Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 August 2005

100 articles found

Thailand may join Malacca Strait patrols

Thailand may join Malacca Strait patrolsTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe three littoral states -- Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore -- planned to invite Thailand to participate in the joint patrol to secure the Strait of Malacca, recognizing that more "eyes" are required to guard the...

Plant business in Medan struggling

Plant business in Medan strugglingDisappointment was evident in Anita Hutasoit's face. It was already 4 p.m. but none of her plants had sold.Then, just as she was about to pack up for the day, a sedan traveling from Brastagi, Karo regency to Medan, stopped right in front of her kiosk in Sibolangit...

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

For Advertorial: Indocement ----- to be published on August 4, 2005Suggested titles:Indocement translates vision of sustainable cement initiative into reality Indocement has strong commitment to sustainable development...

SUPERBRANDS AWARD: Panorama Tours and 25 other Indonesian

SUPERBRANDS AWARD: Panorama Tours and 25 other Indonesian companies recently received Superbrands awards from the London- based Superbrands International for their distinguished achievements in their brand-building efforts.

JP/xx/PLURAL

JP/xx/PLURALSpicy distinctions in a Betawi-Palembang marriageEmmy Fitri The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Of all the cross-cultural marriages that are possible, one would think that a couple from Java and Sumatra would have the least difficulty in adjusting to each other.

Rupiah ends lower on Astra, Telkom sell-off

Rupiah ends lower on Astra, Telkom sell-offDow Jones/Jakarta The Indonesian rupiah closed down on Monday as corporate dollar demand outweighed offshore investor rupiah purchases, dealers said.The dollar closed at Rp 9,820 compared with Rp 9,738 on Friday.

Protest heat up over Depok poll

Protest heat up over Depok pollAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaTempers flared on Monday against the West Java High Court's ruling annulling the victory of Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) candidate Nur Mahmudi Ismail in the Depok mayoral election despite calls for peaceful protests.

JP/18/RAFT2A

JP/18/RAFT2ARafting operators offer wide range of outdoor attractionsHigh demand for white-water rafting activities has made rafting operators ubiquitous across the country. Amalia Yunita, the director of PT Lintas Jeram Nusantara, said there were now dozens across the country, with the highest...

JP/20/BUSSAU

JP/20/BUSSAUEmpowering the poor through entrepreneurshipHeather Waugh Contributor/JakartaDavid Bussau concedes it is difficult to explain the concept of "social entrepreneurship", or even that it is something you have decide to dedicate your life to.

Police begin raids for illegal guns

Police begin raids for illegal gunsEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe National Police announced on Monday a new operation to seize illegal firearms and review civilian gun licenses in order to reduce crime across the country.National Police spokesman Insp. Gen.

Lead concentration high above Serpong research center

Lead concentration high above Serpong research centerThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe concentration of lead in the air around Serpong's Research and Technology Center (Puspitek) as well as in the blood of elementary school students in the area exceeds the tolerable level, studies say.

'Rapai pase' promotes peace in Aceh

'Rapai pase' promotes peace in AcehNani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehAs musicians toured several cities in Aceh to promote peace during the two-day Rapai Pase festival, Idrus recalled a time 10 years ago when he used to enjoy playing his rapai drum.

Independence fighter

Independence fighter rushed to hospitalA week before the 60th independence anniversary, independence fighter Surastri Karma Trimurti was admitted to Cikini Hospital in Central Jakarta on Monday for an unknown illness.

More Indonesians seek work in Taiwan

More Indonesians seek work in TaiwanVeeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAfter a gap of three years, the number of Indonesian people visiting the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) in Jakarta for visa purposes has jumped significantly, a Taiwanese official said in Jakarta.

'Dialogue needed to solve edict polemic'

'Dialogue needed to solve edict polemic'The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a number of edicts last week banning pluralism and liberalism, and they included a ban on Muslims attending prayer sessions led by non-Muslims.

PLN to share its nature gas allotment: Minister

PLN to share its nature gas allotment: MinisterZakki P. Hakim and Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaState power company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has agreed to allow some of its allotted amount of natural gas to be redistributed to other large manufacturers, especially those affected...

