Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 August 2005

99 articles found

~For Info Brief:

~For Info Brief: Workshop on Piping Stress Analysis Using CAESAR II An exclusive three-day detailed workshop on the research and findings of the latest trends for Piping Stress Analysis Using CAESAR II will be held from Sept. 13 to 15, 2005 at the Savoy Homan Hotel, Bandung. Piping Stress Analysis Using CAESAR II discusses both the theory and application of piping system analysis and design in the processing industry.

Beyond tolerance: Interfaith education and spiritual

Beyond tolerance: Interfaith education and spiritual transformation A. Bagus Laksana Yogyakarta At a time when religious freedom, pluralism and tolerance become problematic for us, world leaders and religious scholars from Europe and Asia in their gathering in Bali recently put yet another huge challenge before us. In their declaration, they propose interfaith education with a view to building better mutual understanding and tolerance between peoples of different faith traditions.

Bumi Serpong Damai revises plans to keep dream on track

Bumi Serpong Damai revises plans to keep dream on track Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After seven years of stagnancy due to the lingering of effects of the 1990s economic crisis, the Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing complex in Tangerang, Banten is now revising its plan to keep its dream of becoming a self-sustaining town on track.

Rupiah Rates Aug.3

Rupiah Rates Aug.3 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,835.85 7,067.12 7,491.24 7,411.50 Brunei dollar 1 6,195.63 5,585.40 5,920.29 5,857.57 Canadian dollar 1 8,429.92 7,604.77 8,059.19 7,975.35 Swiss franc 1 8,011.09 7,228.21 7,658.78 7,580.44 Danish krone 1 1,672.46 1,508.90 1,598.90 1,582.43 Euro 1 12,477.26 11,258.71 11,928.53 11,807.35 Poundsterling 1 18,121.61 16,349.88 17,324.65 17,146.62 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,319.28 1,190.55 1,261.26 1,248.57...

'If only the poor could eat reports'

'If only the poor could eat reports' Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Asian giant China flaunted its progress in poverty alleviation in a report that highlighted the "flawless" collaboration between its government and social elements, self-reliance and coordinated development programs.

checked -- JSR

checked -- JSR Jeihan's black-eyed women back in Jakarta The Jakarta Post Jakarta Expressionist painter Jeihan Sukmantoro opened on Friday his first solo exhibition this year at Soka Gallery, Jakarta, unveiling 60 paintings, of which 30 form his newest collection. Exhibition curator Chandra Johan said that in this exhibition patrons could see Jeihan's evolution. "Jeihan has freed his emotion in portraying the essence of his characters.

India to chair UN-backed ICG

India to chair UN-backed ICG AUSTRALIA: India was chosen on Wednesday to chair an international group tasked with implementing an early warning system for Indian Ocean countries after the December tsunamis killed more than 200,000 people. India was elected to the two-year rotating position at the first meeting of the United Nations-backed Inter-governmental Coordination Group (ICG). Indonesia and Mauritius were elected to vice-chair the group.

~For SPOTLIGHT --- Monday, August 1, 2005

~For SPOTLIGHT --- Monday, August 1, 2005 CHINESE BUSINESS DELEGATION: The World Trade Center Jakarta (WTC) receives a visit from a 7-member business delegation representing seven companies from Shijiazhuang, China. The delegation paid a visit on July 12, 2005, and was organized by the WTC in Shijiazhuang. During their stay in Jakarta, WTC Jakarta arranged business matching gatherings with its members.

Shares end at record high on rise in energy, bank chips

Shares end at record high on rise in energy, bank chips Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended slightly higher on Wednesday as gains in gas and oil producer Medco Energi and bank blue chips drove the main index to a fresh record high, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange's Composite Index added 0.2 percent, or 2.876 points, to 1192.203.

Rupiah to remain under pressure: Minister

Rupiah to remain under pressure: Minister Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As domestic demand for the U.S. dollar remains high amid soaring global oil prices, the government sees a rough road ahead in its efforts and ability to strengthen the rupiah, the chief economics minister has said.

MUI's edict

MUI's edict I very much regret one of the edicts that the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued in its recent national conference, namely the one about Ahmadiyah being a heretical Islamic sect. This edict has caused anarchic acts to be carried out against several institutions owned by Ahmadiyah, such as its campus, mosques and schools. Labeling a particular sect as heretical requires honesty and transparency.

