Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 July 2005

93 articles found

~Checked

~Checked ;JP; Captions for FOCUS ISSUE ---- Bookstores Photo A: Arief Suhardiman QB World Books in Jakarta is not only a bookstore but also a community center in which people from different backgrounds can interact. Visitors to the bookstore can enjoy special literary or cultural events every week. Photo B: R. Bertho Wedhatama The Jakarta branch of Japan-based Kinokuniya provides meeting places by incorporating a restaurant and cafe so as to attract visitors.

Aceh prosecutors investigate bribery in caning case

Aceh prosecutors investigate bribery in caning case Antara, Banda Aceh A prosecutor in Bireun was questioned by Aceh prosecutors for allegedly taking bribes from some convicts, who were about to be caned as punishment for small time gambling. The prosecutor in question, only identified by the initials E.N., was reportedly being questioned by supervising deputy of Aceh prosecutor's office, Chairuddin Sipahutar, for eight hours on Thursday.

~Done

~Done ;JP;CD; For FOCUS ISSUE ---- Bookstores Modern bookstores offer more than good titles Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta "No reading, please" or "No browsing, please". Those warnings in typical bookstores have disappeared in some modern bookstores, replaced with a cozy atmosphere, soft chairs and ear-pleasing music. Has this strategy boosted growth?

1. Anal ----- 1x40

1. Anal ----- 1x40 Din's Muhammadiyah win another blow to Amien OR Din's victory another blow to Amien 2. Aceh --- 4x13 Disarmament of GAM crucial to peace deal: Government 3. Dutch ---- 1x30 Dutch student shot in Aceh 4. Kapolri -- 2x24 Susilo tells Sutanto to fight graft, get tough on terrorism or New police chief told to fight graft, get tough on terrorism 5. Susul ---- 2x20 to come lateRRR

Workers protest death sentences

Workers protest death sentences JAKARTA: Dozens of migrant workers grouped under the Working Forum for Domestic Helpers Justice rallied in front of the Singapore Embassy in South Jakarta on Friday, demanding clemency for their colleagues who are facing death sentence in that country. The protesters also asked Singaporean and Malaysian governments to ratify the international convention for protection of migrant workers.

Butet in 'Jangan Menangis Indonesia'

Butet in 'Jangan Menangis Indonesia' JAKARTA: Yogyakarta-born artist Butet Kertaredjasa, who soared to fame imitating former president Soeharto's voice in his staged monologs, will play a role in an upcoming show by Teater Mandiri. "Butet is an artist whom I admire, and I have long desired to share a stage with him," playwright Putu Wijaya said as quoted by Antara news agency. "I also admire mas (brother) Putu since our first meeting in 1984," Butet swiftly responded.

Two brothers to be executed for murder

Two brothers to be executed for murder Agence France Presse, Jakarta Indonesian authorities will soon execute two brothers on death row for a premeditated triple murder during a robbery in the island of Sumatra in 2002, a prosecutor said on Thursday. "We have been notified of a letter issued by the minister of laws and human rights that gives the approval in principle for the executions to take place in Jakarta," Antasari Azhar, chief prosecutor of West Sumatra province, told AFP.

Upholding the law in the mining sector

Upholding the law in the mining sector The Constitutional Court's unanimous ruling last Thursday that Law No. 19/2004 on forestry is constitutional certainly disappointed and angered environmentalists as the ruling boils down to a license for a number of firms to conduct open-pit mining in protected forests.

Jogjakarta Plaza celebrates 10th anniversary

Jogjakarta Plaza celebrates 10th anniversary Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Many consider unity as one of the keys to a successful business. Unless it is present, both internally within an entity and externally within the wider community, it will be difficult for a business to operate successfully, let alone develop optimally. Sharing the same thinking, the four-star Jogjakarta Plaza hotel on Jl.

Railway operator urged to improve efficiency, upkeep

Railway operator urged to improve efficiency, upkeep Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Four employees of state-owned railway operator PT KAI were seen chatting inside a ticket booth at Cawang station, East Jakarta, on Friday morning while two others sat at their desks serving customers. As hundreds of commuters from Bogor, Depok and Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta alighted and hurriedly approached the exit gate, one of the employees went out to check the passengers' tickets.

