Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 September 2005

80 articles found

Prices rise over fuel price hike fears

Prices rise over fuel price hike fears Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While the fuel price increase is still a plan, the prices of basic commodities here have already gone up, with rice, sugar and palm oil taking the lead. Traders in several traditional markets in the capital said on Tuesday that the prices of basic commodities had increased steadily since President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced his plan to gradually cut the fuel subsidy starting October.

On closure of churches

On closure of churches We refer to the visit of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the United States. I strongly request to President George W. Bush, the U.S. Congress and leaders of the United Nations to ask President Susilo to stop the illegal closure of many churches in Indonesia by hard-line groups. Two articles in The Jakarta Post's Sept. 12 edition serve as evidence of the unfortunate phenomena. HOTMAN PARIS HUTAPEA, Jakarta

Mandala airline crash pollutes water and air

Mandala airline crash pollutes water and air Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan Residents living at the Mandala aircraft crash site in Medan were warned by experts on Tuesday against consuming water from artesian wells in the area since it is reportedly contaminated.

Polish trade mission to look

Polish trade mission to look at Indonesian mining sector The Economic and Commercial Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Jakarta kindly informs all Indonesian entrepreneurs, that a trade mission consisting of members of the Polish Mining Chamber of Industry and Commerce is visiting Indonesia from Sept. 19, 2005 to Sept. 24, 2005.

Front-end loading -- Susilo's best political option

Front-end loading -- Susilo's best political option Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It has not been a good year for Indonesia's first democratically elected president. Before the end of the year, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will again have to decide on a policy that is likely to cause "misery" for millions by reducing the fuel subsidies further and thus raising fuel prices again, after a 30 percent increase in March.

IPB opens first

IPB opens first cricket workshop BOGOR: To support the development of natural resources in the country, the Bogor Agricultural Institute will hold the country's first research workshop on crickets. "We are supporting the development of crickets as a commodity by working together with more than 50,000 cricket breeders through their association," said the director of the IPB's Human Resources Center, Illah Sailah, on Tuesday.

Embassy bomber gets death penalty

Embassy bomber gets death penalty Agencies, Jakarta A militant vowed revenge after he was sentenced to death on Tuesday for plotting last year's deadly bombing at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, which the judges said was funded by Osama bin Laden. Iwan Darmawan Mutho, alias Rois, was convicted of terrorism and hiding the perpetrators of terrorism, chief judge Rocky Panjaitan told the South Jakarta District Court.

Sakato artists seek their place on the map

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.

ADS: POLAND;cd;

ADS: POLAND;cd; Publication date Sept 20 checked Polish mining machinery, equipment and technology Poland is rich in mineral resources and ranks with the leading world producers and exporters of coal, sulfur, copper and silver. Other resources include substantial deposits of zinc, lead, natural gas, salt and other minerals. Exploitation of coal deposits is the main source of the country's energy supply and an important source of foreign-exchange income.

Sumardi makes herbal brews to ward off bird flu virus

Sumardi makes herbal brews to ward off bird flu virus Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Avian influenza endangers not only poultry, but also human lives. Three people in Indonesia have died after being infected by the bird flu virus, with an additional case occurring just recently. Between 2003 and 2004, 16.23 million head of poultry have died because of this lethal virus.

Oil-based fuels to rise to market levels by 2008

Oil-based fuels to rise to market levels by 2008 Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following a process of gradually reducing costly fuel subsidies over the coming years, the government hopes to eventually arrive at a stage where the prices of gasoline and other oil-based fuels will be determined by those prevailing on the international market by 2008 at the latest.

1. Harga -- 1 x 35

1. Harga -- 1 x 35 Prices rise over fuel price hike fears 2. Flu -- 3 x 15 Free medical care on offer to people with flu symptoms 3. Congo -- 1 x 38 Foreigners arrested for visa forgery 4 Buta -- 1 x 38 Illiteracy traps people in poverty 5. Speak -- 1 x 38 'We need better grooming for athletes'

JP/18/SCHL2

JP/18/SCHL2 checked --JSR Kamal now has the world at his fingertips Not that long ago 11-year-old Kamal could not see a future for himself, but now he has aspirations to be a pilot. He really enjoys school and his favorite subject is maths. Prior to starting school, Kamal, like many of his fellow students, used to spend all day looking for things on the street -- so he looked forward to going to school each day.

