Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 April 2005

99 articles found

Villagers regreen barren fields in Kampung Laut

Villagers regreen barren fields in Kampung LautSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap, Central JavaAbout three years ago, villagers from Kampung Laut, a remote sub- district in Cilacap regency, Central Java, still were experiencing water shortages during the dry seasons, so much so that they had...

KPK delays plan to quiz KPU officials

KPK delays plan to quiz KPU officialsThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) postponed on Monday its plan to directly question Mulyana W. Kusumah and other officials from the General Elections Commission (KPU) in connection with an alleged bribery attempt by Mulyana on...

Death sentence for corruptors

Death sentence for corruptorsFrom Media IndonesiaThe attorney general has said that capital punishment is still needed to deter criminals, but the sentence has not been handed down to any corruptors, and yet the country is still in the midst of a crisis.

'Asinan' vs 'Kimchi': Variety is the spice of life

'Asinan' vs 'Kimchi': Variety is the spice of lifeA. Junaidi The Jakarta Post/Jakarta"Asinan!," we said almost together in a dinner at a restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, four years ago, referring to the pickled vegetable salad kimchi that had just been put into small bowls on our tables.

Singaporeans detained for visa violations

Singaporeans detained for visa violationsFadli, The Jakarta Post, BatamBatam police arrested and detained on Wednesday three Singaporean nationals for alleged visa violations, a senior police officer disclosed on Saturday.

RMS flags raised in Ambon city

RMS flags raised in Ambon cityM. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, AmbonDespite a heavy security presence in Ambon, several flags of the self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) were raised on Monday to mark its 55th anniversary.

Menteng stadium to become park

Menteng stadium to become park JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday that the city administration would not convert the Menteng sports stadium in Central Jakarta into a commercial area."No, there is no plan to convert the stadium into a commercial area as the city needs more green spaces to...

G-33 ministers reaffirm commitment to fight at WTO

G-33 ministers reaffirm commitment to fight at WTOZakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, JakartaMinisters from the "Group of 33" developing countries met here on Saturday to reaffirm their commitment to fight for special and differential treatment for staple farm products at the World Trade Organization.

Locals charge motorists for passing road

Locals charge motorists for passing roadMulta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, TangerangMotorists passing Jl. Raya Cisauk in Tangerang are facing a new headache as they are being forced to pay illegal fees imposed by local residents.

AGO first echelon officials installed

AGO first echelon officials installed JAKARTA: Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh installed on Monday new first echelon officials of the Attorney General's Office (AGO) as stipulated under recently issued Presidential Decree concerning the reshuffle of the AGO.

RI hopes for Danish showdown in Sudirman semifinals

RI hopes for Danish showdown in Sudirman semifinalsMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta If all goes according to plan and it makes the final four, the national badminton team believes it will stand more of a chance against Denmark than holders South Korea in the 2005 Sudirman Cup in...

S. Africa awards Sukarno, Nehru

S. Africa awards Sukarno, Nehru JAKARTA: Fresh from his trip to Indonesia for the Asian- African Summit, South African President Thabo Mbeki is slated on Tuesday to confer posthumous awards on Indonesia's founding president Sukarno and India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Taman Mini sets to survive longer than Soeharto regime

Taman Mini sets to survive longer than Soeharto regimeEvi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta"And, in a bid to form a powerful regime that governs all the nation, and all of Indonesia's resources -- as well as upholds personal pride and renders the nation destitute -- the Harapan Kita Foundation...

Starting new life with cash for work

Starting new life with cash for workNani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda AcehUnder the scorching sun, hundreds of Lamtengoh and Lamtutue villagers in Banda Aceh busily farm, hoeing the land and planting corn or clusters of bushes.

AGO speeds up probe into Mandiri case

AGO speeds up probe into Mandiri caseEva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A top official of Bank Mandiri and a wife of a gubernatorial candidate were questioned by prosecutors on Monday in connection with an alleged lending scam at Bank Mandiri.Bank Mandiri's director of corporate banking M.

The Asian-African Summit -- a postscript

The Asian-African Summit -- a postscriptMeidyatama Suryodiningrat, The Jakarta Post, BandungThe 'true' Bandung Spirit came alive on Sunday. But only after the leaders and delegates of the Commemorative Summit had already left the West Java provincial capital.