1. Insight -- 1x42

1. Insight -- 1x42 Jeffery Sachs' bumpy road to a world without poverty 2. Papua --- 2x24 to come lateRRRR 3. Cutline -- 1x35 Zheng He celebrations in full swing 4. Munir --- 2x25 Garuda pilot Pollycarpus charged with poisoning Munir 5. Rupiah -- 2x18 Rupiah to remain under pressure, minister says

The people of Nglurah village in Karanganyar regency, Central

The people of Nglurah village in Karanganyar regency, Central Java have been growing flowers and decorative plants for centuries. While many Nglurah people have moved away from the village, they continue to work as flower sellers. Pockets of the Nglurah community can be found across the archipelago and as far as Malaysia. Today, there are 355 families or 2,200 people living in the village.

Industrial estates await supportive regulation

Industrial estates await supportive regulation The Jakarta Post Jakarta Having faced a business climate that has not been conducive since the 1997 monetary crisis, industrial estate developers are anxiously awaiting the government's new regulation in support of their development.

UN official wants to return to school

UN official wants to return to school Hera Diani and Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta If you were an activist dealing with poverty and other problems in developing countries, there would have to be many frustrating things along the way. That is particularly true for UN Assistant Secretary-General Hafiz A. Pasha, who, with almost two decades of experience in public service, has to deal with the same problems over and over.

Locals maintain pressure on Bojong plant

Locals maintain pressure on Bojong plant Theresia Sufa and Dyah Apsari, The Jakarta Post/Bogor/Jakarta Restless residents were still guarding the controversial Bojong waste treatment plant in Bogor, following a clash earlier on Wednesday with riot police who tried to clear the road block on the main road leading to the plant.

Hipmi members to trade at JSX

Hipmi members to trade at JSX The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Association of Young Indonesian Businessmen (Hipmi) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday with the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) management in a move to increase investors in the bourse within the next three years.

Susilo urges region to fight poverty

Susilo urges region to fight poverty Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Asia-Pacific nations, from Japan to Afghanistan and Samoa, should work closely together to reach shared goals such as halving the number of poor people, thus making the region more stable, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday. He was addressing delegates, including ministers from the region's 40 countries at the three-day Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Ex-KPU official named graft suspect

Ex-KPU official named graft suspect The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former secretary-general of the General Elections Commission (KPU) Safder Yusacc was named a suspect on Wednesday in relation to the alleged markup of the cost of election guideline books during last year's polls.

Poso man shot dead

Poso man shot dead while having dinner Restive Poso in Central Sulawesi was again rocked by a shooting incident on Wednesday night in which a man was killed while he was eating his evening meal. A group of unidentified people sprayed bullets into Budianto's house on Jl. Pulau Bali, Gebangrejo, Poso. He was shot in the left temple and died at the scene. His body was taken to the local hospital. The police combed the area after the incident, but they are yet to issue a statement on the incident.

Anwar wins apology, damages for assault

Anwar wins apology, damages for assault Sarah Stewart, Agence France-Presse/Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday won a public apology and undisclosed damages for the beating he suffered at the hands of the then-police chief after his 1998 arrest. In a civil suit which opened in court on Monday, Anwar had demanded an apology and compensation from the government, former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, and former police inspector- general Rahim Noor.

SBY reaches out through interactive discussions

SBY reaches out through interactive discussions Adding to his SMS service, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono engaged in interactive discussion with the people on Wednesday morning for the second time via "President on the Radio", which was broadcast live by El Shinta. Faruq, a civil servant at the Tangerang, Banten, office of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, told the President his take-home pay of Rp 1,256,200 (about US$130) barely covered his needs.

Headings

Headings page 8 1. BOJONG -- 2x24 Residents maintain pressure on Bojong treatment plant 2. SCHOOL -- 2x27 Wait is over as students, schools receive assistance funds 3. BSD -- 1x56 Bumi Serpong Damai revises plans to keep dream on track 4. SPEAK -- 1x27 'Service first, not toll hike'

For Advertorial: Indocement ----- to be published on August 4,

For Advertorial: Indocement ----- to be published on August 4, 2005 Suggested titles: Indocement translates vision of sustainable cement initiative into reality Indocement has strong commitment to sustainable development ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cement is an essential material in today's society.

