Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 April 2003

92 articles found

Nine soldiers arrested for arsenal burglary

Nine soldiers arrested for arsenal burglary Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua The military police unit of the Trikora Military Command overseeing Papua has arrested nine soldiers and seven civilians for their alleged involvement in the April 4 arsenal burglary in Wamena, in which two soldiers and a Free Papua Movement (OPM) rebel were killed.

TV Program: Thursday, April 24, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, April 24, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 10:00 Music 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 3:00 Documentary 5:00 Film: Amru Bin Ash 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Cartoon: Battle Of Wits 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Talk Show: Bincang Bincang Malam TPI 6:00 a.m.

Regional autonomy has not lived up to expectations: Minister

Regional autonomy has not lived up to expectations: Minister Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Regional autonomy has sparked disputes between the central government and local governments, local governments and the public and even among the local administrations since it came into effect more than three years ago. To make matters worse, the government intends to revise the ruling, which, to many, signals a move to transfer the power back to the central government.

On elephant deaths

On elephant deaths We would like to clarify statements made in The Jakarta Post on April 11 concerning elephant deaths in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park.

Minister to open new prisons

Minister to open new prisons MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra is slated to open 24 new penitentiaries and 19 new rehabilitation centers across the country on Sunday. The ministry's director general for correctional institutions, Adi Soedjatru, said during the ceremony that the minister would also change the status of 44 detention centers to penitentiaries.

Migrant workers postpone departure

Migrant workers postpone departure DENPASAR, Bali: A number of migrant workers in Bali have had their departure overseas delayed in the wake of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. "The migrant workers were ready to depart, but we didn't want anything bad to happen to them, so we temporarily postponed their placement overseas," said the head of Bali's manpower agency, IGP Wijaya, on Wednesday. Bali's migrant workers mostly work in the tourism sector, such as on cruise ships.

Obituary

Obituary Gen. (ret) Yoga Sugama, the former head of the State Intelligence Coordinating Board (Bakin), died on Wednesday at Pondok Indah Hospital of complications from a number of illnesses. He was 78. He was buried at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta later in the day in a military ceremony.

HK pledges $1.5b SARS economic package

HK pledges $1.5b SARS economic package Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa on Wednesday announced a US$1.5 billion economic package to soften the impact of the deadly SARS outbreak, which has devastated the travel and retail industries. The package worth HK$11.8 billion ($1.5 billion) includes reductions in fees and rates for the worst affected industries and for residents.

Asian stocks lower on concerns about spread of SARS

Asian stocks lower on concerns about spread of SARS Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Asian stocks fell on Wednesday despite solid gains on Wall Street as investors in the region showed concern about the economic impact of the SARS virus. Japanese share prices inched up fractionally on bargain hunting after Wall Street's rebound, but lingering fears about the economic impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome capped overall gains.

Mega gives Garuda statue to St. Petersburg museum

Mega gives Garuda statue to St. Petersburg museum Agencies, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri handed over a three-meter high Garuda statue to the St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum on Wednesday symbolizing the warm bilateral relations between Indonesia and Russia. The 500-kilogram statue was made by Balinese artist I Made Ade Astawa. St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum director Mikhail Piotrovsky received the statue from Megawati.

Trade center to be built in former green area

Trade center to be built in former green area Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang A trade center will be built in Cikokol, on land that had earlier been intended to remain a green area in Tangerang municipality, thanks to a revision of the master plan. Chief of the municipal development planning body (Bappeda) Undang Herman said on Tuesday the administration would soon build a trade center to replace Cikokol vegetable market, as the plan had been approved by the municipal zoning agency.

Jaya Suprana: Jack of all trades

Jaya Suprana: Jack of all trades Aendra Medita, Contributor, Jakarta He must belong to a rare breed of people in this country. Every time he opens his mouth, what he utters always catches his listeners by surprise. He is usually labeled a man of all trades. Jaya Suprana, 54, is indeed an interesting figure. His personality, mind and thoughts are extremely unique and are sometimes beyond ordinary people to guess.

Is market operation effective?

