Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Minister: 2011 Growth Target of 6.3% Realistic
Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said on Tuesday the economic growth target of 6.3 percent for 2011 is quite realistic in line with prospects for the global economy. "It is realistic projection amidst uncertain global economic recovery marked by debt crisis and fiscal deficit in a number of European countries and economic slowdown in the United States and several other industrialized countries," he said when delivering the government`s replies to the House of Representatives (DPR) factions` general views on the draft 2011 state budget.

Government to Invite Investors to Manage Jakarta's International Airport
The government is planning to invite a number of foreign investors to manage service facilities at Jakarta city`s Soekarno-Hatta airport, a minister said. "We will invite interested investors to serve as partners to manage the airport," State Enterprises Minister Mustafa Abubakar said here on Monday. The plan to improve the management of the airport was related to the master strategy of state airport operator to improve airport services, he said.

Government Provides Rp 15 Billion for Sinabung Victims
The government has set aside a fund of Rp15 billion to help evacuees of Mt Sinabung eruption in North Sumatra for the coming ten days. Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono said on Monday that the funds would be used to provide food, medication and security. "We hope refugees will be assisted so that they will at least enjoy a little convenience because it is not comfortable to stay at emergency or makeshift shelters," he here on Monday.

Indonesian President Pledges Police Reform
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised on Tuesday to replace Indonesia's much-maligned chiefs of police and prosecutors but denied the reshuffle was linked to corruption and incompetence. His comments to cabinet ministers came as businessman Anggodo Widjojo was sentenced to four years in jail for attempting to bribe anti-graft investigators with the alleged backing of top police and prosecutors.

RI Sends Further Humanitarian Aid to Pakistan
The Indonesian government has sent humanitarian aid, the second, to flood victims in Pakistan. Forty five people will be sent to Pakistan, including army troopers, paramedics, volunteers and a journalist. The second-stage aid was to meet an instruction from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Indonesia Demands $2.4 billion Payout over Montara Oil Spill
Indonesia has officially demanded $2.4 billion in compensation from a Thai oil company for damages related to a spill off the northwestern coast of Australia last year, a minister said Tuesday. Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi said the claim for Rp 22 trillion rupiah had been presented during talks with PTT Australasia, a unit of Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production PCL, in Australia last week.

Matthew Found Safe
Matthew Alexander, 24, a tourist from the United States, lost during his hike to Mahameru Peak, Mount Semeru, was found on Sunday night. The New York musician was directly taken back by the Search and Rescue Team of Lumajang Subdistrict, East Java. "Thank God he was in good condition," said the Head of the Lumajang Political Unity of the Nation and Public Protection Board, Rochani, yesterday.

Monday, August 30, 2010
Indonesia Rupiah, Stock Market Rise
Indonesia's Jakarta Composite index rose 28.46 points, or 0.9 percent, to 3,133.19 as of 9:52 a.m on Monday. Medco Energi Internasional, Indonesia's biggest listed oil company, gained 1.6 percent to Rp 3,100 and Energi Mega Persada, the second largest, rose 3.2 percent to Rp 96.

August Inflation to Fall Below 1 Pct: Economist
Indonesia's inflation rate is expected to fall below 1 percent in August after it hit a 15-month high of 1.57 percent in July, an economist said. The on-month inflation in August was still fueled by the prices of staple foods, particularly rice, Chief Economist of the Danareksa Research Institute Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Sunday.

Trade Minister: Indonesia's Exports May Grow 14 Percent
Indonesia's exports keep increasing with Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu saying she was optimistic they could grow by 14 percent this year. "Right now, namely in the first semester of this year, they have already grown 18 percent year-on-year. So I predict they may grow by up to 14 percent. Imports are more difficult to predict but they may grow 12 to 14 percent," she said after attending a coordination meeting with Bank Indonesia here on Monday.

Islam in America: Dispelling the Most Common Myths About American Mosques
In addition to spawning passionate debates in the public, news media and in the political sphere, the proposal to build a Muslim community center near Ground Zero in New York has revealed widespread misconceptions about the practice of Islam in the United States - and the role of mosques in particular.

Government Plans to Take Ten State Companies Public in 2011
Counting on continuing improvements to the economy and a surge in capital inflow on the stock market, the government has said that as many as 10 state-owned companies would be ready to go public next year. "The Indonesia Stock Exchange [IDX] has been performing well. Demand for new shares in our stock market is high, and we need to capitalize on this opportunity by pushing more of our state enterprises to go public next year," Mustafa Abubakar, the state enterprises minister, said on Friday.

Indonesian Ministry to Force Companies to Clean Up Act
The State Ministry for the Environment is finalizing regulations that would oblige all companies to manage their waste according to prescribed standards, a senior official announced on Monday. The ministry is required to issue 11 regulations by the end of this year in order to enforce the 2008 waste management law.

The Netherlands Offer to Build Windmills
Wampan, an energy consulting company from the Netherlands, has offered to develop wind-generated power suppliers to the South Sulawesi government. "There is a good wind potential in Sidrap, because the wind speed in the area is over five meters per second," Daniel S. Pangruruk, Wampan International Consultant Energy director, told Tempo yesterday following a meeting at the residence of the South Sulawesi governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo. Based on the company's research, the use of a windmill having a 500/600 kilowatt capacity can reduce the use of oil fuel by 0,3 liter per kWh. This is equal to reducing 60 gram CO2 per kWh or planting 57.000 trees, "Wind-generated electricity is environmentally-friendly," said Daniel, who is also the technical advisor at the Public Works Ministry in the Netherlands.

Thursday, August 26, 2010
RI's Forex Reserves Rise Sharply
Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves rose significantly in recent months, suggesting that the domestic economy continued to expand at a robust pace, a central bank official said on Thursday. "Our foreign exchange reserves have of late increased sharply and now they reach more than US$80 billion," Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Muliaman D. Hadad said after inducting Muhamad Junaifin as chief of the central bank`s office in West Nusa Tenggara replacing Tri Dharma.

