Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 September 2003

82 articles found

Hamzah leaves for Middle East

Hamzah leaves for Middle East JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz embarked on Tuesday evening on a nine-day overseas trip to five Middle East countries, where he is seeking more cooperation in oil industries between Indonesia and these nations. Hamzah will visit Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman. He is scheduled to attend a series of meetings with his counterparts in each country regarding possible economic cooperation.

Reforestation program off target

Reforestation program off target Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has already conceded that its 2003 reforestation target is unlikely to be met, even before the program has been launched. Forestry Minister M. Prakosa said on Tuesday that a tight schedule and lack of preparation would make it almost impossible for the government to meet its ambitious plan to reforest some 300,000 hectares of land in a critical state across the country in 2003.

Dokic makes early exit in Bali with first-round loss to Garbin

Dokic makes early exit in Bali with first-round loss to Garbin Agencies, Nusa Dua, Bali Yugoslavia's fourth seed Jelena Dokic was an early casualty at the US$225,000 WTA tournament here on Tuesday, falling 7-5, 6-3 to Tathiana Garbin of Italy in the first round, AFP reported. Garbin was more consistent than Dokic, whose erratic play reached a climax when she served three consecutive double faults while serving for the first set at 5-4.

Nusantara Challenge offroad goes to Bali

Nusantara Challenge offroad goes to Bali The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Registration is open for the Nusantara Challenge, which is the third off-road event to be staged by the Cheetah Off-Road Club. The event, which is being sponsored by the Office of the State Minister of Tourism and Culture and the Indonesian Off-Road Federation, begins on Dec. 14 in Surabaya, from where participants travel to Mount Bromo by tarmac road via Pasuruan and Tosari.

Citanduy excavation project postponed

Citanduy excavation project postponed JAKARTA: State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim announced on Tuesday the postponement of a project to excavate the Citanduy River following a dispute between residents in the area. He said he issued ministerial decree No. 137/2003 on the postponement of the project on Sept. 5.

Embattled PKB faces another crisis

Embattled PKB faces another crisis KEDIRI, East Java: As many as 54 clerics from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have demanded the central board of the National Awakening Party (PKB) annul its recent decision to dismiss Syaifullah Yusuf as the party's general secretary. "If they do not comply with our demand, NU kyais (clerics) will ask for a PKB extraordinary meeting.

Only 94 candidates return DPD forms

Only 94 candidates return DPD forms Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) has decided to extend the registration period for Jakarta's Regional Representative Council (DPD) due to a shortfall in the number of contestants. Of the total 575 people who had picked up the registration forms to compete for four DPD seats, only 94 had returned the forms before Monday's midnight deadline.

'Regional autonomy on the wrong track'

'Regional autonomy on the wrong track' Sari P. Setiogi and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The implementation of regional autonomy has turned both provincial and regental legislatures into oligarchic entities eager to fight for their own interests, a survey says. A five-year survey chaired by noted sociologist Daniel Sparringa showed that local legislatures were also prone to anarchy.

JP/13/Merpat

JP/13/Merpat Govt to privatize Merpati in Q1 next year The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government plans to privatize state-owned Merpati Nusantara next year to raise money to bail out the ailing airline. Ferdinand Naiggolan, a deputy at the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises, said on Tuesday the privatization would likely take place in the first quarter of next year.

Indofarma to stay in the red this year

Indofarma to stay in the red this year Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned pharmaceutical company PT Indofarma said on Tuesday that it will remain in the red this year as it strives to restructure its business and sales strategy, which are considered uncompetitive. "We are trying to revise our business and sales strategy this year.

JP/13/BPS

JP/13/BPS BPS sees inflation at 5-6% The Jakarta Post Jakarta The economy is likely to enjoy a much lower inflation this year of around 5-6 percent, according to head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Soedarti Surbakti. She told reporters on Tuesday that her office subscribed to the recent inflation forecast made by the central bank. "There is a possibility, especially if there are no extreme situations, that (5-6 percent) can be reached," she said.

OPEC output should remain unchanged

OPEC output should remain unchanged Indonesia added its voice Tuesday to calls by leading OPEC members to keep output quotas unchanged at the cartel's next meeting in Vienna on Sept. 24. OPEC - the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries - should maintain its current production level to ensure crude oil prices trade between US$22 and $28 a barrel, said Iin Arifin Takhyan, director general of oil and gas at Indonesia's energy ministry in Jakarta.

