Monday, September 29, 2008
RI's Legislators Call on US Congress to Help Correct View on Papua Issue
New York - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR)'s Commission I delegation visiting the US, called on US congressmen to help correct understanding on Papua issue as some Congressmen still considered the issue problematic.

Islamophobia in World Declining: RI FM
New York - Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said Islamophobia in the world had decreased but the Islamic community needs to continue its efforts to correct wrong perceptions about Islam.

RI Calls for Democratization in UN Security Council
New York - Indonesia underlines the need for a democratization of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by among others putting an end to the misuse of the veto right of its members.

SBY Says He’s in the Race, Kalla His ‘Likely’ Second
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono broke months of silence on Sunday by declaring that he will run for reelection next year and that Vice President Jusuf Kalla will likely be his running mate.

President to Continue Encouraging Innovations in Food, Energy Production
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he would continue to encourage the public to make innovations in the development of food production and alternative energy.

Indonesia Braces for Impact of U.S. Crisis
The President warns that the liquidity crisis in the United States will soon affect Indonesia's economy and says consolidated fiscal and monetary policies are crucial to face the challenge.

BPMigas Empowers Local Oil and Gas Supporting Industry
BPMigas, the country's upstream oil and gas regulator, says it is working on ways to boost the role of local supporting companies -- both in the form of service and non-service orders -- in oil and gas projects.

Solo to Conserve 30 Ancient Batik Houses
Solo, Central Java - The Solo local administration has planned to conserve some 30 ancient batik houses located at Laweyan Solo batik neighborhood, to support the batik tourism development in the city.

Sunday, September 28, 2008
RI Supports New Council Resolution on Iran
Indonesia supports a new United Nations Security Council resolution that affirms previous sanctions imposed on Iran for its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment program.

Saturday, September 27, 2008
Kalla Insists Thai Peace Talks Received 'Valid Authorization'
Vice President Jusuf Kalla has defended his role as a mediator representing the Indonesian government in recent peace negotiations between the Thai government and Muslim separatists in Thailand's south.

Friday, September 26, 2008
Islamic Parties to Remain Unpopular in 2009: Survey
Support for Islamic-based parties is expected to remain low in the 2009 elections as Muslims look set to vote for nationalist political groups promoting better welfare for the public, according to a new survey released Thursday.

RI Shuts Down U.S. Medical Laboratory
The U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit number 2 (Namru-2) laboratory in Jakarta will be temporarily shut down because it offers "little benefit" to Indonesia, Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said Thursday.

RI-Russia Relations Focused on Four Targets, Says Indonesian Envoy
Jakarta - Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Hamid Awaluddin set four targets in boosting Indonesia’s relations with Russia, public affairs counselor at the Indonesian embassy in Moscow M. Aji Surya said here Wednesday (Sept 24).

Indonesia’s Corruption Perception Index Improves
Jakarta - Indonesia's Corruption Perception Index (IPK) in 2008 has improved by about 0.3 points to 2.6 compared with the figure in 2007, a finance ministry spokesman said.

N Sumatra Coffee Exports Reach US$128.32 million
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - North Sumatra earned US$ 128.32 million by exporting 38,233 tons of coffee seeds and instant coffee until August 2008, an official said here Friday.

PGAS Wins Rp5.63 Trillion Contract for Gas Supply to PLN
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - State gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGAS) has won a Rp5.63 trillion contract for the supply of gas to state power utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) for 10 years.

BI Expecting Rp4.9 Trillion Surplus in 2008 Budget
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia (BI) expects its 2008 financial report to show a surplus of Rp4.9 trillion as a result of a decrease in its monetary burden, particularly in its obligation to pay interest on BI certificates (SBI), BI Deputy Governor Ardhayadi said.

RI Exploring Possibility of Establishing Banking Links With Myanmar
Jakarta - The Indonesian representative in Myanmar has held a meeting with Managing Director of Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB), Than Ye, to explore the possibility of opening direct banking links with Myanmar which would be useful for the two countries' future trade relations.

Chief Justice Set to Retire at 67
Chief Justice Bagir Manan said Friday he would step aside on Oct. 6 when he turns 67, after the House of Representatives failed to pass a bill that would have extended his term by three years.

Thursday, September 25, 2008
Asylum Seekers Back in Papua
Two Papuans who sought asylum in Australia in 2006 have returned to their hometowns, claiming they did not get what had been promised before they left.

Aceh Supreme Rebel Leader Set to Return Home After Thirty Years
The supreme leader of the Aceh separatist movement will visit his homeland and family in October, ending a more than three-decade exile that began after a failed rebellion.

