Friday, October 31, 2008
President Calls for Strengthening of National Character
Semarang, C Java - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on his countrymen to build a strong national character to face global challenges.

President: Good Public Services may Boost Economic Growth
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said good public services may boost the country’s economic growth.

BI Urged to Cut Key Rate by 50 Basis Points Until End of 2008
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Young Indonesian businessmen have called on Bank Indonesia (the central bank/BI) to cut its benchmark interest rate by at least 50 basis points in the next two months.

2009 State Budget to Provide Room for Emergency Measures
Legislators approved Thursday a “responsive” state budget for 2009 that provides room for the government to adjust to the impact of the global financial crisis.

RI Pushes for CCS Tech to Cut Carbon Emissions
Fossil-fuel-addicted Indonesia is considering implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to cut emissions, prevent climate change and win money from rich nations under a global emissions pact.

Bank Indonesia not to Bailout Indover
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia (BI) finally decided not to inject funds into its subsidiary Bank Indover to bail it out from bankruptcy following its freezing by the Dutch central bank.

Senior Muhammadiyah Member Condemns US Air Strike on Syrian Border
Jambi - A senior member of the Jambi chapter of the Islamic organization Muhammadiyah condemned Thursday a US air strike on the Syrian border that killed eight civilians.

Thursday, October 30, 2008
Din : New World Movement Needed to Improve the Ailing World
Jakarta - A new world movement of peace and justice, namely to love the nation for unity and mutual work for concrete steps in dealing with the serious deterioration of the world is badly needed these days.

Bureaucratic Reform not Identical with Remuneration
Jakarta - The present efforts to reform the bureaucracy are not identical with a government obligation to provide remuneration, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said here on Thursday.

Indonesia to Host International Conference on Palestine
The House of Representatives will host an International Humanitarian Conference on Assistance for Palestine in Jakarta this weekend, a lawmaker said Thursday.

Japan’s PM Agrees to RI Parliamentary Delegation’s Proposal
Jakarta - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso has agreed to an Indonesian parliamentary delegation's proposal that Japan should take a major step to overcome global financial crisis so that it would not put serious pressures on the Asian economy.

Asia Urged to Deepen Economic Integration
Export-dependent Asia should hasten regional economic integration to bolster trade and keep a crucial engine of growth running as it braces for fallout from the global financial crisis, officials and experts at an international trade forum urged Thursday.

Seeing Opportunity for Renewable Energy in Financial Crisis
On Tuesday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono indicated he would consider a request from the House of Representatives to cut fuel prices as global oil prices continue to fall.

Indonesian Shares End Up 5.4 percent
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian shares ended 5.4 percent higher Thursday on a firmer rupiah and gains on other Asian markets, dealers said.

European Investors View on Indonesia Investment Condition
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Managing Director of Indonesian Netherlands Association, Elmar Bouma delivered his remarks on the policies application of investment service in Indonesia from European investors` perspectives in a national seminar entitled "Regional Administration Strategies in Improving Investments Condition" as reported here Thursday.

Minister : Domestic Fuel Price Cuts not to Reach 28.7 percent
Jakarta - National Development Planning Minister Paskah Suzetta said subsidized fuel oil prices would not be lowered to the level before they were raised by an average of 28.7 percent last June.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Government Moves to Help Weakening Rupiah
The government and central bank on Tuesday unveiled a series of measures to bolster foreign exchange reserves and market confidence, just as the rupiah hit a seven-year low of 11,900 against the U.S. dollar.

RI Presidential and Vice Candidates to Hold Five Debate Rounds
Candidates running for the 2009 presidential and vice presidential elections will be expected to hold a total of five rounds of public debates.

Sultan Wants to Bring About Change
Yogyakarta - Sultan Hamengkubuwono X said here on Tuesday he wanted to bring about change in the country because he could no longer stand the sight of people still suffering poverty and unemployment despite ten years of reform.

RI More Stable Than Asian Peers: PERC
With concern setting in about the declining rupiah and share prices, there is good news yet: Indonesia next year will be much more stable than regional peers India, Malaysia and Thailand, a Hong Kong-based political risk consultancy said Monday.

11,301 Candidates to Compete in 2009 Legislative Elections
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesia General Elections Commission (KPU) here on Wednesday fixed the number of candidates who would participate in the legislative elections next year.

Rupiah Up 200 Points to Rp 10,600 per Dollar Wednesday Afternoon
Jakarta - The rupiah strengthened by 200 points to Rp10,600/10,800 per dollar in the Jakarta interbank spot market on Wednesday afternoon from Rp10,800/11,315 after Bank Indonesia (BI) intervened by releasing dollars into the market.

Bali Non Oil, Gas Exports Increase to US
Denpasar, Bali - The US public continues to be enthusiastically buying various handicraft products from Bali despite the financial crisis and thus the island's non-oil and non-gas exports to that country keeps on rising, a central banker said.

PLN Operates Asia's First CPO-Fueled Power Plant
State Electricity Company PT PLN fired up the engine of Asia Pacific's first crude palm oil (CPO) fueled power plant in Dumai, Riau, on Wednesday.

Declining Price of World Crude Oil Heightens Demand for Lower Prices of Fuel Oil in RI
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Declining price of the world crude oil on international markets has heightened the demand from many elements in Indonesia for lower prices of subsidized fuel oil which eventually draws mixed reactions.

Bill Against Racial Discrimination Passed
The House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill that terms ethnic and racial discrimination as serious crimes.

