Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 September 2005

69 articles found

Yogyakarta hosts environment center

Yogyakarta hosts environment center YOGYAKARTA: State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar inaugurated on Monday the Environment Management Center for the Java Region in Yogyakarta to address environmental problems in six provinces. Rachmat said the center, which is headed by Soedarsono, had been established with the aim of encouraging environmental preservation and pollution control by industries in Banten, Central Java, East Timur, Jakarta, West Java and Yogyakarta.

Steady growth helps FIF repays bonds worth $76m

Steady growth helps FIF repays bonds worth $76m The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Supported by steady growth in its business of motorcycle loans, Astra International's subsidiary PT Federal International Finance (FIF) paid its matured bonds worth Rp 775 billion (over US$ 76 million) on Monday. FIF president director Ida Purwaningsih Lunardi said the amortization was to settle its first series of bonds, including interest, issued in 2002. The bonds had a total nominal value of Rp 300 billion.

Government warns of more suspected bird flu infections

Government warns of more suspected bird flu infections Hera Diani and Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Semarang Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari said on Monday that avian influenza had most likely caused the death of a woman over the weekend. A surveillance team was also sent to the neighborhood of the 37-year-old dead woman, identified only as RD, to do blood tests on people who had contact with her before she died.

Security in the Straits: threats and challenges

Security in the Straits: threats and challenges Nugroho Wisnumurti Jakarta Over the last few years security threats in the Malacca and Singapore straits have heightened. The prospect of terrorist attacks and attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the waterways are real.

Policeman killed by fishermen

Policeman killed by fishermen KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A policeman died after allegedly being assaulted and then drowned in the sea while investigating the use of explosives by fisherman from Palue Island, Sikka regency. Brig. Achmad Pellon of Aesesa Police was reportedly attacked in his boat before being drowned. East Nusa Tenggara Police chief Brig. Gen.

Strong leaders required

Strong leaders required From Media Indonesia Indonesia is struggling to overcome various complex and crucial problems as most areas of public life are affected by corruption. Consequently, disparities in social, economic, political, cultural, legal and religious spheres are broadening while justice is becoming increasingly remote from reality. Under such circumstances, Indonesia needs strong leaders to rid the country of its multidimensional crisis.

Mandala victims to be compensated soon

Mandala victims to be compensated soon JAKARTA: The families and relatives of victims who were killed or injured in last week's crash of a Mandala Airlines plane in Medan, North Sumatra, are expected to receive compensation from state insurance firm PT Jamsostek on Thursday.

Igas Utama to sue Pertamina over gas

Igas Utama to sue Pertamina over gas JAKARTA: A natural gas distribution company PT Igas Utama plans to file a lawsuit against state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina because it unilaterally decided to cut the gas supply for the company. Igas president director Irene Ratnawati Rusli said on Monday that the cut had potentially caused US$1.2 million in losses to her company. "The figure represents the claims filed by our customers." The company may also layoff 6,000 employees.

Part 1 of 2: Banking system amid the risk of currency crisis

Part 1 of 2: Banking system amid the risk of currency crisis Ross H. McLeod, Canberra The government bailout of the banking system during the economic crisis of 1997-1999 burdened the Indonesian people with additional net debt of around US$50 billion, which will take decades to repay. With the sudden and disturbing gyrations of the rupiah in recent days it seems timely to ask whether the banking system is now capable of withstanding a similar currency crisis.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 Banking system amid the risk of currency crisis Ross H. McLeod Canberra 2. Dyer -- Egyptian election 2 x 21 Egypt's vote and the democratization process Gwynne Dyer London 3. Nation -- Foreign-policy faux pas discredits Thailand 1 x 30 Thailand's foreign-policy faux pas Kavi Chongkittavorn The Nation Asia News Network/Bangkok

AP Interview: AirAsia's Tony Fernandes flies high - with feet

AP Interview: AirAsia's Tony Fernandes flies high - with feet firmly on ground[ AP Photos KL104-106[ By VIJAY JOSHI= Associated Press Writer= KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Flying high -- with his feet firmly on the ground Vijay Joshi Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur Tony Fernandes is as no-frills as his airline. AirAsia's boyish CEO with a ready grin dislikes suits and comes to work in T-shirt and baseball cap.

