Equal Life

Indonesian Students Ready To Launch Nano-Satellite In 2012

2009-11-16T21:03:00.006+07:00

An Indonesian student made mini satellite or nano-satellite to be launched in 2012, because the discussion between students from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Bandung Technological Institute (ITB), University of Indonesia (UI), and Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya (PENS) from Surabaya Technological Institute (ITS) with Indonesian students overseas has already begun.

"Starting this year (2009), we conducted a series of meetings with students from various campuses," said Dedy HB Wicaksono, PhD., researchers from Indonesia in the TU Delft the Netherlands, At Surabaya, Monday.

In between Workshops of INSPIRE (Indonesian Satellite Platform Nano Initiative for Research & Education) in PENS ITS, he said the meeting would continue with an intensive research in the Netherlands or in Indonesia.

"INSPIRE is an inter-student meeting forum with various stakeholders from government and research institutions to encourage the mastery of satellite technology from the students," he said.

Alumnus of Teknik Fisika ITB Bandung (S1) in the year 1934-1998 was declared Indonesia desperately need satellites to map forests, fisheries, natural disasters, islands, sea crime, and so on.

"We already have the Palapa Satellite and its age was 30 years. The technology created outside the country, so that foreign exchange will be sucked out and we finally have no independence," said alumnus of Tokyo University of Technology (S2).

According to this alumnus of TU Delft Netherlands (S3), the big satellite requires an expensive fund hundreds of billions or even trillions rupiah, but the nano-satellite is only Rp 5 billion range and mini satellites would last for three-year period.

"Not only cheap, but nano-satellites that could easily be in our hands, let alone within the existing educational elements, aspects of technology applications, and cross-scientific research such as telecommunications, electronics, solar energy, and so on," he said.

Therefore, the originator of the INSPIRE said, the lecturers can encourage telecommunications students who have been formulate their final assignment (TA) of telecommunications devices such as mobile phone, now can lead their TA in the field of satellites.

"So, the discussion can be carried out in 2009, then in 2010 with intense research, the TU Delft even very happy if the research can be conducted in the Netherlands, then in 2011 made the preparation and in 2012 will be the launch," he said.

Likewise, the Secretary of Communication and Information Minister, Dr. Eng. Son Kuswadi, said the funds to build a nano-satellite is only Rp. 5 billion and when began with the meetings, researchs, until finally launching nano-satellites, it will need funding of about Rp. 10 billion.

"The discussion through workshops which involved dozens of students from various universities that we will do two times during the year 2009, including discussions with LAPAN, BPPT, IPTN, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries," he said.

After that, the lecturer of robotics of PENS ITS Surabaya said, intensive discussions for the application will be conducted at the TU Delft in the Netherlands and in Indonesia until the year 2011.

"In 2012 we'll do the launch, whether the launch will take advantage of similar institutions in Indonesia, such as LAPAN who already have a rocket launch site or may LAPAN is ready in that year," he said.

He added that the use of nano-satellites will be applied for telecommunications function in a natural disasters and prevention of illegal fishing. "In the future, could also for weather sensors," he said.

A Low-Fat Vegetarian Diets Can Help To Control Type 2 Diabetes

2009-11-15T20:03:00.000+07:00

The scientists and researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) at George Washington University and the University of Toronto has found that Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult-onset diabetes), can be treated more effectively with a vegan diet that are low in fat than the standard diabetic diet.

The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation, involving 99 people with Type 2 diabetes. Half of the participants followed the standard diabetic diet guidelines based on the American Diabetes Association, and the other half of participants followed a low in fat vegan diet for 22 weeks.

Both of the groups progress measured in all aspects of the standard of diabetes, but the vegan participants showed greater improvement. Associated with vegan diet, Dr. Barnard, PCRM chairman, said, "All the 'side effects' are the good things - weight reduction, lower cholesterol, and better health overall."

Vance Warren, 36-year-old participant and a former Washington DC police, have benefited from the vegan diet: He reduced his weight as much as 74 pounds (37 kilograms), his cholesterol went from 221 to 148 points, and his A1C (a measure of the level of blood sugar) dropped from over 9 percent to 5.3 percent (normal value below 6.0 per cent). Other participants experienced the similar results.

Drastic advances in health condition obtained by the participants in this program to make people think that if these people had undergone a vegan diet before diabetes, then they will never have diabetes.

The results of this study warned that the western diet that contains meat, fat, and grains that have been processed may cause Type 2 diabetes. Maybe it's time for the government to begin to educate their citizens before they are exposed to this disease, to prevent diabetes before the disease strikes.

It is so usual for doctors to advise their patients to change their diet and eat less meat and saturated fat after they suffered a heart attack. Instead of making these recommendations after the disease strikes, why not encourage it before the disease come and save people from suffering that is useless and billions of dollars of money for medical expenses.

Source: Ways To Fight Diabetes

Four ministers of United Indonesia Cabinet Has Submitted Formal Resignation

2009-09-10T08:26:00.005+07:00

Four ministers of United Indonesia Cabinet / Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu, Minister of State Institution Empowerment Taufik Effendy, Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Watjik, State Minister for Cooperatives and SMEs Suryadharma Ali and State Minister for Development of Disadvantaged Regions Lukman Edy, Has submitted a formal resignation.

