Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 November 2001

87 articles found

RI deserves CGI support: IMF

RI deserves CGI support: IMF Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The International Monetary Fund (IMF) promised a helping hand in Indonesia's bid to secure some Rp 35.4 trillion (about US$3.7 billion) in new loans from the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), as the Fund said it would suggest donor countries lend their support to Indonesia. The IMF's senior resident representative in Jakarta, David C. Nellor said on Tuesday Indonesia deserved support from the CGI.

Minister defends polygamous men

Minister defends polygamous men MALAYSIA: The virility of the men in a Malaysian state was defended on Tuesday by their top government official, who said the high rate of polygamy there discredited reports of widespread impotence. The chief minister of northern Perlis state, Shahidan Kassim, called the local Bernama news agency to say reports that the state had the highest number of erectile dysfunction (ED) cases was "confusing".

Zhu's visit to strengthen economic ties

Zhu's visit to strengthen economic ties The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Aimed at solidifying relations between the two largest countries in East Asia, China's Prime Minister Zhu Rongji pays a five-day state visit to Indonesia beginning on Wednesday. Zhu's visit, the first by a Chinese prime minister in the past 11 years, is expected to bring pledges of financial assistance to Indonesia and to focus on strengthening economic ties between the "two giants" of the region. Zhu, born on Oct.

Welcome Premier Zhu

Welcome Premier Zhu A very special guest is coming to town this Wednesday: Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji, who is starting his four-day official visit. The visit, the first by a Chinese prime minister to Indonesia in 11 years, is very special in more than one respect. Indonesia would do well to take advantage of and explore the opportunities presented by this occasion. China has undergone a massive transformation in recent years and it is no longer the backward communist state it once was.

Bomb found in traffic police post

Bomb found in traffic police post BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Aceh Besar police found a handmade bomb left by unidentified persons at a traffic police post on Simpang Jam, Taman Sari, in downtown Banda Aceh on Tuesday, thanks to passers- by. Deputy chief of the security restoration operation Comr. Miyanto said on Tuesday that the handmade bomb equipped with a timer had been detonated by the Aceh police's bomb-squad.

"The illegal logging will continue unless the forest

"The illegal logging will continue unless the forest authorities and police do not take action against squatters and timber businessmen who are allegedly behind the tree theft." Haryono Kusumo

Man tried for drug possession

Man tried for drug possession TANGERANG: A 20-year-old man was tried at the Tangerang District Court on Tuesday on charges of possessing 1.8 grams of heroin. Prosecutor Ferry Silalahi said the defendant, Junaedi alias Penyi, was arrested by the police at a Wartel (telecommunications booth) on Jl. Saleh Ali, Tangerang, on Aug. 15 after police got a call from a local resident who said that the defendant frequently sold drugs at the Wartel.

Entertainment and Ramadhan

Entertainment and Ramadhan Every time the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan approaches, there are pros and cons regarding the need to close entertainment venues during this month. Therefore, those in favor and against the closure of nightspots during the fasting month should consider the following in order that a win-win solution may be arrived at and the result incorporated in a stipulation of the regional administration; 1.

CGI creditors must now lend an ear the poor

CGI creditors must now lend an ear the poor H.S. Dillon, Observer, Economic Devepment Issues, Jakarta This Wednesday morning a group of well-intentioned donors is scheduled to sit down with our politicians and bureaucrats to discuss the size of the loans we will get next year. Figures have been bandied around for some time, and it is safe to expect that the final sum will not fall too far from these well-informed estimates.

US$5m for regional library improvement

US$5m for regional library improvement Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Good news for book-loving students and community members in the regions: The government, in cooperation with the World Bank, will launch a US$5 million project to improve school and community libraries in three provinces starting next year. The program, which will be co-ordinated by the National Library (Perpusnas), will open greater opportunities for the active participation of locals.

Straightening out meaning of jihad

Straightening out meaning of jihad From Rakyat Merdeka Western countries such as the United States are still propagating their view that Islamic holy war (jihad) is similar to terror. They regard mujahideen as a group of terrorists or extremists that must be eliminated. They are afraid that Muslims' spirits can demolish their hegemony.

Power struggle wrapped in fight against graft

Power struggle wrapped in fight against graft Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Post It is a classic attack and revenge story. A new political drama unfolds itself. This time it is Akbar Tandjung, Speaker of the House of Representatives and former military chief Gen. (ret.) Wiranto. They have been charged with misappropriating Rp 40 billion. The end of the drama, however, is clear. They will never be touched by the hands of the law.

