Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 April 2005

99 articles found

Kodak launches new printer

Kodak launches new printer AKARTA: Kodak Indonesia launched on Tuesday its Printer Dock Plus, which enables users of digital cameras and camera phones to print waterproof pictures quickly and easily. "We plan to release 500 printers, however the number will depend on customer demand," said the demand creation manager at Kodak Indonesia, Erwin Hartawan. He said that although the company had seen its sales decline in March and April, it had not had a significant impact on operations.

Clinton urges private firms not to forget about tsunami

Clinton urges private firms not to forget about tsunami Nick Wadhams, Associated Press/United Nations The world's response to the tsunami could serve as a blueprint for future disasters, but only if donors don't give up on people in Southeast Asia who still need help, former U.S. President Bill Clinton said. Clinton, the UN envoy for tsunami recovery, told a conference of U.S. executives on Monday that there is still much to be done to help the region after the Dec. 26 disaster.

Poor medical service inspires a midwife to open int'l hospital

Poor medical service inspires a midwife to open int'l hospital Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang Siti Rochayah's efforts to go the extra mile to have her dreams come true have been awarded. After opening a small childbirth clinic years ago, her medical empire has bloomed into two large, new hospitals and two other maternity clinics (Rumah Bersalin). The poor treatment available for pregnant women had always saddened her.

Indonesia's stocks rise for first day in three

Indonesia's stocks rise for first day in three Bloomberg Jakarta Indonesian stocks rose on Tuesday for the first day in three as the rupiah strengthened from a three-year low against the dollar. PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, the world's largest maker of instant noodles, paced gains. PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, the nation's biggest telephone company, climbed for the first day in eight after Bisnis Indonesia said the number of subscribers at its cellular unit grew 16 percent this year.

Govt to offer gas and power projects

Govt to offer gas and power projects The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government will open bidding for a power plant and two gas pipeline projects in May that could be worth more than US$1.1 billion, top officials say. State power firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) will begin the pre-qualification procedure for a tender to build a 450- megawatt coal-fired power plant located in Cilegon, Banten, on May 25, the firm's financial director Parno Isworo said on Tuesday.

The role of China, Japan, and Korea in East Asia

The role of China, Japan, and Korea in East Asia AKP Mochtan, Tokyo The past, present and future are getting tangled up in a bizarre way in East Asia. Crude anti-Japanese sentiment in China and South Korea is jolting Japan like never before. Japanese diplomats, businessmen, journalists and other observers were caught off guard. The turn of events was so sudden and for many simply incomprehensible. Traditionally, Beijing and Seoul have always been ultra- sensitive to events in Tokyo.

Quake, tsunami hurt West Sumatra's tourist industry

Quake, tsunami hurt West Sumatra's tourist industry Syofiardi Bachyul Jb The Jakarta Post/Padang Hotel and travel operators in West Sumatra have suffered large losses following the tsunami in Aceh and the earthquake in Nias. The operators say the natural disasters have scared away tourists from West Sumatra. "Many groups of foreign tourists have canceled their visits following the earthquake and tsunami disasters.

Aceh teacher struggles to put on brave face

Aceh teacher struggles to put on brave face Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh "Come on children, let's learn to recite a prayer...," says Siti Asma, 37, a kindergarten teacher for tsunami survivors, as she starts reciting a prayer. The flock of Pertiwi Kindergarten pupils in Geuce village, Banda Aceh, immediately follows the teacher's instructions. There are 15 first-year children in the classroom, ranging from four to five years of age.

Nane Annan speaks out on HIV/AIDS

Nane Annan speaks out on HIV/AIDS Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta United Nations chief Kofi Annan was in town last week, and so was his wife, Nane. Dutifully playing her role as the UN's first lady, and joining the spouses' program designed for the 50th jubilee of the Asian African Conference -- Nane also had one small request: Could she have the opportunity of looking firsthand into the issue of HIV/AIDS in Indonesia?

VP opens Asian Physics Olympiad

VP opens Asian Physics Olympiad PEKANBARU, Riau: A total of 120 senior high school students from 19 countries participated in the sixth Asian Physics Olympiad, which was opened here on Tuesday by Vice President Jusuf Kalla (not by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as reported earlier). The week-long event ending on May 2 is being held at the campus of the Riau Politeknik University.

