Aditya Suharmoko and Alfian , THE JAKARTA POST , JAKARTA Sat, 02/21/2009 10:36 AM Business
Upstream oil and gas regulator BPMigas expresses doubt over the validity of a Finance Ministry document stating that five oil and gas contractors owe the state US$113 million in unpaid income tax bills.
“It seems that the Finance Ministry has received inaccurate data from her staff [the director general of budget management],” BPMigas’s chairman R. Priyono said through a SMS on Friday.
According to a document presented at a meeting between Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and a House of Representatives’ committee Thursday, five oil and gas firms — ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc, Joint Operating Body (JOB) of Pertamina and Golden Spike Raja Blok, Kangean Energy Indonesia Ltd, Santos UK (Kakap 2) Ltd and JOB Kodeco Energy Co. Ltd — owe the state US$113 million in unpaid income tax.
The document states that the biggest debtor is Kangean with US$45 million in debt, followed by JOB Kodeco Energy Co. Ltd with total debt at $32.23 million.
ExxonMobil owes US$22.82 million of unpaid income tax, JOB Pertamina–Golden Spike US$10.62 million and Santos UK US$2.39 million.
Priyono did not give details on the inaccuracy of the document.
“You better ask the directorate general for taxation,” he said.
But, the director general of taxation Darmin Nasution could not give clear answers. He suggested journalists ask his colleague Anny Ratnawati, director general of budget management, for confirmation.
“We are still pressing claims and seeking clarification. Several contractors have begun the payment,” said Anny through SMS.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Development Finance Comtroller (BPKP) Didi Widayadi said that as of December 2008, the five contractors had an obligation to pay a total US$120.94 million in income tax.
“By Dec. 31, the five contractors have paid US$37.45 million. Thus, the remaining unpaid income tax is about US$83.49 million,” Didi said.
ExxonMobil spokesperson Manan Budiman has denied the report, saying that the reportedly $22 million debt mentioned was still under legal dispute.
“ExxonMobil always fulfills its tax obligations,” he said.
Spokesperson for Santos, Dody Mochtar, said the company had paid the income tax. “We paid the US$2.39 million tax by Jan. 31, 2009,” he said.
Pertamina gave the same response. Spokesperson Anang Rizkani Noor said that under the JOB scheme, Pertamina shared responsibility with its partner, the Golden Spike Raja Blok Ltd.
“Pertamina has paid its portion of income tax. Maybe you could confirm with Golden Spike about the unpaid income tax mentioned by the Finance Ministry,” he said.
However, efforts to seek clarification from Kangean, which is the biggest debtor according to the document, were unsuccessful.
Kangean is conducting activities as part of a production-sharing contract, with Energi Mega Persada Tbk (EMP) as a partner.
EMP is a subsidiary of PT Bakrie and Brothers, a business conglomerate controlled by the family of Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Aburizal Bakrie.
Indonesia’s oil and gas contracts order private contractors to pay income tax based on as much as 48 percent of their gross revenue, while state-owned Pertamina’s obligation is only 40.5 percent.
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söndag 22 februari 2009
Japan to help RI guard rupiah, says Mulyani
Rendi A. Witular , THE JAKARTA POST , PHUKET Sun, 02/22/2009 9:04 AM Headlines
Indonesia and Japan inked Saturday a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at warding off currency speculators from the ailing rupiah amid the deepening global economic slowdown.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Japanese Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Shinsuke Suematsu forged the long-awaited deal during a special meeting of finance ministers from member countries of the ASEAN + 3 organization on Thailand’s resort island of Phuket.
Under the deal Japan has agreed to double its existing bilateral swap agreement with Indonesia to US$12 billion, strengthening Indonesia’s foreign currency reserves in case of a sharp depreciation in the rupiah against the U.S. dollar. The latest central bank data shows Indonesia’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at $50.87 million.
Bank Indonesia (BI) uses the reserves to supply the financial market with the greenback to help ease volatility in the rupiah, which has depreciating to above Rp 12,000 per US dollar. Under the planned revision of the state budget the government has set the currency at an average of Rp 11,000 against the dollar for this year.
While the declining value of the rupiah is in part good for exports, it creates greater harm, especially when it comes to the country’s ability to pay dollar-denominated government and private sector debts, as well as its ability to financing international trade.
Mulyani said the support from Japan would help increase the stability of the Indonesian economy and complement its current, strong foreign reserve position.
“The deal with Japan, which is a very progressive move, will ease speculation on the rupiah because Indonesian foreign currency reserves are getting bigger and stronger. This will boost confidence in the market and in businesses,” Mulyani said.