[b]

London will bounce back as it always does Jim Read Jakarta If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England (The Soldier, Rupert Brooke, 1914) 2. Guard -- London bombing 2 x 30 The anger of terrorists and the decency of commoners Guardian News Service London

Bandung to get new bus lanes

Bandung to get new bus lanes BANDUNG: In efforts to deal with traffic problems, the Bandung administration will soon get 20 new bus lanes, an official said. Bandung Mayor Dada Rosada said the bus lanes will be set up using a grant from the Ministry of Transportation, with the first busline planned for the southern outer ring road serving the Ciburi-Cibeureum route.

Indonesian Shares End Higher As Bank Blue Chips Rebound

Indonesian Shares End Higher As Bank Blue Chips Rebound Dow Jones Jakarta Indonesian shares ended marginally higher on Friday led by a rebound in select bank blue chips after falls in the previous four sessions due to the weaker rupiah and high interest rate, dealers said.

RI tax revenue up 29 percent

RI tax revenue up 29 percent JAKARTA: Tax revenues as of June 30 have reached Rp 129.4 trillion (US$13.21 billion), up 29 percent from the same period last year. Revenues from customs amounted to Rp 7.65 trillion, or up 37.5 percent, and from excise Rp 14.39 trillion, or 9.8 percent higher than the corresponding period last year.

Commuter trains, why not?

Commuter trains, why not? Provisional results of the investigation into the June 30 train crash in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, indicates that human error was behind the fatal wreck that claimed four lives. A team set up by Minister of Communications Hatta Radjasa provisionally concluded that the driver of the commuter train, which rammed a parked Pakuan Express train, missed stopping at a red light.

Traders reap profits from gasoline shortage

Traders reap profits from gasoline shortage Oyos Saroso and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung/Yogyakarta A woman in her 40s was busily serving yet another eager gasoline buyer on Thursday. Next to her, were several 20-liter jerrycans labeled as premium gasoline. Working fast, the woman poured three liters of the precious commodity into a man motorcycle's tank. The man gave her a Rp 50,000 note, and the woman gave him Rp 15,000 in change.

For SPOTLIGHT:

For SPOTLIGHT: FORD CAR WINNER: PT Ford Motor Indonesia presents a brand new 2.3l Escape SUV to the winner of its Hole in One competition at the US Memorial Day Golf Tournament on the premises of Ford Jakarta Pusat in Jakarta. The prize was presented on June 4, 2005. Ford has been a key supporter of the tournament for the past four years.

~[b]Top quartile of JSX firms possessing good governance ratings

~Top quartile of JSX firms possessing good governance ratings enjoyed an average share price out-performance of over 200 percent. ;JP; ANPAk..r.. Sustainable business performance & communication JP/6/DAVID Sustainable business performance & communication David J. Finneren Jakarta Recent media reports on corporate corruption, fraud, poor governance, and environmental and social mismanagement have eroded much of the faith held in companies by a broad range of constituent parties.

Corruption & opportunity

Corruption & opportunity From Tempo Corruption prevails in Indonesia because of intention and opportunity. Government officials, particularly, have the opportunity for contact with capitalists, who use money to secure their business licensing needs. Such officials are eventually involved in corruption. Consequently, law enforcement personnel should not only arrest and judge recipients of bribes, but also those offering the money. Graft would not take place if it were not for both parties.

305 people lose homes to fire

305 people lose homes to fire JAKARTA: Fire burned down 26 houses in Jembatan Lima, Tambora district in West Jakarta on Friday morning. Although there were no reports of injuries, some 305 people were left homeless because of the fire, community unit head Aeng Khairunasikin said. Witnesses said the fire started from a rented house at about 8:45 a.m. and spread quickly in the densely populated area. The fire fighters put out the fire by around 11 a.m.

Shares end higher as bank blue chips rebound

Shares end higher as bank blue chips rebound Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended marginally higher on Friday led by a rebound in select bank blue chips after falls in the previous four sessions due to the weaker rupiah and high interest rate, dealers said.

NU, Muhammadiyah aim to expand cooperation

NU, Muhammadiyah aim to expand cooperation ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post/Malang Muhammadiyah wrapped up its six-day national congress here on Friday, saying it would expand its partnership with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in order to help the country progress. Newly elected Muhammadiyah leader Din Syamsuddin said his organization and NU had discussed plans to enhance cooperation between the country's two largest Muslim organizations in all sectors.

