'I don't care about my popularity...'

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Source: prepared to take unpopular measures to fix the sluggish economy.

More, and Heavier - Revisions of the Criminal Code have finally been completed. Some of the revisions conceived by the formulating team could trigger controversy among legal experts. Under one provision, public kissing has been declared a criminal act. This means that law enforcement officers will have the right to arrest any person found guilty of `lip kissing' in public. This crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Even foreign nationals in Indonesia will be subject to these provisions.  `Living together outside of matrimony' : The penalty for this act is also more severe under the revised bill. The maximum penalty has now been set at two years in prison or a Rp30 million fine. And law enforcement officials are authorized to immediately arrest any person found guilty of committing this act. (Tempo)

Do not forget us, Aceh's isolated villages plead (Reliefweb)
 

US carrier pulls out of Aceh

A US aircraft carrier providing aid to Aceh's tsunami victims leaves, as emergency operations are scaled down. (BBC)

Indonesia's plans for fuel price rise poses major test of new government

ELSEWHERE IN THE ASIA:   

SINGAPORE'S BIG GAMBLE
Singapore plans to develop its first-ever casino, calling for applications from 12 casino operators to build a Las Vegas-style entertainment coastal resort. The move poses serious competition to Macau, Asia's current casino haven and also challenges traditionally strait-laced Singaporean society. (Asia Times)

Predictions for year ahead
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il will fall in love with US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and lead the world to terror kingpin Osama bin Laden's lair. These are among predictions of Hong Kong feng shui masters for the coming Year of the Rooster contained in a Chinese New Year horoscope published by a leading bank. "Last year we were remarkably accurate," said Chris Zee, investment analyst. (AP)

Indonesia to raise fuel prices soon (Xinhua)
Indonesia plans to buy German tsunami warning system
Total faces bankruptcy petition by contractors 
Rio profit to $3.6bn, but no bid on cards  (SMH)
Indonesia's PT Indosat to Boost Capital Expenditure This Yr
 

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RECENT EDITIONS:

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