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Ulema edict on IPR could be misleading Mohamad Mova Al 'Afghani Jakarta2. Erita -- Eco-industrial development for Aceh 1 x 30 Eco-industrial development for Aceh Erita Narhetali Jakarta

Experts urge review of Depok ruling

Experts urge review of Depok rulingHera Diani and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/BandungThe Supreme Court should review the ruling of the West Java High Court on the Depok electoral dispute amid growing protests and questions over the controversial verdict.

1. KPU: 3 X 15

1. KPU: 3 X 15 Poll commission chief charged with corruption 2. PILKADA 1 X 32 Experts urge review of Depok ruling 3. EXXON: 1 X 36 Pertamina fights for control of Cepu 4. RAPAI: 1 X 36 'Rapai pase' promotes peace in Aceh 5. CUTLINE 1 X 27 India, RI to boost trade to $10b

For Marketing Perspective -- Aug. 9, 2005

For Marketing Perspective -- Aug. 9, 2005 ;JP;CD; ANPAd..r.. Cellular-competition-market Competition in premium market getting tightBurhanuddin Abe Contributor/Jakarta The melody of Ryuichi Sakamoto's music softly reverberates in a cafe, prompting a patron to lift his cellular phone and start a...

Revisiting fuel-conservation

Revisiting fuel-conservation The market pricing mechanism and fiscal measures the government, state oil company Pertamina and State Electricity Company (PLN) have and will implement will help encourage fuel efficiency, cut fuel and electricity consumption and consequently government spending on the...

Malaysia spells out vision for ASEAN

Malaysia spells out vision for ASEAN MALAYSIA: Malaysia, the new chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has spelled out its vision for the 10- nation bloc including new defense initiatives and a more proactive role on the world stage.

Soybean import policy reviewed

Soybean import policy reviewedRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe government and state commodity regulator PT Bulog will revise the current import policy for soybeans as part of an effort to protect local farmers and open ways for becoming self-sufficient in producing the commodity.

Coca-Cola Amatil may be planning Asian rethink, ABN Amro says

Coca-Cola Amatil may be planning Asian rethink, ABN Amro saysDow Jones/Sydney Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. could announce changes to its struggling Indonesia and South Korea Coke bottling operations when it releases its first half profit result this week, investment bank ABN Amro said on Monday.

Fictitious projects funded in Medan

Fictitious projects funded in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra provincial councillors urged the administration on Monday to investigate fictitious projects worth of billions of rupiah in regencies and mayoralties the funds for which came from the province's budget.

[b]The Free Papua Movement (OPM) the Free Aceh Movement (GAM)

The Free Papua Movement (OPM) the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) persistently send information through their supporters in the U.S.

Fasten your seat belts

Fasten your seat beltsAllow me to complain about the discomfort and security in a Lion Air flight from Makassar-Denpasar on board JT 0741 on July 10 (flight time at 9:53 Central Indonesia Standard Time). My ticket was No. 99077718672681 and my seat was No. 37 E.

Mainland China's state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp.

Mainland China's state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) threw in the towel this week in its bidding war with Chevron for Unocal, the ninth largest American oil company.It's not because Chevron was the higher bidder. In fact, CNOOC's US$18.5 billion offer for Unocal was much higher.

Reimbursement of junket funds

Reimbursement of junket funds The hurly-burly of the recent study tour or work visit to Bali by members of the House of Representatives stunned the general public, as their earlier overseas "comparative" study drama was still in the people's mind.

Four years sought for councillors

Four years sought for councillors SURAKARTA, Central Java: Prosecutors recommended a four-year prison sentence for 10 Surakarta city councillors serving the 1999-2004 term in a Rp 4.2 billion graft case on Monday.Prosecutor Ponco Hartanto found them guilty of violating Law No.

'Rapai pase' promotes peace in Aceh

'Rapai pase' promotes peace in AcehNani Afrida The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh As musicians toured several cities in Aceh to promote peace during the two-day Rapai Pase festival, Idrus recalled a time 10 years ago when he used to enjoy playing his rapai drum.

Pertamina fights for control of Cepu

Pertamina fights for control of CepuLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaState oil and gas firm PT Pertamina wants to replace ExxonMobil as the operator of the as yet untapped oil-rich Cepu block and is now requesting a bigger split of the output due to its exclusive right as a state company.

