Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Discourse: Indonesia Confident of Palestinian State: Minister
On Thursday, Israel celebrates its 60th anniversary while the prospect of a Palestinian state remains as uncertain as ever. The Jakarta Post's Tony Hotland interviewed Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda on Indonesia's role in a peace process Monday in Jakarta. Following are excerpts from the interview.

Fuel Price Hikes May Cause Unemployment Rate to Grow 16.92 pct per Year
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government’s plan to raise fuel oil prices by about 30 percent, if realized, may cause the unemployment rate in the country to grow by 16.92 percent a year, a research institute said.

Ahmadiyah 'Not Persecuted' by Government
The government has yet to announce a decision regarding a ban on the religious sect Ahmadiyah but said Wednesday it was working to protect the group from continued attacks.

Yudhoyono Sees no Political Blow in Raising Fuel Prices
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Wednesday he preferred to risk unpopularity by raising fuel prices than to leave the country's economy in jeopardy.

President Encourages People to Reduce Use of Cash Money
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono encouraged the people to make optimum use of information technology (IT) in banking and payment systems so as to reduce the use of cash money.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Insight: RI's Foreign Policy and the Meaning of ASEAN
It is an accepted wisdom that in international relations every nation pursues its own national interest. This notion is based on state sovereignty, the basis of relations between states since the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648.

Still the One: SBY the Favorite for Next Poll
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is still the most popular candidate for next year's presidential election, despite public dissatisfaction with his administration's economic record, a survey has found.

RI Offers $1m in Aid for Myanmar
Indonesia has joined the international community by donating aid worth US$1 million to Myanmar after a cyclone that swept through the country last weekend left more than 15,000 dead.

Peace Process in Aceh Encouraging: Finnish Ex-President
Banda Aceh - The peace process in Aceh based on the agreement signed by the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Helsinki almost three years ago is already running in a good and encouraging way, former Finnish President Martti Ahtasaari said here on Monday.

Indonesia Considers Quitting OPEC
Indonesia is considering temporarily quitting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) amid a steady decline in the country's oil production, the President said Tuesday.

Reintegration of Former GAM Members into Society Remains Difficult: Ahtasaari
Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Although the peace process in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) province based on the Helsinki peace agreement between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is generally running well, the reintegration of former GAM members into the local civilian society is not happening as smoothly as expected, former Aceh peace facilitator Martti Ahtasaari said.

Government Plans 'Limited' Increase in Fuel Prices
As burgeoning fuel subsidies overshadow the sustainability of the state budget, the government announced plans Monday to raise fuel prices to a level deemed 'affordable' by the public.

House Defense Commission Urges Government to Develop Defense Industry
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Member of the Defense Commission of the House of Representatives of the Democrats Party faction Marcus Silano, on behalf his colleagues, urged the government to constantly develop the defense industry.

Domestic Inflation Estimated to be Down in Second Quarter of 2008
Jakarta - President Director of PT Danareksa Investment Management Priyo Santoso has estimated that the country's inflation rate, which currently tended to increase, would be down in the 2008 second quarter thanks to improving US economic indicators.

Monday, May 5, 2008
Indonesia to Cut Fuel Subsidies to Balance Budget
Indonesia will soon raise fuel prices by up to 30 percent to avoid a budget blowout amid the soaring cost of oil on the global market, the government said Monday.

Chamber Asks BI not to Raise Key Rate
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has expressed hope Bank Indonesia (the central bank/BI) will not raise its key rate this month although the on-month inflation rate in April was 0.57 percent and the on-year inflation rate 8.96 percent.

RI, Malaysia to Accelerate Implementation of Government Leaders` Commitments
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda and his new Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Utama Rais Yatim, have agreed to speed up the implementation of commitments made by the two countries` leaders at their consultative meeting in Malaysia early this year.

Religious Strife Erodes RI Image, Say Experts
Recent issues of domestic religious freedom have damaged Indonesia's global reputation as a nation of religious tolerance, experts say.

Indonesian Terror Suspect Paraded in front of Cameras as Sign of War on Terrorism Success
Indonesia paraded a suspected militant with links to Asia's most wanted man in front of the media Monday in an apparent attempt to trumpet the country's successes in the war on terrorism.