Ready to help,

Ready to help, but no one asked. I am interested to know why your country did not ask for help with rescuing village people trapped in the aftermath of the recent earthquake on the island of Nias.I am a member of New Zealand's Specialized Urban Search And Rescue task force, and we were saddened to...

International Monetary Fund must be held accountable

International Monetary Fund must be held accountableMohamad Mova Al 'Afghani, Jakarta Like other international organizations, the International Monetary Fund is a legal entity and is subject to international law.

Residents flee as RMS jubilee nears

Residents flee as RMS jubilee nearsM. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, AmbonFearing a repeat of last year, many Ambon residents were taking refuge in safer areas as Monday's anniversary of the separatist group, South Maluku Republic (RMS) is likely to be celebrated.

Death sentence for corruptors

Death sentence for corruptorsFrom Media IndonesiaThe attorney general has said that capital punishment is still needed to deter criminals, but the sentence has not been handed down to any corruptors, and yet the country is still in the midst of a crisis.

Residents complain about JCC project

Residents complain about JCC project JAKARTA: Residents of Kebon Melati subdistrict in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, on Monday complained about the dust generated by the construction of the Jakarta City Center (JCC) project.

Antigraft court sends two officials to jail

Antigraft court sends two officials to jailThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Anticorruption Court sentenced two more government officials to prison amid an intensified campaign to curb corruption in the country.

KPUD fails to submit needed documents

KPUD fails to submit needed documentsBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaJakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) members disappointed on Monday the City Council's expectations by not producing key 2004 elections documents, arousing suspicion of corruption in the commission.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-rates Rupiah Rates April 25 JP/13/ConverRupiah Rates April 25 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,912.09 7,131.27 7,559.57 7,483.74Brunei dollar 1 6,164.92 5,553.87 5,890.25 5,828.37Canadian dollar 1 8,192.

PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION: STIKOM The London School of Public

PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION: STIKOM The London School of Public Relations - Jakarta (STIKOM-LSPR) director Prita Kemal Gani (left) hands a plaque of appreciation to Lowe Indonesia's technical advisor Eleanor Modesto, witnessed by LSPR's Public Relations Studies Department' associate dean Victor Siburian.

Lee returns to old lion's den

Lee returns to old lion's denMALAYSIA: Modern Singapore's founding father will put his seal on warmer relations with neighbor Malaysia this week when he makes his first visit to the Malaysian capital since 2001, when ties were badly frayed.

Second young leader award introduced

Second young leader award introduced JAKARTA: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Office of State Minister for Women's Empowerment introduced on Monday the second UNICEF-Government of Indonesia Awards for Indonesian Young Leaders.

RI-China seal multibillion deal to strengthen trade

RI-China seal multibillion deal to strengthen tradeRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIndonesia, the nation with the world's largest Muslim population, has signed bilateral agreements with the world's biggest communist country, China, to promote trade between them worth billions of dollars.

4heads

4heads1. Tembak (2x18) Govt urged to probe shooting of soldier 2. KPI (1x30) No follow-up on TV complaints 3. Letlet (2x20) Antigraft court sends two officials to jail 4. Mandir (2x18) AGO speeds up probe into Mandiri case

Asia debt markets turn to Tenaga

Asia debt markets turn to TenagaDow Jones, SingaporeThe Asian debt markets are this week turning their eyes to Tenaga Nasional Bhd., Malaysia's national power utility, as a gauge of sentiment toward international bonds."I wouldn't be surprised if we see other issuers check the market this week.

TNI names acting spokesman

TNI names acting spokesmanIndonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto named on Monday former East Timor military commander Brig. Gen. FX Suhartono Suratman its acting spokesman, pending a definite reshuffle that is likely to take place in the near future.TNI information officer Col.

Govt urged to probe shooting of soldier

Govt urged to probe shooting of soldierYemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, West Nusa TenggaraThe West Nusa Tenggara provincial administration called on the central government to hold talks with the East Timor government to ensure a thorough investigation into the recent shooting of an...

The media bashing of Malaysia

The media bashing of MalaysiaV.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia It is difficult to understand why some sections of the Indonesia media are trying so hard to run down Malaysia, which could lead to souring of bilateral ties if left unchecked.

Security efforts -- investment or extra expense?

Security efforts -- investment or extra expense?Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, JakartaPeople have a different attitude towards security since the series of riots and bomb blasts that have rocked the country in recent years.