Delegate, not representative

Delegate, not representative I read your article titled U.S. not for Papua's independence: Juwono on Aug. 3. It was mentioned in the story that Congressman Eni FH Faleomavega is from the Republican Party. Delegate Eni FH Faleomavega is from the Democratic Party and he is only a delegate from Samoa Island. Delegates are rather different from representatives. Delegates have no voting rights, while representatives do.

Corby's last hearing brings in two Aussies

Corby's last hearing brings in two Aussies Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post/Denpasar After hearing testimony on Wednesday from two Brisbane-based employees of Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd., the Denpasar District Court closed the second trial for an Australian woman convicted of smuggling drugs into Bali.

Donggala residents face food shortages after flood

Donggala residents face food shortages after flood Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post/Donggala Over 90,000 residents in three districts in Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi are experiencing a food crisis following a devastating flood that inundated the region on Sunday. The flood damaged rice fields and plantations in Tanambulava, Dolo and Sigi Biromaru districts while irrigation canals from Gumbasa river were ruined, covered by mud and wood carried by the flood.

Suggested titles:

Suggested titles: Indocement translates vision of sustainable cement initiatives into reality Indocement has strong commitment to sustainable development ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cement is an essential material in today's society.

Industrial estates await supportive regulations

Industrial estates await supportive regulations The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Having faced a business climate that has not been conducive since the 1997 monetary crisis, industrial estate developers are anxiously awaiting the government's new regulation in support of their development.

Honoris Hospital responds

Honoris Hospital responds We, O.C. Kaligis and Associates, having the address at Jl. Majapahit Permai 18-20, Kompleks Majapahit Permai Blok B. 122- 123, Central Jakarta, based on the power of attorney, act for and on behalf Honoris Hospital, which is representative by Welly Chandra as a Director, domicile at Honoris Raya, Kav. 6, Kota Modern, Tangerang.

-- Gary

-- Gary ;JP;MSA;CD; ANPAv..r.. Photo-Toshiba Photo caption JP/13/CAP Photo caption JP/Mulkan Salmona 10 MILLION TELEVISIONS: Employees at work on the production line of PT Toshiba Consumer Products Indonesia in the Cikarang Industrial Estate in Bekasi, West Java. The company plans to build a new plant costing US$5 million to increase its television production to 2.2 million units per year and its liquid crystal display and plasma TV production to 200,000 units annually.

2. Papua --- 2x24

2. Papua --- 2x24 Government asks for calm amid debate over Papua

Govt promotes use of coal, gas

Govt promotes use of coal, gas Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta To better manage the country's energy resources and prevent future energy crises, the government is laying out a new energy strategy that prioritizes the use of coal and natural gas for domestic consumption.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.3, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.3, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,980 0 0 Adhi Karya 770 0 839,000 Adira Dinamika 2,750 50 118,500 AGIS Tbk 140 5 250,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 285 30 2,592,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,290 10 1,452,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa...

It is indeed very sad that our country and government

It is indeed very sad that our country and government tolerates fanatical groups of people that dictate their will upon others. I'm talking about the forced closure of the Jamaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) headquarters in Parung, Bogor. The followers of Ahmadiyah have been known for their tolerance to other religions. They have not been involved in any acts of vandalism or mayhem. Now we have read that the regent of Bogor has instructed the closure of the Ahmadiyah center.

Regional compact sought to boost trade to reduce poverty

Regional compact sought to boost trade to reduce poverty The United Nations Development Programme has been coordinating global efforts at the country level in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Jakarta Post's Riyadi Suparno and Hera Diani interviewed Hafiz Pasha, UNDP regional director for the Asia-Pacific, to get his views on ways to scale up efforts to achieve the MDGs.

*Base Money

*Base Money Rates at 11:50 GMT Sources: Dow Jones/Reuters

Combating

Combating taxi crimes From Kompas There have been frequent reports on taxi passengers being robbed or even raped, but so far no concrete action has been taken by the authorities or the taxi companies to prevent the recurrence of such crimes. Apart from material losses, victims of these assaults are also psychologically and mentally harmed. Taxi companies should take great care in recruiting and managing their drivers so that no cabs will be used by unidentified personnel.