"The letters from the ministers had been received and I had reported it verbally to President Yudhoyono," said State Secretary Hatta Rajasa after a birthday celebration of President Yudhoyono in Puri Cikeas Bogor, Wednesday.

The ministers was withdrawn because they had been elected as the legislature in last April elections and the Law forbids them to double post. According to Hatta, President Yudhoyono has invited the ministers to determine their choice whether remains as a minister or a member of House Of Representative.

"The Law is set so. But later when the President still require their energy and thought, the President shall submit a separate request," said Hatta. The State Secretary explained the minister ad interim for the vacant ministerial positions will be appointed to serve until a new cabinet is formed.

Based on the results of elections in 2009, there were six ministers of United Indonesia Cabinet elected to the legislature, the Minister of Youth and Sports Adhyaksa Dault from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) electoral district of Central Sulawesi, Minister of State Institution Empowerment Taufik Effendy from Democratic Party, electoral districts of South Kalimantan .

Furthermore, the Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik from Democratic Party, electoral district of Bali, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Freddy Numberi from Democratic Party, electoral district of Papua, Minister of State for the Acceleration of Development of Disadvantaged Regions Lukman Edy from the National Awakening Party (PKB) Riau electoral district, and the Minister of State Cooperatives and SMEs Suryadharma Ali from the United Development Party (PPP) electoral district of West Java.

Because members of the House of Representatives will be inaugurated on October 1, 2009, the ministers who was elected as a representative must determine their position the latest on October 1, 2009.

Adhyaksa Dault and Freddy Numberi was previously chose to let go of their opportunities to become representatives of the people. Both of them had choose to continue the position as ministers of United Indonesia Cabinet until the term ends on October 20, 2009.

SuaraJihad, Haroky2000 And RumahJihad Writings Considered As Defending Terrorism

2009-09-10T06:39:00.007+07:00

In the middle of the Indonesian Police efforts to eradicate terrorism in the country, a lot of supports for terrorist suspects and activities that bring Jihad (an individual's striving for spiritual self-perfection) terms began to appear on the internet. Among others characterized by the presence of a number of blogs praising the terrorist suspects and insulting the police.

You can see the writings in their blogs below: (written in Bahasa Indonesia)

Suara Jihad, Haroky 2000, Rumah Jihad.

Those Blogs have been covering news and stories defending terrorism and terms of Jihad. Eg Suarajihad calls the community to protect the terrorism fugitives in the name of fellow Muslims.

Haroky2000 praising terrorism suspects Ibrohim aka Boim who was killed in Densus 88 Anti-Terror raid in Temanggung. Haroky2000 also called Ibrohim as the sword of Islam. Meanwhile, National Police Chief Gen Bambang Hendarso Danuri (BHD) is said to be America's lackeys.

"America's lackeys, Republic of Indonesia's Police to ensure that the Mujahid's (martyr) body was Syahid (Killed to defend Islam) in Temanggung, Central Java is Ibrohim. In that ambush, Ibrohim surrounded about 600 America's dogs, the members of Detachment 88 Anti-Terror squad with other combined personnel," said the blogs on one of its posts Wednesday (9/9/2009).

Not only the Police Chief who'v been reviled in these blogs, Police Headquarter's Head of Public Relations Inspector General of Police Nanan Soekarna also be sprayed. Nanan was mentioned as a braggart.

"He (Ibrohim) is being prepared, hidden for preparation, said the Police braggart, laddie Inspector General Nanan Soekarna at Kramat Jati Hospital, East Jakarta," said the author of the blog.

In fact, State Secretary Hatta Rajasa also said to boast in his statement that states that President SBY gave appreciation to the Police in the fight against terrorism. "According to State Secretary Hatta Rajasa, it does not affect the appreciation of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on police work. The President was not disappointed. However Ibrohim are [members of] terrorist group, said Hatta the swashbuckler," he added.

While Suarajihad wrote to the fugitives of terrorism to not need to be grieve. "For those who run and captured, do not be sad. Indeed Allah with us," the blog writes.

Cadbury PLC Rejects Kraft Foods Inc. $16.7 Billion Merger Offer

2009-09-09T02:36:00.006+07:00

International Food Producer, Kraft Foods Inc. on Monday (7 / 9), has proposed a takeover of chocolate and candy producer Cadbury PLC worth 16.7 billion U.S. dollars. However, Cadbury has rejected the offer. Cadbury shares has rose 41 percent to 803.5 pence, or Rp 133.000 in trading on the London Stock Exchange.

Cadbury said the offer is below the normal price. The chocolate company is also confident in their strategy to remain independent and growth prospects will remain good for a strong brand, unique category, and a strong geographical scope. Meanwhile, Kraft said it will not give up and continue working to improve the offers so that it can be supported by the board of directors of Cadbury.

Kraft, which produces food brands such as Velveeta, cheese, and Oreo cookies, said it had proposed to pay 300 pence (Rp 50.000) in cash and 0.2589 new shares of Kraft Foods stock for every Cadbury shares. Thus, Cadbury shares valued 745 pence (Rp 123.000) per share. This value is equivalent to 31 percent above the price of Cadbury shares trading at the close of last Friday, for 568 pence (Rp 94.250).