Belgium sends doctors to help fight measles

Belgium sends doctors to help fight measles KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Three physicians from Belgium are currently in West Sumba to help deal with an outbreak of measles that has infected hundreds of local children there. The three doctors, sent from Medecine Sans Frontieres (MSF), arrived last Thursday in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), West Sumba, regent Julius Poteleba said on Monday in the provincial capital of Kupang.

TNI chief to stay at helm until 2005: Minister

TNI chief to stay at helm until 2005: Minister The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has decided to again delay replacing Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, despite repeated calls from the House of Representatives to speed up the replacement. State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra said here on Monday that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would maintain Endriartono in the military's top post at least until the end of 2005.

Fujiwara up against Davenport

Fujiwara up against Davenport Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Japan's Rika Fujiwara is probably hoping to celebrate her 24th birthday in style next Monday. Standing in her way is the imposing presence of top seeded Lindsay Davenport, her second round opponent in the US$225,000 Wismilak International tennis tournament in Nusa Dua, Bali. Fujiwara, ranked 93rd, battled to a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (5) win over South Africa's Natalie Grandin in the first round on Monday.

Officer may be fired for assault

Officer may be fired for assault The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor/Bandung Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Wasgito may be removed from his post if he is proven to have assaulted his subordinate Adj. First Insp. Wawan Setiawan, the intelligence and security unit head of North Bogor Police sub-precinct, a police spokesman says. Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Aryanto Boedihardjo said on Monday that the National Police Internal Affairs had begun investigating the assault case on Sunday.

JP/19/GONG

JP/19/GONG Gongs prove to be a striking success in Bogor In the best traditions of Indonesian tourism a unique attraction involving culture, music and craft is poorly promoted and hard to find. But the effort is worth the energy, reports The Jakarta Post contributor Duncan Graham from Bogor. It looks like a scene from Dante's fevered imagination: An ancient, soot-blackened, windowless workshop lit by a volcanic display of sparks. In the center are two roaring charcoal furnaces.

Finland provides money, experts for AMM activities

Finland provides money, experts for AMM activities Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many Indonesians think of two things when they think of Finland. The first is Nokia cell phones and the other is the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Finland's capital Helsinki last month.

Malacca Strait safe for ships: KL

Malacca Strait safe for ships: KL Malaysia on Monday said the Malacca Strait was safe for seafarers, playing down the fears of some regional governments which believe the vital waterway is a tempting target for terrorists. Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy said joint air patrols with Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to be launched on Tuesday would further bolster security in the strait.

Medan, Kupang crippled by kerosene shortage

Medan, Kupang crippled by kerosene shortage The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Medan After his area became the crash site of Mandala aircraft last week, now Pandai Bukit has to deal with another problem: kerosene scarcity. On Monday, the 54-year-old native of Karo, who is living in the Padang Bulan market area, has lined up for two hours under scorching sun with a container in his hand. He did not dare to leave his queue since his family relied on kerosene to cook the family's meals.

Council wants fast KPU probe

Council wants fast KPU probe JAKARTA: The City Council demanded on Monday that the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office speed up the investigation into alleged graft at the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta). "The sluggish investigation into the alleged corruption at the KPU Jakarta has sparked rumors about the involvement of many parties in the case," said council speaker Ade Surapriatna.

Asset tracing team heads to Hong Kong

Asset tracing team heads to Hong Kong JAKARTA: A joint team of officials led by Deputy Attorney General Basrief Arief left for Hong Kong on Monday in an effort to trace assets of convicted corrupter Hendra Rahardja, former president director of the now-liquidated Bank Harapan Sentosa (BHS). "We plan to meet the Hong Kong police, justice minister and local financial transaction watchdogs there," Basrief said.

City inattentive on building violations

City inattentive on building violations JAKARTA: More than 200 buildings in Central Jakarta were not built according to their permits, but the municipality is powerless to rectify the situation. Central Jakarta city development sub-agency head Saut Siagian said on Monday that most of the buildings were constructed without a permit or had deviated from their original, approved designs. Saut said that his office lacked the budget to demolish the buildings.

