice.

JP/4/EDS28

JP/4/EDS28 Fighting bird flu It is heartening to know that the government seems to be on the right track combating bird flu. The representative of the World Health Organization, Georg Petersen, told this newspaper on Tuesday that the government was following WHO recommendations and procedures in investigating the case. Once suspicions arose that the deaths of a man and his two children could be from bird flu, investigations began trying to trace how the three might have contracted the disease.

Pluralism : Easy to say, but hard to implement

Pluralism : Easy to say, but hard to implement Yani Prasatya, Jakarta "Yani, read this please," my grandmother once showed me a piece of her writing that had been published in the Ahmadiyah newsletter. I reluctantly read it for the sake of being polite. It was titled Finally I found it. It was about her spiritual journey that ended blissfully after she became a member of the Ahmadiyah sect. The whole family disapproved of her converting but she stubbornly persisted with her beliefs.

PLN to provide prepaid services for outdoor ads

PLN to provide prepaid services for outdoor ads The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The state electricity company PT PLN plans to make available prepaid electricity services for outdoor advertising this year due to the prevalence of electricity theft -- by tapping into wires.

'Islamic boarding schools oppose terrorism, violence': Didi Hilman

'Islamic boarding schools oppose terrorism, violence': Didi Hilman Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Pesantren -- or Islamic boarding schools -- have found themselves in an awkward position with the nation being hit by a number of terrorist attacks over the past few years. Although they have nothing to do with terrorism, they have been put in the spotlight because some of the terrorists were pesantren alumni.

Pressure on Myanmar

Pressure on Myanmar The pariah state relinquishing next year's ASEAN chair is only a start -- it must do much more to reform itself. Myanmar has made a shrewd and calculated move to win over ASEAN by announcing its willingness to skip playing host to the groups annual meeting next year. It is likely that by the end of next year, Myanmar will have a new government, albeit one elected under a junta-dictated constitution. It will thus be payback time for ASEAN.

Young artists on show at Kamandalu

Young artists on show at Kamandalu UBUD: Seventeen new, talented young artists from Bali have been displaying their paintings and sculpture at Bale Ketemu, Kamandalu Resort and Spa, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, since July 22. The exhibition runs through August 27. The exhibition was opened by Nanik Mirna Agung, the chairman of Gianyar regency's Council for the Development of Handicraft.

From Bali to Holland, with love

From Bali to Holland, with love Rachel Greaves, Contributor, Kerobokan, Bali One morning in October 2000, Jebeh Nyoman Yanti was walking along Sanur Beach, as she did every morning with her friends, looking for customers to attract to the market stalls. Little did the 20-year-old Balinese beach vendor know that this would be the day that would change her life forever. On the beach Jebeh met Tjeerd and Jenny Hoekstra, a middle- aged Dutch couple, enjoying their second holiday in Bali.

Teguh upsets seeded Chen in Milo Open badminton

Teguh upsets seeded Chen in Milo Open badminton Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Most of the top seeds in the boys' singles advanced to the fourth round of the Milo Junior Indonesia Open on Wednesday, but China lost its 3/4th seed Chen Tianyu to local badminton player Teguh Siswanto. Chen was surprised 12-15, 3-15 by Teguh in the second round.

Center allows people to get up close with mangroves

Center allows people to get up close with mangroves I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Suwung, Bali Ratih treaded carefully around the dry, sharply pointed shrub before slowly descending into the muddy ground. With six young mangrove plants filling both hands, keeping her balance in the rugged terrain was not an easy task for the high school student.

RI eyes top shoemakers to relocate from China

RI eyes top shoemakers to relocate from China The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government, with support from the private sector, is approaching branded footwear makers to chose Indonesia in the event they want to relocate their plants from China following increasing incidence of trade disputes between China and its major trading partners, the United States and the European Union. Minister of Trade Mari E.

Inco's profit in H1 up by 13%

Inco's profit in H1 up by 13% Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed nickel miner PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco) has reported a 13 percent rise of unaudited net profit in the year's first semester to US$141.9 million from $126 million the previous year on strong global prices. Sales jumped by 18 percent to $434.3 million in the first half of the year from $369 million booked in the corresponding period last year, the company said in a statement released on Wednesday.

