Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 May 2005

86 articles found

ASEAN ups cooperation to fight drug trafficking

ASEAN ups cooperation to fight drug trafficking Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The failure to track chemists and the precursor chemicals for certain types of illegal drugs remain a major obstacle in the fight against drug trafficking, a conference held here concluded on...

RI ranks fifth in software piracy out of 93 countries

RI ranks fifth in software piracy out of 93 countries The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Illegal software accounted for 87 percent of all computer programs sold in Indonesia in 2004, according to a global software piracy watchdog.

Draft criminal code seen as threat to artistic freedom

Draft criminal code seen as threat to artistic freedom Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta First time director Joko Anwar was baffled when the government- sanctioned Film Censorship Institute (LSF) cut a kissing scene from his new release Janji Joni (Joni's Promise).

Rights group urges KL to protect migrant maids

Rights group urges KL to protect migrant maids Vijay Joshi, Associated Press/Kuala Lumpur International group Human Rights Watch is urging Malaysia to protect the rights of migrant domestic workers, especially Indonesians, saying they are regularly falling prey to abusive employers and labor agents...

Indonesia back on investors' radar screen

Indonesia back on investors' radar screen Michael Vatikiotis, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore The fact that foreign investment is coming back to Indonesia and its economy is showing real signs of recovery is not just good news for Southeast Asia's largest economy - it is excellent...

Stop SMS gambling

Stop SMS gambling From Republika A betting game under the guise of an SMS quiz with prize money, which in Malaysia has been declared to be gambling, has absorbed a lot of funds from the public and it should be banned.

Plane passenger suspected in 1 kg cocaine smuggling attempt

Plane passenger suspected in 1 kg cocaine smuggling attempt Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The threat of a death sentence does not seem to have deterred traffickers from trying to smuggle drugs into the country.

[b]

Hunting down the perpetrators in E.Timor Taufik Basari Jakarta 2. Dan2 -- Valuing global cooperation in Aceh 2 x 30 Part2 of 2 Does the master plan for Aceh rehabilitation drive NGOs away? Daniel Kingsley Washington DC 3.

RI to buy warships from the Netherlands

RI to buy warships from the Netherlands JAKARTA: The government has decided to purchase two corvette warships from the Netherlands in a bid to boost the capacity of the Indonesian Navy. Director General for Defense Procurement at the Ministry of Defense Rear Adm.

* Big donors get mixed score card on tsunami aid Page 3

* Big donors get mixed score card on tsunami aid Page 3 * Golkar differs over demand for more ministerial posts Page 4 * Acehnese cautiously greet new status Page 5 * The need to cooperate on oil policy in East Asia Page 6 * Jakarta's subdistricts to get Rp 2b for public services Page 8 * Ferguson...

PKI members cleared to proceed with suit

PKI members cleared to proceed with suit JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court ruled on Wednesday that former members of the now-outlawed Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) could proceed with a class-action lawsuit against the President.

;JP;ABDUL;CD;

;JP;ABDUL;CD; ANPAj..r.. Airport-cocaine-drug Plane passengers suspected of smuggling cocaine JP/2/drug Plane passenger suspected in cocaine smuggling attempt Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The threat of a death sentence does not seem to have deterred traffickers from trying to smuggle drugs...

Hunting down the perpetrators in E. Timor

Hunting down the perpetrators in E. Timor Taufik Basari, Jakarta The atrocities that occurred in East Timor in 1999 have been recognized as gross violations of human rights that constitute international crimes.

All subdistricts to get public services fund

All subdistricts to get public services fund Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration is planning to allocate Rp 2 billion (US$210,000) for each of the city's 267 subdistricts in a bid to improve public services in the capital, an official says.

Outboard motor credit divides Buyat villagers

Outboard motor credit divides Buyat villagers The company at the center of pollution allegations in Buyat Bay, Newmont, spends Rp 3.3 billion (US$335,000) a year to improve the life of the community around its mining site, the company says.

Bumi's First-Quarter Profit Rises to 446.7 Bln Rupiah

Bumi's First-Quarter Profit Rises to 446.7 Bln Rupiah Bloomberg/Jakarta PT Bumi Resources, Indonesia's biggest coal exporter, said first-quarter profit rose as it boosted production to meet increased demand from Chinese power producers. Net income rose to Rp 446.

Land acquisition stalls road work

Land acquisition stalls road work BEKASI: A project that will connect East Jakarta with Bekasi has again had to be delayed because the government has not yet acquired land. "It will be delayed for a while, pending agreement on the land price," Saut Parlindungan Simatupang, a project manager from...

