Archive: 18 August 2005
98 articles found
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Students protest at Bekasi council
Students protest at Bekasi council BEKASI: Hundreds of college students staged a protest in front of the Bekasi City Council on Tuesday to highlight what they said was the failure of the country's development policy. The students, from various student associations, also urged an investigation into alleged embezzlement involving the city's 2005 budget. "We strongly urge the local prosecutor's office to probe the matter and arrest all those involved," protest leader Hilaludin said.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Soldiers, volunteers, businesspeople have been part of the community
Soldiers, volunteers, businesspeople have been part of the community Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Relations between the peoples of Australia and Indonesia stretch back hundreds of years to the time when fishermen from Makassar in South Sulawesi traveled to northern Australia in search of sea cucumbers. But records suggest that it was not until World War II that an Australian community was first established in Indonesia.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/24/EDDY
JP/24/EDDY bold, is or was? thnks Eddy Sud, promoter of local talents passed away at 68 The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Although he had been absent from show business for many years, for people who grew up watching then state-controlled TVRI, seasoned entertainer Eddy Sud will always be remembered. Eddy passed away on Aug. 16 due to liver, heart and kidney problems.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kupang people fear fuel crisis
Kupang people fear fuel crisis Antara, Kupang Fearing a fuel shortage and subsequent soaring prices, residents packed gasoline stations in East Nusa Tenggara town of Kupang on Tuesday with long lines of vehicles snaking out of gasoline stations in the city center. State oil company Pertamina announced earlier that the premium gasoline supply would only be sufficient for the next five days.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lack of staff blamed for poor services
Lack of staff blamed for poor services Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most subdistricts in the capital are understaffed, the Jakarta administration said on Tuesday in explanation of poor public services in the capital. "We need more staff for our subdistricts. The last time we recruited employees was in 1998," City Regional Administration Bureau head Agus Salim Utud said at City Hall.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cak Nur calls for pluralism in RI
Cak Nur calls for pluralism in RI Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta On the observance of the 60th anniversary of Indonesian independence, all sides have been told to accept pluralism as a reality and to use it to help build a modern Indonesia.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
War veterans still fighting 60 years on
War veterans still fighting 60 years on Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Chairman of the Surabaya chapter of the Indonesian Veterans Legion (LVRI), Hartoyik, 75, places a black-and-white photograph of two Indonesian soldiers carrying machine guns in the fight to defend Surabaya against the Allied Forces, atop his desk.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Legislators' pay and performance
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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
445 inmates get remissions
445 inmates get remissions MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A total of 445 prison inmates in West Nusa Tenggara province will have their jail sentences reduced and 39 more will be released in conjunction with Independence Day on Aug. 17. "The reduction of the inmates' jail terms will be announced by Governor HL Serinata during a ceremony at Mataram Penitentiary before the Independence Day ceremony," the head of the provincial Justice and Human Rights Office, Slamet Martawardaya, said on Tuesday.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.16, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.16, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi BaVo.lngsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,850 0 1,000 Adhi Karya 660 -20 4,105,000 Adira Dinamika 2,250 125 54,500 AGIS Tbk 90 0 1,173,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 280 -10 87,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,240 0 1,179,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0...