Indonesia Says Economy May Grow 6 percent as Demand, Investment Rise
Indonesia's economy may grow 6 percent this year and will probably accelerate in 2011, Trade Minister Mari Pangestu said. The pace of expansion in the third and fourth quarters should "continue to pick up" in part because disbursement from the government's budget "is normally much higher in the second half," Pangestu said.

Up to 40 New Plant, Animal Species Discovered in Indonesian Waters
Scientists using cutting-edge technology to explore waters off Indonesia were wowed by colorful and diverse images of marine life on the ocean floor - including plate-sized sea spiders and flower-like sponges that appear to be carnivorous. They predicted Thursday that as many as 40 new plant and animal species may have been discovered during the three-week expedition that ended Aug. 14.

Indonesian Health Equipment Market Worth Rp 22 Trillion
Indonesia's health equipment market is worth Rp22 trillion but it is still dominated by foreign products, according to the Association of Indonesian Health and Laboratory Equipment Traders. "The country's health and laboratory equipment market was worth Rp22 trillion in 2009 and is growing by up to 10 percent each year. However the market is still dominated by foreign companies," the association`s chairman for trade and agencies, Budi Prasetio, said here on Wednesday.

BI Defends Stance On Bank Supervision Agency
A Bank Indonesia (BI) official has responded to certain quarters' view that the bank supervision agency it was proposing would complicate the job of overseeing the country`s financial system. BI Deputy Governor Halim Alamsyah said here on Wednesday BI had only proposed a model that had been used in France, Britain and Germany.

Indonesia Asks Germany to Seek Solutions to Economic Crisis
The Indonesian government has asked the German government to jointly seek solutions to the global financial crisis through the G-20 summit owing to the fact that it was a common desire to solve the problems. "Global financial crisis is a common problem and both nations shared common interest to solve it," Vice Presidential Spokesman Yopie Hidayat said here on Wednesday.

Application of Traditional Medicines in Health Practices to be Increased
Traditional medicines is still regarded as inferior to modern medicines. Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih admitted that traditional medicines have failed to become an alternative choice in health treatments due to lack of research in the benefits of medicinal plants. "I hope this agency can encourage the use of traditional medicines among people," she told reporters following the launch of the Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicines Research and Development Agency in Karanganyar, yesterday.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Government Absorbs Rp 4 Trillion in State Bond Auction
The government on Tuesday absorbed Rp4 trillion in state debentures auction of the total offers amounting to Rp16.06 trillion, a senior official said. Director General of Debt Management Rahmat Waluyanto said here on Tuesday that the government auctioned four series of state debentures (SUN) on Tuesday, namely series SPN20110811 (reopening), FR0053 (reopening), FR0054 (reopening) and FR0050 (reopening).

Rp 18 Trillion for Education Minimum Service Standards
The Department of National Education has allocated Rp 18 trillion for three years (2011-2013) to implement the minimum service standards of basic education (elementary and junior high school). "This is to ensure an even education distribution," said the National Education Deputy Minister, Fasli Jalal, in a press conference at his office yesterday. According to Fasli, the standards covers elementary schools in every three kilometers and junior high schools in every six kilometers. The number of students should be no more than 32 persons in an elementary school and 36 person in a junior high school.

Government Determined to Increase Tax Ratio in 2011
The government is determined to increase the tax ratio in 2011 considering the importance of taxes as a source of state revenue, a spokesman said. Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said here on Tuesday the government would make increasing the tax ration a priority next year. "The government understands well and wishes to increase the tax ratio as we think the higher it is the better it is like in advanced countries," he said after attending a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) in response to factions` views on the Draft 2011 State Budget and Financial Note presented by the government recently.

We Will Not Withdraw Our Ambassador to Malaysia: Marty
Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa says that the government would not withdraw its ambassador to Malaysia because of the recent border row with the neighbor. "We can withdraw our ambassador, but after that, we are still going to face a lot of problems, such as our workers who are threatened by dead penalties, illegal logging, and so on," Marty said during a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission I on Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Expatriates' Colorful Experience During Ramadhan in Indonesia
The fasting month has come again this August and it means the time for Muslims all over the world to refrain from taking food and drinks between sunrise and sunset. In Indonesia , the fasting month is welcomed very enthusiastically by people then race to upgrade their faith by conducting more prayers and do more good for society.

Mount Rinjani National Park Proposed to Become World Geopark
The Mount Rinjani National Park in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is one of the locations proposed to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) as a world geopark, the first one in Indonesia. The other two locations are Mount Batur, Bali, and Mount Sewu, in Pacitan, East Java. According to Mount Rinjani National Park Permanent Member, Heryadi Rachmat, the NTB Government was asked to submit a proposal to Unesco by September 2010.

Indonesia to Seek $2.2 Billion in Damages for Timor Sea Oil Spill
Indonesia plans to seek at least $2.2 billion in compensation from Thailand's state-controlled PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) for damage caused by a 2009 oil spill in the Timor Sea, a government source said on Wednesday. But PTTEP chief executive Anon Sirisaengtaksin said the claim was not supported by evidence of economic damage from the oil that spilled for two months into Indonesian and Australian waters after a rig operated by PTTEP Australasia caught fire.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Bali Wins Another Best Tourism Award
Bali has won "The Best Leisure Destination in Asia Pacific" award from the Business Travellers Asia Pacific magazine based in Hong Kong, a tourism official said. The award would be presented to the Bali provincial government at Contrad Hotel in Hong Kong on September 10, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office Ida Bagus Subhiksu said here on Monday.

Indonesia Project Boosts Global Forest CO2 Market
An Indonesian project aimed at saving a vast tract of rainforest has passed a milestone seen as a boost in the development of a global market in forest carbon credits. That market under the UN-backed scheme Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, also known as REDD, could eventually be worth billions of dollars annually and is central to the goal of driving private sector involvement in forest protection.