Headings

Headings 1. Train -- 3 x 18 Railway operator urged to improve efficiency, upkeep 2. School -- 2 x 22 More students want to enter Jakarta schools 3 Energy -- 1 x 30 City told to reduce power usage 4 Speak -- 2 x 20 'KAI needs more paying passengers'

U.S. grants Indonesia import duty cuts

U.S. grants Indonesia import duty cuts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United States has agreed to add eight categories of products to its scheme for reduced import duties on Indonesian goods entering the U.S. market as part of its overall efforts to help tsunami-affected countries, the Ministry of Trade has said. "The value of exports to the U.S. covered by the eight categories last year stood at US$301.67 million," ministry spokesman Iman Pambagyo told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

* Dutch student shot while traveling in Aceh Page 2

* Dutch student shot while traveling in Aceh Page 2 * RI offers more countries visa facility Page 4 * Severe kerosene shortage hits Jayapura Page 5 * London will bounce back as it always does Page 6 * Inefficient KAI can't properly finance train maintenance Page 8 * Mahan leads John Deere Classic, Wie in contention Page 9 * Rice's absence at ARF meet could hurt U.S. credibility Page 11 * Exporters required keep forex in local banks Page 13

City told to reduce power usage

City told to reduce power usage Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta To save energy amid the national fuel shortage, Sutiyoso's administration has set as policy the reduction of power usage in city and government offices, as well as for street lights, advertising billboards and fountains. "There will be efficiency in the use of air-conditioners, elevators and lamps.

~;JP;CD;

~;JP;CD; For FOCUS ISSUE --- Bookstores Bookstores: Delivery room for the birth of ideas Chinab Chugh Contributor Jakarta From ancient times to the present day, people have written and read a lot of books. Why are books so important to man? A bookstore or a bookshop is a retailer that sells books. In the 1980's, bookstores were not as common as they are now; but is it the power of the books or the knowledge inside them that has made them so popular?

Golkar fails in West Sumatra poll

Golkar fails in West Sumatra poll Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang The mighty Golkar Party looks to have failed in winning most of its candidates up in West Sumatra's direct regional elections, despite its vast experience and huge party infrastructure. The failure was attributed to its mistakes in choosing popular candidates, a scholar says.

Incumbent mayor reelected

Incumbent mayor reelected JAYAPURA, Papua: Pair M.R. Kambu and Sudjarwo were declared the new mayor and deputy mayor respectively of Jayapura on Thursday. The pair received the most votes in the Jayapura mayoral election on June 28. Kambu, the incumbent mayor, and Sudjarwo received 28,161 votes. They were followed by Renjaaan and Arobi with 25,428 votes and Rustan Saru and Otniel Meraudje with 15,354 votes. Renjaan was Kambu's deputy mayor from 2000 to 2005.

Govt plans to make exporters repatriate forex

Govt plans to make exporters repatriate forex Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta To help strengthen the country's foreign exchange reserves, the government and the central bank will soon issue regulations requiring local exporters to repatriate their export revenues to local banks.

Yayuk says it's 50-50 for RI against Puerto Rico

Yayuk says it's 50-50 for RI against Puerto Rico Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Former national number one Yayuk Basuki believes the Fed Cup squad has an even chance against Puerto Rico in their World Group II playoffs this weekend. Yayuk said on Thursday that it would be up to player Wynne Prakusya and nonplaying captain Suzanna Anggarkusuma to steer the team to victory in Salinas, Puerto Rico.

The misappropriation of the haj pilgrimage fund in the Ministry

The misappropriation of the haj pilgrimage fund in the Ministry of Religious Affairs is a disgrace to religious values that are supposed to be upheld by this institution and also a betrayal of Muslims' trust. The management of the haj pilgrimage involves over Rp 5.7 trillion (approximately US$600 million) a year, with Indonesian haj pilgrims totaling 205,000. The government's double role of organizing and controlling haj journeys has increased the opportunities for corruption in the ministry.

Corruption & opportunity

Corruption & opportunity From Tempo Corruption prevails in Indonesia because of intention and opportunity. Government officials, particularly, have the opportunity for contact with capitalists, who use money to secure their business licensing needs. Such officials are eventually involved in corruption. Consequently, law enforcement personnel should not only arrest and judge recipients of bribes, but also those offering the money. Graft would not take place if it were not for both parties.