Thu, 18 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?.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
LG aims to increase refrigerator sales
LG aims to increase refrigerator sales The Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT LG Electronics Indonesia (LGEIN) expects to boost its refrigerator sales in this year's second half in a bid to get a bigger market share, from the recent 21 percent to 30 percent. "We are currently in second place and are striving to minimize the gap between us and the market leader," LGEIN area sales manager Hendru Susilo said at the launching of LGEIN's latest Vitamin+ refrigerator on Tuesday.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Drug-dealing spots identified
Drug-dealing spots identified Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Narcotics Agency (BNP) declared on Tuesday several areas in the city as trouble spots where drug trafficking was rampant. "These trouble spots need special handling in order to reduce drug trafficking there," BNP chairman Fauzi Bowo said at City Hall.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN seeks action against culprits behind RI fires
ASEAN seeks action against culprits behind RI fires M. Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse/Kuala Lumpur ASEAN officials on Wednesday pressed for tough action against those responsible for forest fires in Indonesia which have sent a choking haze over Malaysia and Thailand in recent weeks. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) senior officials meeting in Malaysia's northern Penang island warned that dry weather and monsoon winds meant the smog could worsen if the fires were not controlled.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Virtual love for Bali endures
Virtual love for Bali endures I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The private and professional lives of Kadek Agoes Mulyadi and Melina Caruso is probably the epitome of an emotional bond that for decades has tied the Balinese with the Australians. An opinionated, no-nonsense woman with a sharp wit and fantastic sense of humor, Melina is the embodiment of a western woman's independence that would scare the hell out of any traditional Balinese man.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ambon residents get into celebratory mood
Ambon residents get into celebratory mood M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon There has been a change in the atmosphere marking the country's anniversary celebrations in the Kudamati area of Ambon, notorious as a stronghold of the self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) supporters.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
2006 oil price assumption set at $40 a barrel
2006 oil price assumption set at $40 a barrel The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Against a backdrop of global oil prices over US$67 a barrel, the government is planning an assumption of $40 per barrel for next year's state budget, a level that legislators and business players consider unrealistic.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lawyers view Pollycarpus as scapegoat in Munir case
Lawyers view Pollycarpus as scapegoat in Munir case Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawyers for an Indonesian pilot charged with poisoning leading human rights campaigner Munir Thalib Said, have accused government prosecutors of making up motives behind the murder, saying prosecutors should arrest the real murderer, instead making a scapegoat out of their client.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Seeking models in poverty allevation efforts
Seeking models in poverty allevation efforts The United Nation body focusing on development, the UNDP, and that on social and economic issues, UNESCAP, released a report recently assessing how the poorest nations in the Asia Pacific have fared in achieving shared goals to reduce poverty and improve human rights.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Man uses fake money to buy cigarettes
Man uses fake money to buy cigarettes TANGERANG: The police detained on Wednesday a man who tried to buy a pack of cigarette with a counterfeit Rp 100,000 banknote. The suspect, identified as Mochtar of Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, gave the crisp, maroon paper to Inan, who sells cigarettes in a pushcart on Jl. Sudirman, Cikokol, Tangerang municipality. "Luckily, Inan checked the money.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Baturaden offers curative sulfur springs
Baturaden offers curative sulfur springs Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto For people in Central Java and its surroundings, Baturaden has long been a popular tourist resort that offers not just beautiful, green mountain scenery but fresh, cool air and waterfalls as its main attraction.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Dutch govt expresses regrets over killings in RI
Dutch govt expresses regrets over killings in RI Veeramalla Anjaiah and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to close the black chapter in the history of relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia forever, the Dutch government finally expressed its regret for its "police actions" which led to massive carnage and suffering in Indonesia during the late 1940s.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Better too late than never
Better too late than never The Netherlands gave Indonesia a special gift for our 60th independence anniversary: A long overdue recognition of Aug. 17, 1945 as the day Indonesia reclaimed its sovereignty, rather than Dec. 27, 1949, when the Dutch formally handed it to the young republican leaders.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
