Monday, June 30, 2008
Megawati overtakes SBY as front runner: Survey
A new survey suggests former president Megawati Soekarnoputri would win an election if it were held today, thanks to the government's decision to raise fuel prices.

Golkar to Screen Election Candidates
A new survey suggests former president Megawati Soekarnoputri would win an election if it were held today, thanks to the government's decision to raise fuel prices.

Poverty Eradication Programs Are Improving: SBY
The government has continually improved its programs to reduce the number of underprivileged people in the country, the President said Sunday during his two-day visit to Jambi province.

Merger Plan for State Construction Firms on Hold
The government's plan to integrate several state-owned construction companies into a holding company has been suspended following an alarm from the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) saying it could lead to a monopoly.

Yudhoyono Asks for Reactivation of Posyandu and PKK
Jambi, June 29 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the activities of integrated public health service clinics (Posyandu) and empowerment of family welfare (PKK) whose activities were slowing down early in the reforms era, should be reactivated.

Sunday, June 29, 2008
Kalla: Golkar has Nobody to Depend on to Win 2009 Polls
Jakarta (ANTARANews) - Golkar Party leader M Jusuf Kalla said the party was not depending on any particular person but on its own strong will to win the 2009 general elections.

President: We Need a Solution, not Anger
Jambi, (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the Indonesian people is currently in need of a solution to improve the national economy and not finding faults or venting anger everywhere.

President: Family Planning and Mutual Assistance Strengthen National Self-Reliance
Jambi - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the national family planning and mutual assistance programs will help strengthen Indonesia's national self-reliance.

Saturday, June 28, 2008
U.S. Students Learn of Islam at UIN
Students from nine universities in the United States visited Jakarta on Thursday to learn about Islamic teachings and culture from Muslim communities at the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN).

Indofood to Sell 2.67 Percent Shares to Strengthen Capital
The world's largest noodle producer PT Indofood Sukses Makmur will sell 2.67 percent of its buyback shares to strengthen its capital structure.

Friday, June 27, 2008
House Proposes Cap on Fuel Subsidy for Next Year
The House of Representatives has suggested the government put a cap on the gap between the price of subsidized fuels and unsubsidized ones next year, which would consequently cap the fuel subsidy.

Bali Meet to Issue Declaration on Waste Management
Due to end Friday, an international conference on hazardous waste is expected to output two documents as many countries insisted on refusing to ratify the ban amendment aimed at barring the transboundary traffic of toxic trash.

Violence not Religious Problem: Speakers
The World Peace Forum ended Thursday with a call to stop treating violence as a religiously embedded problem, which could result in a further polarization between the West and the Muslim world.

State Interference in Theology Seen as Threat to Minority Groups
State interference in theological issues could put minority groups in danger and be misused by larger groups, leading to suppression and violence, religious scholars warned here Thursday.

RI's Islamic Organizations Told to 'Think Globally'
Local Islamic organizations should unite and start a global movement to advance Indonesian Muslims and extend their political influence, scholars say.

NY Millionaire Gets Prison for Enslaving Indonesian Workers in Her Mansion
A millionaire who inflicted years of abuse on two Indonesian housekeepers held as virtual slaves in her suburban Long Island, New York, mansion was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison.

Army to Improve Border Security, Prevent Sectarian Unrest: KASAD
Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo expects the new head of the Udayana Military Command to improve border security and prevent sectarian violence in the region.

Thursday, June 26, 2008
Lawmakers Say no SBY Impeachment
Due to the lack of public support, the House of Representatives' decision to launch an inquiry into the government's fuel policy will not lead to the impeachment of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, lawmakers said Wednesday.

Indonesia Seeking Equality in Cooperation with Namru-2: Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will seek equality in its cooperation with the US Naval Medical Research Unit-2 (NAMRU-2) if the relevant cooperation agreement is to be extended, Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said.

Peace Meet Says Violence the Fault of Big Powers
Major powers are blamed for persistent global violence due to increased arms production and sales to conflict areas, mostly developing countries, an international peace conference concluded in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Ministers Starting High-Level Discussions at Basel Convention Meeting in Bali
Nusa Dua, Bali - At least 15 environmental affairs ministers were expected on Thursday to start high-level discussions at the ongoing Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-9) to the Basel Convention which has been going on at Nusa Dua, Bali, since June 23, 2008.