Friday, May 2, 2008
Asian Interfaith Leaders to Meet in Jakarta
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Interfaith leaders from Asian countries will meet in Jakarta on May 14 - 17, 2008 to discuss main issues that will be brought to the Asian Conference on Religions for Peace (ACRP), the organizers said.

Aceh More Peaceful, US Envoy Says
Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Conditions in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) province have begun to become more peaceful now, almost three years after the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed their peace agreement in Helsinki, Finland, US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R Hume said here on Friday.

Soaring Inflation May Shave Growth
Consumer prices rose to a 19-month high in April, sending jitters over possible sluggish growth in the economy as the central bank is left with less room to cut interest rates to spur economic activities.

Government Denies Plan to Raise Fuel Prices
State Minister for National Development Planning Paskah Suzetta has denied media reports the government is planning to raise fuel prices in June.

Mily, Anti-graft Body to Cooperate in Fighting Corruption
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Headquarters of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have agreed to cooperate in cracking down on corruption in the country.

Government Can’t Drop Ahmadiyah Ban: VP
Despite mounting pressure, the government cannot simply cancel a joint ministerial decree to outlaw the “heretic” Islamic sect Jamaah Ahmadiyah, the Vice President said Friday.

Government to Buy Copyrights on 250 School Text-book Titles
Bogor (ANTARA News) - The government will in 2008 buy the copyrights on 250 text-book titles recommended in elementary and high-school education packages from their writers and publishers in order to make the books available to students at lower prices, National Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo said.

Thursday, May 1, 2008
President Asks Entire People to Economize on Energy Consumption
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked all government officials and the people to economize on their energy consumption in facing soaring world crude prices which burdens the state budget.

Indonesia Stresses on Every Country’s Rights to Develop Nuclear Energy
London (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has highlighted the rights of every country to develop nuclear energy, but expressed their high concern over a slow process of the nuclear disarmament by countries which have modernized their nuclear fleet.

NAM Calls for Nuclear Disarmament
London (ANTARA News) - Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) called for the disarmament of nuclear weapons as the only guaranty to prevent the danger posed by nuclear weapons to the survival of human beings.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Regional Leaders Must Help Solve People’s Problems in the Field: President
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on government officials in the regions to meet people personally in the field to help them solve the various problems they are facing, including poverty.

RI to Host Basel Convention Confab
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will host the 9th Conference of Parties (COP-9) to the Basel Convention at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) on June 23-27 to discuss enhanced cooperation in curbing trade in hazardous wastes.

Government Sets Target of All Areas in RI Having Broadband Access in 2015
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has set itself the target of making all areas in Indonesia have broadband access for connection to universal internet in 2015, a minister has said.

President: All RI-Timor Leste Borders Fixed by Year-End
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here Tuesday Indonesia and Timor Leste are expected to have fixed all their common boundaries by the end of 2008.

Indonesia, Australia Host Regional Forum Meeting on Disaster
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer has welcomed the hosting by Indonesia and Australia of a desk-top exercise to enhance multinational disaster relief responses in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008
RI Says Iraq’s Security Still Faces Serious Challenges
New York - Indonesia admitted that in the past few years Iraq had achieved notable progress but serious challenges continued to cloud the country's security and stability.

Indonesia Backs East Timor Democracy: President
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia remains firmly in support of democracy in neighboring East Timor and of the legal government there, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here Tuesday.

ASEAN Ready to Tackle Soaring Food Prices
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - ASEAN is ready to tackle the soaring food prices by implementing a number of measures including the strengthening of its existing food security mechanism, ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan said here on Tuesday.

Hundreds Rally in Jakarta to Demand Exxon Mobil’s Nationalization
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Hundreds of protesters comprising members of labor unions and the National University Students League for Democracy (LMND) held a rally calling for the nationalization of Exxon Mobil Company here Tuesday.

Government to Reconsider Plan to Ban Ahmadiyah
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government will reconsider its intention to issue a joint decree (signed by the attorney general, home affairs minister and religious affairs minister) to ban the activities of the deviant Islamic Ahmadiyah sect, a senior minister said.

Monday, April 28, 2008
Indonesian MP Appointed Vice President of IPU's Executive Committee
Jakarta - Chief of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Board at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Abdillah Toha has been appointed vice president of the executive committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Rise in Global Food Prices a Blessing for Indonesia: President
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told the Nahdatul Ulama youth wing Ansor on Sunday that Indonesia could benefit from the rise in global food prices.