Group sees Kota's potential

Group sees Kota's potential The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some things can be done overnight, but others require a longer process. When it comes to revitalizing the old town of Batavia, known as Kota today, the latter might be the case, but transforming some of its more neglected areas so that they can be used by the public is a good step in the right direction. "The open space along Kali Besar on Jl.

1. KKR (1x36)

1. KKR (1x36) Activists uncertain over role of KKR 2. Polio (2x27) Govt claims success in polio vaccination drive 3. Church (2x18) Jailed Christians appeal sentences 4. TNI (3x16) TNI chief to stay at helm until 2005: Minister

Rupiah higher as capital inflows go on

Rupiah higher as capital inflows go on Dow Jones, Jakarta The rupiah recovered further on Monday to a four-week high as foreign investors continued to buy local stocks and bonds, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 10,095 versus its close on Friday at Rp 10,215. "Capital inflows to the stock and bond markets continued today, but I'm not sure how long this will last," a dealer with a foreign bank said.

Govt to raise fuel prices before Idul Fitri

Govt to raise fuel prices before Idul Fitri Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It may not be the kind of Idul Fitri present most Indonesians would wish for, but the government has confirmed it will raise fuel prices in early October prior to annual celebration.

Bring umbrellas, raincoats; the rainy season is here: BMG

Bring umbrellas, raincoats; the rainy season is here: BMG Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) said on Monday that the city was in a transitional period from the dry season to the rainy season, reminding residents to carry umbrellas and raincoats.

Temasek offers $1b of 10-year bonds in first sale

Temasek offers $1b of 10-year bonds in first sale Netty Ismail, Bloomberg/Singapore Temasek Holdings Pte, the Singapore government's investment fund, will sell US$1 billion of bonds in its first debt offering, e- mails showed. Temasek, which managed investments of S$103.5 billion (US$61.8 billion) as of the end of March, plans to sell bonds maturing in 10 years, said the e-mails, which were sent to investors by the sale's arrangers.

Rector reported for embezzlement

Rector reported for embezzlement JAKARTA: The rector of the Al-Aqidah Islamic Institute (IAIA) Faturrahman Yusuf was reported to the city police on Monday for allegedly taking funds from the school totaling Rp 600 million (US$59,900). The Syi'arul Islamic Foundation (YDAI), which owns the IAIA, also filed a complaint against Faturrahman for moving administration and learning activities from IAIA's original campus in Matraman, Central Jakarta, to a location in Klender, East Jakarta.

Government claims success in polio vaccination drive

Government claims success in polio vaccination drive Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The first round of the national vaccination drive against polio on Aug. 30 was considered quite successful as it reached 95 percent of the targeted children under five years old, the health minister said. This represents 22.1 million children out of 23.31 million children under five in 33 provinces across the country.

Glassblower keen to pass on his skills

Glassblower keen to pass on his skills Bambang Muryanto, Contributor, Yogyakarta "After rain comes sunshine" pretty well sums up the life of Soenaryo Bernastowo. In 1957, a labor recruiter sold him to an entrepreneur in Singapore. For two years, he worked with a glass laboratory instruments firm under tight guard without pay.

SBY fields a full team for U.S. outing

SBY fields a full team for U.S. outing Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, St. Louis, Missouri To make his six-day diplomatic mission in New York a success, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono brings with him not only senior advisors like former chief economic minister Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, but also his personal masseuse, Lai Teng Piauw.

No deal reached on church row

No deal reached on church row Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After two days of discussions, Muslim and Christian leaders in Bekasi, West Java, have been unable to agree on a solution to the closure of two churches in the area. The former chairman of the Indonesia Communion of Churches (PGI), Nathan Setiabudi, said on Monday the two sides would continue their talks until Monday evening to try and reach an agreement. "We want the blockades to be removed.

Insurers shift to time deposits

Insurers shift to time deposits The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Time deposits have now become increasingly more attractive to invest in, with commercial banks revising upward their saving and deposit rates to adjust to the central bank's hiking of its key reference rate, according to insurers.