OPEC President: Oil Prices Could Hit $170 a Barrel this Summer
OPEC President Chakib Khelil is saying oil prices could rise to between US$150 and $170 a barrel this summer.

Government Ready to Explain Reasons for Fuel Price Hikes to Parliament
Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the government was ready to explain to the House of Representatives (DPR) its reasons for raising domestic fuel oil prices recently.

WB Urged to Improve Role in Social, Environmental Development
Jakarta, Jun 25 (ANTARA) - The World Bank should improve its role in social as well as environmental development which affects the quality of human development, environment analyst Emil Salim said.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Indonesian Government More Efficient, Less Corrupt: World Bank
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A reform push by leaders in Indonesia has substantially improved the performance of government and cut into corruption in Southeast Asia's largest economy, the World Bank said Wednesday.

Yudhoyono Spreads Anti-Violence Message
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday opened a three-day World Peace Forum in Jakarta that will bring together hundreds of world leaders to discuss the issue of religious violence.

Namru-2 is of no Benefit to Indonesia, Outspoken Minister Says
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari refused to respond to written questions posed by the House of Representatives` Commission I to her on the presence of the US Navy’s medical laboratory Namru-2 in Indonesia.

President: Improved Occupational Safety Boosts Economic Growth
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said the government would pursue its commitment to improve occupational health and safety because it could contribute to economic growth.

House Probe Unrelated to Impeachment, Says Spokesman
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said the House of Representatives (DPR)`s decision to use it right of inquiry was not related to a presidential impeachment because under the amended Constitution a House inquiry was not a valid ground to move for impeachment.

Food Agency Chief Warns Food Prices Will Remain High, Calls for More Productions
The head of the U.N.'s food agency on Wednesday warned that food prices will remain high and called for a boost in production.

Bali to Produce Power from Organic Garbage
Bali will be the first province in the country to produce electricity using organic garbage, with zero waste.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008
U.S. Urged to Ratify Toxic Treaty
A global toxic trade watchdog, the Basel Action Network, has again called on the United States to ratify the international toxic treaty and stop illegal trafficking of hazardous electronic waste.

Indonesia Prefers to Engage with Difference Through Dialogues: Minister
Indonesia prefers to talk it out when dealing with differences, especially those concerning interfaith issues in the country, says Religious Affairs Minister Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni.

N Sulawesi Governor Briefs UN Members on WOC Preparations
Manado, North Sulawesi Province - North Sulawesi Governor Sarundajang recently engaged in a successful diplomatic activity at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the province's plan to host a World Ocean Conference (WOC) in May 2009.

RI Pursuing Debt-Swap Mechanism
Indonesia has paid 3 million euro (US$7.76 million) to Germany, the first installment for a debt swap program worth 25 million euro to combat AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, a ministry official says.

Minister Touts Informal Education
Community learning centers (CLC) could be a solution for those with no access to regular schooling, National Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo says.

House Approves Proposal to Investigate Fuel Price Hikes
The House of Representatives approved a proposal Tuesday evening to question the government for raising fuel price.

Poll: Majority of Indonesians Support Establishing Islamic Law
A majority of Indonesians questioned in a national survey support establishing Islamic law, but fewer than half want stern measures such as cutting off the hands of thieves or forcing women to wear traditional Islamic dress.

Monday, June 23, 2008
RI, U.S. to Start Namru-2 Negotiations
Indonesia and the United States will hold discussions next month on the future of the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 2 (Namru-2), following widespread calls for its closure, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said Monday.

Amien Rais : RI Needs a New Leader
Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - It is time for Indonesia to have a new leader in the current uncertain situation, former National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais said here on Monday.

Indonesian Muslim Group to Host Peace Conference
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - World leaders in religion, politics and business will gather in the Indonesian capital this week for a conference to address "facets of violence" and its solutions, organizers said Sunday.

