Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 September 2005

98 articles found

54 arrested for hoarding 317 tons of fuel

54 arrested for hoarding 317 tons of fuel Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta Police announced on Wednesday that they have arrested 54 people for hoarding a total amount of 317 tons of fuel in the past two months. Jakarta Police Special Crimes Unit deputy chief Adj. Comr. Agung Sabar Santoso said that police confiscated two tons of premium, 154 tons of diesel, 73 tons of kerosene and 85 tons of other kinds of fuel in two months of operations.

1. Graft (2x18)

1. Graft (2x18) Former councillors guilty of graft 2. Timor (1x32) Ex-officer acquitted in Timor case 3. KPU (2x20) Nazaruddin also took kickbacks: Witness 4. Info (2x18) Bill on freedom of information 'urgent'

SE Asia cashes in as Arab tourists flock to its beaches, malls

SE Asia cashes in as Arab tourists flock to its beaches, malls Hazlin Hassan, Agence France-Presse/Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian capitals are enjoying an influx of big-spending tourists from Arab states, who say they feel unwelcome in Europe and the U.S. as the world turns jittery after the London bombings.

Experts warn of imbalance in personal development in Super Class

Experts warn of imbalance in personal development in Super Class Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Education experts and psychologists have called on people behind Jakarta's Super Class project to anticipate a possible imbalance in personal development among students selected to sit in the program. They also urged proponents of the program to include other subjects, including social responsibility and human and religious values, in its curriculum.

TV Today: Saturday, September 17, 2005

TV Today: Saturday, September 17, 2005 TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Hembing 9:00 TV Drama 10:30 Music 11:30 Oto Screen 12:00 p.m.

Gas station polluted wells, say residents

Gas station polluted wells, say residents DEPOK: Nineteen residents of Rangkapan Jaya Baru subdistrict in Depok accused on Thursday a nearby gas station of polluting their well. "Our wells have been polluted since last year. We have to buy water to drink," a resident, Tuti, said. The station was established in 2003, he said. He said residents had lodged complaints to the subdistrict office three times but had got no response.

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.

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.

Rupiah up on plan to cut fuel subsidies

Rupiah up on plan to cut fuel subsidies Bloomberg, Jakarta The rupiah rose for a fifth day after the government said it may increase fuel prices in October to cut energy subsidies. The plan to reduce subsidies that are threatening efforts to narrow the budget deficit helped the rupiah rise from a four- year low reached on Aug. 30. Record crude oil prices have led to surging demand for dollars, weighing on the currency.

A pilot working for a national airline and two friends were

A pilot working for a national airline and two friends were arrested on Wednesday evening for taking shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), city police said on Thursday. East Jakarta deputy police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Hilman said Garuda Indonesia pilot identified as, Johan, 29, and two accomplices identified as Ella and Lukman, were arrested when having a drug party in a house in Berlan, Matraman. "Actually we suspected that at least six people were involved in the party at the house.

Line up for kerosene or for movie tickets

Line up for kerosene or for movie tickets Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post "What's wrong with queuing up? People also queue up at the cinema." So said Purnomo Yusgiantoro -- our minister of energy and mineral resources -- quoting Vice President Jusuf Kalla's reaction to images of people lining up for fuel.

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.

Haze returns to Malaysian towns

Haze returns to Malaysian towns MALAYSIA: Smoke from forest fires on Indonesia's Sumatra island hit two coastal towns in Malaysia on Thursday and turned the air quality "unhealthy", according to official data. Last month a state of emergency was declared in the two affected towns, Kuala Selangor and Port Klang, when they bore the brunt of a haze crisis that sent pollution levels there soaring to extremely hazardous levels.

Maritime concerns drive Southeast Asia war games

Maritime concerns drive Southeast Asia war games Reuters, Kuantan, Malaysia Australia, Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore signaled the growing importance of Asian maritime security on Thursday, starting their annual war-games with a strong focus on naval exercises.

City earmarks a pittance for urban renewal

City earmarks a pittance for urban renewal Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite public complaints over the poor condition of urban infrastructure -- roads, parks, pavements, waste treatment and transportation systems -- the city administration has disbursed only a small fraction of the infrastructure funds for 2005.

Elman may buy two Indonesian coal mines

Elman may buy two Indonesian coal mines Bernard Lo and Jason Gale, Bloomberg/Singapore Noble Group Ltd. may buy coal mines in Indonesia, Chief Executive Richard Elman said, expanding in a nation that is the second- biggest exporter of the fuel to Chinese power generators.

