Archive: 16 August 2005
100 articles found
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Experts urge government to promote biofuel
Experts urge government to promote biofuel Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As fuel prices continue to soar on the international market, environmentalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses have renewed their calls for the government to develop biofuels to help conserve energy and reduce air pollution.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
EU, Japan hail Aceh peace signing
EU, Japan hail Aceh peace signing Agencies, Jakarta Foreign countries began to welcome Monday's signing of a historic peace accord in Finland between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to stop three decades of separatist fighting in Aceh. In London, the British presidency of the European Union said the EU looked forward to helping to put the peace agreement into effect.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malacca Strait not high-risk: Shipowners
Malacca Strait not high-risk: Shipowners Saijel Kishan, Bloomberg/London The Federation of Asean Shipowners disputed an assessment by an insurance body that the Malacca Strait, the world's busiest waterway, is a high-risk area for war and terrorism. The strait, between Malaysia and Indonesia, was added to 20 other areas, including Iraq and Israel, deemed a security threat to shipping, according to a June 20 list produced by the Lloyd's Market Association's Joint War Committee.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Remembering victims of
Remembering victims of Indonesian amnesia I would like to say something in the context of the commentary by Kornelius Purba published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 8, titled Dutch treat: Who pays for the pain? On Aug. 15 we, in the Netherlands, remember the victims of the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands Indies. This seems to be a category of victims of war that is highly neglected in Indonesia, even though there are many pure and good Indonesians in that number. We also remember on Aug.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/21/T12
JP/21/T12 Post-conflict Poso Consumed by hate, divided by faith Ruslan Sangadji & Meidyatama Suryodiningrat The Jakarta Post/Poso, Sulawesi Tengah Tragically, communal conflict -- whether ethnic or religious -- has been a feature of the nation since the onset of the reform era. One such conflict engulfed the once peaceful regency of Poso in Central Sulawesi. Though an edgy peace now prevails, the violence the conflict generated created lasting divisions that may take generations to heal.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prosecution seeks three years for KPU's Mulyana
Prosecution seeks three years for KPU's Mulyana Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prosecutors requested a three-year prison sentence for Mulyana Wira Kusumah for his involvement in the high-profile corruption case at the General Elections Commission (KPU). Reading the prosecution's conclusion during a court hearing presided over by Masrudin Chaniago on Monday, three prosecutors of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Catharina M.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Economy slows down for 2nd consecutive quarter: BPS
Economy slows down for 2nd consecutive quarter: BPS Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's economy expanded at a slower rate during this year's second quarter, as rising fuel prices triggered a domino effect of higher inflation and key interest rates, all of which dampened consumer spending, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) asserted.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
British invention in Indonesia
British invention in Indonesia Daisaku Ikeda, The Straits Times, Asia News Network/Singapore Sixty years have passed since the end of World War II, which came to a close with Japan's surrender on Aug. 15, 1945. Many of the young men of my generation were incited by Japan's militarist government to march proudly into battle and give their lives. War impressed itself on every aspect of our lives and one incident from that time is still vivid in my mind.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police complete Aussies' case files
Police complete Aussies' case files DENPASAR, Bali: Bali Police completed case files on Monday of nine Australian citizens apprehended while attempting to smuggle a total of 8.3 kilograms of heroin out of Bali into Australia in April this year. According to director of Bali Police Narcotic Unit, Adj. Sr. Comr. Bambang Sugiharto, the case files of the largest number of foreigners ever arrested in a single drug bust on the island were submitted to Denpasar District Court along with the evidence.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rahardi turns self in, begins serving jail term
Rahardi turns self in, begins serving jail term The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Before surrendering to prosecutors to serve a two-year prison sentence for corruption, Rahardi Ramelan, 65, spent his last free moments exchanging hugs, tears and farewells with about 30 friends and family members at an upmarket cafe on Monday. He tried his best to explain to his five-year-old grandson, who lives in the same house as him, what going to jail meant. "I have to go for a while, but I'll be back," he said.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Bomb (4x11)