Regional faction reinstated, 'bad men' return

Regional faction reinstated, 'bad men' return Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Remember the old politicians who made a scene jostling and screaming at each other at the first-day meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly the other day? The "bad men" eventually got what they fought for yesterday: Their Regional Representatives Faction will be reinstated. It will be renamed, though.

Poetry reading at TIM

Poetry reading at TIM JAKARTA: Poets from three generations will appear at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Arts Center on Jl. Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta, to read some of Indonesia's most renowned literary masterpieces on Saturday evening. The seniors are Sapardi Djoko Damono, Toety Heraty and Leon Agusta, while those who are of the second generation are Afrizal Maina, F.Rahardi and Isbedi Stiawan. Toto S. Radik, Dorothea Rosa Herliany and Helvie Tiana Rosa will represent the younger poets.

Luong to make a three-nation tour

Luong to make a three-nation tour VIETNAM: President Tran Duc Luong is to make a three-nation Southeast Asian tour later this month covering Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines, the foreign ministry said in Hanoi on Tuesday. Luong will start his tour in the region's biggest nation of Indonesia on Saturday, before heading to Brunei next Monday and the Philippines on Nov. 14. The president is also due to travel to neighboring Cambodia Nov.

[b]Jakarta International Film Festival (JiFFest) Schedule for

Jakarta International Film Festival (JiFFest) Schedule for Wednesday: Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 22, South Jakarta (Tel. 5268458); Halo Kang Mamat, 7:30 p.m. . Djakarta Theater, Thamrin, Central Jakarta (Tel. 3848944); Eternal Empire, 7:30 p.m. . TIM 1, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Tel. 325130); Before the Storm, 4:55 p.m., Andanggaman, 7:05 p.m., Short Sharp and Shock, 9:15 p.m. . TIM 2: Ditto, 5:35 p.m., Amelle from Montmarte, 7:45 p.m. .

RI-S'pore agreement on labor

RI-S'pore agreement on labor SINGAPORE: Indonesia and Singapore would sign a new agreement to protect Indonesian workers, mostly serving as maids in the neighboring city state, an Indonesian diplomat said. Unlike the previous agreement, the new accord document would be written in two languages -- Indonesian and English, said Renvyanis Gazali, the diplomat dealing with labor affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.

Police action needed to save C. Java forests

Police action needed to save C. Java forests Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto State-owned forest company PT Perhutani has called on authorities in Central Java to take action against widespread illegal logging practices, which had contributed to recent floods and landslides in the southern part of the province.

Money Matters

Money Matters PT Bank Internasional Indonesia has received government bonds worth Rp 13.9 trillion (US$1.3 billion) to replace nonperforming loans that had been transferred to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency. The injection of government bonds is part of moves by Indonesian authorities to rescue BII, which is saddled with bad loans owed by units of the Sinar Mas group, in particular Asia Pulp & Paper.

Bayer opens new Rp 61b plant in N. Sumatra

Bayer opens new Rp 61b plant in N. Sumatra Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Morawa Pharmaceutical and consumer goods producer PT Bayer Indonesia Tbk, through its subsidiary PT Intikimiatama Perkasa, has invested Rp 61 billion (US$5.5 million) in building a mosquito coil factory in Tanjung Morawa, North Sumatra. Company president Hans-Josef Schill said on Tuesday that the investment underlined the company's continued confidence in Indonesia's potential for growth.

Court bill full of loopholes

Court bill full of loopholes Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite strong support for the establishment of a constitutional court, some legislators suggest that deliberation on the issue should be delayed due to loopholes in the draft amendment. Legislators also question how much authority should be granted to the envisioned constitutional court in comparison to that given to the Supreme Court, Indonesia's highest judicial body.

Are Golkar and PDI-P horse trading?

Are Golkar and PDI-P horse trading? Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lobbying among political factions that intensify after debates on constitutional amendment came to a deadlock has prompted suspicion of horse trading among major political parties. On the spotlight are the two biggest factions in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Golkar Party.

Truth needed to reconcile the past: Golkar Party

Truth needed to reconcile the past: Golkar Party Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party, which many political observers say is a legacy of the authoritarian and corrupt New Order regime, has put forward the idea of establishing a national truth and reconciliation commission.