Curious about port corruption

Curious about port corruption Having read the letter by Fees and graft at Priok from Juan Luis Dominguez from Palembang, South Sumatra (The Jakarta Post, May 16), I am very curious about the case. It seems the case was a serious one and we need to disclose it clearly.

President Susilo approves additional military funding

President Susilo approves additional military funding Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono approved on Wednesday a proposal for an increase in the country's military spending this year despite earlier opposition amid concern over the widening state budget...

If tribunal's outcome was dissatisfactory, it's not my business

If tribunal's outcome was dissatisfactory, it's not my business The UN-sanctioned commission of experts (COE) commenced their mission in Jakarta on Wednesday and they will stay until Friday to meet a variety of people involved in meting out justice for East Timor.

Buyat people differ on alleged pollution

Buyat people differ on alleged pollution Harry Bhaskara and Jongker Rumteh, The Jakarta Post, Buyat/Manado/North Sulawesi This is the second article in a series on Buyat. The serenity and scenic beauty of Buyat village's surroundings conceal deep divisions among the villagers.

Acehnese greet new civil status

Acehnese greet new civil status Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Acehnese are hopeful that the government's lifting of the civil emergency status in the province on Wednesday will mean more peace in the conflict-ridden area, even if many remain unsure precisely how the change will affect...

U.S. firm owns 97% stake in Sampoerna

U.S. firm owns 97% stake in Sampoerna Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta U.S. cigarette giant Philip Morris now controls 97 percent of the country's second largest cigarette maker PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna and has appointed Martin King as the new president, replacing Michael Joseph...

1. Golkar (2x24)

1. Golkar (2x24) Golkar differs over demand for more ministerial posts 2. Asean (2x27) ASEAN ups cooperation to fight drug trafficking 3. KUHP (2x24) Draft criminal code seen as threat to artistic freedom 4. TNI (2x27) Susilo approves additional military funding

RI slow to review money laundering law

RI slow to review money laundering law Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the House of Representatives dragging its feet in amending the country's antimoney laundering law, Indonesia could slip back onto the list of countries categorized as havens for money launderers, an expert warns.

West Sumatra KPU economizes

West Sumatra KPU economizes PADANG, West Sumatra: The West Sumatra General Election Commission (KPU) has saved at least Rp 20 billion (US$2.1 million) by, among other things, amalgamating some polling stations.

Changing times bring color and beauty to religious festival

Changing times bring color and beauty to religious festival Kadek Suartaya, Contributor, Gianyar Hundreds of young women paraded from Sukawati village in Gianyar to a nearby sacred spring carrying colorful offerings and other ritual paraphernalia.

Islamic programs on TV hailed

Islamic programs on TV hailed From Republika The programs with an Islamic tone aired by several private TV stations lately deserve a warm welcome, because such films are very beneficial and provide guidance through their important messages.

Tourism meet to be held at Nusa Dua

Tourism meet to be held at Nusa Dua The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO), will hold a Tourism Communications (Tourcom) Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific at Bali International Convention Center (BICC), the Westin...

NU, Muhammadiyah renew antigraft vow

NU, Muhammadiyah renew antigraft vow The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The country's two largest Islamic organizations renewed their commitment on Wednesday to push for a movement against endemic corruption in the predominantly Muslim country.

Pollycarpus linked to BIN, says team

Pollycarpus linked to BIN, says team Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fact-finding team tasked to assist the investigation into the death by poisoning of Munir Thalib Said revealed incriminating evidence of the involvement of the State Intelligence Body (BIN) in the case,...

Indonesia back on investors' radar screen

Indonesia back on investors' radar screen JP/7/VATIK Indonesia back on investors' radar screen Michael Vatikiotis The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore The fact that foreign investment is coming back to Indonesia and its economy is showing real signs of recovery is not just good news for...

Cigarette tax increase needed

Cigarette tax increase needed From Koran Tempo Vice President Jusuf Kalla has said that increased state revenue is needed to develop health and educational facilities, including additional revenue from higher cigarette tax. It is right to raise the tax on cigarettes.

G3 economies to slow down, import demand to drop

G3 economies to slow down, import demand to drop Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The economies of the United States, Europe and Japan are expected to slow down this year, which will pose a modest threat to Asian exporters including Indonesia, as the decelerating economies will...