Tourism Minister: Foreign Tourists to Indonesia Up 30 pct
Denpasar - Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik predicted that the number of foreign tourists to Indonesia in the next couple of months will increase by 30 percent compared to last year's rate of increase.

Agung Laksono Urges Advanced Countries to Allocate 0.7 of Their GDP Each Year
Jakarta - House Speaker Agung Laksono urged advanced countries to allocate 0.7 percent of their Gross Domestic Product.

Minister Calls on People to Reduce Power Consumption
Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro called on the electricity consumers to stop wasteful use of power in order to help curb the increasing electricity consumption at home.

'State Cannot Meddle in Private Religious Beliefs'
The Coordinating Board for Monitoring Mystical Beliefs in Society (Bakor Pakem) has issued a recommendation for the government to ban the Islamic sect Jamaah Ahmadiyah. The Jakarta Post's Riyadi Suparno and Alfian Idris discussed the issue with prominent lawyer and Presidential Advisory Council member Adnan Buyung Nasution, who is counseling President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono not to allow a joint ministerial decree outlawing the "deviant" sect.

Generals Urged to Face Rights Body Questioning
Human rights activists and political experts have criticized retired military and police generals for protesting against attempts to question them in connection to past atrocities.

Britain to Help Indonesia Deal with Defense Challenges
United Kingdom military chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup last week met here with his Indonesian counterpart, Gen. Djoko Santoso, and Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono to discuss ways to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. The Jakarta Post's Abdul Khalik spoke with Stirrup about the UK's role in helping the Indonesian Military (TNI) counter security threats facing both countries.

Friday, April 25, 2008
President: Government Continues to Overcome National Problems
Batulicin, S Kalimantan - The government continues to make every effort of solving all problems in the country, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Thursday.

President Calls on Banks to Support Small-Scale Business
Batulicin, S Kalimantan - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on the national banking industry to support small-scale businesses in the country with credits.

U.S. Insists on Immunity for All Namru-2 Laboratory Staff
The United States has insisted on diplomatic status for all 19 Americans at its Namru-2 research lab in Jakarta, while also maintaining the lab is committed to transparency.

MoU on RI-US Defense Cooperation to be Formalized Soon
Jakarta - A memorandum of under-standing (MoU) on defense cooperation between Indonesia and the United States will be formalized within the next two months, an Indonesian defense ministry official said.

RI Ready to Host Summit on World Food, Energy Crisis
New York - Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations Marty Natalegawa said on Tuesday, Indonesia would be ready to host a summit of world leaders on the food and energy crisis under the auspices of the United Nations.

RI Needs to Develop Alternative Energy Sources : Observer
Padang, W Sumatra - Indonesia needs to develop new alternative energy sources in anticipation of an upward trend in world oil prices, agriculture observer Asdi Agustar of Andalas University said here on Thursday.

Thursday, April 24, 2008
Indonesia Offers U.S. Lab Immunity, Wants Transparency
Indonesia has agreed to grant diplomatic immunity to two senior officials of the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2 (Namru-2) in Jakarta, but demanded transparency in the laboratory's operations.

Indonesia Calls for UN Action on High Food Prices
New York (ANTARA News) - Indonesia said Wednesday that the United Nations should adopt measures against rising prices for food commodities to prevent a full-scale crisis worldwide.

West Sumatra to Export 30 Tons of Tuna to US
Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA News) - West Sumatra is to export, for the first time, 30 tons of tuna fish to the United States through Padang`s Bungus ocean fishing port at the end of April, a local fisheries official said.

President Orders Officials to Prevent Illegal Rice Exports
Palangkaraya, C Kalimantan - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered government officials at central and regional levels to prevent rice from being exported illegally because, he said, amid the current global food crisis, any rice produced at home should be used to meet domestic need.

No Indonesian Arrested Over Ramos Horta’s Shooting
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Police Chief Gen Sutanto said not a single Indonesian citizen was arrested and being questioned in connection with the shooting of Timor Leste President Ramos Horta last February.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
RI is "Environmental Super-Power": US Envoy
Jakarta - In observance of Earth Day, US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R. Hume has written an article titled "Indonesia: Environmental Superpower".