Health service for the poor

Health service for the poorFrom Bisnis IndonesiaThe parents of a premature and ailing baby recently had to spend 11 hours seeking medical treatment in five hospitals before finally being admitted in Harapan Bunda Hospital.

S'porean accused of raping wife's niece

S'porean accused of raping wife's niece JAKARTA: Singaporean Max Don, the husband of popular singer Imaniar, is to be reported to the police on Thursday for allegedly raping his wife's niece, identified as Ani.

Aceh-Negotiations-Farid

Aceh-Negotiations-Farid JP/20/FARIDA crucial element in the Aceh peace talksAboeprijadi Santoso Contributor/Helsinki The peace deal to be signed next week by the Indonesian government and the Acehnese rebel Free Aceh Movement GAM found its origins in painstaking lobbying initiated by then...

Asia debt market: Excelcomindo bond looks more remote

Asia debt market: Excelcomindo bond looks more remote Dow Jones SingaporeA new U.S. dollar bond this year from unlisted PT Excelcomindo now looks a little more remote after the Indonesian telecommunications firm once again altered the consent solicitation on its existing 2009 notes.

Ulema edict on IPR could be misleading

Ulema edict on IPR could be misleadingMohamad Mova Al 'Afghani, Jakarta One important matter contained within fatwas (edicts) recently issued Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) is the judgment that Intellectual Property (IP) violations are haram.

Uncertainty forces oil prices to record high

Uncertainty forces oil prices to record highPerrine Faye, Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices on Monday struck record high points close to US$63 on supply concerns, as an unspecified threat caused the United States to shut its embassy in Saudi Arabia -- the world's biggest exporter of crude.

BTN to sell Rp 100b of Islamic bonds

BTN to sell Rp 100b of Islamic bonds JAKARTA: PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN), a state-owned lender, plans to sell this year Rp 100 billion (US$10.2 million) of bonds that comply with the requirements of Islamic law.

The price of oil hit a record US$63 a barrel in New York on

The price of oil hit a record US$63 a barrel in New York on Monday -- pushed up by fears about security in the Middle East -- before falling back slightly. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in September, was up $1.14 to $63.45 at 9:20 p.m.

RI may export more palm oil to India

RI may export more palm oil to IndiaKartik Goyal and Pratik Parija, Bloomberg/New DelhiIndonesia, the world's second-biggest exporter of palm oil, may this year ship 11 percent more of the edible oil to India, whose oilseed production is expected to lag last year's levels after a delayed start to...

Daily power demand down

Daily power demand downThe Jakarta Post, JakartaState power firm PT PLN has managed to reduce electricity demand by some 500 megawatts (MW) each day through its recent power conservation campaign, but is aiming for a bigger reduction in demand following its plan to raise electricity charges next...

PBR leaders bury hatchet

PBR leaders bury hatchet JAKARTA: The internal dispute within the Reform Star Party (PBR) has ended after rival leaders Zainuddin MZ and Zaenal Ma'arif agreed to reconcile and form a new board of executives approved by the two camps.

Rupiah Rates Aug.9

Rupiah Rates Aug.9 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,845.08 7,075.45 7,500.06 7,420.24 Brunei dollar 1 6,196.75 5,589.11 5,924.23 5,861.47 Canadian dollar 1 8,429.92 7,604.77 8,059.19 7,975.35 Swiss franc 1 8,108.64 7,315.05 7,752.04 7,671.

Calang residents enjoy shrimp harvest

Calang residents enjoy shrimp harvestNani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Aceh JayaDevastated by the tsunami, residents living on the Aceh coast in the district of Calang, Aceh Jaya regency have started to breathe more easily.

Institute told to stop violence

Institute told to stop violenceYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Sumedang, West JavaFed up with rampant use of violence in the state-run Public Administration Institute (IPDN) in Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has demanded an end to the practice.

Korean man commits suicide

Korean man commits suicideMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, TangerangA South Korean businessman identified as Park Young Jin, 53, committed suicide on Friday by hanging himself with electric cable from his office ceiling.The body of Jin, director of PT Golden Glass located on Jl.

Eco-industrial development for Aceh

Eco-industrial development for AcehErita Narhetali, Jakarta Several initiatives have been declared to implement sustainable development in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of post-tsunami Aceh, including to the plan to design Aceh as a green province with 40 percent of its area to be protected...