Security business prospering, on the rise

Security business prospering, on the riseHartono Iggi Putro, Contributor, Jakarta Since the terror attacks that rocked Bali, this country has witnessed serious threats to its security. Terrorist acts like bomb blasts and bomb hoaxes continue to make headlines, seemingly at regular intervals.

* KPK delays plan to quiz KPU officials Page 2

* KPK delays plan to quiz KPU officials Page 2 * Govt urged to probe shooting of RI soldier Page 4 * RMS flags raised in Ambon city Page 5 * Musharraf can learn from Indonesia Page 7 * FPI reports Dewa to police for blasphemy Page 8 * RI hopes for Danish showdown in Sudirman semis Page 10 * Iran...

Musharraf can learn from RI

Musharraf can learn from RIAli Dayan Hasan, New York On his visit to Indonesia this week, President General Musharraf, the Pakistani strongman who came to power in a 1999 coup and the post-Sept. 11 darling of the West, has much to learn from Indonesia's success at pursuing a secular political...

JP/5/TUNA

JP/5/TUNAThe plight of teachers at Surabaya schools for disabledIndra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/SurabayaDina Ambarwati was elated when she was hired as a teacher's assistant at School No. 99 for the Disabled in Surabaya.

Locals impose illegal fees on Tangerang road

Locals impose illegal fees on Tangerang roadMulta Fidrus The Jakarta Post/TangerangMotorists passing Jl. Raya Cisauk in Tangerang are facing a new headache as they are being forced to pay illegal fees imposed by local residents.

He sues lover after sex change hitch

He sues lover after sex change hitch NEW DELHI: An Indian who became a man to marry a female relative was dumped after the surgery, a newspaper reported Monday.Twenty-nine-year-old rubber tapper Kuttiyamma, born with both male and female genitals, had been in love with the relative, Laura, 25, for...

S'pore, India soon to seal FTA talks

S'pore, India soon to seal FTA talksSINGAPORE: Singapore and India have agreed to complete ongoing talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) within a month, the Straits Times reported on Monday.Both sides still have to iron out some issues but these should not be allowed to hold up the FTA, Prime...

Exclusive zone,

Exclusive zone, territorial claimsFrom KompasAn article in Kompas daily (March 7) written by I Basis Susilo noted that Indonesia's loss of Sipadan and Ligitan islands was due to the lack of a continuous presence, effective settlement and guarantee for nature conservation on border islands.

Relief aid containers pile up at Medan's Belawan Port

Relief aid containers pile up at Medan's Belawan PortApriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, MedanSome 1,441 containers filled with relief aid for tsunami victims in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam are still being detained by the customs authorities at Belawan port in Medan due to incomplete documentation, an...

700 arrested in month-long antidrug drive

700 arrested in month-long antidrug driveAbdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, JakartaAt least 756 people, including five foreigners and several members of the Indonesian military (TNI) and police, have been arrested during month-long anti-drug raids in residential and entertainment centers across the...

Death sentence for corruptors

Death sentence for corruptorsFrom Media IndonesiaThe attorney general has said that capital punishment is still needed to deter criminals, but the sentence has not been handed down to any corruptors, and yet the country is still in the midst of a crisis.

NGO fears graft in regional elections

NGO fears graft in regional electionsJAKARTA: A non-governmental organization (NGO) urged the government on Monday not to issue a regulation allowing for a direct appointment of regional election materials providers.

Bantul OKs money for direct election

Bantul OKs money for direct electionYOGYAKARTA: The Bantul regental council finally approved on Saturday a Rp 8.6 billion (US$9555,555) budget proposal to fund the direct election of the Bantul Regent in June this year. Of the Rp 8.

Military-style training probed

Military-style training probedSuherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, SemarangThe police said they would continue their investigation into a military-style training program allegedly carried out by a hard- line group at a tourist resort in Central Java, although the activity has ceased.

JCLEC gets Rp 120b grant from Holland

JCLEC gets Rp 120b grant from HollandThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Netherlands' top counter terrorism official will visit Indonesia this week within the framework of Dutch support for the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) located Semarang, Central Java, the Dutch embassy in...

1. Shooting -- 2x22

1. Shooting -- 2x22 Soldiers need post-duty supervision: Psychologist 2. KPU ------- 1x32 Corruption case ruins KPU's image 3. Mulyana --- 1x33 KPK delays plan to quiz KPU officials 4. Pilkada --- 2x22 TNI chief in hot water over remarks on electoral bid

Objectivity in Mulyana's case

Objectivity in Mulyana's caseFrom Bisnis IndonesiaThe press has apparently reached a verdict on the case of Mulyana W. Kusumah's alleged bribery and corruption in the General Elections Commission, while in fact before any court decision, Mulyana should be presumed innocent.