No mention of grounded planes

No mention of grounded planes In The Jakarta Post Sept. 12 edition, on page 1, there was no mention of which airlines had their planes grounded by Minister Hatta Rajasa. Why is the Post being so kind to the errant airlines? In Kompas on Sept. 10, it was clearly mentioned that Batavia, Adam and Sriwijaya were the culprits. Is there a policy in the Post to protect those who endanger the safety of the public? SUSANTI AGUSTINI, Tangerang, Banten

Free medication for residents with flu symptoms

Free medication for residents with flu symptoms Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The City Health Agency said on Tuesday the city administration would cover the medical costs of any resident of Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, showing influenza symptoms following the death of a 37-year-old local woman thought to have contracted bird flu. "We call on residents not to panic. But please stay vigilant.

Locals demand indigenous officials

Locals demand indigenous officials GORONTALO, Gorontalo: A leading figure in Boalemo has called on the regental government to prioritize locals in the recruitment of civil servants in the regency. Rahman Ismail said that so far, the Boalemo bureaucracy had been dominated by people from outside the regency and this was considered unfair.

30 islands have no names

30 islands have no names SURABAYA: A professor has expressed concern on Tuesday that at least 30 of Indonesia's supposed 17,540 islands have no names. "I am worried that if these islands are not given names immediately, Indonesia will soon lose the islands to other countries. Even an Indonesian island with a clear name has already gone to other country," said Bangun Mulyo Sukotjo, a professor at Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS).

Players hope for good draw in Bali volleyball tourney

Players hope for good draw in Bali volleyball tourney Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali The US$200,000 Bali Open, one of the stops on this year's Swatch-Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) World Tour, begins on Wednesday with some players hoping for a good draw to help them advance in the tournament. The five-day event at Sanur beach will feature 48 pairs, 24 of which will qualify automatically for the main draw.

German banks to fund S'pore Flyer

German banks to fund S'pore Flyer SINGAPORE: Two leading German banks, DBM and HVB Asia, will finance the construction of a giant observation wheel in Singapore, reported Channel News Asia on Tuesday. The S$240 million (US$143 million) Singapore Flyer promises to be one of Singapore's top attractions. At 45 stories high, the observation wheel will provide a breathtaking view of the country and neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia.

Pertamina blamed for oil smuggling

Pertamina blamed for oil smuggling Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to speed up a proposed shake-up of the management of state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina in response to the failure of the company's internal monitoring system to prevent oil smuggling from an East Kalimantan port, a minister says.

Former Aceh rebels remain wary as disarmament nears

Former Aceh rebels remain wary as disarmament nears Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Pidie Distrust and fear still runs deep among members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) as the date for the decommissioning of weapons is drawing near. As the disarmament between Thursday and Saturday nears, GAM members are still apprehensive about a possible backlash from Indonesian Military personnel, whom they have fought for almost 30 years.

Joint air patrols begin in Malacca Strait

Joint air patrols begin in Malacca Strait Clarence Fernandez, Reuters/Subang Air Force Base, Malaysia The four Southeast Asian nations guarding the Malacca Strait started joint air patrols of the vital sea lane on Tuesday when a Malaysian military plane took to the air with Singaporeans on board.

JP/18/SCHL1

JP/18/SCHL1 checked -JSR School turns scavengers into scholars, citizens Karen Stingemore The Jakarta Post/Jakarta With the Indonesian flag flying high above the entrance way and the echo of laughter and eager voices drifting along the corridor, PKBM (Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat, or Center For Community-Based Learning Activities) seems like any other Indonesian elementary school.

Minority rights in Indonesia's multi-religious society

Minority rights in Indonesia's multi-religious society Aleksius Jemadu, Bandung Numerical strength does not define human dignity. Being a member of a majority or minority group in society is not a relevant factor to qualify one as a legitimate carrier of demand for social justice and political equality. However, politics sometimes can be a dehumanizing force in the sense that it determines whether basic rights are respected or denied.