President Yudhoyono Takes Proactive Step in Weaponry Industry
Jakarta, Apr 23 (ANTARA) - Member of the defense and foreign affairs commission of the House of Representatives of the Golkar party faction Hajriyanto Y Thohari believed that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had taken a successful proactive step in Indonesia`s strategic and arms industry.

Indonesian Naval Officers must be Involved in Namru-2 - Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian naval officers must be involved as supervisors in the activities of the US Naval Medical Research Unit 2 (Namru-2) in Indonesia, Indonesian Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said.

Government Raises Purchasing Price for Rice
After tightening rice export regulation earlier this month, the government raised the purchasing price of rice starting Tuesday in the hope that farmers will benefit from the surge in global rice prices and to discourage smuggling.

High Inflation May Force BI to Raise Key Rate: Economist
Jakarta - The stubbornly high inflation rate this year may force Bank Indonesia (the central bank/BI) to raise its benchmark rate, an economist said.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Indonesian Children Help U.S. Embassy 'Go Green' for Earth Day Event
Jakarta - Over 80 Indonesian children helped U.S. Ambassador Cameron R. Hume celebrate Earth Day through poetry, sports, environmentally-themed games and even a puppet show by the characters from Trans-7's "Jalan Sesama."

TNI's First War Drill in 12 Years
Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Djoko Santoso said Monday only half of the aging war machines to be used in a joint military exercise had been safety tested, but he was confident the exercise would go well.

RI’s Economy Under Threat of High External Inflation: Economist
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian economy is expected to be under a threat of high external inflation this year due to a surge in the global crude and food prices, an economist said.

Pro-Tibet activists rally ahead of Olympic torch relay in Indonesia
Police detained eight people, including a Dutch citizen, and seized flags from pro-Tibet activists in Indonesia on Tuesday as the Olympic torch relay staggered its way through Asia.

Monday, April 21, 2008
PKS Party Rejects Idea of Islamic State
The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) on Sunday launched a book detailing its political platform and dismissing the idea it aimed at making Indonesia an Islamic state.

Indonesian Court Jails Islamic Militant on Terrorism Charges
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - An Indonesian court on Monday sentenced the self-proclaimed leader of the Islamic militant group blamed for the 2002 Bali bombings to 15 years' jail on terrorism charges.

First Lady Appreciates Indonesian Women`s Progress
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - First Lady Ani Yudhoyono expressed appreciation for the progress Indonesian women have made over time as shown by their present ability to occupy all sorts of positions in the professions and in the executive, legislative and juidicial branches of government.

PPA to Divest Entire 17.5 Percent Stake in Tugu Pratama
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian government asset management company PT Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (PPA) said on Monday it will sell its entire 17.5 percent stake in general insurance company PT Tugu Pratama Indonesia by the end of June.

Chevron Extends Apexindo`s Drilling Contract by Two Years to 2010
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia's leading rig operator PT Apexindo Pratama Duta Tbk said on Monday Chevron Geothermal Salak Ltd, a unit of Chevron Corporation, has extended the existing contract on its drilling Rig 4 by two years until 2010, for an additional $32.6 million.

Friday, April 18, 2008
RI Asks Horta to Clarify Remarks
Indonesian diplomats in Dili have been asked to seek clarity over reports on Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta's allegation that "elements" from Indonesia were involved in a February attack that almost claimed his life.

State Budget Safe Until Oil Price Reaches $125
The 2008 state budget will withstand heavy pressure from skyrocketing oil prices until the Indonesian Crude Price (ICP) averages US$125 per barrel, a senior official says.

RI to Ask WB to Disburse US$1.2 Billion Program Loan
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will ask for the disbursement of a US$1.2 billion program loan by the World Bank to cover its revised 2008 state budget deficit which reaches Rp94.5 trillion or about 2.1 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), a senior finance ministry official said.

KPU Reports 2009 General Election Preparations to President
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - General Election Commission (KPU) chairman Abdul Hafidz Asyari met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the presidential office here on Friday to report preparations for next year’s general elections.

Government Needs Rp11.5 Trillion for School Operation Fund Program
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government will need an additional fund of Rp11.55 trillion to meet its school operation fund (BOS) program as well as its free education program for elementary and secondary schools in 2008, a senior official said.

Thursday, April 17, 2008
U.S. Continues Assistance Despite Disagreements
As part of his long-planned regional trip, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt paid a visit to Jakarta on Monday. On the sidelines of his visit, Leavitt spoke to The Jakarta Post's Emmy Fitri about U.S. commitments to providing Indonesia with continued aid and assistance. The following are excerpts of the interview.