Indonesian gals hit the surf

Indonesian gals hit the surf Jenny H.Backstrom, Contributor/Kuta Consider the following commonly known facts about Indonesia: the rather non-extreme activity of badminton is the national sport the country; Indonesian girls commonly aspire to have white skin and thus dread the rays of sun more than hard-core skin bleaching products; and that in either case, "Indonesian girls are not that much into exercising".

checked -- JSR check bold at end

checked -- JSR check bold at end Two 'Idol' finalists gear up for grand final Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Unlike last year, this year's grand finalists in Indonesian Idol caused no controversy because both are perceived to be the best of all 12 finalists, in terms of vocal quality.

AGO recruits regional prosecutors

AGO recruits regional prosecutors JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has recruited prosecutors from the regions to help its special crimes unit investigate major banking cases, such as the alleged lending scam at Bank Mandiri and the misuse of Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) funds. AGO spokesman R.J.

Orphaned due to HIV/AIDS in North Bali village

Orphaned due to HIV/AIDS in North Bali village Anton Muhajir, Contributor/Singaraja Eleven-year-old Gede Edi Suantara was once a happy and healthy boy. His life turned dark and miserable when his beloved mother Kadek Widiasih died a year ago following his father who also died two years ago. Raised by his uncle, Komang Sunetra, the orphaned boy is a depressed teenager. "He was once a very smart boy who often got the top grade in his class.

Indocement

Indocement Photo A: Thanks to cement, an essential material for housing and infrastructure projects, property construction projects can continue. One of them is the construction of the Grand Indonesia Hotel and Apartment project in Jakarta that is now in the first phase. Photo B: Indocement The Cipularang toll road connecting Purwakarta and Padalarang in Bandung, West Java enters its second phase of construction.

'Service first, not toll hike'

'Service first, not toll hike' The government is planning to increase toll road charges by at least 15 percent, ostensibly to reduce the number of cars on the streets and raise money for road maintenance. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their comments about the plan. Yusuf Gala, 30, is a creative group head in an advertising company in Jakarta. He lives in Central Jakarta: I disagree with the plan to increase tolls. You know why?

PBSI to give coaches a language lesson in upgrading skills

PBSI to give coaches a language lesson in upgrading skills Bruce Emond and Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National badminton coaches will no longer be able to mutter a few words of English and expect it to pass muster. The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) is devising a comprehensive plan for coaching standardization, with a major emphasis on improving English-language proficiency so the coaches understand can badminton terminology and communicate.

Govt urged to release all GAM prisoners

Govt urged to release all GAM prisoners Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Human rights activists have urged the government to release all Aceh civilians accused of involvement in the separatist group there after a peace deal is signed later this month. The Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) and human rights watch Imparsial said on Wednesday the government should not exclude the civilians from amnesty, which will be granted as part of the peace agreement.

1. Drug (1x36)

1. Drug (1x36) HIV risk highest among drug users 2. Regent (1x27) Officials to face corruption probes 3. KPU (1x36) Ex-KPU official named graft suspect 4. Amnesty (1x36) Govt urged to release all GAM prisoners 5. PKI (4x12) FPI members stage protest during PKI court session

Police seek PT DI executive

Police seek PT DI executive BANDUNG: A special team has been deployed by Bandung Police to hunt down PT Dirgantara Indonesia president director Edwin Sudarmo who was sentenced to two months in prison for violating a manpower law on dismissing workers. Chief of Bandung Police, Sr. Comr. Edmon Ilyas said on Wednesday that the police were assisting the prosecutor's office in arresting Edwin whose whereabouts was unknown following the verdict in January this year.

Language lesson planned for tongue-tied coaches

Language lesson planned for tongue-tied coaches Bruce Emond and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National badminton coaches will no longer be able to mutter a few words of English and expect it to pass muster. The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) is devising a comprehensive plan for coaching standardization, with a major emphasis on improving English-language proficiency so the coaches can understand badminton terminology and communicate.

TV Today: Friday, August 5, 2005

TV Today: Friday, August 5, 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 9:30 Religious Teachings 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Koran Recital 1:00 p.m.

Flora, fauna expo to open on Friday

Flora, fauna expo to open on Friday JAKARTA: The city administration will hold an exhibition of Jakarta's flora and fauna from Aug. 5 to Aug. 29. The "Flona Jakarta 2005" exhibition will feature 561 individual and 23 institutional participants, who will display a range of agricultural, gardening and farming products. Among the additional attractions will be the Ragunan Zoo snake demonstration and traditional art performances.