Six people quizzed over murder of Korean

Six people quizzed over murder of Korean Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The police have questioned six people as witnesses in the murder of a Korean business consultant on Monday morning at his residence in Taman Kartini housing estate, East Bekasi, a senior official said on Tuesday. "We've queried some witnesses, including among others, his housemaid, his driver, and several neighbors in our investigation into the homicide," Bekasi Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

E. Java officials eat up budget for overseas trips

E. Java officials eat up budget for overseas trips Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Does history just repeat itself? This appears to be happening with East Java officials who, since the New Order era, have made a habit of using unexpended budgetary funds for overseas trips. East Java Governor Imam Utomo and 35 provincial officials are currently enjoying overseas travel, consuming Rp 1.5 billion from the current budget.

Dialog partners propose active role

Dialog partners propose active role INDONESIA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Tuesday that ASEAN's dialog partners -- China, Japan and South Korea -- had proposed that they actively join the next ASEAN summit from the beginning, and not in the form of an ASEAN plus three meeting.

Corporate Briefs

Corporate Briefs Singapore Telecommunications Ltd's first-half net profit could fall as much as 18 percent but its strong balance sheet and regional presence keep investors clinging onto its stock. Asia's sixth-largest telecoms group went on a buying spree this year, paying US$9 billion for Australia's Cable & Wireless Optus in September and $602 million for a 22.3 percent stake in Indonesia's Telkomsel last month. -- Reuters South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co. Ltd.

Guthrie denies

Guthrie denies We are representing Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad in the legal proceedings that have been taken against our client by PT Adhiyasa Saranamas. On Oct. 11, 2001 an article about these proceedings appeared in The Jakarta Post under the heading Court insists on hearing Guthrie contract dispute.

Delay on anticorruption law review may hamper disbursement of

Delay on anticorruption law review may hamper disbursement of foreign aid: Minister Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday that delay in the review of Corruption Law No. 31/1999 might hamper the disbursement of foreign financial assistance. "Members of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) have said that the delay in the deliberation of the review of the anticorruption law did not matter.

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in Surabaya Performances * Theater: Faust written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, at the Petra Christ University, Jl. Siwalankerto 121-131, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 10. * Comedy and Visual Illustration by British theater group The Invisible Men, The Plaza Surabaya, 7 p.m., Nov. 7. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Tel. 031 5311234): - Lobby: Solo Pianist, daily 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday to Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday 7 p.m.

Decree on terrorism discussed

Decree on terrorism discussed Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday that the government had yet to discuss the possibility of issuing a presidential decree on terrorism in response to the UN Security Council's resolution on the freezing of assets belonging to terrorist groups.

Reconciliation commission: The Golkar Party, which many political

Reconciliation commission: The Golkar Party, which many political observers say is a legacy of the authoritarian and corrupt New Order regime, has put forward the idea of establishing a national truth and reconciliation commission.

Banks to collect sanitation fees

Banks to collect sanitation fees MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The mayoralty of Makassar is now allowing residents to pay their sanitation fees at local banks, following a deal signed by the mayoralty and 17 banks on Monday. The head of Makassar City Park Agency, Burhanuddin MS said on Tuesday that since the deal had been signed, residents could simply go to the bank to pay their monthly sanitation fees. "The money collected by the banks will be directly transferred to the mayoralty.

Audit agency attempts to recover trillions

Audit agency attempts to recover trillions Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Agriculture has accounted for Rp 125 million following its settlement of 35 financial-related irregularities valued at Rp 14.99 billion discovered by the State Audit Agency (BPK) in its 1999 and 2000 reports.

Food exhibition in Magelang

Food exhibition in Magelang MAGELANG, Central Java: In commemoration of World Food Day, celebrated on the first Monday in November, the regency of Magelang, Central Java, will hold a two-day food exhibition starting on Nov. 10. Regent's deputy for administration and development Soeharto said here on Tuesday that the expo would take place in the village of Bojong in the Mungkid district. "We will display various high quality fruit and food products," Soeharto said.

Delay on anticorruption law review may hamper disbursement of

Delay on anticorruption law review may hamper disbursement of foreign aid: Minister Tiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post Jakarta Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday that delay in the review of Corruption Law No. 31/1999 might hamper the disbursement of foreign financial assistance. "Members of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) have said that the delay in the deliberation of the review of the anticorruption law did not matter.