“Although the Indonesian economy remains sound, there’s still a need for a second-line of defense to fully anticipate the worst from the impact of the global economic crisis,” she said.
The deal is part of the Chiang Mai Initiative, inked in Thailand in 2000, which is aimed at creating a network of bilateral swapping arrangements among ASEAN+3 countries to address short-term liquidity problems in the region and to supplement the existing international financial arrangements.
ASEAN+3 includes the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos — as well as three East Asian nations — Japan, China, and South Korea.
The ministers are expected to come up with concrete measures to help cushion the region from the fallout from the US-led financial crisis.
Indonesia and Japan inked Saturday a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at warding off currency speculators from the ailing rupiah amid the deepening global economic slowdown.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Japanese Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Shinsuke Suematsu forged the long-awaited deal during a special meeting of finance ministers from member countries of the ASEAN + 3 organization on Thailand’s resort island of Phuket.
Under the deal Japan has agreed to double its existing bilateral swap agreement with Indonesia to US$12 billion, strengthening Indonesia’s foreign currency reserves in case of a sharp depreciation in the rupiah against the U.S. dollar. The latest central bank data shows Indonesia’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at $50.87 million.
Bank Indonesia (BI) uses the reserves to supply the financial market with the greenback to help ease volatility in the rupiah, which has depreciating to above Rp 12,000 per US dollar. Under the planned revision of the state budget the government has set the currency at an average of Rp 11,000 against the dollar for this year.
While the declining value of the rupiah is in part good for exports, it creates greater harm, especially when it comes to the country’s ability to pay dollar-denominated government and private sector debts, as well as its ability to financing international trade.
Mulyani said the support from Japan would help increase the stability of the Indonesian economy and complement its current, strong foreign reserve position.
“The deal with Japan, which is a very progressive move, will ease speculation on the rupiah because Indonesian foreign currency reserves are getting bigger and stronger. This will boost confidence in the market and in businesses,” Mulyani said.
“Although the Indonesian economy remains sound, there’s still a need for a second-line of defense to fully anticipate the worst from the impact of the global economic crisis,” she said.
The deal is part of the Chiang Mai Initiative, inked in Thailand in 2000, which is aimed at creating a network of bilateral swapping arrangements among ASEAN+3 countries to address short-term liquidity problems in the region and to supplement the existing international financial arrangements.
ASEAN+3 includes the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos — as well as three East Asian nations — Japan, China, and South Korea.
The ministers are expected to come up with concrete measures to help cushion the region from the fallout from the US-led financial crisis.
onsdag 11 februari 2009
Titi Kamal to take up singing for her supper
The Jakarta Post , JAKARTA Wed, 02/11/2009 10:28 AM People
JP/R. Bertho Wedhatama
JAKARTA: It seems that Titi Kamal is now such an accomplished actress that she must turn to music for her next challenge.
Titi is not giving up acting, but is going to give her vocal chords a good workout. The movie star will release her new album on Feb. 20.
In her singing debut, Titi performs a duet with Anji, the vocalist of band Drive, in the second song on the album, titled “Resah Tanpamu” (Restless without You).
“This song is for those who have a long distance relationship,” Titi said, as quoted by detik.com on Tuesday.
Titi said she had admired Anji for quite a long time. “Anji is so talented and I really like his distinctive voice.”
The actress, who gained her popularity through film Mendadak Dangdut (Suddenly Dangdut) said she had to have a few lessons because she had some lingering problems with her breathing.“I do a lot of swimming and gym to train my breathing,” Titi said.
She said that thanks to Anji’s professionalism, she learned plenty about singing from him. “He has a lot of flying hours while I’m just learning so I guess I learned enough from him,” Titi said of Anji, whose girlfriend is Rini, the 2007 Indonesia idol. —JP
JAKARTA: It seems that Titi Kamal is now such an accomplished actress that she must turn to music for her next challenge.
Titi is not giving up acting, but is going to give her vocal chords a good workout. The movie star will release her new album on Feb. 20.
In her singing debut, Titi performs a duet with Anji, the vocalist of band Drive, in the second song on the album, titled “Resah Tanpamu” (Restless without You).
“This song is for those who have a long distance relationship,” Titi said, as quoted by detik.com on Tuesday.
Titi said she had admired Anji for quite a long time. “Anji is so talented and I really like his distinctive voice.”