Is market operation effective? Sugar has suddenly become a rare commodity. The product has reportedly vanished in Surabaya and Malang (both in East Java) since last week. Some people, however, question the scarcity of the commodity, considering that sugar has been imported to the country.

TV Program: Thursday, April 24, 2003

TV Program: Thursday, April 24, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English News Service 10:00 Music 11:00 News: Berita Daerah 12:00 p.m.News: Berita Siang 1:00 Talk Show: Konsultasi Keluarga 2:00 News: Metro Indonesia 3:00 Documentary 5:00 Film: Amru Bin Ash 6:00 News: Berita Petang 7:00 Cartoon: Battle Of Wits 9:00 News: Berita Malam 9:30 Music: Country Road 11:00 Talk Show: Bincang Bincang Malam TPI 6:00 a.m.

Foreign firms may leave RI if dumping practices not curbed

Foreign firms may leave RI if dumping practices not curbed Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesia Anti-Dumping Committee (KADI) said that a number of foreign investment companies had threatened to leave the country as they could no longer compete with the imported products sold here through dumping practices.

Car dealer nabbed for drugs

Car dealer nabbed for drugs SEMARANG, Central Java: Police here said on Wednesday they had arrested the owner of the Auto Plaza car showroom for an alleged drug party with three women at a karaoke club located in a shopping mall in the Central Java town of Semarang. The showroom owner, Agus, 53, was arrested along with a friend, Widodo, 57, and three women identified only as MY, SF and MT, all 21 years old.

Thailand upset Indonesia in Fed Cup

Thailand upset Indonesia in Fed Cup Agence France-Presse, Tokyo Tamarine Tanasugarn guided Thailand to an upset victory over second seed Indonesia in the Fed Cup tennis Asia-Oceania zone preliminary round here Wednesday. Suchanun Viratprasert, ranked 334th in the world, scored a surprise win over Wynne Adiati Prakusya 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 in the opener, before Tamarine downed Angelique "Angie" Widjaja 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to give the Thais an insurmountable 2-0 lead.

1. BALI: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1. BALI: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS SARS deals second blow to Bali tourism 2. BREASTS: 1 LINE, 40 COUNTS Brazilian firm pumps up silicone breast business 3. MADONA: 1 LINE 35 COUNTS Madonna releases new album to unfavorable reviews

Gubernatorial nominees must have clean records

Gubernatorial nominees must have clean records Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java A local legislature faction warned the West Java gubernatorial election committee of the legal and administrative difficulties gubernatorial candidate Danny Setiawan and deputy gubernatorial candidate Rudy Harsya Tanaya could be facing, saying the two candidates did not meet the legal requirements.

18 more JI members arrested

18 more JI members arrested Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police reported more progress in their counter-terrorism measures with the arrest of 18 more members of the regional terror network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), which will provide them with an opportunity to further investigate a series of terror attacks in the past, including the bomb blasts in Bali and Makassar. National Police Chief Gen.

China to join ASEAN at SARS summit

China to join ASEAN at SARS summit THAILAND: Bangkok said on Wednesday Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao would join Southeast Asian leaders in Bangkok next week to find ways to tackle the SARS virus that has killed more than 200 people and hurt the region's economies. Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai told reporters leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would gather for a one-day meeting on April 29 in Bangkok, and then hold talks with Wen immediately afterwards.

GAM is untrustworthy

GAM is untrustworthy From Koran Tempo The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government, inked in Geneva, Switzerland, some time ago, has allowed free rein to GAM's activities. Since the signing of the agreement GAM has openly committed some 300 acts of violence in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD). Why have we let it happen? Four months have elapsed and nothing of significance has been achieved.

KPU admits flaws in voter registration

KPU admits flaws in voter registration Arya Abhiseka The Jakarta Post Jakarta The General Elections Commission (KPU) admitted on Tuesday that many flaws were evident in the voter registration process as revealed by a resistance to the program in some regions.

Anniversary

Anniversary Edition Tomorrow To mark our 20th anniversary on Friday, The Jakarta Post will be publishing a special edition. The edition will comprise at least 48 pages, including a special section looking at the medium- and long-term prospects of the Indonesian economy, and another section looking back at the newspaper's 20 year journey.

