Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 December 2004

86 articles found

Weather bureau warns of downpours, floods

Weather bureau warns of downpours, floods Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) has warned residents about taking measures over the next two weeks to anticipate possible flooding in major parts of the city, as heavy rains are expected to hit in early January. Meteorologist Endro Santoso revealed on Thursday that rainfall would reach up to 600 millimeters by January, enough to cause serious inundations across the city.

Ba'asyir prosecution dealt major blow

Ba'asyir prosecution dealt major blow Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The prosecutors' bid to link Abu Bakar Ba'asyir to the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) group blamed for a series of bomb attacks in the country was dealt a major blow on Thursday after three key witnesses withdrew earlier statements that connected the Muslim cleric to the regional terrorist network.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 17, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, December 17, 2004 Exhibitions * Photo The Master Class Klavdij Sluban, Oktagon Gallery, Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No. 50A, Central Jakarta, until Dec. 22. * The Hungry Box: the endless interiors of MVRDV, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Tel. 5241069), Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., until Jan. 7. * Arts by Canadian artist Ken Pattern, at Four Seasons Hotel (Regent), Jl.

Rupiah Rates Dec. 16

Rupiah Rates Dec. 16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,444.70 6,677.58 7,097.62 7,024.53 Brunei dollar 1 5,941.79 5,328.37 5,664.78 5,605.22 Canadian dollar 1 7,957.83 7,137.14 7,586.83 7,507.96 Swiss franc 1 8,533.12 7,652.83 8,135.30 8,050.45 Danish krone 1 1,758.05 1,576.12 1,676.08 1,658.01 Euro 1 13,061.58 11,716.78 12,452.63 12,325.55 Poundsterling 1 18,910.22 16,960.46 18,028.60 17,841.67 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,252.40 1,123.74 1,194.01 1,182.13...

Medco starts producing LPG

Medco starts producing LPG JAKARTA: PT Medco Energi Internasional, Indonesia's biggest publicly traded oil company, said it started output of liquefied petroleum gas from its plant at the Kaji oil and gas field in South Sumatra on Wednesday. The plant, operated by Medco's PT Musi Banyuasin unit, produces 150 metric tons of LPG a day, the company said in an e- mailed statement on Thursday.

Send House members back to school

Send House members back to school From Warta Kota It has been reported in the mass media that many members of the House of Representatives have demonstrated improper behavior. On one occasion, for example, 24 House members from the Golkar Party gave their personal guarantee so that Nurdin Halid, a suspect in a corruption case now in detention, could return home to celebrate Idul Fitri with his family.

Shares end up; Telkom leads on expansion

Shares end up; Telkom leads on expansion Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher on Thursday led by a further rebound in Telekomunikasi Indonesia on the company's plan to buy a stake of up to 30 percent in an Asian-based telecommunication company next year, dealers said.

CIC merges with smaller rivals

CIC merges with smaller rivals JAKARTA: PT Bank CIC International, a mid- sized Indonesian lender, combined with two smaller rivals to form a new entity named PT Bank Century. "Indonesia's central bank and the Ministry of Justice approved the merger plan," Denny Suryo, a corporate secretary at Bank Century, said in a telephone interview in Jakarta today. The merger with PT Bank Danpac and PT Bank Pikko, which was approved on Dec.

Banten governor quizzed over graft

Banten governor quizzed over graft Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Banten Governor Djoko Munandar was questioned as witness in a graft case on Thursday at the prosecutor's office, which has tightened its security following several threatening phone calls to the office. The prosecutors posed questions related to the disbursement of about Rp 13.5 billion (US$1.5 million) to the Banten councillors last year.

Munir's death and TNI

Munir's death and TNI From Media Indonesia The death of human rights activist Munir has evolved into a polemic following an autopsy that showed his death was caused by arsenic poisoning. Many legislators and nongovernmental organizations believe he was killed because of his critical approach to rights violations.