New Javanese language magazine launched against all odds

New Javanese language magazine launched against all odds JP/18/JAVA checked -- JSR New Javanese language magazine launched against all odds M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The difficulty in tracking down suitably qualified journalists was indicative of the tough operating environment in which a new Jakarta-based Javanese-language magazine has found itself.

Aspac vows to exact revenge on SM

Aspac vows to exact revenge on SM Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta HP Aspac warns that the upcoming A Mild Indonesian Basketball League championship final will be payback time against defending champion Satria Muda. "Our players are very ready for the final, and if everything goes well, we will defeat Satria Muda 2-0," HP Aspac manager Irawan Haryono told a press conference on Wednesday.

Qomar to run for regent under PKB

Qomar to run for regent under PKB INDRAMAYU, West Java: After failing to be nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, comedian-cum-legislator Nurul Qomar still plans to run in the election of Indramayu regent, this time under the National Awakening Party (PKB). According to chairman of the Indramayu Election Committee, Kurdi Sutisna, Qomar had submitted the registration form to take part in the election on Monday, the last registration day.

Combating taxi crimes

Combating taxi crimes From Kompas There have been frequent reports on taxi passengers being robbed or even raped, but so far no concrete action has been taken by the authorities or the taxi companies to prevent the recurrence of such crimes. Apart from material losses, victims of these assaults are also psychologically and mentally harmed. Taxi companies should take great care in recruiting and managing their drivers so that no cabs will be used by unidentified personnel.

Telkom eyes international market for expansion

Telkom eyes international market for expansion The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's largest telecommunications company, PT Telkom, is considering an expansion of its business to the international market. Telkom chief executive officer Arwin Rasyid said as his company's market capitalization was one of the highest in the region, making it worthwhile to consider elevating its market value by exposing itself to a bigger market.

U.S. helps secure Strait of Malacca

U.S. helps secure Strait of Malacca Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta As part of its campaign against terrorism, the United States said on Wednesday it was committed to providing assistance for the littoral states responsible for guarding the crucial Strait of Malacca, but stressed that the offer was contingent on the sovereign decisions of the countries. "The United States is interested in seeing how we might be able to contribute to supporting this very important effort," the U.S.

checked --JSR

checked --JSR Stoical and reserved Kalpataru laureate Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/West Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara On a barren hill a kilometer from Katrina Koni Kii's modest wooden house a new path has appeared, formed by pairs of feet stepping on the high grass during the two months since the widow won the Kalpataru environment award in June. Her remote house up on a hill in the remote village of Malimada, Wejewa Utara, West Sumba, was rarely visited, even by neighbors.

Selected indicators of the poorest countries in Asia amd the Pacific

Selected indicators of the poorest countries in Asia amd the Pacific ----------------------------------------------------------------- Projected for 2006 2010 2015 ----------------------------------------------------------------- (in 2003 Total Per Total Per Total Per US$ billions) capita capita capita ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total MDG investment needs 20.7 76 31.0 104 47.3 145 Financing sources: Household contributions 2.3 8 3.2 11 4.8 15 Government...

JP/3/REPORT

JP/3/REPORT UN pushes for debt relief for poor Asia Pacific Ivy Susanti and Anissa S. Febrina The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The world's poorest nations need debt relief -- not only those in Africa but also 14 of the least developed countries (LDCs) in the Asia Pacific, a report by the United Nations said. The report was released here on Wednesday at the opening of a regional meeting reviewing the progress of the eight goals agreed on at the UN five years ago.

Regional compact sought to boost trade to reduce poverty

Regional compact sought to boost trade to reduce poverty The United Nations Development Programme has been coordinating global efforts at the country level in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Jakarta Post's Riyadi Suparno and Hera Diani interviewed Hafiz Pasha, UNDP regional director for the Asia-Pacific, to get his views on ways to scale up efforts to achieve the MDGs.

RI sailor charged with killing mate

RI sailor charged with killing mate SINGAPORE: An Indonesian sailor has been charged with killing a fellow crew member aboard a trawler berthed in Singapore, news reports said on Wednesday. Tan Ho Tjuan, 53, allegedly murdered fellow countryman Tisna, 47, who was also working aboard the vessel, according to The Straits Times. The court on Tuesday scheduled Tan's next appearance for Aug. 8. Tisna was found dead on Sunday lying on the deck with lacerations to the back of his head.

