Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 August 2004

90 articles found

Activists doubt quality of govt's anticorruption efforts

Activists doubt quality of govt's anticorruption efforts Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Antigraft campaigners questioned on Wednesday the government's commitment to corruption eradication, which President Megawati Soekarnoputri spoke of in her national address on Monday.

1,159 rebels killed since September: TNI

1,159 rebels killed since September: TNI BANDA ACEH: At least 1,159 Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members were killed in armed contact between the rebels and government troops from Nov. 20, 2003 to Aug. 18, 2004, according to data provided by the Media Center of the Aceh Security Restoration Operation Command in Aceh. The troops also confiscated 753 guns and detained 672 rebels, while 696 rebels surrendered.

Inordinately emotional

Inordinately emotional In what seems to be a perennial issue, much of the public's attention in recent weeks has been fixed on the return of migrant workers from Malaysia. The latest move will see the forcible return of an estimated half-a-million Indonesian workers packed into ships before the end of the year. An overwhelming majority of the deported workers are believed to be illegal migrants who either had no working permits to begin with or whose permits have expired.

Sunparking and lost helmet

Sunparking and lost helmet From Bisnis Indonesia On Aug. 1, I visited ITC and Ambassador Mal in Kuningan, Jakarta, at 3:28 p.m.. I parked my motorcycle in the parking lot managed by Sunparking, leaving my locked helmet and jacket on my motorcycles as there were no lockers around. Though security personnel were registering incoming vehicles and checking the police numbers of outgoing ones, when I left the mall I found my helmet was gone.

Little progress made so far on E. Flood Canal

Little progress made so far on E. Flood Canal Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Jakarta residents will, it appears, still have a long wait before the city can be relieved of the threat of flooding every wet season, as the administration has made little progress, thus far, on building the East Flood Canal. "As of July 2004, East Jakarta municipality office managed to acquire only one hectare of land affected by the construction.

Taps run dry in Cirebon, thousands suffer

Taps run dry in Cirebon, thousands suffer Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post/Cirebon Drought has hit some subdistricts of Cirebon, West Java, leaving some 3,000 families without clean water. President director of the Cirebon Tap Water Company Nasija Warnadi, admitted on Wednesday that his company had been unable to meet household demands for water. The company's water supply plummeted by some 30 to 40 percent a few weeks ago, mostly caused by springs on Mount Ciremai drying up.

Lady found guilty of abusing RI maid

Lady found guilty of abusing RI maid SINGAPORE: A 30-year-old Singaporean woman was convicted of abuse for biting, scalding and slashing her Indonesian maid, a newspaper reported on Wednesday. The court also heard how Poon Yen Nee dragged her maid, Mujianti, around by the neck with a towel and pricked her with a needle, the Straits Times newspaper said. The newspaper said Poon pleaded guilty on Tuesday and will be sentenced on Friday.

Comedian denies prosecution

Comedian denies prosecution JAKARTA: Lawyers representing comedian Barata Nugraha, whose stage name is Polo, told a hearing at the East Jakarta District Court on Wednesday that the charges leveled against their client were obscure. Polo is being charged with possession of illegal drugs.

BI keeps key interest rate unchanged

BI keeps key interest rate unchanged The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The central bank left on Wednesday its benchmark interest rate unchanged defying earlier expectations that Bank Indonesia would push the rate higher amid stronger inflationary pressure and the rising interest rate trend in the U.S. The interest rate on the one-month SBI promissory notes was unchanged at 7.37 percent during a twice-weekly auction of the notes.

Bittersweet ending to Bali world parachuting attempt

Bittersweet ending to Bali world parachuting attempt Text by Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Bali Indonesia lost one of its top-notch sky divers when 55-year-old veteran Theodorus Petrus Mandagi's parachute failed to open during an attempt by 103 international parachutists to set a new world record of mass free-fall formation creating an impressive six-bladed red-and-white propeller formation on Aug. 11 from the height of 18,000 feet over the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban.

Conspiracy worsens orangutan smuggling

Conspiracy worsens orangutan smuggling JAKARTA: Profauna Indonesia revealed on Wednesday that there was a conspiracy in the smuggling of hundreds of orangutans to Thailand. "Hundreds of orangutans from Indonesia have allegedly been smuggled to Thailand, and there might be a conspiracy to hide them. I have investigated it to Thailand and Cambodia," said Hardi Baktiantoro, coordinator of the international affairs of the non-governmental organization.