Bank Global bond holders may lose all

Bank Global bond holders may lose all The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Over a dozen big Bank Global Internasional bond holders, many of them pension funds, may lose the millions they have invested if the central bank finally decides to shut down the scandal-ridden bank, whose managers have been accused of widespread fraud.

Gresik to remain in govt control: Minister

Gresik to remain in govt control: Minister Urip Hudiono and Rendi A. Witoelar, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has decided that it will retain its 51 percent controlling stake in the country's largest cement producer PT Semen Gresik (SG), a senior economic minister said.

Students injured in campus clash

Students injured in campus clash Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Engineering took on the social sciences on Thursday as hundreds of students at the University of Hasanuddin here ran amok, leaving a dozen people injured, one seriously. The all-out brawl, which started at about 2 p.m. inside the campus, ended after Makassar Police arrived at the scene and fired warning shots into the air.

Media people criticized for lack of solidarity

Media people criticized for lack of solidarity Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prominent lawyer Nono Anwar Makarim criticized the Indonesian media on Thursday for its lack of cohesion in putting pressure on the government and the House of Representatives to revise existing laws that are often used against journalists and media enterprises. "If media people can show solidarity, they can put pressure on the government and the House (to reform outdated laws).

Looking for scapegoats

Looking for scapegoats From Media Indonesia Several newspapers have reported that State Minister for National Development Planning Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said that taxation is the constraint that the government is facing in its efforts to boost investment. Instead of finding a way to boost investment, Sri Mulyani has tried to find a scapegoat. When taking over this position from Kwik Kian Gie, she said: "Indonesia absolutely needs investment to support its economic growth.

Munir's death and TNI

Munir's death and TNI From Media Indonesia The death of human rights activist Munir has evolved into a polemic following an autopsy that showed his death was caused by arsenic poisoning. Many legislators and nongovernmental organizations believe he was killed because of his critical approach to rights violations.

Fishermen complain over low fish output

Fishermen complain over low fish output PALU, Central Sulawesi: Fish catches in the Palu Gulf had dropped dramatically during the past two years because of sand dredging in the area, fishermen said on Thursday. Mangge Sabrin, a fisherman, said before the sand mining activities were allowed by the government, he brought home Rp 500,000 (US$55.5) to Rp 750,000 a month from fishing. However, after dredging started his earnings had dropped to Rp 250,000 a month.

Terror alerts 'putting off tourists'

Terror alerts 'putting off tourists' Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Renewed warnings by Western states of an imminent terrorist strike in Indonesia have prompted some foreigners to cancel planned trips to the country, tourism operators said on Thursday. The Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (Asita) said several travel agencies had reported cancellations by groups of foreign tourists over the last few days.

S'pore schools protect int'l students' fees

S'pore schools protect int'l students' fees JAKARTA: As many as 102 private education organizations (PEOs) in Singapore have signed up for the so-termed student protection scheme, which is expected to protect international students' fees.

Rogue on Pakuan Express

Rogue on Pakuan Express From Kompas As a commuter traveling by the Bogor-Jakarta Pakuan Express train, I consider this railway service fairly secure, except for the presence of beggars, who often make passengers feel uncomfortable as they push and shove for money. On Oct. 8, by the same train, I left Juanda station at 6:26 p.m and was approached by a boy, who asked for money. His "disadvantaged" appearance prompted me to give him some.

Revolution is right on streets, General Sutiyoso

Revolution is right on streets, General Sutiyoso Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta When one looks at the evolution of Jakarta one cannot go past Governor Ali Sadikin who was once dubbed the city's "father of development". For many, Ali's reign over the city was controversial as it was successful.

Ex-chief councillor held for graft probe

Ex-chief councillor held for graft probe Jon Afrizal and Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Jambi/Samarinda Prosecutors in Jambi province detained on Thursday a former chief councillor for interrogation over the alleged embezzlement of Rp 5.7 billion (US$633,333). Ibnu Hajar, who chaired the East Tanjungjabung regental legislative council for the 1999-2004 period, was taken to Jambi Penitentiary at around 2 p.m., in an car belonging to the Jambi Prosecutor's Office.