China-ASEAN trade may reach $200b

China-ASEAN trade may reach $200b The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Two-way trade between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to nearly double to US$200 billion in the next five years.

People urged to voice their demands

People urged to voice their demands Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With corruption and poverty so widespread, many Indonesians have become apathetic, unable to believe that they have the power to bring about change. But people power does still work. Controversial Kampar regent Jefri Noer was dismissed last year after relentless protests by teachers and students in Riau regency.

Govt sells 2-year bonds

Govt sells 2-year bonds The Jakarta Post Jakarta After canceling its last bond sale plans earlier in the month as investors sought higher-than-expected yields, the government on Tuesday sold Rp 3 trillion (some US$312 million) worth of 2-year, rupiah bonds at an average yield of 9.77 percent.

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 26, 2005

Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 26, 2005 ______________________________________________________________________________ Shares Close Change Trading Volume _______________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,640 130 74,000 Adhi Karya 670 30 18,484,000 Adira Dinamika 2,300 0 0 AGIS Tbk 120 -5 687,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 275 15 72,500 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,210 0 1,428,000 Alakasa Industrindo 165 0 0...

Police charges baseless: MMI

Police charges baseless: MMI SEMARANG: A top executive for the extremist Muslim grouping Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI) denied on Tuesday that MMI had conducted secret military-style training recently in the mountainous Kopeng area in Salatiga regency, Central Java. "MMI has never held military training secretly in any locations in the country. Fighting for truth through secret means is not MMI's style," said Irfan Awwas, chairman of the MMI, responding to police charges.

1. BUSWAY

1. BUSWAY City to build primary busway routes 2. IT Free software, used computers given to schools 3. AIR Green NGO urges city to draw up plan to effectively control air pollution 4. SPEAK27 Dewa want to show they are proud to be Muslims

Green NGO urges city to draw up plan to effectively control air pollution

Green NGO urges city to draw up plan to effectively control air pollution Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration has been urged to prepare a concrete action plan to make Bylaw No. 2/2005 on air pollution control enforceable. The bylaw, which will take effect early next year, bans, among other things, smoking in enclosed public places and requires public transportation vehicles to use compressed natural gas (CNG).

Police charges baseless: MMI

Police charges baseless: MMI SEMARANG: A top executive for the extremist Muslim grouping Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI) denied on Tuesday that MMI had conducted secret military-style training recently in the mountainous Kopeng area in Salatiga regency, Central Java. "MMI has never held military training secretly in any locations in the country. Fighting for truth through secret means is not MMI's style," said Irfan Awwas, chairman of the MMI, responding to police charges.

Spat over Indonesian Open purse nearing an end

Spat over Indonesian Open purse nearing an end Agencies Shanghai A dispute over the tardy payment of prize money to players at last month's Indonesian Open appeared to be nearing an end on Tuesday, with the European Tour saying the rest of the money would be handed over by the end of this week.

RI, China work on $507m projects

RI, China work on $507m projects Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The governments of Indonesia and China have agreed to jointly work on infrastructure projects in Indonesia worth US$507 million as a follow-up to the bilateral strategic partnership signed by the two nations' presidents on Monday.

Young RI researchers receive WIPO awards

Young RI researchers receive WIPO awards Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Young researchers from Indonesia on Tuesday received four awards from the World International Property Organization (WIPO) after winning the 2004 Business Innovation Competition for Youth held in October last year by the Ministry of National Education. The awards and certificates were presented by Ministry of Youth and Sports director of youth affairs Sudradjat Rasyid at Gadjah Mada University.

Batam Police arrest pirates

Batam Police arrest pirates The Jakarta Post, Batam Riau Islands' air and water police apprehended seven out of 12 pirates who had taken over boats for eight hours in Berakit waters in Riau Islands regency, an official said on Tuesday. Water police unit commander, Sr. Comr. Imam B. Sumpeno, told The Jakarta Post that the boats, Bahar XXVII and Bahar 11 belonging to PT Habco Primatama in Pekanbaru, were taken by force by 12 pirates operating in the Malacca Strait on Sunday at 1 a.m.

Spat over Indonesian Open purse nearing conclusion

Spat over Indonesian Open purse nearing conclusion Agencies, Shanghai A dispute over the tardy payment of prize money to players at last month's Indonesian Open appeared to be nearing an end on Tuesday, with the European Tour saying the rest of the money would be handed over by the end of this week.