Govt undecided over SG saga

Govt undecided over SG saga Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has not yet decided if it would buy back shares in publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Gresik (SG) from Mexico-based cement giant Cemex SA to resolve a protracted dispute over Cemex's investment in the state-owned company.

JP/5/garbage

JP/5/garbage Makassar vows to clean up, enforce litter law Andi Hajramurni The Jakarta Post/Makassar The Makassar municipal administration is getting tough on garbage management by enforcing a 1999 bylaw to clean up the city, as well as to prevent flooding. Under Bylaw No. 14/1999, city residents who toss out their trash in unauthorized places can be fined Rp 5 million (US$537) or jailed for six months.

Military impunity undermines democracy

Military impunity undermines democracy Paul Barber, London Indonesia is fast learning the lesson that while elections are an important part of the transition from dictatorship to democracy, the more difficult parts include establishing the rule of law, eradicating corruption and ensuring military accountability to civilian institutions. According to these criteria the democratization process in Indonesia still has a long way to go.

JBIC responds

JBIC responds I would like to convey my sincere appreciation about your continuous attention to the Tarahan Coal Fired Steam Power Plant Project (hereafter referred to as the Project). We are very much proud that Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) assists, through concessional Yen Loan, this extremely important Project which, once completed, will greatly improve the power supply situation in Sumatra. I am writing in response to your article regarding the project dated Aug.

Govt to abolish departure tax

Govt to abolish departure tax Febiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta The government is drafting a presidential decree to abolish the departure tax imposed on Indonesians who wish to leave the country, a measure that would lead to a loss of significant tax revenue but would support tourism in the region. "It (the abolition of the departure tax) is just a matter of time," State Secretary Bambang Kesowo told reporters.

RI back, says elated Sony

RI back, says elated Sony Agence France-Presse Athens Sony Dwi Kuncoro said Indonesia was back on the badminton map following his 15-13, 15-4 quarterfinal win over South Korean Park Tae-sang in the Olympic men's singles. The eighth seed's 15-13, 15-4 victory increased the possibility of an all-Indonesian final following unseeded compatriot Taufik Hidayat's defeat of Danish sixth seed Peter Gade earlier in the day. Taufik chalked up a 15-12, 15-12 win over Danish sixth seed Peter Gade.

TV Program: Thursday, August 19, 2004

TV Program: Thursday, August 19, 2004 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show Pentas Ceria 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

This article is specially prepared for PT DaimlerChrysler

This article is specially prepared for PT DaimlerChrysler Indonesia

RI to pursue bilateral debt talks

RI to pursue bilateral debt talks Dadan Wijaksana and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is looking for help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to facilitate bilateral talks with foreign creditors on debt-rescheduling issues, but separate from the Paris Club rescheduling facility that has been used in recent years.

Scluptor Ibnu Nurwanto reaches artistic climax

Scluptor Ibnu Nurwanto reaches artistic climax Carla Bianpoen, Contributor/Jakarta While sculptures sometimes appear alien and distant from human life, in the case of sculptor Ibnu Nurwanto, the opposite is true. His works come forth from a deep personal compassion mixed with furor at the woeful situation around him. None of his sculptures radiate happiness. But the shapes, which reflect the grain of the wood in such a variety of modes, are phenomenal.

Singapore eases land rules to promote luxury waterfront property

Singapore eases land rules to promote luxury waterfront property Agence France-Presse Singapore Land-starved Singapore is relaxing its property ownership rules to sell an exclusive waterfront development to the international jet set, its developers said on Wednesday. Sentosa Cove, located on a resort island which is being developed into a major leisure complex possibly including Singapore's first casino, is now being pitched to the rich and famous in Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

Electronics manufacturer urges components duty cut

Electronics manufacturer urges components duty cut Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government should cut import tariffs on electronics components so as to help improve the competitiveness of local electronics makers in the global market, an top industry executive said on Wednesday. "Our products cannot compete with those from other ASEAN countries due to Indonesia's high import duty on electronics components," said PT LG Electronics Indonesia president Young Ha- kim.

