Archive: 31 August 2005
80 articles found
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
HIV/AIDS threat gets more worrying with every passing day
HIV/AIDS threat gets more worrying with every passing day David and Joyce Djaelani Gordon, Contributors, Bogor, West Java HIV/AIDS is spreading across Indonesia faster than we can identify and verify, and many who were considered at low risk just a few years ago are now thought to be vulnerable or exposed to higher risks. Often, conversations with lay people, unfortunately, confirm that they believe Indonesia is still viewed as low-risk for HIV transmission.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Job creation key to reducing poverty: ADB
Job creation key to reducing poverty: ADB Dow Jones, Manila Asia-Pacific governments must focus on promoting full and productive employment to reduce poverty around the region, the Asian Development Bank said in a report released on Tuesday. The report titled "Labor Markets in Asia: Promoting Full, Productive and Decent Employment" assesses the state of Asia- Pacific labor markets and recommends options to expand employment.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Krismon in slow motion
Krismon in slow motion By the time our readers read this editorial, the government, following its Tuesday night Cabinet meetings, should have announced its latest policy package aimed at rescuing the ailing rupiah. Given the situation that has evolved over the past several weeks, this package will need to be bold, insightful and nothing short of a miracle, for it to have an immediate impact upon the sinking currency.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Soaring school registration fees
Soaring school registration fees From Kompas State and private junior/senior high schools and vocational schools in a town as small as Purwokerto, Central Java, are charging exhorbitant registration fees for the 2005/2006 school year, some even as much as Rp 15 million. School committees, which should serve as consultative bodies mediating between the school authorities and parents, are apparently happy to go along with such policies.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aussie Air Force chief visits RI
Aussie Air Force chief visits RI JAKARTA: The Indonesian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force have agreed to further boost cooperation particularly in the area of human resources development via joint training and exchange of officers. This was decided during a meeting between visiting Australian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshall Geoff Shepherd and chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Gen. Endriartono Sutarto on Tuesday.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Security situation here much improved: Jones
Security situation here much improved: Jones Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Future terror attacks in Indonesia may be less professional and even less well-executed than in the past, with Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) facing dissension over how to achieve its objectives, says Sidney Jones, a leading authority on the terror group.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Don't insult chess
Don't insult chess From Media Indonesia In a demo staged by the Women's Alliance for Electricity Concern (APPEL) on Aug. 22, its members distributed leaflets with the words: Eddie Widiono, chairman of Percasi (Association of Corruption Brokers). The All-Indonesia Chess Association (Percasi) lodges a strong protest against the demonstrators using the name of this organization. To our knowledge, Percasi is the only association of the kind with this acronym.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
American says Western media fails in its reports on Islam
American says Western media fails in its reports on Islam The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Western media have failed to meet the challenge of reporting on Islam after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, an American academic says. "It was as if two civilizations were completely unknown to one another," Stephen Schwartz says, referring to the Christian and Islamic civilizations.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
IMGI 'graduates' face oral test
IMGI 'graduates' face oral test JAKARTA: The National Police said on Tuesday they would question 15 degree recipients from the Institut Manajemen Global Indonesia (IMGI) on Wednesday following the arrest of 12 administrators of the unlicensed education institute. However, National Police spokesman Sr. Comr.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Parents, children roll up for polio vaccination
Parents, children roll up for polio vaccination The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Celebrities and popular Muslim clerics made appearances at immunization posts to ease fears about the safety of the polio vaccine as the massive drive started on Tuesday with a target of vaccinating 24 million children. More than 750,000 health workers have fanned out across the country to 245,000 posts in health clinics, bus depots, train stations and airports. The second round is scheduled for Sept. 27.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. RUPIAH: 3 X 12
1. RUPIAH: 3 X 12 BI rate rise sets scene for rupiah rebound 2. CAKNUR: 1 X 30 Cak Nur's ideas will prevail: Scholars 3. AMNESTY: 3 X 10 Amnesty for 500 Aceh separatists 4. KALLA: 1 X 36 Kalla cuts short China visit over rupiah
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cultural diplomacy makes a bid in Bangkok