1. Bomb (4x11) McDonald's bomber gets life sentence in Makassar 2. KPU (1x48) Prosecution seeks three years for KPU's Mulyana 3. Rahardi (2x22) Rahardi turns self in, begins serving jail term 4. Medal (1x32) Susilo honors reform heroes 5. Teror (2x22) Police search for two JI members in RP
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Spicy distinctions in a Betawi-Palembang marriage
Spicy distinctions in a Betawi-Palembang marriage Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Of all the cross-cultural marriages that are possible, one would think that a couple from Java and Sumatra would have the least difficulty in adjusting to each other. But that is often not the case as we find out with Yulian and Arnita Dinner was ready, served on the round dining table.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ambon police step up fight against drugs
Ambon police step up fight against drugs M. Azis Tunny The Jakarta Post/Ambon Around 360 police officers from the Ambon and Lease Islands Police underwent urine tests on Monday to ensure they were drug free. Ambon and Lease Islands Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Leonidas Braksan said the tests had been ordered to show the police's commitment to fighting the drug trade in Ambon. "If there are police personnel who test positive for drugs, we'll investigate them.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian firemen help Indonesia to fight blazes
Malaysian firemen help Indonesia to fight blazes Bazuki Muhammad and Muklis Ali, Subang, Malaysia/Jakarta Malaysia sent a team of 100 firemen to neighboring Indonesia on Monday to help douse forest fires that have blanketed the region in noxious haze. The fires, many deliberately lit on Indonesia's Sumatra island to clear land for agriculture, are once again testing relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors after the smoke caused Malaysia's worst pollution crisis in eight years.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI, S'pore resume extradition talks
RI, S'pore resume extradition talks JAKARTA: The governments of Indonesia and Singapore resumed on Monday talks on an extradition treaty deemed as crucial to help curb rampant corruption here. Antara quoted Singaporean diplomats as saying authorities from the two countries held their third meeting in Singapore and exchanged drafts of the extradition treaty. The drafts contain the list of crimes to be included in the planned extradition treaty.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
McDonald's bomber gets life sentence in Makassar
McDonald's bomber gets life sentence in Makassar Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar A Muslim militant was sentenced to life on Monday for masterminding the bombing of a U.S. fast-food restaurant outlet here in 2002, which killed three people. The panel of judges found Muhammad Agung Hamid guilty of planning and coordinating the attacks on a McDonald's outlet and NV Haji Kalla car showroom on the eve of Idul Fitri on Dec. 5, 2002.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Remembering victims of RI amnesia
Remembering victims of RI amnesia I would like to say something in the context of the commentary by Kornelius Purba published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 8, titled Dutch treat: Who pays for the pain? On Aug. 15 we, in the Netherlands, remember the victims of the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands Indies. This seems to be a category of victims of war that is highly neglected in Indonesia, even though there are many pure and good Indonesians in that number. We also remember on Aug.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Chinese investment 'may reach $3b this year'
Chinese investment 'may reach $3b this year' Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In line with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's visit to China last month to boost bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, Chinese businesses investment this year has been estimated to reach some US$3 billion.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Post-conflict Poso: Consumed by hate, divided by faith
Post-conflict Poso: Consumed by hate, divided by faith Ruslan Sangadji & Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Poso, Central Sulawesi Tragically, communal conflict -- whether ethnic or religious -- has been a feature of the nation since the onset of the reform era. One such conflict engulfed the once peaceful regency of Poso in Central Sulawesi. Though an edgy peace now prevails, the violence the conflict generated created lasting divisions that may take generations to heal.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'People behind thugs should be arrested'
'People behind thugs should be arrested' Responding to mounting public outcry against thugs, city police and the military launched last week a joint campaign against thuggery in the capital. The Jakarta Post interviewed residents to get their views on the campaign, which will last one month. Baskoro Adi Wiyono, 25, a scriptwriter who lives in South Jakarta. Thuggery is obviously a cause for concern in Jakarta.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.15, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.15, 2005 __________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ___________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,850 -160 52,500 Adhi Karya 680 -40 2,959,000 Adira Dinamika 2,125 -475 317,500 AGIS Tbk 90 -10 1,710,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 290 -10 49,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,240 -30 1,236,500 Alakasa Industrindo...