Batuan Miniaturist style', revisited

Batuan Miniaturist style', revisited Jean Couteau, Contributor, Denpasar An interesting painting exhibition has been taking place at the Ganesha Gallery at Four Seasons Hotel, Jimbaran. Titled Style by Made Jata and Wayan Rajin, it takes us, through these two masters, to the origin of what has been one of the main, little- known developments of Balinese post-World War II painting, the "Batuan Miniaturist style".

Jakarta-Moscow

Jakarta-Moscow A new alliance -- Jakarta-Moscow -- may have come to the minds of many people when Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Russian Vladimir Putin signed memoranda of understanding for technical and military cooperation in Moscow this Monday. Indonesia has agreed to buy helicopters, middle- and long- range missiles and Sukhoi jet fighters.

'New parking system will worsen traffic problems'

'New parking system will worsen traffic problems' Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A pilot project for a new on-street parking system is just around the corner, but activists say the scheme will not ease the capital's traffic woes and has little hope of succeeding where other parking systems have failed.

Foreign firms may leave RI if dumping practices not curbed

Foreign firms may leave RI if dumping practices not curbed Adianto P. Simamora The Jakarta Post Jakarta The Indonesia Anti-Dumping Committee (KADI) said that a number of foreign investment companies had threatened to leave the country as they could no longer compete with the imported products sold here through dumping practices.

1. BOGBOG: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS

1. BOGBOG: 1 LINE, 38 COUNTS Indonesia's first cartoon magazine turns 2 2. BATU: 1 LINE, 35 COUNTS 'Batuan Miniaturist style', revisited

Oracle launches new product

Oracle launches new product JAKARTA: PT Oracle Indonesia started on Wednesday a marketing campaign for its latest data-based collaboration software product, which is expected to challenge the products made by IBM and Microsoft, the leading industry players here. Oracle vice president Christopher Hummel said in a press conference that the company's 400 corporate clients would be the main market target for the new software product. He declined to disclose the sales target.

~Message from the Editor

~Message from the Editor For a newspaper in Indonesia, to pass the 20-year mark is not unlike passing a historic milestone. The last 100 years have seen the launch and closure -- by government decree or otherwise -- of hundreds of newspapers across the country. And although no statistics exist by which to measure the rate of survival or life expectancy of a newspaper in Indonesia, the fact is that only a handful have ever reached the age of 50, and not one has reached the 100-year mark.

Man shot in Rp100m robbery

Man shot in Rp100m robbery JP/ /Across Man shot in Rp100m robbery CIREBON, West Java: An employee of a money exchange was shot in the hand during a daylight robbery in the town of Cirebon on Wednesday that netted Rp 100 million (about US$11,000). The victim, Tan Ko Ling, 56, works for the currency exchange company Kim Valas located on Jl. Pekiringan, according to Cirebon Police detective chief Adj. Comr. Taufik Asrori.

Tangerang mayor again fails to testify

Tangerang mayor again fails to testify TANGERANG: Tangerang Mayor M. Thamrin failed on Tuesday to answer a court summons to testify in the corruption trial of a former high-ranking official, the fifth time he failed to turn up in court. Prosecutor Puji Rahardjo told the Tangerang District Court that the mayor said he had to go out of town, the same excuse he gave the four previous times for not testifying. This time he said he had to go to Bandung for a business trip.

SARS deals second blow to Bali tourism

SARS deals second blow to Bali tourism Gde Anugrah Arka, Reuters, Bali Made Suarsa's minibus is almost empty these days as he winds through the narrow streets of Denpasar, capital of one of the world's best-known travel destinations, Bali. The minibus often used to be packed with tourists from among the Australian surfers, Japanese honeymooners and international celebrities who flocked to the island of long, white sand beaches, towering volcanoes, and lush vegetation.

Bank Mandiri to market mutual funds

Bank Mandiri to market mutual funds Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Securities firm PT Mandiri Sekuritas, a subsidiary of the giant state Bank Mandiri, plans to launch a total of Rp 20 trillion (about US$2.3 billion) worth of mutual funds, a senior bank official has said. Bank Mandiri senior executive vice president of treasury and international operations Clemento Escano said that the bank would become the marketing agent for the mutual fund.