Cadbury's market share in the global confectionery industry by 10.3 percent in 2008. Cadbury took second place after Mars Inc. with 14.8 percent. As for Kraft in fifth place with a market share of 4.5 percent. Cadbury has a 28.4 percent market share in the global gum market, while Kraft is only 0.1 percent. Kraft, based in Northfield, Illinois, USA, said the combination with Cadbury would create huge power in the snacks market, sweets and fast food.

Graham Jones, analyst at Panmure Gordon & Co., recommends the shareholders to wait until the offer of Kraft rose at least to 800 pence (Rp 132.750) per share. "The question is, whether there is another offer that may be proposed by a consortium of Nestle. ujar Jones. The scenario, it appears Kraft will improve the offers," Jones says.

Jeremy Batstone-Carr at Charles Stanley & Co. even said that the possibility of offering price is above the 800 pence.

Marditech, Malaysian Company To Invest In South East Sulawesi's Seaweed Cultivation

2009-09-09T01:51:00.006+07:00

Marditech, a Malaysian company which plans to invest in the cultivation of seaweed, dropping the expert team to examine the potential of marine commodities in Southeast Sulawesi Province. "waters of South East Sulawesi is very strategic for seaweed cultivation and certainly its potential promising for the development of the seaweed industry," said Anas Ahmad Nasaruddin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marditech in Kendari, Tuesday.

The arrival of a joint expert team of Malaysia in Kota Bau-bau to take samples of seaweed as a researchs ingredient is the continued visitation from the Malaysian businessman Datuk Chemoor Azis.

Investment of seaweed in Southeast Sulawesi, expected can be promote mutually beneficial partnership between investors, governments and farmers. "We (investors) expecting certainty of production while the farmers waiting for guarantees of the market at reasonable prices. Investments that has the principles of partnership are believed to improve the welfare of the people," said Anas.

Marditech, the company led by Datuk Aziz Chemoor who is also an arm of the Malaysian PM optimistic that the seaweed investment climate in South East Sulawesi is very promising, so that the government pledged to boost the development of the infrastructures such as electricity, ports, airports, water supply and adequate means of communication.

"We are grateful to the mayor of Kota Bau-Bau and South East Sulawesi governor who has been seriously welcomed the investment plans of seaweed," he said.

Director of Food Technology Research Centre from Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Hj Normah Omar said, seaweed is not just for the food needs but also the raw material for the cosmetic industry and medicine.

"Indonesian Seaweed Potential convincing but the important thing to be a concern is the increase in quality, so can be competing in the world markets," said Normah. Director of the Malaysian Technology Development and Promotion Center, Husein Abdul Rahman said, seaweed will bring prosperity to the people if the maximally managed.

"Southeast Sulawesi's Seaweed will be demanded by consumers from all over the world if the quality is better. Therefore, the research in order to determine the quality of fresh seaweed will be done soon," said Husen.

In addition to the interest of seaweed potential , businessmen from the neighbor country also intends to invest in the farm sector, fisheries, tourism and mining.

Police HQ Calls On Eight Of KPK's chairpersons For PT Masaro Cases Investigation

2009-09-08T21:03:00.005+07:00

Chairpersons of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will be attending the call from Police Headquarters Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Those KPK Chairpersons will be asked for information as witnesses on Cases of Alleged Bribery PT Masaro.

"They (KPK) have postponed the date of 8 tomorrow (September 8, 2009)," said head of the Criminal detective (Kabareskrim) of Police Headquarters, Komjen Susno Duadji at the Police Headquarters, Jalan Trunojoyo, South Jakarta, Monday (7/9/2009).

According to him, the Commission's chairpersons will be asked for information as a witnesses. "That's the reports from Antasari about Masaro's dispute. That's to be done. We just Call them, it's usual. Called as a witness. The 4 chairpersons demanded to clarify," he said.

Susno said the investigation on KPK are not related to the Bank Century. "This has nothing to do with the Century Bank case," said Susno. So it was not the Commission would take over in case of Century? "Taken from who's the investigator," said Susno.

On Thursday, September 3th, The police sent a letter numbered S.Pgl/321/IX/2009/Pidkor yang ditandatangani Direktur III/Pidana Korupsi &; WWC Kombes Pol Drs Yovianes Mahar. The letter was addressed to the four chairpersons of the Commission, which is Haryono Umar, Bibit Samad Riyanto, M Jasin and Chandra M Hamzah.

But not only that, Chaidir Ismail from KPK's head of Law Bureau, Iswan Elmi who served as the Director of Investigations, Arry Widiatmoko from investigators and an investigator named Rony Samtana also examined.

The eight men will be faced with the unit head V Dit III/Pidkor &; WWC Kombes Pol Drs AJ Benny Mokalu. While the article used is Article 23 of Law Number 31 Year 1999 jo Act No. 20 of 2001 with the suspect Ary Muladi.

However, the Commission rejects the calls saying the letter from the Police is not clear. KPK waiting for a reply from the Chief of Police.

Suciwati: We'll Bring Munir Case To The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

2009-09-08T19:46:00.007+07:00

Suciwati, the wife of the human rights activist late, Munir SH, ready to bring the case of her husband's death to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but she still waiting for the results of Review of Judicial Verdict / Peninjauan Kembali (PK) about the release of Deputy V of State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Muchdi Pr.