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Antam to name Freeport adviser
Antam to name Freeport adviser JAKARTA: PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) said on Monday it would select a financial advisor this week to perform financial due diligence and make a recommendation on the potential purchase of a stake in PT Freeport Indonesia. Following the due diligence, if the company proceeds with the potential investment, a financial arranger will be appointed, Antam said in a statement.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Some rival phone companies may merger: Telkom
Some rival phone companies may merger: Telkom Bloomberg, Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), the biggest phone company, expects some of its seven rivals in the country to merge as rising competition erodes profits. The company, which has 90 percent of Indonesia's fixed phone lines and more than half of the cellular market, said most countries have three to five operators. Telkom said it will find ways to make its 29,000 employees more productive and cut costs.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Gas triggered Ciputat blast
Gas triggered Ciputat blast JAKARTA: A powerful explosion that destroyed a house in Cireundeu, Ciputat district, Tangerang regency, on Sunday was caused by hydrogen gas coming from a well located in a six-square-meter storeroom, police said on Monday. The city police issued a press release on Monday said gas coming from the well caused the explosion. The explosion destroyed part of the house, owned by an employee of the Ministry of Defense. No one was injured in the incident.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Experts urge government to promote biofuel
Experts urge government to promote biofuel Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As fuel prices continue to soar on the international market, environmentalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses have renewed their calls for the government to develop biofuels to help conserve energy and reduce air pollution.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Padang governor installed
Padang governor installed PADANG, West Sumatra: The newly elected West Sumatra governor, Gamawan Fauzy, and his deputy Marlis Rahman were officially installed by Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf on Monday. The pair, the province's first governor and deputy governor to be directly elected were installed during a plenary meeting of the West Sumatra provincial council.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
GM plans to buy more auto supplies in Asia
GM plans to buy more auto supplies in Asia Joseph Szczesny, Agence France-Presse, Detroit, Michigan General Motors Corp. is planning to purchase more material in Asia and trim capacity in North America as it struggles to contain the huge financial losses in its basic automotive business. The plan includes increasing its purchases from suppliers in India from roughly 150 million dollars currently to more than US$1 billion by the end of 2008, GM spokesman Tom Wickham said in an interview.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo honors reform heroes
Susilo honors reform heroes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As part of the annual Independence Day celebrations, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono conferred on Monday medals of honor on four Trisakti University students who were killed on their campus during a demonstration in 1998, an incident that accelerated the reform movement.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Peace in Aceh
Peace in Aceh The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It took three presidents and required the peacemaking skills of a vice president to put an end to three decades of bloodshed in Aceh when the government of Indonesia and separatist rebels in the province inked a truce.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Nine people die of poisoning
Nine people die of poisoning Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post, Jambi Nine residents of Tanahgaro village, Muarotabir district, Tebo regency, have died in the last month from suspected mercury poisoning. The victims all suffered similar symptoms, including a fever, rash, stomach cramps and coughing. Mercury is widely used in illegal gold mining in the area. "Just in one week, three people died," villager Masri said on Monday.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Former PKI prisoners still waiting for freedom
Former PKI prisoners still waiting for freedom The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Kutai Kartanegara For the suspected members of the outlawed Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) and their families, the country's anniversary celebration has always been a bitter time, bringing back old memories.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Subdistricts, districts to get more funds
Subdistricts, districts to get more funds Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta All 267 subdistrict offices and 44 district offices across the capital will receive funds to improve public services in their respective areas from the Jakarta administration next year. Every subdistrict will receive Rp 1.7 billion, while each district will receive Rp 4 billion.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Building a pluralist nation
Building a pluralist nation Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What is pluralism? Why is it important for Indonesia's future? Like every other "ism", pluralism is a set of values. They include respecting our differences, and striving to work together on the basis of equality. Dialog is also an important part of pluralism in order to nurture relations between people of different backgrounds. And there is also cooperation to achieve common goals.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sixty years on, Indonesia still struggles to achieve Sukarno's
Sixty years on, Indonesia still struggles to achieve Sukarno's vision Bhimanto Suwastoyo Agence France-Presse/Jakarta Outside a house in central Jakarta on the morning of Aug. 17, 1945, a small group of nationalists gathered for a simple ceremony to declare independence for the remains of the former Dutch East Indies empire and Indonesia was born. "It was a simple ceremony. But the lack of pomp and splendor was compensated by our hope.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Can part-timers be regarded as 'proper' artists?
Can part-timers be regarded as 'proper' artists? Boudewijn Brands, Contributor, Yogyakarta If you love to paint but cannot live from painting, what do you do? Well, many get a job and paint in their spare time. Are there any galleries that want to exhibit their work? Mostly not; instead they are stigmatized as hobbyists or amateurs. A number of painters in Yogyakarta have organized themselves into a group that calls itself Sabtusiang (Saturday lunchtime).