Indonesia Stocks Up, Rupiah Stable
Indonesia's Jakarta Composite index climbed 4.91 points, or 0.2 percent, to 3,133.64 as of 10:05 a.m. local time, set to rise for a fifth day. Aneka Tambang, the Indonesian state-owned gold producer, slid 1.2 percent to Rp 2,075. Gold slipped for a third day as an advance in the dollar curbed demand for commodities, including precious metals. Gold for immediate delivery fell 0.4 percent to $1,221.55 an ounce today. December-delivery futures slipped 0.4 percent to $1,223.10 an ounce.

Low Debt Ratio Helps Achieve Sustainable Fiscal Self-Reliance: Economist
The government's determination to lower the country's debt-to-gross domestic product ratio to 26 percent from 27.8 percent at the end of 2011 will hopefully strengthen fiscal resilience to achieve sustainable fiscal self-reliance, an economist said. Prof Dr Vincent Gaspersz, SE,MM, of the Catholic University of Widya Mandira in Kupang was responding to the amount of Indonesian debts which fell around 1.7 percent of GDP. However, the government still had to allocate Rp100 trillion in funds per year to pay interest and principal.

Fisheries Ministry, WWF to Cooperate in Marine Resources Management
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Marine Resources and Fisheries Ministry here on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sustainable and responsible management of marine resources, an official said. "WWF in its capacity as a conservation-promoting organization will work with the government in implementing joint research projects, resources management plans and public campaigns on related topics," the ministry's secretary general, M Syamsul Maarif, said here on Monday.

US Consul General in Surabaya Hosts Fast-Breaking Gathering
The US consul general in Surabaya held a fast breaking gathering at her residence on Monday, attended by local Islamic leaders and also US ambassador-designate Scot Marciel. Among the Islamic leaders who attended the event were KH Sholaduddin Wahid (Gus Sholah), the chief of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School, Prof Syafiz A Mughni, the chairman of the East Java chapter of Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the chairman of the East Java NU advisory board, KH Miftachui Akhyar.

Survey Says Most People Accept Nuclear Power Plant
A survey jointly conducted by the National Nuclear Agency (Batan) and University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences found that 57.6 percent of respondents could accept nuclear power plant. The survey discovered public opposition to the nuclear power plant was not that tough as expected as only 24.6 percent of the respondents were against the program, while 17.8 percent abstained, Antara news agency reported.

Monday, August 23, 2010
Pertamina Geothermal in Need Of Rp 18 Trillion to Build 1000 MW
PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), a subsidiary of state oil and gas company PT Pertamina, needed US$2 billion, the equivalent of Rp18 trillion, to build a geothermal power plant with an installed capacity of 1,000 megawatts. "They money is expected as loan from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and the World Bank, and the project completed in 2014," PGE President Director Abadi Poernomo said after providing Pertamina with an assistance for people in Ibun subdistrict, Bandung regency, on Sunday afternoon.

RI Preparing for Resumption of Border Talks with Malaysia
The Indonesian government is currently preparing itself for the resumption of talks with Malaysia on demarcation of their common land and sea borders, a senior minister said. The two countries actually began discussing their border border problems in the period 1993-2005 but they had not come to a final agreement, and now Indonesia wanted them reopened, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto said here Monday.

Indonesian Government Says Deforestation Ban To Begin Small, Grow Later
As part of $1 billion deal with Norway to fight carbon emissions through a partial deforestation ban, Indonesia plans to initially protect less than half its remaining forest cover. The two-year ban on clearing natural forest, which begins in 2011, has spooked palm oil and mining firms who fear it would stifle expansion and earnings. In a nation noted for corruption and the power of its resources firms, the move will test resolve to use donor cash transparently.

Indonesia Set to Present Higher Oil Spill Claim
Indonesian negotiators are expected to formally present this week the amount of compensation the country will claim as a result of the Montara oil spill in the Timor Sea last year. Gellwynn Jusuf, head of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry's Maritime Research Agency (BKRP), said on Saturday that the state would demand a larger sum than what was previously reported, after it found evidence of widespread damage.

Visit Banda Aceh Year 2011 to be Launched in October
The Culture and Tourism Ministry will launch a Visit Banda Aceh Year 2011 program in October in a move to attract more tourists to visit the capital of Indonesia`s westernmost province. The program would be launched in Jakarta in October but no exact date had been set, Head of the Banda Aceh City Culture and Tourism Service Reza Fahlevi said on Friday.

Friday, August 20, 2010
IDX Set New High Record
Indonesian composite index hit the new record high above 3,100 for the first time today (19/8) settling at 3,105.35 at the end of the trade, almost a month after breaking the 3,000 level. Index touched Rp3,107.22 at the end of the first session and advanced to 3,118.37 in the second session before retreating nearly 13 points lower, 1.08 percent higher than closing position yesterday.

BEI Expects Listed Shares to Surpass Rp 20 Trillion
The Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) expects the value of listed shares this year to surpass Rp20 trillion based on the number of companies ready to offer their stocks, a spokesman said. Eddy Sugito, BEI's director of corporate assessment, said here on Thursday 12 companies had already registered their shares for trading at the BEI, the last of them being PT Berau Energy.

Indonesia to Pay Bills for All Citizens' Births
The government on Thursday announced a plan to provide free birth care to all, helping to prevent cases of mothers selling their babies to pay for the deliveries and hospitals holding the infants ransom until the medical bills are paid. In the next year, the state will start a pilot program to pay for all births in community health centers (Puskesmas) and state hospitals nationwide.

Berau Initial Public Offering, Foreign Funds Lift Jakarta Composite
The Jakarta Composite Index set a new record high on Thursday, breaking the 3,100-point barrier in the process, thanks to a surge in foreign capital flowing into the market and Berau Coal Energy taking its shares public. The benchmark index rose 33.26 points, or 1.1 percent, to 3,105.35. Volume soared, with about 7.1 billion shares worth Rp 7.8 trillion ($874 million) being traded, up from 4.4 billion shares on Wednesday.