Banks Welcome BI Regulatory Package to Lower Credit Risk, Boost Loans
A planned new regulatory package has been greeted by positive responses from banks, who say the package will allow them to disburse more loans.

Yudhoyono Praises National Banks` Role in Improving People’s Welfare
Purworejo, Central Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono praised national banks for their role in improving the people’s standard of living through the people’s business credit (KUR) scheme.

GM Indonesia Outlook Positive
JAKARTA: PT General Motor Auto World Indonesia managing director Mukiat Sutikno said Wednesday his company were targeting an increase of 100 percent in 2008 in sales of Chevrolet cars.

Mt. Egon on Flores Erupts, Thousands Flee Homes
Mount Egon in Sikka regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted Tuesday, forcing about 1,000 residents from nearby villages to flee their homes.

Government Team Wants Sect Banned
Muslim scholars have warned extremist groups will renew attacks on Jamaah Ahmadiyah following a recommendation the government ban the "deviant" Islamic sect.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
RI Praised for Rights Improvement
A review on Indonesia by the Human Rights Council has concluded in plaudits, with recommendations to eliminate impunity, legally define torture and ratify more rights-related UN conventions.

RI Secures Best Deal on Gas Contract to Singapore
The upstream oil and gas regulator BP Migas announced Tuesday it had secured payment of US$11 per million British thermal units (MMbtu) under a contract to export natural gas to Singapore.

Government may sell Stake in Krakatau Steel through Strategic Sale
State Minister for State Enterprises Sofyan Djalil said Tuesday that a strategic sell-off of portions of PT Krakatau Steel would be better than an initial public offering in the current adverse conditions of the global market.

Merck Posts 12.23% Profit Increase
Publicly listed PT Merck Indonesia, a local unit of the German-based pharmaceutical giant, reported a 12.23 percent increase in its net profit last year with higher sales.

Oxiana to Spend $310m on Project
Australia-based Oxiana Ltd. plans to spend US$310 million this year to construct a gold and silver plant in North Sumatra.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008
U.S., RI Move Closer to Bird Flu Deal
The United States and Indonesia have moved closer to an agreement on a bird flu sample sharing scheme, paving the way for smoother global discussion to allow developing countries access to cheap medicines and vaccines.

President: Legal Bodies, Law Enforcers must also Make Public Law-Conscious
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked legal institutions and law enforcers in the country to give due priority to their task of making the public law-conscious in order to prevent violations of the law.

President yet to Pick Boediono’s Successor as Chief Economic Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has yet to decide who he will appoint to replace Boediono as chief economic minister after the latter’s nomination as Bank Indonesia (BI) governor was endorsed by the House of Representatives (DPR) recently.

Indonesia President to be Invited to G-8 Summit in Hokkaido
New York (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be invited to a G-8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan, in July this year to discuss the world food and energy crisis, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said here on Monday.

Monday, April 14, 2008
President Receives US Health Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received visiting US Health and Human Services Secretary, Michael O. Leavitt, at the presidential office here on Monday.

Banking Sector to Remain Sturdy in 2008: Central Bank
While the economy is likely to slow this year, Bank Indonesia forecasts the banking sector to stay healthy, signaled by a strong first-quarter performance.

Indonesia Overtakes Malaysia as Top Palm Oil Producer: Minister
Kota Kinibalu, Malaysia (ANTARA News) - Indonesia likely overtook Malaysia as the world's top palm oil producer in 2007, due to dramatically increased planting there, Malaysia said Monday.

Indonesia, US Discuss Cooperation in Bird Flu Management
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Visiting US Health and Human Service Minister Michael O Leavitt and his Indonesian counterpart Siti Fadilah Supari met at the presidential office here on Monday to discuss the continuation of bilateral cooperation in bird flu management.

Saturday, April 12, 2008
Daewoo Wants Part in Nuclear Project
South Korean-based trading company Daewoo International wants to be involved in Indonesia's first nuclear power plant project, offering its services and experience in building such plants.

Friday, April 11, 2008
RI, UNODC Hold Meeting on Combating Illicit Trafficking in Forest Products
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and the United Nations shrugs and crime agency UNODC organized an international experts group meeting on International Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Illicit International Trafficking in Forest Products, in Jakarta, recently.