Shares end lower from Astra, Telkom sales

Shares end lower from Astra, Telkom salesDow Jones/JakartaIndonesian shares ended lower on Monday led by further selling in automotive company Astra International and bellwether Telekomunikasi Indonesia, dealers said.

House still split over Aceh peace deal

House still split over Aceh peace dealThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The leaders of the House of Representatives are divided on whether or not the body's official seal of approval is needed for the peace agreement between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to become legally effective.

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.

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.

Police move to sweep off streets

Police move to sweep off streetsEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAlthough less than a month in office, National Police Chief Gen. Sutanto is continuing to take populist measures designed to make a difference.

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;JP; ANPAa..r.. Terror-sulawesi-policeJP/1/HourPolice arrest Poso terror suspectAfter more than two years of searching, the Central Sulawesi Police have finally arrested a man wanted for his alleged role in a series of terror activities in the province's Poso regency and in Palu, the capital of...

JP/ /KELING

JP/ /KELINGKampung Keling -- economic symbiosis in Medan's Chinese-Indian enclaveApriadi Gunawan The Jakarta Post/MedanMedan, North Sumatra, is known for its sharp racial distinctions between native Batak, Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups.

Rupiah down on corporate demand

Rupiah down on corporate demandDow Jones/JakartaThe Indonesian rupiah closed down on Monday as corporate dollar demand outweighed offshore investor rupiah purchases, dealers said in Jakarta.The dollar closed at Rp 9,820 compared with Rp 9,738 on Friday.

40,000 Jakarta nightclub workers facing layoffs

40,000 Jakarta nightclub workers facing layoffsDamar Harsanto and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWorkers in the entertainment industry are paying dearly for the current police campaign against drugs in cafes and amusement centers across the capital.

India, Indonesia explore accord to boost trade to 10 billion dollars

India, Indonesia explore accord to boost trade to 10 billion dollars India and Indonesia are exploring the possibility of an accord that would boost bilateral trade threefold to 10 billion dollars by 2010, visiting Indonesian Trade Minister Marie Elka Pangestu (left in photo) said Monday.

Dengue cases keep on rising in Jakarta

Dengue cases keep on rising in JakartaAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWhile the city administration has not declared the current dengue outbreak to be an emergency, the number of dengue cases has continued to increase and have so far claimed 57 lives, mostly children, since January.

Top firms get poor marks on environment

Top firms get poor marks on environmentThe Jakarta Post, JakartaA number of multinational firms including the domestic subsidiaries of oil and gas firms Conocophillips, Caltex, Unocal, Total E&P and pharmaceutical firms Bayer and Pfizer got red labels for poor performance in environmental...

JP/18/Raft1A

JP/18/Raft1ARafting can be dangerous, but funEven though rafting has been present in Indonesia since the 1970s, not many people have delved into this sport. The high risk and expense involved are just two factors that mean it not as popular as other outdoor activities.

Skilled diplomacy needed to resolve Papua issue

Skilled diplomacy needed to resolve Papua issueCecep Effendi, Jakarta Former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives the late Tip O'Neal could have given a little advice to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono when he said that all politics is local.

ExxonMobile wants to sell shares in A Block: Minister

ExxonMobile wants to sell shares in A Block: MinisterLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, JakartaU.S. energy giant ExxonMobil plans to sell its shares in gas-rich A Block in Lhokseumawe, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, according to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

Poll commission chief charged with corruption

Poll commission chief charged with corruptionMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, JakartaGeneral Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin sat in the dock on Monday as prosecutors of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) indicted him for graft worth over Rp 14 billion...

Susilo asks the public to work with ASEAN

Susilo asks the public to work with ASEANIvy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, JakartaPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged the general public on Monday to take part in the decision-making process of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Committed to 'Uang'

Committed to 'Uang' In response to Hazim Suhadi's letter regarding Telcom's overpriced service in the broadband sector (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 6), this overpricing also relates to local, long distance and international calls.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.9, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.9, 2005 ____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading volume ____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk...