Fuad: Now Time to Reform Supervision of Financial Industries
The chairman of the Financial Institutions and Capital Market Supervisory Board (Bapepam-LK), Fuad Rachmany, said it was time now for Indonesia to reform and restructure supervision of financial industries in the country. Capital market players support the establishment of a financial services authorities (OJK) which is expected to be able to monitor financial industry players more effectively, Fuad Rahmany said at a hearing with the House Special Commitee for Financial Service Authority (OJK) Bill here on Thursday.

Ramadan: A Food Festival
Muslims should stay away from food and drinks during Ramadan - well, at least from dawn until dusk. As soon as the sun sets, they can indulge in succulent dishes especially prepared for the holy month. Each region welcomes this time of spiritual purification with a particular culinary tradition. In Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, the country's westernmost province, residents share various beef-based dishes with their relatives, neighbors and the less fortunate - a tradition that goes by the name of meugang.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010
RI Has Completed Surveys On Its 13,000 Islands
Indonesia has conducted a survey on the number and naming of its islands, a senior official said. The survey shows that Indonesia only has about 13,000 islands that scatter from Sabang in the west to Marauke in the east. "The total number of our islands is only about 13,000. This figure is based on data of our latest survey," Director General for Coastal areas and Small Islands, Sudirman Saad, said here on Tuesday.

US to Continue Building Stronger Relations With RI
The United States will continue to build stronger relations with Indonesia and expand cooperation in various areas like education, climate change and enhancement of shared prosperity, its new envoy in Jakarta said. In a statement quoted by the US embassy in its website, US Ambassador-Designate to Indonesia Scot Marciel said he would do his best to implement President Obama`s policies recognizing Indonesia`s key role in the region.

Indonesian Government Bond Yields Up as Locals Profit
Indonesian bond yields edged higher on Wednesday as slowing offshore bids offered local investors a brief window to take profit after a recent rally pushed yields to record lows this month. Reopening after the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, the benchmark 10-year bond yield rose 2 basis points to 8.22 percent. It fell to a record low of 7.85 percent in early August.

Government Not to be Aggressive in Targeting 2011 Growth Rate
Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo setting the 2011 economic growth rate at 6,3 percent shows the government's caution. The world's slow economy was the consideration for the lack of aggressiveness. "The government is restraining itself. We don't want to be careless," Agus told reporters, following the signing of a Public-Private Partnership Agreement at the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), today (18/8).

Indonesia Reviews Shariah Loan Restructurings: Islamic Finance
Indonesia, the nation with the biggest Muslim population, may reduce restrictions on Islamic banks by allowing them to change terms on loans before they become troubled. "Shariah banks have asked that loans that are still current can be restructured," Mulya Siregar, director of Islamic banking at the central bank, said in an interview in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Monday, August 16, 2010
US Congratulates RI On Independence Day
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Washington DC on Sunday (Aug. 15) congratulated Indonesia over the 65th anniversary of its independence which will fall on August 17. "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the Indonesian people on your 65th Independence Day this August 17. On this occasion, we celebrate your country's rich history and reaffirm the ties between our nations," Clinton said in a press statement issued by the US State Department.

Government Aims to Create 10.7 Million New Jobs Until 2014
The government has set itself the target of creating 10.7 million new jobs and slashing poverty rate to 8-10 percent at the end of 2014. "We can achieve the target by among others increasing both domestic and foreign investments. We want to ensure that investors will get all the necessary facilities," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in his state-of-the-nation address to the joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on Monday.

Government Raises Health Budget by 25.96 Pct
The government has set budget allocations for the Health Ministry in 2011 at Rp26.2 trillion, up 25.96 percent from Rp20.8 trillion this year. "The increase in budget allocations for the Health Ministry is chiefly designed to improve health services for impoverished patients treated at referral hospitals," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said when presenting the draft 2011 state budget and its financial notes here Monday.

Indonesia President Eyes 7.7 Percent GDP Growth by 2014
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in an annual state of the nation speech on Monday he is optimistic of reaching a target of as much as 7.7 percent GDP growth by 2014. Southeast Asia's largest economy is expected to expand over 6 percent this year, and the solid growth combined with increased political stability is attracting strong foreign capital inflows to its bonds and stock market.

President: RI's Diplomacy Also Needs to be Transformative
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia's foreign diplomacy now needs to be free, active, and transformative because free and active alone were no longer sufficient in the 21st century. "We have to step up our free and active diplomatic performance because having joined the G-20 , it is now that Indonesia is going to get more than ever involved in world affairs," President Yudhoyono said at the legislative building here on Monday.

Indonesia Focuses on 'All Directions Foreign Policy': President
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Monday that Indonesia could now focus on all directions foreign policy where it had a million friends and zero enemy. "Our movement at international level is getting bigger and bigger. We could better address regional and global problems," Yudhoyono said in the state of the nation before the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council legislators to mark the 65th anniversary of Indonesian Independence which falls on Aug. 17.

US Ambassador-Designate to Indonesia Marciel Arrives in Jakarta
The U.S. Ambassador-Designate to Indonesia, Scot Marciel, and his family arrived in Jakarta on Monday. "My family and I are delighted to be in Indonesia and I look forward to assuming my official duties in the immediate future. I am excited to be in this important country at this time of tremendous opportunity and promise in U.S.-Indonesia relations. I am honored by this assignment," Marciel said in a statement.

President Says Indonesia to Boost 2011 Infrastructure Spending
Indonesia may increase capital spending by 28 percent next year as the government aims to build more bridges and roads to boost growth in Southeast Asia's biggest economy, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said. The economy may expand 6.3 percent next year from 6 percent this year, Yudhoyono told the House of Representatives in Jakarta. Capital spending in the 2011 state budget may rise by Rp 26.6 trillion rupiah ($2.96 billion) to Rp 121.7 trillion next year, he said in his speech.

President: RI's Political Map Has Changed Fundamentally
Indonesia's political map has changed fundamentally in the reform era, following the implementation of free and direct elections, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Monday. "The implementation of free and direct democratic elections has changed the country's political map in many ways and it is now the people, not a group of persons on behalf of the people, who are sovereign," President Yudhoyono said in his state-of-the-nation address at a joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) to mark the 65th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence.