Cultural diplomacy makes a bid in Bangkok Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok We, Indonesians, may have taken for granted the fact that we have very diverse cultural backgrounds, nonetheless "outsiders" tend to consider us as a single, monolithic cultural group. There is perhaps nothing better to demonstrate Indonesia's cultural diversity than to stage a cultural show.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI sells Rp1.56t of treasury bonds
RI sells Rp1.56t of treasury bonds JAKARTA: The Indonesian government sold Rp 1.56 trillion (US$148.6 million) worth of Treasury bonds today to help fund the budget deficit, the ministry of finance said. The bonds, maturing on July 15, 2018, were priced to yield 15.97 percent, Mulia Nasution, director general for treasury at the ministry, said. The ministry plans to raise Rp 43.3 trillion by selling domestic and global bonds this year, according to 2005 budget estimates.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Remembering Nurcholish as Indonesia's great teacher
Remembering Nurcholish as Indonesia's great teacher Muhamad Ali, Manoa, Hawaii Indonesians have felt the deep loss of one of their great thinkers. Nurcholish Madjid, widely known as Cak Nur, was one of the country's most influential thinkers who had been lauded internationally since the 1970s. A wide range of labels have been attached to him: Reformist, neo-modernist, nationalist, moderate, liberal, and most often the nation's "great teacher" (guru bangsa).
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/20/RIANA
JP/20/RIANA check --JSR Riana, UGM's young medical student Slamet Susanto The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Riana Helmi is only 14 years old, with a cute, fresh-faced appearance. As a girl in her early teens, she is fond of going out for fun and often has a childlike reaction to things. Teenagers of her age are normally in the final grade of junior high school. Riana, however, was admitted this year to Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yogyakarta.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo tells investors his govt will deal with instability
Susilo tells investors his govt will deal with instability Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ensured some 700 foreign investors here that the government would overcome the economic instability of the past five weeks.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
One more child dies of dengue
One more child dies of dengue JAKARTA: The number of recent dengue fatalities in the capital rose to 62, with the death of a seven-year-old boy dying at the Budi Asih Hospital in East Jakarta late on Monday, Tempointeraktif.com reported. Syahrul had been treated at the hospital since Aug. 21. Budi Asih Hospital information officer Niniek Kartaarmadja said that the patient had been moved from a third-class treatment room to its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of his weakening condition.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police release thugs for cash
Police release thugs for cash This is the fourth of a series of articles on thuggery and joint efforts by the city administration, police and military to stamp out the social evil from the capital. Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta First Sgt. Suparjo, a police officer at a Central Jakarta subprecinct, shook his head in confusion at dozens of thugs crowding the subprecinct's detention center. "We just arrested over 30 more people and our detention center just can't accommodate them.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh's local parties
Aceh's local parties From Media Indonesia The protracted conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Republic of Indonesia has finally reached a point of settlement, with GAM at least no longer being obsessed in its fight for independence or a referendum. However, the creation of peace in Aceh by allowing the establishment of local parties needs a critical response as a preventive measure, though there should be no prejudice against GAM's readiness to become part of the unitary state.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian families travel 18 hours to escape Katrina
Indonesian families travel 18 hours to escape Katrina Agencies, New York/Biloxi, Mississippi Hurricane Katrina forced three Indonesian families in New Orleans to travel for 18 hours for shelter at the Indonesian Consulate in Houston, Texas, as floodwaters poured into low-lying New Orleans and more than 50 people were reported dead in Mississippi.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Kalla cuts short China visit over rupiah
Kalla cuts short China visit over rupiah Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Beijing Vice President Jusuf Kalla has to erase from his agenda his round of golf as the rupiah hit another record low in early trading on Tuesday during his absence. Instead, the number two man in the government is scheduled to attend a special Cabinet meeting on Thursday to discuss ways to defend the rupiah.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Trustee bank set for fuel subsidy payments
Trustee bank set for fuel subsidy payments Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The following is the third of a series of articles to mark the liberalization of the country's downstream oil and gas sector later this year. The government is considering applying a new system that utilizes a trustee bank instead of the ministry of finance to handle all subsidy payments to industry players after state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina's monopoly ends in November.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Atlantic Challenge to showcase Madurese boatbuilder's work