San Miguel's profit in Indonesia up 68%
San Miguel's profit in Indonesia up 68% MANILA: San Miguel Corp., the largest Philippines food and beverage company, said operating profit in Indonesia rose 68 percent in the first seven months of this year as it sold more beer after improving distribution. Operating income at PT Delta Djakarta Tbk rose to Rp 37.3 billion (US$3.77 million), driven by a 27 percent increase in beer sales by volume, Manila-based San Miguel said in a statement. Sales rose 34 percent to Rp 298 billion, it said.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
More vaccines to stop bird flu
More vaccines to stop bird flu KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: An additional 200,000 doses of a vaccine to fight avian influenza will be provided by the Directorate General of Agriculture to the Southeast Sulawesi provincial administration, an official said on Tuesday. "The vaccines, along with necessary equipment, will arrive soon," said the deputy head of the provincial Agriculture Office, Imam Subagjio.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Discou ---- 1x40
1. Discou ---- 1x40 Differing interpretations could derail peace pact 2. House --- 2x18 Peace accord dismays some legislators 3. GAM ----- 1x44 Activists remain cautious about returning to Aceh 4. Reax ---- 1x27 Congratulations pour in for govt, GAM 5. Rates --- 1x32 Economic authority over Aceh still with govt
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Student protests color Independence Day
Student protests color Independence Day The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang/Medan/Surabaya/Jayapura/Cirebon Student protests and record-breaking attempts highlighted the 60th anniversary of the nation's independence on Wednesday with the Netherlands formally recognizing the date. The student protests broke out in Yogyakarta and Surabaya as students demanded that the government get more serious in combating corruption.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Judiciary urged to clean up its act
Judiciary urged to clean up its act Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered the judiciary and advocates to cleanse themselves of corruption. "Without intending to interfere in the judicial realm, I hope that our courts will embark on a process of internal cleansing and be serious about handling corruption cases," he said in his State of the Nation address to the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Mayor goes to work by bicycle
Mayor goes to work by bicycle BANJARMASIN: As part of a campaign to cut fuel consumption in Banjarmasin city, the mayor, deputy mayor and numerous local officials will begin riding bicycles to work. The plan was agreed on during a meeting on Tuesday. However, the officials will only be biking to work on Fridays, when administration employees have an exercise period at work. "It is no big deal. It is only on Fridays and we can do it as exercise," said an official. -- Antara
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
IABC most pluralistic of all chambers
IABC most pluralistic of all chambers Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What makes the Indonesia-Australia Business Council (IABC) unique compared to other chambers of commerce in the country? "The IABC is the only chamber in Jakarta with a membership that is quite equal (in number) between Australians and Indonesians. It is 45 percent Indonesians, 45 percent Australians and 10 percent other nationalities," IABC president Noke Kiroyan told The Jakarta Post.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
On Dutch treat
On Dutch treat I refer to the article Dutch treat: Who pays for the pain? (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 8). Historical facts in many countries are whitewashed or described in a subjective and improper way but as far as the independence of Indonesia is concerned the facts are known among historians and are indisputable: Aug. 17 is celebrated by the Indonesians as their Independence Date, and Dec. 27, 1949, is regarded by the Dutch as the date of the transfer of sovereignty.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. COMMENT: 1 X 49
1. COMMENT: 1 X 49 State of the nation address from a roving flag vendor 2. ROUNDUP: 2 X 18 Student protests color Independence Day 3. CELEBRATION: 2 X 24 Fun games, festive food enhance celebrations 4. REMISI: 1 X 32 Over 14,000 inmates savor freedom I-box Tommy could walk in 2007 5. PRAM: 1 X 32 Pramoedya reflects on independence
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
ANZA welcomes people of all nationalities
ANZA welcomes people of all nationalities Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Shelley, an Australian, came to Indonesia in the late 1990s. As a university graduate, she planned to stay in Indonesia only for a couple of months to master the Indonesian language, Bahasa Indonesia. She flew to Yogyakarta, taking just one suitcase of clothes and books. "I spoke fairly good Bahasa. I had also read some books about Indonesia and Java, in particular, when I was a student.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
W. Java to pitch infrastructure
W. Java to pitch infrastructure Yuli Tri Suwarni and Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Jakarta A total of 174 foreign and domestic investors are set to take part in the two-day West Java Infrastructure Summit starting on Thursday, in which the provincial administration is offering up 57 infrastructure projects worth Rp 35 trillion (US$3.53 billion).
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Thugs are violent and destroy things?'