Friday, August 13, 2010
State-Owned Companies' Profit Up 18.26 Percent in First Semester
State-owned companies posted a net profit of Rp45.3 trillion in the first semester of this year, increasing by 18.26 percent from Rp38.3 trillion recorded in the same period last year. "The hike was driven by an increase in profit in the banking, plantation and construction sectors," the secretary of the state enterprises ministry, Said Didu, said at his office here on Thursday.

Indonesia Prioritizes Human Rights Projection
Law and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar said the government prioritized the protection of human rights for all elements in the society. Therefore, Patrialis said all parties need to respect and protect human rights by avoiding acts of violence at any time and situation. "Everybody must respect human rights to enable us to become a civilized nation," he said at the opening session of the coordinating meeting for national human rights action plans here Thursday.

RI Hopes Exports to Rise By End Of 2010
Industry Minister MS Hidayat hoped Indonesia`s exports could be increased to reduce any trade deficit. "China indeed is now the preference for increasing exports of commodities. They now import more than exporting. But we hope ahead of 2011 we can increase the exports," he said after a coordination meeting here on Thursday. He said the opportunity for increasing exports of agricultural products is wide and the possibility for Indonesia to increase exports to China is also big because there is still a trade deficit.

Local Stocks, Rupiah Rebound on Regional Earnings
Indonesian stocks pulled out of a three-day rut on Friday as strong earnings reports from large regional companies outweighed an unexpected rise in US jobless claims, intensifying concerns the global recovery was stalling. The Jakarta Composite Index climbed 27.37 points, or 0.9 percent, to close at 3,053.01, losing 0.3 percent for the week. About 3.43 billion shares worth Rp 4.83 trillion ($540 million) changed hands. Gainers edged out decliners 119 to 81.

Police Cooperates with PPATK in Uncovering Terrorist Funds
Police are cooperating with the Financial Transaction Analysis and Reporting Center (PPATK) in efforts to uncover flows of terrorist funds in Indonesia, a spokesman said. "The coordination between the police and PPATK is done in the framework of clarifying transfers of funds from one account to another with regard to uncovering terrorism cases," Deputy Head of Public Relations Division of the National Police Headquarters, Senior Commissioner I Ketut Untung Yoga Ama, said here on Friday.

Norway, RI to Discuss Follow-Up to LoI on Emission Reduction
A team of Norwegian officials is slated to arrive here on August 18 for a two-day visit to discuss a follow-up to the Letter of Intent (LoI) signed by the two countries to reduce carbondioxide emissions in Indonesia. "On August 18-19 the Norwegian team will visit Indonesia to make the LoI operational," Agus Purnomo, the special assistant to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on climate change issues, said at the National Climate Change Council (DNPI) building here on Thursday.

Foreign Ministry to Continue Cooperation With ICIS
The Foreign Ministry will continue its cooperation with the International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) to promote moderate Islam as part of efforts to create global peace, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said. Speaking to the press following a closed-door meeting with ICIS Chairman KH Hasyim Muzadi at the ICIS secretariat here on Thursday, Marty said both sides had established close cooperation.

Can ASEAN Be a Peace Mediator?
An international peace mediation workshop was recently organized by the European Commission (EC) and the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) in Jakarta to promote cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union (EU) on conflict mediation and prevention in the region. Among the key questions that emerged was how to promote ASEAN as an effective vehicle for peace mediation. The EU has been responsible for a number of initiatives to strengthen its mediation and dialogue capacities in this field, and ASEAN is now taking steps to model itself on best practices from other regions in order to develop itself as a leader in peace building.

Thursday, August 12, 2010
Real Sector Activities Improving
Bank Indonesia (BI/the central bank) said national economy in the real sector had been improving as reflected in the private sector`s high external debts commitment. BI's Human Relations Bureau Chief Difi Johansyah said here on Wednesday that foreign debts of the private sector in the first semester of 2010 rose 92.4 percent to US$15 billion from that in the same period a year earlier which stood at US$8.2 billion.

Asian Development Bank Tips 8% Growth if Indonesia Tackles Hurdles
Indonesia can outpace expected growth if it accelerates infrastructure development, improves job opportunities, cuts subsidies and tackles corruption and red tape, the Asian Development Bank says. A report released on Tuesday attempts to diagnose key obstacles hampering Indonesia's growth. The report was prepared by the ADB, the International Labor Organization and the Islamic Development Bank.

Redenominating the Rupiah Could Spark New Era of Economic Reform
Many prominent economists and analysts, including members of the government's economic team, are apprehensive about the central bank's recent proposal to trim some zeroes from the rupiah to increase efficiency. The critics seem to believe that currency redenomination is one of the gravest sins a nation can commit in formulating economic policy.

RI Police Handles Indonesian Terror Suspect Case in Malaysia: Ministry
A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday that National Police's Senior Liaison Officer in Malaysia was handling the case of Mustawan Ahbab, who was arrested by Malaysian authorities under terrorism charges. Teuku Faizasyah told tempointeraktif.com that the Indonesian police were coordinating with the Malaysian police over the case.

The Government Will Held a Craft Exhibition
The government, through the Department of Culture and Tourism, will hold the Indonesian Craft Exhibition as Cultural Heritage (Kridaya) that will take place for 5 days, starting 18 August. The Department, in cooperation with other departments, will showcase 300 craft producers and merchants in all provinces in Indonesia.

Barack Obama to Host Ramadan Dinner at the White House
United States President Barack Obama has extended his best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world and announced that he will host a fast-breaking dinner at the White House this week. "I want to extend my best wishes to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world - and your families and friends - as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan," Obama said in an official statement issued by the US State Department.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Indonesian President Calls for Tolerant Ramadan
Ahead of the start of Ramadan today, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the Islamic holy month should be free of violence and called for harmony among the country's various religious groups. "If there is any sign of violence, it should be prevented by police," he said at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, in his first public comments to address a recent string of violent acts against religious minorities.