College student steals to pay fees

College student steals to pay fees JAKARTA: A student at a private university in Jakarta has been arrested for stealing on a number of occasions from a neighbor's house in Pulo Gebang Permai, Cakung, East Jakarta. Arnold Tisoalu, 26, stole two cellular phones, a wrist watch and a camera, all of which he sold. He claimed that he had used the proceeds to pay for his university fees. The student stole the items on Saturday and Sunday. He was arrested late on Sunday evening.

Toward bourgeois hegemony

Toward bourgeois hegemony From Media Indonesia The political discourses in the country today make a clear-cut distinction between the public sector represented by the state and the private sector embodying market forces. In a capitalist country where the market mechanism functions properly, it is apparent that its socio-economic mechanism is controlled by initiatives of the private sector as the most dominant power.

Embassy bombing hero gets promotion

Embassy bombing hero gets promotion Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although his voice was barely audible, let alone understood, Brig. Asep Wahyudi, 21, one of the victims of the Australian Embassy bombing delighted both reporters and colleagues with his high spirits and persistence to remain in the police force. "I want to remain a police officer.

Suspect named in assault case

Suspect named in assault case JAKARTA: Investigators from the internal affairs division at National Police Headquarters have named Second Brig. Darmawan Manik a suspect in the assault on the head of intelligence and security at the North Bogor Police, First Adj. Insp. Wawan Setiawan. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Soenarko said on Tuesday investigators had questioned Darmawan, who worked as a driver for Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr.

Govt clears way for Cepu block deal

Govt clears way for Cepu block deal Leony Aurora and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A new regulation amending a previous one on the upstream oil and gas sector has been issued to speed up the settlement of the Cepu block dispute, but could also be used for similar cases in the future, a minister says. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Tuesday that the new government regulation (No.

Foreigners arrested for visa forgery

Foreigners arrested for visa forgery Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two persons holding passports from the Republic of Congo were arrested on Monday for falsifying documents including visas, passports and credit cards at an apartment in Pulogadung, East Jakarta. City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said that the two, identified as Ncula Viende, 38, and Bien Vienne, 26, were now being questioned at the East Jakarta police station.

Diarrhea kills three infants

Diarrhea kills three infants BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: The diarrhea outbreak that has affected Lampung province over the past month has so far claimed the lives of three infants. The latest victim was Arbi, 1, an child from South Lampung regency, who died of diarrhea and pneumonia on Monday night, according to hospital data.

Moderates, conservatives dispute freedom of thought

Moderates, conservatives dispute freedom of thought Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following a controversial fatwa by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which strongly recommends an end to liberalism, pluralism and secularism, Muslim moderates and conservatives are debating whether Islam recognizes freedom of thought. A discussion here on Tuesday showed that Muslim scholars still strongly differed over this controversial issue.

GAM ready to hand in, destroy weapons

GAM ready to hand in, destroy weapons Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Pidie In line with the peace deal earlier signed by the Indonesian government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM), GAM members have begun gathering weapons and have said they are ready to hand them over to the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM). GAM in Pidie, for example, say that they have gathered 30 percent of their weapons at an undisclosed location in Pidie regency and will hand them over on Sept. 15 as required under the peace deal.

Subsidy for education left undelivered to 11 provinces

Subsidy for education left undelivered to 11 provinces Rendi A. Witular and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta With another fuel price hike looming, low-income assistance funds from a fuel price increase in March have not been fully delivered to the education sector. Minister of National Education Bambang Sudibyo said nearly Rp 2 trillion (US$200 million) in funds had not been distributed properly by local administrations to designated schools.

Court hands down harsher punishment for Puteh

Court hands down harsher punishment for Puteh Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Supreme Court would appear to have sounded the death knell for the efforts by suspended Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh to avoid going to prison after it upheld his conviction on graft charges in relation to events stretching back to 2001.