"We're waiting for the result of PK's trial, if the result says Muchdi remain free, then we will take it to the International Court," Suciwati said to ANTARA state news agency on the sidelines of a discussion at the Faculty of Law, Airlangga University, Surabaya.

He brought it on the sidelines of a discussion titled "Commemorating the Day of Human Rights Defenders in Indonesia and 5 Years the Death of Munir SH" held by Student's Advocacy and Study Forum / Forum Studi dan Advokasi Mahasiswa (ForSAM), Faculty of Law Airlangga University Surabaya.

Suciwati, who was accompanied by the Dean of Law Faculty of Airlangga University Prof. Zaidun SH, MSi, who is also a former colleague of Munir SH in the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) in Surabaya, admitted pessimistic verdict in the PK's trial of Muchdi Pr will take place in a fair manner.

"Obviously, if Muchdi Pr is not freed, I will not continue the Munir SH's case to the International Court, but I will ask not only Muchdi Pr will be prisoned, because there are other suspects," Suciwati said.

Therefore, she urged the President to demonstrate his commitment to uphold the law without a "selective logging", even the President needs to continue the case to uncover the real mastermind.

Indosat's Palapa-D Satellite Successfully Placed Into A Geostationary Transfer Orbit

2009-09-07T00:31:00.007+07:00

One of the biggest Indonesia's cellular services operator, PT Indosat Tbk states that PALAPA-D satellite was successfully placed in the normal position of its Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), after launched on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 17:28 pm Xichang time, or 16:28 pm western Indonesia time.

A geosynchronous transfer orbit or geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) is an intermediate orbit used to reach geosynchronous or geostationary orbit. It is a highly elliptical earth orbit with apogee at about 35,700 km, geostationary (GEO) altitude, and an argument of perigee such that apogee occurs on or near the equator.

Gradually the PALAPA-D satellite will be controlled to move into the Geostationary Syncronous Orbit expected to be reached in mid-September 2009. Next, will be done an "in orbit test" for all functions and parameters of the satellite, so it can immediately replace Palapa-C2. Currently, the Earth Station Jatiluhur also been able to monitor the condition of PALAPA-D satellite in normal conditions.

Palapa-D satellite, also known as Palapa D1, is an Indonesian geostationary communications satellite, operated by Indosat. It was built by Thales Alenia Space, based on the Spacebus-4000B3 satellite bus, and carries thirty five G/H band and five J band transponders (US IEEE C and Ku bands respectively).

It is intended to be positioned in geostationary orbit at a longitude of 113º East, where it will replaced the Palapa C2 satellite.

Indosat ordered Palapa-D from Thales Alenia Space in 2007. The satellite was built without using American components, and is therefore not restricted by US International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which allowed the China Great Wall Industry Corporation to be selected as a launch service provider.

A Long March 3B rocket, flying from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre was used to launch it. A partial launch failure initially left it in a low orbit. The satellite was then placed into the proper orbit after three boost maneuvers.

Six Students Graduated From Greenpeace University Indonesia

2009-09-06T23:30:00.002+07:00

Greenpeace, Thursday 3 september 2009, held a graduation ceremony for six students who are following the three-month Greenpeace University, the first training program for young environmental activists in Asia. The three-month Greenpeace University Program followed by six potential youngsters from all over Indonesia with diverse backgrounds.

Initially, Greenpeace University had opened opportunities for young people interested to join on June 15, 2009. Then, six students were selected received some training in the Office of Greenpeace Jakarta to make them as the proficient environmental campaigners.

"In the midst of the threat of growing climate change, the future of this planet depends on the success of efforts to stop the exploitation of the environment. We hope this program can contribute to the aspirations of these young people to become instruments of change," said Von Hernandez, Executive Director Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

The students have received training on all important aspects of the operations of Greenpeace, including campaigns, research, communication, action, and fundraising. The program is designed as a neat combination between theory and practice, combined with inputs from experts both internal and external, and engaged in real works. The students were then asked to develop their own campaign projects that can help Greenpeace actions in Indonesia.

"This program helped me to understand how to build an effective campaign and what is needed to support the campaign in the long run. I also learning a lot of how to maximize existing resources on Greenpeace and works with great potential that existed outside the organization," said Azzahra Hanifah, one of the graduates.

Greenpeace activities in Indonesia is part of global action to combat the worsening impacts of climate change. Greenpeace's Pressure in Indonesia is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically.

Indonesia is the third largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, caused majorly by high rates of forest destruction, Indonesia also stated as one of the most vulnerable country affected by climate change such as rising sea levels, droughts, floods, and the failure of agriculture.

Learn More About Greenpeace University

President SBY: Gender Equality, One Of Considerations In Choosing Ministers

2009-09-06T11:28:00.010+07:00

Composition of members of United Indonesian Cabinet ( Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu) II is not only based on the concern of supporter parties representation, but also the factors of gender equality. However, the the primary criteria remain consideration of the capabilities, capacity and personal integrity of the woman concerned.

"Without prejudice to the integrity and capacity, factors of gender equality must still be my consideration," said President SBY in the line of breaking the fast with Democratic Party officials, Saturday (5/9/2009), in Cikeas, Bogor Regency.