ADB Predicts Economic Growth Of 6.5 Percent
Asian Development Bank spokesman Edimon Ginting has predicted that economic growth this year could reach 6.5 percent following the first semester`s growth of 5.9 percent. "Economic growth in the first semester has reached 5.9 percent and it is very good comparing with that of our neighbor country. Therefore the economic growth this year is predicted to reach 6 to 6.5 percent or 6.2 to 6.3 percent," Ginting said here on Tuesday.

State Never to Bow to Criminals, Terrorists: President
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the state would never bow or give in to criminals, including terrorists. "I have indeed heard that some people are planning to attack us while we are commemorating the independence anniversary. It is not impossible that some people might have such an intention of conducting an unappropriate activity like that," he said at a cabinet meeting here on Tuesday.

RI to Implement Forestry Moratorium in 2011
Indonesia will implement a moratorium in forest exploitation in 2011, Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan said here on Tuesday. "It (the moratorium) will be started in 2011," he said through a short text message to ANTARA. He said the moratorium on conversion of natural and peat land forests for two years was one of the cooperation deals between Indonesia and Norway following the signing of a letter of intent by the two countries.

Government Set to Relocate State Firms, Institutions for Tanjung Priok Expansion
Government is set to continue Jakarta seaport restoration work four months after the deadly clash as state institutions with no direct interests with maritime transport service or export-import are told to prepare to relocate themselves. In a bid to win the International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code for Tanjung Priok Seaport, the country's biggest seaport, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Radjasa said today "Government institutions occupying areas around the port complex are not necessary to stay."

RI, S Korea Agree to Enhance Defense Cooperation
Indonesia and South Korea have agreed to enhance their defense cooperation within the framework of a strategic partnership, a minister said. "We will enhance it by renewing the existing cooperation," Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said following a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Tae Young, here on Wednesday.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
President Inaugurates 24 New Envoys
On Tuesday in Jakarta, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inaugurated 24 new Ambassadors who will serve in a number of countries in Asia, Europe, North and Latin America, and Africa. The ceremony included the inauguration of former presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal as Indonesia's new ambassador to the United States.

IDX Claims Highest Growth Among Regional Index
The Indonesia Stock Exchange claimed today to have posted the highest first half growth among the other regional indexes, in one of the proofs of growing foreign capital divertion into the region as the global financial crisis continues in Europe. In a ceremony to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the bourse Director Ito Warsito said the IDX grew 19.7 percent during the first half from 2,575 on january 4th 3,082 on August 9th. Thailand stock exchange is 19.5 percent higher, the philippines expanded 17.3 percent, while Malaysia climbed 6.7 percent.

Indonesia and United States Launch Biodiversity Center in Bali
Indonesia and the United States launched on Tuesday a biodiversity research centre on the holiday island of Bali to further study of the archipelago's rich and diverse species. The Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center, funded by USAID, is a collaboration between three local universities and Old Dominion University in Virginia and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Minister: 2010 Economic Growth May Exceed Target
Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said the domestic economy this year may grow above the target of 5.8 percent set in the state budget and the initial prognosis of 5.9 percent. "We predict it will grow a minimum of 5.9 percent. To be sure, it may exceed 5.9 percent," the minister said after officiating at the establishment of PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance (IIF) here on Monday.

Government, UN Unveils Partnership Framework
The National Development Planning Ministry has unveiled a cooperation system between Indonesia and the United Nations to promote development in Indonesia covering all plans up to the next four years which involve UN agencies. Vice Development Planning Minister Lukita Dinarsyah said during the launch at his office today (10/8) the framework is related to the bid to push the government to meet the targets of Millenium Development Goals. "UNPDF is a operational plan which cooperation with UN agencies should be based on." Lukita said.

Marine Sector Contributes 22 Pct to RI's GDP
The marine sector contributes nearly 22 percent of the country's gross domestic product, a marine expert said on Monday night calling on the government to pay more attention to the sector. "Based on the results of my calculation, the marine sector contributes 22.5 percent of the GDP," Prof Tridoyo Kumastanto of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) said at a public discussion on the marine bill.

A Day in the Kei Islands
As the small airplane flew above Kei Islands in Maluku, passengers saw green hills and crystal-clear blue water - a perfect holiday destination. Located directly under the "bird head" of Papua, the Kei Islands encompass a number of small islands with Kei Besar and Kei Kecil (big and small) being the biggest islands in the group. Kei Besar may be bigger in size but it is the Kei Kecil that has a larger population.

Friday, August 6, 2010
Indonesia Takes on an Attractive Sheen
After years of being known for inefficiency, corruption and instability, Indonesia is emerging from the global financial crisis with a surprising new reputation - economic golden child. The country's economy, the largest in Southeast Asia, grew at an annual rate of 6.2 percent in the second quarter of this year, data released Thursday showed. That is an acceleration from 2009, when gross domestic product expanded 4.5 percent.

RI Soldiers in Congo Receive UN Tokens of Appreciation
Two Indonesian soldiers in the Garuda XX Contingent received tokens of appreciation from the UN for the professionalism and leadership they had shown in carrying out their UN peace mission duties in Congo. The award was extended directly by the commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye in Bunia, Congo on Wednesday, Konga XX-G/Monuc spokesman, Captain Agus Hermansyah said to ANTARA in an e-mail received here on Thursday.

RI Again Offers "Compromise" at Climate Change Meeting
Indonesia has again offered a "compromise" to reach an agreement at the third round of negotiations being held in Bonn, Germany, ahead of a climate change summit in Cancun, Mexico. Rachmat Witoelar, the Indonesian president's special envoy for climate change control who is also chief of the Indonesian delegation to the meeting urged all parties to be flexible to such controversial issues as global greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, including the measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) principles of developing countries and funding capacity to speed up the negotiation process. The "compromise" would serve as the basis for the Cancun meeting to arrive at a realistic, practical and workable agreement, the Indonesian delegation said in a press statement issued on Thursday.