Suspected terrorist Ba'asyir goes on trial for treason, bombings

Suspected terrorist Ba'asyir goes on trial for treason, bombings Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court opened the trial on Wednesday of the alleged leader of regional terrorist network Jamaah Islamiah (JI) on charges of treason. Many view the trial as being a test case of the country's resolve to fight terrorism.

RI has new SARS patient, govt traces his contacts

RI has new SARS patient, govt traces his contacts Moch. N. Kurniawan and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Medan The government announced on Wednesday a second probable SARS case and has been tracing the man's close contacts to prevent any transmission of the disease. Minister of Health Achmad Suyudi said the 65-year-old man, a native of Medan, had been receiving treatment at Adam Malik Hospital in the North Sumatra capital of Medan since April 21 due to flu-like symptoms.

S'pore keeps neighborly with RI investment

S'pore keeps neighborly with RI investment Kornelius Purba The Jakarta Post Jakarta Tiny but wealthy Singapore wields its financial might in the region, including in investment in Indonesia. The city state is the third largest foreign investor in the country after Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. In 2001, Singapore companies were involved in 154 projects with investment value worth US$1.139 million. Singapore has been one of the top six foreign investors in Indonesia for the last five years.

IBRA sells ownership in 61 companies

IBRA sells ownership in 61 companies Agence France-Presse, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) on Wednesday launched the sale of its ownership in 61 companies as part of efforts to meet its targeted full-year contribution to the state budget. IBRA deputy chairman Taufik Mappaenre said the assets offered in this sale program are companies mainly operating in property, edible oil and fats, textiles, pulp and paper, plywood, contracting, ceramics and other industries.

Man shot in Rp100m robbery

Man shot in Rp100m robbery CIREBON, West Java: An employee of a money exchange was shot in the hand during a daylight robbery in the town of Cirebon on Wednesday that netted Rp 100 million (about US$11,000). The victim, Tan Ko Ling, 56, works for the currency exchange company Kim Valas located on Jl. Pekiringan, according to Cirebon Police detective chief Adj. Comr. Taufik Asrori. The robbery took place as Ko Ling was returning from a bank where he had withdrawn Rp 100 million.

Police arrest Balongan LPG thieves after tipoff

Police arrest Balongan LPG thieves after tipoff Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu, West Java Police arrested four men for stealing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Balongan oil refinery of state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina, after another suspect lodged a police complaint accusing his accomplices of unfair profit sharing. Two of the four men worked for Pertamina's Distribution Unit VI, under which the Balongan refinery operated, said Indramayu Police district chief Adj.

~Foreign investors awaiting more stable environment

~Foreign investors awaiting more stable environment By Eun-ho Seung, Chairman of Korean Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia Fundamentally, the country remains an attractive place for investments thanks to its abundant natural resources, huge potential market and large pool of labor.

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~ ELECTION: Residents stand in a line to collect ballot papers during the 1999 elections. The most important aspect of the upcoming elections is the fact that there will be a presidential election, the first ever since Indonesian independence.

40% of Riau residents in poverty

40% of Riau residents in poverty PEKANBARU, Riau: Rich in natural resources and home to the country's largest privately owned oil and gas company, 40 percent of Riau's three million residents live below the poverty line, Governor Saleh Djasit said. "I am ashamed when people abroad say that Riau is so rich while in fact our wealth is hollow," said Saleh on Wednesday. The province is one of Indonesia's major producers of forestry and agricultural products.

JSX suspends SMART share trading

JSX suspends SMART share trading JAKARTA: The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended on Wednesday trade in PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (SMART) shares after it received a report that one of the company's cooking oil factories was gutted by fire earlier in the morning. JSX suspended trade in the shares at 9:30 a.m. when the stock was trading at Rp 1,225. JSX said the gutted factory, located in Surabaya, East Java, produced Filma cooking oil.

KONI maps out strengths ahead of 2003 SEA Games

KONI maps out strengths ahead of 2003 SEA Games Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Sports Council (KONI) announced an early mapping-out of its medal chances at the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games with chairman Agum Gumelar saying that the policy reflected the council's wish to put its cards on the table before heading to Vietnam.