'Thugs are violent and destroy things?' Responding to increasing complaints about crime in the city, the Jakarta administration, police and military launched the first- ever official crackdown on thuggery and lawlessness. The Jakarta Post asked residents their thoughts on thugs and this new campaign. Sanityoso Rumantyo, 37, owns an automobile dealership.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Taufik eases through at badminton worlds
Taufik eases through at badminton worlds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia faced little problems in the opening round of the world badminton championship, which began in Anaheim, California, on Monday. Taufik, who is seeded sixth in the tournament, thumped Peruvian Rodrigo Pacheco 15-7, 15-3 in 38 minutes, according to www.o5worlds.com.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Australian consulat murdered in Depok home
Australian consulat murdered in Depok home The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An unidentified man attacked and killed Australian Frans Louis Merre, 70, in his house in Tugu subdistrict, Depok, on Tuesday morning, police said. The victim reportedly suffered severe wounds to his neck, hands and legs as he tried to fight off the attacker. Depok Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Neighbors race to celebrate Aug. 17
Neighbors race to celebrate Aug. 17 Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Independence Day in Bogor is one of the few days when traffic in the city is light as residents prefer to stay home and take part in fun events held in their neighborhoods. Sack races, panjat pinang (a greasy pole-climbing competition) and kerupuk (cracker) eating were among the most popular games The Jakarta Post observed, where children and parents competed for prizes, including clothing, household appliances and cash.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P legislators petition court to reject peace deal
PDI-P legislators petition court to reject peace deal Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A number of politicians have voiced strong criticism of the Aceh peace deal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with opposition bloc the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) demanding a court ruling to revoke it.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Artesian wells to solve crisis
Artesian wells to solve crisis KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Facing a water crisis, the East Nusa Tenggara provincial administration will turn to artesian wells, an official said. According to a land survey, there are 5,100 potential artesian wells in the areas worst hit by the water crisis in the province.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPUD seeks review by Supreme Court
KPUD seeks review by Supreme Court JAKARTA: The Depok General Elections Commission on Tuesday filed for a review by the Supreme Court of the West Java High Court's ruling overturning the victory of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in the June 26 mayoral election. Aside from filing a review, counsel for the Depok KPUD also urged the Supreme Court to prioritize the appeal so as to put an end to the uncertainty facing the Depok city administration. "We are not mixing politics with this case.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Eddy Sud, promoter of local talents, passed away at 68
Eddy Sud, promoter of local talents, passed away at 68 The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although he had been absent from show business for many years, for people who grew up watching then state-controlled TVRI, seasoned entertainer Eddy Sud will always be remembered. Eddy passed away on Aug. 16 due to liver, heart and kidney problems. He had been sick for quite some time but only treated at the home of one of his daughters in Surakarta until his condition deteriorated on Sunday.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
PKS appeals to Supreme Court
PKS appeals to Supreme Court BANDUNG: The Depok General Elections Commission (KPUD) has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court to overturn a controversial lower court verdict that canceled election results and the win in the mayoral elections of Nur Mahmudi of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). The West Java High Court declared Golkar Party candidate Badrul Kamal the winner earlier this month, citing evidence that 62,770 of Badrul's supporters did not receive voting cards.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Single mother turns women into silversmiths
Single mother turns women into silversmiths Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Gianyar Janet Molloy first came to Bali almost 30 years ago as a young, enthusiastic, qualified chef from Melbourne, Australia. Her dream was to visit the island, to see the beautiful scenery and to learn about its culture and cuisine. She fell in love with the island and met her husband, now ex- husband; they tied the knot in l988.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Citigroup, BII ink cooperation deal
Citigroup, BII ink cooperation deal The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Global financial services company Citigroup and Indonesia's sixth largest bank, PT Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), have agreed to expand services to their customers by allowing them to transfer money to one another faster without the need for the standard inter-bank clearing process. The agreement was signed by Citigroup country officer Peter B. Elliot and BII president director Henry Ho on Tuesday.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Honda, Toyota hike subcompact output
Honda, Toyota hike subcompact output TOKYO: Seeing growing demand for fuel-efficient subcompacts amid oil price surges in Southeast Asia, Honda Motor Co. and the Toyota Motor Corp. group are poised to increase their Indonesian production of small vehicles, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported in its Wednesday morning edition. Toyota and subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Munir (4x12)
1. Munir (4x12) Lawyers view Pollycaprus as scapegoat in Munir case 2. Caknur (1x32) Cak Nur calls for pluralism in RI 3. Salary (1x36) SBY confirms salary hike for officials 4. Graft (1x32) Judiciary urged to clean up its act
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Business as usual despite bombings, politics, Corby
Business as usual despite bombings, politics, Corby Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Terrorist bombings, political rifts over Timor Leste's independence and the Corby trial earlier this year have added some unwelcome spice to the Indonesian-Australian relationship, but apparently it's full steam ahead for the two countries' economic relations. "It is business as usual as far as business is concerned.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Largest flag fails to flutter