Corruption Eradication must be Accompanied by Improvements in Public Services
Jakarta - Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Antasari Azhar said efforts to combat corruption should be conducted in parallel with improvements in various public services in the community.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
U.S. to Use New Media Technology to Help Promote Tourism in Bali
U.S. Ambassador Cameron Hume said Monday the U.S. government was ready to help promote Bali to American citizens, acknowledging the Indonesian government's seriousness in maintaining the island's security.

RI Will Be More Stable than India, Malaysia and Thailand in 2009
With concern setting in about the declining rupiah and share prices, there is good news yet: Indonesia next year will be much more stable than regional peers India, Malaysia and Thailand, a Hong Kong-based political risk consultancy said Monday.

Legislator: ASEAN Charter Helps Strengthen Indonesia in World Arena
Tokyo - Indonesia's decision to ratify the ASEAN Charter is a strategic step because it will help strengthen the country's position in the world's political and economic arena, according to a legislator.

Morgan Stanley Remains Upbeat on RI, Opens Local Branch
Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, the United States financial giant Morgan Stanley has officially opened its doors in Indonesia in a decision which reflects investor confidence toward the country's economy in general.

RI's 2008 Economic Growth Rate Expected to Remain Over Six pct
Jakarta - The country's economy is expected to have still grown by above six percent in the third quarter of this year so that economic growth in the whole year is likely to remain higher than six percent, a senior Finance Ministry official said.

Indonesia to Introduce Standard Requirements to Export Products
Jakarta - Indonesian trade minister Mari Pangestu said here Monday that her office would issue an export regulation on national product standards to assure good quality and price of the export products.

State-Owned Companies Ordered to Withdraw Dollars from Abroad
Jakarta - The Indonesian government has ordered state-owned companies to withdraw the dollars they have been keeping abroad and redeposit them at home, a cabinet minister said.

Rupiah Nosedives to Nearly Rp 12,000 per Dollar Early Tuesday
Jakarta - The rupiah nosedived to nearly Rp12,000 per US dollar in the Jakarta interbank spot market on Tuesday morning, as market players were still in panic and buying huge amounts of US dollars over worries about the global financial crisis.

Government to Issue Policy to Shore Up Rupiah
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the government would on Tuesday issue a policy to prevent the rupiah's exchange rate from continuing to weaken.

Envoy: India Potential Market for Indonesia
Denpasar - India is a country with potential market for Indonesia in the field of trade, investment, and tourism but Indonesia has yet to be able to work on it optimally.

FM: WHCCC Promotes Cultural Understanding
Solo - Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirjuda said on Monday the World Heritage Cities Conference (WHCC) in Solo, October 27 to 28, can create an understanding on civilization and culture.

Monday, October 27, 2008
Amrozi Et Al's Execution RI's Internal Affair: US Envoy
Denpasar - US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron Hume said the execution of three Bali bombing death-row convicts was an internal affair of Indonesia.

Rupiah Plunges to Rp10,470 Per Dollar Early Monday
Jakarta - The rupiah plunged to nearly Rp10,500 per dollar in the Jakarta interbank spot market on Monday morning as market players panicked over worries over the current global financial crisis.

Indonesian Stocks Hits 3-Year Low
Indonesian shares closed down 6.3 percent Monday amidst fears that the rupiah will continue to slip amid lingering concerns over the global economic slowdown.

Government Open to Cutting Fuel Prices
The government will discuss whether it is economically feasible to lower fuel prices following the drop in global crude oil prices during a meeting this week, but it is unlikely a decision will be reached until next year.

Energy Sector Can Rely on Local Banks, Agency Funds
The drying up of international bank liquidity as a result of the global financial crisis will make it more difficult for local energy and mining firms to seek funding resources from the international financial market, forcing them to turn to domestic and multilateral agency resources.

Mayors Declare Establishment of Indonesian Heritage City Network
A group of mayors has declared the establishment of an Indonesian Heritage Cities Network designed to help promote the cities to the world.

Sunday, October 26, 2008
Kadin Asks Government to Guarantee Exporters’ Foreign Currencies at Banks
Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has asked the government to provide a guarantee for exporters' foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, at the national banks in the country.

Indonesian Krakatau Steel Seeking Cooperation with Russian Partner
London - President Director of state-owned steel company PT Krakatau Steel Fazwar Bujang paid a two-day visit to Russia's biggest steel company Severtal to explore business cooperation with the company, an Indonesian diplomat said.

Saturday, October 25, 2008
ASEM VII Issues Beijing Declaration
Beijing - The Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit VII held here from October 24 to 25 has resulted in the adoption of a Beijing Declaration on sustainable development.

Minister Asks Media not to Call Amrozi Et Al: “Heroes”
Surabaya - Communications and Information Minister Mohammad Nuh said the media should not call the three Bali I bombbing death row convicts, Amrozi, Imam Samudra and Muklas, "heroes".

Conference Recommends Intensified Promotion of Indonesian Language in Australian Schools
Canberra - A conference on the Indonesian language participated in by tens of Australian school teachers and academicians held at the Indonesian embassy here on Saturday recommended the intensified promotion of the Indonesian language and culture through the local radio community and the staging of cultural or art shows at Australian schools.

Friday, October 24, 2008
Asian Nations Commit to US$80 Billion Crisis
Asian nations on Friday recommitted themselves to establishing an US$80 billion emergency fund, as leaders from across Asia and Europe gathered in Beijing to discuss the global financial meltdown.

New Overseas Markets for RI Can Replace Falling Exports
While Indonesian exports to traditional markets like the United States, Europe and Japan show some signs of slowing down due to the global financial crisis, buyers from other countries representing potential new non-traditional markets have expressed interest in buying more Indonesian goods.