RI Welcomes Release of Myanmar Political Prisoners
New York - Indonesia welcomes the release of a number of Myanmar political prisoners but still feels mystified about what the Myanmar government will do next, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said here on Wednesday.

President Calls on People to Support Regional Government Heads
Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on people from all walks of life in the country to support the heads of government in their respective regions regardless of the latter's political backgrounds.

BPMigas Defends Cepu Decision
Downstream oil and gas regulator BPMigas said Wednesday it had approved the construction of a floating oil storage facility for the Cepu oil and gas block, as it saw nothing wrong with the idea, which appeared to be economically feasible.

Government to Issue Islamic State Bonds in Foreign Currencies
Jakarta - The Indonesian government is optimistic it will be able to issue Islamic state bonds in foreign currencies this year in spite of current unfavorable market conditions.

Government to Use State Coffers to Acquire BI’s Entities
The government will use the state budget to finance its takeovers of the central bank’s business entities PT Asuransi Kredit Indonesia (Askrindo) and financial services group PT Bahana Pembinaan Usaha Indonesia.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Security Situation in Papua 'Relatively Good' : Minister
Jakarta - In spite of several small incidents in the eastern Indonesian province of Papua, the security situation in the region is still 'relatively good,' Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo AS said here on Tuesday.

Governor Calls on Parties in Aceh to Stop Political Violence
Banda Aceh - It is time for political parties in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) province to go about their activities in accordance with existing rules and regulations and to stop political violence, Governor Irwandi Yusuf said here on Tuesday.

Survey Sees Progress in Graft Fight
Indonesia scored better on this year's Corruption Perception Index (CPI), thanks mostly to an aggressive crackdown by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), an annual global survey revealed Tuesday.

Army Chief: Thai Government not Involved in Insurgency Talks in Indonesia
Bangkok (ANTARA News) - Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda said Tuesday that the Thai government is not involved in a dialogue which took place between a former senior army officer and representatives from violence-plagued southern Thailand, aimed at ending the continuing violence in the region, held at the Indonesian Presidential Palace last weekend.

President: Anti-Corruption Efforts to Continue
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Wednesday corruption eradication efforts in the country would continue although according to the non-governmental organization Transparency International Indonesia’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) had improved.

RI Calls for Protection of Traditional Knowledge
Jakarta - Indonesia has urged the world community to immediately form a regime to protect genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore (GRTKF).

BI Shares in PT Bahana to be Divested Before Year End
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - State Enterprises Minister Sofyan Djalil said the government would complete the divestment of 82.7 percent of the shares of Bank Indonesia (the central bank) in PT Bahana Pembinaan Usaha Indonesia before the end of this year.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008
House Approves Bambang as New Police Chief
The House of Representatives on Monday approved Comr. Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri as the new National Police chief to replace Gen. Sutanto, who will retire early next month.

Separatist Papuan Flag Raised Again in Timika
Timika - A group of people hoisted the Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flag of the separatist Free Papua Organization (OPM) here at 3:15 am local time on Tuesday.

Watchdogs Refuse to Act on Big Losses
The central bank and the Finance Ministry have refused to take blame for the compromised supervision of foreign banks operating in Indonesia, following hefty losses suffered by local investors after buying into products offered by the banks.

RI Expo in Moscow Yields Promising Results
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - An Indonesian Expo which was officially opened last week in Moscow has started to show success as cooperation plans designed in one-on-one meetings are generating high hopes, the Foreign Ministry said.

Kadin Sees Expansion of Small Business with Rp 40T Bank Loan Deal
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is expressing optimism over the deal it has reached with banks to provide loans to micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Pertamina to Invest $500 M on Cepu Project
State oil and gas company PT Pertamina plans to spend US$500 million next year on an oil and gas project in Cepu, East Java, to be jointly run by U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil Corp.

News Focus: RI Joins Other ASEAN Countries in Banning Chinese Dairy Products
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Indonesia joined other Asean countries in banning the distribution of imported milk from China and advised the public to temporarily stop consuming all types of dairy products from China to avoid being poisoned by melamine.

Government Set to Internationalize Hospitals
The government will turn five state hospitals into world-class medical clinics in a bid to keep affluent patients from seeking treatment overseas, at a time when many poor people are denied access to basic healthcare.

Monday, September 22, 2008
Indonesia Condemns Bomb Attack on Pakistan’s Marriot Hotel
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government has condemned last Saturday’s suicide car bomb attack on the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad that killed at least 60 people and injured hundreds of others.

