Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 June 2001

71 articles found

Lopa urged to go ahead with antigraft drive

Lopa urged to go ahead with antigraft drive JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Baharuddin Lopa received a boost to his morale on Friday when the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction at the House of Representatives agreed to support his bid to probe alleged graft cases that involve top legislators. The faction's chairman, Taufiqurrahman Saleh, told Antara that his faction was prepared to provide data and information needed to support the drive against corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Sasak group suspects arson

Sasak group suspects arson MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: An office belonging to an organization empowering the local Sasak community was set on fire in the early hours on Friday, Antara reported. Winengan, the chairman of the United Young Sasak Council, suspected arson as the cause of the fire, noting that the perpetrators broke several windows before starting the fire, and that several drums containing gasoline were found nearby. The council's office on Jl.

Makassar's signboards

Makassar's signboards I refer to the letter from Mr. Robert J. Cochrane (The Jakarta Post, June 13, 2001, Environmental desecration) concerning PT Telkom's signboard which has marred the beauty of South Sulawesi. I completely agree with him. Although I lived in Makassar for only one year in 1997, I realize that Makassar is the eastern gateway of Indonesia as far as tourists are concerned. Thus, its important that its cleanliness, freshness and friendliness be maintained.

Woman barred from leaving jail

Woman barred from leaving jail JAKARTA (JP): A migrant worker, jailed for abandoning her newborn in a Garuda Indonesia aircraft toilet won a reduction of her sentence, but is still being held in prison, two weeks after her prison sentence ended.

Govt told to check 'jamu' producers

Govt told to check 'jamu' producers SEMARANG: A jamu (herbal medicine) entrepreneur has called on the government to publish the results of its investigation of allegations that some producers of herbal and traditional medicines were using fake ingredients, Antara reported. Hartono Chandra of the Original Indonesian Medicines group said the investigation had been launched because jamu production continued in spite of a shortage of some of the required raw materials.

Politics and the law

Politics and the law What hidden motives, if any, are there behind the planned investigation of politicians opposed to President Abdurrahman Wahid by the newly installed Attorney General, Baharuddin Lopa?

Malaysian palm oil ends mixed, eyes Chicago

Malaysian palm oil ends mixed, eyes Chicago KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures ignored positive export data and ended mixed on Friday on worries of further falls on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and the absence of fresh leads, traders said. Cargo surveyor Societe Generale de Surveillance Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SGS) said Malaysian palm oil exports in the first 15 days of June rose to 453,336 tons from 429,985 in the same period in May.

Caltex resumes Bekasap operation

Caltex resumes Bekasap operation SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): A two-week long blockade at PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia's Bekasap production area ended on Thursday, allowing Caltex to resume partial production, a company spokesman said on Friday. The blockade, which started June 1, had prevented production at seven wells in two fields - five at Genting and two at Perkebunan, the Caltex spokesman said.

Government to send minister to GAM talks

Government to send minister to GAM talks JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will send Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Agum Gumelar to the peace talks between the government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Geneva early next month, Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D. announced on Friday. Agum, a retired Army general, will be the highest-ranking government official ever to sit at the negotiation table with GAM representatives.

PBI shuttlers assured of 3 titles at Milo Open

PBI shuttlers assured of 3 titles at Milo Open By Novan Iman Santosa SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Shuttlers from the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) assured themselves of three titles after setting up all-PBI finals in the boy's singles, girl's singles and girl's doubles at the 2001 Milo Junior Indonesia Open at the Bhinneka sports hall on Friday. The top seed in the boy's singles, Sony Dwi Kuncoro of PBI, had to overcome a tough opponent in teammate Markis Kido in the semifinals.

Has Jamsostek suffered a loss?

Has Jamsostek suffered a loss? From Rakyat Merdeka It would indeed be a nightmare if PT Jamsostek or the Workers Social Protection Scheme loses Rp 106.56 billion from its purchase of PT Bumi Resources' shares. The shares were not worth buying because PT Bumi Resources is notorious for its frequent losses, and also there was no strong reason for Jamsostek to buy the shares.

GAM linked to marijuana trade

GAM linked to marijuana trade JAMBI, Jambi: The local police will increase their patrols along the Trans-Sumatra Highway to combat the trafficking of marijuana from Aceh to Java, Antara reported on Friday. Jambi Police chief Brig. Gen. Toto S. Soewali said that based on evidence gathered during some recent drug arrests, many of the syndicates were trafficking in marijuana to raise funds for the Aceh Free Movement (GAM).