There are several criteria made by SBY - Boediono as a standard to choose the minister candidates to run the heavy duty of government to the next five years. Criteria which may differ between the minister and the other one, at some point is more to do about the capacity, experience, knowledge or acceptability.

Furthermore President SBY asserts, his government in the future will prioritizing the success of the government. So just like the seniors, members of United Indonesian Cabinet II also will undergo evaluation in the first year and mid-governance. If they considered as having less satisfactory results, not ruled out a cabinet reshuffle will be done.

"I do not like the reshuffle. But when I have to do it, then I'll do it. Because if I don't do it, it would otherwise interfere the way of the government or more appropriately elsewhere," he continued.

Likely to be dismissed from the cabinet or transferred to another post, will be confirmed in the integrity treaty and performance contracts. If the candidates can meet certain goals and accept the consequences, so he or she's welcomed to sign the contract of documents and subsequently appointed as a member of the cabinet.

"But if for example, 'I'm not sure I can meet the target and instead embarrassed later I better not be a minister', yes it's okay. I still respect," said President SBY.

Informal WTO Ministerial Meeting: Countries Agree To Resolve Doha Round Of Negotiations

2009-09-05T06:10:00.006+07:00

Informal Ministerial Meeting (IMM) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) produce a conclusion among member countries of WTO, reaffirms desire completing the Doha Round of negotiations in 2010.

"Conclusion Chair's Summary has decided by the Chairman, an Indian Trade Minister Anand Sharma, after conducting in-depth discussion of how to translate political will into the process of negotiations in Geneva," said Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, when making long distance phone calls with reporters in New Delhi, India, Friday, September 4, 2009.

WTO IMM held in New Delhi, 3-4 September 2009, initiated by the Government of India and attended by ministers and deputy ministers from 35 WTO member countries, and WTO Director General Pascal Lamy.

Politically, Mari said, Chair's Summary will be a valuable input for the Conference of Heads of State G-20 which will be performed in Pittsburgh in the third week of September 2009.

According to Mari, unlike political appeals earlier, the results of IMM are more concrete because the ministers agreed to translate political commitment into concrete action by describing the resolution of the Doha Round sequences in an action of road map.

"The ministers agreed that the Chief Negotiator or a senior official to meet in Geneva on September 14, 2009, to create a program of action that must be executed in two or three months, so that negotiations can be completed in 2010," said Mari.

"And most importantly, the United States has shown a signal to start negotiations. With the U.S. gave a positive signal, China will also give a positive response, because since the beginning of China is committed if the United okay, China will also okay," Mari said.

In addition, in Informal WTO Ministerial Meeting also agreed that the head of negotiations on service issues and other issues immediately resolve the issues that still have not agreed, making priorities of the discussion and create a work program and timeline to include the revised offer for the services.

PM Najib Tun Abdul Razak: Sympathy And Condolences To Indonesia Over The Earthquake

2009-09-05T01:53:00.005+07:00

Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Tun Abdul Razak expresses deep sorrow and condolences to RI President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over the earthquake tragedy in Indonesia recently.

"Actually, I and the people of Malaysia also feel the sadness of the Indonesian people who have lost their lives, human treachery and destruction of property in the tragedy," Najib said in his letter to President Yudhoyono, according to Bernama news agency on Friday.

Najib admits his heart feel more painful to see the tragedy happened in the month of Ramadan is full barakah. Through the copy of letter sent to Bernama, Najib believes under the leadership of President SBY, that the people of Indonesia must be able to overcome difficulties, and as soon as possible to restore normal life and rebuild its economy.

PM Najib Tun Abdul Razak also thanked the rescuers for all the efforts to alleviate the suffering of earthquake victims and allow them to start a new life.

Golkar Party Welcomes The Return Of Mbak Tutut And Tommy Soeharto To Golkar

2009-09-04T20:08:00.003+07:00

Desire of sons and daughters of the Cendana Family, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana (Mbak Tutut) and Hutomo Mandala Putra (Tommy Soeharto) to return to acting in the Golkar Party, was greeted with respect. Golkar is ready to welcome both of them warmly.

"We would be honored if they want to go back to Golkar," said Golkar Party chairman Priyo Budi Santoso to reporters at the Parliament Building, Jakarta, Friday (4/9/2009).

Priyo added, if he still looking at them as a respectable figure. Moreover, both are children of former president Soeharto, who had served as chairman of the board of supervisors of Golkar Party.

"We know they both are children of former Golkar's central figure, Soeharto. And we can not forget the role of foemer president Soeharto in building Golkar," explained Priyo. "Therefore in our eyes, they still are respected figures," he concluded.

United Tractors Completing Due Diligence On Two Coal Mines In Central Kalimantan

2009-09-04T09:02:00.007+07:00

PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR) recently doing a due diligence with two coal companies in Central Kalimantan. Acquisition funds will be taken from the rest of the rights issue amounting to U.S. $ 75 million. "We're completing due diligence with the two coal mining companies in Central Kalimantan," said Investor Relations UNTR, Ari Setiyawan in Jakarta.

Ari said, the two mines are located near the mining area of PT. Tuah Turangga Agung (TTA) newly acquired last year. Those targeted mines has a minimum of 20-40 million tons of coal reserves. "The locations close to the TTA. Reserves we were looking for between 20-40 million tons. The two mines were still green fields (not producted yet)," he said.