Atlantic Challenge to showcase Madurese boatbuilder's work Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Madura Boat-maker Muzammil Sholihin looked elated when some journalists took pictures of a boat that he had made. The boat was set to participate in the Atlantic Challenge Boat Race in Genoa, Italy next year. "This is the first time that my work has got so much attention from the media," he said.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Luxury shopping & nationalism
Luxury shopping & nationalism From Kompas The news that House members conducting comparative study tours abroad has aroused my concern. Shopping for luxury goods of famous brands has been the practice of legislative and executive delegations since the New Order period. The important thing is how public officials can set an example of nationalism in daily practice.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Krismon' in slow motion
'Krismon' in slow motion By the time our readers read this editorial, the government, following its Tuesday night Cabinet meetings, should have announced its latest policy package aimed at rescuing the ailing rupiah. Given the situation that has evolved over the past several weeks, this package will need to be bold, insightful and nothing short of a miracle, for it to have an immediate impact upon the sinking currency.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Optimism for Indonesia in the midst of global terrorism
Optimism for Indonesia in the midst of global terrorism S.P. Seth Sydney Is Indonesia turning the corner? It depends on: What is meant by "turning the corner"? But, by any reckoning, the news about Aceh is optimistic. Under the peace accord, Aceh should be able to participate in national affairs as an autonomous part of the country. There will, of course, be problems on the way about interpreting and implementing the agreement. But with goodwill on both sides, it should be a turning point.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, September 1, 2005
TV Program: Thursday, September 1, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Children Show 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Drugs and Bali
Drugs and Bali Labor foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd called on the Howard government to require travel agents to provide written information to clients about the harsh penalties they face if caught with illicit drugs in Asia. The Prime Minister, John Howard, was closer to the truth, and expressed the feelings of most Australians, when he declared last week: "It's beyond belief that Australians could be so stupid as to carry drugs into any country in Asia".
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Yogya sultan resolved power struggle
Yogya sultan resolved power struggle Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta After fighting for the past two years against the presence of high voltage transmission lines above their houses, Kresen residents in Bantul finally gave up the fight. Their lengthy struggle, fearing the hazardous impacts the 500 kilovolt transmission lines might have on their unborn children and grandchildren, ended after Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, stepped in to resolve the matter.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Learning from Anita Roddick's body of work 2. SBY2 -- Indonesia can overcome trials, meet challenges 1 X 30
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Court continues Pollycarpus' trial
Court continues Pollycarpus' trial The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday turned down a request by a key suspect in the murder of rights activist Munir for the case to be dismissed. The panel of judges said the indictment against Garuda pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto was clear and convincing and in accordance with the law. "We order the prosecutors to continue the prosecution," presiding judge Cicut Sutiarso told the court.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Part 2 of 2: Indonesia can overcome trials
Part 2 of 2: Indonesia can overcome trials Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Jakarta The Aceh peace deal, however, was not the biggest news of the year: it was the giant tsunami waves of Dec. 26 last year, a catastrophe that truly consumed national, and global, attention. The tsunami is the worst natural disaster ever faced by Indonesia. It is certainly the most difficult ordeal that I have faced in my entire career in public office.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
PCI rehabilitates Acehnese farmland
PCI rehabilitates Acehnese farmland BANDA ACEH: Project Concern International (PCI) reported on Tuesday that it had cleaned up and rehabilitated 12 hectares of farmland in Aceh Besar regency that had been covered with mud and seawater by the tsunami. PCI spokesman James Bean said the 12 hectares of land in Jantang could be replanted with various crops to benefit local farmers who survived the December tragedy.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
AGO seeks bad money from Swiss banks
AGO seeks bad money from Swiss banks JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is approaching the Swiss government to sign a bilateral agreement that would help the AGO to track down funds stashed by corrupt Indonesian officials in Swiss banks. "We are now trying to work out a bilateral agreement with Switzerland," said Tarwo Hadi Sadjuri, a director of the AGO's special crimes division, on Tuesday.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fugitive PT DI president suspended
Fugitive PT DI president suspended BANDUNG: State Minister of State Enterprises Sugiharto has suspended Edwin Soedarmo as state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) president director and replaced him with one of the firm's directors Nuril Fuad. Sugiharto cited on Monday Edwin's two-month absence as the main reason for the suspension.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cak Nur's ideas will prevail, say scholars
