Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 August 2005

87 articles found

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.23, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.23, 2005 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades...

JP/19/R00

JP/19/R00Outback Steakhouse dishes up authentic slice of homeKaren Stingemore The Jakarta Post/JakartaOne of Jakarta's leading Western restaurants (in terms of sales) does not specialize in burgers and fries but, rather, lists dishes such as Bushman 'Shrooms, Walkabout Soup O' The Day, Chicken on...

2,700 orchid species found in Papua

2,700 orchid species found in PapuaMANOKWARI, West Irian Jaya: Researchers from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have discovered some 2,770 species of orchid in the Arfak conservation park in Manokwari regency, West Irian Jaya province.

Making a sacrifices for school upkeep

Making a sacrifices for school upkeepSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, YogyakartaIf you need cash urgently, the quickest way to obtain it is to go to a pawnshop.In a similar but unique fashion, the regent of Kebumen, Central Java, Rustriningsih, 38, and her deputy, KH M Nashiruddin al Mansyur, have...

Two villages given computer facilities

Two villages given computer facilities YOGYAKARTA: To provide local farmers with access to world markets, the Sleman administration installed communications facilities in two villages here on Tuesday in observance of National Technology Day.

TransJakarta to maintain ailing bus operators

TransJakarta to maintain ailing bus operatorsDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe companies in a consortium supplying buses for the Busway refused on Tuesday to replace some of the firms, which according to the busway's patron, Governor Sutiyoso, are not financially reliable.

Govt introduces amnesty in revised draft tax laws

Govt introduces amnesty in revised draft tax lawsRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaTo encourage tax evaders to start paying their taxes -- in return for immunity from penalty and prosecution -- the government has provided a tax amnesty in its recently completed draft revisions of the tax...

RI navy storms Croatian ship, detains crew

RI navy storms Croatian ship, detains crewVictor Tjahjadi, Agence France-Presse/JakartaThe Indonesian Navy on Tuesday stormed a Croatian merchant ship and detained around 25 crew after a long-running court battle, Croatia's ambassador Aleksandar Broz said, describing the move as illegal.

'Only the rich enjoy fuel subsidy'

'Only the rich enjoy fuel subsidy'A steady rise in global oil prices has renewed the debate over the merits of the fuel subsidy here. Experts are largely divided on the issue. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their comments on the issue.

Toward reconciliation and healing in Aceh

Toward reconciliation and healing in AcehMirza Tirta Kusuma, Yogyakarta It is obvious that the conflicts that have occurred in our country, like in Aceh, have left very deep wounds, especially for the victims. A wound, even though it can heal, never completely disappears.

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Towards reconciliation and healing in Aceh Mirza Tirta Kusuma Yogyakarta 2. Kanis -- Easy way to win election --- go to court 1 x 30 The easy way to win an election Kanis Dursin Jakarta

APEC should focus on capacity building

APEC should focus on capacity buildingZakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was told during a workshop to focus more on strengthening trade and investment facilities and economic and technology cooperation, rather than trade liberalization, to...

Academics propose intelligence bill

Academics propose intelligence billRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, JakartaA working group of military, legal and political analysts has completed the draft of a new bill on intelligence aimed at restoring the badly tarnished image of state intelligence agencies.

Oil prices hold above $65 as storm sets course for Gulf of Mexico

Oil prices hold above $65 as storm sets course for Gulf of MexicoAssociated Press, ViennaOil futures held above US$65 a barrel on Tuesday amid lingering global supply concerns despite resumed crude flows from Ecuador and Nigeria.The rise came amid expectations that Wednesday's U.S.

Civil-society and the building of an ASEAN community

Civil-society and the building of an ASEAN communityAlexander 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...

Govt asked to revise budget assumptions

Govt asked to revise budget assumptionsUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAll 10 factions at the House of Representatives requested the government to revise its macroeconomic assumptions, particularly oil prices, saying they were "unrealistic".

'This time there's much more will to make it work'

'This time there's much more will to make it work' The Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) of the European Union and ASEAN has started its task of monitoring the implementation of the historic peace agreement between Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

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.