Indonesia Calls for Peace in South Thailand
Jakarta - The Indonesian government will keep promoting peace in South Thailand through its position as a facilitator for talks between the Thai government and the separatist group in the region.

President Receives South Thailand Delegation to Bogor Peace Talks
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received a South Thailand delegation that had held peace talks with Thai government representatives at the State Palace here on Monday.

President Yudhoyono Briefs Lemhanas Course Participants
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the State palace here on Monday received 98 participants of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas)`s 41st Regular Course Program.

RI, Turkey to Boost Bilateral Trade to US$2 Billion in 2008
Jakarta - Indonesia and Turkey have agreed to fulfill their commitment to achieving a bilateral trade target set at US$2 billion this year, the Foreign Ministry said in an official statement issued here on Saturday.

PGN, IP Ink Gas Contract Worth Rp 1.7 Trillion
To help secure power supply in West Java, state gas utility company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) and electricity supplier PT Indonesia Power (IP) last week signed a gas sales contract worth Rp 1.7 trillion (US$181.24 million).

Organizer of Bali Ritual Event Plan to Invite UN Chief
PDenpasar, Bali - The organizing committee of the ritual event dubbed Gema Perdamaian (Peace Call) plans to invite UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Tibet's spiritual leader Dalai Lama to the event calling for world peace.

Tourism Bill to Give Players Unprecedented Access, Power
After more than a year of deliberations, a tourism bill being finalized at the House of Representatives will give unprecedented power to businessmen in the industry if it is passed, tourism executives said.

Archeologists Challenged to Locate Majapahit Palace
Following the recent discovery of the Majapahit town square, archaeologists from various universities have been challenged to locate the palace of the ancient kingdom, believed to be the biggest across the archipelago.

Sunday, September 21, 2008
Rizal: SBY Should not Seek Reelection
Pandeglang, Banten (ANTARA News) - A political commentator with presidential ambitions, Rizal Mallarangeng, said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) should not run for reelection in 2009 because by then he would be too old , 65 years.

Saturday, September 20, 2008
Telkom May Accelerate Its Buy-Back Program
PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), the nation's largest telecommunications company, may accelerate a plan to buy back its stock market shares in order to take advantage of slumping stock prices.

Friday, September 19, 2008
Muslims Must be More Tolerant: SBY
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday called on Indonesian Muslims to tolerate people of other faiths and to sire Islam teachings as the true source of enlightenment.

Indonesia Textile Product Exports Up 6.16 %
Pacitan, E Java (ANTARA News) - Indonesia’s textile and textile product exports in the first seven months of 2008 rose 6.17 percent to US$6.06 billion from US$5.71 billion in the same period last year, an Industry Ministry official said.

RI's Exports to U.S Expected to Fall 20 pct
Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has predicted Indonesia's exports to the United States in the fourth quarter of 2008 may fall up to 20 percent from the previous quarter as a result of financial crisis.

Global Liquidity Crisis Having Small Impact on Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla said Friday the current global liquidity crisis has only led to a 0.1 percent drop in Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP).

President Wants Indonesia to Perform Better in Farm Product Trading
Tasikmalaya, West Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he has asked the agriculture and trade ministries to take prompt steps to improve the country’s performance in farm product trading, particularly in export terms.

Kadin Demands Protection Amid Flourishing Trade Deals
The Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) says Indonesia needs clear-cut strategies to protect local products amid a mushrooming number of bilateral and regional free trade agreements.

Indonesia to Help Develop Timor Leste`s Human Resources Capacity
Dili, East Timor (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government will realize its commitment to helping build Timor Leste`s human resources capacity, particularly its foreign ministry’s human resources, an Indonesian diplomat said here on Friday.

Thursday, September 18, 2008
President Calls on All Parties to Reflect on Reform’s Lessons
Tasikmalaya (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all parties here on Thursday to reflect on and learn lessons from the past 10 years of reform.

GM Supports Government to Extend Bilateral Cooperation
Jakarta - American automotive producer General Motors (GM) fully supported the Indonesian government's effort to extend the bilateral cooperation with other countries.

High Capital Good Imports Volume to Improve RI's Export Performance
Jakarta - Indonesia's relatively high volume of imports of capital goods and raw materials is expected to improve the country's export performance in the coming six months, particularly the export of goods based on imported raw materials, an economist said.

House Approves IPO of Three State Firms’ Shares
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The House of Representatives (DPR) Thursday approved the government’s proposal to privatize three state firms through an initial public offering (IPO).