JP/5/BATAM

JP/5/BATAM Chicken restaurants, vendors see sales drop Fadli The Jakarta Post/Batam The kitchen at Windsor Fried Chicken in Batam is not nearly as busy as it was just weeks ago, and employees like Asrul, 34, now often find themselves with little more to do than try and look busy. "People are afraid to eat chicken," said Asrul by way of explaining the business slump.

Susilo wants closer relations with China

Susilo wants closer relations with China Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Beijing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says Indonesia could benefit from forging closer ties with future superpower China. Speaking to the Indonesian community in Beijing on Wednesday evening at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, Susilo pointed out that China had a gross domestic product of US$1 trillion, compared to Indonesia's $200 billion.

Court to rule on PKB conflict soon

Court to rule on PKB conflict soon JAKARTA: The South Jakarta District Court will deliver its judgment on Aug. 10 on the lawsuit filed by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Alwi Shihab against the current leadership of the National Awakening Party (PKB), chief justice I Wayan Rena said on Wednesday. Alwi filed the lawsuit after he was suspended last year by the party's central board following his appointment as a minister in President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Cabinet.

Bankers question feasibility of BI's swift consolidation

Bankers question feasibility of BI's swift consolidation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some bankers questioned on Wednesday whether Bank Indonesia's plan to push for swift consolidation of the country's banking sector, by encouraging more mergers in the near future, was applicable. Bank Mandiri director for corporate secretary Nimrod Sitorus, whose bank is the largest lender by assets, said there were several obstacles preventing the consolidation of banks.

Chicken restaurants, vendors see sales drop

Chicken restaurants, vendors see sales drop Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam The kitchen at Windsor Fried Chicken in Batam is not nearly as busy as it was just weeks ago, and employees like Asrul, 34, now often find themselves with little more to do than try and look busy. "People are afraid to eat chicken," said Asrul by way of explaining the business slump.

Govt moves against commercialization of school textbooks

Govt moves against commercialization of school textbooks Hera Diani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Among the many problems clouding the country's educational system -- feudalistic teaching methods, low teacher salaries and high tuition fees -- the issue of commercialized textbooks has been a problem for parents for the past two decades.

SBY urged to probe July 27 PDI attack

SBY urged to probe July 27 PDI attack The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government to restart investigations into the bloody July 27, 1996, mob attack on their former headquarters as they commemorated the incident on Wednesday.

Woman carries dead baby for 27 years

Woman carries dead baby for 27 years Agence France-Presse, Jakarta Surgeons have delivered a 27-year-old baby from a middle-aged housewife who had carried the dead body inside her because she was too poor to have it removed, doctors said on Wednesday. A team of 15 doctors operated for three hours on Tuesday to retrieve the 1.6 kilogram (3.5 pound) petrified baby from the 54- year-old woman, identified as Taminah, at the Sutomo General Hospital in Surabaya. "This may be a world record.

Officers lose money in antigambling drive

Officers lose money in antigambling drive Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Owners of gambling dens have clearly been hurt financially in the recent drive against gambling in Jakarta, but many police officers have also lost money as a result of the campaign.

Top officials 'undeserving' of pay raise

Top officials 'undeserving' of pay raise Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's plan to increase the take-home pay of the President, Vice President, ministers, and high-ranking state officials met with mixed reactions on Wednesday amid the government's appeal for the public to be thrifty. High-ranking state officials do not deserve raises due to their poor performance, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) deputy Luki Djani said.

BI encourages setting up of 'guarantee funds' for SMEs

BI encourages setting up of 'guarantee funds' for SMEs The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central bank plans to encourage the establishment of regional credit insurance institutions and to guarantee funds to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) obtain much-needed financing. Speaking on Wednesday at a workshop on SME banking, Bank Indonesia deputy governor for banking Siti C. Fadjrijah said many SMEs were eligible for loans to develop their businesses, but unfortunately were not yet "bankable".