Ari said that due dilligence process has started since early August 2009. Usually, Ari continued, this process will take approximately 3 months. "We hope the results will be already on October. If suitable, November or December can be acquired," he said.

Unfortunately, Ari can not provide the estimated acquisition value of the mine. But the plan, UNTR will only take 1 mine from the two mines that are in due diligence. "The value could not be mentioned. But we'll take one, if appropriate," said Ari.

Although no specific value, Ari said the company has prepared a special budget for acquisitions. The fund will be taken from last year's rights issue funds. "The remaining funds of rights issue still U.S. $ 75 million. For the acquisition it will be used entirely from there. If still less, we can find external funding," said Ari.

For the development of mining infrastructure which would be acquired, Ari said the cost would not be too large. Proximity of the targeted mines that not far from the TTA makes the company no longer need to create its own infrastructure for new mining area.

"The location near the TTA. So the infrastructure can come from the TTA. At that time TTA infrastructure investments of about U.S. $ 35 million. For the new mines will not be so big," said Ari.

Until now, United Tractors already has two coal mining subsidiary, PT Dej Mining and TTA. PT Dej Mining already operating and will produce 2.5 million tons of coal this year. "TTA operate around November-December this year. The goal, next year TTA production reach 1 million tons. So next year our coal production of about 4.5 million tons," said Ari.

For the new mines would be acquired later this year, the plan will be operated in late 2010 or early 2011. "The target, the new mine will produce 1 million tons in 2011. Our target in the year 2012, we are able to produce 10 million tons of coal," Ari said.

Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi: 1st Iranian Woman Minister

2009-09-04T03:57:00.000+07:00

Iranian Parliament has been approved the first woman minister in the 30-year history of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Thursday, September 3, 2009. The first Iranian woman minister endorsed is Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi. The woman with a hardline conservative background would be served as health minister.

As quoted from the BBC, Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi became one of 18 nominations for the new cabinet President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Two other women, including the rejected candidates. BBC correspondent reported, in the past Marzieh was filed a separate health care proposals in Iran, women caring for women and men caring for men.

Two women who rejected are Fatemeh Ajorlou, as minister of welfare and social security and Sousan Keshavarz as minister of education. The third candidate who was rejected is the candidate for energy minister proposed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mohammad Aliabadi. Ahmadinejad had three months to find their replacement candidate who did not qualify.

Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad's choice for Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi, received strong support from the parliament. Vahidi is a former leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and one of six former and current Iranian officials sought by Interpol for the bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish community center in 1994.

Hesham Al-Warraq And Rafat Ali Rizfi, Fugitives Of Century Bank Case

2009-09-03T08:26:00.002+07:00

Bank Indonesia has asked six overseas central banks and monetary authorities to perform black list on two foreign shareholders of Bank Century. Both of the shareholders had become a fugitive of Indonesian police.

Those foreign shareholders are Hesham Al-Warraq and Rafat Ali Rizfi, not clear now where they are. Meanwhile, their partner, a local shareholders, Robert Tantular has curled up in prison.

Hesham, Rafat and Robert were found to have assets related to Century Bank's securities and cash in Hong Kong worth for U.S. $ 1 billion. These names are mentioned associated with bulging bonds of Century Bank.

So who are those two foreign shareholders? So far no detailed information about Rafat Ali Rizfi, except known as citizen of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Hesham is a British citizen who was born in Egypt. Referring to the financial statements of Century Bank 2007, other than as a shareholder, Hesham is a former Deputy Commissioner Century Bank since 2006. Hesham also served as Director of First Gulf Asia, the controlling shareholder of Century.

Hesham earned a degree in Finance and Banking from Western Illinois University, United States. In addition, he had followed several certification programs / education held by Citibank, SAMBA and Saudi British Bank Training Center.

Hesham banking career started in the Saudi American Bank from 1983 to 1996, with the last position as Senior Manager. Then joined Booz Allen & Hamilton Saudi Arabia, a consultant company to the U.S. government and Saudi Arabia, from the years 1996-2004 as a Joint Venture Partner and Vice President.

Century Bank's capital injection has become controversial because of the amount of funds injected jumped from the original estimate to Rp. 6.7 trillion. Previously Bank Indonesia (BI) said that fraud occurs in Century Bank was coordinated by the owner and the Century Bank management.
[ BI: Fraud In Century Bank Coordinated ]

Timber Legality Verification System, Steps To Prevent Illegal Logging And Illegal Timber Trade

2009-09-03T05:14:00.008+07:00

The United States Government positively assess the implementation of Timber Legality Verification System / Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK) as part of Indonesia's efforts to promote legal timber trade.

Assistant of United States Trade Representative (USTR), Mark Linscott, in Jakarta on Wednesday, said, Indonesia has taken important steps to prevent illegal logging and illegal timber trade. These steps include the development of law and regulation tools such as SVLK, he said. Linscott also stated that after the bilateral working group meeting of Indonesia-United States to combat illegal logging.

Moreover, the U.S. government itself has imposed Lacey Act amendments since December 2008 as an effort to prevent illegal logging and illegal timber trade. Although Linscot rates positive the development of legal devices in Indonesia, Linscot still said, "It's too early to tell whether the device (SVLK) which was developed in Indonesia to meet the requirements as regulated in the Lacey Act. Need further analysis for that."