PT Batubara Bukit Asam’s Coal Production to Reach 20 Million Tons by 2013
Jakarta - PT Batubara Bukit Asam Tbk expects its coal production to reach 20 million tons a year in 2013 following the completion of two coal transportation corridors in South Sumatra where its mines are located, a spokesman said.

Three RI Hospitals to be Made World Class
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government plans to turn three of its hospitals into world-class hospitals, a health ministry official said here on Thursday.

Indonesia, Australia Agree to Increase Cooperation in Military Industry
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian and Australian governments have agreed to step up cooperation in military and defense industries as well as security for the stability of the Asia Pacific region.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Yudhoyono Calls for Equality Before Law in Corruption War
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday called on the country's law enforcers to uphold equality before the law in the fight against corruption.

President Yudhoyono Calls on TNI not to Abandon Professionalism
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) here on Tuesday not to abandon its professionalism which was an identity that made the TNI different from those of other countries.

Lehman Bros` Collapse Not To Affect Foreign Investment In Ri : Official
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - An Indonesian investment official said here on Wednesday he believed the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the United States would not affect foreign investment in the country.

Market Rebounds After Collapses
The Indonesian stock market rebounded Tuesday after tumbling for the sixth consecutive day, as investors regained confidence after the government stepped in to avert havoc.

BUMN Put in Rp13.5 Trillion Dividend
Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani stated that the total dividends put in by state-own enterprises (BUMN) during the first semester of pf2008 had reached Rp13.5 trillion from its target of Rp31.2 trillion in 2008 state budget as reported here Tuesday.

Sales of New Cars Jump 41% in August on Holiday Fever
Sales of new vehicles surged 41 percent in August as drivers rushed to buy cars for the Idul Fitri holiday while avoiding the upcoming spike in the vehicle ownership tax, an association says.

Government, DPR Agree on Electricity Subsidy of Rp 60.43 Trillion
Jakarta - The government and the House of Representatives (DPR)'s Commission VII have agreed on the allocation of electricity subsidy amounting to Rp60.43 trillion with a power growth assumption of seven percent.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008
US Envoy to Lobby Bush’s Successor to Attend WOC in Manado
Manado, N Sulawesi - US ambassador to Indonesia Cameron Hume said he would lobby his country's next president to attend the World Ocean Conference (WOC) and Coral Triangle Initiaitve (CTI) summit to be held in Manado, North Sulawesi, on May 11-15, 2009.

Survey Says Indonesian Wants Younger Generation to Lead
The majority of Indonesian people would prefer the younger generation survive until the next round of general elections and emerge as leaders, a survey shows.

Government, BI Step in to Ease Impacts from U.S. Woes
The government and central bank pledged Monday to help ease volatility in the country's financial markets as global economic jitters hit home.

ADB, IDB Agree to Co-Finance Projects in Indonesia
Jakarta - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have signed a co-financing agreement to raise up to US$4 billion in fresh funds to finance projects in a number of member states, including Indonesia in the next three years.

Astra Buys 280 million Pt United Tractors Tbk Shares
Jakarta - PT Astra International Tbk (ASII) has bought 280,731,333 shares in PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR) through a rights issue making it a 58.54-percent stakeholder in the heavy-duty equipment maker, an UNTR executive said.

House Happy about 20 percent of State Budget for Education
Jakarta - The House of Representatives (DPR)'s Commission X is satisfied with the Indonesian government's decision to put 20 percent of the 2009 State Budget (RAPBN) aside for education.

NU to Strengthen Moderate Islamic Movement in Australia
Brisbane - Indonesia's biggest Moslem organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) will strengthen the movement to spread the concept of "Islam a blessing for the whole universe (rahmatan lil alamin)" by supporting regionalization of the International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) activities in Australia and South Pacific, a local NU representative said.

Monday, September 15, 2008
US Wishes to Conduct Studies on Submarine Life in RI
Manado - The United States would like to send a research ship to Indonesia to conduct studies of submarine life in the country's waters, the US envoy to Indonesia said.

Government to Cut Amount of State Bonds by Rp 15 Trillion
Jakarta- The government plans to cut the amount of state bonds (SUN) to be issued this year by Rp15 trillion due to current tight market liquidity.

Economy to Grow Past Six pct Despite Financial Crisis: Observer
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia’s economy will still grow more than six percent despite the current financial market crisis, Sunarsip, an observer from the Indonesia Economic Intelligence, said here on Monday.