Dry dams worry rice farmers

Dry dams worry rice farmers SRAGEN, Central Java: Six dams in Sragen regency have reportedly dried up over the past few weeks, worrying rice farmers who are reliant on the water sources. Head of the regency's Public Works Office Darmawan Minto Basuki said on Monday that the six dams -- Botok, Ketro, Gebyar, Blimbing, Brambang, Kembangan and Ngepung -- supplied water for 150 hectares of rice fields.

Chinese investment down 18% in Taiwan

Chinese investment down 18% in Taiwan TAIPEI: Taiwan approved a total of 853 China-bound investment applications worth US$3.59 billion in the eight months to August, down 18 percent from a year ago, the Investment Commission said on Monday. During the period, the commission approved 705 inbound direct investment applications worth $2.32 billion, up 0.1 percent year- on-year.

Petition circulated against JIL's eviction

Petition circulated against JIL's eviction Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An aggressive attempt by Muslim hard-liners to evict the Liberal Islam Network (JIL) from the Utan Kayu area in East Jakarta has received a major blow as local residents have begun to show support for the group there. Utan Kayu community unit head Syamsul Alam said on Monday he believed that most local residents were not opposed to the presence of JIL.

Antam resumes gold production

Antam resumes gold production JAKARTA: State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has resumed its gold production at its Pongkor mine in Bogor, West Java, which was closed on Sept. 6 due to an accident that took one of the employee's lives. In its report to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Monday, Antam announced that it had started mining the gold again late on Thursday after completing the investigation into the accident and securing the site against a possible future disaster.

CNOOC to alter LNG imports

CNOOC to alter LNG imports BEIJING: China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), the country's dominant producer of offshore oil and gas, said on Monday that it would diversify its import sources for liquefied natural gas (LNG). "We would like to diversify our import sources," the company's deputy chief economist Zhang Weiping said at a business conference in Bejing.

Activists uncertain over role of KKR

Activists uncertain over role of KKR Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Skepticism prevails among human rights activists over the capability of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) in handling unresolved rights abuse cases because the law dealing with it is considered far from workable. Speaking in an international conference on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Indonesia, they demanded that Law No.

Court finds Mulyana guilty

Court finds Mulyana guilty Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusumah and acting secretary general of the commission Sussongko Suhardjo were declared guilty by a court on Monday of attempting to bribe a state auditor in a high profile case linked to alleged corruption during last year's general elections. The anticorruption court sentenced Mulyana to 31 months in jail, while Sussongko was given a 30-month sentence.

JP/18/LANSC

JP/18/LANSC Sakato artists seek their place on the map Carla Bianpoen Contributor/Jakarta Amidst the vibrancy of art today, with installations -- video, photography and comics -- drawing increasing attention, landscapes as a subject matter have gradually taken a second row. At least that is the general impression of most exhibitions of contemporary art.

Poor rally at City Council

Poor rally at City Council JAKARTA: Around 100 pedicab drivers, scavengers and street vendors protested in front of Jakarta City Council on Monday against the evictions that often take place in the capital. The crowd affiliated with the Jakarta Poor Network, Greater Jakarta Pedicab Driver's Association, Indonesia Street Vendors Association and the Urban Poor Consortium demanded the revision of bylaw No. 11/1988 on public order. The bylaw has become the legal basis of evictions in the city.

Kadin and dialog with the President

Kadin and dialog with the President I would like to assure readers and Ong Hock Chuan, writing in The Jakarta Post of Sept. 8, that nobody thwarted the dialog between the President and foreign investors recently, least of all, the President's men. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the foreign investment community alike wanted to communicate their concerns to the President and his economic team and to determine whether they understood these concerns.

Security in the Straits: The threats and challenges

Security in the Straits: The threats and challenges Nugroho Wisnumurti, Jakarta Over the last few years security threats in the Malacca and Singapore straits have heightened. The prospect of terrorist attacks and attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the waterways are real.

Stealing the nation's assets

Stealing the nation's assets It is common knowledge that oil, gasoline and diesel have long been smuggled out of Indonesia, notably to Singapore -- mostly due to lax security and very lucrative profit potential. Indonesia's vast coastlines provide great opportunity for smugglers as the distance between the point of loading and foreign points of unloading is often very short.