Global Economic Crisis Provides Export Opportunity for Indonesia
Jakarta - The 23rd Indonesian trade expo, held in Jakarta from Oct 21 to 25, was expected to improve the image of Indonesia as one of the countries in the world offering quality and competitive products to the global market.

Indonesian Exports to Russia Grow 60 Pct
Jakarta - Indonesia's exports to Russia in the last three years have fantastically recorded an average increase by 60 percent, an Indonesian diplomat said.

Furniture Dominate Transactions in Indonesia Trade Expo
Jakarta - Furniture dominated the first two-day transactions in the 23rd Indonesia Trade Expo which was opened by President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono on October 21, 2008.

RI Consulate General in New York to Promote WOC
Manado - Indonesia's consulate general in New York is ready to promote next year's World Ocean Conference (WOC) in Manado, North Sulawesi, among the international community, a spokesman said.

Japanese Investment Increases 10-Fold in 50 Years
Jakarta - Indonesia's domestic market has become an important factor which would cause a 10-fold increase in Japanese investment at the second 50 years of Indonesia-Japan diplomatic relations, a businessman said.

RI Turns to China for Power Plant Projects
With China having pledged the majority of financing for Indonesia's first 10,000 megawatt (MW) power plant project, the government is again seeking China's help to fund a second 10,000 MW plant, a minister says.

Hundreds Tons of Aceh Coffee Exports Piling Up in Storage
Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD)`s exporters are in confusion since almost hundreds tons coffee are piling up in storage due to decreasing sales as an impact of global economic crisis.

Three Bali I Bombers to be Executed Early November
Jakarta - Convicted Bali I bombers Amrozi et al will be executed early next November, an Attorney General's Office (AGO) spokesman said here Friday.

President, UN Chief Hold Video Teleconference on Climate Change
Beijing - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, together with Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, here on Friday held a video teleconference with United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in New York.

RI Has 746 Researched, Documented Languages
Jakarta - The National Language Center has since the 1970s researched and documented a total of 746 different languages across Indonesia, a spokesman said.

Thursday, October 23, 2008
Bush Invites Yudhoyono for Crisis Meet
U.S. President George W. Bush has invited President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to attend a meeting of world leaders in Washington to address the global financial crisis, a spokesperson said.

Government Calls on KPU to Draw Up Presidential Election Plan
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has expressed hope that the General Election Commission (KPU) would now begin to draw up a plan and strategy for the preparation of the various stages of the 2009 presidential election although the KPU was still concentrating on preparations for the legislative elections.

US Companies Ready to Invest in Indonesia
Jakarta - Twenty five American companies were planning to make investments in Indonesia in spite of the current financial crisis facing their country, it was learned from a meeting between a US-ASEAN Business Council delegation and the Indonesian minister of industry Fahmi Idris here on Wednesday.

President Calls on Countries, Financial Institutions to Deal with Financial Crisis
Beijing - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all countries and international financial organizations to jointly deal with the global financial crisis.

President Invites Asian, European Bizmen to Invest in RI
Beijing - Visiting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has invited Asian and European investors to invest in various fields in Indonesia.

House Committee Recommends Moratorium on Freeport Operations
Jakarta - A House of Representatives (DPR) working committee dealing with affairs involving US-based gold and copper mining company PT Freeport has recommended a moratorium on the company's operations for the duration of a proposed examination of its finances by the State Audit Board (BPK).

RI's Canned Tuna Exports to US Down 40 Pct
Jakarta - Indonesia's canned tuna exports to the US have fallen by up to 40 percent since the financial crisis engulfed the latter, the Indonesian Association of Canned Fish Producers (APIKI) said.

House Agrees to Give Rp1.7 Trillion in PSO Funds to State Companies
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The House of Representatives (DPR)`s Budgetary Committee has approved the planned spending of Rp1.7 trillion in general allocation funds for the public service obligation (PSO) schemes of a number of state-owned companies in 2009, a legislator said.

RI, China Agree to Renegotiate Tangguh LNG Contract
Beijing - Indonesia and China have agreed that their technical teams will meet in the near future to renegotiate their Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) contract.

RI to Propose Eight Education Cooperation Programs to E-9 Countries
Jakarta - Indonesia is to propose eight cooperation programs in the educational sector to the world's largest developing nations (E-9) at a three-day senior officials meeting of E-9 countries which opened here on Wednesday.

RI Military to Continue Guaranteeing Security in Ambalat Block
Surabaya, E Java - The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) will continue to maintain and guarantee security in the Ambalat Block and its surrounding areas in the North Sulawesi Sea, a top navy officer said.

RI Government, US Embassy Support 2008 Blogger Party
Jakarta - The Indonesian government and US Embassy in Indonesia support the 2008 Blogger Party to be held in Jakarta on Nov 22, 2008.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
SBY Tells Businesses to Tap Proceeds from Slowdown
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday urged businesspeople to seek ways to help maintain the country's exports amid the global economic meltdown.

Government Advised to Cut Fuel Oil Prices Over Global Crisis
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government should cut fuel oil prices to curb the impact of the US financial crisis on the real sector, small and medium businesses in particular, an economist said.

Minister Optimistic ABPIT 23rd Trade Expo Indonesia
Jakarta - Despite the current financial crisis, the 23rd Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) still draws the interest of 33 countries, also called trade missions, with 1024 buyers, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said in a press conference here Tuesday.