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Team against illegal fees
Team against illegal fees From Kompas The report in Kompas (July 13) on the planned establishment of a team for the eradication of illegal fees was heartening. At first glance this seems to be a follow-up to the successful drive by the government's anticorruption team. Sadly, however, the team against illegal fees initiated by the minister of communications is only meant to deal with corrupt personnel at seaports.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN Social Charter would set a decent social safety net
ASEAN Social Charter would set a decent social safety net Pravit Rojanaphruk The Nation Asia News Network/Bangkok Nearly four decades after ASEAN was founded, labor activists say it's time to push for an ASEAN Social Charter that would guarantee a certain level of labor rights across the region. Considering how free trade within the region has been pushed by ASEAN political and business leaders, this is long overdue.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fuel price hikes & smuggling
Fuel price hikes & smuggling From Koran Tempo The fuel price increase on March 1, with their adverse impact on ordinary people and the uneven distribution of fuel subsidy compensation funds to appropriate recipients, will likely be followed by more increases given that crude oil prices have risen to US$63-$64 per barrel. Oil industry observer Kurtubi has predicted that the crude oil price will reach $70 per barrel in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Wednesday, August 17, 2005
TV Program: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Hallo Kitty 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 9:30 The flag-raising ceremony (Live) 11:30 Cultural Program: Rona Daerah 12:00 p.m.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
The meaning of independence Benny Susetyo Malang 2. REtno -- Building up a more forward-looking relation: Indonesia-The 1 x 30 New direction for RI-Dutch ties Retno L.P. Marsudi Jakarta 3. Jadine -- British intervention in Indonesia 1945-1946 1 x 30 British intervention in Indonesia David Jardine Carlisle, UK
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese hope accord will bring lasting peace
Acehnese hope accord will bring lasting peace Tiarma Siboro and Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh has once again become a witness to a historic moment as around 5,000 people gathered on Monday there to hold prayers for peace and witnessed through television the signing of a peace agreement between the government and rebels of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pluralism -- Beyond Unity in Diversity
Pluralism -- Beyond Unity in Diversity The Sanskrit words in the state motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which has been loosely translated as Unity in Diversity, will no doubt be invoked as Indonesia marks the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of independence this week. Six decades is a long journey for a nation whose main trait, ever since its inception in 1945, is its diversity.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah ends lower on rising global oil prices
Rupiah ends lower on rising global oil prices Dow Jones, Jakarta The rupiah closed at more than a six-week low on Monday as rising global oil prices are threatening the sustainability of the government's budget, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 9,885, compared with its close on Friday at Rp 9,805. The last time the dollar closed around this level was July 5, when it ended at Rp 9,883.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
New direction for RI-Dutch ties
New direction for RI-Dutch ties Retno L.P. Marsudi, Jakarta The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Bot will visit Indonesia on Aug. 16, 2005. Conceivably, people may inquire as to what is behind the visit, which takes place on the eve of Indonesia's Independence Day? Will he bring with him a political message from The Hague accepting to the fact that Indonesia became an independent state on Aug. 17, 1945? The acceptance of Aug.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police search for two JI members in Philippines
Police search for two JI members in Philippines Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police, working together with their Philippine counterparts, are hunting down two Indonesian members of Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) believed to be undergoing military training at Camp Hubaidiyah in Mindanao, southern Philippines. The two alleged members of the Al-Qaeda linked organization were identified as Ahmad and Abu Nida.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Sumba ikat: Preserved trade coupled with fading knowledge
Sumba ikat: Preserved trade coupled with fading knowledge Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara Within the realm of textiles, weaving from Sumba is one of the world's best-known arts, and has already become a major attraction to visitor worldwide to the remote barren island. The recognition is a justified one. The craft is intricate, demanding great dexterity and patience, which results in breathtaking pieces of cloth.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Officials accused of graft released from detention
Officials accused of graft released from detention Theresia Sufa The Jakarta Post/Bogor Bogor police released on Sunday seven sub-district heads who had been accused of embezzling 87 tons of subsidized rice for poor families in Sukamakmur district, West Java. The suspects -- Pudin Komara, Ade Lukman Hartono, Dadang Supriat, Ooy Tamami, Nana Suryana, Muin Sunarya, and Kohandi -- were released following a letter from Bogor's vice regent, asking the police to suspend their detention, Comr.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Experts urge government to promote biofuel
Experts urge government to promote biofuel Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As fuel prices continue to soar on the international market, environmentalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses have renewed their calls for the government to develop biofuels to help conserve energy and reduce air pollution.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Central Bank has 'no plan' to issue Islamic bonds