UNICEF Hands 49th Rehabilitated School Building to Aceh Government
Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Friday handed an elementary school building in Kajeung, Sungai Mas sub district, to the people and government of West Aceh District.

Government to Issue Regulation on Rice Export Soon
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government, through the Ministry of Trade, will soon issue a decree to regulate rice exports.

Mily Ready to Support Police in Securing 2009 Elections
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander General Djoko Santoso said the military was ready to support police in securing the 2009 general elections.

Thursday, April 10, 2008
Government Looks to Creative Industries as Source of Competitiveness
The government is now drafting a roadmap to help develop creative industries in the country that cover 14 sectors, including musics, art, craft, design, fashion, film and software. To get a better a picture of the government's plan for these industries, The Jakarta Post's Riyadi Suparno and Novia D. Rulistia interviewed Trade Minister Mari Pangestu, the leading figure behind the government's initiative to develop the creative industries.

US Praises TNI’s Internal Reforms
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The US government has once again praised the Indonesian military (TNI) for its success in implementing internal reforms.

Some 54 Indonesians Deported from US to Arrive in Jakarta
Tangerang (ANTARA News) - Some 54 Indonesians deported from the US are expected to arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, north of Jakarta, on Thursday.

RI Delegation Attends UN Rights Council’s Meeting in Geneva
London (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian delegation to a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday briefed the session on Indonesia’s efforts to improve respect and protection of human rights at home.

SBY, Kalla Race Early to Woo Voters
A year out from the general elections, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla have launched early campaigns to woo voters.

Megawati: Independent Candidates to Have Little Chance of Winning Elections
Jambi (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Democratic Party- Struggle (PDIP) leader Megawati Soekarnoputri said independent candidates for next year’s general election would have difficulty consolidating their positions because they depended on floating masses.

Indonesian Government Buys Back State Bonds Worth Rp2 trillion
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government bought back state bonds worth Rp2.007 trillion on April 4, an Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) official said on Thursday.

Bakrieland Gets OK for Sale of Unit
Shareholders of property developer PT Bakrieland Development have approved the company's plans to sell a 30 percent stake in a subsidiary to global property development firm Limitless LLC, a unit of Dubai World.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Air Force to Acquire Three Sukhoi Fighter Aircraft This Year
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Three Russian-made Sukhoi or SU-30 jet fighter planes are to arrive in Indonesia later this year, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Subandrio said here on Wednesday.

Government Officially Revokes Adam Air’s Flight Permit
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Ministry of Transportation as of Wednesday officially revoked domestic airline company Adam Air’s flight permit (AOC) for 21 routes.

Kalbe Farma Reports 15.37% Jump in Sales in 2007
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - PT Kalbe Farma (JSX: KLBF) was the leader among 10 pharmaceutical companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange in terms of income last year.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
House Approves Boediono as Central Bank Governor
As Indonesia faces accelerating inflation that may trim the country's expected economic growth, the House of Representatives' financial commission approved Monday chief economic minister Boediono as the nation's 13th central bank chief.

Yuri for UK, but Soegiharto Left Out
The President is to install 14 new ambassadors Tuesday, with former state minister of state enterprises Soegiharto being left out following unanimous rejection by the House of Representatives.

U.S. Support, Guterres' Release Called 'Face-saving'
U.S. support for the final report of the Indonesia-Timor Leste Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF) and the release of a former Timor Leste militia leader are face-saving efforts, says an expert.

Foreign Investors to Have Access to State Exports Financing
While deliberations over a bill on state-owned Indonesian Exports Financing Agency (LPEI) are still at an early stage, the government and the House of Representatives have agreed such services will be opened to foreign investors.

Fear Over Fiscal Instability Looming in Debt Market
Despite the government's recent measures to ease panic in domestic debt market, concerns over the sustainability of the state budget, coupled with accelerating inflation, have caused portfolio investors to remain on high alert.

President Calls on Government Chiefs to Provide Rational Leadership
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono reminded government leaders at all levels of the need to provide leadership in rational ways.

Monday, April 7, 2008
Legislative Elections on April 5
The General Elections Commission (KPU) officially announced the legislative elections will be held on April 5, 2009, to select new members for the House of Representatives, provincial and municipal legislative councils and the Regional Representative Council.