Activists condemn city administration

Activists condemn city administration The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists criticized on Tuesday the city administration's policy on the eviction of poor urban people, including those living along riverbanks here. Tubagus H. Karbyanto, spokesman of the Antieviction Society Alliance, said the eviction policy showed that the administration had never regarded the poor as city residents.

Handling Indonesia's debts

Handling Indonesia's debts The central bank, Bank Indonesia, has said that the country's total foreign debt has reached US$137.6 billion -- consisting of the government's debts ($74.16 billion) and corporate debts ($63.43 billion). The government has been trying to repay its debts, which accounts for the sharp decrease in the state budget. The Paris Club has rescheduled Indonesia's debts since 1988, but this has not had any great impact.

'Dialog with squatters crucial'

'Dialog with squatters crucial' Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Providing adequate housing for squatters in the city is not an impossible task but a matter of willingness on the part of city officials and the government, said visiting mayor of Naga city, the Philippines, Jesse Robredo. He said that mutual trust between the government and the affected community should be established in order to be able to open talks to resolve the matter.

100,000 textile workers may lose jobs in 2002

100,000 textile workers may lose jobs in 2002 Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Some 100,000 textile workers may lose their jobs next year due to a combination of the global economic slump and unfavorable domestic conditions, according to a top industry executive.

Trans-ASEAN gas project on schedule

Trans-ASEAN gas project on schedule Julia Yeow, Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur Work on a regional gas project linking the national networks of Southeast Asian countries is on track despite the global economic slowdown, the project chief said Tuesday. Mohd Farid Mohd Amin, chief coordinator of the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP) taskforce, attributed this to the undiminished need for cheaper and more efficient energy sources in the region.

FAO members OK treaty on plant genetic resources

FAO members OK treaty on plant genetic resources Associated Press, Rome An international treaty governing the use of plant genetic resources has been approved by 116 countries, with abstentions by the United States and Japan, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization announced Monday.

Thousands of people were left homeless, as their houses in

Thousands of people were left homeless, as their houses in East Ancol and Pejagalan in North Jakarta were demolished recently.

1. Sampah -- (4 x 12) -

1. Sampah -- (4 x 12) - Corruption blamed for Surabaya's garbage woes 2. Hutan -- (2 x 18) - Police action needed to save C. Java forests 3. Surbaya -- (2 x 20) - E. Java officials eat up budget for overseas trips 4. Mercon -- (2 x 18) - 30,000 firecrackers seized in Indramayu

Indofood's nine-month profits increase 14%

Indofood's nine-month profits increase 14% Food processor PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk said on Tuesday that its net income rose 14 percent to Rp 573.5 billion (US$52 million) in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period of 2000. Consolidated sales for the nine-month period reached Rp 10.7 trillion, or a 14 percent increase over the same period of last year, company president and chief executive officer Eva Riyanti Hutapea said in a statement on Tuesday.

Menopause Day declared

Menopause Day declared JAKARTA: In line with the launching of a campaign to improve the quality of life for mature women, the government has set Oct. 18 as Menopause Day. "The declaration of Menopause Day is in line with the international movement to encourage the world community to pay wider attention to the issues of health after menopause," chairman of the Indonesian Society for Menopause (Permi) Ali Baziad said. He said the number of aging Indonesian women increased every year.

India to be invited to next summit

India to be invited to next summit BRUNEI: India will be invited to a summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, mirroring a two-year- old arrangement that has led to closer ties between the 10- country grouping and China, Japan and South Korea, officials said on Tuesday.

New routes to promote market

New routes to promote market TANGERANG: The Tangerang municipal administration is expanding five minivan routes, obliging the vehicles to pass the newly opened Tanah Tinggi main market in an effort to boost business at the market. The local development planning agency chief Affan Permana said that Tanah Tinggi market was expected to become the municipality's economic and trading center.

Germany-RI science tie-up

Germany-RI science tie-up JAKARTA: Germany has agreed to help Indonesia further improve the management of the nation's governmental and research institutions as well as companies. A letter of understanding was signed in Jakarta on Nov. 2 by visiting German Deputy Minister of Education and Research Uwe Thomas and Minister of Research and Technology Hatta Radjasa, the German Embassy said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Erasmus Huis to present street theater

Erasmus Huis to present street theater JAKARTA: The Dutch Cultural Center, Erasmus Huis, will present a two-day street theater program performed by artists from six member countries of the European Union, commencing next Monday. "This event will help promote Jakarta as a safe city that is not dangerous for foreigners," Erasmus Huis' deputy director Peter Anthonie Hamoen told Antara here on Tuesday.