1. PERTAMINA: 1 X 32

1. PERTAMINA: 1 X 32 Pertamina blamed for oil smuggling 2. FUEL: 2 X 24 Pertamina to apply market prices to more industries 3. JUNTA: 1 X 32 Rice blasts Myanmar over repression 4. SUMMIT: 1 X 32 Still no final deal on UN reforms

Ambon city, a melting pot of culture and religion

Ambon city, a melting pot of culture and religion M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon Ambon city has a colorful history, starting from the struggle between the Portuguese, British and Dutch colonial powers to the humanitarian tragedy that ravaged the city in 1999 when residents of different religions faced off. Victims fell and belongings were lost.

Rupiah Rates Sept.13

Rupiah Rates Sept.13 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 8,162.67 7,390.09 7,817.07 7,735.55 Brunei dollar 1 6,321.15 5,721.69 6,053.53 5,989.16 Canadian dollar 1 8,951.63 8,103.43 8,572.63 8,482.24 Swiss franc 1 8,446.83 7,649.12 8,089.21 8,006.69 Danish krone 1 1,750.35 1,584.51 1,676.24 1,658.58 Euro 1 13,049.45 11,814.15 12,496.96 12,366.42 Poundsterling 1 19,318.07 17,491.67 18,500.17 18,309.34 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,366.39 1,237.47 1,308.54 1,295.32...

Health services still inferior for poor

Health services still inferior for poor Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Low income people are not getting the free medical care they are entitled to despite having health cards, prompting an angry response from the Minister of Health. Subarjo, 55, a resident of Bantul, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday complained after he was charged Rp 240,000 (US$24) when he sought medical treatment in the third class ward at the Wirosaban State Hospital.

Pertamina to apply market prices to more industries

Pertamina to apply market prices to more industries Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As pressure to rein in the fuel subsidy grows, state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina will cut its subsidized fuel quota for industries to eight kiloliters (kl) a month -- a third of the current level. Pertamina plans to apply the new policy beginning Sept. 15, company spokesman Mochamad Harun said on Tuesday. Industries will be required to pay market prices for fuel usage over eight kl a month.

SBY video conference raise eyebrows

SBY video conference raise eyebrows Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's decision to lead Cabinet meetings while on an overseas trip has begun to spark speculation as to whether he has lost trust in his aides at home. Susilo, who is on a trip to the United States, held his second Cabinet meeting by video conference in as many days on Tuesday. "I do not know whether this is proof of President Susilo's concern about the country's situation.

Victims of rights abuses seek justice

Victims of rights abuses seek justice Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the renewed focus on the government's slowness in establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR), victims of human rights abuses and the relatives of those killed by government forces are demanding justice.

Govt urged to dissolve anti-GAM 'militias' in Aceh

Govt urged to dissolve anti-GAM 'militias' in Aceh Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Aceh Working Group (AWG) has urged authorities to disarm and dissolve civilian militias in Aceh province, for fear that they could disrupt the peace process there. The group accused certain security personnel of mobilizing and recruiting Acehnese civilians as members of the armed militia groups.

Mainstream Islam and Ahmadiyah in Indonesia

Mainstream Islam and Ahmadiyah in Indonesia Muhamad Ali, Manoa, Hawaii Tolerance is not always easy for many Muslims because they tend to reinforce differences and boundaries, rather than commonalities. They have tended to set theological boundaries according to their interpretation of religious texts to maintain their claim of ultimate truth.

Australia's Wood fuels the spirit of optimism

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. Australian of the Year Fiona Wood, one of the world's leading burns specialists, worked around the clock for days on end with a specialist team at Royal Perth Hospital to treat victims suffering unimaginable pain.

Mutual fund industry hit hard by huge redemptions: Assosiation

Mutual fund industry hit hard by huge redemptions: Assosiation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After experiencing a boom over the past three years, mutual funds are coming back down to earth with a surge in redemptions since early this year, industry players say. Indonesian Mutual Funds Issuers Association (APRDI) chairman Muhammad Hanif said on Tuesday the net asset value of mutual funds had reached its lowest level since 2002.

TV Program: Thursday, September 15, 2005

TV Program: Thursday, September 15, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Hallo Friends 7:30 Music 8:00 Women World 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

Philosophy of beauty

Philosophy of beauty I refer to your article in The Jakarta Post on Sunday Aug. 28. I admire Martha Tilaar for her achievements as a woman entrepreneur and for her many international awards in recognition of her excellent performance. However allow me to make some comments: 1. Philosophy of Beauty I suppose beauty contests use a standard criteria for beauty, but in daily life beauty is relative and depends on personal taste.