'Nasyid' contest to highlight Zheng He 600th voyage celebration

'Nasyid' contest to highlight Zheng He 600th voyage celebration Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Many history books note that the great Chinese explorer Zheng He, whose 600th anniversary voyage to Indonesia is being celebrated this year, was a devout Muslim. Zheng He, the son of Ma Ha Zhi, is also believed to have helped spread Islam along the northern coast of Java, including Semarang, where he and more than 200 ships landed in 1405.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, July 28, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, July 28, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * The New Video and The New Paintings by Filippo Sciascia, at at Gaya Gallery Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252 or 979253, www.filipposciascia.it), until Aug. 16. * Sculpture Dua Titik-titik Api, at Griya Santrian Gallery, Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 47, Sanur, until Aug. 13 * Landscape Painting Views From the Real World by Bambang Wiwoho, Kerry Pendergrast, Munadi and Roesli Hakim, at Pranoto's Art Gallery (Tel.

Teguh upsets seeded Chen in Milo Open

Teguh upsets seeded Chen in Milo Open Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Denpasar Most of the top seeds in the boys' singles advanced to the fourth round of the Milo Junior Indonesia Open on Wednesday, but China lost its 3/4th seed Chen Tianyu to local talent Teguh Siswanto. Chen was surprised 12-15, 3-15 by Teguh in the second round.

Breeders bemoan slump in sales as reports on bird flu surface

Breeders bemoan slump in sales as reports on bird flu surface The Jakarta Post, Medan/Makassar/Bandung Sales of chicken nationwide have been in the doldrums for the past few weeks with the bird flu virus making the national headlines, chicken breeders complained on Tuesday. Hendri, from a chicken hatchery in Medan, said that before the story on the bird flu virus appeared in the media, he could sell some 1 million chicks per month.

Hotels fully booked for Zheng He festival

Hotels fully booked for Zheng He festival Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Most of the star-rated and budget hotels in Semarang are fully booked as the celebration of the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's voyage draws near. The majority of the people booking accommodation are Chinese-Indonesians who are coming from all over the country for the celebrations between Aug. 3 and Aug.

Recognition of 'third sex'?

Recognition of 'third sex'? From Republika As a student, I am very much concerned over the behavior of gays and lesbians, which has become a trend and is apparently accepted as something normal by part of our society, as long as no disturbance is caused. Miss Transvestite Indonesia 2005 has been crowned and a gay couple's marriage reported, meaning that the status of this "third sex" group is recognized by the country known as a less permissive nation.

Mercenaries in the Strait of Malacca

Mercenaries in the Strait of Malacca Mark J. Valencia, Hawaii In the wake of relentless attacks by sea robbers and frequent kidnappings of hapless crews for ransom, several private companies have begun offering armed escort services for vessels transiting the Malacca and Singapore Straits.

BRI H1 net profit up 13%

BRI H1 net profit up 13% Dow Jones, Jakarta Bank Rakyat Indonesia said on Wednesday its first-half net profit rose 13 percent from the year-earlier period because of an increase in interest income. Net profit for the January-to-June period rose to Rp 1.94 trillion from Rp 1.72 trillion a year earlier, Bank Rakyat said in a statement.

China, Japan and South Korea meet Southeast Asian partners

China, Japan and South Korea meet Southeast Asian partners Peter Harmsen, Agence France-Presse/Vientiane Ministers from East Asian giants China, Japan and South Korea met their Southeast Asian partners on Wednesday for talks diplomats said would cover trade and steps toward forming a new regional community.

No province free from HIV

No province free from HIV BANDUNG: No Indonesian province is now free from HIV infection, with the recorded number of people living with the virus in the country standing at 7,098. Head of the HIV/AIDS Eradication Commission Alwi Shihab said on Wednesday the commission had remained unable to significantly curb the growth rate of HIV infections one year after its reinstatement.

Santos, ConocoPhillips bid for new oil and gas blocks

Santos, ConocoPhillips bid for new oil and gas blocks Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twenty-three companies, including major global players like Australia's Santos and U.S. companies ConocoPhillips and Anadarko Petroleum Company, have submitted bids for 11 oil and gas blocks currently on offer, an official says. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' Director of Exploration and Production Novian M.

Susilo renews vow to fight against graft, red tape

Susilo renews vow to fight against graft, red tape Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Beijing Since opening a special PO Box and call center over a month ago, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has received 2,500 letters and 140,000 text messages from people offering advice and suggestions. Most of the text messages contained reports of corruption cases. "We have replied and followed up on about 1,000 letters.