Goldman Sachs Interested in Indonesia Stock Exchange Membership
Goldman Sachs has expressed an interest to become a member of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI). Representatives of Goldman Sachs Singapore and Hong Kong have come and inquired about the procedure for it, BEI`s director of trade and membership Wan Wei Yiong said here on Friday.

Foreign Banks Support LDR Standard
Bank Indonesia's (BI) plan to standardize loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) was welcomed by foreign banks. "BI is our regulator, so we will always support it, including its policy on LDR standards," Senior Vice President of DBS Indonesia, Budiyanto Winata, told Tempo yesterday in Jakarta. According to Budiyanto, banks are supposed to have good LDR because of their function as an intermediary institution. DBS, Budiyanto said, is not worried about the LDR margin set at a minimum of 75 percent. "Our LDR is always over 75 percent," he said.

Indonesian "YES" Students to Depart for USA
As many as 103 Indonesian students under the YES (Youth Exchange and Study) program sent away by the US Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy`s premises here Friday. US Deputy Chief of Mission, Ted Osius, warmly welcomed the young delegates and reminded them that they were among the few lucky Indonesians chosen for the program and shall be Indonesian ambassadors to America.

Thursday, August 5, 2010
Redenomination is not Reducing the Value of Money
In line with national economic development and in the face of upcoming challenges associated with regional economic integration, Bank Indonesia is currently evaluating whether to recalibrate the Rupiah, otherwise known as redenomination. Redenomination is not the same as sanering nor does it undermine public purchasing power by reducing the value of money. Redenomination is usually implemented during stable economic conditions with a positive outlook. Conversely, sanering by withholding money is typically necessary during inauspicious economic conditions, when only the value of the money is reduced. Redenomination, through the value of money or goods, merely eliminates the zeros from current denominations. Consequently, redenomination will simplify the written value of goods and services, as well as simplify written forms of payment (money). Furthermore, this will simplify accountancy and payment systems without triggering negative economic fallout.

RI's Economy Grows 5.9 Pct in H1
The Indonesian economy grew 5.9 percent in the first half of 2010, helped by growing exports, imports and household consumption, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said. Household consumption grew 4.5 percent, gross fixed capital formation 8.0 percent, exports 17.2 percent and imports 20.1 percent, however, government consumption fell 8.9 percent, BPS Deputy Head for Balance Sheet and Statistical Analysis Slamet Sutomo said here on Thursday.

President: Prioritized Montara Oil Spill's Compensation For Fishermen, Farmers
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he would give priority to compensate fishermen and farmers experiencing the direct impact of Montara oil spill in Timor sea, East Nusa Tenggara. The president said so during the National Meeting in Bogor Palace, West Java, on Thursday.

SEMBIZ 2010 Brings In Rp 2,5 Trillion in Investments
The Semarang Business Forum (Sembiz) 2010, which took place yesterday, managed to book investment agreements in Semarang worth Rp 2,5 trillion, involving 17 investors. The investment value that came through this forum was bigger than last year's event, where only 11 investors participated with investments valued at less than Rp 2 trillion.

JCI Posts Big Turnaround on Q2 Growth Figures
Indonesian stocks posted their biggest gain in more than two months on Thursday after the government reported that the economy expanded by a faster-than-expected 6.2 percent during the second quarter. The Jakarta Composite Index gained 61.69 points, or 2.1 percent, to close at 3,044.94. Gainers outnumbered losers 154 to 48. Some 4.05 billion shares worth Rp 4.01 trillion ($449.1 million) changed hands.

Challenges to Achieve MDGs Becoming More Complex: FM
Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that members of the international community were facing increasingly complex challenges in their efforts to achieve their millennium development goals (MDGs) in the coming five years. "Since the holding of a ministerial meeting in Jakarta in 2005, the global challenges being faced by the international community have become increasingly complex," the foreign minister said when he closed the Asia Pacific ministerial meeting on MDGs here on Wednesday.

President: Decentralization Intended to Optimize Development in Regions
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia had adopted the decentralization or regional autonomy concept in order to optimize development in each and every region as mandated by the reform movement. "But although we have adopted decentralization, we remain a unitary state and the President is the head of the government," Yudhoyono said when opening the 3rd National Working Meeting at the Bogor Palace on Thursday.

Tifatul Urges RIM, Foreign Banks to Have Data Center
Communication and Information Minister Tifatul Sembiring has urged Canada-based Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of BlackBerry mobile handset, to set up a data center aimed at helping law enforcers trail communication records of suspected criminals. On the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Tifatul said all telecommunication operators, including those of international, and foreign-based banks were required by the existing law on information and electronic transaction to establish such a center.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010
VP Reminds Developed Countries Of MDG Commitments
Indonesia called on the developed countries here on Tuesday to realize their commitments to the developing countries with regard to achieving the millennium development goals (MGs) adopted 10 years ago. Indonesian Vice President Boediono in his speech at the Asia Pacific ministerial meeting on MDGs here on Tuesday said their commitments made at the Monterrey meeting (in 2002) and Gleneagles meeting (2005) seemed to have been forgotten since the recent global crisis.

Rupiah Remains Stable Against US Dollar
The rupiah remained stable against the US dollar in the Jakarta interbank spot market, as investors were worried about the re-denomination discourse. Bank Indonesia (BI), the country`s central bank, recently mentioned about a study to redenominate the Indonesian currency.

President Supports Plan to Create Economic Center in Morotai
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his support Monday on the North Maluku provincial administration's plan to make Morotai Island as a special economic zone. Speaking at a ceremony in Ternate on Wednesday for the relocation of the North Maluku province's capital from Ternate on Ternate Island to Sofifi on Halmahera Island, the President demanded that the plan be prepared carefully.

President Considering Initiation Of National Reconciliation Efforts
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is considering to initiate efforts towards national reconciliation to further improve the people`s welfare. "We have talked with the President in a discussion (on national reconciliation) but it has not yet become a policy. The President in many ways agrees with the idea of national reconciliation. Now it all depends on political parties," the president`s special staff for social aid and disaster mitigation, Andi Arief, said here on Tuesday.