House May Slap Taxes on BI to Boost Budget Transparency
In a bid to increase its budget transparency, the central bank may have to pay income tax starting next year if it records a budget surplus, a further deliberation on the income tax bill reveals.

RI’s Debt Swap Deals Only Worth US$275 Million
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia’s debt swap program has only reached US$275 million (some Rp2,55 trillion) or far below its total debt of Rp550 trillion, a finance ministry official said.

Bali Art Festival Offers Nonlocals Chance to Ease Homesickness
Besides giving a glimpse of the country's cultural diversity, the 30th Bali Art Festival also provides a chance for natives of other provinces residing in Bali to ease their homesickness.

Bird Flu Cases Declining In Indonesia, But Prevalence Still Seen High Internationally
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - It is a debatable question if we wish to see the progress made by Indonesia in eradicating the fatal bird flu virus (H5N1 in this largest archipelagic country.

Saturday, June 21, 2008
Indonesia to Host Asian-African Conference on Palestine
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and South Africa will co-chair an Asian-African Conference on Palestine in Jakarta on July 14-15, 2008, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

Friday, June 20, 2008
Government Decision on NAMRU-2 to Depend on House Recommendation: Minister
Jakarta - Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said how the government would decide on the condinued presence of the US Naval Medical Research Unit-2 (NAMRU-2) in the country will eventually depend on a House of Representatives (DPR) recommendation.

President Underlines Government-Private Sector Partnership in Infrastructure Development
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono underlined the need for a harmonious partnership between the government and the private sector in the building of infrastructure to smoothen economic activities.

State Officials Still Needed in State Enterprises' Boards of Commissioners: Minister
State Enterprises Minister Sofyan Djalil said the boards of commissioners of state-owned companies still needed to include state officials because they perform supervisory roles over companies that are state assets.

RI Ranks High in Attracting Trade
Indonesia is good at attracting international trade with its relatively competitive tariff barriers, but our border controls and distribution channels create major obstacles, a report says.

RI Submits Data on Continental Shelf Off of Sumatra to UN
Indonesia has submitted to the United Nations data on a continental shelf north-west of Sumatra in its bid to extend its sovereignty to include the area.

FPI Attacks Damage RI Muslims' Image: Muhammadiyah Chairman
Violence by members of a radical Islamic group earlier this month has damaged the international image of Indonesian Muslims, chairman of the country's second-largest Muslim group said.

Government Committed to Settling Munir Murder Case: Minister
Jakarta - The government and the law enforcing agencies have a strong commitment to settling the human rights activist Munir murder case, Minister/State Secretary Hatta Rajasa said here on Friday.

Thursday, June 19, 2008
World Opinion Poll Shows Public Confidence in Yudhoyono Still High
Jakarta - Indonesians’ confidence in President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's leadership proves to be still high as shown by the results of a World Public Opinion poll held in 20 countries, presidential spokesman Andi Malarangeng said.

Lawmakers Set Conditions for Future of U.S. Laboratory Facilities
Lawmakers who visited the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2 (Namru-2) in Jakarta on Wednesday are insisting the controversial laboratory meet certain conditions if it is to continue operating in Indonesia.

RI Among Asia's Fastest Growing Bakery Markets: Study
With strong demand from its large population, Indonesia is among the fastest growing bakery markets in Asia, a study by the German Bakers' Confederation has found.

RI Selling Global Bonds Worth $2.2 Billion
Jakarta - Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves will increase following the issuance of global bonds worth US$2.2 billion this month, a central bank official said.

Industry Minister Calls for Fiscal Incentives to Boost Real Sector
Jakarta - Industry Minister Fahmi Idris has urged the Finance Ministry to develop a fiscal incentive policy amidst pressure on investment to prevent the real sector from further deteriorating.

Government Expected to Take Anticipatory Steps in Face of Drought
Jakarta - Although floods are still taking place in a number of regions, signs of drought are beginning to appear in other areas in the country, making it necessary for the government to take anticipatory steps, a legislator said.