Suspect ignores travel ban, slips abroad

Suspect ignores travel ban, slips abroad Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh lashed out at the Immigration Office for allowing a key corruption suspect to travel overseas despite being the subject of a travel ban. "I want the Minister of Justice and Human Rights to pay serious attention to this case. They can't do this. It endangers the entire anticorruption movement.

Author imprisoned for Anwar sex allegations

Author imprisoned for Anwar sex allegations MALAYSIA: A former Malaysian newspaper editor was sentenced to a year in prison on Friday after being convicted of publishing false information in a book that accused former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim of sexual misconduct.

Din's Muhammadiyah win another blow to Amien

Din's Muhammadiyah win another blow to Amien Muhammad Nafik and ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post/Malang In a foregone conclusion, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) secretary-general Din Syamsuddin was officially declared the new chairman of Muhammadiyah here on Thursday after winning unanimous support from the newly elected executive board of the country's second biggest Muslim organization.

Changing perceptions of Australia post-Corby trial

Changing perceptions of Australia post-Corby trial Wimar Witoelar, Jakarta As the Schapelle Corby case enters a new phase with the possibility of inviting new witnesses, again Australians are mulling over the question of bilateral relationships with Indonesia. The Corby case is not a case of bilateral relationships, but the sad story of an individual. Yet many refuse to accept the independence of the two aspects, and perception of Indonesia shifts among parts of the Australian public.

More students want to enter Jakarta schools

More students want to enter Jakarta schools Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor/Jakarta After driving for two hours from his home in Cipondoh, Tangerang, Iman and his 14-year-old son Alfian wait their turn at a South Jakarta school to enroll. There are 296 others ahead of them at the enrollment desk at SMU 70 high school.

Fuel scarcity puts Kupang residents in limbo

Fuel scarcity puts Kupang residents in limbo Jemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang The face of Antonius Manaf, 31, is reddish. The minivan driver is exhausted, hungry and thirsty. Every day he is obliged to pay Rp 250,000 deposit for his minivan, but as of 11 a.m on Thursday morning he had not earned a single cent. All his time in the morning had been spent queuing at a gasoline station in the city. He is frustrated and it seems as if the queue will never end.

Govt hints fuel price increase might be necessary next year

Govt hints fuel price increase might be necessary next year Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Responding to the recent fuel shortage in some areas of the country and increasing oil prices in the world markets, Vice President Jusuf Kalla has hinted the government will have to reduce the fuel subsidy next year if it wants the economy to progress. "Our best option is to do a price (assumption) adjustment, which is not a popular move.

The misappropriation of the haj pilgrimage fund in the Ministry

The misappropriation of the haj pilgrimage fund in the Ministry of Religious Affairs is a disgrace to religious values that are supposed to be upheld by this institution and also a betrayal of Muslims' trust. The management of the haj pilgrimage involves over Rp 5.7 trillion (approximately US$600 million) a year, with Indonesian haj pilgrims totaling 205,000. The government's double role of organizing and controlling haj journeys has increased the opportunities for corruption in the ministry.

Holidaymakers swarm beaches

Holidaymakers swarm beaches YOGYAKARTA: After being very quiet for many months, some tourist destinations in Gunungkidul in Yogyakarta have seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals. Antara reported that holidaying school students were seen flocking the Baron, Kukup and Krakal beaches in the Tanjungsari district. Most of the students came from outside of Yogyakarta coming to the locations in buses.

RI, Timor Leste to announce commission members next week

RI, Timor Leste to announce commission members next week Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Indonesia and Timor Leste will continue working on a reconciliation plan through the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) despite a UN team's recommendation for an international tribunal, Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda says.

Recent terror attacks by al-Qaeda at a glance

Recent terror attacks by al-Qaeda at a glance - July 7, 2005: Four explosions in the London subway and on a bus during morning rush hour kill at least 40 people, U.S. officials say. More than 700 are wounded. A group calling itself the Secret Organization of al-Qaeda in Europe claims responsibility. Sept. 9, 2004: Bomb explodes in front of Australian Embassy in Jakarta, killing 11 people including suicide bomber.