Sam Poo Kong temple to become Central Java provincial icon

Sam Poo Kong temple to become Central Java provincial iconSuherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, SemarangAs Semarang celebrates the 600th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese explorer Zheng He in the city, Central Java Governor Mardiyanto has promised to make Zheng He's legacy, the Sam Poo Kong temple, the...

Many fish die of asphyxiation

Many fish die of asphyxiationDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaFish in the waters around Gosong Sekati, Karya, Panggan and Pramuka islets in the Thousand Islands regency have died due to asphyxiation, according to an Environmental Management Agency statement on Monday.

MAS targets 8% growth in RI market

MAS targets 8% growth in RI marketThe Jakarta Post, JakartaMalaysia's top carrier, Malaysia Airlines System (MAS), targets higher revenue and numbers of passengers from its flights serving Indonesia-Malaysia routes this year.

ASEAN panel to eye mini-constitution

ASEAN panel to eye mini-constitution SINGAPORE: A 10-member panel of senior ASEAN statesmen looking into a mini-constitution for the regional grouping will include Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar, it was announced on Monday.

Excelcomindo plans IPO on 20% of shares

Excelcomindo plans IPO on 20% of sharesPT. Excelcomindo Pratama, the nation's third-largest cellular operator, announced on Monday that it plans to sell 20 percent of its shares via an initial public offering (IPO) soon.In its press statement, Excelcomindo said it would sell 1.

TV Program: Wednesday, August 10, 2005

TV Program: Wednesday, August 10, 2005TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon: Hallo Kitty8:30 Music: Asik-asik10:00 Talk Show: Showbiz11:30 Cultural Program: Rona Daerah12:00 p.m.

1. Disco --- 1x44

1. Disco --- 1x44 'We have never had serious problems due to our beliefs' 2. ASEAN -- 2x21 Susilo asks the public to work with ASEAN 3. Taiwan - 1x28 More Indonesians seek work in Taiwan 4. Gatlin - 1x44 Gatlin not ready to be called the new Carl Lewis

A crucial element in the Aceh peace talks

A crucial element in the Aceh peace talksAboeprijadi Santoso, Contributor, HelsinkiThe peace deal to be signed next week by the Indonesian government and the Acehnese rebel Free Aceh Movement GAM found its origins in painstaking lobbying initiated by then Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare...

RI man hacks into Thai Cabinet site

RI man hacks into Thai Cabinet site THAILAND: An Indonesian computer hacker posted a love note to his girlfriend "Ermi" on the Thai Cabinet Secretariat's website over the weekend, adding a thank you message to fellow-hackers, The Nation reported on Monday.

Competition in premium market getting tight

Competition in premium market getting tightBurhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta The melody of Ryuichi Sakamoto's music softly reverberates in a cafe, prompting a patron to lift his cellular phone and start a conversation.

JP/ /EVI

JP/ /EVIBlending cultures begets child of tomorrowEvi Mariani The Jakarta Post/JakartaDiversity is a challenge faced by everyone. But for this young couple and their 18-month-old offspring, diversity is a way of life as they navigate the trepidations of accommodating three different cultural...

Maluku locals stage protest over election

Maluku locals stage protest over electionM. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, AmbonProtesters scuffled with police in a demonstration by around 500 residents of West Seram regency outside the Maluku General Elections Commission in Ambon on Monday when Ahmad Rahanta, the protest coordinator, was...

Four questioned in train crash

Four questioned in train crash JAKARTA: Penjaringan police are questioning four persons about a train crash between a cargo train and an economy passenger train in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, on Sunday.

'We have never had serious problems due to our beliefs'

'We have never had serious problems due to our beliefs' The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has declared Ahmadiyah to be haram (forbidden). Several Muslim groups have also demanded Ahmadiyah to close down its activities.

Locating RI position in ICT competition

Locating RI position in ICT competitionMinister of Industry Andung A. Nitimihardja (right) tries the MapKing, a technology using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to help navigate users through Jakarta's streets, at an exhibition titled "Potential of the Information and Communications Technology...

Asian lawmakers urge govts to keep pressuring Myanmar

Asian lawmakers urge govts to keep pressuring MyanmarAgencies, Kuala Lumpur/YangonSoutheast Asian lawmakers urged their governments on Monday to maintain pressure on Myanmar to establish democratic reforms, following the military-ruled country's recent decision to forego its turn to chair the...