Police to join new illegal logging team

Police to join new illegal logging team JAKARTA: The National Police said on Tuesday they will submit four names to the Military Police chief as members of a joint team that will handle illegal logging cases. The government plans to set up the team to deal with legal procedures for illegal logging trials since most suspects came from different backgrounds, including police and military personnel and civil servants, and different procedures are required in handling their cases.

Indonesia-China partnership

Indonesia-China partnership The strategic partnership between Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Chinese President Hu Jintao declared here on Monday ushers in a new, more vigorous phase of cooperation between the two countries in politics, economics, law and security. However, the most significant and immediate effect of the agreements will most likely be felt in the economy as each country will become more confident in tapping each other's comparative and competitive advantages.

S. Korea allocates US$5.4m in grant aid to Indonesia

S. Korea allocates US$5.4m in grant aid to Indonesia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mindful of the hardships it went through in the tough days after the Korean War in the 1950s, the Republic of Korea, or South Korea, has been avidly pursuing its calling to grow together with the other 140-odd developing countries of the world. Spearheading this drive is the Korea International Corporation Agency (Koica), which the government in Seoul established in April 1991.

PT ORIX Indonesia Finance: Customer Satisfaction - Number One

PT ORIX Indonesia Finance: Customer Satisfaction - Number One Priority Customer satisfaction! This is one of the keys to success for PT ORIX Indonesia Finance (ORIF), a company providing leasing services. It has enjoyed a remarkable achievement in its business in Indonesia in the past three decades, and owes much to customer satisfaction.

Protesters take over KPUD office

Protesters take over KPUD office BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Supporters of Kristop Arya and Sholihul Hadi, who had hoped to contest the election for regional heads, took over the office of the Way Kanan regional election committee (KPUD) in Bandarlampung on Tuesday. The protesters, who arrived in trucks and on motorcycles on Monday, demanded the committee explain why their candidates could not run in the June 27 election.

Govt, House to hold talks on Ambalat

Govt, House to hold talks on Ambalat JAKARTA: The House of Representatives will meet with the government on Friday night to discuss the dispute with Malaysia over the offshore Ambalat oil block in the Sulawesi Sea. House Speaker Agung Laksono said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at the State Palace to discuss the government's strategy for maintaining possession of Ambalat.

4heads

4heads 1. Poverty (1x35) People urged to voice their demands 2. BUMN (1x40) Govt to force state firms to join Jamsostek 3. Koica (3x16) S. Korea allocates US$5.4m in grant aid to Indonesia 4. Educate (2x32) Military joins education expo to attract potential recruits

Siak Zamrud denies obtaining loan from Bank Mandiri

Siak Zamrud denies obtaining loan from Bank Mandiri Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A little known Riau-based company, PT Siak Zamrud Pusaka, shed some light on Tuesday into the alleged lending scandal at the giant Bank Mandiri, currently being investigated by the Attorney General's Office (AGO).

Partnership helps forge economic independence

Partnership helps forge economic independence Zakki P. Hakim and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The new Asian-African partnership will help developing countries in both continents achieve economic independence, the United Nation's special envoy for UN reform, Ali Alatas, has said. "Political independence without economic independence can in no way free the teeming millions of the developing world from the poverty trap they are in," the veteran diplomat said on Tuesday.

Exclusive zone, territorial claims

Exclusive zone, territorial claims From Kompas An 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. In his book, Indonesia's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, First Adm.

Jakarta stocks index rises for 1st day in three

Jakarta stocks index rises for 1st day in three Bloomberg, Jakarta Indonesian stocks rose on Tuesday for the first day in three as the rupiah strengthened from a three-year low against the dollar. PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, the world's largest maker of instant noodles, paced gains. PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, the nation's biggest telephone company, climbed for the first day in eight after Bisnis Indonesia said the number of subscribers at its cellular unit grew 16 percent this year.

Sex trafficking growing in SE Asia: Experts

Sex trafficking growing in SE Asia: Experts Fayen Wong, Reuters/Singapore Human rights activists called on Southeast Asian governments on Tuesday to crack down on sex tourism and child trafficking, saying the problem was becoming more rampant. Experts and rights workers said more women and children in Southeast Asia were being trafficked to feed the appetite of sex tourists.