Central Bank has 'no plan' to issue Islamic bonds Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesia's central bank said it has no plans to sell bonds that comply with Islamic law in the next few months, a central bank official said. Arab News earlier reported on its Web site that Bank Indonesia plans to sell Islamic bonds for the first time in a US$500 million issue in the next few months.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Magsaysay Award correction
Magsaysay Award correction I would to clarify on an article on Teten among Magsaysay award winners on the front page of the Aug. 2 edition. My grandfather Raden Kodijat received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in May 1961 for his effort and dedication to freeing the Indonesian people from a disfiguring and crippling disease. The profile of Raden Kodijat can be retrieved from the Ramon Magsaysay website.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wasted 60 years
Wasted 60 years Indonesia as a nation reaches a milestone today with the celebration of 60 years of independence. There is every reason to rejoice at this achievement: we have survived as one nation in spite of the many forces that constantly threaten to divide us. In spite of our diversity, we have overcome trials and tribulations, and come out intact as one nation. But therein probably lies the real problem today.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Civil-society and the building of an ASEAN community
Civil-society and the building of an ASEAN community Alexander C. Chandra Jakarta The recent Roundtable Discussion on the Prospects and Challenges in the Building of an ASEAN Community, which was organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), shed light on the importance of civil society in the making of an ASEAN Community.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
On ban on Ahmadiyah
On ban on Ahmadiyah I read the article Govt mulls ban on Ahmadiyah due to 'permit violation' in your online edition of July 22. Reading the statement of Attorney General Abdul Rachman Saleh took me back centuries to the age of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The excuse the attorney general is using is the exact same excuse the Meccans used to justify their opposition and persecution of the innocent, peace-loving and law-abiding Muslims.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Netherlands recognizes RI's independence date
Netherlands recognizes RI's independence date Indonesia's former colonial master, the Netherlands, has put an end to decades of diplomatic imbroglio by formally accepting Indonesia's independence date as Aug. 17, 1945, Dutch foreign minister said in The Hague. Dutch foreign minister Bernard Bot will arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday to attend this year's Independence Day celebrations. Bot will also convey the acceptance of Aug. 15 as Indonesia's independence anniversary to the Indonesian government.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Political will for law reform
Political will for law reform Budiono Kusumohamidjojo Jakarta It is redundant to state that Indonesia finds itself in a legal crisis, which makes it pertinent to ask why and how the country could manage to exist six decades following its political independence and simultaneously experience a constant deterioration in its legal system?.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Blending cultures begets child of tomorrow
Blending cultures begets child of tomorrow Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Diversity is a challenge faced by everyone. But for this young couple and their 18-month-old offspring, diversity is a way of life as they navigate the trepidations of accommodating three different cultural backgrounds and three faiths.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Blending cultures begets child of tomorrow
Blending cultures begets child of tomorrow Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Diversity is a challenge faced by everyone. But for this young couple and their 18-month-old offspring, diversity is a way of life as they navigate the trepidations of accommodating three different cultural backgrounds and three faiths.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Power saving and Monas fountain
Power saving and Monas fountain From Bisnis Indonesia As a Jakarta citizen, I was shocked to read and watch media reports on the inauguration of the National Monument (Monas) fountain worth Rp 26 billion by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso on July 23. Though at first glance the grand facilities should make Jakarta people feel proud of the capital city, what the Jakarta administration offers contradicts the government appeal for the saving of electricity.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
British intervention Indonesia
British intervention Indonesia David Jardine, Carlisle, UK Sixty years ago on Aug. 17 Indonesia's Founding Fathers President Sukarno and Vice-President Mohamad Hatta issued the Proclamation of Independence or Proklomasi as it is known. An historic event. The national leaders, under great pressure from militant nationalist youth, had seized the hour. Unknown to the leaders and their enthusiastic followers, forces were soon to move against them.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Landmarks in road to peace
Landmarks in road to peace Dec. 4, 1976 - Hassan di Tiro declares Aceh's independence and establishes the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). 1990-1999 - Aceh is designated a military operations area (DOM). May 12, 2000 - The Joint Understanding on Humanitarian Pause is signed by the Indonesian government and GAM in Davos, Switzerland, to pave the way for peace in Aceh. Jan.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Carlsberg takes stake in Cambrew
Carlsberg takes stake in Cambrew COPENHAGEN: The Danish brewer Carlsberg said on Monday it had acquired 50 percent of the Cambodian group Cambrew, which holds 45 percent of its local market. Details of the transaction were not released. Cambrew produces the Angkor Beer brand, named after the 12th century temple at Angkor Wat, and Carlsberg said it believed the national market was set for significant growth.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Special Report Editorial Team: Apriadi Gunawan, Bruce Emond, Emmy