Japan won't be left behind in Asia: Koizumi

Japan won't be left behind in Asia: Koizumi Elaine Lies, Reuters, Bandar Seri Begawan Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi denied on Tuesday his nation faces a challenge to its Asian leadership hopes from China, saying that Japan will not be left behind in the region. Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China agreed to a free trade area within 10 years, prompting questions in some areas that attention, and influence, may be shifting from Japan to China.

Reforestation fund too small

Reforestation fund too small MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The head of the West Nusa Tenggara Forestry Office, Soeherdie, has said that the 2001 reforestation fund for the province is too small. "We requested a total of Rp 4.9 billion, but only Rp 500 million was approved. We can do nothing with such a small amount of money and it was also disbursed very late," said Soeherdie. "In the past we have received reforestation funds in July but this year the money was provided in October.

Going bananas over new cafe

Going bananas over new cafe Deni Putri, Contributor, Jakarta Bananas, which are easy to find in tropical countries, taste sweet and are good for your health and personal appearance, thanks to their nutritional value. Many Indonesians love bananas and include the fruit on their daily menus. They add the fruit to a variety of dishes including martabak (traditional pancake), es palubutung (flour-wrapped banana with ice and syrup) and banana cakes.

Moderate Muslims

Moderate Muslims On Thursday the Indonesian President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, warned the U.S. that its bombardment of Afghanistan should halt during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, which begins in mid- November. A "humanitarian pause" is essential, she says, to allow aid agencies to deliver desperately needed food and medical supplies and prevent a humanitarian disaster as winter takes hold. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation.

Corruption blamed for Surabaya's garbage woes

Corruption blamed for Surabaya's garbage woes Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya Surabaya residents and nongovernmental organizations have blamed the city administration's mismanagement and corruption for the accumulating garbage that has been the cause of increasing criticism for months. Soemarno, a resident in south Surabaya, said garbage accumulating at temporary dumps in the city had a lot to do with waste mismanagement and the leakage of funds collected from residents.

City bans alcohol during Ramadhan

City bans alcohol during Ramadhan Ahmad Junaidi and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Officials in Jakarta announced on Tuesday they would ban all cafes, bars and restaurants from selling alcoholic drinks during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. Speaking in a meeting between local officials and Muslim leaders, Governor Sutiyoso said the ban would be stipulated in a gubernatorial decree on the operations of entertainment centers and restaurants during Ramadhan.

Public access to natural resources

Public access to natural resources Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) concluded on Tuesday its preliminary debate on the draft decree for Agrarian Reform and Natural Resource Management that will lay the foundation for reform of subordinate regulations. The long-awaited draft is expected to be presented before a higher commission for reassessment on Wednesday.

Guidelines on autonomy law urgent: Analysts

Guidelines on autonomy law urgent: Analysts Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government should explain and issue guidelines on the autonomy law in order to avoid confusion in its implementation, analysts said on Tuesday. "The central government should provide a comprehensive explanation for provincial and regency administrations about decentralization programs and law," former minister of regional autonomy Ryaas Rasyid told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

ASEAN drugs conference in Bali

ASEAN drugs conference in Bali JAKARTA: Indonesia will host the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) drugs conference next week to discuss common operational measures that the 10 member countries can implement to help curb drug trafficking in the region. The three-day conference will start on Monday in Denpasar, Bali, with participants comprising ASEAN countries, donor countries China and Japan, and representatives of the United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP).

RI bridge team to revel in Salt Lake challenge

RI bridge team to revel in Salt Lake challenge Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian bridge team has put the disappointing campaign at the recent Bermuda Bowl behind it and is now set for a new challenge when the 2002 Winter Olympics begin in Salt Lake City, the United States, in February. Indonesia's bridge governing body (Gabsi), plans to carry out a training camp for the competitors starting on Nov.

30,000 firecrackers seized in Indramayu

30,000 firecrackers seized in Indramayu Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu Indramayu police have seized at least 30,000 illegal firecrackers in a joint security operation with the local military on the eve of the Ramadhan fasting month. Adj. Sr. Comr. Setyo Warsito, chief of the Indramayu, West Java, Police Precinct, said there were no arrests during the joint operation though those caught were given a final warning.