The actress, who gained her popularity through film Mendadak Dangdut (Suddenly Dangdut) said she had to have a few lessons because she had some lingering problems with her breathing.“I do a lot of swimming and gym to train my breathing,” Titi said.
She said that thanks to Anji’s professionalism, she learned plenty about singing from him. “He has a lot of flying hours while I’m just learning so I guess I learned enough from him,” Titi said of Anji, whose girlfriend is Rini, the 2007 Indonesia idol. —JP
EU warns markets must be kept open amid crisis
Raf Casert , The Associated Press , Brussels Wed, 02/11/2009 10:24 PM Business
The European Union's top two officials warned countries' on Wednesday not to shield their economies with protectionist measures, which would only worsen the financial crisis and risk unraveling the EU project.
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, who holds the EU presidency, announced two additional summits of the 27 government leaders over the next three months to tackle "the critical situation, unprecedented for many decades."
The leaders will discuss the economy, but Topolanek insisted they also need to make sure "certain xenophobic, protectionist and other reactions in some member states" do not start to undo EU cooperation. "It is a great challenge for the European project."
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also warned vigorously against retrenchment and economic nationalism.
"It is very tempting to draw back into your national protectionist quarters, to come out against workers rights, freedom of movement," Barroso said after meeting Topolanek.
"We have to do battle against economic nationalism and internal domestic protectionism."
The strong appeal appeared to be a criticism and rejection of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's recent moves to shield French companies in wake of the crisis.
Over the past week Topolanek faced off against Sarkozy, who was accused of trying to shield his market with illegal subsidies and seeking to close foreign plants of French companies to maintain employment at home.
Topolanek said that as EU president he would make sure the EU's open-market rules are respected.
"The healing process is not about members going against the rules on which EU is based," he said. "Perhaps, this is surprising for some."
Barroso's EU executive commission is currently investigating a euro7.5 billion ($9.8 billion) French car bailout package, fearing it might include illegal competition-distorting measures.
"We will need to scrutinize very carefully the details of the subsidies," Barroso warned. "We need to maintain the integrity of the single market which is the source of Europe's prosperity."
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon will visit Barroso on Thursday to discuss the controversial plans.
In Britain, too, the recession has caused friction. Resentment over the employment of foreign workers at an oil refinery project in northeastern England sparked a series of wildcat strikes demanding local workers get priority over foreigners.
Barroso said he had a simple piece of advice for leaders at the upcoming summits.
"Don't try to go it alone because that would be tragic for Europe but also have tragic repercussions for you and your countries. If one country tries to go it alone others might decide to do likewise," he said.
Government leaders will meet a first time on March 1 in Brussels to discuss ways for pulling their economies out of the slump. A regular EU economic summit is scheduled for March 19-20 in Brussels.
Topolanek said that another employment summit will then be held in Prague in May.
The European Union's top two officials warned countries' on Wednesday not to shield their economies with protectionist measures, which would only worsen the financial crisis and risk unraveling the EU project.
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, who holds the EU presidency, announced two additional summits of the 27 government leaders over the next three months to tackle "the critical situation, unprecedented for many decades."
The leaders will discuss the economy, but Topolanek insisted they also need to make sure "certain xenophobic, protectionist and other reactions in some member states" do not start to undo EU cooperation. "It is a great challenge for the European project."
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also warned vigorously against retrenchment and economic nationalism.
"It is very tempting to draw back into your national protectionist quarters, to come out against workers rights, freedom of movement," Barroso said after meeting Topolanek.
"We have to do battle against economic nationalism and internal domestic protectionism."
The strong appeal appeared to be a criticism and rejection of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's recent moves to shield French companies in wake of the crisis.
Over the past week Topolanek faced off against Sarkozy, who was accused of trying to shield his market with illegal subsidies and seeking to close foreign plants of French companies to maintain employment at home.
Topolanek said that as EU president he would make sure the EU's open-market rules are respected.
"The healing process is not about members going against the rules on which EU is based," he said. "Perhaps, this is surprising for some."
Barroso's EU executive commission is currently investigating a euro7.5 billion ($9.8 billion) French car bailout package, fearing it might include illegal competition-distorting measures.
"We will need to scrutinize very carefully the details of the subsidies," Barroso warned. "We need to maintain the integrity of the single market which is the source of Europe's prosperity."
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon will visit Barroso on Thursday to discuss the controversial plans.
In Britain, too, the recession has caused friction. Resentment over the employment of foreign workers at an oil refinery project in northeastern England sparked a series of wildcat strikes demanding local workers get priority over foreigners.