Special Report Editorial Team: Apriadi Gunawan, Bruce Emond, Emmy Fitri, Endy Bayuni, Evi Mariani, Kornelius Purba, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Ruslan Sangadji, Sri Wahyuni.JP/21/T01
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42
1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42 'Parties very serious about sustainable settlement' 2. RESPONSE: 1 X 32 EU, Japan hail Aceh peace signing 3. CUTLINE: 1 X 27 'acehkita' hits newsstands 4. MOU: 1 X 32 Key passages from Aceh agreement
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Regency to start antidengue drive
Regency to start antidengue drive BEKASI: The Bekasi city administration plans to celebrate Independence Day with a campaign to fight dengue fever. "We have about 500 hot spots and will begin fumigating the areas next month," said the head of contagious diseases at the Bekasi Health Agency, Krisna Dewayani, on Monday. The administration has set aside Rp 350 million for the fumigation to fight the spread of dengue.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Psychologists hold congress in Jakarta
Psychologists hold congress in Jakarta JAKARTA: The first Congress of the Asian Council of Psychologists began on Monday, with topics ranging from traditional psychotherapy to wayang (traditional puppet) plays in psychological perspectives. Steering committee chairman Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono said that the two-day congress would be aimed at developing indigenous Asian psychology instead of following the predominant American psychology.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Wasted 60 years
Wasted 60 years Indonesia as a nation reaches a milestone today with the celebration of 60 years of independence. There is every reason to rejoice at this achievement: we have survived as one nation in spite of the many forces that constantly threaten to divide us. In spite of our diversity, we have overcome trials and tribulations, and come out intact as one nation. But therein probably lies the real problem.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
City insists Kartini has to go
City insists Kartini has to go Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite strong opposition by heritage activists, the Jakarta administration is adamant it will replace a Kartini statue that has graced Surapati Park in Central Jakarta for 43 years with a statue of national hero Diponegoro. Kartini, born in 1879 in Jepara, Central Jakarta, fought for equal rights for women, while Diponegoro, born in 1785, fought for independence from Dutch colonialists from 1825 to 1830.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kampung Keling: Economic symbiosis in Medan's Chinese-Indian enclave
Kampung Keling: Economic symbiosis in Medan's Chinese-Indian enclave Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Medan, North Sumatra, is known for its sharp racial distinctions between native Batak, Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups. Ironically, one of the city's most prominent areas, Kampung Keling, or Little India, has evolved to become an example of racial harmony between the ethnic Chinese and the once predominant Indian community Its almost lunch time.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tourist arrivals below target
Tourist arrivals below target Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite improvements in the country's security and political conditions, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the first six months of the year failed to meet expectations. "Tourist arrivals in the first semester were below expectations. But we remain upbeat that in the second semester the number will be closer to the target," said Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik at the Presidential Palace on Monday.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt revises salary hike plan
Govt revises salary hike plan JAKARTA: The government has canceled a plan to raise the salaries of the president and other high-ranking government officials, according to State Minister for Administrative Reforms Taufik Effendy. He said on Monday that considering the government's limited budget, only low-ranking civil servants and military/police officers would get raises next year. He said the salaries of low-ranking civil servants were still below the regional minimum wage levels.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Yogyakarta -- Indonesia's proverbial melting pot
Yogyakarta -- Indonesia's proverbial melting pot Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta There are few other places like it in Indonesia. Yogyakarta is, perhaps, Indonesia's definitive melting pot. A center of education and historic relevance, Yogyakarta since early times has opened itself to welcome Indonesians of all ethnic groups. Here we look at how the ancient city has succeeded in becoming so accommodating to newcomers without losing its own unique cultural identity.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Dengue -- 3 x 12
1. Dengue -- 3 x 12 Hospitals brace for influx of dengue patients 2. Fund -- 1 x 28 Subdistricts, districts to get more funds 3. Kartini -- 1 x 25 City insists Kartini has to go City insists on removing statue 4. Raskin -- 2 x 30 Bogor Police release suspects in subsidized rice scam 5. Speaks -- 1 x 30 'Police must arrest big crime bosses'
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
The meaning of independence
The meaning of independence Benny Susetyo, Malang On Wednesday, Indonesia will celebrate its 60th Independence Day. Several generations have experienced various ups and downs in the process of building a nation out of Indonesia. The bad times Indonesia has experienced as a nation should serve as valuable lessons for us all. Sadly, we still find it hard to learn from experience; in fact, we have almost never learned from experience or are frequently unwilling to do so.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
No school uniforms?