Business, govt must work to improve athletes' welfare

Business, govt must work to improve athletes' welfare Legislators have approved a long-waited sports bill, which, among other things, requires the government to provide pensions to athletes who compete for their country. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakarta people for their views on the issue. Hamidah, 35, is a public school teacher in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. She lives with her husband and children in Cilandak, South Jakarta.

Democracy is of no use

Democracy is of no use From Kompas How can democracy have any meaning if the communists still aspire to return to the political stage? It's wishful thinking. This is due to the fact that the younger generation of communists insist that they (the Indonesian communists) are right; and what the communists were blamed for in the past -- a series of armed rebellions, culminating in the Sept.

Experts warn of antisocial behavior in 'Super Class'

Experts warn of antisocial behavior in 'Super Class' Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Education experts and psychologists have called on people behind Jakarta's Super Class project to anticipate a possible imbalance in personal development among students selected to sit in the program. They also urged proponents of the program to include other subjects, including social responsibility and human and religious values, in its curriculum.

Gas stations shut for meter-tampering

Gas stations shut for meter-tampering MAKASSAR: State oil and gas company PT Pertamina's South Sulawesi operations cut supplies and closed down two filling stations after it was discovered that they had been tampering with their meters. Spokesman of Pertamina's South Sulawesi operations, Winarto, said on Thursday that one fuel station was located in Makassar city, and the other was in Gowa regency.

Mining companies deny paying lawmakers to get law passed

Mining companies deny paying lawmakers to get law passed Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State mining companies PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA) and PT Timah denied a media report that they were asked to pay Rp 7 billion (US$700,000) to ensure the House of Representatives passed a bill on mineral and coal mining.

John van der Sterren's artistic sentimental journey

John van der Sterren's artistic sentimental journey Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Nostalgia and bold lines are features by which the paintings of John van der Sterren can be recognized. Much of his work used to be directly related to Indonesia, where he was born and has spent part of his adult years.

An eye on the straits

An eye on the straits The maiden flight of the Malaysian Hercules C130 military plane under the Eye in the Sky (EiS) program marks another significant co-operative regional move by the three littoral states to secure the Straits of Malacca against pirates and threats from terrorists. Together with plans to install ship-tracking equipment at strategic locations along the waterway, the EiS is evidence of the willingness of the littoral nations to come up with pragmatic solutions.

Pilot arrested for drug abuse

Pilot arrested for drug abuse Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A pilot working for a national airline and two friends were arrested on Wednesday evening for taking shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), city police said on Thursday. East Jakarta deputy police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Hilman said Garuda Indonesia pilot identified as, Johan, 29, and two accomplices identified as Ella and Lukman, were arrested when having a drug party in a house in Berlan, Matraman.

A pilot working for a national airline and two friends were

A pilot working for a national airline and two friends were arrested on Wednesday evening for taking shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), city police said on Thursday. East Jakarta deputy police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Hilman said Garuda Indonesia pilot identified as, Johan, 29, and two accomplices identified as Ella and Lukman, were arrested when having a drug party in a house in Berlan, Matraman. "Actually we suspected that at least six people were involved in the party at the house.

Schnyder sails on, Molik upset at Bali

Schnyder sails on, Molik upset at Bali Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Swiss second seed Patty Schnyder was all business in opening her campaign at the US$225,000 Wismilak International on Thursday, but Alicia Molik took an unwanted detour on her comeback trail. The athletic left hander, who received a bye in the first round, defeated Spanish doubles specialist Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-2, 6-3 for a quarterfinal spot at the hardcourt tournament.

Pertamina raises supplies but long queues remain

Pertamina raises supplies but long queues remain The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Even though state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina has increased fuel supply for the domestic market -- from its quota of 184,000 kiloliters (kl) per day to 194,000 kl -- long queues at gasoline stations and kerosene depots can still be seen in some parts of the country.

Rupiah ends lower on profit-taking after gains

Rupiah ends lower on profit-taking after gains Dow Jones Jakarta The rupiah lost ground on Thursday as foreign banks bought back dollars to lock in profits against the local unit after its recent gains, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 10,065 compared with its close on Wednesday at Rp 10,005. Dealers said foreign banks bought back the greenback as it seemed to find solid support around Rp 10,000, thanks to dollar demand from local companies.