1,200 children involved in gambling

1,200 children involved in gambling SURABAYA: A non-governmental organization (NGO) activist has revealed that some 1,200 children in Pengirian, Surabaya, were affected by the widespread gambling in the area. As gambling dens had mushroomed in the area, many children had become involved in the vice, either as players or workers in the gambling dens, said Djunaidi Saripurnawan from Plan Indonesia.

Regent appeals for all clear in Tangerang

Regent appeals for all clear in Tangerang Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The regent of Tangerang urged the central government on Wednesday to revoke the bird flu 'red zone' status in the regency, insisting that there was no bird flu epidemic in the area. "There is no avian influenza (in Tangerang). We have monitored all poultry farms here, but found no indication of bird flu.

*Police officers losing money in antigambling drive Page 2

*Police officers losing money in antigambling drive Page 2 *Tangerang wants bird-flu red zone status to be revoked Page 3 *Assessing the benefits of flat tax on businesses Page 4 *'Pesantren' face hard times after spate of terrorist attacks Page 8 *Dutch junior badminton players have RI connection Page 10 *RI eyes top shoemakers to relocate from China Page 13 *HIV/AIDS education to become part of school syllabus Page 18

JP/4/EDS28

JP/4/EDS28 Fighting bird flu It is heartening to know that the government seems to be on the right track combating bird flu. The representative of the World Health Organization, Georg Petersen, told this newspaper on Tuesday that the government was following WHO recommendations and procedures in investigating the case. Once suspicions arose that the deaths of a man and his two children could be from bird flu, investigations began trying to trace how the three might have contracted the disease.

Bojong residents stand firm against waste plant

Bojong residents stand firm against waste plant Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor "If they call for war, I will step in to protect the area we live in," proclaimed Saidah, a homemaker of Kampong Rawajeler in Bojong, Bogor. She was one of hundreds of women and children who on Wednesday were preparing to stop a planned trial of the controversial Bojong waste treatment plant.

'Tolerance doesn't exist in our society'

'Tolerance doesn't exist in our society' The attack on the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI) in Parung, Bogor, earlier this month has sparked various reactions on how to interpret freedom of religion. The Jakarta Post asked residents their thoughts on the issue. Eman, 35, is an employee of a company in Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

Rupiah Rates July 27

Rupiah Rates July 27 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,804.67 7,045.97 7,463.76 7,386.75 Brunei dollar 1 6,181.89 5,581.49 5,911.87 5,851.44 Canadian dollar 1 8,388.17 7,572.68 8,021.77 7,938.93 Swiss franc 1 7,942.92 7,170.87 7,595.97 7,517.69 Danish krone 1 1,662.96 1,501.18 1,590.32 1,573.78 Euro 1 12,408.59 11,203.99 11,866.57 11,745.86 Poundsterling 1 17,932.46 16,191.93 17,149.16 16,975.05 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,327.39 1,198.59 1,269.41 1,256.56...

SIS employees demand salary raise

SIS employees demand salary raise Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Around 30 local employees of the Singapore International School (SIS) in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, staged a protest on Wednesday to demand a pay raise, improved conditions and health insurance as well as free schooling for their children. The protest prompted the school management to suspend all classes on Wednesday.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 27, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 27, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,120 -50 5,000 Adhi Karya 770 -10 8,444,000 Adira Dinamika 2,675 75 706,500 AGIS Tbk 135 0 60,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 230 -15 108,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,250 0 1,339,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0...

Indonesia woman carried dead baby for 27 years

Indonesia woman carried dead baby for 27 years Agence France-Presse Jakarta Surgeons have delivered a 27-year-old baby from a middle-aged housewife who had carried the dead body inside her because she was too poor to have it removed, doctors said on Wednesday. A team of 15 doctors operated for three hours on Tuesday to retrieve the 1.6 kilogram (3.5 pound) petrified baby from the 54- year-old woman, identified as Taminah, at the Sutomo General Hospital in Surabaya. "This may be a world record.

Hutchison to end CAC investment soon

Hutchison to end CAC investment soon HONG KONG: Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd., a cellular phone company controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka- shing, said it would complete its investment in Indonesian cell phone operator PT Cyber Access Communications "soon".