Part 2 of 2

Part 2 of 2Strategies for RI civil service reformStaffan Synnerstrom Jakarta2. Mushar -- Musharraf should learn from Indonesia about moderation 1 x 30 Musharraf can learn from Indonesia Ali Dayan Hasan New York3.

GAM wants end to conflict

GAM wants end to conflict I would like to correct some errors in Santoso's article on April 20 on the current rounds of peace talks between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government.Santoso implies there is no acceptance of a cease-fire.

Smuggled wood apprehended

Smuggled wood apprehended MEDAN, North Sumatra: The customs authorities at Belawan port have prevented the smuggling of 1,450 processed woods to Malaysia and apprehended two people suspected of being behind the smuggling attempt.

Objectivity in Mulyana's case

Objectivity in Mulyana's caseFrom Bisnis IndonesiaThe press has apparently reached a verdict on the case of Mulyana W. Kusumah's alleged bribery and corruption in the General Elections Commission, while in fact before any court decision, Mulyana should be presumed innocent.

Govt assists refugees

Govt assists refugees KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The central government is to provide Rp 11 billion (US$1.1 million) worth of building materials to assist 1,363 families of East Timor refugees who are still living in East Nusa Tenggara.

South African gets life

South African gets life DENPASAR, Bali: South African national Martin Christopher Akujobi was sentenced to life in prison by a Denpasar court on Monday for producing and selling heroin."The defendant is ordered to remain in prison for the remainder of his life," presiding judge Linton Sirait said.

Canberra, Dili resume tough resource negotiations

Canberra, Dili resume tough resource negotiationsAustralia and East Timor resume negotiations Tuesday on sharing billions of dollars in oil and gas reserves under the Timor Sea, with Canberra battling accusations it is bullying its tiny, poverty-stricken neighbor to seize the lion's share of the...

Auto industry told to upgrade

Auto industry told to upgradeThe Jakarta Post, JakartaOver the past five years the local automotive industry has grown fast, and this is expected to prompt industry players to start focusing on their ability to fully design and engineer motorcycles by 2009, as well as increase the use of local...

Indonesian hackers attacking Malaysian web sites: Watchdog

Indonesian hackers attacking Malaysian web sites: WatchdogAssociated Press, Kuala LumpurHundreds of Malaysian Web sites were hacked into and defaced this year, evidently by Indonesians upset over a territorial spat between the neighboring countries, an Internet watchdog said.

Rupiah falls, inflation may reach 8.8%

Rupiah falls, inflation may reach 8.8%Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe rupiah slumped to a three-year low on Monday following reports that full-year inflation could skyrocket to 8.8 percent, shaking an already nervous market and causing panic U.S. dollar buying in the corporate sector.

Ravalomanana feels at home in Bogor

Ravalomanana feels at home in BogorMadagascar President Marc Ravalomanana holds a child in Situgede village, Bogor, West Java.The president, who held a direct dialog with local villagers and observed farmers hard at work, expressed his happiness upon seeing the rice fields, which he said looked...

Musim Mas expands oleochemical project

Musim Mas expands oleochemical projectPT Musim Mas, an integrated palm oil producer, has embarked on an expansion of its oleochemical plant near the North Sumatra port of Belawan that will increase its annual production capacity to 357,000 metric tons of fatty alcohol, medium-chain triglycerides,...

'Dewa has done nothing to insult Islam'

'Dewa has done nothing to insult Islam'Popular rock group Dewa was reported to the city police on Monday by a number of Muslim organizations, led by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), for using the word Allah in Arabic script on the cover of its album Laskar Cinta (Soldier of Love).

Minister always ready to read poem

Minister always ready to read poemJAKARTA: Meuti Hatta Swasono's shaky voice indicated that she was a little nervous when she was on stage reading a poem by legendary poet Chairil Anwar on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 2005 Literary Camp on late Saturday.

RI, China fail to agree on fighting illegal logging

RI, China fail to agree on fighting illegal loggingRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIndonesia and China have failed to seal a key agreement in a ministerial level meeting to fight against the trade of illegal forestry products due to "a widely different perception".