PKS to host first congress

PKS to host first congress JAKARTA: The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) is slated to host a national congress from July 28 through July 31 in a bid to prepare party strategies and plans for the next five years. Aside from discussing internal issues during the congress, the party will also feature a number of seminars on economics and politics, a bazaar, art shows, and various forms of entertainment.

'KAI needs more paying passengers'

'KAI needs more paying passengers' State railway operator PT KAI has concluded the recent train crash in Rawa Bambu, South Jakarta was caused by human error. The accident claimed four lives and injured around 600 other passengers, including the train driver. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their ideas on how PT KAI should improve its service. Ahmad Syafrudin, 37, is an environmentalist living in Pondok Terong subdistrict, Depok.

Expired products destroyed

Expired products destroyed AMBON, Maluku: Maluku government officials have confiscated thousands of expired products from markets in East and West Seram regencies. Twenty-five different kinds of products, mostly children's snack foods, were seized during recent inspections of the markets, said the chief of the Maluku Industry and Trade Office, Burhan Bandjar. Most of the products expired between 2001 and 2004, he said.

Disarmament of GAM crucial to peace deal: Govt

Disarmament of GAM crucial to peace deal: Govt The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Friday that the disarmament of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam would be the final crucial issue to be discussed during the upcoming peace talks aimed at ending the decades-long conflict in the tsunami- devastated province. The fifth round of peace talks is slated to kick off on Tuesday in Finland.

Mobile toilets for riverbank squatters

Mobile toilets for riverbank squatters TANGERANG: The Tangerang municipal administration will replace the floating toilets built by squatters along the Cisadane riverbanks with mobile toilets. "The quality of river water is declining due to both household and industrial waste being dumped into the river," spokesman Undang Herman said on Thursday. He said the administration had ordered 11 mobile toilets.

Dutch student shot in Aceh

Dutch student shot in Aceh Nani Afrida and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh/Medan Less than two weeks after the shooting of a Hong Kong aid worker, a Dutch student was shot while traveling in a car in Aceh, child activists and police said on Friday. Azmiati Zuliati, a staffer at the Center for Child Protection, said that 24-year-old Marije Mellegers was shot in Krue Kluet village in Tapak Tuan at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Carmakers object to premium gas ban for for big vehicles

Carmakers object to premium gas ban for for big vehicles The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company PT Pertamina's plan to issue a regulation stopping cars with engines larger than 2,500cc from using subsidized premium gasoline would only hurt the country's auto industry, the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers (Gaikindo) says.

Hybrid cars not yet suitable for Jakarta

Hybrid cars not yet suitable for Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hollywood celebrities have started using hybrid cars to attend the much-awaited, much-broadcast annual awards ceremony for movie artists. Oscar-winning actors Charlize Theron and Morgan Freeman, as well as Orlando Bloom, Susan Sarandon and Salma Hayek were among those arriving in Toyota Prius or Highlander Hybrid SUV at the event last year.

Polio vaccination drive intensified as cases rise

Polio vaccination drive intensified as cases rise Reuters, Jakarta Indonesia is scrambling to combat a major outbreak of polio with plans to vaccinate more than 24 million children across the populous nation before the onset of the rainy season, officials said on Friday. The number of children infected has risen rapidly in recent weeks to 122, according to health ministry and United Nations data. The previous figure announced earlier this week was 111.

Cirebon bomb hoaxer 'did it for fun'

Cirebon bomb hoaxer 'did it for fun' CIREBON, West Java: A suspect believed responsible for a bomb hoax in Cirebon city was arrested by the police on Friday. According to chief of Cirebon Police, Adj. Sr. Comr. Wisnu, the suspect, 22-year-old Dedi Hartono, was arrested in his house after midnight. "We arrested the suspect, known to be a local preacher, when he was having dinner.

Govt reiterates vaccine's importance

Govt reiterates vaccine's importance Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As nearly 800,000 babies were not immunized against polio in the first mass vaccination, the government has urged wary parents to participate in the next mass vaccination to be given in August and September. Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari said on Friday that people need not to worry over the safety of the polio vaccine. "Don't hesitate to bring your children.