Sanggar Anak Akar to stage operetta

Sanggar Anak Akar to stage operetta Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Rebellion by those once oppressed by the state has become an overly repetitive theme in arts. But in an upcoming event, it will breathe anew because the actors are deprived children, the very victims of an authoritarian regime.

Trial

Trial 3 x 18 Suspected terrorist Ba'asyir goes on trial on charges of treason JP/2/SARS 1 x 46 RI has new SARS patient, govt traces his contacts 1 x 60 Russia's jet fighters set to strengthen Indonesian air defense

JP/4/capt23

JP/4/capt23 JP/R. Berto Wedhatama ADMISSION TEST: Thousands of high school students from Jakarta, Banten and West Java take the admission test for Gadjah Mada University at the Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta. Over 70,000 people attended the first of two days of admissions tests held in 17 cities across the country on Tuesday.

Cetro issues database for female legislative candidates

Cetro issues database for female legislative candidates Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Centre for Electoral Reform (Cetro) issued on Wednesday a list of 109 women for political parties to recruit as legislative candidates during the upcoming general election. Cetro spokesperson Erry Seda said the list was presented in response to complaints that qualified female candidates were few and far between.

Civilian supremacy in Aceh

Civilian supremacy in Aceh A bloody war is at the doorstep of the restive province of Aceh. Indonesian citizens will soon kill each other in a terrible battle. It's only a matter of time. Aceh has been a boiling hot spot for 26 years, and no one can guarantee that the conflict will end soon. The province has a long history of conflicts, beginning with its fight against the Dutch colonialists, and followed by the Free Aceh Movement's (GAM) armed resistance against the Indonesian Military.

40% of Riau residents in poverty

40% of Riau residents in poverty PEKANBARU, Riau: Rich in natural resources and home to the country's largest privately owned oil and gas company, 40 percent of Riau's three million residents live below the poverty line, Governor Saleh Djasit said. "I am ashamed when people abroad say that Riau is so rich while in fact our wealth is hollow," said Saleh on Wednesday. The province is one of Indonesia's major producers of forestry and agricultural products.

Reason must prevail

Reason must prevail From Kompas Protests against the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq have flared up across the country, involving nearly all social groups. Regrettably, some protesters who have held their rallies in front of several U.S. companies, have also damaged U.S.-based franchise restaurants selling fast foods. In addition, some university students threw rotten eggs and paint at the American Express Building on Jl. Rasuna Said, Jakarta, on March 26, 2003.

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________ Rupiah Rates April 23 _________________________________________________________________________________ Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,748.33 5,124.09 5,465.56 5,406.63 Brunei dollar 1 5,219.30 4,654.96 4,962.56 4,911.63 Canadian dollar 1 6,402.82 5,708.17 6,087.86 6.022.92 Swiss franc 1 6,754.10 6,018.92 6,421.86 6,350.80 Danish krone 1 1,368.12 1,220.16...

Modern infrastructure available for investors

Modern infrastructure available for investors Evolving Batam into an industrial area with international standards is not easy. But the Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) is able to do it from the start of the development of the island into industrial bonded zone 30 years ago. Modern infrastructure facilities such as seaports, airports, paved roads or highways are now available for investors who open their factories on the island.

RP expects to exit IMF pact this year

RP expects to exit IMF pact this year Ditas Lopez, Dow Jones, Manila The Philippines expects to end its post-program monitoring arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) later this year, but Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho said the exit won't mean abrupt changes to the country's economic program.

Correcting address

Correcting address We, at Yayasan LIA would like to thank you for the information you provided about our organization in your newspaper on Sunday, April 6, and also the picture of our branch building you included. However, the address of the building was given incorrectly. Please let our readers know that the correct address for that branch is: Jl. Let. Jend. S. Parman Kav 64, West Jakarta. ATTIE SIRINGARINGO, Head of Bureau of Public Relations and Law, Jakarta

Sinar Mas factory gutted by fire

Sinar Mas factory gutted by fire JAKARTA: The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended on Wednesday trade in PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (SMART) shares after it received a report that one of the company's cooking oil factories was gutted by fire earlier in the morning. JSX suspended trade in the shares at 9:30 a.m. when the stock was trading at Rp 1,225. JSX said the gutted factory, located in Surabaya, East Java, produced Filma cooking oil.