NGO worried abouth legal loopholes in Priok case

NGO worried abouth legal loopholes in Priok case Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The prosecution of those alleged to have taken part in the massacre of at least 33 people by the Indonesian Military in Tanjung Priok in 1984 would be hampered by a lack of clear guidelines, a human rights watchdog has warned. Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (Elsam) coordinator Ifdhal Kasim said Tuesday that the prosecutors would have difficulties presenting evidence and witnesses.

S'pore confirms new SARS case; WHO has doubts

S'pore confirms new SARS case; WHO has doubts Jason Szep, Reuters, Singapore Singapore said on Tuesday tests had shown a 27-year-old medical researcher had Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), in what could be the world's first case since a global outbreak was declared over in July. But the World Health Organization (WHO) said the case did not fit the WHO definition of the disease under its new guidelines and would not pose a public health emergency.

Govt's second bonds issue fails to reach target

Govt's second bonds issue fails to reach target The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government's second bonds issue on Tuesday turned out to be somewhat a failure, as demand from investors was insufficient, forcing the government to cut the size of the issue. While the initial target had been set at Rp 5 trillion (about US$650 million), Tuesday's auction saw the government only manage to issue Rp 3.9 trillion worth of bonds.

KPU defends seat allocations

KPU defends seat allocations JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) defended on Tuesday its allocation of legislative seats for provinces, saying the decisions were in line with the elections law. KPU chairman Nazaruddin Syamsuddin said the commission was granted the privilege of deciding the allocation of legislative seats according to the elections law.

KPC declares force majeure due to strike

KPC declares force majeure due to strike The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) declared force majeure on overdue shipments to a number of its customers in response to a worker strike that has entered its second week. "After careful consideration, we regret that we have to declare a force majeure to some of our customers," KPC president Noke Kiroyan said in a press release on Tuesday that was received by The Jakarta Post.

JP/13/Merpat

JP/13/Merpat Govt to privatize Merpati in Q1 next year The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government plans to privatize state-owned Merpati Nusantara next year to raise money to bail out the ailing airline. Ferdinand Naiggolan, a deputy at the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises, said on Tuesday the privatization would likely take place in the first quarter of next year.

[b]

Why moderate Muslims are annoyed with America Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo Former Governor National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) Jakarta 2. pro -- The Bush black hole 2 x 30 Bush administration policies threat to the U.S., the world Joseph E. Stiglitz Professor of Economics Columbia University Project Syndicate

Supreme Court's Davidoff ruling offers hope to foreign brands

Supreme Court's Davidoff ruling offers hope to foreign brands Tom Wright, Dow Jones, Jakarta Intel jeans. Sony underwear. Rolex cigarettes. Malls and markets across Indonesia are full of well-known international brand names - but often they are affixed to products the foreign companies don't even make. While trademark piracy is widespread in Asia, Indonesia is viewed by the U.S.

Officials turn a blind eye to smuggling

Officials turn a blind eye to smuggling Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra Smuggling has persisted in a seemingly unchecked manner at perhaps 15 small seaports in North Sumatra province despite the presence of security forces, according to some officials and residents. "Usually, goods smuggled to and from abroad are loaded and unloaded in the small seaports throughout the night," Syaiful Ganda, a fisherman from Tanjung Balai regency, told The Jakarta Post.

A chance at Cancun to make trade democratic

A chance at Cancun to make trade democratic Yanuar Nugroho, Director, The Business Watch Indonesia, Surakarta, yanuar-n@unisosdem.org Sumiah, 26, hails from Mojokerto, East Java. A permanent employee in a furniture factory for more than eight years, last year she was made a part-time worker, along with some 200 others. Their employer told them that the company needed to be "flexible" to stay in business. As a result, Sumiah no longer receives overtime or "menstruation leave".

Broken promise in Papua

Broken promise in Papua From Media Indonesia The Indonesian government is desperately trying to ensure that Papua remains within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, but the special autonomy granted to the province can only be successfully implemented if Papuans are united. It is true that this special autonomy has yet to be implemented, because Indonesia itself is still in a rather messy state. The present situation is not yet a conducive environment fully implement Papuan autonomy.