25% population in Yogya jobless

25% population in Yogya jobless YOGYAKARTA: Twenty-one percent out of a total of 2.5 million people in Yogyakarta are effectively unemployed, the province's Manpower and Transmigration Office says. Office head Diat Minatu said 100,000 out of the 600,000 people had no sources of income at all, while the remaining 500,000 survived by doing odd jobs for parents or relatives. A job expo would be held in the near future in Yogyakarta to help the unemployed find jobs, Diat said. -- JP

New TOEFL scraps grammar section

New TOEFL scraps grammar section Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is to be reintroduced in September 2005 with a new assessment section on speaking skills, a seminar has announced. "I am very positive about this, as it will be more valid in measuring English proficiency in academia," Diana Kartika Jahja, business development manager of the Indonesian International Education Foundation (IIEF), told The Jakarta Post.

Newmont refutes team's report

Newmont refutes team's report JAKARTA: PT Newmont Minahasa Raya refuted on Thursday the verified report of a government-sanctioned joint team on the alleged contamination of Buyat Bay with the company's tailings. Newmont's vice president of operations in Indonesia Robert Gallagher said the report, which claimed the bay was heavily polluted, was full of misinterpretations and unrealistic assumptions.

DPD's role? Empowering itself ...

DPD's role? Empowering itself ... The Jakarta Post Jakarta The dream for better legislative representation appeared to have come true when the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) agreed in 2002 to adopt a bicameral legislative system. The creation of a new state institution, the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), was seen as a remedy for people's disappointment with politicians who were more concerned with their own short-term interests than with people's aspirations.

Disenfranchised victims: Children of violent homes

Disenfranchised victims: Children of violent homes Andayani, Jakarta The last decade has been marked by an increasing awareness of domestic violence in Indonesia. On Sept. 14, 2004, the country enacted the domestic violence protection act (UU Perlindungan Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga), which aims at protecting and ensuring the safety of family members from violence within the domestic environment.

SKorea probes British pension fund

SKorea probes British pension fund Agence France-Presse, Seoul South Korea's financial watchdog is looking into allegations that British pension fund Hermes Investment Management violated stock market rules, officials said on Thursday. Hermes came under fire this month after it sold a five percent stake in Samsung Corp., the trading arm of South Korea's largest conglomerate Samsung Group, sparking a fall in the stock. The sale on Dec.

[b]

Ba'aysir trial dealt major blow 2. Agung (32) 1x27 Agung's swift fall from grace 3. Demo (45) 1x32 Decentralization jeopardizes policy 4. Press (40) 2x24 Media people criticized for lack of solidarity

ADB, World Bank to extend new loans to help finance budget deficit

ADB, World Bank to extend new loans to help finance budget deficit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is set to receive loan packages from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank to help finance its budget deficit and implement reform in budget auditing. The Ministry of Finance signed on Thursday a US$225 million loan package with the ADB, consisting of a $200 million project loan and a $25 million investment loan.

Heineken to be produced in Indonesia

Heineken to be produced in Indonesia Associated Press, Jakarta Beer lovers in predominantly Muslim Indonesia will find Heineken cheaper and more widely available as part of a deal to have the Dutch brew produced locally, its local partner said Thursday. Heineken, which is now only imported into Indonesia, will be produced by the company's local partner PT Multi Bintang Indonesia starting early next year. Bintang will pay Heineken a royalty of 7.2 percent of sales.

Scholars preserve mangrove forests

Scholars preserve mangrove forests BOGOR: The Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), the University of Indonesia and Indonesia Christian University have taken the initiative to preserve the mangrove forests in Muara Angke Kapuk, West Jakarta. "The Jakarta administration has neglected the forest despite its importance to prevent seawater intrusion," IPB expert Hadi S. Alikodra said on Wednesday. Alikodra is the supervisor of the project.