For Country Profile: Chile --- Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005

For Country Profile: Chile --- Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 Note: Please do not cut The relationship between Indonesia and Chile Bilateral relations between Indonesia and Chile were formally established through an exchange of notes in September 1965. At first they were maintained at the concurrent level, until Chile set up permanent representation in Jakarta in November 1977 and Indonesia opened its embassy in Santiago in March 1991.

Alleged bombers put on trial

Alleged bombers put on trial YOGYAKARTA: Three persons allegedly involved in a string of explosions in Yogyakarta five years ago went on trial on Thursday. During the first court session, the defendants were charged with plotting and executing the bombings and violating the law on state emergency, which carries a maximum sentence of death.

Ex-officer acquitted in Timor case

Ex-officer acquitted in Timor case Agence France-Presse, Jakarta The Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of a former police officer charged with gross human rights violations in connection with two massacres in East Timor in 1999, an official said on Thursday. Three judges from a five-man panel rejected on Wednesday a prosecution appeal against the acquittal of former Dili Police chief Hulman Gultom, said an official with the Supreme Court's criminal appeals unit.

Journalists angry over police inaction

Journalists angry over police inaction MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of Medan journalists staged a protest on Thursday in the city, demanding that police officers work harder to quickly capture the perpetrators who abducted Ellyudin Telambanua, a journalist from Berita Sore daily newspaper. The 50-year-old journalist went missing on Aug. 24 after he covered a story in South Nias regency where he was based, and since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.

Q! Film Festival opens this weekend

Q! Film Festival opens this weekend Lisabona Rahman Contributor/Jakarta This year, the fourth since its initiation, the Q! Film Festival will screen more than 50 features, shorts and documentary films under the theme of "Sexual Diversity". The festival broaches issues of sexual identity in the contexts of the family, friends and society. The festival will run for 10 days, from Sept. 17 to Sept.

Nazaruddin also took kickbacks: Witness

Nazaruddin also took kickbacks: Witness Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU) treasurer Hamdani Amin testified on Wednesday against KPU chairman Nazaruddin Syamsuddin, saying the latter accepted US$602,965 in kickbacks from two firms that supplied the commissions with poll materials. "I got cash from KPU's supplying companies through Mr. Chairman (Nazaruddin)," he told the trial of Nazaruddin at the Anticorruption Court in Jakarta.

For Country Profile: Chile --- Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005

For Country Profile: Chile --- Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 Note: Please do not cut Foreword by the Ambassador of Chile to Indonesia, H.E. James Sinclair Manley When the Government of Chile decided in 1935 to open a Consular Office in the old, romantic city of Batavia, the Chilean authorities were taking the first steps toward what, in the future, would develop into a rich and comprehensive partnership between the two countries, its peoples and cultures.

Hassan told to explain meeting with Shalom

Hassan told to explain meeting with Shalom Tiarma Siboro and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A reported meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda and his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom could spark controversy at home, though there are no indications Indonesia plans to open diplomatic ties with the Jewish state. The talks reportedly took place in New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

Logistical nightmares

Logistical nightmares A recent study of 75 large export-oriented companies at four of Indonesia's largest seaports concluded that logistics services accounted for an average of 14 percent of total production costs. This finding, released on Monday, simply confirms what most businesspeople have long complained about -- the relative high cost of doing business here -- that makes exports less competitive internationally.

Business, govt must improve athletes' welfare

Business, govt must improve athletes' welfare Legislators have approved a long-waited sports bill, which, among other things, requires the government to provide pensions to athletes who compete for their country. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakarta people for their views on the issue. Hamidah, 35, is a public school teacher in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. She lives with her husband and children in Cilandak, South Jakarta.

Disarmament boosts Aceh peace

Disarmament boosts Aceh peace Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Hopes for a lasting peace in Aceh received a boost on Thursday as former Free Aceh Movement separatists handed over their first batch of weapons to international monitors. Under a clear sky in a large field in Banda Aceh, dozens of former rebels wearing jeans and T-shirts presented bags of weapons to Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) representatives.

Sanyo makes TV No. 5 million

Sanyo makes TV No. 5 million JAKARTA: PT Sanyo Electronics Indonesia (SEI) will boost its television production to 1.1 million units from 900,000 this year due to increasing global demand. "This year, we produce the fifth million TV and plans to increase our annual output," SEI president director Makoto Sugai said in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, on Thursday. The increase is part of the effort to maximize the company's annual capacity of 1.3 million units.