1. Bayer (4x8)

1. Bayer (4x8) Bayer opens new Rp 61b plant in N. Sumatra 2. Britis (2x18) Security not an issue: British minister 3. Rupiah (2x27) Rupiah flirts with 11,000 mark amid pessimism in RI economy 4. SIA (4x8) SIA cuts services to U.S., Japan, Australia 5. Indo (2x18) Indofood's nine-month profits increase 14% 6. Toshi (4x8) Toshiba plans closure of units

Illegal gas pumps defended

Illegal gas pumps defended The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday that some 32 gasoline filling stations located in "green" areas here could not be closed down, even though their permits had expired and there were no suitable alternative locations for them. "We can take no action against them as we have not yet found new locations," he said.

SIA cuts services to U.S., Japan, Australia

SIA cuts services to U.S., Japan, Australia Agence France-Presse, Singapore Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Tuesday announced cuts to its services to Australia, Japan, Taiwan and the United States as a result of the global aviation slowdown and approaching winter months.

Siamese twin surgery fails

Siamese twin surgery fails MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Surgery to separate Siamese twins performed by the East Lombok Dr. Soejono Selong General Hospital had been unsuccessful and the babies had died, the hospital director Dr. Muchdar confirmed on Tuesday. "The team of surgeons led by Dr. Deni Jayapurnomo tried its best to separate the one-week-old male babies, but failed," Muchdar said. He said the twins had been born with serious defects.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.

Trans-ASEAN gas grid on schedule despite slowdown: project chief

Trans-ASEAN gas grid on schedule despite slowdown: project chief Julia Yeow Agence France-Presse Kuala Lumpur Work on a regional gas project linking the national networks of Southeast Asian countries is on track despite the global economic slowdown, the project chief said Tuesday. Mohd Farid Mohd Amin, chief coordinator of the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP) taskforce, attributed this to the undiminished need for cheaper and more efficient energy sources in the region.

ASEAN eyes free trade zone with China

ASEAN eyes free trade zone with China Chris Foley, Agence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan Southeast Asian leaders pushed back their economic frontier on Tuesday, confirming plans for the world's largest free trade zone with China and beginning work on a broader bloc taking in Japan and South Korea.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 6

Rupiah Rates Nov. 6 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Only clean govt can save the forests

Only clean govt can save the forests Wiryono, Lecturer, Department of Forestry, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu Sumatra's lowland forests, according to World Bank predictions, will last only another four years. Kalimantan's forests will vanish in nine years. Lowland tropical rain forest is one of the world's most productive ecosystems, and also the richest in biodiversity.

An Ideal counterpart for Indonesia

An Ideal counterpart for Indonesia Foreign trade is an important factor in Poland's economic growth. The share of trade exchange in the GDP has grown from 35 percent in 1990 to 52 percent in 2000. Last year total exports were valued at US$31.7 billion and imports reached $48.9 billion. This year exports have been growing at a record pace, while the value of imports remained stable. European Union countries are the main partners of Poland in foreign trade.

Rapid spread of HIV among drug users calls for action

Rapid spread of HIV among drug users calls for action Joyce Djaelani Gordon, Chairperson, Kita Foundation, Addiction Treatment and Community, Recovery Center in West Java, Jakarta The latest, most up-to-date report on the spread of HIV in Asia released by the Monitoring the AIDS Pandemic (MAP) Network shows how Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Nepal and Vietnam have registered a marked increases in HIV infection.

1. UPC - 1x25

1. UPC - 1x25 'Dialog with squatters crucial' 2. Critic - 1x 34 Activists condemn city administration 3. Korea - 1x28 Six quizzed in murder of Korean 4. Gas - 3x8 Illegal gas pumps defended

Only the best for Becky's daughter

Only the best for Becky's daughter JAKARTA: Presenter Rebecca "Becky" Tumewu aims to provide the best education for her 18-month-old daughter Tara Marie Dermawan, as well as giving her a little brother or sister. "I have already got some information on pre-schools, but I haven't registered my daughter yet. I think going to pre-schools is a good way to socialize my daughter but she's still too young.