No school uniforms? From Kompas The decision by the minister of national education to abolish the obligation for school students to wear uniforms in order to eliminate the monopoly in uniform procurements was inappropriate. If this is carried out, various negative effects could arise from the wide economic disparities between students. There have already been reports of students committing suicide because of economic reasons.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Parties very serious about sustainable settlement'
'Parties very serious about sustainable settlement' Among the critical figures mediating the peace agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is Martti Ahtisaari, chairman of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) in Helsinki and a former president of Finland. He sounded extremely cheerful in a telephone interview with The Jakarta Post contributor Yenni Kwok shortly before the Indonesian and GAM delegates signed the historic peace accord.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Team against illegal fees
Team against illegal fees From Kompas The report in Kompas (July 13) on the planned establishment of a team for the eradication of illegal fees was heartening. At first glance this seems to be a follow-up to the successful drive by the government's anticorruption team. Sadly, however, the team against illegal fees initiated by the minister of communications is only meant to deal with corrupt personnel at seaports.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/1/ERRATA
JP/1/ERRATA Special report The title of the second table on page 2 of our special report on Independence Day in section three of this edition should read "Distribution of ethnic Chinese in Indonesia by province". We apologize for this technical error. -- Ed.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt vows to prosecute 10 firms over forest fires
Govt vows to prosecute 10 firms over forest fires Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government promised on Monday to prosecute 10 plantation companies -- eight of them Malaysian -- accused of burning forests on Sumatra island, causing a choking haze over parts of the neighboring country. "The Office of the State Minister for the Environment is currently investigating the companies.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta needs more trees
Jakarta needs more trees Your correspondent Robert Kelly makes some pertinent points in his article entitled Rolling back Jakarta's unhealthy urban desert(The Jakarta Post, Aug. 6). The green areas that still exist in greater Jakarta really need to be maintained whether they are part of existing parks e.g. Taman Mini or tree lined streets such as those in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. REAX: 2 X 21
1. REAX: 2 X 21 Acehnese hope accord will bring lasting peace 2. GOLF: 1 X 32 Mickelson takes another major with PGA title 3. BOHT: 2 X 20 Netherlands recognizes RI's independence date 4. PEACE: 1 X 15 Make this HL big Peace in Aceh
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP appoints Senga as new military chief
RP appoints Senga as new military chief PHILIPPINES: Generoso Senga, a general who commanded troops fighting Moro rebels in the troubled southern Philippines, took over on Monday as the military's eighth chief of staff in less than five years. The Philippines is a staunch ally of Washington in the war on terror but its armed forces are poorly equipped, undermined by corruption and riven with discontent that has spawned more than a dozen attempted coups in the last two decades.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Spicy distinctions in a Betawi-Palembang marriage
Spicy distinctions in a Betawi-Palembang marriage Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Of all the cross-cultural marriages that are possible, one would think that a couple from Java and Sumatra would have the least difficulty in adjusting to each other. But that is often not the case as we find out with Yulian and Arnita Dinner was ready, served on the round dining table.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Asian debt market: KDB, CDB lining up September bonds
Asian debt market: KDB, CDB lining up September bonds Karen Lane, Dow Jones/Singapore There may still be two weeks before the end of the August hiatus in Asian international bond issuance but borrowers and bankers alike are working hard on the welter of paper expected to emerge in coming months. "By my reckoning, there will be US$8 billion to $9 billion of supply in September and October," said one syndicate banker with four deals in the works for the couple of months. "Timing is everything.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
LPG price to increase by 20%: Pertamina
LPG price to increase by 20%: Pertamina Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina plans to raise the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 20 percent this year to over Rp 5,000 (about 51 U.S. cents) per kilogram from the current Rp 4,250. Pertamina's trading and marketing director Ari Soemarno told reporters on Monday the prices for the commodity in the international market had risen substantially over the past months.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Key passages from Aceh peace agreement
Key passages from Aceh peace agreement Following are key passages from a seven-page Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebel group, signed on Monday in Helsinki. "The Government of Indonesia (GoI) and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) confirm their commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable solution to the conflict in Aceh with dignity for all.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Spicy distinctions in a Betawi-Palembang marriage Page 4
Spicy distinctions in a Betawi-Palembang marriage Page 4 JP/21/T08 Anglo-Indo couple finds common ground Page 7
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
No paper
No paper In observance of the Indonesian independence day, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Wednesday (Aug. 17). The Post will reappear on Thursday, Aug. 18. -- Publisher
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh peace accord