Photos taken by Ayi Jufridar in our images section on this page

Photos taken by Ayi Jufridar in our images section on this page on Thursday were not taken by The Jakarta Post but by the Associated Press. We apologize for the mistake. -- Editor

1. ACEH: 1 X 25

1. ACEH: 1 X 25 Disarmament boosts Aceh peace 2. SUMMIT: 1 X 28 Susilo wants MDGs accelerated 3. TENIS: 2 X 18 Schnyder sails on, Molik upset in Bali 4. FUEL: 1 X 42 Pertamina raises supplies but long queues remain

Bill on freedom of information 'urgent'

Bill on freedom of information 'urgent' Activists and legislators questioned on Thursday the government's commitment to boosting transparency in the public sector after a minister rejected calls for the immediate deliberation of the bill on information. "This bill could in fact help the government minimize corruption in public agencies because all information would be publicly accessible and out in the open," said Paulus Widiyanto, a researcher and former legislator who drafted the bill.

[b]

Low tax rates will spur tsunami growth in Indonesia Gregory Fossedal Washington D.C. 2. Pro -- Lessons from the black tsunami 1 x 30 Lessons from the black tsunami Joseph E. Stiglitz Project Syndicate

Motorists told to skip Senayan

Motorists told to skip Senayan JAKARTA: Motorists are advised to avoid the Senayan Sports Complex area from Friday (today) until Wednesday next week because of likely crippling traffic jams during the quarterfinals of the 2005 Indonesia Soccer League (LI 2005). "Thousands of supporters from four teams will flood the Bung Karno Stadium and therefore worsen traffic congestion," the official website of Jakarta administration BeritaJakarta.com said.

Producers of pirated discs targeted

Producers of pirated discs targeted Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a show of their resolve in the war on piracy, the Jakarta Police destroyed on Thursday about 1.2 million pirated CDs, VCDs and DVDs confiscated during a month-long operation. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said the operation focused more on the producers of pirated discs rather than the small vendors selling the discs throughout the city. "We are serious about fighting piracy in the city.

Interest in coin collecting grows all the time

Interest in coin collecting grows all the time Bambang Parlupi, Jakarta Many people, young and old, have found it increasingly appealing to collect old coins and banknotes as a pastime. The search for such items produces a thrill of its own. A lot more collectors are now ready to pay high prices for antique cash, especially rare pieces with limited circulation, the value of which increases with age. The nominal value of old coins is indeed small, but they can be exorbitantly priced.

EU welcomes peace deal implementation

EU welcomes peace deal implementation JAKARTA: The 25-member European Union welcomed on Thursday the start of the formal implementation of the peace agreement in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, and highlighted the support that the EU and five members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were providing through the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM), the British foreign minister said. Britain currently holds the EU presidency.

Ellyas' trial begins in W. Jakarta

Ellyas' trial begins in W. Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The West Jakarta District Court began on Thursday the trial of former world boxing champion Ellyas Pical, who was arrested at the Miles discotheque in West Jakarta in July after allegedly selling three ecstasy pills to undercover police. Prosecutor Andi Irma said Ellyas risked a maximum sentence of 15 years and Rp 150 million fine if it was proven the pills belonged to Indonesia's first world boxing champion.

Yogyakarta hosts puppetry congress

Yogyakarta hosts puppetry congress YOGYAKARTA: Local and international delegates convened for a five-day puppetry congress in Yogyakarta, which began on Wednesday night. The delegates included puppeteers and puppetry experts from a number of counties such as Japan, Malaysia, Suriname, Australia and the United States. "Even puppet collectors are also in attendance. Currently, the congress participants are numbering more than 500," event committee chief Nur Satwiko said.

Schnyder sails on, Molik

Schnyder sails on, Molik upset at Wismilak tourney Bruce Emond The Jakarta Post/Nusa Dua, Bali Swiss second seed Patty Schnyder was all business in opening her campaign at the US$225,000 Wismilak International on Thursday, but Alicia Molik took an unwanted detour on her comeback trail. The athletic left hander, who received a bye in the first round, defeated Spanish doubles specialist Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-2, 6-3 for a quarterfinal spot at the hardcourt tournament.

ORI and the struggle against colonialism

ORI and the struggle against colonialism The history of Indonesian money is broadly divided into two periods: 1945 to 1949 and 1950 to 1990. When Indonesia declared independence, only Japanese banknotes were used as legal tender. The Indonesian government, under Sukarno and Hatta, was not yet capable of issuing a national currency.

JP/20/OEI

JP/20/OEI Maintaining a collection of rare and banned books ID Nugroho The Jakarta Post/Surabaya The dimness inside the Room of Rarities at the library of Surabaya's Medayu Agung Foundation gives way to brightness when Oei Hiem Hwie enters the room and turns on the main lights. Rows of neatly arranged books can be seen through the glass doors of a wooden cabinet ornamented with Jepara carving.