Cak Nur's ideas will prevail, say scholars Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The foremost and highly respected Muslim thinker Nurcholish "Cak Nur" Madjid was laid to rest here on Tuesday at a state funeral at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, with more than 1,000 people including non-Muslim figures in attendance.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
'A fundamental change is required'
'A fundamental change is required' The closing down of an unlicensed educational institution and the prosecution of both its operators and those who obtained diplomas from the institution has given rise to questions regarding the country's education system. The Jakarta Post interviewed residents on what the authorities should do to regain public trust. Ardzuna Sinaga, 27, is an urban designer: It is really absurd that people buy degrees.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fajar Surya to boost output
Fajar Surya to boost output JAKARTA: Publicly listed packaging paper producer PT Fajar Surya Wisesa secured US$72 million in syndicated loans on Monday to finance the construction of a new paper machine to help boost output. The expansion, scheduled for completion by 2006, will raise the company's annual production capacity from 500,000 tons currently to 700,000 tons of packaging paper, according to a media statement.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Demand for office space doubles in CBD
Demand for office space doubles in CBD Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Accelerated economic growth nearly doubled the demand for office space in the Central Business District (CBD) in the first half of the year, making it the highest demand recorded in seven years. Chicago-based property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle said in a report that property owners in the CBD -- locally known as the Golden Triangle, which stretches along Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/3/head
JP/3/head 1. Roy -- 48 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x26) Malang cleric sentenced to two years for 'blasphemy' 2. Polio - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Parents, children roll up for polio vaccination 3. Shopping -- 32 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x32) S'pore women Asia's shopping queens 4. Susul - 36 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x21) Indonesian families travel 18 hours to escape Katrina --- 4. Photo, graphic and ads
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
For Info Briefs: Aug. 31 and Sept.7, 2005
For Info Briefs: Aug. 31 and Sept.7, 2005 MALIK Seminar on Management Effectiveness The Swiss German University is organizing an intensive three- day MALIK seminar on "Management Effectiveness" for managers who wish to become more effective. The seminar will be held at the Financial Club Jakarta at Graha Niaga, 27th Floor, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 58, Jakarta, from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5, 2005.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police to grill wife of top govt official
Police to grill wife of top govt official JAMBI: Hartini, the wife of secretary to Sarolangun regency government Hasan Basri Harun, will soon be questioned by police in connection with a bribery investigation. Sarolangun Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Yatim Suyatno said the police would investigate a claim by construction businessman Mochammad Natsir that he had bribed Hendi Sastra, the chief of the Sarolangun Public Works Office, to award him government projects.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fire safety checks ordered
Fire safety checks ordered Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta How safe are buildings in the city? Only after a firefighter was killed in a fire engulfing Blok M market in South Jakarta on Monday did the Jakarta administration order a check on buildings in the city to ensure they meet fire safety requirements.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Friday, September 2, 2005
TV Today: Friday, September 2, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Hello Kitty 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Koran Recital 1:00 p.m.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Questionable diplomas
Questionable diplomas The disclosure of an additional 19 more unlicensed educational institutes by the police, aside from Institut Manajemen Global Indonesia (IMGI), as reported in The Jakarta Post, Aug. 24, has further startled this nation. The IMGI has, since 1997, issued 9,000 fake diplomas, some to a former vice president, former ministers, a former senior police officer and Muslim clerics.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Abusive mother, lenient sentence I read with horror in The Jakarta Post Monday Aug. 22 edition, page 9, the story of a little girl abused by her mother. Why had the neighbors not reported it sooner? How could they live with themselves knowing of this going on so close by? How irresponsible of these people for not doing something sooner. I pray for this little girl, that she somehow can learn love one day. I hope she never has to return to this woman or this neighborhood again.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Unacceptable school fee increase
Unacceptable school fee increase Hundreds of thousands of high school students nationwide failed their final exams this year. Does this mean young Indonesians are less intelligent, less diligent than students in Singapore? Not at all! I have been supporting several young junior high school and senior high school students here in Karangasem, which is still one of the poorest parts of Bali, for some years so far.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