ADB Ready to Provide $30 M Loan for RI`s Rice Development
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to provide US$3 million in loans to develop rice through the system of rice intensification (SRI) in Indonesia, an Agriculture Ministry official said.

Liquidity in Domestic Money Market Reaches Rp32.928 Trillion
Jakarta - Bank Indonesia (BI), the country's central bank, said liquidity available in the domestic money market reached Rp32.928 trillion on Wednesday at 2 pm Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

Hasan Tiro Asks Aceh People to Maintain Peace
Banda Aceh - Former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) leader Hasan Tiro is reported to have asked all elements in Aceh to maintain the prevailing peace in the province.

Rich Nations Lack Climate Commitment: RI
State Minister for the Environment Rachmat Witoelar has warned rich nations not to use the global financial crisis as an excuse for delaying their commitments to help finance climate-change mitigation in developing countries.

Festival to Raise Moviemakers' Eyes to Bali
For the Indonesian soapopera-actress-turnedmovie-star Marshanda,the 2008 Balinale International Film Festival gives her the rare opportunity to work with some of the most highly respected minds in the industry.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
RI Should Emulate US Presidential Candidate Debates: Legislator
Jakarta - Indonesia should emulate the US practice of staging public debates among presidential candidates but in a way adjusted to Indonesian conditions, a legislator said.

House Opposes International Parliamentary Caucus of West Papua
Jakarta - The House of Representatives' Commission I refused to set up a Caucus of International Parliamentarians for West Papua in London on October 15 by two British parliamentarians, Commission I chairman, Theo L. Sambuaga said in a press conference here Monday.

No Country Supports Papua Separatism, says Presidential Spokesman
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal stated here on Tuesday that no country supported separatism in Papua.

Papuan Separatist Leader Arrested
Police on Monday arrested separatist leader Buchtar Tabuni as he was about to attend a massive rally in Jayapura, Papua, to show support for the newly created international parliamentarian caucus for West Papua in London.

Constitutional Court Rejects Amrozi’s Request to Review Death Sentence Law
Jakarta - The Constitutional Court (MK) has turned down death-row convict Amrozi’s request to conduct a judicial review on Law No.2/PNPS/1964 on Procedures to Implement the Death Penalty.

President Opens Trade Expo Indonesia 2008
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opened the 23rd Trade Expo Indonesia 2008 at the Jakarta International Expo ground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Indonesia to Host 5th World Islamic Economic Forum
Indonesia is scheduled to host the 5th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in March next year, heralding a theme of "Food and Energy Security & Stemming the Tide of the Global Financial Crisis", an official said.

Kadin, Government Aim to Fight Global Woes
As the government seeks to boost domestic industry in anticipation of a U.S. recession, businesses in turn want an increased effort made to reduce costs, help diversify export destinations, boost bank loans and empower small and medium firms.

Dirgantara Indonesia Strikes Eurocopter Deal Worth $42m
State aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) has signed a US$42 million contract to assemble components of Super Puma MKII helicopters for Eurocopter Indonesia, the local unit of helicopter maker Eurocopter Group.

Indosat Posts Rp1.47 Trillion Net Profit
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - State telecommunications operator PT Indosat Tbk said on Tuesday its net profit in the first nine months of this year rose 1.9 percent to Rp1.47 trillion from Rp1.445 trillion in the same period last year.

Pertamina Seeking $200 M in Loans to Finance Geothermal Power Projects
Jakarta - State oil and gas company Pertamina is seeking US$200 million in loans to finance the development of at least six geothermal power plants, its geothermal energy director said.

RI to Raise Climate Change Issue at Beijing ASEM Summit
JJakarta - The Indonesian government will raise the issue of climate change in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit to be held in Beijing on October 24-25, a Foreign Ministry official said.

Monday, October 20, 2008
President Hopes ABG 2008 to Enhance RI's Image in World
Jimbaran, Bali - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hopes the first ever Asian Beach Games (ABG) held in Bali from 0ctober 18 to 26 will further raise Indonesia's and Bali's image in the world.

Government Proposes Minimum 15 percent Votes for Right to Nominate Candidates
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has proposed a requirement of minimum 15 percent votes from legislative elections for a party or a coalition of parties to be able to nominate presidential and vice presidential candidates for the presidential elections next year.

Democrats' Party Officially Nominate Yudhoyono as Its Presidential Candidate
Jakarta - The Democrats' Party has officially declared current President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as its presidential candidate in the presidential elections next year.

President Yudhoyono's Public Approval Ratings Rise Again
Jakarta - Public approval ratings on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's performance rose significantly, after an earlier survey showed a decline as the result of his decision to raise fuel oil prices.

SBY Reclaims Popularity as Megawati Falls Behind: Survey
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's popularity is on the rebound after previous polls put him behind rival Megawati Soekarnoputri, but is facing a new threat from the global financial meltdown, a new survey reveals.

Agung: Golkar`s Presidential Candidate to be Determined by Surveys
Cirebon (ANTARA News) - Golkar Party Vice Chairman Agung Laksono said here on Monday the party would name its presidential candidate based on the results of a poll by an independent survey institute with priority to be given to its own cadre.

US Financial Crisis has Impact on Bali’s Economy
Denpasar (ANTARA News) - The US financial crisis which had developed into a global crisis has caused an unfavorable impact on Bali’s economy.

Switch of Chinese Export Products From U.S. to RI Possible
Beijing - Chinese products exported to the U.S may be switched to Indonesia in the wake of the global financial crisis which had caused a decline in the Americans' purchasing power.