Explosion rocks Australian International School

Explosion rocks Australian International School Blast rocks int'l school: A strong blast rocked the Australian International School on Jl. Jati Mulya in South Jakarta late on Tuesday at around 8:30 p.m., reports said. There were no reports of casualties. Reports on the damage were not yet available. Witnesses said two men riding a Yamaha RX King motorbike tossed something into the school grounds which exploded,

MPR to hold president accountable each year

MPR to hold president accountable each year The Jakarta Post, Jakarta After having second thoughts, legislators of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) voted yesterday for the president to give an accountability speech every year. They argued that holding the president accountable on an annual basis was a better form of supervision of the government, even though some critics have said it is a waste of money.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.06, 2001: -------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,200 0 3,000 Adindo Foresta 90 5 12,500 AGIS 140 -5 766,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 165 -5 6,000 Alakasa 200 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 775 -25 162,000 Alter Abadi 55 0 0 Alumindo Light 525 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 250 0...

Two shot dead in drug arrest

Two shot dead in drug arrest JAKARTA: The police shot and killed on Monday two men suspected of drug trafficking, confiscating one kilogram of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) from the suspects, a police officer said on Tuesday. Bekasi Police detectives chief Adj. Comr. Didik Sukadi said that both suspects were shot when they tried to escape police arrest.

Rupiah flirts with 11,000 mark amid pessimism in RI economy

Rupiah flirts with 11,000 mark amid pessimism in RI economy The rupiah plunged early on Tuesday to beyond 11,000 per U.S. dollar, reaching the lowest level in three months, but managed to strengthen late in the afternoon amid rumors of Bank Indonesia intervention and profit taking. The local currency ended higher at 10,835 compared to 10,940 on Monday. Dealers said that corporate dollar demand and a slew of bad news for the economy had caused the rupiah to be under strong pressure.

Japan to pledge aid for Indochina development projects

Japan to pledge aid for Indochina development projects Miwa Suzuki, Agence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan Japan is ready to help open up development "corridors" in eastern and western parts of Indochina rather than back a railway linking Southeast Asia to southern China, officials said Tuesday. The comments came ahead of talks in Brunei between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Warning against certain ideology

Warning against certain ideology From Kompas Banners warning against the dangers of certain ideologies and faith are now commonplace on the streets. Besides spoiling the beauty of the city, these signs can arouse great suspicion and fear within the community. Whatever we might call it, whether ideology, religion or faith, if it is founded on bad intentions we should always be on our guard. The most important thing of all is, in fact, knowing how to protect ourselves.

Scavenger killed by colleague

Scavenger killed by colleague JAKARTA: A scavenger was stabbed to death on Monday by his colleague, an ex-convict, while the pair divided scraps they had collected in Penjaringan area, North Jakarta. The victim was identified as Hasim, 35. Hasim's friend, Marno, told The Jakarta Post that the dispute between Hasim and Jumali, the suspect, started when they argued over a piece of plywood found in the area, where the city administration demolished hundreds of temporary houses last month.

Security not an issue: British minister

Security not an issue: British minister Security issues have never been an obstacle for British investment to come to Indonesia, and the British government will continue to support Indonesia in the current economic situation, an envoy has said. Visiting British Minister for Energy and Industry Brian Wilson said on Tuesday after meeting Vice President Hamzah Haz that the British oil industry and other companies would invest more in Indonesia in the near future.

Anticorruption law review delay affects foreign aid

Anticorruption law review delay affects foreign aid Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday that delay in the review of Corruption Law No. 31/1999 might hamper the disbursement of foreign financial assistance. "Members of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) have said that the delay in the deliberation of the review of the anticorruption law did not matter.

Asian currencies await U.S. rate verdict

Asian currencies await U.S. rate verdict Netty Ismail, Dow Jones, Singapore Asian currencies were mixed late Tuesday, with the market on tenterhooks ahead of an anticipated interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve later in the global trading day, dealers said. The Indonesian currency took center stage, slipping below Rp 11,000 to the dollar. But it quickly regained its footing above that psychologically important threshold.

Cataract operation for free

Cataract operation for free MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: As many as 321 low-income cataract patients have been nominated to receive free operations under a plan initiated by the provincial Social Welfare Coordinating Body (BK3S). BK3S chairwoman Mrs. Darmadi CH said on Tuesday said that the operations started on Tuesday. The 321 patients were from Maros and Gowa regencies, she said. "The program will stop at the beginning of the Muslim fasting month on Nov.

China-RI ties: Challenges and opportunities

China-RI ties: Challenges and opportunities Jusuf Wanandi, Member, Board of Trustees, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta China is already a big influence in East Asia. If she can overcome her political and economic challenges, she will become a great power regionally and globally in the next 20 years or so. The strategic challenges arising from such a development will be great. Will China be able to adjust to her status and power?