President Asks People to Help Government Save State Budget
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Sunday asked the people to switch from kerosene to liquefied petroleum gas as part of efforts to save the state budget amidst surging global oil prices.

President Instructs Mily, Police Personnel to be Neutral in Elections
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono instructed all military and police personnel and other state institutions to remain neutral in implementing regional head and next year`s general elections.

BI Governor: RI's Economic Resilience Stronger by Late 2007
Jakarta - Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah said the Indonesian economy continued to strengthen in resilience until the end of 2007.

Party Conflicts 'Hurt Democracy'
The ongoing conflict within the National Awakening Party (PKB) reflects the country's failure to establish a strong political party system that nurtures democracy, observers say.

Friday, April 4, 2008
Legislators React Sharply to Report on Human Trafficking to US
Jakarta - A few House of Representatives (DPR) members here Friday reacted sharply to a report that thousands of Indonesians are being "sold" to the United States every year.

President Signs General Election Bill
Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed the general election draft law the deliberations of which by the House of Representatives were supposed to be completed early in March, 2008.

RI Navy Needs to be Modernized, Legislators Say
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government needs to immediately modernize the Navy on a large scale in its effort to maintain the Unitary State of the Indonesian Republic (NKRI)`s sovereignty, legislators said here on Friday.

Thursday, April 3, 2008
National Economy Still Under Control, President
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed hope that the people and all concerned parties in the country would remain calm in the face of the current world economic turbulences that were affecting the national economy.

Q1 Economic Growth in 2008 to Drop Below 6 pct: BI
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Senior Bank Indonesia (BI) Deputy Governor Miranda S Goeltom said the Indonesian economy would grow at a rate of less than six percent in the first quarter of this year.

US Credit Crisis, Rising Inflation Hang Over ASEAN Finance
Confronted with global inflation and a slowdown in the U.S., financial leaders from Southeast Asia gathered Thursday to discuss the implications for their nations and ways to limit the fallout.

RI, Malaysia, Brunei to Hold "Heart of Borneo" Meeting
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam will hold the Second Tri-lateral Meeting of Heart of Borneo in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, from April 4 to 5, 2008.

Independents to Start Running in June
Independent candidates will be eligible to contest regional elections for governor, mayor and regent positions by June at the earliest, the General Elections Commission (KPU) said Wednesday.

Jakarta Philanthropic City: Survey
Jakartans are among the nation's most generous people when it comes to helping out those in need, according to the results of a survey announced Wednesday.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Britain Wants RI to be UNSC Member More Often
New York (ANTARA News) - Amid a debate about the expansion of the membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Britain expressed its wish for Indonesia to have a chance to be in the Council more often.

Boediono is True Monetarist - Observer
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chief Economic Minister Dr Boediono was lucky for being nominated Tuesday as the sole candidate for Bank Indonesia (BI) governor to succeed outgoing BI Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah who will leave the post on May 17, 2008.

ADB Cuts Indonesia 2008 Growth Forecast to 6.0 pct Due to Global Slowdown
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday lowered its forecast for 2008 economic growth in Indonesia to 6.0 percent from 6.4 percent due to slowing exports amid a global economic slowdown.

Kalbe Farma`s Profit up 4.3 percent
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Publicly-listed pharmaceutical company PT Kalbe Farma Tbk said Wednesday its net profit in 2007 slightly rose 4.3 percent to Rp706 billion from Rp667 billion a year earlier.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Foreign Ministry, BI to Cooperate to Strengthen Economic Diplomacy
Jakarta - Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda and Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah here Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to improve professionalism in the country's economic diplomacy in regard to monetary, banking and payment system matters.

US Envoy to Give Rp15 B to Tangerang to Fight Bird Flu
Tangerang - US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R Hume is expected to hand Rp15 billion in humanitarian aid to the Tangerang administration to fight bird flu in the region, a local health official said on Tuesday.

PT Timah Reports 755 pct Increase in Net Profit
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Indonesian tin mining company PT Timah reported a 755.36 per cent increase in net profit to Rp1.78 trillion (US$194 million) last year from Rp208.1 billion in the previous year.

Apexindo`s Net Profit up to US$34.3 million
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Publicly listed oil drilling company PT Apexindo Pratama Duta Tbk last year posted a net profit of US$34.3 million, or up 8.9 percent from US$31.5 million a year earlier.