WIEF to Hold Fifth Meeting in Jakarta in March 2009
Jakarta - The World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) will hold its fifth meeting in Jakarta on March 2-3, 2009 with 12 heads of state or government expected to attend, a spokesman for the event's organizers said.

Government Declares 10 Regions Top Tourist Destinations
Sungailiat, Bangka - The Indonesian government has declared ten regions in the country top tourist destinations in a move to boost the national tourism industry. "The policy to declare ten regions top tourist destinations will hopefully encourage each of the regions to improve their performance in developing their respective tourism potentials," Wibowo, a deputy drector general at the Culture and Tourism Ministry, said here at the weekend.

Friday, October 17, 2008
No UK Parliamentary Support for Papua: RI
Indonesian Ambassador to the U.K. Yuri O. Thamrin on Thursday dismissed rumors the British parliament had united at a gathering to support Papua's independence from Indonesia. "No, it's not true. Only one or two members of the U.K. parliament held a closed-door meeting with some supporters of Papuan independence," he said by phone from London, adding many parliamentarians had told him they supported Indonesia's sovereignty over Papua.

Indonesia to Participate in DEMA Show 2008 in US
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia, represented by the Tourism and Culture Department, will promote the marine tourism potentials of its eastern regions at a Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2008 which is to take place on October 22 to 25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the United States, a tourism official said.

President Wants Continuing Cooperation among All Parties amidst Global Crisis
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said all parties in the country should continue to cooperate in dealing with the impact of the global financial crisis on the national economy.

SBY Backs New Southeast Asian Funding Program
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday expressed his support for a newly devised Southeast Asian funding scheme, despite confusion over who will provide the initial capital for the multibillion-dollar fund.

Indonesia Foreign Exchange Reserves Safe until Year End
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia (central bank) Governor Boediono said the amount of the country’s foreign exchange reserves were now at a level safe enough until the end of the year although the bank was always ready to use part of them to intervene in the market to safeguard the country’s currency.

Stocks Suffer Yet Another Slump
Indonesia's stock market posted a second straight slide Thursday, tailing falls in global bourses amid jitters about the world economy as investors gauge the impact of the recession in the United States, the world's largest economy.

WB Sets Aside $2B as Standby Loan for RI
The World Bank, one of the country's major donors, has agreed to reserve next year up to US$2 billion as a standby loan for Indonesia to help the country anticipate any economic slowdown resulting from the global financial turbulence, a minister said.

Government to Tender Three Oil Blocks in Selayar to Foreign Investors
Makassar, S Sulawesi - The government will hold a tender to foreign investors this month for three oil blocks in Selayar waters, South Sulawesi province, an official said.

Indonesia Lifts Trading Ban on Welfare Minister’s Companies
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia lifted a trading ban on three firms of Welfare Minister Aburizal Bakrie Friday, an official said amid reports the government is working on a rescue for his debt-ridden Bakrie & Brothers group.

Army Ready to Adjust Expenditures to 10% Budget Cut
Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - Army Chief of Staff Gen Agustadi Sasangko Purnomo said the Army was ready to accept a 10-percent cut in its State Budget allocation as a consequence of the government’s policy to use state budget funds more efficiently.

Some 850 Servicemen Begin Training For Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon
Bandung, W Java - The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) began a training program for 850 servicemen who are to make up Indonesia's Garuda Contingent (Konga) XXIII-C in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the Indonesian Army's training center here on Thursday.

Solo to Host Meeting of World Heritage Cities
Jakarta - Solo in Central Java will host a meeting called International Conference of World Heritage Euro-Asian Cities on October 25-28, 2008, the city's chief administrator said.

Thursday, October 16, 2008
Indonesian-Americans Ready to Vote for Obama as Economy Worsens
In a couple of weeks, Americans will vote in a historic presidential election.

RI Ready to Help Resolve Thai-Cambodian Border Dispute
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said Indonesia is ready to take part in efforts to find a solution to the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

Government Cuts Fuel Oil Prices For Industry
Jakarta - State-owned oil company PT Pertamina as of October 15 at 00.00 local time cut the fuel oil prices for industry following a decrease in world oil prices lately.

RI Calls for ASEAN Harmonious Steps to Face Global Crisis
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono underlined on Thursday the need for ASEAN member states to take harmonious steps in the face of the current global financial crisis.

Government Issues Regulation on Financial Sector Safety Net
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government on Thursday issued a regulation in lieu of law on the financial sector safety net (JPSK).

Bali Declaration Adopted to Anticipate Manpower Affairs’ Globalization
Nusa Dua - The Bali Declaration adopted by the Asia-Europe Meeting - Labor and Employment Ministers Conference II (ASEM-LEMC II) is the anticipation of ASEM member countries in facing the globalization of manpower affairs, Indonesian Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno said.

Bali to Host Asia Pacific Community Development Conference
Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - Some 500 intellectuals, officials, academicians and business leaders will gather in the resort island of Bali on November 13-15 for an international conference themed "Developing Asia Pacific Community: Unity in Diversity."

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Indonesian Diplomat Attends Bali Bombing Commemoration in Sydney
Brisbane - The Indonesian consul general in Sydney Sudaryomo Hartosudarmo and some officials of New South Wales and Australian Federal government attended the 6th anniversary observance of the Bali bombings at Coogee Beach, Randwick, Sydney.

President Calls on Regions to Help Overcome Global Crisis
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all regional leaders to participate in overcoming the impact of the current global financial crisis by among others boosting local economic growth.

President Gives Directives on National Economy to Governors
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday gathered the country's provincial governors in the main room of the State Secretariat and gave them directives on the conditions of the national economy.