Science Olympians may win scholarships

Science Olympians may win scholarships Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is mulling the provision of one-year scholarships for silver and bronze medal winners of the National Science Olympics who lack funds to continue their studies at the university.

Sutiyoso seeks glory in Athens sun

Sutiyoso seeks glory in Athens sun Governor Sutiyoso departed for Athens on Tuesday evening to give his support to Indonesia's badminton athletes, leaving his subordinates to deal with the City Council as it deliberates revisions to the 2004 budget. Sutiyoso will definitely miss the final statement delivered by the Council on Friday as he is only due to return home next Monday. Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo will deputize for him.

1. KADIN: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS

1. KADIN: 2 LINES, 20 COUNTS 50 economic bills await new government 2. EDUCATION: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Education budget hike gets thumbs-up 3. KESRA: 1 LINE, 28 COUNTS Govt to conduct new Buyat study 4. SUSUL: 2 LINES, 24 COUNTS Year after Baghdad attack, UN faces vulnerability 5. KL: 1 LINE, 27 COUNTS Borneo strives to get rid of haze

Fifty economic bills await new government

Fifty economic bills await new government Zakki P. Hakim and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The next government will face the challenging task of completing deliberations of about 50 draft laws and regulations on the economy, or existing investors would flee the country, the top economics minister said on Wednesday.

Reform needed for true democracy

Reform needed for true democracy From Suara Karya The necessary reforms for true democracy have not been fully carried out because of the presence of various political groups that are reluctant to work seriously toward creating an ideal democratic state that is capable of guaranteeing the wellbeing of the public. These groups comprise politicians who prioritize their own interests without heeding the pluralstic and diverse nature of the nation.

Police investigate report against Tomy

Police investigate report against Tomy JAKARTA: Police began on Wednesday questioning Tempo weekly employees as witnesses in the perjury case filed by the publication against businessman Tomy Winata. The weekly's chief editor Bambang Harymurti said that police should respond to their complaints as quickly as they responded to Tomy's report against Tempo last year.

Huzrin finds new home in Bandung jail

Huzrin finds new home in Bandung jail Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung Former Riau Islands regent Huzrin Hood, who was sentenced to two years for embezzling Rp 3.4 billion (US$377,777) from the regency's 2001 and 2002 budgets, has been registered as a new inmate at Sukamiskin prison in Bandung, West Java.

Police delay decision on VCD case

Police delay decision on VCD case Abdul Khalik and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Medan The disciplinary committee looking into allegations of electoral offenses against former Banyumas Police chief Sr. Comr. Andi Mapparesa has decided to postpone handing down a decision due to disagreements among its members. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen.

First smoking, next apartments?

First smoking, next apartments? From Warta Kota Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's plan to issue a local regulation banning people from smoking in public places will surely be welcomed by most citizens in the capital as good health is indeed the right of everyone. Many smokers may feel they have the right to smoke anywhere they like, and some do not hesitate to puff out cigarette smoke in front of non-smokers.

Police to determine source of contamination in Buyat Bay

Police to determine source of contamination in Buyat Bay Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Police are investigating who is responsible for the contamination in Buyat Bay and Totok Bay in Minahasa, North Sulawesi. National Police Director of Special Crimes Brig. Gen. Suharto said on Monday that after determining both Totok Bay and Buyat Bay had been polluted, his officers were now looking for the sources of the pollution.

Govt commitment to corruption eradication remains unclear

Govt commitment to corruption eradication remains unclear Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Antigraft campaigners questioned on Wednesday the government's commitment to corruption eradication, which President Megawati Soekarnoputri spoke of in her national address on Monday.

JP/5/D01

JP/5/D01 Maluku refugees continue to live in uncertainty Muhammad Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post/Ambon This is the second time that Jamaria Makattita, 79, a widow with four children, has had to take refuge when her home in Waringin village was burned down in the violence in Ambon, Maluku. The first time she had to take refuge was in January 1999, when the sectarian fighting in Maluku first erupted.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.18, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.18, 2004 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 320 0 10,355,500 Adira Dinamika 2,575 200 8,000 AGIS Tbk 95 0 155,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,025 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0...