FOR SPOTLIGHT --- TUESDAY, APRIL 26

FOR SPOTLIGHT --- TUESDAY, APRIL 26 PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION: The London School of Public Relations (LSPR) director Prita Kemal Gani (left) hands a plaque of appreciation to Lowe Indonesia's technical advisor Eleanor Modesto, witnessed by LSPR's Public Relations Studies Department' associate dean...

TV Program: Wednesday, April 27, 2005

TV Program: Wednesday, April 27, 2005TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News: Berita Pagi7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee8:30 Music: Asik-asik10:00 Talk Show: Showbiz11:00 News: Berita Nusantara12:00 p.m.

History will judge Asian-African Summit

History will judge Asian-African SummitSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Bandung Fifty years ago, within these walls, the first generation of leaders of the two great continents of Asia and Africa came together and held the first Asian-African Conference.

Asia debt markets turn to Malaysia's Tenaga

Asia debt markets turn to Malaysia's Tenaga Dow Jones SingaporeThe Asian debt markets are this week turning their eyes to Tenaga Nasional Bhd., Malaysia's national power utility, as a gauge of sentiment toward international bonds.

When was Munir poisoned?

When was Munir poisoned? So far we have been focusing on the search for perpetrators of the poisoning of rights campaigner Munir, with less attention paid to the exact time when arsenic entered the victim's body.Based on one chemical textbook I read, the toxic dose of arsenic is 100 milligrams.

TNI denies deal over warships withdrawal

TNI denies deal over warships withdrawalRendi Witular, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Indonesian Military (TNI) denied on Monday reports saying it had reduced its naval presence in a maritime area of Ambalat that has been at the center of dispute with Malaysia.TNI chief Gen.

No follow-up on TV complaints

No follow-up on TV complaintsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta For parents nowadays, watching TV can be as stressful as struggling through the traffic during peak hours."I constantly worry when watching TV with my son," Asterbita, a 29-year-old mother, said, complaining how acts of sex and violence heavily...

Mohamad Iqbal gives tsunami victims a face

Mohamad Iqbal gives tsunami victims a faceChristina Schott, Contributor, JakartaA hundred thirty-thousand dead, 40,000 missing, half a million homeless -- the tsunami in Aceh produced such unimaginable numbers of victims that many remain anonymous; part of an inconceivable statistic.

[b]

IMF must be held accountable Mohamad Mova Al 'Afghani Jakarta2. KAA -- Asia and Africa: What comes after confrontation? 1 X 30 Asia and Africa: What comes next? Kavi Chongkittavorn The Nation Asia News Network Bangkok 3.

Objectivity in Mulyana's case

Objectivity in Mulyana's caseFrom Bisnis IndonesiaThe press has apparently reached a verdict on the case of Mulyana W. Kusumah's alleged bribery and corruption in the General Elections Commission, while in fact before any court decision, Mulyana should be presumed innocent.

Remembering Bandung

Remembering Bandung Exactly 50 years ago, 29 newly independent Asian and African nations covering half of mankind met in Bandung, Indonesia, to make their way up a global class structure in which they had been no more than flunkeys and coolies.

Indian food attracts wider market

Indian food attracts wider marketEvi Mariani The Jakarta Post/JakartaThanks partly to Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and other Bollywood people, all things Indian are gaining popularity here, including its spicy and pungent cuisine.

Ready to help,

Ready to help, but no one asked. I am interested to know why your country did not ask for help with rescuing village people trapped in the aftermath of the recent earthquake on the island of Nias.I am a member of New Zealand's Specialized Urban Search And Rescue task force, and we were saddened to...

TNI chief in hot water over remarks on electoral bid

TNI chief in hot water over remarks on electoral bidTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, JakartaIndonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto's comment, that servicemen would be able to contest in the regional leadership elections without first having to resign, has raised concerns over...

Indovision does not care

Indovision does not care In my letter published in The Jakarta Post on March 13, 2004, I criticized the very poor customer service of Indovision (PT Matahari Lintas Cakrawala). One of my main criticisms was that Indovision did not even offer a toll-free customer-care number for subscribers in Bali...

Lessons for Asia-Africa

Lessons for Asia-Africa The Asian-African Summit has concluded. After a week of rhetoric and evocation of the "Bandung Spirit of 1955", we are now left to ponder what this series of events was all about.Most Indonesians have some recollection or knowledge of the fabled 1955 Bandung conference.