Barroso said he had a simple piece of advice for leaders at the upcoming summits.
"Don't try to go it alone because that would be tragic for Europe but also have tragic repercussions for you and your countries. If one country tries to go it alone others might decide to do likewise," he said.
Government leaders will meet a first time on March 1 in Brussels to discuss ways for pulling their economies out of the slump. A regular EU economic summit is scheduled for March 19-20 in Brussels.
Topolanek said that another employment summit will then be held in Prague in May.
måndag 2 februari 2009
Women reject polygamy, choosing divorce
Abdul Khalik , THE JAKARTA POST , JAKARTA Mon, 02/02/2009 9:29 AM Headlines
An increasing number of Muslim women are choosing to divorce their husbands rather than continue in a polygamous marriage, data from national Islamic courts show.
The courts recorded that in 2006 there were nearly 1000 cases of divorce resulting from wives’ disagreeing with their husbands marrying another woman, an increase from figures in prior years.
Director General for Islamic guidance at the Ministry for Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said Sunday he believed the number of divorce cases linked to disputes over polygamous marriages increased again in 2008 and would continue to rise throughout 2009.
“There has been a significant increase in divorce because women have been rejecting polygamy in recent years,” he said.
Muslim scholar Siti Musdah Mulia said the data indicated Muslim women were becoming increasingly aware of their rights and also more economically independent.
“The data shows women are now daring to fight for their rights and reject male domination. They are now saying, 'What is the point in continuing a marriage when I am miserable'", she said.
Siti, a lecturer at the State Islamic University in Jakarta, said women were becoming more independent and educated, two factors leading to a greater sense of worth and place.
She said Muslim women were becoming increasingly aware of their rights and potential through the tireless efforts of NGOs and women activists who have launched campaigns against polygamy.
“This is a good sign. Efforts by organizations to raise awareness surrounding women's rights has begun to pay off, even with discussions surrounding polygamy seeing a revival among Muslims with the release of the movie Ayat-ayat Cinta (Verses of Love),” said Legislator Nursyahbani Katjasungkana of the National Awakening Party (PKB).
Verses of Love, a film about the conditions experienced by women in polygamous relationships, was one of Indonesia's blockbuster films last year. Along with millions who flocked to see it, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, also made prominent appearances at cinemas to see the flick.
Many high-ranking officials praised the film while activists accused it of acting as propaganda encouraging polygamy.
Meanwhile, polygamy is on the rise across Indonesia.
The Legal Aid Foundation of the Indonesian Women's Association for Justice (LBH APIK) received 87 reports of polygamy last year, up from 16 in 2007.
An increasing number of Muslim women are choosing to divorce their husbands rather than continue in a polygamous marriage, data from national Islamic courts show.
The courts recorded that in 2006 there were nearly 1000 cases of divorce resulting from wives’ disagreeing with their husbands marrying another woman, an increase from figures in prior years.
Director General for Islamic guidance at the Ministry for Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said Sunday he believed the number of divorce cases linked to disputes over polygamous marriages increased again in 2008 and would continue to rise throughout 2009.
“There has been a significant increase in divorce because women have been rejecting polygamy in recent years,” he said.
Muslim scholar Siti Musdah Mulia said the data indicated Muslim women were becoming increasingly aware of their rights and also more economically independent.
“The data shows women are now daring to fight for their rights and reject male domination. They are now saying, 'What is the point in continuing a marriage when I am miserable'", she said.
Siti, a lecturer at the State Islamic University in Jakarta, said women were becoming more independent and educated, two factors leading to a greater sense of worth and place.
She said Muslim women were becoming increasingly aware of their rights and potential through the tireless efforts of NGOs and women activists who have launched campaigns against polygamy.
“This is a good sign. Efforts by organizations to raise awareness surrounding women's rights has begun to pay off, even with discussions surrounding polygamy seeing a revival among Muslims with the release of the movie Ayat-ayat Cinta (Verses of Love),” said Legislator Nursyahbani Katjasungkana of the National Awakening Party (PKB).
Verses of Love, a film about the conditions experienced by women in polygamous relationships, was one of Indonesia's blockbuster films last year. Along with millions who flocked to see it, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, also made prominent appearances at cinemas to see the flick.
Many high-ranking officials praised the film while activists accused it of acting as propaganda encouraging polygamy.
Meanwhile, polygamy is on the rise across Indonesia.
The Legal Aid Foundation of the Indonesian Women's Association for Justice (LBH APIK) received 87 reports of polygamy last year, up from 16 in 2007.
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