Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 September 2005

72 articles found

RI tycoons in China to repatriate $1 billion

RI tycoons in China to repatriate $1 billion Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Beijing In an effort to help ease pressure on the rupiah, Chinese- Indonesian businessmen have agreed to gradually repatriate U.S. dollars that they parked overseas in late 1997 during the Asian financial crisis.

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.

Optimism for Indonesia amid global terrorism

Optimism for Indonesia amid 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.

Official says local people crucial to forest conservation

Official says local people crucial to forest conservation Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor To support the government's forest protection program, the participation of local people living in the vicinity of forests is crucial to sustaining ecosystems and biological diversity.

Three injured in students clash

Three injured in students clash MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: A clash broke out among students at Hasanuddin University in Makassar on Wednesday at noon, following a predawn attack on the university's School of Social and Political Sciences building. In the predawn attack at 2 a.m., several offices were set on fire and windows were smashed. A sociology student, Ashari, reportedly suffered a head injury from an arrow and two others -- a police officer and a university employee -- were also injured.

MUI condemns action against Christian houses of worship

MUI condemns action against Christian houses of worship Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has joined the chorus in condemning the much-criticized forced closure of dozens of neighborhood churches in West Java, saying that such acts were intolerable. But the MUI has no plans to issue an edict against the violence.

'It's stupid to buy diploma'

'It's stupid to buy diploma' As the legal proceedings over an unlicensed educational institution go on, implicating many leading figures who have obtained diplomas from the institution, The Jakarta Post interviewed residents about the issue. Rizky KD Ntoma, 24, works at a foreign embassy on Jl. Jend. Sudirman in South Jakarta. She lives in Bintaro, South Jakarta: That's really stupid; both those who offer the diplomas for money and those who think that they can buy diplomas.

Lawmakers may deal Aceh peace agreement a blow

Lawmakers may deal Aceh peace agreement a blow Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government brushed aside on Wednesday any possibility of the Aceh peace agreement faltering despite foreseeable political moves in the House of Representatives that may keep the accord's details and principles from actually working.

Industries summoned over river pollution

Industries summoned over river pollution BEKASI: Bekasi Council will summon four companies that allegedly pollute Bekasi river, Tempointeraktif.com reported on Wednesday. Secretary to the council's Commission B for development affairs Muhamad Hasyim Affandy said on Wednesday that the commission was concerned about the polluted river, which was lined with industries.

Surabaya mayor inaugurated

Surabaya mayor inaugurated SURABAYA: Newly reelected Surabaya Mayor Bambang Dwi Hartono and his deputy Arif Affandi were inaugurated into office by East Java Governor Imam Utomo at the Surabaya city council on Wednesday. After the ceremony, Bambang said he would divide his duties and authorities with his deputy, which will be stipulated in a mayoral decree, for their five-year term. He said his deputy had strong communication and marketing skills, which could be used to develop the city.

1. Insight -- 1x44

1. Insight -- 1x44 Papua problem and the international community 2. MOU ---- 3x16 Lawmakers may deal Aceh peace agreement a blow 3. Survey --- 1x33 SBY's economic team 'loses public trust' 4. Fire ---- 2x24 Fireman Subandi dies hero's death in Blok M blaze

Fireman Subandi dies hero's death in Blok M blaze

Fireman Subandi dies hero's death in Blok M blaze The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Subandi drove his 16-year old daughter to school on Monday morning. He gave her some money. "Here, this is for two days," he said. She never thought that they would be the last words he ever spoke to her. Several hours later, Subandi, the head of a fire department post in Tebet, South Jakarta, rushed to Blok M area as a market building was reportedly on fire.

1 x 38

1 x 38 Bali's tourism industry destroying itself 2. Peter-- 1 x 48 The myth of national plus schools in Indonesia 3. RIA-- 1 x 30 Moscow-Beijing: Common interests

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.31, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.31, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,500 90 3,000 Adhi Karya 535 45 20,750,000 Adira Dinamika 2,100 0 0 AGIS Tbk 80 -5 1,487,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 245 0 0 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,210 10 82,500 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk...