China to use economic ties with ASEAN to boost interests

China to use economic ties with ASEAN to boost interests Peter Enav, Associated Press, Beijing China will use an upcoming economic gathering with Southeast Asian countries to promote its political interests there, a senior Chinese official said on Thursday, underscoring Beijing's desire to counter American influence in the region. An upcoming China-ASEAN trade event in the southern Chinese city of Nanning is more than just a commercial forum, said Fu Ziying, a vice minister of commerce.

Police elite force leaves Aceh

Police elite force leaves Aceh The Jakarta Post Lhokseumawe/Jakarta Around 1,300 Mobile Brigade Police left Aceh on Wednesday as part of a peace agreement with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels which requires the Indonesian government to gradually withdraw security forces personnel from the province. The pullout of the police strike force came a day before GAM members start handing over guns to foreign monitors. Peace was reached on Aug.

Surakarta people show ID to get kerosene

Surakarta people show ID to get kerosene Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta The kerosene shortage in the Central Java town of Surakarta has forced residents to bring along not only money and a container but also their family cards to kerosene distributors. The move was taken by some kerosene agents in the city to ensure that everyone got a fair share of kerosene.

Experts warn of imbalance in personal development in Super Class

Experts warn of imbalance in personal development in Super Class Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Education experts and psychologists have called on people behind Jakarta's Super Class project to anticipate a possible imbalance in personal development among students selected to sit in the program. They also urged proponents of the program to include other subjects, including social responsibility and human and religious values, in its curriculum.

Eleven councillors get suspended jail terms for corruption

Eleven councillors get suspended jail terms for corruption Suherjoko The Jakarta Post/Semarang Amid the ongoing crackdown on corruption, Semarang District Court on Thursday handed down one-year suspended jail terms to 11 former city councillors found guilty of corruption.

Business, govt must work to improve athletes' welfare

Business, govt must work to improve athletes' welfare Legislators have approved a long-waited sports bill, which, among other things, requires the government to provide pensions to athletes who compete for their country. The Jakarta Post asked some Jakarta people for their views on the issue. Hamidah, 35, is a public school teacher in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. She lives with her husband and children in Cilandak, South Jakarta.

100 more years of moral development

100 more years of moral development From some quarters of our society, including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), we understand that the much discussed joint ministerial decree (SKB No.01/BER-MDN-MAG/1969) is very much an impediment to the building of mosques as it is to churches. Especially in the eastern provinces of Indonesia as far as the MUI is concerned. So one would expect that about 95 percent of the population would be happy to see this SKB be trashed.

Rupiah Rates Sept.15

Rupiah Rates Sept.15 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 8,080.78 7,309.42 7,734.95 7,655.11 Brunei dollar 1 6,260.42 5,663.35 5,992.50 5,931.19 Canadian dollar 1 8,894.43 8,045.83 8,513.79 8,426.35 Swiss franc 1 8,316.20 7,523.52 7,960.30 7,879.34 Danish krone 1 1,723.57 1,559.15 1,649.81 1,632.88 Euro 1 12,849.33 11,626.38 12,299.43 12,176.23 Poundsterling 1 19,125.73 17,303.98 18,307.23 18,122.35 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,355.11 1,226.16 1,297.12 1,284.15...

____________________________________________

____________________________________________ U.S. Dollar Rates Sept.15 ____________________________________________ Latest %Change Yen 110.31-36 -0.03 Euro* 1.2221-26 -0.51 Sterling* 1.8084-88 -0.84 Swiss franc 1.2643-46 +0.52 Canadian dollar 1.1855-60 +0.42 Australian dollar* 0.7688-91 -0.32 Czech koruna 23.945-75 +0.55 Hungary forint 200.58-94 +0.51 Danish krone 6.0986-21 +0.52 Norwegian krone 6.3732-62 +0.50 Polish zloty 3.1839-93 +0.07 Russian ruble 28.365-73 +0.26 Swedish krona 7.6343-80...

Japan gives $4.05m grant for RI police

Japan gives $4.05m grant for RI police JAKARTA: The government of Japan announced on Thursday a Rp 40.8 billion (US$4.05 million) aid facility to help finance the Indonesian National Police's capacity-building program. Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Yutaka Iimura and secretary- general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed the agreement on the grant facility, which is expected to enhance the investigative capabilities of the local police force, including in counterterrorism efforts.