Megawati bemoans Indonesia's poor sporting record

Megawati bemoans Indonesia's poor sporting record Agencies, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Tuesday bemoaned Indonesia's poor record in international sports and called on citizens to work hard to improve their performance.

Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak

Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak The Jakarta Post Jakarta If it wasn't for the sharp eyes of a clerk at the Jakarta High Court, cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir might have a new record: a drug conviction. "The 'typing error' was corrected on the same day the High Court received the documents relating to Ba'asyir's appeal," Central Jakarta District Court spokesman Andi Samsan Nganro said.

Cricket

Cricket Sunday's matches of the Jakarta Cricket Leagues ISCI bt Ceylon 141/all out - 101/all out Perkasa bt Indorama 167/8wickets - 166/all out

Police hunt Thai woman's kidnapper

Police hunt Thai woman's kidnapper TANGERANG: Tangerang Police are tracking down a taxi driver who abducted Chanita Watcharapian, a 34-year-old Thai woman, who arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday. "We have a description of the taxi driver from eye witnesses and we are now pursuing him," head of Cipondoh Police subprecinct Adj. Comr. Sudaryo was quoted by Antara as saying on Tuesday.

Minister discusses revised terror law

Minister discusses revised terror law JAKARTA: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday the revised antiterrorism law would not allow intelligence officers to arrest or investigate suspects. The minister said the police would remain the primary agency for carrying out those two tasks. "It is not our intention that the revision would give such authority to the intelligence agencies," Yusril said.

More rebel changes guilty plea

More rebel changes guilty plea PHILIPPINES: A man who had said he was guilty of murder in connection with near-simultaneous bombings that killed 22 people about three years ago withdrew his plea on Tuesday, saying he was coerced by the military and did not understand the language used in the proceedings.

Bandung gets new mayor

Bandung gets new mayor BANDUNG: Bandung City's legislative council elected on Tuesday bureaucrat Dada Rosada as the new mayor of Bandung, West Java, for a five-year term. Paired with Jusep Purwasuganda from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), he garnered 26 of the 45 votes needed to defeat his rival candidates, including the incumbent Aa Tarmana.

BRI kicks off bond roadshow

BRI kicks off bond roadshow JAKARTA: PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) on Tuesday kicked off the roadshow for its US$100 million to $150 million subordinated debt in Jakarta. An official with the state-owned bank told Dow Jones Newswires that the marketing presentation to prospective buyers is expected to move to Singapore on Monday, followed by Hong Kong and London. "We hope we'll be in London on Sept. 18 or Sept. 19," the official said.

Police call for close watch on Net surfers

Police call for close watch on Net surfers Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Police has called on Internet kiosk (warnet) owners to keep a better record on people, especially unfamiliar ones, using their services, as a part of preventive efforts to help wipe out terrorism in the capital. Apart from technical problems in the field, head of the City Police Public Education Division Sr. Comr.

Megawati too busy to meet Howard at Bali anniversary

Megawati too busy to meet Howard at Bali anniversary Telly Nathalia and Michelle Nichols, Reuters, Jakarta/Canberra Indonesia said on Tuesday its president will be too busy to meet Australian Prime Minister John Howard when he visits Bali next month to mark the first anniversary of bomb attacks that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

BPS sees inflation at 5-6%

BPS sees inflation at 5-6% The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The economy is likely to enjoy a much lower inflation this year of around 5-6 percent, according to head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Soedarti Surbakti. She told reporters on Tuesday that her office subscribed to the recent inflation forecast made by the central bank. "There is a possibility, especially if there are no extreme situations, that (5-6 percent) can be reached," she said.

Water resource bill needs examining

Water resource bill needs examining Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists urged lawmakers on Tuesday to revise some articles in the water resource bill before bringing it to a House plenary meeting for endorsement, in order to avoid conflict in the community. They also renewed opposition to a plan to privatize the water sector in order to get loans from the World Bank.

JP/13/Merpat

JP/13/Merpat Govt to privatize Merpati in Q1 next year The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government plans to privatize state-owned Merpati Nusantara next year to raise money to bail out the ailing airline. Ferdinand Naiggolan, a deputy at the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises, said on Tuesday the privatization would likely take place in the first quarter of next year.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, September 10, 2003

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, September 10, 2003 Exhibitions * Fine Arts, Taman Budaya Surabaya, Jl. Gentengkali 85 Surabaya (Tel. 031-5342128), 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sept. 10 - 17. * Posters Water for Water, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), Sept. 11 - 20. * Maritime Exhibition, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Sept. 25 - 30. Performance * Traditional Performance Pagelaran Jaranan, Taman Budaya Surabaya, Jl. Gentengkali 85 Surabaya (Tel.