Photo exhibition shows that grief lingers among tsunami victims

Photo exhibition shows that grief lingers among tsunami victims M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The massive tsunami that hit Aceh and North Sumatra in December was so cataclysmic that many of the victims of the natural disaster have been unable to come to terms with the reality of what...

Correction to article

Correction to article Regarding my opinion piece titled Media, defamation and judicial review: Comparison with Australia published in The Jakarta Post on May 12, I would like to correct a small error in the article.

Donors get mixed score card on tsunami aid

Donors get mixed score card on tsunami aid Tim Large, Reuters/London The biggest donors to the aid effort after the Asian tsunami have made spending plans for less than 60 percent of the billions they promised, raising doubts about the pace of rebuilding five months after the disaster.

1. SAMPOERNA: 4 X 10

1. SAMPOERNA: 4 X 10 U.S. firm owns 97% stake in Sampoerna 2. ACEH: 1 X 36 Security operation in Aceh 'adjusted' 3. TSUNAMI: 1 X 28 Drill turns into real-life drama 4. MANPOWER: 1 X 27 RI to send more workers abroad

Security operation in Aceh 'adjusted'

Security operation in Aceh 'adjusted' Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government lifted on Wednesday the one-year civil emergency in tsunami-devastated Aceh through a presidential regulation, which also spells out the heavy presence of military troops there. Regulation No.

Raid on vendors ends in clash

Raid on vendors ends in clash JAKARTA: The eviction of street vendors in Cawang area of East Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon has end with clashes between public order officers and students of the Christian University of Indonesia (UKI), whose campus is located nearby.

W. Java lacks Rp 2.7b for polio fund

W. Java lacks Rp 2.7b for polio fund BANDUNG, West Java: The West Java provincial administration is still short Rp 2.7 billion (US$287,000) in funds to carry out its polio immunization program on May 31 and June 27, West Java Governor Danny Setiawan said on Wednesday.

Eradicate pornography

Eradicate pornography From Media Indonesia The sexual harassment by seven Jakarta high school girls against their younger peers and cellular phone flicks that depict bare-breasted school girls masturbating should arouse our deep concern. Many other such cases have certainly escaped the media's eye.

Malaysia may award 3G licenses

Malaysia may award 3G licenses Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia may award two more third-generation (3G) mobile licenses to spur competition in the industry, bringing the total to four, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said.

Aussie warns of possible attack

Aussie warns of possible attack AUSTRALIA: Australia warned travellers on Wednesday of possible suicide bombings in the Indonesian capital after a warning was issued a day earlier by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.

Insurers' goodwill questioned

Insurers' goodwill questioned I am a policy holder acting for three insured parties, PT Coca Cola Bottling Indonesia, PT Jasprim Dinamika Global and PT Bakrie Building Indonesia, in a matter of marine cargo insurance by PT Asuransi Purna Artanugraha (Aspan), Jakarta.

W. Java administrations asked to pay Rp 56b for garbage slide

W. Java administrations asked to pay Rp 56b for garbage slide Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung Four West Java administrations that used Leuwigajah dump will be required to pay Rp 56 billion (US$5.8 million) in damages, an official said on Tuesday.

Manufacturing sales up in Malaysia

Manufacturing sales up in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's manufacturing sales in March rose 16.9 percent year-on-year to 39.4 billion ringgit (US$10.37 billion), official data showed on Wednesday. Sales also increased by 16.2 percent from February, the Statistics Department said in a statement.

U.S: E. Asian Summit should be inclusive

U.S: E. Asian Summit should be inclusive AUSTRALIA: The United States supports efforts by Asian countries to further integrate their economies, but any trading bloc shouldn't exclude countries in a wider area outside the region, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday.

Visa rolls out Visit Bali Program

Visa rolls out Visit Bali Program JAKARTA: Joining the campaign to boost tourism in Bali, which has suffered a great deal from terrorism scares, Visa International launched on Tuesday its Visit Bali Program 2005, granting cardholders special privileges and discounts at participating merchants.

Bumi's Q1 profit up to Rp 446.7 billion

Bumi's Q1 profit up to Rp 446.7 billion Bloomberg, Jakarta PT Bumi Resources, Indonesia's biggest coal exporter, said first- quarter profit rose as it boosted production to meet increased demand from Chinese power producers. Net income rose to Rp 446.

'Smart Vans' to reach out to slum children

'Smart Vans' to reach out to slum children The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Starting today, what are being dubbed "Smart Vans" will be traversing slum areas in Greater Jakarta from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day to provide alternative education opportunities to children from poor families.