Illiteracy traps Jakarta residents in poverty

Illiteracy traps Jakarta residents in poverty The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A woman spends 12 hours a day sitting at a crossroads on Jl. Pramuka, East Jakarta, waiting for people to throw small change from their vehicles. "I came from Brebes four years ago, without knowing what I could do here," said Ngatem, who said that she could not read and had no skills to offer.

Mobile phone lands aircraft in wrong airport

Mobile phone lands aircraft in wrong airport JAKARTA: Wings Air passengers were baffled on Monday when the aircraft that took them from Jakarta landed in a deserted airport after the cabin crew announced they were arriving in Padang, West Sumatra, just on schedule. Although the recent air disaster that killed 150 people in the neighboring Medan was still on the mind of the 130 passengers, they did not panic because the MD-82 aircraft touched down perfectly.

Singapore plans giant wheel to promote tourism

Singapore plans giant wheel to promote tourism Associated Press/Singapore Singapore seeks to boost tourism with a giant wheel that planners say will be 43 meters (142 feet) taller than the London Eye, a similar attraction beside the River Thames. The Singapore Flyer project will be 178 meters (587 feet) high when it is completed in early 2008, and visitors will be able to see as far away as 45 kilometers (28 miles), with views of neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia, according to project managers.

SBY video conference raise eyebrows

SBY video conference raise eyebrows Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's decision to lead Cabinet meetings while on an overseas trip has begun to spark speculation as to whether he has lost trust in his aides at home. Susilo, who is on a trip to the United States, held his second Cabinet meeting by video conference in as many days on Tuesday. "I do not know whether this is proof of President Susilo's concern about the country's situation.

IPB opens first cricket workshop

IPB opens first cricket workshop BOGOR: To support the development of natural resources in the country, the Bogor Agricultural Institute will hold the country's first research workshop on crickets. "We are supporting the development of crickets as a commodity by working together with more than 50,000 cricket breeders through their association," said the director of the IPB's Human Resources Center, Illah Sailah, on Tuesday.

Govt should also improve athlete's recruitment

Govt should also improve athlete's recruitment Legislators have approved the long-awaited bill on sports that requires the government to provide a pension for national athletes and funds for organizations involved in developing the country's sports. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents here to get their views on the issue. Sanan, 48, is a resident of a housing complex in Cisauk district, Tangerang regency. He works as a staff member of a junior high school on Jl.

RI to Timor Leste fuel smuggling goes unabated

RI to Timor Leste fuel smuggling goes unabated Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang Fuel smuggling has been widespread over the Batam-East Kalimantan border and also over the border of West Timor regency and the neighboring country of Timor Leste, causing hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars in losses to Indonesia. A senior Army official alleged that the fuel was smuggled via both sea and land transportation into the neighboring country.

Officials must not

Officials must not indulge in theories From Kompas As fuel supplies have become increasingly critical in this country the authorities concerned need to take quick decisions to get the crisis under control. In other words, we should not have to be dependent on other countries, and the crisis should not necessarily add to the sufferings of low-income people.

Witness testifies against Pollycarpus

Witness testifies against Pollycarpus JAKARTA: Garuda Indonesia vice president of corporate security Ramelgia Anwar testified on Tuesday that he did not know who assigned pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto, charged with playing a role in the murder of Munir, to fly to Singapore on the same flight as the rights campaigner.

1. Ali -- mainstream Islam and the Ahmadiyah in Indonesia

1. Ali -- mainstream Islam and the Ahmadiyah in Indonesia 2 x 23 Mainstream Islam and Ahmadiyah in Indonesia Muhamad Ali Manoa, Hawaii 2. Alex -- The minority rights in a democratic society 2 x 30 Minority rights in Indonesia's multi-religious society Aleksius Jemadu Bandung

Red tape and business

Red tape and business From Media Indonesia When I handled administrative matters for a construction license in my district office, it took four exhausting days to get one simple stamp. The bureaucratic red tape is eroding the function of public service. The bureaucratic character of government means citizens end up serving the public servants. Their tendency toward corruption prompts officials to delay things unless rewards are offered, however small they may be.