Japan offers to help secure Malacca Strait

Japan offers to help secure Malacca Strait JAKARTA: Japan offered assistance on Thursday to boost security in the Strait of Malacca, the world's busiest seaway. Visiting Japanese Minister for Trade and Industry Shoichi Nakagawa said Japan was concerned about pirate attacks against Japanese vessels passing through the narrow strait. He, however, stressed that any assistance would be extended only after Indonesian, Malaysia and Singapore agreed to the proposal.

Inner conflict of a princess at Sendang Kasihan

Inner conflict of a princess at Sendang Kasihan Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta The moral conflict to make a dilemmatic choice between state defense, love and a noblewoman's dignity during the Mataram Kingdom under Panembahan Senopati was portrayed in Hendro Martono's choreography in Sendang Kasihan, Bantul, Yogyakarta last week. An ancient water spring with a clear pool on the western slope of Mt.

JP/5/COUNCIL

JP/5/COUNCIL Councillors face uphill battle against graft charges A'an Suryana The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The 10 people who came to the Attorney General's Office here as representatives of councillors nationwide were kept waiting in a meeting room for more than 30 minutes. When senior prosecutor Sudhono Iswahyudi finally entered the room, the councillors duly rose and shook hands with the powerful deputy head of the special crimes division.

1. Golkar (40) - 60 pts 6 cols 1line (1x30)

1. Golkar (40) - 60 pts 6 cols 1line (1x30) Dramatic turn favors Akbar's reelection bid 2. Global (35) - 36 pts 4cols 1line (1x30) Bank Global bond holders stand to lose all or Bank Global bond holders may lose all 3. Outbreak (30) - 32 pts 4 cols 1line (1x32) Respiratory illness, diarrhea kill 97 in Papua 4. Traffic (35) - 36 pts 6cols 1line (1x42) Driving in Jakarta to slow to snail's pace by 2020 --- 5. Photos

'Reza fled airport to evade media'

'Reza fled airport to evade media' Multa Fidrus and Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Tangerang Singer Reza Artamevia was not kidnapped but fled the Soekarno- Hatta International Airport to avoid journalists who had been waiting for her, an airport security official said on Thursday. "As soon as she saw journalists waiting at the airport's terminal IIF lobby, she immediately went upstairs to the departure area and took a taxi there," public area airport security chief HM. Anis Tokan said.

RI says new Australian security zone unacceptable

RI says new Australian security zone unacceptable Agencies, Jakarta Indonesia said on Thursday it could not accept Australia's proposed new maritime security zone, saying it infringed on Indonesian waters and violated freedom of navigation. "We can't accept this this concept because it breaches our maritime jurisdiction," Foreign Minister Wirayuda told reporters in Jakarta after meeting Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill.

Officials keep gift giving under wraps

Officials keep gift giving under wraps Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Government officials are accustomed to gift giving and will not easily give it up, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was recently told. Jakarta Chamber of Commerce's deputy chairman for organization and industry, Fatahillah Dachlan, said businesspeople were becoming "more creative" in giving gratuities.

Illegal fees at Soekarno-Hatta

Illegal fees at Soekarno-Hatta From Kompas On Oct. 18, my Thai guests arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and were only permitted to leave the immigration checkpoint after they had each paid US$10 to the immigration officers in charge, who had detained their passage for no clear reason.

City asked to curb proposed funds for busway project

City asked to curb proposed funds for busway project Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council has asked Governor Sutiyoso to reduce the proposed fund for the construction of the busway corridor from Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta to Kalideres, West Jakarta. The council argued on Thursday that the fund in question was higher than the amount in the governor's initial proposal. "The governor had said ...