Blue Bird style of business

Blue Bird style of business Earlier this month a Blue Bird taxi smashed into the rear end of my car while it was stationary at an intersection. In a city like Jakarta, relatively small collisions of this sort are inevitable and can easily and routinely be dealt with if the parties behave with a...

Chevron set up new unit for RI

Chevron set up new unit for RILeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFollowing the recent merger of U.S. energy giants Unocal and Chevron, the company plans to establish a new business unit to take charge of its subsidiaries working in the upstream and geothermal sectors in Indonesia and the...

Ending a cycle of conflict in Aceh

Ending a cycle of conflict in Aceh The peace deal for the Indonesian province of Aceh promises to break a relentless cycle of conflict and death. In this case good news is a direct result of bad; the peace deal is the legacy of a truly monumental tragedy, the tsunami of Dec. 26, 2004.

ASEAN Social Charter would set a decent social safety net

ASEAN Social Charter would set a decent social safety netPravit 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.

Blue Bird's apology

Blue Bird's apology We would like to offer our apology for the inconvenience caused to Mr. Patrick Guntensperger in an accident on Aug. 4, 2005, which inflicted damage on his car.Our company has taken necessary action against the taxi driver concerned and contacted Mr.

Blue Bird style of business

Blue Bird style of business Earlier this month a Blue Bird taxi smashed into the rear end of my car while it was stationary at an intersection. In a city like Jakarta, relatively small collisions of this sort are inevitable and can easily and routinely be dealt with if the parties behave with a...

Badminton to jazz up image for new fans

Badminton to jazz up image for new fansAgence France-Presse, Anaheim, California The International Badminton Federation (IBF) says it needs to transform its image from one of a backyard barbecue activity to a sport of global interest like Formula One auto racing.

Rp250m to fight drug use in Jambi

Rp250m to fight drug use in Jambi JAMBI: Jambi city administration has set aside Rp 250 million (US$25,000) to fight increasing numbers of drug users aged between 19 and 40 years old."The rapid increase in the number of drug users is surprising," Lamtiar Tumanggor, a drug and HIV/AIDS prevention...

Private sector backs road toll increases

Private sector backs road toll increasesThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe private sector has expressed support for the government's move to increase road toll rates on the condition that the increase is based on sound economic calculations and not political pressure.

JP/19/EKO

JP/19/EKOEko Nugroho and his versatile art creationsCarla Bianpoen, Contributor, JakartaEvents at all levels of life have moved artists throughout time to express themselves in work reflecting the zeitgeist.

1. Tax ----- 2x20

1. Tax ----- 2x20 Govt introduces amnesty in draft tax laws or Govt introduces amnesty in revised draft tax laws 2. Plenary - 3x11 DPD told to heed aspirations of regions or DPD told to heed wishes of regions3. GAM ----- 1x24 GAM members come down from hills or 60 GAM members come in from the cold

Iraq assembly gets charter draft, Sunnis irate

Iraq assembly gets charter draft, Sunnis irateAlastair Macdonald, Reuters/BaghdadIraq's Shiite-led government ruled out on Tuesday any major change to a draft constitution that parliament looks set to pass this week in the teeth of minority Sunni objections that it could ignite civil war.

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...

Government plans to raise public transportation fares

Government plans to raise public transportation faresMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIntercity land and sea transportation tariffs will increase by between 10 and 20 percent due to the soaring oil prices, a minister says.

More than 800 people vie to become Malaysia's first astronaut in space

More than 800 people vie to become Malaysia's first astronaut in spaceAssociated Press, Kuala LumpurMalaysia's first astronaut will be chosen from a shortlist of 854 people, who now must prove their physical fitness by running 3.5 kilometers in less than 20 minutes, an official said on Tuesday.

Big firms prefer China, small ones eye RI

Big firms prefer China, small ones eye RIDeutsche Presse-Agentur, SingaporeBigger companies in Singapore contend the China market offers the brightest business prospects for the next six months, but smaller firms are more optimistic about Indonesia and Malaysia, a survey showed on Tuesday.