Education is not an experiment

Education is not an experiment By Nirwan Idrus JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia with over 220 million people and natural resources that can only make it to be a rich country, cannot however survive without having a Human Resources Master Plan. The technology revolution, the Internet inevitability and the arrival of knowledge economy exacerbate the situation in many countries, but more particularly in Indonesia.

House deliberates bill on medical practice

House deliberates bill on medical practice JAKARTA (JP): The government, together with the House of Representatives, is currently debating a bill on medical practice which would not only regulate the profession and protect patients, but also allow the screening of foreign physicians seeking to practice here. However the bill, which has undergone two hearings, is not expected to be approved by the legislature for another year. One of the drafters of the bill, surgeon R.

Bakrie & Brothers back in the black

Bakrie & Brothers back in the black JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed holding firm Bakrie & Brothers returned to the black during the first quarter of this year, the result of a decline in the company's bank interest costs and foreign exchange losses. The widely diversified business group said on Friday its consolidated operating income rose 200 percent to Rp 20 billion in the first quarter of this year from Rp 6.6 billion over the same period last year.

Philippines-Indonesia Relations, a continuing partnership

Philippines-Indonesia Relations, a continuing partnership Philippine-Indonesian relations are characterized by a genuine sense of brotherhood borne out of centuries of close and vibrant interaction as neighbors. In precolonial times, trade, commerce and transmigration flourished between our peoples. Intermarriages and alliances solidified these cross-cultural and economic links. Over the centuries, the movement of peoples, goods and ideas between the two archipelagos intensified.

Aventis Pharma expects solid pharmaceutical sales in 2001

Aventis Pharma expects solid pharmaceutical sales in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): PT Aventis Pharma, a pharmaceuticals producer partly owned by Frankfurt-based Aventis Pharma AG, remains bullish on the country's market despite fears of further worsening in the country's economy. Aventis Pharma's president Hagen Dahms said here on Friday that the company's sales rose by 20 percent during the first quarter this year although demand had yet to return to its pre- crisis level in 1997.

Indonesians hope for a leader like Japan's PM Koizumi

Indonesians hope for a leader like Japan's PM Koizumi By Kornelius Purba JAKARTA: The election of Junichiro Koizumi as prime minister increases hope for the Japanese who are desperately seeking an end to the prolonged economic crisis. Indonesian newspapers have also placed stories about Koizumi on their front pages. Many Indonesians, fed up with their ongoing national leadership crisis, are enthusiastic about the new development in Japan.

African shot dead over drugs

African shot dead over drugs JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives shot dead on Friday an African national, who was in possession of 100 grams of heroin, for trying to escape police arrest at an apartment in Cempaka Masa Apartments, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Friday. City police chief of detectives for narcotics Adj. Comr. Mangatas Tambunan said the suspect, identified only as Johnson, 25, was a Nigerian and a drug supplier. "We've had our eye on him for a long time now.

Oil steady with eye on Iraq, U.S. refineries

Oil steady with eye on Iraq, U.S. refineries SINGAPORE (Reuters): Oil market were steady on Friday, consolidating recent gains on concerns over Iraq's oil exports halt and a U.S. warning of potential California refinery outages due to power woes. At 0705 GMT (2.05 p.m. Jakarta time), benchmark U.S. light sweet crude oil futures were last traded at $29.04 a barrel, levels unchanged from Thursday's settlement, when the market gained 20 cents.

Weekend lineup

Weekend lineup JAKARTA (JP): The following sports competitions will be broadcast live this weekend on local TV stations (all times are Jakarta Time): Sunday Soccer: Bank Mandiri League: Persita vs Persikota, RCTI, 4 p.m.; Italian Serie A: AS Roma vs Parma, RCTI, 8 p.m. Racing: GP 500 Catalunya, ANteve, 6:30 p.m.

Thousands of police protect gas stations

Thousands of police protect gas stations JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of security personnel will be deployed in and around the capital's 51 gas stations in the days ahead of the scheduled 30 percent increase in fuel prices on Saturday. Jakarta Police chief of operational control Sr. Comr. Nono Suprijono told reporters on Wednesday they would be deployed to prevent illegal activities such as illegal purchase and stockpiling.

Perplexing ticketing

Perplexing ticketing From Bisnis Indonesia On May 27, 2001, at about 11:30 a.m., I was driving away from the direction of Ciputra Mall when a police officer, Mr. Jarot SL, pulled my car over and gave me a traffic ticket. I was charged with running a red light in Grogol, "OK, fine," I admitted my fault. But I said to Mr. Jarot that the traffic light was not working and the driver behind me kept honking his horn. But Mr.