1. RUPIAH: 4X 10

1. RUPIAH: 4X 10 Supports for rupiah remain unclear 2. DOLLAR: 4 X 10 RI tycoons in China to repatriate $1 billion 3. AMNESTY: 1 X 45 Pardoned GAM prisoners breathe air of freedom 4. STEMP: 2 X 18 Nearly 700 dead in Baghdad stampede

1. Temple (2x24)

1. Temple (2x24) Temple seen as never before with new lighting design 2. SAWIT Prosecutors arrest North Sumatra plantation tycoon 3. Polio (2x20) Health workers step up polio vaccination drive 4. MUI (3x18) MUI condemns action against Christian houses of worship

Indonesia: Shifting from monetary to fiscal policy

Indonesia: Shifting from monetary to fiscal policy JP/6/HENDI Indonesia: Shifting from monetary to fiscal policy Hendi Kariawan Jakarta Indonesia began to become more reliant on monetary rather than fiscal approaches in nation economic policy in the early 1980s. In 1983, the government deregulated interest rate policies and later in 1988 abandoned its planned restrictions on bank permits to encourage growth in the banking sector.

Paranaque sweeps Inter City bowling

Paranaque sweeps Inter City bowling Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With only a game to play, Putty Armein of Jakarta had the gold within her grasp on Wednesday's opening day of the 19th Asian Inter City Tenpin Bowling Championship. A poor 174 allowed Cecilia Yap from defending champion Paranaque of the Philippines to pull ahead for the win. The Philippine city cleaned up on the day, with Purvis Granger winning the men's singles.

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.

Diarrhea strikes NTT, 21 children die

Diarrhea strikes NTT, 21 children die KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A recent occurrence of children with severe diarrhea in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province has claimed 21 lives, mostly children, over the last month. In the worst-hit area, Timor Tengah Selatan regency, 16 children reportedly died due to the diarrhea -- the cause of which was still unknown to the health agency in the province. In addition, 851 people were being treated in hospitals and health centers with similar symptoms.

Lawmakers want the government to withdraw PLN tariff hikes

Lawmakers want the government to withdraw PLN tariff hikes Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators urged the government on Wednesday to push state power firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to renege its decision to raise electricity tariffs for manufacturers during peak hours, saying that such a move was illegal.

4-in-1 to solve jams?

4-in-1 to solve jams? From Kompas After a long stressful day at the office, Jakarta citizens still have to face traffic jams when they are going home for no apparent reason, despite the 3-in-1 rule for private cars on certain roads. One can witness how the jams have affected not only conventional roads but even also toll roads, so that road users have to queue up before they can pay tolls and enter freeways.

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.

Balinese Jegog troupe entertains Japanese audience

Balinese Jegog troupe entertains Japanese audience I Kadek Suartaya, Contributor, Tokyo The International Sumida Triphony Concert Hall hosted a rare performance when Saur Agung, a Balinese gamelan troupe from Jembrana regency, West Bali, entertained the Japanese audience with its unique and distinguished music and dance early this month. The 2,000-seat concert hall was full on that summer night and the dynamic sound of gamelan music echoed from the stage.

checked -- JSR

checked -- JSR Three young photographers on Independence Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta For three Indonesian photographers, Paul Kadarisman, Keke Tumbuan and Timur Angin, all born in the 1970s, Independence Day in 1945 is remote and must be pondered and understood. Each photographer took a different approach to independence, although feature young urban people as their subjects.

Schools ignorant of 'genius search'

Schools ignorant of 'genius search' Dyah Apsari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The first round of the selection process to find exceptional students for the newly established DKI Super Class was a quiet affair on Wednesday. Only 120 freshmen from 16 state high schools attended the three-hour test although 3,000 junior high school graduates who scored a perfect 10 in the final mathematics exam were expected to turn up.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Ascension Day of the Prophet Muhammad, The Jakarta Post will not appear on Friday. The paper will appear again on Saturday, Sept. 3. -- The Publisher

GAM prisoners breathe air of freedom

GAM prisoners breathe air of freedom The Jakarta Post Aceh/Bandung/Semarang Hundreds of Acehnese rebels were released from prison on Wednesday following the signing of a decree granting amnesty and unconditional release to members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday. The amnesty -- a key condition of the landmark peace deal signed in Helsinki on Aug.

Bali's tourism industry destroys itself

Bali's tourism industry destroys itself Nyoman Suwela Singaraja, Bali It is an undeniable fact that Bali's economy relies on tourism. The former director of Bali's tourist authority, Gde Pitana, once said that tourism is the bread for Bali. Furthermore, he said that tourism is not an ultimate goal but a means to achieve the goal that is primarily the welfare of Balinese and Indonesians, in general.

Villagers get free eye tests

Villagers get free eye tests GIANYAR: A team from the YKI and Rumah Sakit Indera recently visited Pesraman Ida Pedanda Gunung, Blahbatuh, Gianyar in Bali for the day as part of the YKI's outreach program. Over the course of the day, the team examined 273 people with eye problems. Some of the problems were solved easily with standard prescription glasses, which the team issued on the spot.

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.