Health Minister: Bird Flu Cases in RI Down
Medan - Minister of Healthy Siti Fadilah Supari said that in the last 6 months the number of cases of bird flu on human beings in Indonesia had declined significantly.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
RI Asks Wealthy Nations to Stick to Bali Road Map
Indonesia has called on rich nations to meet promises they made during last year's climate change conference in Bali to take the lead in emissions cuts to tackle global warming.

Indonesian Nation Urged not to Always Blame on Another
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - State Minister for Reforms Taufiq Effendi called on all parties not to blame one another, but help each other for the sake of progress.

Investment Growth in Manufacturing Sector in 2008 to Stagnate: Bizmen
Cikarang, W. Java - Investment growth in the manufacturing sector in Indonesia is expected to stagnate in 2008 due to the recent fuel oil price hikes and the upcoming general elections, a business community spokesman said.

Joint Exercise Needed Despite Tough Economic Condition
Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said Tuesday that the on- going Indonesian Military (TNI)'s joint exercise had to be carried out despite difficult economic conditions.

House Endorses Islamic Bank Law
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Islamic banking law aimed at accelerating growth in the industry, while failing to address the issue of double-taxation.

Muslim Forum Stages Rally Demanding Ahmadiyah’s Disbandment
Jakarta - Thousands of members of the Muslim Forum (FUI) staged a rally in front of the Merdeka palace here on Wednesday urging the government to issue a presidential decree to disband Ahmadiyah.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
RI to Begin Forest Carbon Projects
Indonesia is expected to be the first nation to carry out forest carbon projects to help combat climate change thanks to a newly launched forest carbon partnership with Australia.

Economic Development not Only Aimed at Achieving Growth: President
Balikpapan, E Kalimantan - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said national economic development was not only aimed at achieving growth.

Government Plans to Increase Education Budget
The government has proposed the education budget be increased from Rp 48 trillion (US$5.16 billion) this year to around Rp 51 trillion in 2009.

RI's GDP May Reach Rp5,275.9 Trillion
Jakarta - The government and the House of Representatives (DPR) are looking into the possibility of raising the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to Rp5,275.9 trillion by relying on exports and investments.

RI's Plan to Restrict Tin Production May Affect Global Tin Market
Jakarta - Indonesia's plan to restrict its tin production, if realized, will have an impact on the global tin market as research conducted by many institutions has shown global tin production is lower than demand, a tin mining executive said.

Government Entrusts Pertamina with Natuna Block
The government has given Pertamina the rights to develop the Natuna gas block in Riau islands province following a deadlock in a negotiation with ExxonMobil Corp. over a contract extension, an executive says.

Fundamentalism Threatens Papua: ICG
The International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned Indonesia of potential communal conflict in the country's easternmost province due to strained relations between Muslims and Christians.

Monday, June 16, 2008
RI President Congratulates TNI, Suggests Joint Exercise Should be Held Every 5 Years
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono congratulated the National Defense Forces (TNI) for conducting a successful joint military exercise and called for the activity to be held every five years.

Kalla Slams Inefficient Poll System
Who profits the most from the hundreds of elections held across Indonesia every year?

SBY to Present Financial Aid of Rp 25b for Students, Lecturers
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to present financial aid worth Rp 25 billion to students, civil servants and university lecturers in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Monday.

Sunday, June 15, 2008
Asia Development Bank Says Inflation Threatens Asia's Growth
Asia's growth is threatened by spiraling inflation from higher food and fuel costs, an Asian Development Bank executive warned Sunday, and called on governments to tighten monetary policies to deal with the scourge.

Saturday, June 14, 2008
RI Helps Adoption of UN Resolutions on Decolonization of Colonized Territories
New York - Indonesia has helped the adoption of UN resolutions on issues related to the process of decolonization in a number of non-self-governing territories.

Bali Arts Festival Should be Held Annually: President
Denpasar, Bali - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the Bali Arts Festival (PKB) should be held annually as a manifestation of love and pride of national culture.

SBY-Sultan Considered Ideal Pair: Survey
Semarang, C Java - Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X is considered to be Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)'s ideal running mate in the 2009 presidential polls, according to a new survey.