DHL to build $3m warehouse
DHL to build $3m warehouse JAKARTA: Courier company DHL Danzas Air & Ocean will build a 6,000-square-meter warehouse at the Soewarna Business Park, adjacent to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, in Cengkareng. "We have a positive outlook on Indonesia's economy this year, next year and the years after. We believe the country's economy will grow and we will take the advantage," DHL Danzas Air and Ocean Indonesia Technical Advisor Christoph Remund said on Tuesday.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police play down new terror fear
Police play down new terror fear Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police will not increase their presence in public places over the coming two months amid fears of a resurgence of terror activity in the country. National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Saud Usman Nasution said on Tuesday there would be no extra deployment of officers to guard places that might be targeted by the terrorists such as embassies or public facilities like shopping malls.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Learning from Anita Roddick's body of work
Learning from Anita Roddick's body of work Wimar Witoelar, Jakarta The Body Shop founder and chief executive Anita Roddick is coming to Jakarta soon. There is a lot to learn from this world- class figure who is both a successful businesswoman and a renowned social activist. Perhaps we should consider the relevance of her visit to the nation's current situation. What makes Roddick relevant to Indonesia, specifically to our slowly emerging civil society?
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cleric sentenced to two years for sparking hatred
Cleric sentenced to two years for sparking hatred ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya The Malang District Court handed down a two-year prison sentence for a Muslim cleric who was charged with despoiling Islam, by leading prayers both in Bahasa Indonesia and Arabic. The cleric, Yusman Roy, escaped the main charge, namely that his teachings deviated from Islamic tenets, but was found guilty of the secondary charge, circulating video compact discs (VCD) that sparked public hatred.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
BI rate hike to hamper growth
BI rate hike to hamper growth Zakki P. Hakim and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While an employers' organization welcomed Bank Indonesia's (BI) move to increase its benchmark interest rate, which immediately strengthened the rupiah, it also expressed fears that the move would adversely affect the real sector and the achievement of economic growth targets.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
2,000 islands
2,000 islands to disappear Around 2,000 out of 17,000 islands across Indonesia are at risk of vanishing by 2030 due to global warming, an environmental group has warned. Pelangi, a non-governmental organization, said on Tuesday that changes in the global climate had raised the temperature here by 0.3 degrees Celsius, and would cause an increase in sea levels of between 8 and 29 centimeters over the next 25 years.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Soaring school
Soaring school registration fees From Kompas State and private junior/senior high schools and vocational schools in a town as small as Purwokerto, Central Java, are charging exhorbitant registration fees for the 2005/2006 school year, some even as much as Rp 15 million. School committees, which should serve as consultative bodies mediating between the school authorities and parents, are apparently happy to go along with such policies.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh's local parties
Aceh's local parties From Media Indonesia The protracted conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Republic of Indonesia has finally reached a point of settlement, with GAM at least no longer being obsessed in its fight for independence or a referendum. However, the creation of peace in Aceh by allowing the establishment of local parties needs a critical response as a preventive measure, though there should be no prejudice against GAM's readiness to become part of the unitary state.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Religious dialog needs to remain open: Activist
Religious dialog needs to remain open: Activist Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Public space for debate about religion is important and must be maintained, says Zainah Anwar of the Malaysian organization Sisters in Islam. In Malaysia, she said, "Space for debate has grown, and there is no turning back." The battle of ideas to define what is Islam and what is not, she said, "can only be done ... where there is freedom of speech, freedom of expression and press freedom.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fire burns down Blok M market
Fire burns down Blok M market The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "I hate Mondays." The thought must have crossed the mind of more than 1,500 vendors at the Melawai market in Blok M, South Jakarta, as a fire raged through two four-story buildings that housed their kiosks on Monday. There were no fatalities nor injuries but the vendors claimed to have suffered at least Rp 750 billion in losses as only a few vendors were able to retrieve their belongings.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
McDonald's, Islam have something in common, scholar explains