Yorris slams poll delay

Yorris slams poll delay MANOKWARI, West Irian Jaya: Yorris Raweyai, a candidate in the West Irian Jaya gubernatorial election, has demanded that the central government replace all members of West Irian Jaya General Elections Commission due to the postponement of the election. "The committee members are unprofessional," said Yorris, a candidate from the Golkar Party.

Life tough on 'Indonesian Alcatraz'

Life tough on 'Indonesian Alcatraz' Antara, Jakarta Nusakambangan island has been in the news again, with reports of Tommy Soeharto being flown to Jakarta once a month to treat a tumor. Nusakambangan island, located off Cilacap, Central Java, has a number of prisons. Its distance from the outside world makes it a suitable location for correctional facilities. A convict intent on escaping may be forced to change his mind due to the harsh terrain and the sea surrounding the island.

People of Yemeni origin play full role in Indonesia's development

People of Yemeni origin play full role in Indonesia's development Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Sewu wolungatus paetung puluhantahune Nduk kampong Arab papan panggone Gedhe dhukur njenggeret cakrike Klumpukane wong ngendoni ati sumpege Cikar Mandheg mapine manut Landa ireng capital putih Wong Arab turune hadramaut Gremeng-Gremeng aras-arasen mulih.

Indonesian kites becoming more attractive

Indonesian kites becoming more attractive Bambang Parlupi, Jakarta Flying kites as a hobby has been developing rapidly in Indonesia, with various types and motifs now appearing to add more color to this outdoor pursuit and its changing functions. Historically, kites were first known in human civilization around 3,000 years ago in China. From there, kites began to spread to the other Asian regions like Korea, Japan, the Malay archipelago and India.

Headings

Headings 1. BIRD -- 1x40 Regent appeals for all clear in Tangerang 2. POWER -- 2x25 PLN to provide prepaid services for outdoor ads 3. BOJONG -- 1x30 Bojong residents stand defiant 4. SIS -- 1x32 SIS employees demand salary raise 5. SPEAK -- 1x40 'Tolerance doesn't exist in our society'

OIC pledges Rp 12t aid for Aceh

OIC pledges Rp 12t aid for Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) has pledged Rp 12 trillion (US$1.22 billion) in reconstruction funds for tsunami- devastated Aceh. "OIC has expressed interest in channeling assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in Aceh. It will amount to Rp 12 trillion," Aceh acting governor Azwar Abubakar said on Wednesday.

Four detained for fake fishing permits

Four detained for fake fishing permits JAKARTA: The Jakarta Prosecutors Office has detained four suspects for faking fishing and tax permits that allowed foreign fishermen into the country's waters. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said that the four suspects were Tema Persula, HM Syafrudin, Tjia Karjono, and Ja'far Abdullah. The ministry said all suspects were believed to be members of a syndicate. It did not elaborate.

3 x 13

3 x 13 Top officials undeserving of pay raise: ICW JP/4/PAN 3 x 17 House commission in disharmony over plan to axe member

Recognition of 'third sex'?

Recognition of 'third sex'? From Republika As a student, I am very much concerned over the behavior of gays and lesbians, which has become a trend and is apparently accepted as something normal by part of our society, as long as no disturbance is caused. Miss Transvestite Indonesia 2005 has been crowned and a gay couple's marriage reported, meaning that the status of this "third sex" group is recognized by the country known as a less permissive nation.

S. African envoy submits credentials

S. African envoy submits credentials TIMOR LESTE: South Africa's Ambassador to Indonesia Griffiths Mandlenkosi Memela on Wednesday presented his credentials to Timor Leste President Xanana Gusmao in Dili, an official at the South African Embassy in Jakarta said. "Today, the Ambassador submitted his credentials as the first diplomatic representative of South Africa to Timor Leste," embassy counsel Michael Membukwe told The Jakarta Post from Dili.

Embracing religion is loving peace

Embracing religion is loving peace Up until quite recently I had never heard of Ahmadiyah, nor would I have most likely except for the unruly acts of intolerance visited upon the unfortunate and apparently peaceful members of that sect by a mob of righteous fanatics who just happen to be Muslim. I am a friend of many Indonesians and Muslims of other countries, including Egypt, Turkey, the occupied territories and Malaysia.