Cargo plane crash kills one

Cargo plane crash kills one JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A C-160 Transall airplane belonging to PT Manunggal Air Service, skidded off the runway as it made an emergency landing at Sentani airport here on Friday afternoon, killing one passenger. The cargo airplane, carrying 14 passengers and two crew, had just taken off for its flight to Wamena when it reported engine trouble. Pilot Azirwan failed to control the airplane as it landed and it skidded off the runway ramming into a fence. (34/emf)

UN expected to extend E. Timor mandate

UN expected to extend E. Timor mandate CANBERRA (AP): The United Nations was expected to again extend the mandate of its administration in East Timor to well after independence officials said on Friday, after major aid donors endorsed the proposal. The mandate of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) ends Jan. 31, next year.

24 soccer players join SEA Games training

24 soccer players join SEA Games training JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) called 24 23-year-old players, two of them from the first and second division, to join its training program on Monday for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur in September. The two players are first division striker Aliyudin who plays for West Java-based Indocement and goalkeeper Syamsidar from the second division team, Persim of Maros, South Sulawesi.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 15, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,500 25 140,000 Adindo Foresta 110 0 6,500 AGIS 135 0 145,000 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,075 0 2,000 Alter Abadi 100 15 500 Alumindo Light 575 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,975 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 975 0 704,000 Apac Citra 320 0 16,000 Aqua Golden 12,200 0 0 Argha Karya Prima 195...

Police action against Pasuruan rioters endorsed

Police action against Pasuruan rioters endorsed SURABAYA (JP): The police did everything correctly in accordance with procedures in quelling the recent unrest in the East Java town of Pasuruan, the House of Representatives' fact- finding team leader said on Friday.

VP Megawati inaugurates Jakarta Fair

VP Megawati inaugurates Jakarta Fair JAKARTA (JP): Despite current political tension and very few foreign participants, the 34th Jakarta Fair at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta was inaugurated on Friday by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Some 1,200 participants -- local and foreign companies and agencies -- are taking part in the month-long event that includes not only trade exhibitions but also cultural exhibitions and performances.

Acer cuts 700 jobs in KL

Acer cuts 700 jobs in KL KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) Taiwan's leading computer maker Acer has cut 700 of it 2,300 workforce and paid out one million ringgit (US$263 million) in benefits amid tough business conditions, a report said Friday. C.Y. Ho, managing director of the Acer Technologies Sdn. Bhd. in the northern state of Penang, described the retrenchment as "painful," saying it was the first undertaken by the company and hopefully the last.

Accurate dubbing a long way off for TV viewers

Accurate dubbing a long way off for TV viewers By Lie Hua JAKARTA (JP): "Thank you to his visit ...," says one character in an American film dubbed into Indonesian, to the surprise of television viewers because they are at a loss to find the situation prompting the character to express his gratitude.

Ex-minister Daim not being probed: Deputy premier

Ex-minister Daim not being probed: Deputy premier KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia's deputy leader on Friday dismissed speculation that former finance minister Daim Zainuddin is being investigated by police. "There is no police action against Tun Daim, there was so much rumor that he was arrested - it is not true," Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told reporters. "There is no reason why we at the moment should take any action against him," he said.

Search for missing Belgians continues

Search for missing Belgians continues JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): One week after they were reported missing, there still remains no clue as to the whereabouts or fate of two missing Belgian filmmakers in the Irian Jaya hinterland. Irian Jaya Police spokesman Comr. Zulkifli A.R., told The Jakarta Post on Friday that police are continuing their search and have also formed a team to handle the case. The two Belgians -- identified as Johan Elia Theo van Dem Eynde, 47, and Philippe R.D.

Pulp plant in Toba Samosir

Pulp plant in Toba Samosir From Koran Tempo We can understand Toba Samosir's regent's enthusiasm when the plan for PT Toba Pulp Lestari (PT TPL) to establish a pulp plant was announced in the mass media. This venture might be a source of concern for the Toba Samosir people and those living outside the region. There are several reasons why it is not judicious to establish a pulp plant in the Toba Samosir regency.