Saturday, September 13, 2008
Yudhoyono, UN chief to hold teleconference again in October
New York (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will again hold a teleconference in October, following the first one on Friday (Sept. 12), aimed at promoting negotiations on steps to be taken after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

World Bank Lays Out RI Four-Year Lending Program
The World Bank, one of the country's major donors, will provide Indonesia with nearly US$2 billion in aid per year for the next four years to support national development programs.

NZ lauds RI`s role in creating AANZFTA
Jakarta,(ANTARA News) - New Zealand has lauded Indonesia’s role in negotiations to create an ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said.

Friday, September 12, 2008
Aceh Political Parties Vow Peaceful Competition in 2009 Polls
Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Forty-three of the 44 national and local political parties in Aceh that are to take part in the 2009 general elections declared their resolve to compete peacefully at a function held at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque here on Friday.

Real Estate Developers Upbeat about Business Prospects
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Real estate developers are optimistic about the prospects of their business because demand from middle- and high-income groups in big cities such as Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung and Surabaya remains strong, an industry spokesman said.

BNI to Raise Lending Rate by 1 pct
Jakarta,(ANTARA News) - State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), the country`s third largest lender, will soon raise its lending rate by 1 percent due to tight liquidity funds and a rise in its cost of funds after Bank Indonesia (BI) raised its key rate by 0.25 basis points to 9.25 percent early this month.

RI Ups Campaigns to Boost Tourists
Less than four months from the deadline to meet its foreign tourist arrival target under the Visit Indonesia Year program, the tourism industry is upping the stakes by holding a travel fair.

Semen Gresik Needs Around US$300 Million for Investment
Jakarta - Vice president director of state cement maker PT Semen Gresik, Heru P Adiningrat, said here Thursday the company would need around US$300 million next year in connection with its plan to build new factories.

Bogor Starts Using Biodiesel on Public Transportation
Bogor, W. Java - The Bogor city administration has been using used cooking oil as a mixture with fuel into biofuel of "Trans Pakuan" buses, sources said here Thursday.

Thursday, September 11, 2008
Triyono Wibowo Installed as RI Vice Foreign Minister
Jakarta - Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda here Thursday installed Triyono Wibowo, a career diplomat, as vice foreign minister.

Islam Takes Lead in RI's Post-9/11 Foreign Policy
An Indonesian postgraduate student moved into his new apartment in New York, preparing to present lectures at a university on the perspectives of Islam to an American audience.

RI Plays Important Role in Creating Asian Integration: ADB
Jakarta - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) predicts Indonesia will play a significant role in creating Asian integration as global economic power.

Government Projects 2009 Macro-Economic Growth at 6.2 pct
Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara - The government has projected the country's macro-economic growth in 2009 at 6.2 percent, a national development planning official said.

Trade Minister Addresses Emerging Asian Regionalism Conference
Jakarta - Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu delivered opening remarks instead of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani on Emerging Asian Regionalism : Trends and Challenges in a conference here Wednesday.

Non-Oil and Gas Exports Surpass 50 pct of Target
Jakarta - Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports reached US$54.4 billion until June 2008, exceeding the 50 percent target of US$102 billion.

PDIP Predicted to Win 2009 Polls
Jakarta - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) will win the 2009 polls if it gains wide votes in and around Jakarta, an observer said.

VP Optimistic RI Tourism Industry to Fare Better
Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla has expressed optimism that the tourism industry in Indonesia will fare much better following the recent decrease in world oil prices.

Government Says IFC Report Neglects Context
The government published a statement on Thursday debating a conclusion of a survey by the World Bank's investment arm, International Finance Corporation, on Indonesia's investment climate.

State Budget to Allocate Rp 100.6 t on Fuel Subsidies
A working committee on the 2009 state budget bill has agreed tosubsidize fuel by a total of Rp 100.6 trillion (US$10.76 billion)next year, down from Rp 126.8 trillion allocated this year.

Government to Increase Research Spending to Record High
The government has pledged to increase the country's research budget by almost 200 times next year with a special focus on "strategic" research projects aimed at improving welfare.

Astra Honda to Increase Production Capacity
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - PT Astra Honda Motor plans to increase the production capacity of its motorcycle assembling plants in North Jakarta in 2009 to meet increasing demand, a spokesman said.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
President to Hold Teleconference With UN Chief on Climate Change
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will hold a teleconference with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as well as with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on climate change, a spokesman said.

Surabaya US Consul General, Street Children Hold Fast Breaking Party
Surabaya - United States Consul General in Surabaya Carryn McClelland and several of his staffers performed a Ramadhan fast breaking with 75 street children from the Alit Foundation here on Tuesday evening.