FPI apologizes for 'kidnapping' chief

FPI apologizes for 'kidnapping' chief JAKARTA: The Islam Defenders' Front (FPI) said they were sorry for "kidnapping" chief Habib Rizieq Shihab from the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office on Monday, saying it was not planned beforehand and was done without the knowledge of his legal team.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, April 24, 2003

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, April 24, 2003 Exhibition * Painting, Dream Land, by Made Wianta, at Gaya Fusion Of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979252), 7 p.m., until May 15. Performance * Piano Recital by Steffen Schleiermacher, at Wantilan - STSI in Denpasar (8 p.m., April 30), Agung Rai Museum of Art, in Ubud (7:30 p.m., May 1). Museums and Galleries * Sika Galery, Jl. Raya Campuhan Sanggingan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 975727, 975085) * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl.

Inmates run drug ring from prison in Bali

Inmates run drug ring from prison in Bali Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali A four-day undercover police operation crushed a drug ring that was operating out of the tightly guarded cells of Kerobokan Penitentiary, Bali's largest detention facility. Police arrested on Tuesday three inmates for allegedly running the drug ring, and seized 348 high-grade ecstasy pills worth Rp 52.2 million (US$5,800).

Bali bomb, SARS and Iraq, triple threat to tourist trade

Bali bomb, SARS and Iraq, triple threat to tourist trade Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tour packages to mainland China, Hong Kong and Singapore used to sell like hot cakes for travel agency Smailing Tour. Every month, the agency, which has 16 offices in Jakarta and Bali, could send at least 20 people to those destinations.

1. TERROR: 1 x 28

1. TERROR: 1 x 28 18 more JI members arrested 2. WHO: 1 x 45 WHO warns against travel to Beijing, Toronto 3. ACEH: 3 x 17 Govt spells out conditions for talks with GAM

East Timor rights trial needs int'l pressure

East Timor rights trial needs int'l pressure Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists have urged the international community to ensure that justice is served against all perpetrators of the gross human rights violations in East Timor, now that hopes for a fair trial have evaporated.

NGOs start education campaign

NGOs start education campaign JAKARTA: Nine non-governmental organizations belonging to the Plural Community Group (KUMPUL), and hailing from Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bogor, have joined forces to organize a one-month education campaign from April 21 through May 20.

Civilian supremacy in Aceh

Civilian supremacy in Aceh A bloody war is at the doorstep of the restive province of Aceh. Indonesian citizens will soon kill each other in a terrible battle. It's only a matter of time. Aceh has been a boiling hot spot for 26 years, and no one can guarantee that the conflict will end soon. The province has a long history of conflicts, beginning with its fight against the Dutch colonialists, and followed by the Free Aceh Movement's (GAM) armed resistance against the Indonesian Military.

~By Lee Hye-min,

~By Lee Hye-min, Economic Counselor, Korean Embassy in Jakarta The Indonesian and South Korean economies greatly complement each other. On the one hand, Indonesia is richly endowed with a wide variety of natural resources, the home to a potentially vast consumer market with its population of more than 210 million and boasting a huge pool of easily trainable labor.

After breather, rupiah resumes climb

After breather, rupiah resumes climb Dow Jones The dollar closed at PHP53.510 on the Philippine Dealing System, up from PHP52.495 on Tuesday. Apart from follow-through dollar buying by companies for month-end requirements, worries over the government's continuing budget deficit overshoot and the economic impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), also dominated the market.

Aceh administration

Aceh administration must be audited From Rakyat Merdeka The central government has channeled trillions of rupiah to Aceh, but the province has hardly enjoyed the fruits of development. What is wrong with this situation?

Man shot in Rp100m robbery

Man shot in Rp100m robbery JP/ /Across Man shot in Rp100m robbery CIREBON, West Java: An employee of a money exchange was shot in the hand during a daylight robbery in the town of Cirebon on Wednesday that netted Rp 100 million (about US$11,000). The victim, Tan Ko Ling, 56, works for the currency exchange company Kim Valas located on Jl. Pekiringan, according to Cirebon Police detective chief Adj. Comr. Taufik Asrori.