RI Urged to Develop Strategic Commodities to Overcome Global Crisis
Jambi - The Indonesian government amidst the ongoing US financial crisis has been urged to strive for measures to develop strategic assets and commodity exports. Strategic commodities, such as oil palm fruits, corn and pineapple in addition to improving local labor, developing syariah bank to lessen dependence on products imported from the US, Japan and European countries, said Firdaus Nur, one of the doctoral candidates in financial management at the Padjadjaran state university in Jambi, on Tuesday.

Government Expects Budget Deficit to Narrow to 1 Percent
The government has reduced the expected budget deficit for 2009 to 1 percent of gross domestic product, down from the previous forecast of 1.3 percent, said a lawmaker involved in budget formulation in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Stocks Soar for Second Day, Rupiah Advances
The Jakarta stock market gained for the second consecutive day Tuesday, boosted by the continued rebound in regional stock markets and buyback plans from state companies.

BI Issues Policies to Ease Foreign Currency and Rupiah Liquidity
Jakarta - Bank Indonesia (the central bank/BI) on Tuesday issued policies on easing foreign currency and rupiah liquidity in a move to deal with the current economic situation.

Indonesian Government Corrects 2009 Budget
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government will correct its budget for 2009 particularly the expenditures of its ministries in the framework of safeguarding the economy in the year in face of the current global economic crisis, State Minister for National Development Planning Paskah Suzetta said here on Wednesday.

Developing Nations Urged to Strengthen Cooperation in Disaster Risk Management
Jakarta - Indonesia on Tuesday urged the developing countries to share experience and know how in disaster risk management to reduce their dependence on the developed nations.

SBY Orders TNI to Stay Neutral in Elections
The country's soldiers will have to wait at least until after the 2009 elections to exercise their right to vote, after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono instructed them Tuesday to remain neutral in next year's polls.

RI to Install US-Made Radar in Tarakan
Jakarta - Indonesia will soon install a radar provided by the United States in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, in an effort to maintain security in the Indonesian Inlands Waterway (ALKI) II in Sulawesi seas, Navy Chief Admiral Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said here on Wednesday.

Government Optimistic Tourist Arrival Target of 6-7 Million to be Achieved
Makassar (ANTARA News) - The government is optimistic that its foreign tourist arrival target of six million - seven million this year will be achieved, a senior tourism ministry official said.

Police Seize Four Raised Separatist Flags in Nabire
Jayapura - Police early Wednesday morning pulled down and confiscated four Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flags of the separatist Free Papua Organization (OPM) which unidentified people had raised at four different spots in Nabire.

Indonesian National Flags Missing Ahead of Hasan Tiro`s Arrival
Banda Aceh, Aceh Province (ANTARA News) - Indonesia’s national Red-and-White flag was missing from its pole after it had been pulled down by an unknown person prior to the arrival of Tgk Hasan Muhammad Di Tiro at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, here recently, according to a staff member of the mosque.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
SBY Calls for Peaceful Settlement of Cambodia-Thailand Row
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to refrain from using force to resolve the border dispute between the two nations.

Indonesian Market Gains Ground in Morning Session
Share prices at the Indonesian Stock Exchange soared in the morning trading, with the main index rising by 99.212 points or 6.79 percent to 1,560.085 points.

Market Rebounds on Buyback Optimism
The Jakarta stock market weathered stormy morning trading on Monday to rebound and close 0.7 percent higher, on plans by state firms to buy back shares to help shore up market confidence -- the first gain since last week's rout.

New Regulations Issued to Shore Up Financial Sector
Indonesia has joined the world-wide effort to prevent prolonged fallout from the global credit crisis, which has toppled U.S. and European banking giants, by expanding deposit guarantees and streamlining money flow to banks.

Don’t Take Advantage of The Global Crisis : President
Bogor - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warns people not to exploit the on-going financial crisis situation for a certain interest.

Businessmen Back President Yudhoyono’s Step to Face Global Crisis
Jakarta - Some 300 Indonesian business-men of Chinese descent have thrown their weight behind President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's step and policy to face the global economic crisis, a presidential spokesman said.

Lampung Earns $257 M From Non-Oil/Gas Exports to U.S
Bandarlampung - Lampung province in the first eight months of this year earned US$257.07 million from its key non-oil/gas exports to the US, a spokesman said.

Real Sector Improvements to Save RI From Crisis, Minister Says
Nusa Dua - Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno said improvements in the real sector and self-reliance would save Indonesia from the financial crisis.

Assumed Inflation Rate for 2009 Set at 6.2%
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The House of Representatives (DPR)`s Working Committee on 2009 Budget Assumptions and the government have agreed to set the assumed inflation rate for 2009 at 6.2 percent or down from 7.0 percent as proposed by the government because of decreasing world price of commodities, particularly oil.

NGOs Urge Government to Stop Depending on World Bank
Jakarta - A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a demonstration outside the Indonesian bourse here Tuesday urged the government to stop depending on the World Bank.

Government Revising Down Economic Growth Amid Global Downturn
Feeling the heat from the global financial woes, the government has revised down budget assumptions for next year -- including economic growth, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati says.

Government Not to Allow Meat Imports without Safety Guarantees
Jakarta - The Indonesian government will not allow meat imports without safety guarantees from the authorities of the exporting countries concerned, Agriculture Minister Anto Apriyantono said here on Monday.

President: Military Power Still Relevant to Solve Conflicts
Surabaya - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the use of military power was still relevant to solve various conflicts in other parts of the world.