Corruption eradication

Corruption eradication From Koran Tempo The Megawati government's serious intention to eliminate corruption is indicated by the issuance of Presidential Decree No.59/2004 on the establishment of anticorruption courts. The introduction of this decree is very appropriate and strategic to prevent any further waste of public resources, as long as it has no political motive.

*Indonesians have consumptive mentality: Pramoedya Page 2

*Indonesians have consumptive mentality: Pramoedya Page 2 *Police to determine source of pollution in Buyat Page 4 *E.Timor accedes sovereignty over Batek to RI Page 5 *Military impunity undermines democracy Page 6 *Little progress made on East Flood Canal project Page 8 *Milan trio dropped from Brazil team Page 10 *Greek sprinters quit to end Olympic scandal Page 11 *BI keeps key rate unchanged Page 13 *Labor exporter speaks out on abuse Page 20

Litter louts beware as Makassar vows to cleanup

Litter louts beware as Makassar vows to cleanup Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar The Makassar municipal administration is getting tough on garbage management by enforcing a 1999 bylaw to clean up the city, as well as to prevent flooding. Under Bylaw No. 14/1999, city residents who toss out their trash in unauthorized places can be fined Rp 5 million (US$537) or jailed for six months.

Betawi cuisine, arts make comeback

Betawi cuisine, arts make comeback Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Si Pitoeng, the legendary Robin Hood of the Betawi (native Jakartan) people, may twirl the tip of his famous bushy moustache in satisfaction to know that his story is being retold to the present generation through puppets.

Thai drug dealers to be executed soon:

Thai drug dealers to be executed soon: JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced on Wednesday that they would execute two convicted Thai drug dealers within 30 days after the Medan Prosecutor's Office received the copy of the Supreme Court's decision from the Medan District Court.

Hanys Salmi

Hanys Salmi Kuala Lumpur 2. Inqui -- Lee dynasty grips Singapore 1 x 48 Questions raised as Lee dynasty grips Singapore Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer Asia News Network Manila 3. Tony -- Prospects of exports to enlarged EU 2 X 21 Prospects for exports to the enlarged EU Tony Agus Ardie Jakarta

Graft charge must be dropped: Lawyer

Graft charge must be dropped: Lawyer CIREBON, West Java: Three leading councillors at the Cirebon municipal council denied on Wednesday that they were involved in a Rp 1.3 billion (US$ 136,842) corruption scandal. Dan Bildansyah, the lawyer for the three councillors, told the court that the prosecution had failed to present a clear case of corruption committed by the three councillors, and that the charges should be dropped.

Korean Art exhibit comes to town to mark bilateral friendship

Korean Art exhibit comes to town to mark bilateral friendship Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In-Shik Shon's works won't get lost in translation because even though they are all in Hangul (Korean characters), the beauty of the composition of lines, circles and curves and the attractive colors as well as shading is more than enough to compensate for our illiteracy. Without intending to limit his audience, Maestro Injae In-Shik Shon deliberately uses Hangul to highlight his Korean identity.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, August 19, 2004

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, August 19, 2004 .TB.30" 1.0" Exhibitions * Painting Kata-kata by I Wayan Sila, at Maya Ubud Resort and Spa, until Aug. 20. * Cartoon The Art of Jango Pramartha, Griya Santrian Hotel, in Sanur, Jl. Danau Tamblingan, until Sept. 25. * Painting, Ceramic This is Bali Wood by Davina Stephens, at Jenggala Keramik Bali, Jl. Uluwatu II - Jimbaran, Kuta, until Sept. 30.

Mosquito coil said to cause fire

Mosquito coil said to cause fire JAKARTA: A house belonging to Kolal Abrani, 50, in Cipinang Indah housing complex, East Jakarta, was gutted by fire on Tuesday at about 8 p.m. Duren Sawit Police said on Wednesday that firefighters needed two hours to put out the fire. The fire was allegedly caused by a mosquito coil. The police said that a security guard at the house, M. Yasid, saw smoke from a room on the second floor.

Govt to conduct new Buyat study

Govt to conduct new Buyat study The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government decided on Wednesday to send a joint team to conduct a comprehensive study on Buyat Bay, South Minahasa, North Sulawesi, and its surrounding areas to verify reports of serious pollution there. Interim coordinating minister for people's welfare Abdul Malik Fadjar said the results of the study would be used to determine the validity of the reports and subsequently identify and prosecute those responsible.