Government responses to infectious disease outbreaks

Government responses to infectious disease outbreaks While the central government's moves in dealing with the first human deaths from avian influenza (bird flu) wins appreciation from many, including the World Health Organization (WHO), many have expressed concern over the way that local governments are dealing with the matter.

Temasek reduces share in SMRT

Temasek reduces share in SMRT SINGAPORE: State-linked investment company Temasek Holdings said on Wednesday it had reduced its shareholdings in Singapore's leading transport operator SMRT Corp. Ltd. from 62.1 to 54.8 percent. Temasek raised S$122 million (US$73 million) from the placement late on Tuesday of 110 million ordinary shares of SMRT to institutional investors at S$1.11 each, lower than the closing price of S$1.16.

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 42

1. DISCOURSE: 1 x 42 'We have not seriously addressed bird flu outbreak' 2. REPORT: 3 X 18 UN pushes for debt relief for poor Asia Pacific 3. SBY: 1 X 32 Susilo urges region to fight poverty 4. FINANCE: 1 X 42 Funds for debt could be better used: UN officials

Regional elections a waste?

Regional elections a waste? From Kompas There have been reports about the rejection of the results in many of the regional elections marked by mobs ravaging public offices. As a layman, I feel disturbed by these incidents. The cost of repair following such destruction will be taken from the state treasury or regional budgets, which really need the money to construct public facilities or support poor people.

Govt collects Rp2.68t from Danamon sale

Govt collects Rp2.68t from Danamon sale The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government raised Rp 2.68 trillion (about US$274 million) on Wednesday from the sale of its remaining 10.5 percent stake in Bank Danamon, the country's fifth largest lender by assets. Using a market placement mechanism, the offering was 1.36 times oversubscribed, said M.

Zheng He celebrations in full swing

Zheng He celebrations in full swing JP/Suherdjoko With the rhythmical beats of a drum, Minister of Trade Mari E. Pangestu (third left) opened the celebrations marking the 600th anniversary of Admiral Zheng He's epic voyage in Semarang.

Muslim hard-liners protest outside a Jakarta court hearing a case

Muslim hard-liners protest outside a Jakarta court hearing a case filed by ex-political detainees. Page 4 Another bloody day in Iraq: 14 U.S. marines killed Page 12 More and more Indonesian girls, stigmatized as unadventurous, flock to Bali to hit the surf Page 18

Surabaya hotels offer special packages

Surabaya hotels offer special packages SURABAYS: To raise the level of their occupancy rate, several hotels in Surabaya have improved services to their guests, among other things, by offering them a special package. Garden Palace Hotel at Jl. Yos Sudarso 11, Surabaya, for example, has introduced its Garden Executive Membership (GEM), a card that will allow the owner to enjoy a variety of facilities such as a 25 percent discount every day on dining, accommodation and banquet facilities.

Makassar feel the pinch of routine blackouts

Makassar feel the pinch of routine blackouts Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar As electricity blackouts become increasingly routine, residents of Makassar have had their lives and businesses disrupted. Wati, a dressmaker who runs a small business in Jalan Kumala in Makassar, relied on electricity to operate her four sewing machines. "When the blackouts take place during the day we can still work manually. But if it's at night there's not much we can do," she said on Tuesday.

FPI members stage protest during PKI court session

FPI members stage protest during PKI court session Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Some 50 members of hard-line Muslim groups gathered outside the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday, while dozens of others clad in white robes packed a courtroom on the second floor. "We urge the judges not to bow to the demands of these people who used to butcher Muslims but now ask for justice. Where's the logic?" said Eka Jaya, claiming to be a representative of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

HIV risk highest among drug users

HIV risk highest among drug users The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When police caught her daughter sharing a syringe with five school mates in a drug bust eight years ago, Gita, 53, not her real name, did not realize that her daughter was at risk of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Forbidding pluralism and tolerance

Forbidding pluralism and tolerance Edwin Arifin, Jakarta Pluralism has been formally forbidden, according to one of the Indonesian Ulema Council's (MUI) most recent fatwa. Let us, however, take the MUI genie out of the bottle: What form of pluralism, exactly, is meant by the edict? Pluralism isn't simply an appreciation of diversity but rather an active engagement between different religions.

Some good news on the millenium goals front

Some good news on the millenium goals front Ivy Susanti and Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta It's not all bad news on the "millennium goals" front. There has also been progress, albeit far from enough, a new report from the United Nations says. There are fewer underweight children in the Asia Pacific, with a decline from 35 percent to 31 percent, the report on the poorest countries in the region said.