Local strategies crucial to save Asia's mangroves

Local strategies crucial to save Asia's mangrovesClarence Fernandez, Reuters/Kuala LumpurTsunami-stricken Asian nations that are planting mangrove thickets to protect against future disasters must give coastal communities a financial stake in the campaign if it is to succeed, experts said on...

Police target 19 more 'illegal' institutes

Police target 19 more 'illegal' institutesEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAfter sealing off the Institut Manajemen Global Indonesia (IMGI) for allegedly selling fake academic titles, the National Police said on Tuesday they were investigating 19 additional educational institutions.

Scholarship scandal being probed

Scholarship scandal being probedOyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, BandarlampungWati, 45, a widow with two children, was elated when her son Sholeh reported to her that he would be the recipient of a scholarship.

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Food crisis may affect 400,000

Food crisis may affect 400,000KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Over 400,000 people in 468 subdistricts in East Nusa Tenggara could be affected by a food crisis following a prolonged drought and harvest failures in the province, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Nur Mahmudi visits chief justice

Nur Mahmudi visits chief justice JAKARTA: Former forestry minister Nur Mahmudi Ismail accompanied by his lawyer Adnan Buyung Nasution met Supreme Court president Bagir Manan here on Tuesday to persuade the latter to help him in his attempts to retain his win in the recent Depok municipal election.

Three-member abortion gang busted

Three-member abortion gang bustedSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, SlemanYogyakarta police have arrested three people for performing some 300 abortions, mostly at a particular hotel in Yogyakarta and another in Semarang, over the past two years.

Top Asian players to challenge for S'pore Open

Top Asian players to challenge for S'pore OpenAgence France-Presse, Singapore Nine of the top 10 golfers on the Asian Tour's current Order of Merit will challenge world number seven Adam Scott for honors when the Singapore Open returns next month, organizers said on Tuesday.

Rupiah Rates Aug.23

Rupiah Rates Aug.23 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,970.69 7,212.06 7,631.03 7,551.54 Brunei dollar 1 6,332.83 5,729.70 6,062.97 5,999.40 Canadian dollar 1 8,772.22 7,938.22 8,398.41 8,311.88 Swiss franc 1 8,304.50 7,516.31 7,950.61 7,870.

British invention in Indonesia

British invention in IndonesiaDaisaku 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.

Police arrest three suspects in the murder of expatriate

Police arrest three suspects in the murder of expatriateAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaPolice have arrested three suspects in the murder of German Helmut Kleinen, who was found dead on Monday morning in his rented house on Jl. Bangka IID in Mampang, South Jakarta.City police spokesman Sr.

DPD told to heed wishes of regions

DPD told to heed wishes of regionsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaConductor Addie MS walked through the hall, holding his cell phone as the popular Twilite Orchestra readied for its first performance ever at the People's Consultative Assembly/House of Representatives main plenary hall.

1. Papua -- 48 pts 4 cols 2line (2x28)

1. Papua -- 48 pts 4 cols 2line (2x28) Papua 'troop deployment' worries locals: DPD member2. Busfares -- 36 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x28) Government plans to raise public transportation fares 3. Polio -- 36 pts 5 cols 1lines (1x35)Vaccination key to quelling polio threat: UN 4.

~JP;

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Oil prices to subside: Economists

Oil prices to subside: EconomistsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaDefying mainstream perceptions that high oil prices are in for the long run, economists at two foreign banks are predicting that oil prices will subside toward the end of the year and in 2006.

TV Program: Thursday, August 25, 2005

TV Program: Thursday, August 25, 2005 .TB.30" .90"TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon8:00 Children Show8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

The beleaguered rupiah

The beleaguered rupiah Remember early January 1998 when the rupiah crashed through the 10,000-to-the-dollar barrier two days after then president Soeharto unveiled his draft 1998-1999 budget? The four-fold fall of the rupiah was then precipitated by what the market perceived to be unrealistic...

Regions may issue bonds next year

Regions may issue bonds next yearRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaLocal administrations will be permitted to issue bonds and seek loans from domestic banks starting next year, following the issuance of the necessary ancillary regulations later this year.

