1. Poso (4x9)
1. Poso (4x9) Ministers weighs possible state of emergency in C. Sulawesi Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno have visited Poso, Central Sulawesi, to explore a possible state of civilian emergency to resolve the prolonged sectarian conflict in the regency.
Meanwhile, Central Sulawesi Governor Aminuddin Panulele said that the escalating tension over the last two weeks should not be considered a sufficient preliminary condition for declaring a state of emergency.
After arriving in Poso, the two ministers held separate meetings with local Muslim leaders and officials before traveling to Tentena, where some 30,000 people have sought refuge following the destruction of their villages.
There was a minor disturbance when a number of local Muslims attacked Christian leaders who had come to Poso to escort the ministers to Tentena, which lies some 40 kilometers south of the town.
"The priests survived the attack as a number of security personnel arrived at the scene," Rev. Herman, a Catholic priest, told The Jakarta Post by cellular phone from Poso on Wednesday.
Following their tour, the two ministers are expected to convey their assessment of the situation to President Megawati Soekarnoputri, to help her decide whether the government should impose a civilian state of emergency in the regency.
2. Mega (4 x 10) Megawati to visit Irian Jaya for Xmas President Megawati Soekarnoputri will visit Irian Jaya from Dec. 22 to Dec. 23 to celebrate Christmas, State/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo announced on Wednesday.
"The President has agreed to fulfill the invitation to attend Christmas celebrations in Irian Jaya. Then on Dec. 23, she will continue her journey to Manado, North Sulawesi, to also attend Christmas celebrations," Bambang told journalists.
Former president Abdurrahman Wahid, during his 20-month tenure, also visited Irian Jaya and spent New Year's Eve of 2000 there.
When asked whether Megawati is scheduled to have meetings with Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) executives, Bambang said that the itinerary was still under discussion. --JP
3. Organda -- 1x28
Organda warns of bus shortage during upcoming holiday season
The Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) said on Wednesday that only 60 percent of its 29,000 buses are in working order, sending an early warning to Idul Fitri and Christmas travelers that they might have to change their travel plans if they want to catch a bus home.
Speaking after a meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the State Palace, Organda deputy chairman Dadan Wirawan said that most bus companies could not afford to buy spare parts.
"Of the 29,000 buses owned by Organda members, only 60 percent of them can operate during the upcoming holiday season," said Dadan.
"So when people find only a few buses around, don't think that we are on strike. We just cannot afford the (operational) costs," Dadan told journalists.
Speaking at the same press briefing, Organda chairman G.T Soerbakti said the bus owners' plight had been further exacerbated by the government's decision to raise fares by just 12 percent during this year's holiday season, down from between 20 percent and 25 percent in the past few years.
"When the government sets the hike, we have to accept it. This is the first time the fare hike for the holiday season is lower than 20 percent. Usually we get between 20 percent and 25 percent," Soerbakti said.
4. Wagew -- 1x28
Bandung workers protest minimum wage
More than 1,000 workers in the regency of Bandung, West Java, marched to the regent's office to express their dissatisfaction with the minimum wage set by local leaders on Dec. 4.
The protesters, who were marching from the industrial areas of Rancaekek, Majalaya, Cimahi and Padalarang, were however, blocked by a large number of policemen. Only about 200 protesters were allowed to proceed to Regent Obar Sobarna's office in Soreang.
Chief of Bandung Regency Police Adj. Sr. Comr. Bagus Kurniawan said that the police did not want any rioting or violence, citing a similar demonstration by workers in June which turned violent.
Most of the workers finally dispersed after the police informed them that they did not have the necessary permits for a street demonstration.
The workers, grouped in nine different labor unions, including the Textile and Leather Workers Union (SPTSK) and the Metal Workers Union (SPMI), said that the new regency minimum wage hike to Rp 470,500 per month, effective Jan. 1, 2002, was too low.
5. Sampah -- 1x28
Garbage dump to replace public park
The city administration's plan to reopen a garbage dump in Srengseng, West Jakarta, is being bitterly opposed by upset and bewildered locals.
They find it difficult to comprehend how the former garbage site, which was closed six years ago and has since been converted into a shady, green park with a fish pond, could once again become a polluted and unhealthy garbage dump.
Located in the middle of a high density housing compound, the park has functioned as one of Jakarta's 'lungs', as well as being a water-catchment area. Every week at least 1,000 people visit the park, contributing around Rp 600,000 (US$60) per month to the city's coffers courtesy of the entrance fee, according to Jaya, the park keeper, who is an employee of the City Forestry Agency.
It took the agency one year and Rp 4 billion to convert the site into the current parkland.
H. Muhayat, chief of a Srengseng neighborhood unit, recalled how his family and other nearby residents used to suffer as a result of their proximity to the dump. They had to contend with the smell of the garbage, and experienced diarrhea, dengue fever epidemics and flooding for five years before the dump was finally closed down following protests from locals.
"I will lead the residents in opposing the plan," he told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.