Friday, June 13, 2008
Many not Satisfied About Government’s Decree on Ahmadiyah
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government finally issued a joint ministerial decree on Monday banning followers of Jamaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) from carrying out religious activities, but many Muslims organizations in the country were not satisfied as it did not provide for JAI`s dissolution.

Government Plans to Raise Electricity Tariffs for Able Subscribers in 2010
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The government plans to raise electricity tariffs for able subscribers by 15 percent in 2010 after all power plants with a combined capacity of 10,000 megawatts have been operational, an Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry official said.

Don't Rest on Laurels, says Yudhoyono
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Thursday the country should not be content with its achievements in tackling corruption, and should strive to do more.

Gus Dur Loses Two Legal Battles
Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, the paramount leader of the National Awakening Party (PKB), lost two legal battles against his political foes on Thursday.

Corruption Still Rampant in RI: Report
Despite tougher measures to combat graft, Indonesia remains at the top of the corruption index in the East Asia region, the latest UN Development Program report says.

Orangutans Could Face Extinction Over Next 10 Years
The number of orangutans could fall by nearly 50 percent over the next decade due to habitat destruction and human-animal conflicts, according to estimates by the directorate general for forest protection and nature conservation.

Thursday, June 12, 2008
President Calls for Global Commitment to Eradicate Corruption
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for a global commitment to eradicating corruption saying that no country in the world should be a place where corrupters can stash away state assets.

President Launches Asia-Pacific Development Report 2008
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched a UNDP report on development in Asia-Pacific in 2008 titled "Efforts to Fight Corruption, Changing Life" at the State Palace here on Thursday.

Government to Lower Internet Rate Between 20 and 40 percent
The Communications and Information Ministry has planned to decrease the Internet tariff between 20 to 40 percent by July.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Governments Told to Increase Women's Role in Decision Making and Peace-Building Processes
An international women's conference Wednesday in Baku urged all the governments to increase the participation of women in all areas of decision making and peace-building processes.

"Tainted" Election Will Create Unstable Government: Expert
The upcoming Bali gubernatorial election is a legally-tainted political process, a legal expert claimed Monday.

No Plan for Joint Military Exercise with US : TNI Chief
Batam, (ANTARA News) - During times of peace the Indonesian military must regularly hold exercises, including with other countries but at present there was no plan to do it with the United States, National Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Gen Djoko Santoso said here on Wednesday.

U.S. Election: Obama the Better Choice for RI
Barack Obama has succeeded in becoming the Democratic Party candidate to face Republican John McCain in the U.S. presidential election in November.

RI to Suffer Milder Food Crisis Impacts
The World Bank (WB) predicts Indonesia will experience a shorter period of repercussions from the global food price crisis compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

Ahmadiyah Decree Seen as Legalizing Violence
Human rights activists have demanded the government annul a decree against Jamaah Ahmadiyah because it violates the Constitution and legalizes crimes against the minority Islamic group.

President Asks Oil Companies to Heed 2008 Production Target
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked oil and gas companies operating in Indonesia under cooperation work contracts (KKS) to duly meet their 2008 production target of 977,000 barrels per day and even to strive continuously to step up their output, a minister said.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008
U.S. Pledges to Help Eradicate Corruption
The United States government has expressed concerns over the high presence of corruption in Indonesia, and has pledged to support the country in efforts to eradicate it.

Government Preparing Policy on Investment in Food Sector
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government is preparing the adoption of a special policy on investments in the food sector to boost production of such important staples as rice, corn, soybean and cassava, a senior economic official said.

House Proposes Across-the-Board Tax Cuts
A House of Representatives committee is proposing a cut in income tax for both businesses and individuals to help stimulate the economy amid record crude oil prices and a global economic slowdown.

Government Calls it a Day for Ahmadiyah
The government, bowing to intense pressure from extremist groups, has ordered Jamaah Ahmadiyah to stop all religious activities or face legal prosecution.

New Focus: Golkar Party to Change Stand on SBY-JK Government
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - In the run up to the 2009 general elections, legislators of the Golkar Party made a surprise statement last week.