RP sends in troops to catch guerrillas holding hostages

RP sends in troops to catch guerrillas holding hostages ISABELA, Philippines (Agencies): The Philippine military unleashed crack troops to hunt down guerrillas holding three Americans and several Filipinos hostage, as officials denied on Friday reports the rebels had begun freeing hostages for cash. Soldiers and marines continued to pour into southern Basilan island, where three days ago the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas said they had beheaded American hostage Guillermo Sobero.

Ramayana plans to open 10 new outlets this year

Ramayana plans to open 10 new outlets this year JAKARTA (JP): The publicly-listed department store chain, PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa, plans to open 10 new outlets in the country this year as part of its expansion program. Company corporate secretary Richard Sentosa said that two of the planned outlets would be located in Ciledug and Mauk, Tangerang to replace old stores ravaged by fires during riots in May, 1998.

Bomb put in train to trigger chaos: Police

Bomb put in train to trigger chaos: Police JAKARTA (JP): A homemade bomb placed in a loudspeaker found on an electric train on Thursday contained only low-grade explosives, but it was aimed at causing havoc in the capital, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacob said on Friday. "The bomb was placed on the train to trigger chaos in the capital just ahead of the special session of the People's Legislative Assembly (MPR). What else?" Sofjan told reporters.

HMI wants action against brothels

HMI wants action against brothels PALU, Central Sulawesi: The local branch of the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) called on the municipality to clamp down on massage parlors, hotels and inns which had been turned into brothels, Antara reported on Friday. The chairman of the local HMI branch, Salehuddin Awal, said that unless these places were closed down the residents would become impatient, which could lead to violence.

Fuel price hike effective today

Fuel price hike effective today JAKARTA (JP): The government finally raised fuel prices by a hefty 30 percent late on Friday, just one day after it had decided to delay the plan due to concerns over its social and security implications. Newly appointed Coordinating Minister for the Economy Burhanuddin Abdullah said the new fuel prices would take affect as of Saturday.

Former president Soeharto leaves hospital for home

Former president Soeharto leaves hospital for home JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto left the privately-run Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta on Friday morning after three days of treatment for a heart ailment. Pertamina cardiologist Juniarti Hatta said Soeharto was in a stable condition. There were no complications from the minor surgery he had undergone to install a permanent pacemaker to normalize his uneven heartbeat, she said. "His condition has returned to normal.

JP/2/DAYAK

JP/2/DAYAK Follow-up actions to Dayak-Madura reconciliation urged PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan (JP): Several local tribal leaders have called on all levels of the government to promptly follow up results of the newly concluded Dayak people's congress, which recommended the settlement of interethnic conflicts that occurred months earlier.

Shuttler Markis dreams of becoming the best

Shuttler Markis dreams of becoming the best SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Combining the speed of former world champion Sun Jun of China with the persistence of newly crowned world champion Hendrawan of Indonesia is a dream in the making for junior shuttler Markis Kido. "Combining both styles is my dream for becoming one of Indonesia's best shuttlers in the future," Markis told The Jakarta Post at the sidelines of the 2001 Milo Junior Indonesia Open here.

VP opens Jakarta Fair 2001

VP opens Jakarta Fair 2001 JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, accompanied by Governor Sutiyoso, enter the showground of Jakarta Fair 2001, while a group of traditional Betawi dancers and Betawi dolls Ondel Ondel welcome the entourage. Megawati inaugurated the month-long event on Friday in celebration of the city's 474th anniversary that falls on June 22.

Sutiyoso still wants buses from Texmaco

Sutiyoso still wants buses from Texmaco JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso announced on Friday the city administration's plan to import buses from China or Korea following the central government's decision to exempt the vehicles from import tax. Sutiyoso, however, suggested that the city import only 50 percent of the buses needed for its rejuvenation plan and purchase the rest from PT Texmaco. The decision to wave import tax was revealed by Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut B.

Kontras objects to military courts

Kontras objects to military courts JAKARTA (JP): Military personnel allegedly involved in the bloody Trisakti and Semanggi incidents should be tried by ad hoc judges rather than a military tribunal, activists said on Friday. The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and the Humanitarian Volunteer Team said a military tribunal could not be expected to be objective, as military tribunals tended to protect defendants.

Generating 'chemistry' in an interview

Generating 'chemistry' in an interview By Pri Notowidigdo JAKARTA (JP): "Am I ready for the interview?" You have undoubtedly asked yourself this question in the past, prior to a job interview, or maybe you are asking this question now as you prepare for an interview in the not too distant future. No doubt, you have discovered that preparation is the key to success. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of being hired. So how do you prepare for an interview?