Bali bombing suspect displays no fear of death sentence

Bali bombing suspect displays no fear of death sentence Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali On the eve of his judgment day, Abdul Aziz alias Imam Samudra, the alleged mastermind and field coordinator of last October's Bali bombings, said on Tuesday that he was not afraid of the death sentence. "Allahu Akbar (God is Great), I am not afraid of the death sentence," he screamed while raising a copy of the Koran with his handcuffed hands.

BP Migas inks initial deal with Sempra Energy

BP Migas inks initial deal with Sempra Energy The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Upstream Oil and Gas Authority, BP Migas, has signed an initial agreement with U.S. Sempra Energy to supply up to 10 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas per annum, in a bid to tap the lucrative U.S. market, a senior official said on Tuesday. The head of BP Migas, Rachmat Sudibyo, said that under the plan, Indonesia will supply between 6 million and 10 million tons of LNG per year to Sempra, starting from 2007.

* Headlines: Mega too busy to meet Howard 2

* Headlines: Mega too busy to meet Howard 2 * National: Reforestation target unlikely to be met: Minister 4 * Archipelago: Smuggling persists, officials turn a blind eye 5 * Opinion: Why moderate Muslims are annoyed with America 6 * City: 'Woman cut into eight separate pieces' 8 * Sports: Nusantara Challenge offroad goes to Bali 9 * World: Asia is one of the world's most mined regions 11 * Business: BP Migas inks deal with U.S. Sempra Energy 14 * Features: How to dump old medicine?

Officials fired for 'love affairs'

Officials fired for 'love affairs' BANYUWANGI, East Java: As many as 48 civil servants in Banyuwangi regency, East Java, had been fired for disciplinary offenses, officials said. Fifty others were demoted and had suffered financial penalties, Banyuwangi state personnel agency head Suryanto said.

Fire destroys houses

Fire destroys houses JAKARTA: Fire swept through dozens of houses in the densely- populated area of Kapuk, West Jakarta, early on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of people homeless. At least 12 fire trucks were employed to put out the blaze, spokesman for the West Jakarta Fire Department, Suhartono said. "Fire fighters took water from the nearby rivers to extinguish the fire in the densely populated area," he added. But the cause of the fire, which broke out at 1.45 a.m, is still unknown.

Padang's new management gears up towards spin-off

Padang's new management gears up towards spin-off The Jakarta Post, Padang/Jakarta The new president director of West Sumatra-based cement maker Semen Padang reiterated on Tuesday his commitment to the spin-off of Padang from its parent company Semen Gresik, saying preparations for the spin-off were now in progress.

Ba'asyir gets drug conviction for a day

Ba'asyir gets drug conviction for a day Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If it wasn't for the sharp eyes of a clerk at the Jakarta High Court, cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir might have a new record: a drug conviction. "The 'typing error' was corrected on the same day the High Court received the documents relating to Ba'asyir's appeal," Central Jakarta District Court spokesman Andi Samsan Nganro said.

School certificate legalization

School certificate legalization I have seen the photocopies of Leaving Certificates (STTB) of Indonesian high school kids that had to be legalized by the Ministry of National Education for authenticity. This is requested by embassies for visa procedures, if those students want to further their education abroad.

RP takes hut used by Al-Ghozi protectors

RP takes hut used by Al-Ghozi protectors Agencies, Zamboanga, Philippines Troops have overrun a hut believed to have been used as a monitoring post by Muslim gunmen protecting escaped Indonesian militant Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi in the southern Philippines, the military said on Tuesday. Seized from the hut in the town of Tungawan were communications equipment and solar panels but no arrests were made because the rebels escaped hours before the soldiers arrived on Monday, the military said.