JP/18/PUTU

JP/18/PUTU Lamenting the death of a culture I Wayan Juniartha The Jakarta Post/Denpasar For many people, natives and foreigners alike, subak, the traditional Balinese irrigation system was the glowing masterpiece of the island's predominant rice-growing culture.

Far East Live Seminar planned

Far East Live Seminar planned InterContinental Resort Bali is hosting the 2005 Meiers Weltreissen's Far East Live Seminar from May 16 through May 20. Meiers Weltreisen, part of LTU Touristik, is one of the largest outbound operators from Germany to Asia.

City enjoys budget surplus of Rp 1.68t in 2004

City enjoys budget surplus of Rp 1.68t in 2004 Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso reported on Wednesday that the city administration recorded a surplus of Rp 1.68 trillion from its 2004 city budget owing to unrealized budget allocations and higher city revenue.

AGO investigating Mandiri loans extended to PT CGN

AGO investigating Mandiri loans extended to PT CGN Eva C. Komandjaja and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In the latest development in the Bank Mandiri alleged lending scam, AGO spokesman R.J. Soehandojo told reporters on Wednesday that prosecutors were now investigating loans extended to PT...

SBI rate raised to 7.9 percent

SBI rate raised to 7.9 percent JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia (BI) raised on Wednesday its benchmark one-month SBI interest rate to 7.9 percent, from 7.87 percent last week, absorbing a total of Rp 36.9 trillion (some US$3.8 billion) from the market during the day's auction of the notes.

The ghosts of East Timor

The ghosts of East Timor "Don't go around digging up old skeletons," so an old Indonesian saying goes. Six-and-a-half years after the turmoil that swept the former province of East Timor (now Timor Leste), Indonesia has not respectfully laid to rest the skeletons of that fateful tragedy.

Part2 of 2: Does the master plan for Aceh rehabilitation drive NGOs away?

Part2 of 2: Does the master plan for Aceh rehabilitation drive NGOs away? Daniel Kingsley, Washington DC The MoF, as a monitoring institution, has not had its position in the monitoring process clearly defined either.

TV Today: Friday, May 20, 2005

TV Today: Friday, May 20, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 11:30 Religious Teachings 1:00 p.m.

Bumi Sehat Clinic sees both grief and relief

Bumi Sehat Clinic sees both grief and relief Catherine Wheeler, Contributor, Ubud This account by Robin Lim was prepared by Catherine Wheeler, Robin is the the midwife who founded the Bumi Sehat health clinic in Ubud, Bali. Lim and a team of volunteers went to Aceh as part of a relief project.

Rupiah Rates May 18

Rupiah Rates May 18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,502.71 6,745.23 7,160.79 7,087.02 Brunei dollar 1 5,993.37 5,386.52 5,720.23 5,659.46 Canadian dollar 1 7,855.84 7,059.94 7,497.83 7,417.67 Swiss franc 1 8,118.26 7,297.96 7,748.28 7,667.

Susilo calls Arroyo over hostages

Susilo calls Arroyo over hostages JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to take the necessary measures to help release three Indonesians now being held hostage by separatist rebels in southern Philippines.

Golkar differs over demand for more ministerial posts

Golkar differs over demand for more ministerial posts Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party reaffirmed on Wednesday its support for the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, which it said was unconditional despite internal pressure for more representation in Cabinet.

Three Papuan separatists nabbed

Three Papuan separatists nabbed JAYAPURA, Papua: Security personnel arrested three alleged Papuan separatists during a raid recently in Sarmy regency, some 150 kilometers west of Jayapura, a senior military officer said on Wednesday.

Islamic programs on TV hailed

Islamic programs on TV hailed From Republika The programs with an Islamic tone aired by several private TV stations lately deserve a warm welcome, because such films are very beneficial and provide guidance through their important messages.

'New rule brings back Soeharto era'

'New rule brings back Soeharto era' The issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 36/2005 on land acquisition for the development of public projects has given the government more power to take land off private citizens in the name of public interest.

Government to cooperate with UN probe team

Government to cooperate with UN probe team Agencies, Jakarta The Indonesian government will cooperate with a fact-finding team tasked by the United Nations to investigate Jakarta's failure to punish military officers over the 1999 violence in East Timor, officials said on Wednesday.

Headings

Headings 1. SERVICE -- 2x20 All subdistricts to get public services fund 2. APBD -- 2x25 City enjoys budget surplus of Rp 1.68t in 2004 3. BALITA -- 1x30 Bogor to vaccine 80,000 infants 4. LIBRARY -- 1x35 'Smart Van' to reach out to slum children 5.