Conversion cause of concern among MUI branches

Conversion cause of concern among MUI branches The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Regional offices of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) are calling for strong measures to prevent Muslims from converting to other religions. Reports presented to a plenary meeting by delegates to the MUI congress on Wednesday reflected general concerns over the issue of conversion. "The percentage of Muslims in Jakarta has declined from 90 percent to 87 percent," the Jakarta delegation said in its report.

Farmers fight losing battle against locusts

Farmers fight losing battle against locusts Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Locusts traveling in vast swarms have stripped 8,000 more hectares of rice fields in Cirebon regency of all vegetation, a senior government official says. "Earlier, the locusts destroyed 1,700 hectares of rice fields in four districts, now they have attacked 8,000 more hectares in five other districts," said chief of the Cirebon administration's Plant Disease Office Sunardi on Tuesday.

Reaction to 'Bias of faith'

Reaction to 'Bias of faith' In relation to the attacks on Jamaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI), you write that "They create erroneous misperceptions that spur a 'Western' simplification on Islam and terrorism." I strongly doubt that this Western simplification is the result of the acts of a handful of fanatics: These type of people can be found everywhere.

Underfunded bureaucracy depends on illegal fees

Underfunded bureaucracy depends on illegal fees Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After wrapping up his Friday prayers with a hasty request for prosperity, Arman -- not his real name -- rushed to the canteen to meet his colleagues. The gathering had more to it than would meet the eye. The dozen or so civil servants in the canteen at the headquarters of the Directorate General of Immigration were waiting for their additional "salary", which is regularly paid after Friday prayers.

Dutch juniors have an Indonesian connection

Dutch juniors have an Indonesian connection Moch N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Denpasar Spectators at the Milo Junior Championships could be forgiven for assuming that Lisa Malaihollo is a local player, or perhaps part of the diaspora of Indonesian players to more lucrative training spots around the world. "I was born in the Netherlands, but my father Patrick Malaihollo is an Indonesian who became a Dutch citizen, while my mother Ciska is from Suriname," she said.

Lawmakers face rift over plan to axe colleague

Lawmakers face rift over plan to axe colleague The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An internal conflict among legislators on the House of Representatives Commission III for legal, security and human rights was cracked wide open on Wednesday after a plan to get one of them recalled was unveiled on Wednesday.

Five detained for oil palm irregularities

Five detained for oil palm irregularities JAMBI: The Jambi Prosecutor's Office detained on late Monday five suspects late on Monday on charges of arising out of irregularities in the provision of oil palm seedlings in the province. The five suspects are the Thamrin, the head of an oil palm seedling provision project, and four others executives from two private sector firms that had been hired by Thamrin to implement the project.

ASEAN countries to send peace monitors to Aceh

ASEAN countries to send peace monitors to Aceh Jason Gutierrez, Agence France-Presse/Vientiane Southeast Asian countries have agreed to join a peace monitoring mission in Indonesia's Aceh province in a move which could lead to a more formalized regional conflict-monitoring system, officials said on Wednesday.

Councillor lashes out at district heads

Councillor lashes out at district heads MEDAN, North Sumatra: A Medan councillor condemned on Wednesday seven district heads in Medan for traveling to Malaysia. "Suspected bird flu has been discovered in their areas, and they're traveling to Malaysia," Ikrimah Hamidy, chief of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction at the Medan council, said incredulously.

Embracing religion

Embracing religion is loving peace Up until quite recently I had never heard of Ahmadiyah, nor would I have most likely except for the unruly acts of intolerance visited upon the unfortunate and apparently peaceful members of that sect by a mob of righteous fanatics who just happen to be Muslim. I am a friend of many Indonesians and Muslims of other countries, including Egypt, Turkey, the occupied territories and Malaysia.

TEAMING UP WITH PUMA: Puma, a global athletic brand, has signed

TEAMING UP WITH PUMA: Puma, a global athletic brand, has signed four prominent Indonesian sport stars to contracts: Ananda Mikola, top Asian Formula 3 Driver; Kurniawan Dwi Julianto, top striker for the Indonesian Soccer Team, Hendro Kartiko, first choice goalkeeper for the Indonesian Soccer Team and Edy Jakariya, Indonesian Record Holder for the 110m men's hurdles. The signing ceremony took place in Jakarta on July 25, 2005.