Supplies of school textbooks

Supplies of school textbooks From Kompas As a mother who has several school-aged children, I fully support the complaint made by a headmaster in a school in Cikarang, Bekasi about the quality of school textbooks. Students are required to buy a new set of books each year. What makes it worse is that these books are not available in bookstores as they are supplied only by the schools concerned.

Heavy rain causes flooding in W. Irian

Heavy rain causes flooding in W. Irian MANOKWARI, West Irian Jaya: Heavy rains over the last two days have left hundreds of houses in Ransiki district, Manokwari regency in West Irian Jaya province, inundated, killed one resident and wiped out two bridges. Head of the Manokwari Social Services and People's Empowerment Office, Sergius Muabuay, said on Friday that apart from the floods, landslides also took place in four villages, Nuhuney, Wamce, Kamasan and Abreso.

Firms bid for gas pipeline projects

Firms bid for gas pipeline projects Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Seven companies, including state gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) and the local unit of the U.S.' largest construction company, Fluor Corp., have registered to bid for two gas pipeline projects in Java. The government has opened the tender process and expects to announce the winners in March 2006, chairman of the Oil and Gas Downstream Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) Tubagus Haryono said on Friday.

RI remains

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.

Govt told to root out malnutrition

Govt told to root out malnutrition JAKARTA: The National Commission on Child Protection has asked the government to ratify a United Nations convention that it says will address malnutrition, which mostly affects children. Commission secretary-general Arist Merdeka Sirait said on Friday the ratification of the Convention on Economic, Social and Culture Rights would require the government to take care of malnourished children.

Papuans residents wait days for kerosene supplies

Papuans residents wait days for kerosene supplies Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post/Jayapura As many motorists in several areas of the country feel the bite of an acute fuel shortage, Jayapura residents have been forced to wait in lines day after day to get their kerosene supply or pay much higher prices to profit-minded vendors. Usman angrily smashed his three empty kerosene containers on the ground.

PPD needs dissolution: A new firm welcome

PPD needs dissolution: A new firm welcome Soeryo Winoto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Public transportation in Jakarta remains a perennial headache. The recent strikes by thousands of drivers and employees of the state-owned transportation company Perusahaan Pengangkutan Djakarta (PPD), leaving thousands of people with no means to get around town, merely compounded the headaches.

House urges govt to resolve fuel shortage, corruption

House urges govt to resolve fuel shortage, corruption The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The House of Representatives wrapped up its fourth session on Friday and issued scores of recommendations to the government with regards to fresh social issues. The House hosted its last plenary session on Friday before its members go on trips to their constituents during a month-long recess, supposedly to familiarize them with how the House works when it is in session.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 8, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 8, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,310 -50 7,000 Adhi Karya 760 -30 3,639,000 Adira Dinamika 2,475 0 0 AGIS Tbk 125 5 19,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 185 -5 5,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,190 0 1,037,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

China pledges $400m in Cambodian aid

China pledges $400m in Cambodian aid CAMBODIA: Cambodia's foreign minister said on Friday that China has pledged more than US$400 million in aid and investment to the impoverished country for projects including a hydropower plant. The agreements were signed last week when Prime Minister Hun Sen held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of a regional summit meeting. The meeting "has resulted in more than $400 million for our nation," Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, July 9, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, July 9, 2005 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Surat Kepada Emilio Sabadell; Tiga Hari Dalam Sepatu by Hanafi, at Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan no. 17, Central Jakarta (Tel. 5483008 ext. 7910/7911), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until July 17 * Lampung Traditional Textile, at Museum Textile Indonesia, Jl. KS Tubun No. 4, West Jakarta (Tel.

Surabaya women flirt with sex toys for safe sex: Study

Surabaya women flirt with sex toys for safe sex: Study Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Amelia, not her real name, has been on her own for several years, since her husband left her, but since she discovered vibrators she has not been quite so lonely. "I am embarrassed to do this, but it is much safer than a gigolo," said Amelia, a boutique owner. Amelia, who has been using the sexual aid since last year, said she had told only her closest friend about her lifestyle secret.

Markets urged to stay calm after attacks

Markets urged to stay calm after attacks Agence France-Presse, New York World financial leaders appealed for calm on Thursday after markets were left badly shaken by a series of deadly bomb blasts that ripped through London, Europe's foremost trading center. European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet said there was no need for special action by the ECB or the Bank of England, which both left interest rates steady on Thursday, but that they stood ready to intervene if necessary.