The issue of soldiers in Aceh

The issue of soldiers in Aceh Ridwan M. Sijabat, Jakarta Despite the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed in Helsinki in the middle of August to end almost three decades of hostilities, child soldiers still remain a crucial issue in the war-torn province.

RI logistics costs lower than Thailand, LPEM-UI, JBIC say

RI logistics costs lower than Thailand, LPEM-UI, JBIC say The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Logistics costs in Indonesia are significantly lower compared to Thailand, in contrast to the wide-spread perception that the country has higher cost compared to other Asian countries, according to a report. The report -- based on a joint study conducted by Institute for Economic and Social Research, University of Indonesia (LPEM- UI) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) -- was released on Monday.

[b]

Security in the Straits: The threats and challenges Nugroho Wisnumurti Jakarta 2. Jabat -- Child soldiers crucial issue in Aceh peace 1 x 30 The issue of child soldiers in Aceh Ridwan M. Sijabata Jakarta

Lampung schools still charging extra fees

Lampung schools still charging extra fees Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Yuntardi was confused when his daughter Sekar, a first grade elementary pupil, asked him to register her in a school tennis course. It's not that he did not have Rp 250,000 (US$25) to sign up for the course, but rather because he knew that the Lampung National Education Office has forbidden schools from collecting money from parents as they have already received school operational funds.

ASIAN LIVES: Australia's Wood fuels the spirit of optimism

ASIAN LIVES: Australia's Wood fuels the spirit of optimism by Trevor Robb = (PICTURES) = Australia's Wood fuels the spirit of optimism Trevor Robb Agence France-Presse/Perth, Australia When bombs ripped through Kuta in the Indonesian resort island of Bali almost three years ago, 202 people were killed. For many of those who survived, the nightmare had just begun.

EMP starts Brantas oil production

EMP starts Brantas oil production JAKARTA: Publicly listed oil company PT Energi Mega Persada (EMP) said on Monday that its subsidiary Lapindo Brantas Inc. has started production from the Tanggulangin 3 oil well in the Brantas block, East Java. In its report to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), the company expected that oil production from the well could reach between 650 and 1,100 barrels per day (bpd) within the next four months.

JP/1/hour

JP/1/hour 10 years sought for Nurdin Halid Prosecutors asked on Monday that businessman and Golkar Party politician Nurdin Halid be sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Rp 200 million (US$20,000) for his alleged role in illegal sugar imports from Thailand. Prosecutor Susanto told the North Jakarta District Court that Nurdin had violated Law No. 20/2001 on corruption.

Griffin ahead in Tour d'Indonesia

Griffin ahead in Tour d'Indonesia CIREBON: Paul Griffin of Giant Asia of Chinese Taipei took possession of the yellow jersey after the Bandung-Cirebon first stage of the US$100,000 Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia on Monday. The 32-year-old Irish rider also received $545 for the fastest time of three hours, seven minutes and 10 seconds over the 134.1 kilometers in West Java, Antara news service reported.

1. Bird Flu -- 48pts 4 cols 2lines (2x20)

1. Bird Flu -- 48pts 4 cols 2lines (2x20) Residents worry over reports of bird flu 2. Flu -- 36 pts 3 cols 2line (2x24) Government warns of more suspected bird flu infections 3. Church -- 36 pts 3 cols 1lines (1x27) No deal reached on church row 4. Hostage -- 36 pts 4 cols line (1x30) RI sailor held hostage in RP freed 5. Susul -- 28 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) Malacca Strait safe for ships: KL --- 6. Photos and odds

No more bond issues, House tells govt

No more bond issues, House tells govt Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Citing questionable debt management, the House of Representatives has asked the government to hold off on further bond issues or buyback plans until it has discussed a comprehensive debt strategy for the country, in a series of meetings expected to start next week.

RI sailor held hostage in RP freed

RI sailor held hostage in RP freed The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After six months being held hostage by Philippine Islamic militants, Indonesian sailor Ahmad Resmiyadi was finally released on Sunday. Ferry Adamhar of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release, but declined to provide details. He was quoted by news portal detik.com as saying that Ahmad was scheduled to arrive in Jakarta late on Monday and would be reunited with his family.