UII lecturer chairs Judicial Commission

UII lecturer chairs Judicial Commission JAKARTA: Members of the recently established Judicial Commission has appointed M. Busyro Muqqodas as chairman of the seven-member group with a five-year mandate. Commission member Irawady Joenoes said that M. Thahir Saimima was elected as deputy. Busyro is a lecturer from the school of law at the Indonesian Islamic University (UII) in Yogyakarta.

Supports for rupiah remain unclear

Supports for rupiah remain unclear The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The much-awaited government policy changes on Wednesday to help solidify the rupiah turned out to be somewhat of an anticlimax as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced that the government would wait "until after October" to hike domestic fuel prices.

Pertamina hikes Pertamax, Pertamax Plus, Avgas prices

Pertamina hikes Pertamax, Pertamax Plus, Avgas prices The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Users of Pertamax and Pertamax Plus gasoline will have to dig deeper into their pockets as of Thursday, following state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina's decision to raise the prices of the two types of fuel. Industries and airlines alike will also have to pay more for Premium gasoline and kerosene, as Pertamina also adjusted fuel prices for industrial use and the price of aviation fuel.

Prosecutors arrest North Sumatra plantation tycoon

Prosecutors arrest North Sumatra plantation tycoon Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office (AGO) arrested the founder and president of plantation company PT Torganda, Daulat L. Sitorus, for converting a protected forest into a plantation. AGO spokesman RJ Soehandojo told The Jakarta Post that the plantation tycoon was taken into custody by the AGO late on Tuesday in Medan, North Sumatra, and immediately taken to Jakarta for questioning.

Indonesia: Shifting from monetary to fiscal policy

Indonesia: Shifting from monetary to fiscal policy Hendi Kariawan Jakarta Indonesia began to become more reliant on monetary rather than fiscal approaches in nation economic policy in the early 1980s. In 1983, the government deregulated interest rate policies and later in 1988 abandoned its planned restrictions on bank permits to encourage growth in the banking sector. Soon after, new banks mushroomed beyond people's wildest expectations.

Papua problem and the international community

Papua problem and the international community Jusuf Wanandi, Jakarta Jakarta's attention should now be directed toward Papua following the successful conclusion of the negotiations to resolve the Aceh conflict. The problem of Papua is not the same as that of Aceh. There has never been a major armed struggle for independence in Papua as was the case in Aceh.

Rupiah woes hit DaimlerChrysler profit

Rupiah woes hit DaimlerChrysler profit Phelim Kyne Dow Jones/Jakarta Indonesia's weakening rupiah will likely slash DaimlerChrysler AG's Indonesian unit's projected profit growth by at least 10 percent in 2005 and prompt price hikes to cope with rising material costs, a senior company executive said recently. DaimlerChrysler's Indonesian manufacturing facilities produce both luxury Mercedes-Benz models as well as commercial vehicles, including buses.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, September 3, 2005

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, September 3, 2005 Exhibitions * Painting Gema Bunga ke Panorama by Sidik W. Martowidjoyo, Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 14, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Sept. 4 to Sept. 9. Art discussion, Seni Rupa Indo-Tionghoa di Tengah Dinamika Budaya, 2 p.m., Sept. 7 * Balinese Wooden Sculpture Kayuning Kayu Essence of Wood, Hadiprana Gallery, Jl. Kemang Raya 30, South Jakarta (Tel. 7194715), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Sept. 3 to Sept.

Cak Nur will remain in the hearts of all

Cak Nur will remain in the hearts of all ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jombang The sound of a car approaching from the road that passes Mojoanyar and Banjarrejo villages in Jombang, East Java signaled to the crowd that Muhlisah, the younger sister of Nurcholish "Cak Nur" Madjid, who passed away on Monday afternoon, was arriving. The group of some 70 people, who were attending a prayer service for Cak Nur that Monday night, fell silent as the car pulled up.

'Graduates' fess up to buying titles

'Graduates' fess up to buying titles JAKARTA: Police on Wednesday were questioning four recipients of phony academic titles from an outfit calling itself Institut Manajemen Global Indonesia (IMGI) who had paid up to Rp 25 million (US$2,500) for the diplomas. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Soenarko Danu Ardanto said the four had admitted that they had never attended a single class to obtain the certificates from IMGI. Despite their confessions, the police have not declared them suspects.

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.

Indonesia's credit rating outlook may be reviewed: S&P

Indonesia's credit rating outlook may be reviewed: S&P Linus Chua and David Yong, Bloomberg, Singapore/Kuala Lumpur The"positive" outlook on Indonesia's credit rating may be reviewed by Standard & Poor's following the "sharp" decline in the nation's currency, the credit rating company said. The rupiah is set for its biggest monthly slide since October 2001 on concern record oil prices will force the government to pay more for fuel subsidies.