Indonesia Still Has no Plan to Export Rice in This Year
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Although Indonesia has come out of the global food crisis as marked with the country’s success in becoming self-sufficient in rice, and having a rice overproduction this year, this largest archipelagic country still has no plan to export the staple in large volumes this year.

Forty Political Parties to Contest General Elections in Aceh
Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - A total of 40 local and national political parties are to participate in the 2009 general elections in Aceh Province to elect district-, provincial- and national-level legislators, president/vice president, a provincial election official said.

Monday, June 9, 2008
RI`S Q1 Balance of Payments Up to $59 B
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia’s balance of payments (NPI) in the first quarter of 2008 recorded a surplus of US$1 billion with the total amount of payments recorded at US$59 billion, Bank Indonesia (BI) said.

RI Issues Decree to Restrict Foreign Ads
In a bid to protect the country's interests, the Indonesian government has issued a decree restricting the Indonesian media from displaying foreign advertisements.

Muslim Organizations Should Exercise Retrain Over Monas Incident: Activist
Muslim organizations should exercise restrain from protesting for the disbandment of the Islam Defenders' Front (FPI) over the attacks at the National Monument (Monas), says Peaceful Alliance Against Islam's Defilement coordinator.

Sunday, June 8, 2008
Indonesian Young Envoys Invited to USA
London (ANTARA News) - Young ASEAN envoys including from Indonesia 2007 had been invited by the government of the United States for a visit to that country under the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) from June 6 to 28 this year.

RI's Natural Gas Production Surpassing Crude Oil
Indonesia's natural gas production has continued to increase from year to year and is now replacing the position of natural oil production which is now declining, a legislator said.

Fuel Price Hikes Affect Projects: Official
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) said recent fuel price hikes would affect projects financed with external loans, Syarial Loetan of Bappenas said.

Friday, June 6, 2008
RI Condemns Israel's East Jerusalem Expansion
The Indonesian government has condemned Israel's plan to build 884 more houses in East Jerusalem because it could derail peace negotiation efforts with Palestine.

President to Launch the 2009 Election Familiarization Campaign
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially launched a national campaign aimed at giving the public foreknowledge of the 2009 general elections, at the State Palace on Friday.

Government’s Tax Receipts Up 47.63 Percent
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Taxation Director General Darmin Nasution said the government`s tax receipts in the first five months of 2008 increased 47.63 percent to Rp217.3 trillion from Rp147.2 trillion in the same period a year earlier.

‘Smart Card’ for Fuel Seen as not Smart Enough
Costly satellite technology coupled with the high potential for public unrest has led the government rethink the "Smart Card" program to limit motorists' purchase of subsidized fuels.

Balinese Encouraged to Vote for Eco-Friendly Candidates
Environmental activists have urged the Balinese to vote in the upcoming gubernatorial election for candidates with a strong commitment to environment issues and a clear agenda on protecting the island's ecological diversity.

Government Considering Latest Developments in Formulating SKB on Ahmadiyah
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The government is considering the latest developments in the situation in the country relevant to the formulation of a joint ministerial decree (SKB) on Ahmadiyah, Home Affairs Minister Mardiyanto said here on Friday.

Eastern Indonesia Still Prone to Food Insecurity: Official
The eastern part of Indonesia will remain prone to food shortages unless the government improves distribution infrastructure, an official says.

Minority Muslim Sect Struggles for Religious Freedom in Indonesia
Indonesia's president owed to crack down on a radical Islamic group after stick-wielding mobs charged hundreds of protesters at an interfaith rally in a critical test of the country's commitment to religious freedom.

Thursday, June 5, 2008
SBY Calls for Concrete Environment Saving Measures
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for concrete action to save the environment by confronting global warming and other environmental challenges.

Local Leaders Call for Energy-Efficient Lifestyle
Regional government leaders are responding to the global energy crisis with policies calling on their people to adopt energy-efficient lifestyles.

Indonesian Auditor Says Military Businesses ‘Much Reduced’
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has made strides in untangling the once-dominant military from the economy, with the number of military-owned businesses "much reduced", a top corruption fighter said Wednesday.