Infrastructure needed for growth

Infrastructure needed for growth Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta A senior economic minister warned that the economic growth target of 5.4 percent, as set in the draft 2005 state budget, may not be attainable unless the next government dramatically improved infrastructure in the country. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro- Jakti said lack of infrastructure for the business community would prevent the government from achieving several targets in next year's draft budget.

Oil price shoots to new record US$47.20

Oil price shoots to new record US$47.20 Oil prices surged to a new high above $47 a barrel on Wednesday on evidence from major economies that energy costs are not substantially slowing the economic growth that fuels oil demand. Fresh threats by rebel militia in Iraq against oil facilities helped underpin price gains. U.S. light crude rose 45 U.S. cents to a record US$47.20 a barrel after a 93-cent jump on Tuesday. London Brent rose 26 cents to $43.25 a barrel. U.S.

Community against crime

Community against crime From Suara Karya The public will praise successful attempts by the police to seize criminals. However, these days community members prefer to catch crooks and punish them physically on the spot. A newspaper reported on the capture of three bandits by passengers in a holdup on a city bus in Jakarta. The suspects, including three fugitives, were caught after a passenger shouted for help, prompting people nearby to respond.

Toyota rolls out cleaner Avanza line

Toyota rolls out cleaner Avanza line Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post novan@thejakartapost.com In response to market demand, Japanese carmaker PT Toyota-Astra Motor has launched the latest model in its popular compact multipurpose vehicle range, the Toyota Avanza, equipped with a cleaner engine and better safety features.

Police sayt cleric hides Azahari and Noordin

Police sayt cleric hides Azahari and Noordin SURABAYA: Police accused on Wednesday Muhammad Saifuddin Umar, 38, alias Abu Fida, a terrorist suspect arrested on August 4, of hiding two fugitive terrorists -- Azahari bin Husin and Noordin Moh Top -- for two months in June and July. East Java police spokesman Sr. Comr.

Rupiah Rates Aug. 18

Rupiah Rates Aug. 18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,977.42 6,258.14 6,652.86 6,582.48 Brunei dollar 1 5,694.28 5,107.87 5,429.40 5,372.59 Canadian dollar 1 7,468.63 6,700.83 7,121.21 7,048.11 Swiss franc 1 7,843.14 7,036.71 7,478.30 7,401.40 Danish krone 1 1,620.43 1,453.19 1,545.05 1,528.51 Euro 1 12,044.82 10,808.09 11,484.53 11,368.23 Poundsterling 1 17,847.14 16,012.40 17,016.95 16,842.27 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,251.39 1,123.03 1,193.18 1,181.24...

Pertamina refuses to pay damages to KBC, alleging corruption

Pertamina refuses to pay damages to KBC, alleging corruption Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly appointed state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina president Widya Purnama said on Wednesday the company would not pay damages to U.S.-based energy firm Karaha Bodas Company (KBC) as ruled by an international court, because of alleged corruption in KBC's local power project. "Pertamina will not pay ...

Aug. 17 drug raids net five suspects

Aug. 17 drug raids net five suspects Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta While Jakartans were celebrating Independence Day on Aug. 17, narcotics detectives apprehended five people suspected of being involved in separate drug rings, a police officer revealed on Wednesday. City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said that the police had also seized some 400 ecstasy pills, crystal metamphetamine popularly known as shabu-shabu and marijuana.

Rebels attacks on Independence Day

Rebels attacks on Independence Day Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post/Jayapura In an attempted show of force, rebels in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and Papua launched attacks separately on Indonesian security personnel on Tuesday, leaving at least 10 civilians injured, six rebels dead and one soldier heavily wounded. The attacks, aimed at showing the public that the rebels still existed, occurred as the nation celebrated Independence Day on Aug. 17.