Taman Rasuna is best apartment

Taman Rasuna is best apartment JAKARTA: The City Housing Agency declared on Wednesday the Taman Rasuna apartments in Kuningan area, South Jakarta, the best managed apartment in the city. Following in second and third place were Apartemen Kintamani and Apartemen Golf Pondok Indah, both also in South Jakarta. The jury assessed a number of aspects, including environment, sanitation, parks and management as well as security. -- JP

Chauvinistic verdict

Chauvinistic verdict Indonesia after Soeharto is full of surprises. Almost daily we are greeted by more surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant. We woke up on Thursday to yet another surprise, this one supplied by the Constitutional Court: it had annulled Electricity Law No. 20/2002. What is so shocking and deeply troubling about this verdict is that it sets a completely wrong precedent for future decisions by the court.

Middle ground sought for harm reduction program

Middle ground sought for harm reduction program Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A year since the harm reduction program was launched, the National AIDS Commission (KPA) and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) are still encountering difficulties with law enforcers when their volunteers distribute sterile needles to drug users as it is viewed as a violation of the law.

Irman aims to strengthen DPD

Irman aims to strengthen DPD Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Becoming a politician was not his childhood dream. As the son of a successful businessman, his entrepreneurship skills were stronger than his ambition to go into other professions. Now 42-years-old, Irman Gusman is the deputy speaker of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), a new legislative body designed to be somewhat similar to the Senate in the United States. The job deals more with day-to-day political activities.

Environmental disaster lingers at Kendari sand quarrying site

Environmental disaster lingers at Kendari sand quarrying site Hasrul, The Jakarta Post, Kendari Daeng Embang stared in despair at his dying orchard when a team of government officials and environmental activists stopped by his house on their way to monitor activities at a quarrying site in the area. The middle-aged man said that it had been almost a month since he had bothered to tend to his precious fruit trees.

Respiratory illness, diarrhea kill 97 in Papua

Respiratory illness, diarrhea kill 97 in Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura At least 97 infants died from respiratory ailments and other illnesses that affected six districts in Paniai regency, Papua over the past two months. Reverend John Cutts of Kemah Injil church said that the infants were among hundreds of infants and residents in the area who had exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, fever and diarrhea.

Fransisca upsets top seed Pi Hongyan

Fransisca upsets top seed Pi Hongyan Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Young Indonesian shuttler Fransisca Ratnasari Haris produced the biggest shock so far at the Djarum Indonesia Open badminton championship, beating top seed Pi Hongyan of France in the third round of the women's singles here on Thursday. The 18-year-old sent world number three Pi packing with a 5- 11, 11-7, 13-12 victory.

What kind of cops does RI have?

What kind of cops does RI have? It was to my great surprise that Indonesian police officers are still continuing their same old ways, as the article written in The Jakarta Post on Monday Dec. 13, page 1, points out. How does this help the police force improve its image? And worse still, the officer who was informed about the illegal fees (Sr. Comr. Tjiptono) naively denied that it happens. What kind of agency is that? FERRY AKBAR PASARIBU, Bogota-Colombia

Govt to propose new power law

Govt to propose new power law Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government, in response to the Constitutional Court's annulling Electricity Law No. 20/2002, said it would draft a new law that would take a "softer" approach to liberalizing the power sector. The new draft law is expected to be completed for submission to the House of Representatives in early January, Director General of Electricity and Energy Utilization Yogo Pratomo at the energy ministry said on Thursday.

KPUDs told to use existing logistics

KPUDs told to use existing logistics SURABAYA: General Elections Commission (KPU) deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti suggested on Thursday that local elections next year use the logistics of this year's general election. The government regulation currently being prepared should also compel local election commissions (KPUDs) to use existing ballot boxes and polling booths for the sake of efficiency, he said.

Route Km Travel Time Travel Time %

Route Km Travel Time Travel Time % 1985 2002 Jl. Pasar Minggu to 9 22.5mins 35.6mins 58% Jl. Manggarai Kalideres to 14.5 29.5mins 51.7mins 75% Jl. Gadjah Mada Jl. TB Simatupang to 13.9 38.2mins 48.9mins 28% the National Monument Ciledug to Mayestik 3.9 15.9mins 25.0mins 57%

Officials keep gift giving under wraps

Officials keep gift giving under wraps Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Government officials are accustomed to gift giving and will not easily give it up, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was recently told. Jakarta Chamber of Commerce's deputy chairman for organization and industry, Fatahillah Dachlan, said businesspeople were becoming "more creative" in giving gratuities.