Couple molest, burn RI maid

Couple molest, burn RI maid SINGAPORE: A married couple were both charged with abusing their Indonesian maid, the husband by allegedly molesting the woman and the wife by burning her, it was reported on Tuesday. The man, a 55-year-old insurance agent, was also accused of punching the 22-year-old maid in the head and kicking her in the legs, The Straits Times said. His wife, 38, allegedly burnt the maid's arm with an iron in July 2002. The offenses were committed at the couple's Singapore home.

Marriott bombing suspects well-versed in JI doctrine

Marriott bombing suspects well-versed in JI doctrine Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police revealed on Tuesday that all arrested suspects in the Aug. 5 bombing at the JW Marriott Hotel were well-versed in the doctrine of terrorist organization Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) as indicated by their knowledge of Al-Jamaah Al-Islamiyyah's (the Arabic name for Jamaah Islamiyah) guiding principles. "All the Marriott bombing suspects are familiar with most of the content of the guidelines ...

JP/13/BPS

JP/13/BPS BPS sees inflation at 5-6% The Jakarta Post Jakarta The economy is likely to enjoy a much lower inflation this year of around 5-6 percent, according to head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Soedarti Surbakti. She told reporters on Tuesday that her office subscribed to the recent inflation forecast made by the central bank. "There is a possibility, especially if there are no extreme situations, that (5-6 percent) can be reached," she said.

Prakosa targets Singapore, Malaysia to curb log smuggling

Prakosa targets Singapore, Malaysia to curb log smuggling Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Angered by reports that Singapore, Malaysia and China have been collecting illegal logs from Indonesia, Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa has decided to visit the countries early next month to seek solutions to curb the illicit activities.

Govt to revamp visa policy again

Govt to revamp visa policy again A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following massive protests from the local tourist industry, the Indonesian government says it is considering granting 23 countries, including the United States, Japan and Australia, with a visa-on-arrival facility. The facility is part of a new visa policy that will take effect on Dec. 1.

Indofarma to stay in the red this year: CEO

Indofarma to stay in the red this year: CEO Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post Jakarta State-owned pharmaceutical company PT Indofarma said on Tuesday that it will remain in the red this year as it strives to restructure its business and sales strategy, which are considered uncompetitive. "We are trying to revise our business and sales strategy this year.

No big trucks

No big trucks during peak hours From Suara Karya One of the main causes of traffic congestion on toll roads, particularly the Jakarta-Bekasi-Cikampek section is the large trucks and other industrial vehicles and container trucks during rush hour, which clog up the road and cause massive traffic jams.

HMI to hold congress in Semarang

HMI to hold congress in Semarang SEMARANG: The Association of Islamic Students (HMI) will hold its 14th congress between Sept. 7 and Sept. 12 here, aimed at reviewing its statute and electing its chairman for the 2003-2005 period. "We will also discuss our agenda for the next two years," Akhmad Supari, who chairs the congress steering committee, said on Friday.

'Terrorists' accounts frozen'

'Terrorists' accounts frozen' Fabiola Desy Unidjajaand A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has begun identifying the bank accounts of seven Indonesian terrorist suspects who are likely to be listed with the United Nations (UN) Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC).

1 x 39

1 x 39 Smuggling persists, officials turn a blind eye JP/5/5MALUKU 2 x 19 Govt to lift Maluku civil emergency JP/5/komnas 2 x 30 Komnas HAM launches probe into human rights abuses in Papua

JP/13/Merpat

JP/13/Merpat Govt to privatize Merpati in Q1 next year The Jakarta Post Jakarta The government plans to privatize state-owned Merpati Nusantara next year to raise money to bail out the ailing airline. Ferdinand Naiggolan, a deputy at the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises, said on Tuesday the privatization would likely take place in the first quarter of next year.

ASEAN countries on alert ahead of Sept.11

ASEAN countries on alert ahead of Sept.11 Agencies, Manila/Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian police chiefs said on Tuesday they have not monitored any specific threat linked to the anniversaries of the Sept. 11 attacks and the Bali bombings but that their antiterrorist forces are on alert. "We have been very concerned about certain anniversaries, so we just tell our people, both the community and the police, to be more vigilant to prevent an attack," Singapore police commissioner Khoo Boon Hui said.

'How did this happen in a school for future leaders?'

'How did this happen in a school for future leaders?' Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java "I'm going back to the lion's den," is not the usual farewell phrase from a son returning to school after a short break at home, but those were Wahyu Hidayat's last words spoken face to face with his dad. "He also said that when he said goodbye to neighbors before he left home on Aug.