Rolling back Jakarta's urban desert

Rolling back Jakarta's urban desert Robert Kelly Jakarta Believe it or not, Jakarta used to be a green city. Surrounded by lush jungle during its early colonial history, even as late as the 1950s large swathes of the suburbs consisted of farmland. No longer, of course. Since independence, the twin forces of economic development and population growth have literally bulldozed their way through the city's greenery.

Operators provide busway feeders

Operators provide busway feeders JAKARTA: Three bus operators have agreed to become official feeders for the busway operating from Blok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta. TransJakarta busway management spokesman Anjar Aedi said on Wednesday that the three operators were state-owned PPD, Mayasari Bakti and Steady Safe. "Passengers can now use feeder service tickets ...

2. Alpa--

2. Alpa-- 1 x 48 Education for peace vital for reintegration in Aceh 3. New-- 1 x 30 Malaysia should be guided by history or History, the rudder to guide Malaysia or Independence day, a time to reflect

High NPL drags down Mandiri's H1 profit

High NPL drags down Mandiri's H1 profit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia's largest bank by assets, PT Bank Mandiri Tbk, reported a sharp decline in net profit on Wednesday resulting from an increase in non-performing loans (NPL) during the first half of the year. According to its audited first semester report, the bank's net profit dropped by 80 percent to Rp 620 billion (US$60.49 million) from over Rp 3 trillion in the corresponding period last year.

Indonesia: Shifting from

Indonesia: Shifting from monetary to fiscal policy 2. Yale -- 2 x 30 Enduring an IT eclipse in U.S. as India continues to haunt

Intellectual property rights and perceptions of traditional cultures

Intellectual property rights and perceptions of traditional cultures 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?

Temporary relief for rupiah

Temporary relief for rupiah The tighter money policies launched by Bank Indonesia (BI) on Tuesday, though rather overdue, have succeeded in shoring up the rupiah, which earlier fell to a five-year low of Rp 11,800 to the American dollar in the morning, to Rp 10,525 at the afternoon close. The local unit strengthened further to Rp 10,400 on Wednesday.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 1, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 1, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Art Exhibition Free Transport by Davina Stephens, at Ganesha Gallery, Four Season Resort Bali, Jimbaran Bay, until Sept. 16 * Painting Invisible Impression by Kenji Sasaki, at Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort and Spa, Cliff Villa Gallery, until Sept. 4 * Painting, Hand Painted Ceramic Dance Pieces by Anne van Borselen, at Jenggala Art Gallery, Jl. Uluwatu 2, Jimbaran, until Oct.

MPR speaker wants ex-banker put on trial

MPR speaker wants ex-banker put on trial JAKARTA: People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid urged state prosecutors on Wednesday to ignore a request from a suspect in the Bank Indonesia liquidity support (BLBI) graft case to halt their investigation in exchange for the return of embezzled state monies. "We should not make him think that he can buy the law by returning the money.

Oil prices above $70 on refinery fears

Oil prices above $70 on refinery fears Agence France-Presse, London Oil prices rose on Wednesday, with New York's main crude contract above US$70 on concerns that refineries may be unable to produce sufficient fuel after being battered by Hurricane Katrina, analysts said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in October, rose 67 U.S.cents to $70.48 per barrel in electronic trading. It had surged to an all-time high of $70.85 on Tuesday, as traders evaluated the damage to U.S.

Measuring performance of local governments

Measuring performance of local governments Wolfgang Fengler, Rajiv Sondhi and Bambang Suharnoko, Bali Indonesia is one of the more decentralized nations in the world. Regions are responsible for one-third of all government spending, and half of the development budget. Most spending on education, health and infrastructure is local, and the regions employ three-quarters of the civil service. The amount of local resources is likely to increase further.

TV Today: Saturday, September 3, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, September 3, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 9:00 Traditional Drama 10:30 Music 11:30 Oto Screen 12:00 p.m. Sports 1:00 News: Berita Siang 1:30 Nature Documentary 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 3:30 TV Drama 4:30 Comedy 5:00 Maja the Bee 5:30 Documentary 6:30 Kedai Bagus 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music 10:30 Documentary 11:00 Cultural Show TPI 6:00 a.m.

Riana, UGM's young medical student

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.

SBY's economic team 'loses public trust'

SBY's economic team 'loses public trust' Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People are losing confidence in the government's economic team, who they see as responsible for the current financial crisis -- the worst in this country in over four years, a survey revealed. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, however, remained popular among 1,000 respondents surveyed.