Erasmus Huis holds 10-day film festival

Erasmus Huis holds 10-day film festival M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dutch cultural center Erasmus Huis is holding a 10-day film festival that will screen dozens of films with a variety of themes ranging from sociocultural problems that bedevil the tiny nation to its relationships with former colonized countries, Indonesia in particular. The film festival, part of a program titled Dutch Week, which also covers seminars, concerts and an art exhibition, started on Sept.

Bush supports Aceh peace accord

Bush supports Aceh peace accord Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, New York Whatever the results of the World Summit, what is more urgent for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is what concrete results he can bring home from his 10-day visit to the United States, including a six-day stay in New York to attend the summit until Saturday. His biggest diplomatic gain was clearly the strong support from United States President George W.

Polite teacher views human absurdity

Polite teacher views human absurdity Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After sinking themselves in the dark, absurd and insane world of Budi Darma's novel Olenka and short-story collection Orang-orang Bloomington, some readers made the trip to meet the author in person. They all returned with the same news: Budi Darma is -- to an almost disappointing level -- a polite man.

Former councillors guilty of graft

Former councillors guilty of graft Suherjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang Amid the ongoing crackdown on corruption, Semarang District Court on Thursday handed down one-year suspended jail terms to 11 former city councillors found guilty of corruption. The suspended jail terms mean that each of the former councillors will walk free, but any one of them can be put behind bars for one year should he commit a crime over the course of the next two years, said the district court judicial panel.

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.

JIL finds support from local, district officials

JIL finds support from local, district officials The Jakarta Post, Jakarta East Jakarta officials came to the defense of the Islamic Liberal Network (JIL) on Thursday, saying that the organization was legal and could not evicted from the Utan Kayu area as demanded by a group claiming to represent local residents.

54 arrested for hoarding 317 tons of fuel

54 arrested for hoarding 317 tons of fuel Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta Police announced on Wednesday that they have arrested 54 people for hoarding a total amount of 317 tons of fuel in the past two months. Jakarta Police Special Crimes Unit deputy chief Adj. Comr. Agung Sabar Santoso said that police confiscated two tons of premium, 154 tons of diesel, 73 tons of kerosene and 85 tons of other kinds of fuel in two months of operations.

1. Disco -- 48 pts 7 cols 1line (1x42)

1. Disco -- 48 pts 7 cols 1line (1x42) 'I fear Indonesia will make the same mistakes' 2. GAM -- 36 pts 4 cols 1lines (1x32) Ex-GAM members to get monthly allowance 3. Piracy -- 32 pts 4 cols 1line (1x32) Producers of pirated discs targeted 4. Croatia -- 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x26) Croatian ship sets sail 5. Depok -- 28 pts 2 cols 2lines (2x20) Sanctions recommended for panel of judges --- 6. Photos and oddworld

Agtmaal wins 4th stage in Surakarta

Agtmaal wins 4th stage in Surakarta Dutch cyclist Peter Van Agtmaal of the Jong & Laan team took the fourth stage from Yogyakarta to Surakarta on Thursday but Iranian Hossein Askari retained the Tour d'Indonesia's yellow jersey. Agtmaal covered the 135.2-kilometer route in three hours, 36 minutes, 50 seconds to beat last year's champion New Zealander Nathan Dahlberg of Greenfields Fresh Milk, who finished two seconds behind in second place.

Susilo wants MDGs accelerated

Susilo wants MDGs accelerated Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, New York The scene outside the United Nations headquarters in New York during the first day of the three-day 2005 World Summit on Wednesday (local time), especially with the presence of U.S. President George W. Bush, resembled a Hollywood movie. Police tightly patrolled the streets around the UN headquarters and their cars blocked several streets, helicopters were flying overhead and police sirens were often heard.

XL insurance

XL insurance We refer to your article titled Insurer pays out 1st tsunami claim to Semen Andalas in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 11. There is a minor mistake as regards the name of the foreign reinsurance company involved in the claim payment. It was stated to be "XL Reinsurance Company", but should have been "XL Insurance". EDDY CHANDRA, Corporate Secretary, PT Asuransi Wahana Tata, Jakarta Note: Thank you for the correction. -- Editor

Antam to use compressed gas instead of oil for smelters

Antam to use compressed gas instead of oil for smelters Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State nickel and gold miner PT Antam plans to convert to using compressed natural gas (CNG) from oil-based fuels in its smelters, as part of a plan to cut fuel costs by half, a top official says. Burning oil to generate power cost about 9 U.S. cents a kilowatt hour, while CNG would cost about 5.5 cents with current global oil prices, Antam president director Dedi Aditya Sumanagara said on Thursday.

