FORESTRY MINISTER PLEDGES PRO-PEOPLE, PRO-GROWTH POLICIES by Fardah

      Jakarta, April 27, 2011 (ANTARA) - Indonesia has joined the world in celebrating the International Year of Forest 2011 as declared by The United Nations General Assembly to celebrate people`s action to sustainably manage the world`s forests.
      The International Forest Year 2011`s theme is "Forests for People".

GOVT'S SERIOUS, CONCRETE ACTIONS NEEDED TO CRACK DOWN ON IPR PIRACY by Fardah

      Jakarta, April 26, 2011 (ANTARA) - Indonesia, which has been seen as a heaven for intellectual property right (IPR) piracy, observed World Intellectual Property Day by organizing a National Convention on IPR here Tuesday (April 26).
       When officially kicking off the National Convention at the State Palace, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono instructed intensive eradication of intellectual property rights violations.

PEOPLE'S WELFARE IMPROVEMENT YET TO BE SEEN IN REGIONAL AUTONOMY by Fardah

     Jakarta, April 25, 2011 (ANTARA) - Vice President Boediono led a function to observe the 15th anniversary of Regional Autonomy Day in Bogor, West Java, Monday (April 25). Regional Autonomy Day was also commemorated in regions throughout the country.
       Regional Autonomy Day is observed every April 25, based on e Presidential Decree No. 11/1996 on Regional Autonomy. This year`s theme is "With the Spirit of Regional Autonomy, We Improve the Regional Administration Implementation Performance in Public Services and Regional Innovation."

RI STRIVES TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE by Fardah

      Jakarta, April 23, 2011 (ANTARA) - As a country with the highest maternal mortality rate in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has been struggling to save more lives of women among other things by providing free birth delivery services and Family Planning program.

       Coordinating minister for people`s welfare Agung Laksono recently stated that the government had been committed to reducing the rate in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

INDONESIA BRACES FOR 18TH ASEAN SUMMIT by Fardah

      Jakarta, April 22, 2011 (ANTARA) - Indonesia as this year`s ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) chair, is bracing for the 18th ASEAN Summit to be held in Jakarta, May 7-8, 2011.
       Preparations for the ASEAN Summit and related activities which would be organized at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), from May 4 to 8, had basically been completed, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said last Tuesday (19/4) when announcing the host`s readiness.

ROSIHAN ANWAR, TRUE JOURNALIST by Fardah

      Jakarta, April 16, 2011 (ANTARA) - Rosihan Anwar who passed away on Thursday (April 14) is seen by many people, particularly his colleagues, as a true journalist and a role model.
      Jakob Oetama, founder of Kompas daily and a noted press figure himself, said he had learned a lot from Rosihan whom he described as a true, independent and smart journalist and author.