McDonald's, Islam have something in common, scholar explains Harry Bhaskara, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta What do McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken have in common with Islam and democracy in Indonesia? According to one scholar, there is a link. To cater to local tastes, the fast food chains' Indonesian outlets have added rice and soup to their menus, something that has not happened in most other countries.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Review planned of decree on worship places
Review planned of decree on worship places Blontank Poer and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta/Jakarta Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf says the government has decided to review a controversial ministerial decree issued in 1969 that some Christians claim has stopped them from building churches. The concession comes amid rising criticism toward the government for taking minimal action while Muslim hard-liners forcibly closed down dozens of churches in West Java over the past year.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
BI rate rise gives rupiah new boundce
BI rate rise gives rupiah new boundce The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It would appear that the cavalry have finally arrived to save the rupiah from its seemingly hopeless battle against the U.S. dollar and high oil prices, with the central bank raiding to the rescue with a battery of new monetary policies -- including a much- anticipated interest rate hike.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ex-minister replaces government critic as think-tank head
Ex-minister replaces government critic as think-tank head Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono installed former justice minister Muladi as the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) Governor on Tuesday, replacing Ermaya Suradinata who had been critical of the government's decision to hold peace talks with Aceh rebels.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt issues amnesty to GAM members
Govt issues amnesty to GAM members Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Yuli Tri Suwarni The Jakarta Post/Jakarta/Bandung President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday signed a decree granting amnesty and unconditional release to members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), clearing the way for an immediate release of those now being detained at various prisons across the country. The amnesty is a key component of the peace deal signed by the government and GAM on Aug.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Journalism graduate climbs corporate ladder
Journalism graduate climbs corporate ladder Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Graduating with a degree in journalism in the early 1970s, Noke Kiroyan climbed the corporate ladder, eventually to become the CEO of numerous multinational firms, including the Siemens, Salim and Rio Tinto groups.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
SOE restructuring ooposed
SOE restructuring ooposed Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Hong Kong The government faces a daunting task in its efforts to restructure a number of underperforming state enterprises as a result of widespread opposition from executives desperate to preserve their power and opportunities for personal enrichment. "There is widespread opposition to restructuring in various state enterprises.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Hardline Islam on the march in Indonesia
Hardline Islam on the march in Indonesia Merle Ricklefs The Straits Times Asia News Network/Singapore There has recently been a major upsurge in the ongoing contest between Islamic liberals and conservatives in Indonesia. Its course and current state may help us to judge which way the religious wind is blowing there. The immediate issue has been a group known as the Ahmadiyah.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police to conduct traffic operation
Police to conduct traffic operation JAKARTA: Targeting undisciplined motorcyclists, the Jakarta Police started the second phase of its traffic operations on Tuesday. Police officers will put proper use of helmets under the spotlight and will take stricter action against offenders. "We will do more enforcement instead of just giving warnings," city police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani was quoted as saying by Tempointeraktif.com on Tuesday.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Foreign workers must learn Malay: Report
Foreign workers must learn Malay: Report Foreign workers in Malaysia will have to take a course in Malaysia's language and culture before they are allowed to work in the country, a minister said on Tuesday. From Nov. 1 they must undergo an induction course in the language, culture and religion of multiracial Malaysia, said Human Resources Minister Fong Chan Onn. Only workers from neighboring Indonesia, which speaks the same language, will be exempt.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt to promote e-procurement
Govt to promote e-procurement The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will start to implement e-procurement for procuring goods among its agencies by the end of the year in a bid to promote transparency. "I hope we can finalize the preparations and regulation framework in November. Then, such procurement could be carried out," said Agus Rahardjo, the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas)'s director of financing systems and procedures.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Surakarta palace's conflict cools down
Surakarta palace's conflict cools down Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta Conflict between rival princes in Surakarta's Hadiningrat Palace has started to cool down after the two finally met on Tuesday morning following a clash between their supporters on Monday. The brief meeting at the Dalem Kasentanan, the palace's living room, was held at 3 a.m.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Krismon in slow motion