RI to Extend US$100,000 in Aid to Laos
Jakarta - Indonesia is to extend US$100,000 worth of aid to Laos which was recently hit by the largest flood in the last 100 years, a government spokesman said.

South East Sulawesi Opens Opportunities for Investment of Rp24 trillion
Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Southeast Sulawesi Province has opened opportunities for investment of up to 24 trillion rupiah in the agricultural, industrial and mining sectors, a regional official said.

Oil Production to Increase to 960,000 Barrels a day in 2009
The government and House of Representatives have agreed to raise the country’s oil production level to around 960,000 per day.

Harmonious Hindu-Islam Relations in Bali Rooted in History: Official
Denpasar, Bali - Traditional Hindu Bali royal rulers are known to have always maintained cordial relations with Muslim communities living in their respective realms and this condition must be maintained and even further developed, a regional religious affairs official said.

Government to Up Minimum Monthly Teacher's Salary to Rp 2 million
The lowest ranked state teachers will earn at least Rp 2 million (about US$219) per month next year as part of a government effort to improve the quality of national education.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Vice Foreign Minister to be Installed on Thursday
Jakarta - Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda is scheduled to install his Vice Foreign Minister Triyono Wibowo on Thursday, September 11, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said.

Yudhoyono Chairs Limited Cabinet Meeting on Education Budget
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the company of Vice President Jusuf Kalla chaired a limited cabinet meeting to discuss the government`s plan to increase the funds allocation for education in the 2009 state budget.

Mulyani: Global Economy in Turmoil
Coordinating Minister for the Economy Sri Mulyani Idrawati said the U.S. government's decision to bail out mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac indicated that the global economy was in turmoil.

Inflation to Ease in 2009: BI
Central bank Governor Boediono was upbeat Monday that the country's inflation would slow next year to between 6.5 and 7.5 percent, far below this year's estimate of between 11.5 and 12.5 percent.

25 Companies to Invest in Agribusiness
Jakarta - Twenty-five companies are interested in making an investment in large-scale corn agribusiness in Indonesia, manager of PT DuPont country manager Mardahana said.

Krakatau Steel to Build US$555 million Factory in Cilegon
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - State-owned steel maker PT Krakatau Steel plans to build a new factory in Cilegon, Banten, next year to produce steel plates with an annual capacity of 1.5 million tons.

Government Rejects KLM Proposal on GMF
The government has rejected a proposal from Dutch airline company KLM for the acquisition of Garuda Maintenance Facilities (GMF), the subsidiary of state owned airline company Garuda Airlines.

Australia to Extend Rp58 Billion to NTT for Infrastructure Development
Kupang - The Australian government is to extend Rp58 billion in financial support for infrastructure development in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, its ambassador said.

Monday, September 8, 2008
Discourse: Obama or McCain, RI and U.S. Should Look Forward
With the Nov. 4 U.S. presidential election fast approaching, Indonesians have been taking greater interest, especially because one of the main presidential candidates, Barack Obama, lived in Indonesia during his childhood. U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R. Hume talked to The Jakarta Post's Abdul Khalik last week about the importance of the election and how the election result will affect U.S.-Indonesia relations.

Minister Asks Japan to Increase Market Capacity to Absorb RI Workers
Tokyo - Indonesia hopes Japan will increase its market's capacity to absorb Indonesian workers including trainees and business sectors accessible by the workers, an Indonesian minister said.

RI Demands OZ, NZ Open Up Service Markets Under FTA
Indonesia has proposed the liberalization of professional and service sectors in Australia and New Zealand under the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries and ASEAN members.

Government to Withdraw US$2.67 Billion in Project Loans in 2009
Jakarta - The National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) has projected that the government would withdraw project loans amounting to US$2.67 billion or about Rp24.9 trillion in 2009.

House Calls for BLBI Case to be Reopened
The conviction of a state prosecutor for accepting bribes from a businesswoman close to tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim has paved the way for law enforcers to expand their investigation into the alleged misuse of Bank Indonesia liquidity support (BLBI) funds involving Sjamsul, a House of Representatives legislator says.

RI, Australia Strengthen Defense Ties
Jakarta - Indonesia and Australia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defense field based on mutual trust to create a regional stability.

Sunday, September 7, 2008
President Calls for Renewed Unity
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all people here on Sunday to unite again to achieve progress.