Assessing the benefits of flat tax on businesses

Assessing the benefits of flat tax on businesses Agam Fatchurrochman, Nottingham, UK Today's hot topic in the business community is that the government is getting ready to revise the tax laws of 2000, particularly regarding the proposal for applying a flat tax rate to provide business and fiscal incentives for public companies. The flat rate, as proposed, would be set at 30 percent while public companies would be taxed at 20 percent to 25 percent.

Government moves against school textbook commercialization

Government moves against school textbook commercialization Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Among the many problems clouding the country's educational system -- feudalistic teaching methods, low teacher salaries and high tuition fees -- the issue of commercialized textbooks has been a problem for parents for the past two decades.

1. Visit -- 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18)

1. Visit -- 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18) Susilo renews vow to fight against graft, red tape 2. Salary (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x24) Underfunded bureaucracy depends on illegal fees 3. Book (45) - 36 pts 4 cols 2line (2x26) Govt moves against school textbook commercialization 4. Baby (18) - 28 pts 1 cols 4lines (4x10) Woman carries dead baby for years 5. Susul (28) - 32 pts 2 cols 2lines (1x34) Officers lose money in antigambling drive --- 5. Oddworld and photos

'Pesantren' face hard times after spate of terrorist attacks

'Pesantren' face hard times after spate of terrorist attacks Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bogor Pesantren around the country have been associated with terrorism since a series of terrorist attacks began in this country several years ago, including the Bali and Marriott bombings. Is this perception true?

Shares end flat; index at fresh record high

Shares end flat; index at fresh record high Dow Jones/Jakarta Indonesian shares ended flat on Wednesday, with gains in heavy-equipment firms and most small-capitalized shares managing to keep the main index in positive territory, dealers said. "The main index managed to close at a fresh record high despite profit-taking in bank and telecom blue chips," said a trader with Kuo Capital Securities.

Energy being saved at Sheraton Laguna

Energy being saved at Sheraton Laguna NUSA DUA: Sheraton Laguna Nusa Dua hotel is doing what it can to comply with new nationwide energy-saving measures in view of the current power crisis. Through active internal campaigning for awareness, the 270- room resort's staff have already managed to reduce electricity bills by 9.1 percent from January to June 2005, compared with the same period last year, despite a significant occupancy increase of 6.6 percent.

HIV/AIDS education to become part of school syllabus

HIV/AIDS education to become part of school syllabus Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar I Wayan Harikhesa, a second-grader at a high school in Denpasar, thought initially that HIV, which can lead to AIDS, was a deadly disease that claimed the lives of many famous people, especially in the West. He learned that from the Internet some years ago while still at elementary school.

Five detained for oil palm irregularities

Five detained for oil palm irregularities JAMBI: The Jambi Prosecutor's Office detained on late Monday five suspects late on Monday on charges of arising out of irregularities in the provision of oil palm seedlings in the province. The five suspects are the Thamrin, the head of an oil palm seedling provision project, and four others executives from two private sector firms that had been hired by Thamrin to implement the project.

Armed robbers get Rp 30m, jewelry

Armed robbers get Rp 30m, jewelry JAKARTA: Two armed robbers attacked a motorcyclist in Kalimalang, East Jakarta, late on Tuesday and got away with Rp 30 million in cash and a quantity of jewelry. At around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Sida Situmorang, a jewelry trader, was on his way home when two men on a motorcycle drove close to him as he was passing a school building. One of the two men quickly grabbed the bag he was carrying. The robbers pointed a gun at him when he resisted surrendering his bag.

Lippo Cikarang holds swimming competition

Lippo Cikarang holds swimming competition BEKASI: Management of the Lippo Cikarang housing and business district in Bekasi will hold an interclub swimming competition on Sunday. The event will be conducted at the complex' Olympic Sports Club, committee member Suyanto Alimprabowo was quoted as saying by Tempointeraktif.com on Wednesday. Suyanto said participants could take part in a total of 50 events. At least eight clubs have registered for the competition, he added.

Bandung picked for start of cycling tour

Bandung picked for start of cycling tour Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bandung is set for the start of the Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia cycling championship, replacing last year's site of Jakarta. "Jakarta will host the city tour for participants. The official start will be in Bandung," Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI) secretary-general Sofyan Ruzian told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. The Sept. 11-Sept. 21 tour, offering total prize money of US$100,000, will end in Bali.