Garuda pilot Pollycarpus charged with poisoning Munir

Garuda pilot Pollycarpus charged with poisoning Munir Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A key suspect in the murder of Munir has been charged with conspiring with two fellow Garuda Indonesia employees to poison the human rights campaigner last year, the indictment says.

checked --JSR

checked --JSR Jakarta opens Manu flagship outlet Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Targeting millions of Red Devils fans in Indonesia, Manchester United Food and Beverage (Asia) Pte Ltd (MUFB) opened on Friday a restaurant, bar and merchandise outlet on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. "Indonesia is a very important market, offering us many growth opportunities.

WB to publish bulletin in Aceh

WB to publish bulletin in Aceh JAKARTA: The World Bank will publish a bulletin in Aceh that will carry stories about reconstruction work and humanitarian stories in the province. The bank said that the bi-weekly journal, called Ceureumen (a local word meaning mirror), will appear every Saturday as a supplement in the local Serambi Indonesia daily. The first issue will be published on Aug. 6.

The untold story of Ahmadiyah and religious authoritarianism

The untold story of Ahmadiyah and religious authoritarianism Ahmad Fuad Fanani and Alpha Amirrachman Religious violence seems often to have been triggered by differing ideological interpretations of texts. The danger is that when one group emotionally attacks another often the substance of the interpretation problems become blurred as blind stereotyping overwhelms a rational way of thinking.

JP/19/KIDS

JP/19/KIDS Street kids document their own lives on film Slamet Susanto The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta The lives of street urchins inspired Garin Nugroho to make Leaf on a Pillow, a film that is quite popular in Japan. In the film, Garin depicts graphically how street children at Tugu station, Yogyakarta, became acquainted with sex and sniffed glue to get high. Also, inspired by street urchins' lives, a TV station has produced a film titled Rumah Kardus (Cardboard House).

It is indeed very sad that our country and government

It is indeed very sad that our country and government tolerates fanatical groups of people that dictate their will upon others. I'm talking about the forced closure of the Jamaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) headquarters in Parung, Bogor. The followers of Ahmadiyah have been known for their tolerance to other religions. They have not been involved in any acts of vandalism or mayhem. Now we have read that the regent of Bogor has instructed the closure of the Ahmadiyah center.

Funds for debt could be better used: UN officials

Funds for debt could be better used: UN officials The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With a third of the Asia Pacific countries at risk of still seeing children die before their fifth birthday due to a lack of funds, ministers of 40 nations agreed here on Wednesday that unconditional debt relief, aid and trade were key issues.

The policemen's bank accounts

The policemen's bank accounts Last week's disclosure of indications of money laundering involving hundreds of billions of rupiah related to the personal accounts of 15 police officers is the biggest test yet of the leadership and integrity of new National Police chief Gen. Sutanto. The public has long perceived the police as the most corrupt of public institutions, along with the tax and customs services, and this has been confirmed numerous times in opinion polls and surveys.

Illegal levies? report it to the President

Illegal levies? report it to the President Adding to his SMS service, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono engaged in interactive discussion with the people on Wednesday morning via "President on the Radio", which was broadcast live by El Shinta. Faruq, a civil servant at the Tangerang, Banten, office of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, told the President his take-home pay of Rp 1,256,200 (about US$130) barely covered his needs.

Hong Kong-Jakarta from Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong-Jakarta from Cathay Pacific HONG KONG: Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific has added a second daily non-stop flight to Jakarta, the carrier said on Wednesday, replacing a one-stop service via Singapore. Deploying an Airbus 330-300, flight CX719 will depart Hong Kong each afternoon from Nov. 1. -- AFP

Combating

Combating taxi crimes From Kompas There have been frequent reports on taxi passengers being robbed or even raped, but so far no concrete action has been taken by the authorities or the taxi companies to prevent the recurrence of such crimes. Apart from material losses, victims of these assaults are also psychologically and mentally harmed. Taxi companies should take great care in recruiting and managing their drivers so that no cabs will be used by unidentified personnel.