On the same occasion, Director General of Forest Production Development from Forestry Department, Daryanto, said, SVLK ensure the legality of timber and wood products produced by Indonesia. "Thus, Indonesia's timber products are not expected to be difficult to enter the U.S. market that enact the Lacey Act amendment," he said.

Hadi even see, the implementation of the Lacey Act, increasing export opportunities for Indonesian wood products to the United States. Because, with the enactment of these provisions, countries that used to accommodate many illegal timber from Indonesia and then exported to the United States now will have trouble.

To Certified timber products, Ministry of Forestry through the National Accreditation Committee / Komite Akreditasi Nasional (KAN) accrediting 15 independent assessors agencies, and 1 verification institutions.

BI: Embezzlement At Century Bank Coordinated By Owner And Management

2009-09-02T02:42:00.001+07:00

Bank Indonesia (BI) said fraud that occur in Century Bank is coordinated between the owner and the Century Bank management. It makes difficult for BI to detect fraud at the bank owned by Robert Tantular.

According to Deputy Director of the Directorate of Supervision BI, Heru Kristiyana after the Century bank acquired by Deposit Institution / Lembaga Penjamin Simpanan (LPS), the review process becomes more open. That's because the old management had been changed to make it more transparent.

"A lot of fictitious assets done by the owner and the bank management coordination," Heru said in Jakarta on Monday, August 31, 2009. In exercising supervision, Bank Indonesia did it with the way of documents examination and direct inspection on a periodic basis (onside). This was to clarify the findings of the BI. "Because conducted coordinated with management, then the fraud difficult to detect," he said.

He pointed Century Bank embezzlement of U.S. $ 18 million made at 04.00 o'clock in the morning. "At the time is used to retrieve the money, it is difficult for BI to know," he said.

In addition to finding embezzlement of U.S. $ 18 million, BI find export credit (LC) fictive from 6 companies worth U.S. $ 95 million of 6 debtor. These findings became known only after the Century Bank was taken over by LPS.

Pertamina: Three Refineries Will Be Built To Reduce The Oil Imports

2009-09-01T02:11:00.000+07:00

Development of oil refinery and fuel processing which is planned by PT Pertamina (Persero) in the country was only able to suppress reduction of fuel imports for 25 percent of current oil imports more than 40 percent to 15 percent.

"Construction of the refinery was to decrease the gap between imports and domestic production capacity," said Director of Marketing and Commerce Pertamina Achmad Faisal at the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources Jakarta, Monday, August 31, 2009.

Faisal said, the current domestic premium consumption reached 123.889 million barrels, while domestic refinery capacity 68.553 million barrels, as well as domestic premium consumption growth per year to reach 5.68 percent. However, with the construction plan of new refineries and additions of refinery capacity from Balongan, premium production is estimated to be 164.999 million barrels.

Faisal admitted, if the refinery capacities are to be constructed may be enlarged in the future Pertamina does not need to import more premium, we can even exports Minyak Solar / High Speed Diesel. "In 2017, if the refinery is completed, the production of diesel fuel could reach 200.840 million barrels. Meanwhile, domestic consumption 171.893 million barrels," he said.

Pertamina plans to build three refineries, ie Bojonegara with a capacity 300 thousand barrels per day (bpd) of early stage will be built with a capacity of 150 thousand bpd and is expected to operate in 2015. Development of Tuban refinery with a capacity of 300 thousand bpd and is targeted to start operating in 2016, and the expansion of Balongan refinery with a capacity of 200 thousand bpd and is targeted to start operating in 2015.

On the same occasion, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that the slow realization of the construction of oil refineries, among others due to the amount of investment needed and the low of margins.

"Therefore, in order to support the development of an oil refinery in cooperation with BKPM, Directorate General of Oil and Gas, Ministry of Finance, BPH Migas and Pertamina to discuss incentives support for refinery investment," he said.

ExxonMobil: Blok Cepu Began Its Production With 5 Thousand Barrel Per Day

2009-08-31T21:38:00.000+07:00

ExxonMobil ensure its subsidiary company, Mobil Cepu Limited, began to flow the oil from Blok Cepu this afternoon (31 / 8). "The flows for start-up (initial production) from the field of Banyu Urip to the Mudi facility," said ExxonMobil spokesman Maman Budiman in a short message.

Initial production is estimated at five thousand barrels per day. He said the drainage of oil through the pipeline will be owned by Pertamina / Geolink. Initial production target of Blok Cepu should be done at the end of last year. But it continued to stretch the target until could be done this afternoon.

Government targeting the initial production of Blok Cepu reached 20 thousand barrels per day. Executing Agency Head of the Upstream Oil and Gas says to start in mid-September will produce a new 15 thousand barrels per day and will increase gradually.

Pindad's Arms Export To The Philippines In Accordance With The Procedures

2009-08-31T20:55:00.005+07:00

Director General of Customs and Excise / Dirjen Bea Cukai, Anwar Suprijadi states, the weapons arrested by Philippine authorities are legal export goods in accordance with customs procedures that carried out by PT Pindad.

"It (the weapons) has notification of export of goods from Tanjung Priok, Jakarta and depart on 10 August. So it's all are official, because the papers officially completed," Anwar said in a visit to the Port of Belawan.