Trial of Bank BDB graft case begins

Trial of Bank BDB graft case begins JAKARTA: The South Jakarta district court started on Monday the first hearing into alleged banking crime at the now defunct Bank Dagang Bali (BDB), which caused the state to suffer some Rp 1.3 trillion (US$136.84 million) in financial losses.

Big int'l firms get poor marks for environment management

Big int'l firms get poor marks for environment managementThe Jakarta Post JakartaA number of multinational firms including domestic subsidiaries of oil and gas firms and pharmaceutical firms got red labels for poor performance in environmental management, the government announced on Monday.

Sanctuary puts the beast back into animals

Sanctuary puts the beast back into animalsLenita Sulthani, Reuters/Cikananga, SukambumiLooking irritated, animal trainer Alen tries to ignore the loud shrieks of "good morning" coming from white cockatoos in an outdoor cage.

Are Muslims underrepresented?

Are Muslims underrepresented?Harry Bhaskara, The Jakarta Post, SemarangNow that the one-week of Zheng He celebrations here is over, some introspection is called for. Among the topics discussed informally among some participants was the perceived lack of representation of Muslims during the...

Crosscultural couples find common ground

Crosscultural couples find common groundBruce Emond The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The cluster of small streets in a South Jakarta suburb is a safe haven from many of Jakarta's ills.Aside from the sounds of the steady stream of street vendors or the chatter of housemaids gathered near the narrow stretch...

Pertamina employees face dismissal

Pertamina employees face dismissal JAKARTA: The labor union of state oil company Pertamina has written to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, asking him to revoke a decree that will lead to dismissal of 4,015 contract employees.

Excelcomindo bond looks more remote

Excelcomindo bond looks more remoteDow Jones, SingaporeA new U.S. dollar bond this year from unlisted PT Excelcomindo now looks a little more remote after the Indonesian telecommunications firm once again altered the consent solicitation on its existing 2009 notes.

Latest trend: Smart and beautiful

Latest trend: Smart and beautifulEddy P. Kasdiono, Jakarta Undeniably, mobile telephones are now part of our lifestyle. At least according to the Siemens Mobile Lifestyle Survey, which revealed that a mobile phone is an inseparable part of the owner's life.

Yogyakarta -- Indonesia's proverbial melting pot

Yogyakarta -- Indonesia's proverbial melting pot Sri Wahyuni The Jakarta Post/YogyakartaThere are few other places like it in Indonesia. Yogyakarta is, perhaps, Indonesia's definitive melting pot. A center of education and historic relevance, Yogyakarta since early times has opened itself to...

;JP;

;JP; ANPAa..r.. Terror-sulawesi-policeJP/1/HourPolice arrest Poso terror suspectAfter more than two years of searching, the Central Sulawesi Police have finally arrested a man wanted for his alleged role in a series of terror activities in the province's Poso regency and in Palu, the capital of...

JP/18/RAFT3A

JP/18/RAFT3ACikandang River lures rafting enthusiastsThe Cikandang in Garut regency is among dozens of rivers in the country popular with rafters. Located in a remote area, however, the river is not as popular as the Citarik or Cicatih rivers, also in West Java.

Regional elections a waste?

Regional elections a waste?From KompasThere 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.

Education ministry officials arrested

Education ministry officials arrested JAKARTA: Three officials from the Directorate General for Higher Education at the Ministry of National Education have been arrested for on corruption charges that allegedly inflicted losses of around Rp 6 billion (US$615,000) for the state.

[b]

Skilled diplomacy needed to resolve Papua issue Cecep Effendi Jakarta2. Dyer -- Iran: The slow-motion crisis 2 x 21 Iran's uranium project: The slow-motion crisis Gwynne Dyer London

Astra's profit may drop for first time

Astra's profit may drop for first timeBloomberg/Jakarta PT Astra International, Indonesia's biggest car distributor, said profit may fall in 2005 for the first time in five years because of slowing sales growth and the absence of one-time gains. The stock fell as much as 2.4 percent.

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,...

Malaysia spells out

Malaysia spells out vision for ASEAN MALAYSIA: Malaysia, the new chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has spelled out its vision for the 10- nation bloc including new defense initiatives and a more proactive role on the world stage.