PLN to increase power charges for industry

PLN to increase power charges for industry Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State power firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) will raise electricity charges for industrial users during peak hours and will impose penalties for over-quota power usage starting September, raising concerns of higher costs in the industrial sector. PLN will raise the multiplier used between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

checked -- JSR check bold at end

checked -- JSR check bold at end Two 'Idol' contestants gear up for grand final Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Unlike last year, this year's grand finalists in Indonesian Idol caused no controversy because both are perceived to be the best of all 12 finalists, in terms of vocal quality.

Embassy powerless over sex workers

Embassy powerless over sex workers Fadli, The Jakarta Post/Batam Amid rising concern over the increasing number of Indonesian women working as sex workers in neighboring Singapore, a government official said not much could be done about it. Indonesian ambassador to Singapore, Moch. Slamet Hidayat, told The Jakarta Post that his office faced problems in preventing the women from working on the streets. "It gives us a headache thinking about Indonesian women who work as prostitutes in Singapore.

Students warm to the stars

Students warm to the stars I Wayan Juniartha, Denpasar, Bali Hariningsih closed her right eye and focused the left one on the eyepiece of the Meade star telescope. Her friend watched attentively while the 17-year-old high school student tried to get a better look at the Sun. The telescope was equipped with a special filter for viewing the Sun. A few second later she gasped in amazement. "Wow, now I know what the Sun looks like.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, August 4, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, August 4, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * The New Video and The New Paintings by Filippo Sciascia, at at Gaya Gallery Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252 or 979253, www.filipposciascia.it), until Aug. 16. * Sculpture Dua Titik-titik Api, at Griya Santrian Gallery, Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 47, Sanur, until Aug. 13 Performances * Live Music featuring Buena Tierra, Latin Accoustic Plug, at Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel.

More trade and investment will lead to poverty reduction

More trade and investment will lead to poverty reduction The UN Millennium Project has filed a report titled Investment in Development: A practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Jakarta Post's Riyadi Suparno and Zakki P. Hakim interviewed Mari Pangestu, the project's coordinator for the Task Force on Poverty and Development, and also Indonesia's trade minister, to get her views on the importance of development and trade in achieving the MDGs.

Interfaith education and spiritual transformation

Interfaith education and spiritual transformation A. Bagus Laksana, Yogyakarta At a time when religious freedom, pluralism and tolerance become problematic for us, world leaders and religious scholars from Europe and Asia in their gathering in Bali recently put yet another huge challenge before us. In their declaration, they propose interfaith education with a view to building better mutual understanding and tolerance between peoples of different faith traditions.

Wait is over as students, schools receive assistance fund

Wait is over as students, schools receive assistance fund Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After a six months' wait following the central government's decision to cut the fuel subsidy in early March and to divert the funds for education and health services, poor families in the capital will soon enjoy a little relief. The government finally disbursed some of the fund earmarked to help provide education for students from economically disadvantaged families.

Council protests supermarket project

Council protests supermarket project BEKASI: Bekasi City Council speaker Rahmat Efendy said on Wednesday the council had demanded that Mayor Akhmad Zurfaih immediately suspend the development of a Makro & Carry supermarket in Margajaya. The council reportedly objected because no environmental impact assessment was performed for the project. Rahmat added that the supermarket was also being built on disputed land. "The mayor backed the project by issuing a recommendation letter.

Seven govt officials to face corruption probes

Seven govt officials to face corruption probes The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has endorsed a request from the police and prosecutors to question seven more top regional administration officials in relation to separate corruption cases.

1. Bagus -- Beyond tolerance: Interfaith education and spiritual

1. Bagus -- Beyond tolerance: Interfaith education and spiritual 2 x 23 Interfaith education and spiritual transformation A. Bagus Laksana Yogyakarta 2. Edwin -- (For)bidding pluralism 1 x 30 Forbidding pluralism and tolerance Edwin Arifin Jakarta

Regional elections a waste?

Regional elections a waste? From Kompas There have been reports about the rejection of the results in many of the regional elections marked by mobs ravaging public offices. As a layman, I feel disturbed by these incidents. The cost of repair following such destruction will be taken from the state treasury or regional budgets, which really need the money to construct public facilities or support poor people.

Government asks for calm amid debate over Papua

Government asks for calm amid debate over Papua The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an apparent attempt to calm the public, the government says it will refrain from paying too much attention to a move to question Indonesia's sovereignty over Papua. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono though put the Papuan issue among those he consulted defense minister Juwono Sudarsono and Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto over on Wednesday.