Five Bogor residents die mysteriously

Five Bogor residents die mysteriously BOGOR: Five residents of the same neighborhood in Kampung Parung Alen in Cikeas village, Sukaraja district, Bogor regency, died from a mysterious illness within 10 days of each other. The victims were Tiyah, 15, her mother Nayah, 60, her mother- in-law Upi, 60, Aisyah, 35, and Herni, 13. They died between April 9 and April 19. Tiyah's father, Uci, said that on April 12, Tiyah had a high fever, stomachache and headache.

Oracle launches new product

Oracle launches new product JAKARTA: PT Oracle Indonesia started on Wednesday a marketing campaign for its latest data-based collaboration software product, which is expected to challenge the products made by IBM and Microsoft, the leading industry players here. Oracle vice president Christopher Hummel said in a press conference that the company's 400 corporate clients would be the main market target for the new software product. He declined to disclose the sales target.

Investment Year

Investment Year The prototype investment destination in Indonesia The unfavorable situation in the world economy will undoubtedly make the task of the Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) in attracting foreign investors more challenging. The task will be rendered even more difficult by the lack of the government support. The central government's policies regarding investment in Batam and the neighboring islands of Rempang and Galang have been discouraging.

China to join ASEAN at SARS summit

China to join ASEAN at SARS summit THAILAND: Bangkok said on Wednesday Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao would join Southeast Asian leaders in Bangkok next week to find ways to tackle the SARS virus that has killed more than 200 people and hurt the region's economies. Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai told reporters leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would gather for a one-day meeting on April 29 in Bangkok, and then hold talks with Wen immediately afterwards.

Minister names Jamsostek director

Minister names Jamsostek director JAKARTA: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea has named his ministry's inspector general the new president director of PT Jamsostek, a state-owned social insurance company. Jacob said he had sent a letter to State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi asking for his approval of the appointment. "I know that Amrinal is suitable for that post," Jacob said on Wednesday.

New Army deputy chief installed

New Army deputy chief installed JAKARTA: Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu swore in on Wednesday Lt. Gen. Darsono as his new deputy, replacing Lt. Gen. Sumarsono. During the inauguration ceremony at Army headquarter in Central Jakarta, Ryamizard said in his speech the deputy chief would serve as his top assistant and advisor in coordinating staff.

Govt spells out conditions for talks with GAM

Govt spells out conditions for talks with GAM Tiarma Siboro and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has spelled out conditions for the planned Joint Council meeting with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Geneva, but emphasized that the terms were non-negotiable.

Hal: 5

Hal: 5 BKPM pulls rank to bolster foreign investment in RI Hal: 6 RI businesses still far from collapse Workers have yet to receive adequate attention Hal: 16 The Year of Investment or the Year of More Predicaments Hal: 17 Globalization: Improving the rules of the game Hal: 18 Regional trade: ASEAN on the comeback trail Cement producers heading for a better future Kaptions JP/Mulkan Salmona TAKING SHAPE: Built-up cars continue to be imported despite an increase in local assembly.

Council asked to probe ownership of Sheraton hotel

Council asked to probe ownership of Sheraton hotel Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council is urged to establish a special committee tasked with investigating the decrease in the city's shares in the 16- story Hotel Sheraton Media on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta.

Who will be candidate of the Islamic camp in 2004?

Who will be candidate of the Islamic camp in 2004? Muhammad Qodari, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, Qodari@csis.or.id Compared to the nationalist camp, the Islamic camp has more prominent political leaders with the potential to become serious candidates in the 2004 presidential election. The nationalists "only" have the incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri, ministers Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla, and Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.

Man shot in Rp100m robbery

Man shot in Rp100m robbery JP/ /Across Man shot in Rp100m robbery CIREBON, West Java: An employee of a money exchange was shot in the hand during a daylight robbery in the town of Cirebon on Wednesday that netted Rp 100 million (about US$11,000). The victim, Tan Ko Ling, 56, works for the currency exchange company Kim Valas located on Jl. Pekiringan, according to Cirebon Police detective chief Adj. Comr. Taufik Asrori.