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42

1. DISCOURSE: 1 X 42 'Indonesia will once again be a net oil exporter' 2. PLN: 1 X 28 Govt to propose new power law 3. CEMEX: 1 X 33 Gresik to remain in govt control: Minister 4. HASSAN: 2 X 24 RI says new Australian security zone unacceptable 5. ZOO: 1 X 36 Thai zoo to be charged over illegal apes

Governor reject worker demand

Governor reject worker demand BANDUNG: West Java Governor Danny Setiawan rejected on Thursday workers' demand for a repeal of the governor's decree on the minimum wage. Danny said the decree had been agreed by all parties concerned, including workers' representatives. The decree sets the minimum wage in cities in West Java for the 2005 term, but the workers said that amount was below the cost of living in most cities. -- JP

Managing waste properly

Managing waste properly From Koran Tempo I have been wondering if the government can draw up a regulation on the proper management of waste, which regulates the separation of organic from inorganic garbage and recycling. This way, organic waste can be turned into compost, while craftsmen and artists may benefit from recycled materials to create various objects with artistic value.

Decentralization jeopardizes policy

Decentralization jeopardizes policy Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Everyone is deeply concerned about the poor human development index (HDI), drug abuse and the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS among school-aged children in the country, yet there is no institution tasked to lead a nationwide campaign to defuse the problems.

A year of expansion rather than breakthroughs

A year of expansion rather than breakthroughs Zatni Arbi Contributor/Jakarta Almost 30 years after the birth of the Altaire and 23 years after IBM came up with the world's first PC, have computer scientists and standard organizations hit a brick wall? At any rate, computer components such as modems, scanners, printers, Web cameras, speakers, 200 GB hard disks and DVD+RW drives are now taken for granted.

Four bombs found in Dumai house

Four bombs found in Dumai house PEKANBARU, Riau: Riau Police discovered on Wednesday four home-made bombs in a house in the Dumai area, which they believe would have been used to attack churches around Christmas time.

JP/ /

JP/ / Major economic and political events in 2004 March 4: The government launches a US$1 billion international bond, more than double the initial plan of $400 million, to meet overwhelming demand from global investors. The sovereign bond is oversubscribed four times. March 11: The 22-day official campaign period for the legislative election begins.

Agung's swift fall from grace

Agung's swift fall from grace Kornelius Purba and M.Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali Along the streets from Ngurah Rai International Airport to the Westin Resort, where the seventh Golkar Party national congress is being held, dozens of banners display welcome remarks from House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono to congress participants.

RI, Japan launch joint forum on investment

RI, Japan launch joint forum on investment Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and Japan have launched a high-level forum involving the government and private sector to discuss and solve problems hindering investment here. At a press conference held after the joint forum's first meeting, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie said on Thursday that its establishment was determined by the leaders of both countries as a means to boost Japanese investment in Indonesia.

Fourteen nabbed in concert brawl

Fourteen nabbed in concert brawl JAKARTA: Fourteen people were arrested on Wednesday night while 10 police officers were injured in a clash at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta. Angry concertgoers became violent and threw stones at parked cars, damaging 23 of them, after they were denied entry to the concert where TransTV staged performances of, among others, noted singer Iwan Fals and Slank rock group in commemorating its third anniversary. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr.

Indonesia will once again be a net oil exporter

Indonesia will once again be a net oil exporter Indonesia has liberalized the upstream oil industry and is moving to liberalize the downstream sector. The Jakarta Post's Riyadi Suparno interviewed energy expert Soebroto to get a better picture of the situation of the energy sector and its prospects.