Miss Universe hopefuls offend Thai government

Miss Universe hopefuls offend Thai government Photos of bikini-clad Miss Universe contestants posing in front of a revered Buddhist temple have been removed from the pageant's website after the Thai government complained that the pictures were offensive.

Sumatran elephant born in animal park

Sumatran elephant born in animal park BOGOR: Taman Safari Indonesia in Cisarua, Bogor, celebrated the birth of a female Sumatran elephant on Monday, Antara reported on Tuesday. "The delivery was normal," said keeper Suparno.

[b] The local government and communities have a right to review

The local government and communities have a right to review and approve the master plan, and the general consensus is that they have rejected it as non-inclusive.

Drill turns into real-life drama

Drill turns into real-life drama Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang A loud alarm at the school indicates a huge earthquake and the students and teachers immediately take cover under their desks. They reach for their bags and place them on their heads.

BMW 120i tries to entice younger market segment

BMW 120i tries to entice younger market segment Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta On the road, the new BMW 120i, has drawn many curious looks from motorists. It was as though people wanted to make sure that what they were seeing was really a BMW.

Cigarette tax

Cigarette tax increase needed From Koran Tempo Vice President Jusuf Kalla has said that increased state revenue is needed to develop health and educational facilities, including additional revenue from higher cigarette tax. It is right to raise the tax on cigarettes.

RI to send more workers abroad

RI to send more workers abroad Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A lack of job creation at home due to slower-than-expected economic growth has prompted the government to intensify efforts to export workers as a solution to the unemployment problem.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, May 19, 2005

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, May 19, 2005 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Woodcut Printing Exhibition Aku, Badanku, Jiwaku, Masa Laluku, by Edo at Klinik Seni Taxu, Jl. Gunung Rinjani Blok IXA no. 8 Denpasar (Tel.

Bogor to vaccine over 80,000 infants

Bogor to vaccine over 80,000 infants Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor As many as 80,623 children under five in Bogor will receive a polio vaccination on May 31 and June 28 to prevent the spread of the disease in the municipality.

1. Discourse -- 1x45

1. Discourse -- 1x45 If tribunal's outcome was dissatisfactory, it's not my business 2. Mandiri -- 3x16 AGO investigating Mandiri loans extended to PT CGN or AGO looks into other irregularities in Bank Mandiri loans 3. Aid ----- 1x36 Donors get mixed score card on tsunami aid 4.

Weapons used by attackers were stolen firearms: Police

Weapons used by attackers were stolen firearms: Police M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon The weapons used to shoot dead five Mobile Brigade troopers during a recent attack on Seram island, Maluku, were police-issue firearms, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.

[b]

Padang students trained to deal with quake, tsunami Syofiardi Bachyul Jb The Jakarta Post/Padang A loud alarm at the school indicates a huge earthquake and the students and teachers immediately take cover under their desks. They reach for their bags and place them on their heads.

The need to cooperate on oil policy in East Asia

The need to cooperate on oil policy in East Asia Makmur Keliat, Jakarta Oil diplomacy can be defined as attempts carried out by nations to protect and secure their access to oil resources through dialog and negotiation.

Golkar split over demand for more ministerial posts

Golkar split over demand for more ministerial posts Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Golkar Party reaffirmed on Wednesday its support for the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, which it said was unconditional despite internal pressure for more representation in Cabinet.

Book shows solidarity with Aceh, Nias children

Book shows solidarity with Aceh, Nias children Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With Jakarta kids now firmly belonging to the MTV generation, many fear they will grow up to be indifferent to others around them.

Aceh rebel gets life term

Aceh rebel gets life term Judges in Aceh province sentenced a leading figure in the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Wednesday to life in jail for plotting against the state. Tengku Muhammad Arief, 73, was "legally and convincingly guilty of plotting against the state", Eddryan Satria, who...

Industry minister appoints seven new top officials

Industry minister appoints seven new top officials The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Industry Andung A. Nitimihardja installed on Wednesday the lineup for his ministry's top posts. The officials will work as a team, which he said would improve the nation's competitiveness relative to...

The idea of ASEAN Parliament seems distant, but not unrealistic

The idea of ASEAN Parliament seems distant, but not unrealistic Bantarto Bandoro, Jakarta The idea of an ASEAN parliament was debated at the recent seminar here on the Establishment of a Regional Parliament, organized by the Inter-parliamentary Cooperation Body of the House of Representatives.