Legislator Calls on Public to Support Police Chief Anti-Terror Efforts
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction in the House of Representatives` Commission I, Andreas Pareira, has called on all elements of the nation to support the new National Police chief, Gen Bambang Hendarso Danuri in his efforts to combat terrorism in Indonesia.

Defense Minister to Russia to Follow Up Sukhoi Purchase Contract
Jakarta - Indonesian Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said here on Monday he planned to go to Russia to follow-up the purchase contract for six fighter jets for the country's air force.

American Tourists to Bali Up Substantially Following Lifting of Travel Ban
Denpasar - The number of American tourists to Bali has been increasing since the Indonesian government had lifted its travel warning, classiying the number of American tourists coming to the island resort as one of the big-ten.

Indonesian Universities Climb World's Top 400 Rankings
Indonesia's three most prominent universities were once again ranked among the world's top 400 institutions of higher education, but still remain a far cry from cracking the prestigious top 200 list.

Friday, October 10, 2008
President Congratulates Ahtisaari on Nobel
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono congratulates former Finland president Martti Ahtisaari for winning this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, spokesperson Dino Patti Djalal said Friday.

Don’t Say RI Endures Economic Crisis, President Warns
Tangerang - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the present turmoils in the capital and financial markets cannot yet be considered as an economic crisis. Therefore, he said, people should not too hastily say Indonesia was now undergoing an economic crisis.

President: Indonesia’s Financial System Working Well
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Thursday that the country's financial system had been working well until now.

Government Moves to Restore Confidence
The government and the central bank have taken new steps aimed at bolstering market confidence, including allowing banks to set aside smaller reserves, extending a guarantee on deposits and allowing firms greater freedom to buy back shares.

Government Revises Inflation Rate Assumption From 6.2 to 7.0 Pct
Jakarta - The government has revised its inflation rate assumption in the 2009 state budget from 6.2 percent to 7.0 percent, vice chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR)'s Budgetary Committee Harry Ashar Azis said here on Friday.

Government: Stock Market Closed in the Interest of Shareholders
The government defended the extension of the suspension on the Indonesian Stock Exchange on Friday, saying that the decision was made entirely in the interest of shareholders.

Indonesia Sending 140 Police Officers to Darfur
Jakarta - Indonesia is sending 140 police officers to participate in UN peacekeeping efforts in Darfur, Sudan, which has been ravaged by conflict that has left 200,000 civilians dead and 2,5 million others displaced.

Indonesia to Become World Biggest Seaweed Producer in 2010
Jakarta - Indonesia is expected to become the world's biggest seaweed producer and leading nation in the seaweed industry in 2010, a spokesman said.

Thursday, October 9, 2008
President Orders State Companies to Buy Back Shares in Stocks Market
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered a number of state-owned enterprises (BUMN) to buy back their shares at the Indonesian Stocks Exchange (BEI) in an effort to restore confidence in the BEI.

Indonesia Far From Crisis, Say Analysts
When the U.S. Congress approved a bailout plan last week, it was expected to ease the global financial crisis.

No Special Security for Hasan Tiro, Police
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Police Headquarters spokesman Inspector General Abubakar Nataprawira said here on Thursday there would be no special security arrangements for former Aceh separatist leader Muhammad Hasan Tiro who plans to come to Aceh on October 11.

RI to Reduce Fuel Oil Imports : Minister
Jakarta - Indonesia will reduce its fuel oil imports as part of its efforts to mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said here on Wednesday.

Government to Re-open Trading in Indonesian Stock Exchange on Friday
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government will reopen trading at the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) on Friday (October 10) after having suspended it since Wednesday (Oct.8), Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said here Thursday.

Government to Announce New Capital Market Policies
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The government is expected to announce various new policies on the capital market on Thursday (Oct. 9) at the finance ministry at around 4 pm local time, a Bank Indonensia (BI) or central bank official said.

Financial Crisis May Affect Procurement of Weapons, Minister Says
Jakarta - Defense minister Juwono Sudarsono said here on Wednesday that the current global financial crisis could threaten the procurement of defense equipment for the Indonesian military (TNI) from other countries, the US in particular.

Defense Ministry Urges The House to Approve Purchase of Three Sukhoi Jet Fighters
Jakarta - Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono has urged the House's Commission I and Budgetary Commission to immediately approve the government's purchase of another three Russian-made Shukoi jet fighters for the Indonesian Air Force.

President: National Film Will be Able to Help Build the Economy
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that a creative economy like the national film industry will be able to help the country's economic growth and free the country of the current crisis.

Forestry Ministry, 11 Mass Organizations to Cooperate to Re-Green Critical Land
Jakarta - The Forestry Ministry and 11 mass organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in accelerating the campaign to plant trees on Indonesia's barren lands.

Indonesia Wishes to Plant 100 Million Trees in a Month Time
The Indonesian government plans to plant about 100 million trees within about a month's time starting Nov. 28 as part of its program to mark 100 years of National Awakening, a cabinet minister said Thursday.

Government Proposes Mount Rinjani in Lombok as First Geopark
The government has proposed to UNESCO that Mount Rinjani, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, be one of the world's geoparks under its auspices, subsequently becoming the first geological park in Indonesia.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
President Positive on Stock Market
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday that Indonesia's stock price index decline would not last long and would return to normal soon.

Transactions at 'Time Indonesia' Expected to Reach US$16.5 Mln
Jakarta - Organizers have set a target of US$16.5 million in transactions during the Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (TIME) which will be held in Makassar on October 14-17, 2008.