1 x 44

1 x 44 Litter louts beware as Makassar vows cleanup JP/5/WATER 1 x 32 Taps run dry in Cirebon, thousands suffer JP/5/huzrin 1 x 30 Huzrin finds new home in Bandung jail JP/5/BATEK 2 x 28 E. Timor concedes sovereignty over dispute island to RI

1. OLYMPIC: 55 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 25

1. OLYMPIC: 55 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 25 2. FISCAL: 36 pt, 5 cols, 1 x 32 Govt set to abolish departure tax 3. BASYIR: 36 pt, 3 cols, 1 x 22 Ba'asyir file being reviewed 4. APPEAL: 28 pt, 1 cols, 4 x 11 Trafficker gets death sentence commuted

Mega and Susilo woo former top brass

Mega and Susilo woo former top brass Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Presidential candidates Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono were on the campaign trail again on Wednesday, this time attempting to convince senior citizens, especially retired military and police top brass, to vote for them in the Sept. 20 election. Megawati, who is seeking a full five-year term, held a meeting with five retired generals at the residence of former police chief Gen.

Police detain suspect Nurdin after seven-hour grilling

Police detain suspect Nurdin after seven-hour grilling Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The National Police has detained lawmaker Nurdin Halid shortly after questioning him for seven hours on Wednesday as a suspect of smuggling 73,000 tons of sugar into Indonesia.

Prosecutors review Ba'asyir case file

Prosecutors review Ba'asyir case file Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State prosecutors are reviewing the case file of terror suspect Abu Bakar Ba'asyir for any flaws that could hamper them from trying the Muslim cleric for his alleged role in last year's JW Marriott Hotel bombing here. Spokesman of the Attorney General's Office (AGO) Kemas Yahya Rahman said on Wednesday it would take the prosecutors a few days to decide whether the case file was adequate to take Ba'asyir to court.

Singapore eases land rules to promote luxury waterfront property

Singapore eases land rules to promote luxury waterfront property Agence France-Presse Singapore Land-starved Singapore is relaxing its property ownership rules to sell an exclusive waterfront development to the international jet set, its developers said on Wednesday. Sentosa Cove, located on a resort island which is being developed into a major leisure complex possibly including Singapore's first casino, is now being pitched to the rich and famous in Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

'I don't believe in nationalism'

'I don't believe in nationalism' Indonesia just celebrated its 59th anniversary on Tuesday. The country has faced many problems since it declared independence -- particularly in recent years from foreign debts to corruption, from weak law enforcement to separatism. Democratic development has been trial-and-error, and culminated this year in the country's first direct general elections. Against this backdrop, The Jakarta Post asked some residents if they were proud of being Indonesians.

Prosecutors return mangrove case file

Prosecutors return mangrove case file JAKARTA: Prosecutors returned to the police the indictment of three suspects in a case of illegal mangrove felling after two months of examination, a police officer said on Wednesday. "Officials from the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office stated that the indictment was incomplete," Jakarta Police environment division chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ahmad Haydar said. To complete it, the police questioned suspect Purwadi from toll road operator PT Jasa Marga during the day.

PKB unveils its own TNI bill

PKB unveils its own TNI bill Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A legislator from PKB has proposed that the Indonesian Military (TNI), for which a bill is currently being deliberated by the House, be placed under the control of the Ministry of Defense. The proposal is being made to ensure that there will be no political rivalry among soldiers and that they can focus on pursuing professionalism, Effendy Choirie of the National Awakening Party (PKB) said on Wednesday.

Poor infrastructure hinders 5.4% growth: Minister

Poor infrastructure hinders 5.4% growth: Minister Rendi A. Witular Jakarta A senior economic minister warned that the economic growth target of 5.4 percent, as set in the draft 2005 state budget, may not be attainable unless the next government dramatically improved infrastructure in the country.

Bekasi to get new prison

Bekasi to get new prison BEKASI: The regental administration has provided seven hectares of land in Cikarang district to build a new penitentiary. "The new facility will provide greater comfort for the inmates," Regent Saleh Manaf said on Wednesday. According to Bekasi Penitentiary warden Haviluddin, the prison currently accommodate 1,211 inmates, almost four times its maximum capacity of 350.

'Lesehan' offers Javanese treats

'Lesehan' offers Javanese treats Leony Aurora , Jakarta In the melting pot of Jakarta there is still a small corner where people turn a little bit Javanese, or at least those able to speak a few words of the language, as they step into the lesehan food stalls in Melawai, Blok M, South Jakarta. "Sampun, Mbak (I'm done, elder sister)," said a customer originally from eastern Indonesia to Istiqomah, a stall keeper. "Piro?