Related to the possible errors of perception on the part of the Philippine customs, according to him, it could been happen. This could be due to a lack of communication with the buyer and the ship manifest report was incomplete or not reported in the table of contents of cargo transported. "Charge on the ship is a weapon. If not reported it to be a problem," he said.

However, Anwar continued, officially PT Pindad has exported to the specified requirements. However, if change of weapons was carried out in the sea, possibly it could just happen. "If there are changes in the sea we do not know, because we control only up to the Tanjung Priok," he said.

Earlier Philippine customs officials have detained a cargo ship "Capt. Ufuk" in Bataan, carrying about 50 guns, on Thursday night (20 / 8). When checked, found rifles made by Pindad type SS1-V1, several other military equipment, and long guns branded Israel "Galil", similar types of assault weapons that are accurate within a range of 300-800 meters.

In addition to weapons, Filipino officials are also holding 14 crew members from Georgia and Africa. The ship departs from Port of Georgia and stopped in Indonesia to take the goods, before sailing to the Port of Mariveles.

The Indonesian government is still awaiting confirmation from the Philippine government related to the findings of this Panamanian flagged ship. Meanwhile, a spokesman of PT Pindad, Timbul Sitompul, said the number of weapons found in the Philippines was the order of the Philippine government and Mali. "The Philippines ordered ten units P2 gun type of weapon and the Government of Mali (South Africa) ordered a number of long guns SS1-V2," he said.

Eminent Persons Group (EPG) Urges Malaysia To Investigate Humiliations Against Indonesia

2009-08-29T21:37:00.000+07:00

Spokesperson for Indonesia-Malaysia Eminent Persons Group, Musni Umar in Jakarta said, EPG urging Kementerian Hal-Ehwal dan Keamanan Dalam Negeri Malaysia (Home Affairs and Internal Security Ministry) to investigate, dragged to court and punish the perpetrators of broadcasting Tari Pendet delivered by the Discovery Channel for Malaysian tourism promotion conducted by a third party.

Eminent Persons Group also urge Malaysian Govt. to investigate the actors who change lyrics of the Indonesia Raya songs contained in www.topix.com/malaysia, and the issue of abuse against migrant workers who allegedly committed by Malaysian police.

"This investigation is important, so it does not happen again in the future. EPG expect all parties in the month of Ramadhan to be level-headed, impatient and self-control, did not incite the various provocations," he said.

EPG, according to Musni, has developed and delivered a number of recommendations to the government of Indonesia and Malaysia, which, Insya Allah, become a solution to overcome the various problems in the relations between the two neighbor countries.

"We condemn the action and urged the Indonesian and Malaysian police to prosecute the perpetrators, dragged into court and punished with as severe because the act is a crime and a form of provocation," he said.

Coroner: Michael Jackson Death Homicide | Dr. Conrad Murray Face Murder Charge

2009-08-26T01:26:00.000+07:00

More than two months after the death of world superstar Michael Jackson or Jacko on June 25, the U.S. authorities finally issued an official statement which confirmed that the death of the King of Pop is a murder by giving a lethal drug overdose.

As quoted by the U.S. media, officials of Los Angeles coroner's office, on Friday issued an official statement stating that propofol aka hard drugs and tranquilizers Lorazepam as a strong cause of Jacko's death.

LA coroner's office also found other drugs detected in the body of Michael Jackson, which is a mixture of sedative Midazolam and Diazepam; Lidocaine pain killers and stimulants Ephedrine.

However, at the request of the police and the Los Angeles County district attorney, the office is still sealed complete autopsy report of Jacko's death. Since the death of Michael Jackson on June 25 - he suffered heart failure at his home in Los Angeles, police investigation of the case is directed at the content of drugs in the body of Jackson.

Investigations are also directed to the performance of doctors, especially his personal physician - Dr. Conrad Murray, who handles Jackson when the king of pop was dead.

According to media reports, the Los Angeles police would bring the case to the prosecutor, which is likely to issue criminal charges of premeditated murder. Dr. Conrad Murray is a person who is suspected of killing Jackson accidentally - this is mentioned in a search warrant to the Conrad's office.

Meanwhile, Entertainment Tonight (ET) on Friday afternoon cites reaction from the Jackson's family about the autopsy results released by the Los Angeles coroner's office.

ET quoted Jackson's family saying that they praised the performance of coroner's office, the Police and the Los Angeles authorities and hope that justice for Michael Jackson soon reached.

Ruins Of The Old Shrine Found In Turkey

2009-08-25T22:51:00.001+07:00

Some archaeologists found the ruins of the old shrine that estimated have age of more than 2500 years, including a church, cemetery and temple, in western Turkey, according to the semi-official news agency Anatolia.

The ruins were discovered in the area of Old Town Myndos, in Tavsanisland in off coast of a small town Bodrum, Mugla province in the western part of the country, said Mustafa Sahin, excavation team leader, as quoted by the report.

He said as many as six skeletons found in each grave near the church. There are many churches in the Ancient City Myndos, diocesan center in the era of the Byzantine or early Christian period, he said.

Excavations at the Ancient City Myndos begins in Gumusluk village in the small town of Bodrum in 2004, said Sahin.