Korean food, rich in flavor but low in fat

Korean food, rich in flavor but low in fat The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For Seoul-born Lupina Cho, 27, meal time is family time. It is a time when families enjoy the food and mothers spoil their families with many side dishes. Meat, especially beef, is a treat for her family. "Meat is the main attraction of the whole meal. For example, we will have bulgogi (barbecued meat) and cook it together at the table, for the sake of spending time together and enjoying the special food," she said.

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

'Asinan' vs. 'Kimchi': Variety is the spice of life A. 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. We -- Indonesian journalists and travel company representatives -- had been invited by the South Korean Tourism Agency to see the preparations for the 2002 Asian Games.

Cipularang road opens for free

Cipularang road opens for free BANDUNG: Motorists for the moment can travel for free on the new 41.3-km Cipularang toll road, which was opened on Tuesday at 6 a.m. by developer PT Jasa Marga. Company official Singgih S., said the road was opened earlier than expected after many motorists expressed their desire to try it out. Connecting Cikampek, Purwakarta and Padalarang, the route had final repairs made to it on Monday with a landslide cleared away.

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. Taken as a drink, arsenic produces poisoning symptoms after 30 to 60 minutes, and as food after 12 hours.

Inculcating

Inculcating creativity in our daily life Dewi Susanti Jakarta Muhammad Zuhdi wrote an attractive article entitled Education and Creativity, published in The Jakarta Post on April 2. The article discussed the importance of creativity and suggested that it should be part of formal education, a message the author strongly agrees with. However, the author thinks that change will take a long time and will take more than shifting the paradigm of the education system.

M'sia blocks anti-Myanmar motion in parliament

M'sia blocks anti-Myanmar motion in parliament Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia has blocked a parliamentary motion seeking to deny Myanmar the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship next year unless it implements democratic reforms, a lawmaker said on Tuesday. The move showed that the government did not want to "offend the Myanmar regime", said Zaid Ibrahim, chairman of the cross- party Pro-Democracy Myanmar Caucus.

Mohamad Iqbal gives tsunami victims a face

Mohamad Iqbal gives tsunami victims a face Christina Schott, Contributor, Jakarta A 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. And despite all the coverage, it was seldom that TV pictures of the horror, advertisement-style packages with emotional music, delved into the personal tragedies.

Rupiah Rates April 26

Rupiah Rates April 26 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,992.75 7,210.57 7,641.24 7,561.94 Brunei dollar 1 6,224.20 5,613.85 5,950.47 5,887.42 Canadian dollar 1 8,279.51 7,469.13 7,915.39 7,833.10 Swiss franc 1 8,630.70 7,785.82 8,251.14 8,165.22 Danish krone 1 1,789.20 1,613.66 1,710.52 1,692.30 Euro 1 13,325.35 12,023.17 12,739.32 12,609.06 Poundsterling 1 19,605.51 17,689.08 18,743.29 18,551.08 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,315.22 1,186.89 1,257.37 1,244.73...

1. KPU ----- 3x16

1. KPU ----- 3x16 Election commission ready to clarify corruption report 2. Mandiri - 2x24 Siak Zamrud denies getting loan from Bank Mandiri 3. Drug ---- 2x23 Customs office foils delivery of big consignment of ecstasy 4. Pirate -- 1x36 Pirates hijack Indonesian cargo ship 5. Mamasa -- 1x38 Fresh violence in Mamasa claims four lives

TV Program: Thursday, April 28, 2005

TV Program: Thursday, April 28, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabulaga 7:30 Cartoon: Hero Classic 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 News: Berita Nusantara 12:00 p.m.

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

'Asinan' vs 'Kimchi': Variety is the spice of life A. 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. We -- Indonesian journalists and travel company representatives -- had been invited by the South Korean Tourism Agency to see the preparations for the 2002 Asian Games.

Contains SIX heads

Contains SIX heads 1. HASAN: 2 lines, 4 cols, 33 characters Indonesia, South Africa determined to make success of new partnership 2. SEMINAR: 3 lines, 2 cols, 20 characters Action plan vital for best results from A-A summit 3. TROOPS: Syrian troops quit Lebanon after 29 years 4. GOLF: 2 lines, 3 cols, 27 characters Spat over Indonesian Open purse nearing conclusion 5. CLINTON: 2 lines, 3 cols, 28 characters Clinton urges private firms not to forget about tsunami 6.