RI-Japan economic meeting spells out problems

RI-Japan economic meeting spells out problems The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A one-day meeting between the government and a visiting Japanese delegation on economic and investment issues earlier this week concluded without a firm action plan to solve investment problems. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for East Asia and the Pacific Hamzah Thayeb said that the meeting was just a preliminary one, aimed at identifying Indonesia's problems in attracting investors.

ANTIMILITARY PROTEST: Hundreds of protesters from the

ANTIMILITARY PROTEST: Hundreds of protesters from the Antimilitarism Alliance march to the national legislative complex to protest against the Indonesian Military (TNI) bill, which is slated to be deliberated by the House on Aug. 24. The demonstration took place on Wednesday. ;JP;AFS;IMN; ANPAv..r..

RI people must be productive to thrive: Pramoedya

RI people must be productive to thrive: Pramoedya Amid festivities to mark the country's 59th Independence Day, internationally renowned author Pramoedya Ananta Toer talked with The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba on Saturday about the country's problems in facing its future. The following is an excerpt of the interview. Question: With the current civilian administration, don't you agree that people have more freedom now, compared to life under the administrations of Soeharto and Sukarno?

The construction of 'RI Alcatraz' in doubt

The construction of 'RI Alcatraz' in doubt MEDAN, North Sumatra: The provincial office of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights is planning to build a maximum security prison on Tello island, located off South Nias regency, but provincial authorities may build a resort. The prison, which has been dubbed the "Alcatraz of Indonesia", would be for convicts sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, according to head of the office Terenan Ginting.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.18, 2004

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug.18, 2004 _____________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 320 0 10,355,500 Adira Dinamika 2,575 200 8,000 AGIS Tbk 95 0 155,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 1,025 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0...

Rupiah Rates Aug. 18

Rupiah Rates Aug. 18 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,977.42 6,258.14 6,652.86 6,582.48 Brunei dollar 1 5,694.28 5,107.87 5,429.40 5,372.59 Canadian dollar 1 7,468.63 6,700.83 7,121.21 7,048.11 Swiss franc 1 7,843.14 7,036.71 7,478.30 7,401.40 Danish krone 1 1,620.43 1,453.19 1,545.05 1,528.51 Euro 1 12,044.82 10,808.09 11,484.53 11,368.23 Poundsterling 1 17,847.14 16,012.40 17,016.95 16,842.27 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,251.39 1,123.03 1,193.18 1,181.24...

Due to technical problems, The Jakarta Post was late in reaching

Due to technical problems, The Jakarta Post was late in reaching readers in Tanjungkarang, Banjar, Cirebon and Cianjur on Wednesday. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the late delivery. -- Publisher

Pros, cons of opinion poll and integrity of pollsters

Pros, cons of opinion poll and integrity of pollsters Muhammad Qodari, Jakarta On Aug. 12, The Jakarta Post published an article entitled Analysts question pollsters' influence ahead of runoff, based on an interview with Eka Ginting, an expert on information technology.

Labor exporter speaks out on abuse

Labor exporter speaks out on abuse Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Saleh Alwaini raises his eyebrows when asked about the widespread abuse of Indonesian citizens working overseas. Instead of blaming the workers for their suffering, as others have done, the 57-year-old president of labor exporter PT Binawan Inti Utama fingers the government and labor companies whom he says have no sense of humanity.

RI far from leading ASEAN: Analysts

RI far from leading ASEAN: Analysts Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta While it has made some headway in foreign policy, Indonesia still has a long way to go before it can regain its leadership role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), foreign policy observers say. "We cannot claim right now ASEAN members really look up to us; we haven't seen a willingness from other member countries to accept our leadership," analyst Soedjati Djiwandono told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Education budget hike gets thumbs-up

Education budget hike gets thumbs-up Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta An expert and a legislator has welcomed an increase in the education budget, but urged the government to come up with more detailed plans on the development of the country's education sector. The administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri allocated Rp 21.5 trillion for education in 2005, a 12 percent increase from 2004's Rp 19.16 trillion.