JiFFest 2004 honors young film makers

JiFFest 2004 honors young film makers The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Besides screening selected films from world-class filmmakers, the 2004 Jakarta International Film Festival also opened the door to young filmmakers to showcase their works to compete for prestigious awards. This was warmly welcomed by amateur filmmakers who rarely get a chance to screen their works here.

Key suspect in Global case in the U.S.

Key suspect in Global case in the U.S. Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President director of the troubled Bank Global Irawan Salim has left for the United States, while the police have named him a fugitive for his role in banking crimes committed by the bank. His lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon said on Thursday his client told him he left the country for the U.S.

Dadan slugs for single RI gold

Dadan slugs for single RI gold Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam Dadan Amanda beat Murat Airmassov of Kazakhstan in the 54- kilogram final here on Thursday to earn Indonesia the only victory, while South Korea claimed five of 10 golds on offer at the President's Cup amateur boxing championship. Dadan showed confidence and good form to take charge of his opponent from the starting bell.

TV stations pledge to avoid indecency

TV stations pledge to avoid indecency JAKARTA: The Indonesian Television Broadcasting Association (ATVSI) pledged not to air programs showing indecent material, and those that highlight violence and ghost busting. Chairman Karni Ilyas told a press conference on Wednesday that starting next January, the association through its code of ethics commission (KP3K) would monitor all programs aired by its members. "We will accommodate all complaints from the public and make recommendations," he added.

2 X 16

2 X 16 Students injured in campus clash JP/5/MINING 2 X 27 Environmental disaster lingers at Kendari sand quarrying site JP/5/log 2 x 25 Five policemen on trial in illegal logging case JP/5/arrest 1 x 40 Ex-chief councillor held for graft probe JP/5/SULSEL 1 x 42 South Sulawesi governor slams autonomy law

Waste disposal and welfare

Waste disposal and welfare From Koran Tempo The recent riot at the waste treatment plant in Bojong, Bogor, which left several villagers hospitalized, has aroused public concern over the fate of ordinary people struggling to make a living. The case of the Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi has not yet been resolved and now the Bojong plant is going to be opened without any communication with the local community.

Rogue on Pakuan Express

Rogue on Pakuan Express From Kompas As a commuter traveling by the Bogor-Jakarta Pakuan Express train, I consider this railway service fairly secure, except for the presence of beggars, who often make passengers feel uncomfortable as they push and shove for money. On Oct. 8, by the same train, I left Juanda station at 6:26 p.m and was approached by a boy, who asked for money. His "disadvantaged" appearance prompted me to give him some.

Driving in Jakarta to slow to snail's pace by 2020

Driving in Jakarta to slow to snail's pace by 2020 Evi Mariani and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sixteen years from now, driving in Jakarta will be at a running pace of 10 kilometers per hour (kph) as revealed in a recent study conducted by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The study shows that the current average traveling speed of 14.75 kph will reduce further unless the Jakarta administration takes preventive measures.

Dramatic turn favors Akbar's bid

Dramatic turn favors Akbar's bid The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The Golkar congress agreed suddenly on Thursday to change the party's standing order and allow regental branches to vote in the election for party leader. The move expands the party electorate to 484 from 36 previously, and may improve outgoing chairman Akbar Tandjung's chances at reelection. The congress also agreed that a candidate must be nominated by 150 members to be eligible.

South Sulawesi governor slams autonomy law

South Sulawesi governor slams autonomy law Muninggar Sri Sarashwati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta South Sulawesi Governor Amin Syam has filed an appeal with the Constitutional Court over an autonomy law he claims disadvantages his provincial government. In the appeal filed last week, the governor said certain articles in the law on the establishment of West Sulawesi province were unfair and discriminatory.

'We have to treat them as equals'

'We have to treat them as equals' Housemaids have learned to live with low salaries and indefinite working hours, as there is no regulation to protect their basic rights. Reports of maids being physically or verbally abused by their employers or their children are also common. In commemorating Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the issue. Widyawati, 40, is a housewife.