Aceh reflects new thinking in Asia

Aceh reflects new thinking in AsiaAnthony Reid, The Straits Times, Asia News Network/Singapore The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), signed in Helsinki on Aug 15, marks a refreshing innovation for Indonesia and for nationalist...

Comedian to contest Indramayu election

Comedian to contest Indramayu electionINDRAMAYU, West Java: The Indramayu General Elections Commission (KPUD) named on Tuesday the three pairs of regent and vice regent candidates eligible to run in the Sept. 23 election.

SBY's first distress call

SBY's first distress call President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has received his first telephone call from Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, offering this country's assistance in dealing with the repetitive haze that distresses Malaysians every year.

Thugs continue to terrorize Jakarta

Thugs continue to terrorize JakartaThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Jakarta administration, city police and military have launched a month-long campaign against thugs in the capital. The following is the first of a series of articles on thugs, who continue to instill fear in Jakarta residents.It is 1 a.

Papua 'troop deployment' worries locals: DPD member

Papua 'troop deployment' worries locals: DPD memberNethy Dharma Somba and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaA member of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) has raised her concern over the alleged arrival of troops in the troubled province of Papua, saying that local people...

Shipowners urge Malacca risk review

Shipowners urge Malacca risk review SINGAPORE: An urgent review of the Malacca Strait risk assessment by London marine underwriters is needed, the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners' Associations (Fasa) said in a report on Tuesday.

Free education an illusion

Free education an illusionFrom KompasThe government's statement that free education will be available for all this year remains nothing but an illusion, because in our experience, the residents of Cimanggis, Depok, West Java, are not getting any cost relief for our school-age children.

Corruption a stumbling block to autonomy

Corruption a stumbling block to autonomyTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government has blamed regional autonomy for exacerbating the problem of widespread corruption in the country and the slow mechanism of essential policy making.

Bowlers use event as SEAG tryout

Bowlers use event as SEAG tryoutMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the 2005 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games only three months away, several countries are using the ongoing Indonesian International Open Bowling Championship as a testing ground to see how they measure up to their rivals.

Vaccination key to quelling polio threat

Vaccination key to quelling polio threatAgencies, JakartaThe recent polio outbreak that has infected hundreds of Indonesians poses a global health threat and planned vaccination drives are crucial to averting a crisis, the UN's children's agency said on Tuesday.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Death sought for another suspect in bomb attack JP/4/4Intel1 x 35 Academics propose intelligence bill JP/4/BRR1 x 33 Reconstruction agency under fire 1 x 40 Corruption a stumbling block to autonomy JP/4/palsu1 x 40 Police target 19 more 'illegal' institutes

Reconstruction agency under fire

Reconstruction agency under fireNani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehCriticism is gathering against the powerful Aceh Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR) two months after it began the massive project of rebuilding the tsunami-affected province.

Rupiah ends at new low, minister's remark ignored

Rupiah ends at new low, minister's remark ignoredDow Jones/Jakarta The Indonesian rupiah slipped to yet another fresh 41-month low against the dollar on Tuesday as foreign investors exited the local capital market, dealers said.

Struggling to maintain growth

Struggling to maintain growthRudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta Jeremias Masto, Sea-Freight Manager of Indonesia-based Ritra Logistics (Ritra), tried to look optimistic when asked about the current situation in the logistics business in Indonesia, but he also showed anxiety when he talked about the...

Ex-banker to face trial in absentia

Ex-banker to face trial in absentiaFormer president director of now defunct Bank Pelita Agus Anwar will stand trial in absentia on charges of stealing Rp 492 billion (US$49.2 million) in state money next week.

Residents puzzled by power blackout

Residents puzzled by power blackoutJAMBI, Jambi: Some 6,500 residents of Merangin regency, Jambi, have been affected by blackouts. The blackouts, which have been occurring since Aug. 18, have disrupted activity in the regency.

GAM members come down from the hills, out of the jungle

GAM members come down from the hills, out of the jungleNani Afrida and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/BandungAt least 60 members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have come down from their Manggamat mountain hideout, making this the biggest group so far to come out of the jungle in...