Death sentence for corruptors

Death sentence for corruptors From Media Indonesia The 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. While drug traffickers and murderers have recently gotten the firing squad, why can't the sentence be given to corruptors? Is it because they are in a position to buy their way out of the sentence?

Military joins education expo

Military joins education expo The Jakarta Post Jakarta The crowd at the Istora Senayan, a sports hall that occasionally is used as an exhibition center in South Jakarta, appeared somewhat unconventional on Tuesday as high school students, university representatives and soldiers all freely mingled. Three separate 20-square-meter booths were occupied by the Navy, the Army and the Air Force, all displaying military hardware and posters showing the joys of life in a military academy.

'Dewa wants to show they are proud to be Muslims'

'Dewa wants to show they are proud to be Muslims' Popular local rock group Dewa was reported to the police on Monday by a number of extremist Muslim groups, 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). The extremists accuse Dewa of blasphemy and have demanded a public apology. The Jakarta Post interviewed residents here on Monday for their take on the issue.

S'pore, KL hail new era of ties

S'pore, KL hail new era of ties SINGAPORE: Singapore and Malaysia on Tuesday welcomed a new era of warm bilateral relations as they signed an agreement settling a long-running dispute over the city-state's land reclamation works. The agreement is the first time the Southeast Asian neighbors have settled one of several major bilateral disputes and senior officials from both sides said they were now optimistic the other issues could also be amicably resolved.

Asia-Pacific executives wary of short-term prospects

Asia-Pacific executives wary of short-term prospects Deutsche Presse-Agentur Singapore Executives from the Asia-Pacific's developed economies are losing confidence in their countries' short-term prospects, a survey showed on Tuesday. Respondents from the region emerged the least optimistic about the next six months, although those from India and China were the most upbeat, according to a poll by the management consultancy firm McKinsey.

'Dewa wants to show that they are proud Muslims'

'Dewa wants to show that they are proud Muslims' Popular local rock group Dewa was reported to the police on Monday by a number of extremist Muslim groups, 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). The extremists accuse Dewa of blasphemy and have demanded a public apology. The Jakarta Post interviewed residents here on Monday for their take on the issue.

Tax deductions urged to support corporate social responsibility

Tax deductions urged to support corporate social responsibility The Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite the old adage that giving should be devoid of ulterior motives, tax deductions should nevertheless be offered to entice companies into fulfilling their social responsibilities, activists say. "The government could introduce tax deductions as an incentive to businesses practicing CSR (corporate social responsibility)," Transparency International Indonesia secretary-general Emmy Hafild said.

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 watch international media reports of people pleading for help days after the earthquake. Our country, as loyal neighbors of Indonesia, would have been proud to help our friends.

Self-imprisonment

Self-imprisonment The strong criticism of Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura of China just one day after a reconciliatory summit between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Chinese President Hu Jintao in Jakarta on Saturday, poured cold water on the efforts by the two leaders to warm up relations between the two Asian giants. In a retaliatory move, Machimura accused Chinese schools of indoctrinating their students with an unbalanced view of the past.

* Company denies obtaining loan from Bank Mandiri Page 2

* Company denies obtaining loan from Bank Mandiri Page 2 * Govt to force state firms to join Jamsostek Page 4 * Tanjung Pinang Police discover toxic waste Page 5 * The role of China, Japan and Korea in East Asia Page 7 * City to build primary busway routes Page 8 * Chess body to crack down on match fixing Page 10 * EU welcomes Bulgaria and Romania Page 11 * Condo, apartment supply stagnant, prices rise Page 13 * Humble midwife opens international hospital Page 17

Munir's death probe: How far can it go?

Munir's death probe: How far can it go? Imanuddin Razak, Jakarta It's been seven months since rights activist Munir Said Thalib, popularly known as Munir, died of arsenic poisoning on a flight to the Netherlands, while the government-sanctioned fact-finding team and the police have yet to complete the inquiry into the case. A autopsy report by the Dutch police revealed that the 38-year-old activist had nearly 500 milligrams of arsenic in his body, four times the lethal dose.