Komnas HAM launches probe into rights abuses in Papua

Komnas HAM launches probe into rights abuses in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua A seven-member team from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has begun to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the province of Papua. The team, led by Safroedin Bahar, arrived in the provincial capital Jayapura on Monday evening to begin a one-week inquiry.

ASEAN tackle issue of migrant workers

ASEAN tackle issue of migrant workers Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lawmakers from ASEAN countries shared views on Tuesday on the need to accord better treatment to migrant workers by drafting a resolution consisting of standard rights for workers to ensure their safety while on duty overseas. The lawmakers also recommended that each member country government of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) take tough action against anyone maltreating workers.

LIPI researchers reluctant to return home

LIPI researchers reluctant to return home Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dedicating your life to science in Indonesia, particularly for a government institution, remains a difficult choice. Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Umar Anggara Jenie confirmed this on Tuesday when he revealed that 29 researchers who had completed their studies abroad under the institute's scholarship program refused to return to Indonesia.

Djarum to invest in hotels

Djarum to invest in hotels Ferdinand Nainggolan, a deputy at the Office of State Minister of State Enterprises, said that the government was considering a proposal from PT Djarum, Indonesia's second largest cigarette producer, to jointly manage two ailing state-owned hotels: Hotel Indonesia and Hotel Wisata. He said that Djarum had submitted a proposal to inject around Rp 1.7 trillion (US$202 million) with a request in return of managing the hotels for 30 years.

1,000 Thais march on to protest against WTO

1,000 Thais march on to protest against WTO Agence France-Presse, Bangkok More than 1,000 Thai farmers and activists took to the streets of Bangkok on Tuesday railing against the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and new agriculture deals proposed by the United States and Europe to be debated in Cancun, Mexico, this week. Shouting "WTO, get out, USA get out!" and holding banners saying "Derail the WTO", the protesters peacefully marched to the European Union office and the U.S.

Poverty is indeed frightening

Poverty is indeed frightening How pathetic it is to see the people who live along the streets between the cities of Semarang and Kudus in Central Java! Lying along the streets is a river that is nearly dry. In its murky brown water float garbage from various kinds of organic and inorganic material. Think how disgusting it would be for people in their sound mind to consume such water.

Student nabbed for dealing drugs

Student nabbed for dealing drugs TANGERANG: Police arrested a private university student at a food stall near Cisauk railway station, Cisauk district, Tangerang regency on Monday evening for supplying senior high school students in the district with marijuana. The police seized one kilogram of marijuana from the suspect, identified as Hendra Permana, 22, a resident of Cibogo village, Cisauk. According to First. Insp.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Upstream Oil and Gas Authority, BP Migas, has signed an initial agreement with U.S. Sempra Energy to supply up to 10 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas per annum, in a bid to tap the lucrative U.S. market, a senior official said on Tuesday. The head of BP Migas, Rachmat Sudibyo, said that under the plan, Indonesia will supply between 6 million and 10 million tons of LNG per year to Sempra, starting from 2007. "The agreement was signed on Aug.

Police say rebel killed 3 civilians

Police say rebel killed 3 civilians BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Aceh Police said on Tuesday that they had arrested a suspected rebel, Puji Abdullah, 21, who had confessed to killing a woman and two of her daughters in the war-torn province. "According to Puji Abdullah, the killing was because the victims were too close to the Indonesian Military," Pidie Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Agussalim alleged.

TV Program: Wednesday, September 10, 2003

TV Program: Wednesday, September 10, 2003 .TB.30" 1.00" TVRI .TB.30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children's Program 9:00 Business Magazine 10:00 Game Show: Dibisikin 12:00 p.m. Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:00 TV Drama 3:00 City News 3:30 Documentary 4:30 Music 6:00 English News Services 7:00 News 8:00 Quiz: Ekspresi Gaya Pelajar 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Dangdut Pro 10:30 Talk Show: Parlemen Menjawab 11:30 TV Drama 12:30 Music TPI 5:00 a.m.

Govt to privatize Merpati in Q1 next year

Govt to privatize Merpati in Q1 next year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government plans to privatize state-owned Merpati Nusantara next year to raise money to bail out the ailing airline. Ferdinand Naiggolan, a deputy at the Office of the State Minister for State Enterprises, said on Tuesday the privatization would likely take place in the first quarter of next year.