AW Air service

AW Air service I tried to buy a return ticket (Jakarta-Bali) by Internet in May using a MasterCard credit card, issued by Smart Shopping Cash card (Sumber Kredit). The full price of the ticket was quoted as Rp 577,500 when I attempted to book, but the Internet transaction was rejected by the AW Air booking system and no booking reference was issued.

Health workers step up polio vaccination drive

Health workers step up polio vaccination drive Michael Casey, Associated Press/Jakarta Thousands of health workers were going door-to-door on Wednesday in search of children who were missed in the nationwide polio immunization drive on Tuesday, after some parents expressed fear the vaccine was unsafe or violated Islamic law.

RI-China seals $20b of trade, investment deals

RI-China seals $20b of trade, investment deals Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Beijing Indonesia and China have signed transactions and investment deals worth US$20 billion on Wednesday as part of efforts by the two nations to triple bilateral trade to US$30 billion over the next five years.

checked -- JSR

checked -- JSR Local preference for tea puts Coca-Cola in cold sweat Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The first attempt by PT Coca-Cola Indonesia was Hi-C. It failed, without even starting to gain recognition in the market. The second, Frestea, fared better. Nevertheless, PT Coca-Cola did not get a chance to fight the specter itself -- Teh Botol Sosro.

Waste management solution

Waste management solution As a consultant working for the government of Indonesia, the World Bank, the ADB and bilateral agencies for the past 15 years in Indonesia, I was staggered when I read the article entitled City plans to use incinerators to handle waste in The Jakarta Post, 20 Aug. 20. The article announced that the Jakarta Administration (DKI) see the future of waste management in incineration technology.

Pardoned GAM prisoners breathe air of freedom

Pardoned GAM prisoners breathe air of freedom The Jakarta Post, Aceh/Bandung/Semarang Hundreds of Acehnese rebels were released from prisons on Wednesday following the signing of a decree granting amnesty and unconditional release to members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday. The amnesty -- a key condition of the landmark peace deal signed in Helsinki on Aug.

During the three-decade war between the Indonesian Military

During the three-decade war between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), burning down schools in conflict areas was a common occurrence, with the two sides generally blaming each other for the vandalism. This of course was before the Dec. 26 tsunami destroyed hundreds more schools in the province last year. Thankfully, the disaster struck at the consciences of the conflicting parties.

Optimism for Indonesia

Optimism for Indonesia amid global terrorism 2. Ign -- Intellectual property rights and traditional cultures: A report Intellectual property rights and perceptions of traditional cultures

Most residents undisturbed by new church

Most residents undisturbed by new church Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Head of Neighborhood Unit No. 6 in Larangan subdistrict, Ciledug in Tangerang, Banten Abdul Rosip said on Wednesday that the majority of people in the area had no objection to church services being conducted there. "The majority of residents here say that as long as their activities don't disturb others, they don't mind.

Gas stations to use online bill system

Gas stations to use online bill system Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The following is the fourth and final article dedicated in anticipation of the liberalization of the country's downstream oil and gas sector later this year. Philemon stepped out of his Toyota Kijang at a gasoline station in Tebet, South Jakarta, asked for Rp 50,000 (US$4.9) of diesel fuel and waited for the pump attendant to fill up the tank.

1. Roddick tumbles out in first round

1. Roddick tumbles out in first round Page 10 2. Water keeps rising in New Orleans Page 12 3. Bali handricraft grows into big money spinner Page 18

Hardline Islam thrives in Indonesia

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.

JP/ /

JP/ / The Military's Commercial Activities Awan Wibowo Laksono Poesoro Jakarta Since the fall of Soeharto in 1998, the military has gradually pulled out of the political arena but has retained its presence in the economy. It argues that the official defense budget, which is now around 4.5 percent of this year's total expenditure of Rp 542 trillion (US$ 49.2 billion), or 1 percent of the GDP, is too small and accounts for only one-third of its expenditure.

Bilingual education and the myth of national plus schools

Bilingual education and the myth of national plus schools Pieter Van Der Vienhart, Tilburg, Netherlands The matter, and even it seems growing problem for many Indonesian schools currently, of bilingual education has received scrutiny from a number of different writers in this newspaper. From an Indonesian teacher (Alex Tubagus) to a visiting/ resident researcher (Jan Dormer) and a consultant on communication (Eric E. Hallet), various perspectives have been highlighted in these pages.

Temple aeen as never before with new lighting design

Temple aeen as never before with new lighting design Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Magelang From Wednesday night onward people will be able to enjoy the beauty of Borobudur temple in Magelang, Central Java, thanks to night lighting that helps reveal the details of the world's great heritage sites.