Voters’ Decision in 2009 Election Difficult to Predict
Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - A local party leader said here on Sunday voters` decision in next year`s presidential election would be difficult to predict.

Saturday, September 6, 2008
President: Religion’s Essence Lies in Values, not in Symbols
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Saturday the essence of a religion lay in its values rather than its symbols.

RI Leaders Need to Make Changes: Management Expert
London (ANTARA News) - Indonesian management expert Rhenald Kasali said Indonesian leaders need to make changes to improve conditions in the country, adding that it would not be an easy job.

RI to Become Sugar Self-Reliant Next Year: Minister
The country may not need to import white sugar next year as local producers will be able to meet local demand once a government-funded refinery revitalization program is completed, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu says.

Friday, September 5, 2008
Politicians Befriend Old Enemies for 2009 Polls
In true keeping with the classic political adageare no permanent friends or enemies, but interests", some politicians have decided to put old rivalries on the back burner in the run-up to next year's legislative elections.

Indonesia Approves Chevron’s Development Plan
Jakarta - The Indonesian Government has approved Chevron Indonesia Company's plan to develop five marine fields in the Makassar Strait, namely Gendalo, Maha, Gandang, Gehem, and Ranggas, according to a press release from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (DESDM) made available to ANTARA here Thursday.

President Asks for New Policies to Facilitate Investment in Bali
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the Bali provincial administration to formulate new policies to facilitate investment in the province, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said here on Friday.

Oil Falls Ahead of OPEC Meeting
Oil prices dropped below US$107 a barrel Friday as the dollar continued to gain on the euro and investors waited to see if OPEC moves to restrict output next week amid a two-month plunge in prices.

China Signs $597m Deal, Plans Factory Relocation
Thursday proved a busy day of signing for businesses from Indonesia and the Chinese province of Guangdong, with 30 contracts worth a total of US$597 million being finalized.

Rupiah’s Fall not Caused by Fundamental Factors: BI
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Boediono said on Friday the rupiah is weakening against the US dollar because of a global phenomenon in which the greenback is strengthening against almost all other world currencies.

Minister Says Oil Price Drop may Reduce Deficit
Jakarta - The recent drop in the world price of oil to up to US$105 per barrel could reduce oil and electricity subsidy and lower the government's budget deficit than current projection of 1.6 to 1.7 percent or around Rp82.3 trillion.

Abu Dhabi Interested in Power Plant Development in Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Investors from Abu Dhabi have expressed interest in the development of up to 3,000 MW power plants in Indonesia, a senior official said here on Friday.

Six Countries Draft Protocol on Coral Reef Management
In a move to help preserve the region's coral reefs, the six member countries of the Coral Triangle Initiative have agreed on a draft protocol on protecting coral reefs from the effects of climate change.

Government Hopes Agreement on Bird flu Virus Specimen to Settled in November
Jakarta - Indonesia hopes negotiations on material transfer agreement for birdflu virus specimen could be finished in the inter-governmental meeting of WHO members in November, health minister Siti Fadillah Supari said on Thursday.

Thursday, September 4, 2008
Government Backs Open Election
Public hopes for a democratic election received a new boost on Wednesday, with the government throwing its weight behind a political move to introduce an open election system next year.

State Auditor Reignites 'Battle' with Chevron
A project run by PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) has allegedly cost the state up to US$210 million in losses, the House of Representatives' inquiry committee on oil and gas management heard Wednesday.

Year Inflation on Course to Meet Target
Rising inflation this month due to increased spending during the month of Ramadan is to be expected and will not launch the rate higher than the year's estimate, the central bank says.

Toyota Set to Build $27m Parts Facility
Indonesia's biggest car seller, PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), will spend Rp 249 billion (US$27 million) to build a new auto-parts facility on Cikarang industrial estate, West Java.

Government Needs to Subsidize LPG: Observer
Jakarta - The government must subsidize liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) if it bans state oil and gas company Pertamina from raising the prices of LPG in 12-kg and 50-kg cylinders, an observer said.

RI, Guangdong Trade Value Projected to Reach US$10 Billion
Jakarta - Bipartite trade value between Indonesia and Guangdong province in China is projected to rise by US$10 billion in the next three years, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said here on Thursday.

China’s Suntech to Invest US$300 Million in Solar Energy in Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Chinese energy company Suntech Power Holding Co. Ltd said it had set aside US$300 million for solar energy development in Indonesia.

PT Bakrie & Brothers Reports 600 pct Rise in Net Profit
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Widely diversified corporation PT Bakrie & Brothers (JSX:BNBR) reported a 600 per cent increase in net profit to Rp590 billion (US$65.5 million) in the first half of this year from Rp85.8 billion in the same period last year.