Gigi to tour U.S. cities again

Gigi to tour U.S. cities again JAKARTA: Local outfit Gigi, a rock band that has scored hits such as Angan (Daydream) and Terbang (Flying) is expected to stage a four-date show in cities in the United States. Starting on Sept. 16, the band will play arenas in east-coast U.S. cities. The band will open their tour on Sept. 16 in Whiskey Dix Saloon, Philadelphia, before heading on to Washington when they will rock the crowd in Jammin Java club on Sept. 18.

checked

checked Poland - Indonesia economic relations Indonesia is an important trade partner of Poland in the Southeast Asia region. The trade balance between the two countries has showed steady growth over the past few years. According to Polish statistical data, the two countries' two- way trade has continued to increase in recent years. The bilateral trade which reached a total of US$208 million in 1998, increased to $219 million in 2000, to $240 million in 2002 and to $285 million in 2003.

Shell Indonesia retail operations await subsidy move

Shell Indonesia retail operations await subsidy move Phelim Kyne Dow Jones/Jakarta An Indonesian unit of Royal Dutch Shell PLC has delayed the launch of a long-planned line of Shell-branded retail gasoline stations until the government clarifies its fuel price subsidy policy, a company executive said recently.

Indofood to cut jobs, flavors on competition

Indofood to cut jobs, flavors on competition Soraya Permatasari, Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, the world's biggest instant noodle maker, said it plans to cut jobs and unpopular flavors as rising competition in Indonesia and a slump in the currency erode profit. Indofood fired 2,000 workers in the past year and may cut a further 1,000 jobs, Vice-President Director Franciscus Welirang said in a Sept. 8 interview.

1. Analis -- 1x42

1. Analis -- 1x42 Front-end loading -- Susilo's best political option 2. GAM ----- 3x16 Former Aceh rebels remain wary as disarmament nears 3. Islam --- 1x40 Moderates, conservatives dispute freedom of thought 4. Asep ---- 2x18 Embassy bombing hero gets extraordinary promotion

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.

Police arrest wrong suspect

Police arrest wrong suspect SURABAYA: Police in East Java said they had arrested a man thought to have been Malaysian fugitive Azahari bin Husin, a key terrorist suspect, but later released him on Tuesday. East Java Police spokesman Comr. Endro Wardoyo said the suspect, identified by only his initial "S", a man from North Sumatra, told residents of Dander village in Bojonegoro regency that his name was Rohman bin Azahari.

Deadline to deal with refugees extended

Deadline to deal with refugees extended The Jakarta Post, Ambon The Maluku administration has extended the deadline for resolving the province's refugee problem to the end of the year following its failure to meet the Sept. 15 deadline, an official said on Tuesday. The new deadline was disclosed by the head of Maluku province's Social Services Office, Chris Hehanussa, who said the administration had worked hard to address the problem since 2001 but was finding it difficult.

Doing business in RI remains costly, IFC says

Doing business in RI remains costly, IFC says The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is at risk of falling further behind many of its regional rivals in terms of attracting foreign investment due to the continuing high cost of doing business here, according to a report released on Tuesday.

'We need better grooming for athletes'

'We need better grooming for athletes' Legislators have approved the long-awaited bill on sports that requires the government to provide a pension for national athletes and funds for organizations involved in developing the country's sports. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents here to get their views on the issue. Sanan, 48, is a resident of a housing complex in Cisauk district, Tangerang regency. He works as a staff member of a junior high school on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta.

Govt to press ahead with plan to buy back Indosat shares

Govt to press ahead with plan to buy back Indosat shares The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will continue with its plan to acquire more shares in the country's second largest telecommunications firm PT Indonesian Satellite (Indosat), a minister says. State Minister for State Enterprises Sugiharto said on Tuesday that he already had informal discussions with representatives of Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT), which controls most of Indosat's shares, about the government's plan.