Honor our national flag

Honor our national flag From Kompas On June 15, 2001 Indosiar, a local TV station, in its focus program, showed student demonstrators in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) criticizing DPR's Trisakti and Semanggi special committees. What attracted my attention was that some of the demonstrators began to deface our national flag by writing something in black in its center. If I am not mistaken, there is a government regulation that forbids the defacement of the national flag.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Selaksa Daya Rupa, by 90 painters, Sahid Ballroom, Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 86, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5704444), until June 19. * Art in Italian and Indonesian Ceramics in the framework of the Indonesian-Italian Workshop on Advanced and Conventional Ceramics, Italian Cultural Institute, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto 117, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3927531), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until June 30.

Royal cemeteries declared closed

Royal cemeteries declared closed MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Cemeteries containing the graves of royalty and respected Muslim ulemas, which have been registered as historical sites, should no longer be used, a noted local archeologist said. Muhammad Muttalib, a former head of the South and Southeast Sulawesi office of historical relics, said descendants of the royalties continued to use these cemeteries in violation of a bylaw declaring them protected.

Kontras objects to military court's trying Trisakti case

Kontras objects to military court's trying Trisakti case JAKARTA (JP): Military personnel allegedly involved in the bloody Trisakti and Semanggi incidents should be tried by ad hoc judges rather than a military tribunal, activists said on Friday. The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and the Humanitarian Volunteer Team said a military tribunal could not be expected to be objective, as military tribunals tended to protect defendants.

Birdwatching in Gelora Bung Karno sports center

Birdwatching in Gelora Bung Karno sports center JAKARTA (JP): Watching birds at Gelora Bung Karno sports complex in Central Jakarta? No way, you must be kidding, said a friend. Similar remarks come from many others when asked to come to the sports center, which used to be called Senayan sports center until last week, for the bird-watching this Sunday morning. "This is the first time I am hearing of a bird-watching event in Senayan," said a sports reporter.

Woman nearly loses fingers in robbery

Woman nearly loses fingers in robbery JAKARTA (JP): A woman nearly had three of her fingers severed when a robber attacked her with a sickle at the Buncit Mas office complex in Pancoran, South Jakarta, on Friday afternoon. Pancoran Police chief Adj. Comr. Wiyarso said the victim, Nurul Aini, 25, who works in the financial division of a subcontracting firm located in the office complex, was robbed in front of her office.

Plan to push Bimantoro to retire 'controversial'

Plan to push Bimantoro to retire 'controversial' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's reported plan to issue a presidential decree ordering National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro's early retirement would prove to be a controversial decision, the National Police spokesman said on Friday. "That decision will prove to be controversial, because our police chief will retire on Nov. 3 anyway.

Megawati's jewelry up for auction

Megawati's jewelry up for auction JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri has given her jewelry for auction to raise funds to finance national weightlifting development. During the fund raising ceremony organized by the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) at the South Merdeka Palace here on Friday night, Megawati also placed the first stroke on a canvas to be finished by Balinese painter Nyoman Sukari. The painting will also be auctioned.

Government delays decision on workers

Government delays decision on workers JAKARTA (JP): Following days of violent protests in many cities, the government has backed down, for now, postponing the implementation of the controversial ministerial labor decrees on compensation for workers leaving their place of employment. Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al-Hilal Hamdi said on Friday evening the implementation of decrees No. 78 and No. 111 had been postponed, and that Decree No.

RI oil, gas tender for 9 blocks attracts 8 bids

RI oil, gas tender for 9 blocks attracts 8 bids SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's Directorate General of Oil and Gas has received eight bids for six exploration and production blocks offered in a tender, a MIGAS official said on Friday. The tender offered nine offshore blocks in Makassar Strait, North East Java Sea and West Natuna Sea, but three blocks failed to attract any bids, the official said.

Message from the Ambassador

Message from the Ambassador Today, the Philippines celebrates the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of its independence. It is an occasion for every Filipino to look back with pride on our past. For in struggles against colonizers and foreign aggressors, in the fight against tyranny and injustice at home, in face of periods of great trial and uncertainty, Filipinos have eventually emerged triumphant. Our love for freedom and democracy has ensured this.

Pirates seize KL boats near RP

Pirates seize KL boats near RP KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Pirates have hijacked six Malaysian vessels in the sea between the southern Philippines and East Malaysia in the past week, newspapers reported on Friday. No crew members were harmed and four of the vessels were released after ransom was paid but one barge and a fishing trawler were still being held on an island in Philippine waters, the reports said.