Krismon in slow motion By the time our readers read this editorial, the government, following its Tuesday night Cabinet meetings, should have announced its latest policy package aimed at rescuing the ailing rupiah. Given the situation that has evolved over the past several weeks, this package will need to be bold and insightful for it to have an immediate impact upon the sinking currency.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
More children skip polio immunization
More children skip polio immunization The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A mother walked her three-year-old daughter to a nearby health center for her third polio vaccination under the national campaign on Tuesday. The first thing that the officer asked her was whether her child was healthy. "If she is sick, we will not vaccinate her today. We will wait until she gets better," said Sadheli, an officer from the Pondok Pinang community health center. "My daughter has a mild flu and cough.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Flower delivery not all sunshine and roses as opium stalks found
Flower delivery not all sunshine and roses as opium stalks found Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The customs and excise office at the Soekarno Hatta International Airport foiled the delivery of 30 stalks of Papaver somniferum, otherwise known as the opium poppy, delivered from the Netherlands along with various other flowers. The delivery was made via a flight on Aug. 23.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Youths take part in exchange program
Youths take part in exchange program BENGKULU: Twenty-four youths from Bengkulu have left for Banten, Maluku and Southeast Sulawesi provinces on an exchange program. The youths will learning about culture and development in the respective host provinces and will share their experience with youths back home, said Fauzan Rahim, acting secretary to the Bengkulu provincial government.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Much still to be done in oil, gas sector: IPA
Much still to be done in oil, gas sector: IPA The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government must work hard to provide legal certainty -- particularly in the area of tax regulations -- if it wants investment in the country's oil and gas sector, which has lately been on a declining trend, to pick up, an industry player says. President of the Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Christopher B.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Intellectual property rights and traditional cultures: A report
Intellectual property rights and traditional cultures: A report from the field Ignatius Haryanto Jakarta In the last month The Jakarta Post published two interesting articles related to the issue of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). First was an article by Mohamad Mova Al'Afghani, a Jakarta-based lawyer and lecturer on Ulema edict on IPR could be misleading (the Post August 9, 2005), and the second was Joseph Stiglitz's article on Intellectual property rights and wrongs, to accommodate whom?
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Cyclists set for Tour d'Indonesia
Cyclists set for Tour d'Indonesia Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fourteen international and 5 domestic cycling teams are set to compete in the 2005 Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia cycling stage race, which will start in Bandung on Sept. 12 and wind up on Bali Sept. 21. The 1,433-km race is split into nine stages: Bandung-Cirebon, Cirebon-Purwokerto, Purwokerto-Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta-Solo, Solo- Madiun, Madiun-Malang, Malang-Jember, Jember-Banyuwangi, Gilimanuk-Denpasar.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ambon bombing suspect dies
Ambon bombing suspect dies JAKARTA: One of four suspects in the recent Ambon market blast died at a police hospital on Tuesday from bullet wounds suffered while trying to evade arrest. National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Saud Usman Nasution said the dead suspect, identified only as Aden, was shot by Maluku Police as they attempted to arrest him on Friday at his house in Ketapang, West Seram Island.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
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Hardline Islam thrives in Indonesia Merle Ricklefs The Straits Times Asia News Network/Singapore There has recently been a major upsurge in the ongoing contest between Islamic liberals and conservatives in Indonesia. Its course and current state may help us to judge which way the religious wind is blowing there. The immediate issue has been a group known as the Ahmadiyah.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
Amnesty for 500 Aceh separatists
Amnesty for 500 Aceh separatists Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bandung President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday signed a decree granting amnesty and unconditional release to members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), clearing the way for an immediate release of those now being detained at various prisons across the country. The amnesty is a key component of the peace deal signed by the government and GAM on Aug.
Wed, 31 Aug 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Madurese boat to take part in Atlantic Challenge race
1. Madurese boat to take part in Atlantic Challenge race Page 5 2. Pooling ideas at petroleum convention and expo Page 13 3. Indonesia on cultural diplomacy offensive Page 19