Jailed Christians appeal sentences

Jailed Christians appeal sentences Reuters, Jakarta Three Christian women jailed for inviting Muslim children to church events have appealed against a court decision imprisoning each of them for three years, a court official said on Monday.

Singapore turns garbage island into ecotourism attraction

Singapore turns garbage island into ecotourism attraction Keith Lin, Agence France-Presse/Singapore A great-billed heron flaps its majestic wings as it settles on top of a concrete embankment, oblivious to the constant drone of bulldozers shoving muddy ash into a dump site. Colorful starfish and gritty crabs adorn the beach while coral reefs thrive close to the shore, from where tankers and other ships can be seen plying one of the world's busiest waterways.

Hong Kong Disneyland opens gates to the public

Hong Kong Disneyland opens gates to the public Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Hong Kong Peggy's husband was 40 on Monday. To celebrate, the family took the express train from their home in Tseung Bay at 9:30 a.m. to join hundreds of other people as the first visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau island. The family, however did not anticipate having to stand in the heat for hours in the queue to get into the 126-hectare theme park which was open to the public at 1 p.m.

TV Program: Wednesday, September 14, 2005

TV Program: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Hallo Friends 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Cultural Program: Rona Daerah 1:00 p.m.

Padang moves to save energy

Padang moves to save energy PADANG, West Sumatra: Following the nationwide campaign to conserve energy, West Sumatra Governor Gamawan Fauzi has called on government offices and businesses to save power. He said his offices and offices under the provincial administration would be the first to implement energy-saving measures. "We will start by turning off lights, air conditioners and electrical appliances, particularly during peak hours from 5 p.m.

Gongs prove to be a striking success in Bogor

Gongs prove to be a striking success in Bogor In the best traditions of Indonesian tourism a unique attraction involving culture, music and craft is poorly promoted and hard to find. But the effort is worth the energy, reports The Jakarta Post contributor Duncan Graham from Bogor. It looks like a scene from Dante's fevered imagination: An ancient, soot-blackened, windowless workshop lit by a volcanic display of sparks. In the center are two roaring charcoal furnaces.

Balongan, Cilacap 'prone to oil smuggling'

Balongan, Cilacap 'prone to oil smuggling' Leony Aurora and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the investigation into the smuggling of crude and refined oil products continues, state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina says refineries in Balongan, West Java, and Cilacap, Central Java, are also vulnerable to smuggling.

Residents worry over reports of bird flu

Residents worry over reports of bird flu Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fears of contracting bird flu prompted residents of Petukangan Utara neighborhood in South Jakarta to rush to a temporary health center on Monday to have a blood sample taken. Men, women, old and young alike fell in line to wait their turn to have their blood taken by officials from the Ministry of Health and the Jakarta Health Agency. "I met with the woman who died several times so I must have my blood tested.

Strong leaders required

Strong leaders required From Media Indonesia Indonesia is struggling to overcome various complex and crucial problems as most areas of public life are affected by corruption. Consequently, disparities in social, economic, political, cultural, legal and religious spheres are broadening while justice is becoming increasingly remote from reality. Under such circumstances, Indonesia needs strong leaders to rid the country of its multidimensional crisis.

Bali 'perfect' spot for beach volleyball

Bali 'perfect' spot for beach volleyball SANUR, Bali: Although Jakarta also once played host, Bali's outstanding attractions led to it being picked for a third time for this week's 4th women's Swatch-FIVB World Tour 2005 in Sanur, Bali.

'This country needs to respect its athletes'

'This country needs to respect its athletes' Legislators have approved the long-awaited bill on sports which, among other items, requires the government to provide pensions for national athletes and organizations involved in developing sports here. The Jakarta Post talked to some people to get their views on the issue. Astari Dyah Sutjiningtyas, 23, a graduate from the London School of Public Relations in Central Jakarta. She is also a semi-professional basketball player.

City drags its feet in air pollution bylaw

City drags its feet in air pollution bylaw Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After an initial high-spirited campaign to create a cleaner air in the capital, the city appears to be dragging its feet preparing the regulations needed to implement the bylaw on air pollution. More than seven months after the City Council endorsed the bylaw in early February, the Jakarta administration has so far issued only one of more than 20 gubernatorial decrees to implement it.