Heritage Group Will Help Save Old Buildings
The city administration and the conservation board of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (BPPI) will cooperate in conserving historical buildings in the Old Town section and in teaching school children of the buildings' legacies.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008
President Calls on People to Ascertain Their Registration as Voters
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all Indonesians possessing the right to vote to go to the offices of their respective village administrations to check whether they have been duly registered as voters for the 2009 general elections.

Elections May See Rise in Fake Auditors, Experts Warn
High demand for public accountants, coupled with their very scant numbers, is raising concerns about the appearance of fake auditors ahead of the 2009 elections.

Elnusa Eyes Oil Block Owned by Tradewinds
Publicly-listed upstream oil and gas Services Company PT Elnusa plans to purchase two companies owned by U.S.-based Tradewinds Oil and Gas International Ltd. in a bid to control an oil block.

PT DI to Produce Light Cassa Transport Planes in 2010
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia’s aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) plans to begin producing light transport Cassa-212 airplanes early in 2010, a company spokesman said.

Minister Denies RI Highly Dependent on Food Imports
Jakarta - Agriculture Minister Anton Apriantono denied certain quarters' allegation that Indonesia was highly dependent on imports to meet its food needs, saying that these needs were mow mostly being fulfilled with domestic products.

Government not to Raise LPG Price until 2009 Elections
Jakarta - The government has decided not to raise the price of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) in 12-kg and 50-kg cylinders until at least the implementation of the 2009 general elections, a spokesman said.

More Foreign Visitors to Bali, but Stays Shorter: Report
The number of foreigners visiting Bali rose again in July, although more were having shorter stays, Bali's Central Statistics Agency reported Tuesday.

More Business-Friendly Tax Bill Endorsed
The House of Representatives on Tuesday enacted a much-awaited amendment to the income tax law aimed at spurring economic activities by providing lower rates and more incentives to businesses.

Indonesia, Saudi Arabia to Expand Bilateral Cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and Saudi Arabia held the 8th meeting of their Joint Commission in Riyadh last August 30-31 where they agreed to expand their bilateral relations.

Tokyo Gas to buy 500,000 tons of LNG from Tangguh field
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Japanese gas company Tokyo Gas has agreed to buy up to 500,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Indonesia`s Tangguh gas field in Papua province, an oil and mining official said.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Yudhoyono Likely to Win Reelection, Latest Survey Says
Although former president Megawati Soekarnoputri can secure the most votes in the first round of the 2009 presidential election, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono can still win a second term in office, a new survey reveals.

Vice President Pushes for Simplified Political System
Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Monday reiterated a call to simplify the political system, saying the country had talked too much about politics but made less time for discussing economic issues.

Foreign Arrivals up 11.4 percent on Retraction of U.S. Warning
Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, saw a 11.4 percent jump in foreign tourist arrivals during the first seven months of the year due in part to better security and a prodigious advertising campaign.

Chief Economic Minister: RI's Trade Balance in Safe Positions
Jakarta - Indonesia's trade balance is in a safe position although the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported a deficit for the first time, a senior minister said.

President Expresses Appreciation for Fukuda
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed his appreciation for Japan’s Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda who resigned on Monday for his role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

House Passes Income Tax Bill Into Law
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The House of Representatives (DPR) passed an income tax bill into law at its plenary meeting here on Tuesday.

Inpex, Indonesian Government Agree to Build US$14 Bln LNG Plant
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Indonesian government and Inpex Masela Ltd have agreed to develop gas from the Masela block in eastern Indonesia and build a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant with a total investment of US$14 billion.

RI, Australia to Conduct Joint Patrols in Timor Sea
Brisbane - Indonesia and Australia will this month conduct joint or coordinated patrols in the Timor Sea in an effort to clamp down on illegal fishing in the waters, an Indonesian official here said.

Monday, September 1, 2008
VP : Economic, Political Justice Key to Maintaining NKRI Integrity
Jakarta - Economic and political justice is the key to maintaining the Unitary State of the Indonesian Republic (NKRI)'s integrity, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said here on Monday.

U.S Still a Destination of West Sumatra’s Non-Oil/Gas Exports
Padang, W Sumatra - The United States is still a destination of West Sumatra's non-oil/gas exports, which in July 2008 reached 73.837 thousand US dollars, to Singapore worth 51,994.3 thousand US dollars, and to India 33,253.4 thousand US dollars.