Toyota, Daihatsu to raise RI capacity

Toyota, Daihatsu to raise RI capacity In response to strong demand for the Kijang Innova van, PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMI), a local unit of Japanese automotive giant Toyota Motor Corp., will invest some US$40 million to expand its production capacity here.

Polyurethane patch removes ugly scars

Polyurethane patch removes ugly scars Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The scars we carry on our body tell a lot about us. Some of these stories are good, the kind we want to share with the people we meet. Other stories we keep all to ourselves because they are too painful.

China-ASEAN trade to double in five years

China-ASEAN trade to double in five years The Jakarta Post Jakarta Two-way trade between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to nearly double to US$200 billion in the next five years.

Siak Zamrud denies getting loan from Bank Mandiri

Siak Zamrud denies getting loan from Bank Mandiri Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A little known Riau-based company, PT Siak Zamrud Pusaka, shed some light on Tuesday into the alleged lending scandal at the giant Bank Mandiri, currently being investigated by the Attorney General's Office (AGO).

Fresh violence in Mamasa claims four lives

Fresh violence in Mamasa claims four lives Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Fresh violence broke out on Sunday in Mamasa regency in West Sulawesi province, leaving four people dead and two others seriously injured. In addition to the fatalities, seven houses were also burned down during the attack. Two among the four died after being shot by unknown assailants while two others died after a fire razed their homes. South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen.

Prasasti Museum roof collapses

Prasasti Museum roof collapses JAKARTA: The front section of the roof of Prasasti Museum in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, fell to the ground last Sunday, destroying at least three of its 10 supporting poles. "We heard a thunderous crash just past midnight which we thought was an earthquake. But when we went out of the house, we saw the roof of the museum falling down," said Asep, a resident living close to the museum.

BPK needs new chief

BPK needs new chief Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) chairman Anwar Nasution, as shown on TV, is enraged with Khairiansyah of the agency, who revealed the bribery case allegedly involving Mulyana W. Kusumah, a member of the General Elections Commission (KPU). Anwar Nasution repeatedly said that what Khairiansyah and his colleagues did was "vulgar", although with the knowledge of his immediate superior, because it was not the function of the BPK.

Govts vows to force state firms to joint Jamsostek

Govts vows to force state firms to joint Jamsostek The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government complained on Tuesday that many state enterprises had not insured their employees with state-owned insurance firm PT Jamsostek, even though the social security program is mandatory for all workers.

Exclusive zone,

Exclusive zone, territorial claims From Kompas An 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. In his book, Indonesia's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, First Adm.

Ex-U.S. president Clinton urges private companies not to forget

Ex-U.S. president Clinton urges private companies not to forget about tsunami relief Nick Wadhams Associated Press/United Nations The world's response to the tsunami could serve as a blueprint for future disasters, but only if donors don't give up on people in Southeast Asia who still need help, former U.S. President Bill Clinton said. Clinton, the UN envoy for tsunami recovery, told a conference of U.S. executives on Monday that there is still much to be done to help the region after the Dec.

Exclusive zone,

Exclusive zone, territorial claims From Kompas An 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. In his book, Indonesia's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, First Adm.

Customs office foils delivery of consignment of ecstasy

Customs office foils delivery of consignment of ecstasy Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang The customs and excise office at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport revealed on Tuesday that it had managed to foil the delivery of 34,810 ecstasy pills from the Netherlands. Head of the airport customs and excise office Nofrial said his office also arrested suspected sender Marcus Aijal alias Max, 42, an Indonesian-born Dutch national.

Govt offers 20% more cost recovery

Govt offers 20% more cost recovery Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post,Jakarta The government will offer higher cost recovery for operators willing to work on small oil fields, in the hope that such an incentive will boost the country's oil production by 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) and stem the steady decline in output.

Election commission ready to clarify corruption report

Election commission ready to clarify corruption report Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Citing a number of inaccurate audit aspects, the General Elections Commission (KPU) has said it is prepared to confront an investigative audit report by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) that indicates corruption of billions of rupiah by the commission.

Oil prices fall on calming comments from Saudi Arabia

Oil prices fall on calming comments from Saudi Arabia Agence France-Presse London World oil prices fell on Tuesday following comments from OPEC king in Saudi Arabia that it could increase output in the face of higher global demand, dealers said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June, dropped 47 U.S.cents to US$54.10 per barrel in electronic deals. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in June shed 25 U.S.cents, also to $54.10 per barrel.