Largest flag fails to flutter Dyah Apsari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Enduring the heat on a sunny Wednesday, hundreds of people crowded near the new Block A of Tanah Abang's textile market in Central Jakarta and gazed up the wall, waiting for an event expected to put the area into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Budget projects higher growth
Budget projects higher growth Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is upbeat about the economy for the 2006 state budget, projecting higher growth and a lower deficit in its budget draft, despite this year's budget blowout following continually high international oil prices.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Differing interpretations could derail peace pact
Differing interpretations could derail peace pact Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed an historic peace agreement, though not the first, on Monday in Helsinki, Finland. Noted lawyer and human rights activist Todung Mulya Lubis, who is on the board of the Jakarta-based Tifa Foundation focusing on empowering civil society, shared his thoughts with The Jakarta Post's Tony Hotland.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bram may face jail over Aceh graft
Bram may face jail over Aceh graft JAKARTA: Prosecutors with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) demanded on Tuesday that a businessman be jailed for seven years for his role in the purchase of a Russian-made chopper for Aceh province. "Bram HD Manoppo...has been proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt of committing a crime to enrich himself," prosecutor Khaidir Ramli told the Anticorruption Court in Jakarta.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kite festival bonds hotel staff
Kite festival bonds hotel staff SANUR: The Bali Hyatt Kite Festival was held on Sanur beach on August 7 to build team unity among staff and allow guests to experience a Balinese community event. The event began with a parade of the eight teams from Telaga Naga restaurant to the beach, where everyone was welcomed with a Balinese dance. The judges marked the kites on their beauty and flying performance, and assessed those involved on their teamwork and costumes.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Clerics back Alwi despite court loss
Clerics back Alwi despite court loss SURABAYA: Senior Muslim clerics of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have rejected a court decision to throw out a lawsuit by chief welfare minister Alwi Shihab aimed at reinstating his leadership of the National Awakening Party (PKB). In a meeting on Tuesday at the residence of charismatic cleric Abdullah Faqih in Langitan, Tuban, East Java, the ulema backed Alwi's move to appeal against the verdict handed down last week by the South Jakarta District Court.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
City firms to issue bonds
City firms to issue bonds The Jakarta Post, akarta The Jakarta administration is considering bond issues by city- owned firms to raise additional revenue to help finance development projects in the capital. Nugraha K. Yasin, head of personnel and administrative affairs with the Jakarta Planning Board (Bapeda), said on Monday that the administration depended too much on revenue from local taxes.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fun games, festive food enhance celebrations
Fun games, festive food enhance celebrations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta One alleyway in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, has been spruced up with a new decorative gateway to welcome in Independence Day. However, unlike other ceremonial gateways built around the city in August, this one leads to a line of ruined houses where more than 1,000 people used to live.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas is due to arrive in
Former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas is due to arrive in Myanmar on Thursday on an unannounced visit as a special envoy of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, diplomats and people making preparations for his arrival said. Alatas is expected to meet leaders of Myanmar's military government, including Prime Minister Gen. Soe Win, during his 3-day stay, they said.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ki Enthus Susmono offers innovative puppetry performance
Ki Enthus Susmono offers innovative puppetry performance Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang The younger generation mostly considers wayang (shadow play with leather puppets) dull and boring. Yet, that is apparently not so in the case of performances by noted puppeteer Ki Enthus Susmono from Tegal, Central Java. His recent performance in the auditorium of state radio station RRI Semarang proved so.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rebel activists remain cautious about returning to Aceh
Rebel activists remain cautious about returning to Aceh I. Christianto, Contributor, Helsinki In spite of the amnesty offered by the Indonesian government to all people linked to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), many of them who are living in exile overseas have adopted a wait-and-see attitude, with no immediate plans to return home.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
SBY confirms salary hike for officials
SBY confirms salary hike for officials Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Low-ranking civil servants, including soldiers and police officers, will have their basic salaries raised next year under a government plan that has received support from the House of Representatives. In a state address to the House on Tuesday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the government would increase the salaries of low-level civil servants by between 5 percent and 20 percent in 2006.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fanfare for the common man: Jakarta's 'wong cilik'
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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Over 14,800 inmates savor freedom
Over 14,800 inmates savor freedom Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least 14,800 people across the country, mostly convicted of petty crimes, walked free on Wednesday as the government gave a sentence remission to over 103,000 inmates on the 60th anniversary of Indonesia's independence. Besides the petty criminals, others who had a sentence remission and were thereby released included one of the 2002 Bali bombing convicts and 291 members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Humanitarian projects ease agony of the poor in Bali