Free medication care on offer to people with flu symptoms

Free medication care on offer to people with flu symptoms Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Health Agency said on Tuesday the city administration would cover the medical costs of any resident of Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, showing influenza symptoms following the death of a 37-year-old local woman thought to have contracted bird flu. "We call on residents not to panic. But please stay vigilant.

Irishman wins 2nd stage in Purwokerto

Irishman wins 2nd stage in Purwokerto PURWOKERTO: Irish rider David McCann of Giant Asia Racing clinched the second stage of the Tour d'Indonesia 2005 from Cirebon, West Java to Purwokerto, Central Java here on Tuesday. McCann crossed the line in five hours, two minutes and 51 seconds over the 187-kilometer route.

Rock band Gigi to tour U.S. cities, again

Rock band Gigi to tour U.S. cities, again JP/20/GUESS Gigi to tour U.S. cities again Local outfit Gigi, a rock band that has scored hits such as Angan (Daydream) and Terbang (Flying) is expected to stage a four-date show in cities in the United States. Starting on Sept. 16, the band will play arenas in east-coast U.S. cities. The band will open their tour on Sept. 16 in Whiskey Dix Saloon, Philadelphia, before heading on to Washington when they will rock the crowd in Jammin Java club on Sept.

JP/20/DANIEL

JP/20/DANIEL Daniels enjoys lighting up lives Sri Wahyuni The Jakarta Post/Magelang, Central Java "I'm like a moth drawn to the flame. When you switch on a light bulb at night, you will see moths are flying around it. Moths like the light, and so do I." Seeing the light is important to American Robert Daniels, a world-class lighting designer who has just finished working on the country's Borobudur Temple. "I even have a spiritual name -- 'the very gift of light' -- a Sikh name from India.

Parkway buys 31% of Pantai

Parkway buys 31% of Pantai Chan Sue Ling and Yoolim Lee, Bloomberg/Singapore Parkway Holdings Ltd., Asia's second-biggest publicly traded hospital operator, bought a 31 percent stake in Malaysia's Pantai Holdings Bhd. for S$139 million (US$83 million) to expand in Southeast Asia. The purchase of Malaysia's No. 1 private health-care service provider will double the number of hospitals Parkway operates in the region to 14.

Less is more for women's tennis: Davenport

Less is more for women's tennis: Davenport Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Bali With a clogged tournament schedule and players traveling to distant points around the globe for their next competition, the top ranks of women's tennis resembled a casualty list for much of 2005. Jennifer Capriati has been out with shoulder problems, Venus and Serena Williams have been on-again-off-again in their tour commitments in the run-up to the U.S.

1. Rois -- 65 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x15)

1. Rois -- 65 pts 3 cols 2lines (2x15) Australian Embassy bomber gets death 2. Puteh -- 42 pts 4 cols 2lines (2x22) Court hands down harsher punishment for Puteh 3. Lindsay -- 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x32) Less is more for women's tennis: Davenport 4. SBY -- 36 pts 3 cols 1line (1x27) SBY video conferences raise eyebrows

AGO told to go easy on corruption suspects

AGO told to go easy on corruption suspects Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With numerous corruption cases still hanging because of a lack of evidence or other "difficulties", the Attorney General was told on Tuesday to use his discretionary power to reduce or even drop charges against graft suspects willing to cooperate in investigations. However, the idea's critics have said the move would only further undermine the country's already-weak legal system.

Lesser-known lymphoma produces alarming statistic

Lesser-known lymphoma produces alarming statistic Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Pro-democracy activist Ibrahim "Bram" G. Zakir has the resilience of a warrior. A political prisoner in the Soeharto years, his unfaltering loyalty to his country and dream of a people's democracy have never wavered. Like many who are committed to a cause, Ibrahim was neglectful of his health. Last year, doctors diagnosed him as having lymphoma.

RI's Wynne wilts as miffed Mirza crashes out in Bali

RI's Wynne wilts as miffed Mirza crashes out in Bali Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali National number two Wynne Prakusya had only herself to blame in a second round loss at the Wismilak International on Tuesday, while much heralded Indian teenager Sania Mirza departed in a hit-and-miss debacle. Wynne played into the hands of China's Zi Yan -- both of them.