BNN Chief Hopes Indonesia Free Of Narcotics in 2015
The chief of National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General Gories Mere, said he hoped Indonesia would be free from narcotics by 2015. To achieve that he called for cooperation from all parties, he said at his office here on Tuesday.

Gender Inequality Seen as a Major Obstacle in Meeting MDGs
Culturally entrenched gender inequality and a lack of bargaining power has kept much of Asia, and Indonesia in particular, from meeting the UN Millennium Development Goal on reducing the maternal mortality rate, an official says. "Gender inequality has long been a problem," Budiharja, the Indonesian Ministry of Health's director general for community health and education, said on Wednesday during a special ministerial meeting in Jakarta to review progress in the region in meeting the MDGs.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Auto Industry Grows 26.15 Pct in Second Quarter
Indonesia's auto industry grew 26.15 percent in the second quarter oF 2010 compared to the first quarter, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). The auto industry's growth in the second quarter of 2010 was higher than the average growth of medium and big industries year-on-year in the first quarter of 2009 which reached 4.27 percent, BPS head Rusman Heriawan said at a press conference here on Monday.

RI's Inflation Rate to Drop in Medium Term : BI Chief
The inflation rate in Indonesia will tend to drop in the medium term and be around 4.5 percent next year, Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor-elect Darmin Nasution said. "It is moving in the direction of 4.5 plus or minus one percent next year," Darmin said here on Tuesday.

Maluku Has Fishery Potential Of 1.64 Million Tons
Maluku province has a big fishery potential of 1.64 million tons per year for the prosperity of the province and the nation. Therefore President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the peak event of international marine event of Sail Band 2010 here on Tuesday officially declared the province a national fish barn.

Indonesia Wants to Spur Two Koreas' Dialogue
Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said on Monday that Indonesia would be more than happy to use its friendly relationships with both North and South Korea to help kick-start the frozen six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program. "Indonesia is unique in that we have a very close-knit connection with both North Korea and South Korea, so that we may help create a conducive environment to re-establish the six-party talks," Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said after meeting his visiting North Korean counterpart, Pak Ui Chun.

RI Sends Humanitarian Aid to Pakistan Flood Victims
The Indonesian government has sent a humanitarian workers team and relief aid for flood victims in Pakistan, a national disaster agency official said here Tuesday. The team consists of 20 health care personnel and the relief aid of 4,000 blankets, 500 packs of packaged food, three tons of medicines, and five tons of infant food or formula milk, Soetrisno, Deputy Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said.

Indonesia Stocks Set to Fall for Third Day; Rupiah Advances for Ninth
Indonesia's Jakarta Composite Index slid 13.63 points, or 0.5 percent, to 3,045.35 as of 10:12 a.m. local time, set to fall for a third day. Apac Citra Centertex, a manufacturer of textile and garment products, declined 1.2 percent to Rp 80, dropping for the first time in eight days. The company said first-half net loss widened to Rp 26.4 billion from Rp 7.8 billion a year earlier.

Garuda Indonesia Planning to Switch to Biofuel
National airline Garuda Indonesia is finalizing preparations to use biofuel in an attempt to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a senior official said on Monday. "We are in the process of changing from avtur [aviation fuel] to biofuel. Not a single [domestic] airline has done it yet. We will be implementing this plan in stages and it will not necessarily be achieved within this year," Garuda commissioner Wendy Aritonang said.

Monday, August 2, 2010
RI Enjoys $9.63 Billion Foreign Trade Surplus in H1
Indonesia saw a surplus of US$9.63 billion in its foreign trade in the first half of 2010, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said. Over the period, Indonesia suffered a deficit in its trade with a number of countries particularly China but trade with other countries still favored Indonesia, BPS Chief Rusman Heriawan said on Monday.

Trade Minister: Trend in Export Growth Up
Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said the trend in export growth is rising in line with increasing export demand from countries in Asia. "I saw until May the trend is still around 30 percent compared to that of the same period last year," she said after the launching of Care Coins Movement here on Saturday.

Indonesia Warns North Korea Over Rising Tensions
Indonesia warned Monday that tensions on the Korean peninsula could spin out of control without a return to dialogue, as North Korea's foreign minister visited the southeast Asian country. Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa held talks with his North Korean counterpart Pak Ui Chun and said there was an "inherent risk" attached to the current freeze in six-party talks over the North's nuclear program.

Indonesia's Rupiah Gains for Eighth Day
The rupiah advanced for an eighth consecutive day, its longest winning streak since December 2006, as Indonesia's higher-yielding assets lure funds. The currency touched the strongest level in more than three years after overseas investors last month pumped $541 million into the nation's equities, the most since April 2007. Data due today will show inflation accelerated in July and exports from Southeast Asia's biggest economy expanded for a ninth straight month in June, economists predicted in separate Bloomberg surveys.

Lake Sentani Tour Attracts Foreign Tourists
More foreign tourists have profound interest in the ongoing Lake Sentani Tour Package as part of Lake Sentani Festival 2010. "Because of Lake Sentani Tour Package, many foreign tourists at present are visiting Papua to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake in Sentani, Jayapura district," Lake Sentani Festival committee chairman Ana Sawai said here on Saturday.

RI-Norway Partnership: REDD at A Crossroads
The reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) initiative finds its real battlefield. After the announcement of the Indonesian-Norway partnership on the forestry sector, aimed to reduce carbon emissions from this sector, there have been intense debates on the issue. The question is will this scheme significantly contribute to solve forest degradation problems, with minimum harm to other sectors?

President: Politics Not For Deceiving, Cheating
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called against cheating and tricks in politics with regard to improving democracy. "Politics must not be for cheating for personal interest. That is far from being ethical," he said in reponse to a newsman`s question on whether there is an opportunity to make changes in the constitution to extend his presidential term during the launching of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono`s biography titled "The Wing Flaps of a Soldier`s Daughter" here on Saturday.