Five policemen on trial in illegal logging case

Five policemen on trial in illegal logging case Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura The trial of five police officers allegedly involved in illegal logging activities opened on Thursday at a district court in Sorong regency, Papua. The defendants, including former Sorong Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Faizal Abdul Nazer and his ex-deputy Adj. Sr. Comr.

Today's cars are smarter, but drivers must still use their heads

Today's cars are smarter, but drivers must still use their heads Zatni Arbi Contributor/Jakarta We were traveling in the center lane of the Jakarta-Merak toll road. Suddenly, the white BMW 3-Series in front of us veered sharply to the left and slammed into the metal guard rail. My friend quickly stepped on the brakes, fearing that the BMW was going to ricochet to the right. It did not. It just slowed down after scraping some of its left fender.

Rupiah Rates Dec. 16

Rupiah Rates Dec. 16 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,444.70 6,677.58 7,097.62 7,024.53 Brunei dollar 1 5,941.79 5,328.37 5,664.78 5,605.22 Canadian dollar 1 7,957.83 7,137.14 7,586.83 7,507.96 Swiss franc 1 8,533.12 7,652.83 8,135.30 8,050.45 Danish krone 1 1,758.05 1,576.12 1,676.08 1,658.01 Euro 1 13,061.58 11,716.78 12,452.63 12,325.55 Poundsterling 1 18,910.22 16,960.46 18,028.60 17,841.67 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,252.40 1,123.74 1,194.01 1,182.13...

Bosnia signs MoUs with RI to boost trade ties

Bosnia signs MoUs with RI to boost trade ties Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bosnia Herzegovina wants to develop its relationship with Indonesia and put more emphasis on trade and economic cooperation, its foreign minister said in Jakarta. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic said his country, which is a little smaller than Aceh in terms of size and population, had good relations with Indonesia since the country was created in 1992.

Bright spot

Bright spot amid bad news My local newspaper listed the events that made news throughout the year. Almost all were "bad news" events. Doom, gloom, bloodshed and slaughter. I'm pleased to say that the election of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as President of Indonesia was one of the few "good news" stories listed. I extend my best wishes to the people of Indonesia with the hope that under the new President, Indonesia will enjoy the beginning of a new and prosperous era.

JP/ /

JP/ / Major economic and political events in 2004 March 4: The government launches a US$1 billion international bond, more than double the initial plan of $400 million, to meet overwhelming demand from global investors. The sovereign bond is oversubscribed four times. March 11: The 22-day official campaign period for the legislative election begins.

JP/ /

JP/ / Major economic and political events in 2004 March 4: The government launches a US$1 billion international bond, more than double the initial plan of $400 million, to meet overwhelming demand from global investors. The sovereign bond is oversubscribed four times. March 11: The 22-day official campaign period for the legislative election begins.

Is it time to cut energy subsidies?

Is it time to cut energy subsidies? Aziz, Munich, Germany The term subsidy has become a part of daily vocabulary (again) since new Vice President Jusuf Kalla announced that the government of Indonesia intended to cut fuel subsidies by 40% in 2005.

Bank Global bond holders may lose all their money

Bank Global bond holders may lose all their money The Jakarta Post, Jakarta More a dozen big Bank Global Internasional bond holders, many of them pension funds, may lose the millions they have invested if the central bank finally decides to shut down the scandal-ridden bank, whose managers have been accused of widespread fraud.

Regional autonomy makes little headway

Regional autonomy makes little headway Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Regional autonomy, including special autonomy in the conflict- ridden provinces of Aceh and Papua, has made little headway in the years since its introduction, not only due to the government's apparent reluctance to implement the law, but also local leadership problems.

Sugar policy in place until 2007: Mari

Sugar policy in place until 2007: Mari The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will maintain the sugar policy of the previous administration until 2007, despite criticism the policy is responsible for the rampant smuggling of the commodity.