BI to Keep Country’s Liquidity Secure
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia (BI) Senior Deputy Governor Miranda S Goeltom said the central bank would safeguard the country’s liquidity which had shrunk as a result of the US financial crisis.

U.S. Crisis May Affect RI Small and Medium Oil, Gas Projects
The U.S.-led global financial crisis may take its toll on small to medium oil and gas projects in the country, upstream oil and gas operator BPMigas said Tuesday.

Buybacks of State Company Shares to be Speed Up: Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - State Enterprises Minister Sofyan Djalil said he would speed up buybacks of state-owned company shares to maintain the stability of the prices of the companies shares and their financial liquidity.

BRR Urged to Build 1,200 More Houses for Tsunami Victims
Aceh Jaya, (ANTARA News) - Tsunami victims in Aceh Jaya district, Nanggroe Aceh Darrussalam (NAD) province, urged the Aceh-Nias Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Board (BRR) to immediately build 1,200 more houses for them because BRR`s mission will come to an end in April next year.

House Deputy Speaker says Parties Shouldn’t Longer Burden Government
Kediri, East Java (ANTARA News) - Political parties in Indonesia should no longer become a burden to the government which is struggling to deal with the impact of the global economic crisis, House of Representatives (DPR) Deputy Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar said here on Wednesday.

Legislators Mull Vote Requirement for President Bill
Informal lobbying within the House of Representatives special committee deliberating the presidential election bill is expected to expedite a decision on the minimum percentage of votes a party must secure to nominate a presidential candidate.

Power Plant Contractors Encouraged to Use Domestic Products
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The energy and mineral resources ministry is encouraging project contractors, especially those building power plants, to use domestic products in an effort to reduce the impact of the global financial crisis, a spokesman said.

Monday, October 6, 2008
Aceh Police Yet to Receive Report on Hasan Tiro’s Planned Visit
Banda Aceh, (ANTARA News) - Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) police had yet to receive a written report on the reported plan of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) founder Hassan Tiro to visit Aceh on October 11, 2008.

RI Enjoys Trade Balance Surplus of US$635 Million in August
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Indonesia enjoyed a surplus of around UD$635 million in its trade balance in August although the value of its exports in the month dropped 0.43 percent, and it suffered a deficit in July.

RI’s Inflation Rate in September 0.97 pct : BPS
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Indonesia’s inflation rate in September 2008 was 0.97 percent while the figure for calendar-year ended September was 10.47 percent and the year-on-year figure 12.14 percent, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported.

VP : Indonesia’s Conditions Now Far Better Than Before
Makassar, (ANTARA News) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla said here on Monday the country’s conditions under the government led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and himself were now much better than before.

President Holds Extended Cabinet Meeting on US Financial Crisis
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono held an extended plenary cabinet meeting on Monday to discuss efforts the country must make to face the monetary crisis in the United States.

President: Indonesia Will not See Repeat of 1997 Crisis
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia would not see a repeat of the financial crisis of 1997, as all the fundamentals looked solid and there was clear potential for domestic market expansion.

20 Chamber of Commerce Proposals to Avoid Crisis
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has proposed 20 recommendations to the government, to reduce the impact of the global liquidity crisis.

Property Giant Agung Podomoro Plans Massive Investment Next Year
Property giant Agung Podomoro Group (APG) plans to increase its investment by 15 percent in Jakarta next year, on soaring demand for city accommodation because of public transportation difficulties.

BI Likely to Raise Interest rate by 25 BPS : Economist
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The fact that Indonesia’s inflation rate in September reached 0.97 percent is likely to compel Bank Indonesia (BI) to raise its interest rate by as much as 25 basis points (bps) to 9.5 percent, an expert said here Monday.

Indonesia Must Diversify Export Destinations: Observer
Semarang, C Java, (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has to diversify its export destinations to countries which still have strong purchasing power and are not seriously affected by the United States financial crisis, an economic observer said.

Major State Enterprises to Transfer Overseas Holdings to Domestic Banks
Jakarta - The State Enterprises Ministry has asked major state-owned companies with US dollar or other foreign currency holdings overseas to transfer the funds to domestic banks in anticipation of a worsening of the global economic crisis, the ministry's chief said.

Textile, Footwear Firms Gear up to Weather Recession
Despite a looming economic recession in the United States and some European countries, Indonesia's textiles and footwear industries are upbeat on cushioning adverse impacts by reducing production costs and diversifying export markets.

Sunday, October 5, 2008
Government Keeps Watchful Eyes on Ex-US Products
Jakarta - The government is keeping a watchful eye on the possible flow into Indonesia of goods failing to enter the United States as it has the potential to disturb domestic industry, a minister said.

Government, Bank Indonesia to Strengthen Coordination in Face of US Crisis
Jakarta - The government and the central bank (Bank Indonesia) will continue to strengthen coordination in line with the worsening economic crisis in the US, Bank Indonesia (BI) governor Boediono said here on Sunday.

Trade Minister: Government to Strengthen Domestic Market Security
Jakarta - Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said here on Sunday the government would step up efforts to strengthen domestic market security against possible shift of exports to the US following a slump in demand in that country as a result of the current financial crisis.

RI Government Preparing Incentives to Promote Exports
Jakarta - The Indonesian government is preparing special incentives to promote exports which are predicted to decline following the weakening global economy as a result of the financial crisis in the United States.

Saturday, October 4, 2008
ADB to Channel $50M for RI Infrastructure
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a US$50 million loan to support Indonesia's efforts to cut rural poverty.