War on corruption

War on corruption From Bisnis Indonesia Some believe that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) set up General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusumah, which led to his arrest on charges of bribery. Others expect the KPK to continue its tasks until the case is thoroughly settled through the courts. The point is that the war on corruption must go on, because the nation is facing a moral crisis, manifesting itself particularly in graft.

Govt, House to hold

Govt, House to hold talks on Ambalat JAKARTA: The House of Representatives will meet with the government on Friday night to discuss the dispute with Malaysia over the offshore Ambalat oil block in the Sulawesi Sea. House Speaker Agung Laksono said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at the State Palace to discuss the government's strategy for maintaining possession of Ambalat.

War on corruption

War on corruption From Bisnis Indonesia Some believe that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) set up General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusumah, which led to his arrest on charges of bribery. Others expect the KPK to continue its tasks until the case is thoroughly settled through the courts. The point is that the war on corruption must go on, because the nation is facing a moral crisis, manifesting itself particularly in graft.

Govt needs to take action to boost trade with Africa

Govt needs to take action to boost trade with Africa Zakki P. Hakim The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Indonesian government must quickly come up with an action plan to create stronger economic ties with African countries so that the recent New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP) bears fruit. Senior economist at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Hadi Soesastro, said the action plan must include steps to facilitate the private sector.

Phony firm lures victim with prize

Phony firm lures victim with prize JAKARTA: A lawyer saved around Rp 25 million of his nephew's money to make a tax payment to a information technology company which had announced that his nephew had won a Toyota Avanza in a lottery. After verification the company turned out to be bogus. To convince the would be victim PT Prima Media Sarana Informatika falsified the signatures of city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono and Jakarta tax agency head Daud Suhendar.

City to build primary busway corridors

City to build primary busway corridors Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration has decided to prioritize the development of six primary busway corridors prior to 2007, instead of 12 as announced earlier. "The City Public Works Agency is now studying the planned 12 corridors and will pick six priority corridors as their presence will make a significant improvement to the whole transportation system," City Secretary Ritola Tasmaya told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Action plan vital for best results from A-A Summit

Action plan vital for best results from A-A Summit Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governments from Asian and African countries must quickly come up with an action plan to create stronger economic ties so that the recent New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP) bears fruit. Senior economist at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Hadi Soesastro, said the action plan must include steps to facilitate the private sector in Asia and Africa.

JP/13/BI

JP/13/BI Rupiah gains as central bank steps in to defend the currency The Jakarta Post Jakarta The rupiah bounced back on Tuesday from its recent slide against the dollar, following the central bank's latest market intervention and its unveiling of a new arsenal of monetary measures to defend the local currency from future volatility.

Military joins education expo to attract potential recruits

Military joins education expo to attract potential recruits The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The crowd at the Istora Senayan, a sports hall that occasionally is used as an exhibition center in South Jakarta, appeared somewhat unconventional on Tuesday as high school students, university representatives and soldiers all freely mingled.

Rupiah up, BI steps in to defend currency

Rupiah up, BI steps in to defend currency The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rupiah bounced back on Tuesday from its recent slide against the dollar, following the central bank's latest market intervention and its unveiling of a new arsenal of monetary measures to defend the local currency from future volatility.

Percasi vows to get tough on match fixing

Percasi vows to get tough on match fixing Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chess players have been warned against match fixing during next week's Japfa Chess Festival amid a drive by the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) to promote fair play.

ORIF has managed to survive, Matsuoka said, because it can

ORIF has managed to survive, Matsuoka said, because it can provide funds at a lower cost. The company has gone through a long process to reach this stage. At first, the company, which was called PT Orient Bina Usaha Leasing (OBUL), was a joint venture undertaking between Orient Leasing Co. Ltd. (OLC) and PT Bina Usaha Indonesia. OBUL, the pioneer in the leasing industry in Indonesia, has developed various leasing products.

Pirates hijack Indonesian cargo ship

Pirates hijack Indonesian cargo ship Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur Pirates hijacked a tin-laden Indonesian ship traveling to Singapore and held the crew captive for two days while unloading the cargo in a Malaysian port, a maritime watchdog said on Tuesday.