Aceh peace accord The Aceh peace accord was signed in the Finnish capital of Helsinki on Monday, the culmination of six months of tough negotiations. The accord could not be more timely as Indonesia celebrates its 60th year of independence on Wednesday. One could choose to look at the Helsinki accord as an Independence Day gift for the country, although a more pessimistic view could see it as a failure on the part of Indonesia to resolve an internal conflict on its own.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police plane fails to take off
Police plane fails to take off JAKARTA: An official police plane failed to take off due to a flat tire at Pondok Cabe airport in South Jakarta on Monday. The Disjet 400XP plane was preparing to take off for a routine exercise when one of its rear tires burst as it was preparing to take off. The pilot was able to stop the plane from skidding off the runway. There were no injuries in the accident. "It is not true that the plane crashed and that passengers were killed.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/R. Bertho Wedhatama
JP/R. Bertho Wedhatama AUTO EXPO: The automotive expo held by the Association of Indonesian Car Manufacturers (Gaikindo) at the Jakarta Convention Center recently was among the largest exhibitions in Jakarta this year.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hospitals brace for more dengue patients
Hospitals brace for more dengue patients The Jakarta Post Jakarta Hospitals in the capital are scrambling to accommodate the rising number of dengue fever patients. Although the government has yet to declare an emergency situation, hospitals like Pasar Rebo Hospital in East Jakarta are treating class III patients in the hallways. Currently, 18 patients at the hospital are being treated in the halls.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina sells new diesel fuel
Pertamina sells new diesel fuel Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State oil and gas company PT Pertamina has launched a new environmentally friendly diesel fuel, called Pertamina DEX, and will adjust the price of its high quality fuel products monthly according to global oil prices. Pertamina DEX, an abbreviation for Diesel Environment Extra, is for now priced at Rp 6,300 (about 65 U.S.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hospitals brace for more dengue patients
Hospitals brace for more dengue patients The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hospitals in the capital are scrambling to accommodate the rising number of dengue fever patients. Although the government has yet to declare an emergency situation, hospitals like Pasar Rebo Hospital in East Jakarta are treating class III patients in the hallways. Currently, 18 patients at the hospital are being treated in the halls.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'acehkita' hits newsstands
'acehkita' hits newsstands A man pores through the new Koran acehkita weekly newspaper in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province. The tabloid hit newsstands on Monday to mark the peace agreement signed between the government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement in Helsinki, Finland. The 24-page tabloid, 5,000 copies of which were printed for the maiden edition, also carried an Indonesian translation of the peace deal.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Australian-Indonesian couple finds common ground across their cultural divide
Australian-Indonesian couple finds common ground across their cultural divide Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The cluster of small streets in a South Jakarta suburb is a safe haven from many of Jakarta's ills. Aside from the sounds of the steady stream of street vendors or the chatter of housemaids gathered near the narrow stretch of grass doubling as a park, little goes on in the neighborhood once the morning rush to work is over.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fire destroys houses in North Jakarta
Fire destroys houses in North Jakarta JAKARTA: At least 100 houses on Jl. Tanah Pasir in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, were destroyed in a fire on Monday evening. The fire broke out at about 6:30 p.m. and quickly spread along the street. A duty officer at the North Jakarta Fire Department said that by 9 p.m. firefighters were still battling the blaze. "We deployed 39 fire trucks to fight the fire," he told The Jakarta Post. No fatalities or injuries have so far been reported in the blaze.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Legislators' pay
Legislators' pay and performance From Kompas The news of the proposal of the members of the House of Representatives for an 82 percent to 104 percent increase in their take-home pay and its approval is indeed surprising and ironical amid the crises, disasters and diseases plaguing the country. Legislators have every right to propose a salary rise as long as they have made fairly good achievements. So far the outcome of their performance has mostly been in conflict with public interests.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Who are the Indonesians?
Who are the Indonesians? Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Since early childhood, Indonesians have been, and continue to be, taught that their country is a huge archipelago comprised of thousands of islands and hundreds of ethnic groups. It is also common knowledge that the Javanese are the largest ethnic group in the country and, not surprisingly, that the island of Java is the most populated in the country.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/21/T05
JP/21/T05 Post-conflict Poso Consumed by hate, divided by faith Ruslan Sangadji & Meidyatama Suryodiningrat The Jakarta Post/Poso, Sulawesi Tengah Tragically, communal conflict -- whether ethnic or religious -- has been a feature of the nation since the onset of the reform era. One such conflict engulfed the once peaceful regency of Poso in Central Sulawesi. Though an edgy peace now prevails, the violence the conflict generated created lasting divisions that may take generations to heal.
Tue, 16 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/17/IMAGES
JP/17/IMAGES Fanfare for the common man: Jakarta's 'wong cilik' The outdoor atmosphere in Jakarta is created by characters found at roadsides, not high-rise buildings or "dullsville" shopping malls. What impresses me is the tremendous number of wong cilik (working-class people) who try to earn a living on the road. Petty traders of all sorts -- street food vendors, beggars, street singers or "umbrella boys" -- are so visible, some providing much-needed services.