Government to Provide Incentives for Refinery Investment
The government is finalizing a package designed to encourage investment in oil and gas refinery projects to take effect in June, an official Wednesday said.

RI Rice Export under ASEAN Cooperation Possible: Minister
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Within the frame of ASEAN cooperation it is quite possible for Indonesia to export rice to another ASEAN member country in need of the staple, Minister/State Secretary Hatta Rajasa said.

VP Says Public Debate in Presidential Election More Positive
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla has said public debates in the 2009 presidential election would be more positive and fairer than election campaigns.

Powerful Agency May Mandate RI Tourism Push
In an attempt to speed up the development of the nation's tourism sector, lawmakers are finalizing a draft law on tourism which would require a powerful, above-ministerial level coordinating agency to be established.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Government Planning Second 10,000-MW Series of Power Plants
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government is drawing up a program to build a second series of power plants with a combined capacity of 10,000 MW across the country to keep up with the mounting public need for electricity, a minister said.

House Agrees Inclusion of Gas and Coal in 2009 State Budget
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Energy Commission of the House of Representatives agreed that gas and coal production, besides oil, is also included in the 2009 State Budget assumptions.

RI's Textile Exports to U.S., Japan Drop
Indonesia's textile exports to the United States and Japan fell in the first quarter of this year because of the slowing global economy, a consultant firm says.

MPs Propose Rise in Taxable Income Threshold
Legislators proposed Wednesday an increase in the taxable income threshold for individuals in hopes of reducing the tax burden on lower-income workers.

Young Back Sharia-Based Bylaws: Survey
More than 56 percent of youths in the Greater Jakarta area support sharia-based bylaws, but almost 80 percent believe in the Pancasila state ideology that protects Indonesia's diversity, a new survey shows.

Ecotourism is the Way to Go for Bali, Activists Say
Environmental activists have urged the Balinese to abandon the island's prevailing mass tourism scheme and embrace ecotourism, believed to be the only way to generate profits without damaging the environment.

Tectonic Earthquake Jolts Several Indonesian Islands
A tectonic earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale jolted the eastern part of Central Sulawesi at 9:25 local time Wednesday morning, but there was no immediate report of casualties or material damage.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Yudhoyono to Officially Kick Off Bali Cultural Fiesta
Denpasar (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to officially kick off the 30th Bali Cultural Fiesta (PKB) on June 14, 2008.

US Embassy Condemns Monas Square Violence
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The US Embassy on Tuesday issued a statement condemning the violence against peaceful demonstrators which took place June 1, 2008 at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta.

Local Parties in Aceh Subject to Exclusion from 2009 Elections
Local political parties in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam are at risk of being excluded from the 2009 elections due to delays in registration by the Aceh chapter of the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP), a local party leader said.

Government to Auction Rp 3 Trillion Worth of State Debentures
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government will auction three series of state debentures with a combined indicative price of Rp3 trillion on June 10, 2008, a finance ministry spokesman said.

RI Should not Become Flooded by Smuggled Goods: Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Minister for Cooperatives and Small-and-Medium Scale Enterprises Suryadharma Ali said that all parties should try to prevent Indonesia from being flooded by smuggled goods as it would harm the interest of small-and medium-sized businesses.

Indonesia’s Population Increasing by Three Million Each Year
Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN) chief Dr Sugiri Syarif said Indonesia’s population was increasing by three million each year.

Monday, June 2, 2008
Parties Divided Over Presidential Election Threshold
The deliberation of the presidential election bill goes into full swing Monday, with the most contentious issue being the minimum threshold necessary to nominate a presidential candidate.

1.8 million Tourists Visits Indonesia in January-April
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia in the first four months of 2008 rose 12.71 percent to 1,864,585 from 1,654,351 in the same period last year, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said.

RI not Ready for Air Cargo Liberalization
Indonesia is no rush to make good on its promise to open up to air freight services from other Southeast Asian nations.

Ten Acehnese Orphans to Attend Opening of IDB Meeting
Jeddah (ANTARA News) - Ten Acehnese children orphaned by the 2004 tsunami in their province are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) here on Monday and shake hands with Saudi Arabia`s King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.