JP/19/TINA

JP/19/TINA Mohamad Iqbal gives victims a face Christina Schott Contributor/JakartaA hundred thirty-thousand dead, 40,000 missing, half a million homeless -- the tsunami in Aceh produced such unimaginable numbers of victims that many remain anonymous; part of an inconceivable statistic.

City, Jakarta Monorail closer to deal with Korean Maglev

City, Jakarta Monorail closer to deal with Korean MaglevDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Jakarta administration and consortium PT Jakarta Monorail are moving closer to adopting magnetically elevated vehicles (Maglev) developed by South Korea's rolling stock and train maker Rotem...

Part 2 of 2: Strategies for RI civil service reform

Part 2 of 2: Strategies for RI civil service reformStaffan Synnerstrom, Jakarta In a professional civil service the various kinds of civil servants cannot and should not be managed under one single scheme, "one size fits all", especially not in a decentralized environment.

Trust fund for Aceh established

Trust fund for Aceh establishedUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, JakartaInternational donors established on Monday a multi donor trust fund to manage the expected US$500 million in aid grants, as the reconstruction programs in tsunami-stricken Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and North Sumatra are soon to...

ORIF manages to survive for a long time, Matsuoka said,

ORIF manages to survive for a long time, Matsuoka said, because it can provide funds at a lower cost. The company has gone through a long process to reach this achievement. At first, the company, which was called PT Orient Bina Usaha Leasing (OBUL), was a joint venture undertaking between Orient...

FPI reports rock group Dewa to police for blasphemy

FPI reports rock group Dewa to police for blasphemyThe Jakarta Post, JakartaSeveral Islamic organizations, led by well-known vigilante group the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), have reported popular rock band Dewa to the city police for alleged blasphemy over the use of the word Allah written in...

Corruption case ruins KPU's image

Corruption case ruins KPU's imageTony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, JakartaWith the walls around the alleged massive corruption in the General Elections Commission (KPU) starting to crack wider open, the commission is on the verge of losing the celebrated public trust it once proudly vaunted.

Ready to help,

Ready to help, but no one asked. I am interested to know why your country did not ask for help with rescuing village people trapped in the aftermath of the recent earthquake on the island of Nias.I am a member of New Zealand's Specialized Urban Search And Rescue task force, and we were saddened to...

1 heading for page 19 -- Potpourri

1 heading for page 19 -- Potpourri 1. TINA -- 2 x 22 Mohamad Iqbal gives tsunami victims a face y

Thailand told to return orangutans

Thailand told to return orangutans ProFauna, an Indonesian non-governmental organization working to protect endangered animals, renewed its demand on Monday for Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra to order the return of Indonesian orangutans currently inhabiting Bangkok's tourism center...

Network security sales growing

Network security sales growingSINGAPORE: Network security in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to hit US$1.1 billion this year spurred by India and China, a research agency said on Monday.Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand are also forecast to be high-growth countries with end...

Soldiers need post-duty supervision: Psychologist

Soldiers need post-duty supervision: PsychologistThe Jakarta Post, JakartaSoldiers who have been on stressful assignments need constant supervision as their performance on duty and mental health may suffer the consequences, a psychologist says.

Entertainment spots closed for summit

Entertainment spots closed for summitBANDUNG: At least 30 entertainment spots in Bandung city -- including pool halls and massage parlors -- have been closed since Friday as security was beefed up for the Asian-African Summit.

New Cipularang toll road closed

New Cipularang toll road closedYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, BandungThe new Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang (Cipularang) toll road was closed on Sunday, shortly after being used by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to attend the commemoration of the Asian- African Conference jubilee...

State plantations pay workers properly, says GAPKI chairman

State plantations pay workers properly, says GAPKI chairmanThe Jakarta Post, JakartaThe Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (GAPKI) has denied a media report that state-owned palm oil company PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PT PN) IV in North Sumatra, has underpaid its workers, saying the company's...

Exclusive zone,

Exclusive zone, territorial claimsFrom KompasAn article in Kompas daily (March 7) written by I Basis Susilo noted that Indonesia's loss of Sipadan and Ligitan islands was due to the lack of a continuous presence, effective settlement and guarantee for nature conservation on border islands.

Flooding hits Wamena

Flooding hits WamenaJAYAPURA, Papua: Floodwaters inundated some parts of Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya regency, on Saturday after heavy rain for the past week. The floods destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and paddy fields, sparking fears that the area could be hit by a food crisis.