House, government clear hurdles on budget

House, government clear hurdles on budget JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives and the government have reached an agreement on the major items in the proposed revision of the 2001 state budget. As of late on Friday, the final session between the House budgetary task force and Minister of Finance Rizal Ramli were continuing, although the House was expected to approve the revised budget at the conclusion of the session.

S'poreans keep fish in 'hotels'

S'poreans keep fish in 'hotels' SINGAPORE (AP): Men in this wealthy Southeast Asian city-state are spending thousands of dollars every month to keep their tropical fish in "hotels" across the island. Even Singaporeans with their own ponds are turning to fish hotels because they don't have enough space for their koi at home, the Straits Times newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Australia rejects oil revenue share

Australia rejects oil revenue share CANBERRA (AP): Australia has refused to meet East Timor's demand for a 90-10 split of royalties from oil reserves under the sea between the two countries, East Timorese Finance Minister Mari Alkatiri said Friday. "Still the proposal coming from Australia is 85-15," Alkatiri told reporters after an East Timor international donors' conference.

Indonesia: From 'glory' to 'gloomy' days

Indonesia: From 'glory' to 'gloomy' days JAKARTA (JP): More than ever before, Indonesia needs to attract foreign investors to invigorate its ailing economy. Along with the economic crisis and leadership change came political instability, social unrest, unemployment as well as democracy. In the past, Indonesia was seen as an emerging economy with low labor cost, stable environment and promising market, thus a good place for labor intensive operations.

Gus Dur told to prove his competence

Gus Dur told to prove his competence YOGYAKARTA (JP): Embattled President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid was met on Friday with a rare challenge to prove that he is capable of immediately defusing the myriad problems the country is facing. The intriguing remarks were aired by senior Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) cleric Attabik Ali, whom the President visited and talked with for about 80 minutes during his trip to the sultanate town.

Rupiah rate June 15

Rupiah rate June 15 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Wanaartha gets Rosch training

Wanaartha gets Rosch training JAKARTA (JP): Local insurance company Wanaartha Life announced on Friday a collaborative venture with Manila-based consulting firm Rosch Consulting to help strengthen its performance. Wanaartha president Evelina Pietruschka said that under the agreement, Rosch would provide training of international standard for Wanaartha's agents and employees to increase their sales capabilities. She added that the training would be delivered by Rosch's president, Rene C.

Arun LNG plant hoped to operate at 50% this month

Arun LNG plant hoped to operate at 50% this month JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Friday the Arun liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Aceh would restart operations with two of its four LNG trains, or at 50 percent of its full capacity, later this month. Pertamina president Baihaki Hakim said he hoped LNG exports from the Arun plant could be resumed again before the end of July.

House factions call for expedited special session

House factions call for expedited special session JAKARTA (JP): Five major factions at the House of Representatives after holding an informal meeting here on Friday underscored their intent to expedite the convening of a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly.

Tanker burns, sinks off S'pore

Tanker burns, sinks off S'pore SINGAPORE (AP): Two crewmen were hospitalized after a tanker made of wood and carrying 100 metric tons of oil burned and sank in Singaporean waters on Friday morning. Antipollution vessels were monitoring the waters around the tanker looking for signs of leakage. The vessel sank in the area where ships anchor outside Singapore's port.

Aceh

Aceh Government to send minister to GAM talks. Page 2 Soeharto Former president Soeharto leaves hospital for home. Page 3 Education Education is not an experiment. Page 4 Hope Indonesians hope for a leader like Japan's PM Koizumi. Page 5 Soccer Roma leads Juve, Lazio into the final straight. Page 6 Dubbing Accurate dubbing a long way off for TV viewers. Page 8 Trade talks EU, U.S. want new trade round to spur growth. Page 10 Currencies Asian currencies mixed late, takeover lifts S'pore dollar.

Thailand, RI sign taxation treaty

Thailand, RI sign taxation treaty BANGKOK (DPA): Thailand and Indonesia signed a double taxation pact on Friday and agreed to pursue measures to boost economic cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Old car museum goes for record

Old car museum goes for record SEMARANG: The Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) will add another item to the list of local achievements by registering the museum of antique cars and motorcycles opening in Yogyakarta next month, Antara reported. MURI manager Paulus Pangka said the founder of the antique car museum, David Sunar Handoko, deserved recognition for his efforts in bringing together some 40 antique cars and 300 antique motorcycles, some of them dating back to the 1910s and 1920s.