JP/7/IWAN

JP/7/IWAN Local elections and Papuan legitimacy Iwan S. Ardjali Jakarta In international studies, the right to self-determination is recognized by the United Nations Charter, the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, etc. International norms classify self-determination into external self-determination and internal self-determination.

Agus, Annisa exchange wedding vows

Agus, Annisa exchange wedding vows The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's firstborn son, First Lt. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, 27, exchanged vows with TV host Annisa Larasati Pohan, 24, at 2:20 p.m. on Friday, without his parents at the ceremony. "The President and First Lady Kristiani Herawati are not attending the ceremony.

More countries get visa facility

More countries get visa facility Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In a further reversal of the previous administration's highly restrictive visa policy, the government has extended visa-on- arrival facilities to 14 more countries in an effort to help the country's tourism industry.

Prosecutor's office destroy drugs

Prosecutor's office destroy drugs MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Belawan Prosecutor's Office destroyed on Thursday hundreds of kilograms of narcotics. The drugs destroyed consisted of 354 kilograms of marijuana, 62.3 kilograms of amphetamines and 141 ecstasy pills. The chief of the Belawan prosecutor's office, Irwan Nasution, said on Thursday the drugs were evidence in 110 drug cases over the past two years.

Susilo tells Sutanto to fight graft, get tough on terrorism

Susilo tells Sutanto to fight graft, get tough on terrorism Eva C. Komandjadja and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono swore in Gen. Sutanto on Friday as the new National Police chief, asking him to address the many problems facing the country, including corruption and terrorism.

PDI-P angry over disciplinary move

PDI-P angry over disciplinary move JAKARTA: Three Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) legislators say they are going to file a complaint with the police and a civil suit against the House of Representatives disciplinary committee for defamation. Effendi Simbolon, Suparlan and Mangara Siahaan said the committee had discriminated against them by issuing them with an official rebuke, while merely issuing a verbal reprimand to House Speaker Agung Laksono.

JP/18/BRIEFS

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

Why ratify the civil rights covenant?

Why ratify the civil rights covenant? Ridarson Galingging Jakarta The government is expected to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The ratification will make the ICCPR a binding legal instrument that can be enforced domestically. But what is it that makes it crucial for the current government to ratify it?

Wimar Witoelar

Wimar Witoelar Jakarta 2. Dyer -- London: Not exactly the blitz 2 x 21 Bomb attacks in London: Not exactly the blitz Gwynne Dyer London 3. Yomi -- Combating poverty shows complexities of aid allocation 1 x 35 The complexities of aid allocation Mitsuo Miura The Daily Yomiuri Asia News Network Tokyo

2006 budget sets sights on 6.5% GDP growth, 0.7% deficit

2006 budget sets sights on 6.5% GDP growth, 0.7% deficit Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The House of Representatives's Budget Commission has agreed on the assumptions to be used in next year's budget. The assumptions include economic growth of up to 6.5 percent and a budget deficit of 0.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

~Done

~Done ;JP;CD; For FOCUS ISSUE === Bookstores Imported books widely available in town T. Sima Gunawan Contributor Jakarta Every day new shops open in Jakarta selling all kinds of goods, from shoes and clothes to televisions and cell phones. And also books. Well, there are not many bookstores compared to, say, clothes stores or jewelry stores, but at least there are a few offering a great variety of good books.

Rupiah Rates July 8

Rupiah Rates July 8 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,613.33 6,869.88 7,280.14 7,202.85 Brunei dollar 1 6,061.05 5,469.67 5,795.79 5,734.78 Canadian dollar 1 8,378.73 7,562.58 8,012.03 7,929.13 Swiss franc 1 7,937.91 7,164.31 7,590.51 7,511.55 Danish krone 1 1,650.68 1,489.30 1,578.43 1,561.48 Euro 1 12,304.17 11,103.66 11,765.68 11,641.83 Poundsterling 1 17,958.52 16,209.31 17,172.57 16,994.95 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,325.64 1,196.92 1,267.62 1,254.94...

IOC axes two sports, vetoes adding new ones

IOC axes two sports, vetoes adding new ones Moch N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta It was a case of so close and yet so far for karate and squash on Friday when the two sports were poised for inclusion in the 2012 Olympics. Their chance at making the world's greatest sporting event came after baseball and softball were the first sports eliminated from the Olympics since polo in 1936.