PMI extends relief fund to Iraq

PMI extends relief fund to Iraq JAKARTA: The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) handed over on Wednesday Rp 129 million (about US$14,500) in post-war relief aid to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the Iraqi people, who badly need fresh water supplies, medicines and food. The money was given by the PMI's chairman Mar'ie Muhammad to the ICRC's representative in Jakarta, Marco Altherr. The money was donated by the public through Bank Central Asia (BCA) bank account No.

Gandhi land swap upset residents

Gandhi land swap upset residents M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds of people, including women and schoolchildren, took to the streets of Ancol, North Jakarta, on Wednesday to protest a plan by the Gandhi Memorial International School's (GMIS) to take possession of two state elementary schools and in return build a replacement school elsewhere.

2. (2 x 24) Cetro

2. (2 x 24) Cetro Cetro issues database for female legislative candidates 3. (1 x 45) Mega Mega gives Garuda statue to St. Petersburg museum

2.(2 x 24)

2.(2 x 24) Over 70,000 students take UGM entrance exams 3. Rights (1 x 45) RI seeks UN Human Rights Commission membership 3. Capres (1 x 50) Chances slim for emergence of alternative candidates

'My neighbors ride with me to work'

'My neighbors ride with me to work' The city administration unveiled last week its plan to extend the three-in-one traffic regulation, but experts say that a well- planned and comprehensive transportation system would be far more effective in alleviating the city's severe traffic problems. Under the three-in-one policy, vehicles with fewer than three passengers have not been allowed to enter the restricted zone.

Five Bogor residents die mysteriously

Five Bogor residents die mysteriously BOGOR: Five residents of the same neighborhood in Kampung Parung Alen in Cikeas village, Sukaraja district, Bogor regency, died from a mysterious illness within 10 days of each other. The victims were Tiyah, 15, her mother Nayah, 60, her mother- in-law Upi, 60, Aisyah, 35, and Herni, 13. They died between April 9 and April 19. Tiyah's father, Uci, said that on April 12, Tiyah had a high fever, stomachache and headache.

New CAR ruling to be applied to 40 banks next year

New CAR ruling to be applied to 40 banks next year Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia said on Wednesday that a new, tougher regulation with regard to bank capital would only be applied to 30 to 40 banks starting next year, while smaller banks would still have two years to prepare for it.

Remote trading on JSX reaches Rp 4.9t

Remote trading on JSX reaches Rp 4.9t The Jakarta Post, Jakarta One year after its commencement, the value of share transactions through remote trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has reached Rp 4.9 trillion (about US$563 million). A press release issued by the JSX on Wednesday said there were some 525,241 orders and a transaction volume of 7.9 billion shares.

Man shot in Rp100m robbery

Man shot in Rp100m robbery CIREBON, West Java: An employee of a money exchange was shot in the hand during a daylight robbery in the town of Cirebon on Wednesday that netted Rp 100 million (about US$11,000). The victim, Tan Ko Ling, 56, works for the currency exchange company Kim Valas located on Jl. Pekiringan, according to Cirebon Police detective chief Adj. Comr. Taufik Asrori. The robbery took place as Ko Ling was returning from a bank where he had withdrawn Rp 100 million.

Russian jet fighters set to strengthen Indonesian air defense

Russian jet fighters set to strengthen Indonesian air defense Agencies, Jakarta Indonesia has moved to end its long-standing dependence on U.S. military aircraft with the arrival of four Russian-made Sukhoi jet fighters in September and another 44 fighters in the next four years. The first batch consists of two Sukhoi-27, two Sukhoi-30 and two assault Mi-35 helicopters, which will be publicly displayed during the Indonesian Military's anniversary celebration on Oct. 5. TNI Chief Gen.

IMF monitoring role still crucial: Kadin

IMF monitoring role still crucial: Kadin A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) said on Wednesday that Indonesia still needed the International Monetary Fund to play a monitoring role in the implementation of the country's economic reform program to help instill investor confidence.