Humanitarian projects ease agony of the poor in Bali Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Sanur Seven-year old Komang was burned in a house fire some years ago in his hometown in one of the most impoverished villages in East Bali. The right side of his body was burned so badly, that his harm was fused to his torso. It was really a miracle that he survived the fire. But, his previous cheerful childhood vanished as he could do nothing but cry miserably with no respite from the pain.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to replace Pertamina directors before Cepu signing
Govt to replace Pertamina directors before Cepu signing Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will replace state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina's management board later this month due to "poor performance". The mass dismissal will take place prior to September's signing of a contract between Pertamina and ExxonMobil Corp. on the Cepu block. "The Office of the State Minister of State Enterprises is currently screening several candidates to fill in some posts at the management.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to replace Pertamina management this month
Govt to replace Pertamina management this month Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government will replace state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina's management board later this month due to "poor performance". The mass dismissal will take place prior to September's signing of a contract between Pertamina and ExxonMobil Corp. on the Cepu block. "The Office of the State Minister of State Enterprises is currently screening several candidates to fill in some posts at the management.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Jazz festival planned for Kuta
Jazz festival planned for Kuta KUTA: The Jazz Merah Putih Festival will be held for the fourth time at Mall Bali Galleria in conjunction with Independence Day. The festival, organized jointly by Bali Jazz Forum, Mall Bali Galleria and Sampoerna A Mild, will bring together jazz musicians including the Joe Rosenberg Quartet, Koko Harsoe Trio, Xinau, Kul-kul Band, Jazztiffy, Eric & Friends, Tuty & Friends and Rieka Roslan & Friends (Ex. The Groove).
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Helsinki spirit put to a test in Aceh
Helsinki spirit put to a test in Aceh Tiarma Siboro and Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The peace agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) faced its first test on Wednesday when plainclothes police threatened rebels who were released from the Jantho penitentiary in Aceh Besar regency.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt pays more attention on public services, civil servants
Govt pays more attention on public services, civil servants Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the intention of improving the people's welfare, the government is to increase next year's budgets for ministries and state agencies that provide the basic public services of education, security, health and infrastructure, as well as to increase civil servants' basic salaries.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
State of the nation address from a roving flag vendor
State of the nation address from a roving flag vendor Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post If he were to read and understand the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this man would not be complaining about people's apathy and would not likely heavily invest in a high-risk business. The middle-aged roving flag and flagpole vendor, grumbled to a woman who said his flag was too expensive. "Look, nobody cares about Independence Day now.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ambon police fight against drugs
Ambon police fight against drugs 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
EC to give 43m pesos for RP projects
EC to give 43m pesos for RP projects PHILIPPINES: The European Commission (EC) said on Wednesday it had approved grants worth 43 million pesos (US$774,770) for projects aimed at boosting efforts in fiscal governance and civil society participation in the Philippines. The grants were given to five non-government organizations in the Philippines.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Dutch acceptance of Indonesia's 'Proklamasi'
Dutch acceptance of Indonesia's 'Proklamasi' Bernard Bot, Jakarta This is the first time since Indonesia declared its independence that a member of the Dutch government will attend the celebrations. Through my presence the Dutch government expresses its political and moral acceptance of the Proklamasi, the date the Republic of Indonesia declared independence. Only when someone is standing on the summit of the mountain can he see what would have been the simplest and shortest way up.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. BUDGET: 4 X 10
1. BUDGET: 4 X 10 Budget projects higher growth 2. ACEH: 1 X 30 Helsinki spirit put to test 3. BOT: 1 X 45 Dutch govt expresses regrets over killings in RI
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Eco-lodge promotes environmental preservation
Eco-lodge promotes environmental preservation Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Jimbaran A few years ago, no one would have chosen to live, let alone study, and do business on the barren cliff of Bukit Jimbaran, 20 kilometers to the south of Denpasar, where access to water, food sources and electricity was very limited.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP gets $774,770 in grants from EC
RP gets $774,770 in grants from EC MANILA: The European Commission (EC) said on Wednesday it has approved grants worth 43 million pesos (US$774,770) for projects aimed at boosting efforts in fiscal governance and civil society participation in the Philippines. The grants were given to five non-government organizations in the Philippines.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'A poorer version of the U.S. -- plus kangaroos'
'A poorer version of the U.S. -- plus kangaroos' Duncan Graham, Contributor, Surabaya Australian and Indonesian academics agree: More government and community support is needed for cultural and language studies in both countries to help improve relationships. Enrollments are dropping for Indonesian Studies and language in Australian schools and universities. In Indonesia only a few hundred undergraduates are actively studying their southern neighbor, though numbers are slowly increasing.