Why moderate Muslims are annoyed with America

Why moderate Muslims are annoyed with America Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo, Former Governor, National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas), Jakarta It seems that Americans are wondering why more and more Muslims in Indonesia are getting annoyed with America, including the "moderate" Muslims. In The New York Times of Sept. 3, Jane Perlez wrote an article titled Once mild, Islam looks harsher in Indonesia.

Fusion food that pleases your taste buds

Fusion food that pleases your taste buds Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After a visit to a foreign country, people like to bring home items including local food or recipes to try to prepare in their own kitchen. Sometimes, people also like to do a cross-cultural food tasting to spice up their taste buds.

Hitachi-Mitsubishi to invest $1.7b

Hitachi-Mitsubishi to invest $1.7b TOKYO: A semiconductor giant jointly owned by Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric plans to invest about US$1.7 billion to produce next-generation microchips with other Japanese firms, an official said on Tuesday. Renesas Technology said it was negotiating with the two over 200 billion yen ($1.7 billion) spending on its state-of-the-art factory in Hitachinaka, 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Tokyo.

1. KPC (3 x 12)

1. KPC (3 x 12) KPC declares force majeure due to strike 2. WTO (2 x 25) Don't expect breakthrough at WTO talks: WB chief 3. Loggin (3 x 20) Prakosa targets Singapore, Malaysia to curb log smuggling 4 PLN (1 x 30) PLN presses ahead with rates hike 5. OPEC (4 x 11) OPEC output quota should remain unchanged 6. Merpati (1 x 38) Govt to privatize Merpati next year

'God knows when a 'bajaj' might veer off-course'

'God knows when a 'bajaj' might veer off-course' The administration has announced that it would issue permits to operate 400 Indonesian-made kancil to replace the Indian-made, three-wheeled bajaj. Many residents welcome the city plan to replace the bajaj, although they that fear it might spark social unrest. Some motorists have spoken to The Jakarta Post on the plan.

'PLN should review rates hike plan'

'PLN should review rates hike plan' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators demanded on Monday that state electricity company PT PLN review its plan for raising power rates in October this year, saying current rates were already too high. PLN has been allowed to raise power rates each quarter toward a level of 7 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

1. INSIGHT: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42

1. INSIGHT: 48 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 42 A chance at Cancun to make trade democratic 2. BOND: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 30 Government's second bonds issue fails to reach its target 3. MANILA: 30 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 28 ASEAN on alert ahead of Sept. 11 4. JOURNALIST: 28 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 40 Bribery rife among third world journalists 5. RIGHTS: 28 pt, 7 cols, 1 x 64 Supreme Court's Davidoff ruling offers hope to foreign brands

STPDN students lied to investigators: Police

STPDN students lied to investigators: Police Yuli Tri Suwarni and M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Bandung/Jakarta Police investigating the death of a Public Administration Institute (STPDN) student said they would rework the dossiers of key suspects due to suspicions that most witnesses had lied. Sumedang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Upstream Oil and Gas Authority, BP Migas, has signed an initial agreement with U.S. Sempra Energy to supply up to 10 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas per annum, in a bid to tap the lucrative U.S. market, a senior official said on Tuesday. The head of BP Migas, Rachmat Sudibyo, said that under the plan, Indonesia will supply between 6 million and 10 million tons of LNG per year to Sempra, starting from 2007. "The agreement was signed on Aug.

Woman cut into eight separte pieces: Forensic doctors

Woman cut into eight separte pieces: Forensic doctors Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor Two forensic doctors conducted an autopsy on parts of a mutilated body on Tuesday, concluding that the victim died after her throat was slashed. The doctors, Djaja Surya Atmadja and Aidrus Idram, from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, found no sign of sexual violence.

Govt to lift Maluku civil emergency

Govt to lift Maluku civil emergency A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will lift the state of civil emergency that was imposed on Maluku three years ago because of fighting between Muslims and Christians, a minister said on Tuesday. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the state of emergency would be lifted on Friday when Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno swears in new Maluku Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang.

Mega to push for multilateralism at UN General Assembly

Mega to push for multilateralism at UN General Assembly Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri will remind the world of the dangers of unilateralism when she addresses the United Nations General Assembly annual session on Sept. 23 in New York.