No school uniforms?

No school uniforms?From KompasThe 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.

'Genius search' delays class

'Genius search' delays class JAKARTA: A "super class" course for science geniuses will not be able to start in late August as scheduled due to the fact that geniuses have turned out to be more difficult to find than anticipated.

Man dies in police cell

Man dies in police cell JAKARTA: A detainee was found dead inside his cell in the East Jakarta police headquarters on Monday, city police reported on Tuesday.The man, identified as Diding Sujiyanto, 36, had been detained for the past one month after being caught in possession of a bag containing 27...

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Antam names HSBC as FA

Antam names HSBC as FA JAKARTA: State gold and nickel miner PT Antam has appointed Hong Kong Shanghai Bank Corporation (HSBC) as the financial advisor to assist with the possible acquisition of a minority stake in gold and copper producer PT Freeport Indonesia.

Toward a lasting peace in the rebellions Aceh

Toward a lasting peace in the rebellions AcehDesra Percaya, New York Following seven months of talks mediated by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Helsinki on Aug. 15 between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Headings

Headings1. BUS -- 4x12 TransJakarta to maintain ailing bus operators 2. THUGS -- 1x32 Thugs continue to terrorize Jakarta 3. SAHID -- 1x32 Dozens of skilled workers sent abroad 4. DRUGS -- 1x30 Drug suspect could face 10 years 5. SPEAK -- 1x30 'Only the rich enjoy fuel subsidy'

Church group complains over compulsory 'jilbab'

Church group complains over compulsory 'jilbab'The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) complained to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that non-Muslim female students were obliged to wear the jilbab (Muslim head scarf) in schools in Padang, West Sumatra.

Drug suspect could face 10 years

Drug suspect could face 10 yearsMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, TangerangProsecutors asked the Tangerang District Court on Tuesday to sentence Lesotho national Ramakau Jonas, alias Npoto, to 10 years in prison for the possession of 50 grams of heroin.

Fate of veterans' widows

Fate of veterans' widowsFrom KompasMy mother is the widow of an independence war veteran who receives a government pension in Yogyakarta. For three years now, she has not been receiving what she is entitled to.

Big firms keen on China while smaller ones eye Indonesia,

Big firms keen on China while smaller ones eye Indonesia, Malaysia Deutsche Presse-Agentur Singapore Bigger companies in Singapore contend the China market offers the brightest business prospects for the next six months, but smaller firms are more optimistic about Indonesia and Malaysia, a survey...

Taxing product

Taxing product components I refer to the article Diamonds not Indonesia's best friend, yet at least". (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 15). I reply as a jewelry designer living in Bali. Java and Bali have excellent silver workers but many of their designs are not appropriate for western markets.

Dozens of skilled workers sent abroad

Dozens of skilled workers sent abroadAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaNever traveling far from his hometown Jakarta, Nurcholis could not conceal his excitement over the prospect of working in Italy."I am a little bit scared as I will be far from home ...

Rp 362b revised budget proposed

Rp 362b revised budget proposed JAKARTA: The Jakarta administration will propose additional budget allocations of Rp 362 billion in the 2005 revised budget, an official says.Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo said that the additional budget allocations were needed due to factors such as the fuel price...

MUI's edicts

MUI's edicts "More criticism has been levied against the controversial edicts issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), this time from the world's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which has around 40 million members.

Death sought for another suspect in bomb attack

Death sought for another suspect in bomb attackThe Jakarta Post, JakartaProsecutors demanded the death sentence here on Tuesday for Ahmad Hasan who has been accused of assisting in the 2004 bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, in which 11 people were killed.

Lack of HIV comprehension causes misery

Lack of HIV comprehension causes miseryYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungMaya (not a real name) broke into tears when a well-known newspaper printed her full name as well as a detailed description of her and her job in its recent article.

~Caption :

~Caption :DORMITORY: One of dormitory facilities for senior high school and university students at the Jababeka Education Park FACTORY: A standard factory building in the Jababeka Industrial Park.