Indonesia, S. Africa determined to make success of new partnership

Indonesia, S. Africa determined to make success of new partnership Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia and South Africa, co-hosts of the recent Asian-African Summit, agreed on Tuesday to implement the summit's results with "modest but realistic actions" in the near future, the Indonesian foreign minister said.

Tanjung Pinang Police discover toxic waste

Tanjung Pinang Police discover toxic waste Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Pinang Tanjung Pinang police officers on the island of Bintan, near Singapore have discovered thousands of tons of hazardous waste and arrested the regency council speaker over his alleged role in the case, a senior police officer has said. The senior officer with the National Police headquarters, Insp. Gen.

Musim Mas

Musim Mas OLEOCHEMICAL: An aerial view of the oleochemical factory complex near the North Sumatra seaport of Belawan, which is expanding its annual production capacity to 357,000 metric tons. This facility, owned by Musim Mas, an integrated palm oil corporation, will become the world's second largest oleochemical plant when it comes on stream in 2007.

Visa-on-arrival

Visa-on-arrival I would like to reply to an article in The Jakarta Post on April 19 under the heading RI demands on-arrival visas from Australia. Firstly, I am not Australian but English. I find it unbelievable that the coordinating minister for the economy would demand such action when he obviously has not looked at the negative changes that his government has implemented regarding visa entry into Indonesia since February last year.

Free software, used computers given to schools

Free software, used computers given to schools Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As part of efforts to fight software piracy across the country, Microsoft Indonesia has since 2003 handed out 30,000 original software packages together with second-hand personal computers (PCs) to around 15,000 schools and universities across the country. The schools, ranging from elementary schools to universities, however, were still required to pay an annual copyright fee of US$2.50.

South Africa's Mbeki confers awards on heroes, dead and alive

South Africa's Mbeki confers awards on heroes, dead and alive Agence France-Presse Pretoria South African President Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday bestowed national honors on independence heroes including India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indonesia's founding president Sukarno as well as a university where many African liberation leaders had studied. The awards, presented twice yearly, go to South Africans and foreigners for outstanding service to their country.

South Africa's Mbeki confers awards on heroes, dead and alive

South Africa's Mbeki confers awards on heroes, dead and alive Agence France-Presse Pretoria South African President Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday bestowed national honors on independence heroes including India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indonesia's founding president Sukarno as well as a university where many African liberation leaders had studied. The awards, presented twice yearly, go to South Africans and foreigners for outstanding service to their country.

Government sells 2-year bonds

Government sells 2-year bonds The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After canceling its last bond sale plans earlier in the month as investors sought higher-than-expected yields, the government on Tuesday sold Rp 3 trillion (some US$312 million) worth of 2-year, rupiah bonds at an average yield of 9.77 percent.

City to prioritize primary busway corridors

City to prioritize primary busway corridors Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The city administration has decided to prioritize the development of six primary busway corridors prior to 2007, instead of 12 as announced earlier. "The City Public Works Agency is now studying the planned 12 corridors and will pick six priority corridors as their presence will make a significant improvement to the whole transportation system," City Secretary Ritola Tasmaya told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Mbeki confers awards on heroes, dead and alive

Mbeki confers awards on heroes, dead and alive Agence France-Presse, Pretoria South African President Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday bestowed national honors on independence heroes including India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indonesia's founding president Sukarno as well as a university where many African liberation leaders had studied. The awards, presented twice yearly, go to South Africans and foreigners for outstanding service to their country.

Sutiyoso to breed doves at Monas

Sutiyoso to breed doves at Monas JAKARTA: Riding on his success in releasing spotted deer in the National Monument Park in Central Jakarta, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday that he would breed doves in order to brighten up area around the monument. "I want birds chirping at the monument as it is a common sight in big cities in Europe, like in Paris or London," Sutiyoso said after a meeting to discuss preparations for the city's 478th anniversary.

Hundreds of juniors to compete in tourney

Hundreds of juniors to compete in tourney Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least 720 juniors from 11 provinces will get the chance to catch the eye of talent scouts in the Jakarta Governor Cup national badminton tournament, to be held from Thursday to Sunday.

[b][i] Something smells very fishy about this. We should double and

Something smells very fishy about this. We should double and triple check the "facts" that he so brazenly tosses around. First, does he mean a "fatal dose is 100 mg" or merely toxic. Surely, even 1mg would be at the very least, "toxic". Second, his "fact" about the autopsy and Munir's family seems way off base.