East Jakarta officials came to the defense of the Islamic Liberal

East Jakarta officials came to the defense of the Islamic Liberal Network (JIL) on Thursday, saying that the organization was legal and could not evicted from the Utan Kayu area as demanded by a group claiming to represent local residents. "District officials have recognized that we have all the necessary legal documents and therefore there is no reason for any eviction to take place," deputy coordinator Nong Darol Mahmada said after a public meeting with Utan Kayu district officials.

Sanctions recommended for West Java judges

Sanctions recommended for West Java judges The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Judicial Commission recommended that the head of the West Java High Court Nana Juwana, who led the panel of judges in the Depok mayoral election dispute, be suspended for a year. As for the rest of the judges on the panel -- Hadi Lelana, Sopyan Royan, Rata Kembaren and Ginalita Silitonga, they are to be reprimanded. "The judges of the High Court have erred in their ways.

Knitting businesses caught in a spiral of decline

Knitting businesses caught in a spiral of decline Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung For over four decades, people living on Jl. Binong Jati, Binong village, Batununggal, some 10 kilometers to the east of downtown Bandung, have been familiar with the noise of knitting and sewing machines. However, the machines have not been heard much over the past two months.

'The Realistage' celebrates revival of realism

'The Realistage' celebrates revival of realism Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Magelang, Central Java The realist style that began to develop in the painting world in Europe in the 19th century and reached its peak in Indonesia in mid-20th century is currently experiencing a revival in the postmodern era.

54 arrested for hoarding 317 tons of fuel

54 arrested for hoarding 317 tons of fuel Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police announced on Wednesday that they have arrested 54 people for hoarding a total amount of 317 tons of fuel in the past two months. Jakarta Police Special Crimes Unit deputy chief Adj. Comr. Agung Sabar Santoso said that police confiscated two tons of premium, 154 tons of diesel, 73 tons of kerosene and 85 tons of other kinds of fuel in two months of operations.

East Jakarta officials came to the defense of the Islamic Liberal

East Jakarta officials came to the defense of the Islamic Liberal Network (JIL) on Thursday, saying that the organization was legal and could not evicted from the Utan Kayu area as demanded by a group claiming to represent local residents. "District officials have recognized that we have all the necessary legal documents and therefore there is no reason for any eviction to take place," deputy coordinator Nong Darol Mahmada said after a public meeting with Utan Kayu district officials.

Former chief's son faces questioning

Former chief's son faces questioning BOGOR: The National Police are to question 15-year-old Tri Riyanto Andika Putra alias Rian, the son of former Bogor police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Wasgito, over an alleged attack on the North Bogor Police security head Adj. First. Insp. Wawan Setiawan. Bambang and his driver, Second Brig. Darmawan Damanik, were previously named suspects in the incident.

RI housewife sues Malaysian minister

RI housewife sues Malaysian minister KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian woman filed a defamation suit against Malaysian Home Minister Azmi Khalid on Thursday, saying he called her husband a criminal and traitor, the national news agency reported. Romita Hasibuan, 37, a Malaysia resident, is seeking 10 million ringgit (US$2.7 million) from Azmi for allegedly making false statements about her husband that implied he was a criminal, Bernama news agency said.

Polite teacher looks at human absurdity

Polite teacher looks at human absurdity Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After sinking themselves in the dark, absurd and insane world of Budi Darma's novel Olenka and short-story collection Orang-orang Bloomington, some readers made the trip to meet the author in person. They all returned with the same news: Budi Darma is -- to an almost disappointing level -- a polite man.

Hotels change strategies under market conditions

Hotels change strategies under market conditions Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Thanks to the opening of the Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang expressway, better known as the Cipularang toll road, the car journey from Jakarta to Bandung has been reduced from four hours to just two. This means busier days for the marketing staffers and public relations officers of star-rated hotels in Bandung because domestic tourists from Jakarta are now going more to Bandung, but not only on weekends.

Low tax rates will spur tsunami growth in Indonesia

Low tax rates will spur tsunami growth in Indonesia Gregory Fossedal, Washington D.C. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono faced three great challenges upon his election in 2004. In less than a year since, Susilo has dealt solidly with two of these -- reducing energy subsidies and reining in corruption. Along the way he excelled as a crisis manager in both the tsunami relief and rebuilding effort, and the recent run on the rupiah.