Prospects for exports to the enlarged EU

Prospects for exports to the enlarged EU Tony Agus Ardie, Jakarta Pessimists may see the May 1 enlargement of the European Union, with ten new members -- eight Central and Eastern European countries along with Cyprus and Malta -- as a threat to exports from Indonesia and private and official capital inflow to Indonesia, because the 25-member EU will become more inward- looking.

Indonesia seeks to revive spirit of multilateralism

Indonesia seeks to revive spirit of multilateralism The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Durban, S. Africa Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda will attend the ongoing 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Second Asian-African Sub Regional Organization Conference (AASROC) meeting later, both to be held in Durban, South Africa. Indonesia sees there is a need to regain the spirit of multilateralism and continue the reforms of the United Nations.

Trafficker gets death sentence commuted

Trafficker gets death sentence commuted Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang The West Java High Court has heard the appeal for Nigerian drug convict Stephen Rasheed Akinyemi, 34, and decided to reduce his sentence from the death penalty to a 20-year imprisonment. "We received a notice from the High Court on Monday, stating that the death penalty for the defendant had been lowered to a 20-year imprisonment," Juli Agus, Tangerang District Court clerk told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

1. Paul -- Military impunity undermines democracy

1. Paul -- Military impunity undermines democracy 2 X 23 Military impunity undermines democracy Paul Barber London 2. Qodari -- Opinion polls and 2004 election 2 x 30 Pros, cons of opinion polls and integrity of pollsters Muhammad Qodari Jakarta pls make sure this is _The Jakarta Post_ in italics. On Aug. 12, The Jakarta Post published a news article entitled Analysts question pollsters' influence ahead of runoff, based on an interview with Eka Ginting, an expert on information technology.

Democracy and foreign interests

Democracy and foreign interests From Bisnis Indonesia The Indonesian Military (TNI) bill does not lead to a TNI that conforms to principles of democracy, according to observers from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. To my knowledge, the principles of democracy in Indonesia have not yet been established. No descriptions have ever been made of the type of democracy suitable to Indonesia. Democracy remains one of the global issues used by liberal nations to liberalize the world.

8 councillors grilled over corruption

8 councillors grilled over corruption KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Officials at the Kendari prosecutor's office began questioning on Wednesday eight councillors for their roles in an alleged Rp 1 billion (US$ 105,263) corruption case. Last week, prosecutors declared that 22 councillors from the Kendari municipal council were suspects in case in a Rp 1 billion corruption scandal.

'Mepajar' ritual aims to banish bad spirits

'Mepajar' ritual aims to banish bad spirits I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali The dancer knelt down and bent his head backward; the tall Barong Landung puppet atop his head gazing into the sky. Then, gradually, chilling verses in ancient Kawi and Balinese flowed from his lips. It was a song of unbearable fear. "Look at the sky in the east, in the south, west and north. A strange glow of reddish light lights up the sky.

RI urges NAM members to abide by multilateral system

RI urges NAM members to abide by multilateral system The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Durban, S. Africa Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda will attend the ongoing 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Second Asian-African Sub Regional Organization Conference (AASROC) meeting later, both to be held in Durban, South Africa. Indonesia sees there is a need to regain the spirit of multilateralism and continue the reforms of the United Nations.

E. Timor concedes sovereignty over dispute island to Indonesia

E. Timor concedes sovereignty over dispute island to Indonesia Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post/Kupang East Timor has acknowledged Indonesian sovereignty over disputed Batek Island, a senior Indonesian Military (TNI) officer said on Wednesday. Emerging from a meeting with East Timor officials in Kupang, Col. Moeswarno Moesanip said the acknowledgement came from East Timor foreign minister Ramos Horta.

Govt scholarships planned for science Olympics winners

Govt scholarships planned for science Olympics winners Dewi Santoso The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government is mulling the provision of one-year scholarships for silver and bronze medal winners of the National Science Olympics who lack funds to continue their studies at the university.

Borneo strives to get rid of haze

Borneo strives to get rid of haze Associate Press Kuala Lumpur Authorities in Sarawak on Borneo have ordered one million pollution filtering masks and are taking measures to encourage rainfall in efforts to reduce the effects of haze triggered by fires in neighboring Indonesia, a news report said Wednesday.