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Banyumas victors in band festival
Banyumas victors in band festival SEMARANG: Banyumas branch of the Association of Indonesian Blind People (Pertuni) won the first championship at the Band Festival for the Blind held recently at Taman Budaya Raden Saleh. It is claimed to be the first-ever festival of its kind in the country. According to Dewi Rinawati of the festival's organizing committee, as many as 10 bands participated in the festival, although initially there were 15 applicants.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'It's about the lives of so many people'
'It's about the lives of so many people' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It was difficult to reach Hamid Awaluddin after his appointment as minister of justice and human rights in October last year. The new minister often "disappeared" from public view, particularly at weekends. Journalists were simply informed that Hamid had gone, for example, to Batam, Singapore or Malaysia. No official statements were ever made about his short, secretive trips.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Headings
Headings 1. LURAH -- 2x18 Lack of staff blamed for poor services 2. AUSTRALIA -- 2x24 Australian consultant murdered in Depok home 3. MERDEKA -- 1x30 Neighbors race to celebrate Aug. 17 4. BOND -- 1x24 City firms to issue bonds 5. CIPUTAT -- 1x36 Ciputat traders may lose land to overpass 6. DRUG -- 1x27 Drug-dealing spots identified 7. SPEAK -- 1x36 'Thugs are violent and destroy things'
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Semarang: Friday, August 19, 2005
Where to go in Semarang: Friday, August 19, 2005 Museums * Museum Rekor Indonesia (Indonesia Museum of Records) at Jl Setiabudi 179, open daily at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Jamu Nyonya Meneer Museum at Jl. Kaligawe, open on Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. * Rongowarsito Museum of History at Jl. Abdul Rahman Saleh, open daily at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ciputat traders may lose land to overpass
Ciputat traders may lose land to overpass Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The Tangerang regency administration plans to employ controversial Government Regulation (PP) No. 36/2005 to force traders to sell their land for the Ciputat flyover project. "We have no choice. As a last resort, the administration must turn to PP No. 36/2005 on land clearance for public projects so construction on the flyover can start soon," Regent Ismet Iskandar said on Tuesday.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Congratulations pour in for govt, GAM
Congratulations pour in for govt, GAM Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Messages of congratulations have poured in from around the world for the Indonesian government and the leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) after the two parties signed an historic agreement on Monday to end nearly three decades of bloody fighting in Aceh. All the messages conveyed a similar sentiment; that the government and the rebels should work to honor the peace deal.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Taxi drivers not obnoxious
Taxi drivers not obnoxious I refer to Krabbe K Piting's ill-tempered article about Jakarta taxi drivers in the Aug. 7 edition of The Jakarta Post. She describes with apparent pride her refusal to pay Rp 4,000 to a hapless driver who didn't know a Kebayoran address and then justifies her churlish behavior (which probably caused the poor fellow to lose his place in the queue) by quoting a colleague's "research" findings that nine out of ten people feel taxi drivers are "obnoxious characters".
Thu, 18 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.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Pramoedya reflects on independence
Pramoedya reflects on independence Dewi Kurniawati, Deutchse Press Agenthur/Jakarta As Indonesia celebrates the 60th anniversary of independence on Wednesday and the country's first democratically elected leaders hail the progress of democracy, there remains a skeptic who has been an eyewitness to much of the archipelago's recent tumultuous history.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt still calls economic shots
Govt still calls economic shots Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the signed peace deal between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebel group, Aceh will still adhere to most of the key fiscal and monetary policies set by the central government with some exceptions.
Thu, 18 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Psychologists announce new body
Psychologists announce new body JAKARTA: A group of psychologists completed a two-day congress here on Tuesday by declaring the formation of the Asian Council of Psychologists. The council will be dedicated to advancing psychological research and practices in Asia, the declaration says. The newly founded council will be affiliated with the International Council of Psychologists, which was established in 1941.