Fuel shortages trigger price increases

Fuel shortages trigger price increases The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Lampung/Cirebon The fuel shortages in some regions lead to increases in the price of premium gasoline on Friday from the usual Rp 2,400 per liter to as much as Rp 15,000 (US$1.57), resulting in knock-on hikes in the prices of some basic commodities and public transportation fares.

Govt, Newmont seek amicable deal

Govt, Newmont seek amicable deal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is moving toward closure in the case against U.S. giant Newmont Mining Corp. subsidiary over the alleged pollution of Buyat Bay in Sulawesi with the two parties seeking an out-of- court settlement.

Biking tour to be held around Mt. Merapi

Biking tour to be held around Mt. Merapi YOGYAKARTA: Motorcycle enthusiasts will find it interesting this month to visit Sleman (Yogyakarta) or the three Central Java regencies of Boyolali, Klaten, and Magelang, where a tour around Mt. Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2005. Jointly organized by the four adjoining regencies, Tour de Merapi as the event is popularly called here, will cover a distance of some 100 kilometers.

Election violations alleged, trial begins

Election violations alleged, trial begins Apriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/Medan Three candidates, who ran for mayor of Binjai, brought their cases to court on Friday, charging that the Binjai Election Committee had disadvantaged them by changing the election schedule. The cases, the first to go to trial following the elections of regional heads in North Sumatra's 13 regencies and municipalities last month, were heard by the North Sumatra High Court, with presiding judge Ahmad Dahlan.

Ridarson Galingging

Ridarson Galingging Jakarta 2. David -- Sustainable business performance & communication 1 x 30 Assessing business performance David J. Finneren Jakarta

Gus Dur admitted to hospital

Gus Dur admitted to hospital Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid was admitted to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta on Friday due to exhaustion following a series of trips to Central Java and East Java. An aide said Gus Dur was given first aid after he almost collapsed when he was about to hold a media conference. On his way to the hospital, the medical team checked his level of consciousness by asking him his full name and birth date.

Train accident injures 25 people

Train accident injures 25 people LAHAT, South Sumatra: At least 25 passengers on a Serelo economy- class train were injured when their train collided with another train near a station in Banjarsari subdistrict, Lahat regency, on Wednesday. No one was killed in the accident, which happened a week after four people died in a train accident in Jakarta. "Suddenly there was a strong impact. I hit my head against something," said Untung, a train passenger.

Scientist plays role of RI envoy

Scientist plays role of RI envoy M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Rizal Sukma never dreamed of becoming a diplomat, believing that the nature of the profession resembled that of footsoldiers who merely carried out orders that had been drawn up on high. The director of studies at Jakarta-based think tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said that rather than take such a job, he preferred to carry out analytical work in that field.

NGOs lash out at court over anti-environment ruling

NGOs lash out at court over anti-environment ruling The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Environmental organizations have slammed the recent Constitutional Court verdict allowing mining companies to continue operations in protected forests, saying it set a bad precedent and would create more environmental destruction. In a joint statement, the NGOs which lost the court battle said the judges were inconsistent in their stance on environmental issues.

[b]IOC axes two sports,

IOC axes two sports, vetoes adding new ones Moch N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta It was a case of so close and yet so far for karate and squash on Friday when the two sports were posed for inclusion in the 2012 Olympics. Their chance at making the world's greatest sporting event came after baseball and softball were the first sports eliminated from the Olympics since polo in 1936.

Miners, exporters to loose diesel subsidies

Miners, exporters to loose diesel subsidies Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government plans to make miners and exporting companies pay the market price for diesel in a move to save money on increasingly costly subsidies for the fuel. "Companies engaged in mining and export-oriented businesses will have to pay for diesel fuel based on the market price," said Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie after meeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday.

Bribery rife as school year nears

Bribery rife as school year nears JEMBER, East Java: Head of Jember regency's Education Office, HM Hasi, said that "special referrals" and "bribery" had emerged as parents become increasingly desperate to ensure that their children enter desired schools in the upcoming school year. "I'm surprised that some people still do such things (bribery and referrals). Such things are no longer acceptable since everything is done by computer," Dasi said on Friday.