Timy and Devota survive first round at Bali Open

Timy and Devota survive first round at Bali Open Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Sanur, Bali Indonesians Ni Putu Timy Yudhani and Devota Rahawarin survived the opening round of the Bali Open beach volleyball tournament on Thursday, while the top-seeded Brazilian duo eased their way into the next round.

Utan Kayu Community faces new test

Utan Kayu Community faces new test The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The cafe looks no different from any other eatery, except that it serves as a meeting place for emerging artists and intellectuals. Founder of Tempo magazine Goenawan Mohamad, writer Ayu Utami, poet Sitok Srengenge and progressive Muslim scholar Ulil Abshar Abdala are among some of those who patronize the place.

Punishment of terrorists

Punishment of terrorists Rois and Ahmad Hasan, who helped organized the bombing at Australia's embassy in Jakarta, have been sentenced to death by firing squad. The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has welcomed what he calls Indonesia's demonstration of its commitment to the fight against terrorism.

Polite teacher looks at human absurdity

Polite teacher looks at human absurdity Evi Mariani The Jakarta Post/Jakarta After sinking themselves in the dark, absurd and insane world of Budi Darma's novel Olenka and short-story collection Orang-orang Bloomington, some readers made the trip to meet the author in person. They all returned with the same news: Budi Darma is -- to an almost disappointing level -- a polite man.

Old batik items to highlight festival

Old batik items to highlight festival PEKALONGAN, Central Java: An exhibition of batik items made in 18th century will highlight the Pekalongan Batik Festival held in the coastal city between Sept. 15 and Sept. 18, an exhibition committee member said on Wednesday. Afif Syakur, a member of the festival's organizing committee, said that the committee would exhibit at least 100 batik collections from the 18th century.

Ex-GAM members to get allowance

Ex-GAM members to get allowance Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members will soon receive Rp 150,000 (US$15) per month from the cash-strapped government as part of efforts to integrate them into society after the peace deal in Aceh province, a senior minister said on Thursday.

3rd Monolog Festival at CCF Bandung

3rd Monolog Festival at CCF Bandung Four young Bandung artists are highlighting the 3rd Monolog Festival being held in the auditorium of the French Cultural Center (CCF) building on Jl. Purnawarman 32 every Friday at 7.30 p.m. for four consecutive weeks from Sept. 9 to Sept. 30. The festival opened with Masmirah, a monolog by Arthur S. Nalan, performed by Mami Sri Maryani. A week later, Ima Rochmawati is due to perform a monolog by Iman titled Hilang (Lost).

Disarmament begins

Disarmament begins A milestone in Indonesian history was marked on Thursday when one of the world's longest-running fights for independence was put to an end in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, with members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) disarming themselves. Seventy-eight guns were surrendered to foreign peace monitors in the course of the day in a field in Aceh's provincial capital of Banda Aceh, the first in a series of weapons hand overs scheduled until the end of the year.

'I fear Indonesia will make the same mistakes'

'I fear Indonesia will make the same mistakes' The country's truth and reconciliation commission is yet to begin working as its candidates are still being screened. A three-day conference on the subject ended on Wednesday; among the speakers was Howard Varney, advocate of the High Court of South Africa who also has experience in Sierra Leone and East Timor. He spoke to The Jakarta Post's Ridwan M. Sijabat and Ati Nurbaiti. Excerpts follow: Question: What are crucial requisites to reconciliation?

Putu Wijaya-led theatre production to be staged in Egypt

Putu Wijaya-led theatre production to be staged in Egypt JP/18/ZERO Putu Wijaya-led theatre production to be staged in Egypt At the invitation of the Cairo Festival for Experimental Theater (CIFET), the Jakarta-based Mandiri theater company is planning to stage their production of Zero, a social critique that chronicles the country's journey out of despondency.

Makro opens store in S. Kalimantan

Makro opens store in S. Kalimantan BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Giant retailer Makro Indonesia opened its 17th store here in a bid to expand business targeting small and middle businesses. Makro president director Simon Collins said during the opening of the store that Banjarmasin was perfect for the expansion because it hosts small and medium businesses. The retailer will also expand its market in Yogyakarta, Bekasi and Surakarta, all on Java island.

Investors need more concrete economic reforms

Investors need more concrete economic reforms Lord Powell of Bayswate, London My involvement with Indonesia began when I accompanied Margaret Thatcher there on an official visit in 1985 and has been continuous since. First from No.