Drops of sweat appeared continuously on the woman's body. In her arms, she held a newborn baby in a similar state. Both were bathed in sweat as they were sleeping on a platform with burning wood underneath it. The baby, less than a week old, was coughing. "Why wouldn't it cough? The whole room was already filled with smoke," commented Rosalinda Delin, recounting what she saw in 2003 when she first began visiting the homes of mothers who had just given birth.

SOES
Angkasa Pura II Issues Bonds

Early this year, after the lowering of Bank Indonesia's interest rate to 6.75 percent, the rupiah surprisingly strengthened to Rp13,100 per US dollar level from Rp14,000 in December last year. Incoming foreign portfolio funds have helped this trend as it bought our government bonds. This is not surprising, given the 7 percent interest on our government bonds, compared to near zero rates in advanced market bonds. Inflation at home has also been kept at 4.45 percent and the current account deficit at 2 percent of GDP. Still, market players have doubts whether this positive trend will last.

SUNNY Tanuwidjaja rose from his chair when Sugianto Kusuma, alias Aguan, approached him in the waiting room at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building last Wednesday. Sunny invited Aguan to sit down. A short while later, Sunny excused himself.

Religion and science keep on clashing, even in the 21st century. So it was in another century, on April 12, 1633 when Galileo, an old man of almost 70, was held for two weeks by the Inquisition, the Church's tool for probing and investigating the conviction of one's faith.

THE relaxed chat between Ojang Sohandi, the regent of Subang, West Java, and District Commander Lt. Col. Budi Mawardi Syam came to an abrupt halt on Monday last week when Subang Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Agus Nurpatria strolled into the office with two Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) commissioners in tow.

The recurring scandals of bribes paid by regional chiefs to prosecutors should cause Attorney-General H.M. Prasetyo to hang his head in shame. It is a sign that he has failed to put matters right and to reform the system and the people who run it. His promise to rid his department of prosecutors who take advantage of cases they work on is still far from a reality.

The attention given to the police, in particular Counterterrorism Detachment 88 (Densus 88), over for the questionable death of Siyono, cannot be disassociated from the role of the Muhammadiyah. This religious organization founded by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan has been the driving force advocating justice for Siyono's family. But this has led to charges that Muhammadiyah is pro-terrorism.

Federica Mogherini, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made a two-day official visit to Jakarta on April 8-9 in a bid to intensify the partnership between the EU, Indonesia and ASEAN. "Indonesia is a key partner in a key region," she said during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the foreign ministry.

Unschooled Attorneys for Women

JAKARTA Governor Basuki Tjahaja 'Ahok' Purnama says no one can manipulate his leadership. The pledge was made after the Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) slapped a travel ban on staff member Sunny Tanuwidjaja for allegedly bribing a Jakarta lawmaker from the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party, Mohamad Sanusi, in relation to the Jakarta Bay reclamation project.

Right of Reply From the Supreme Audit Agency

This year, Indonesia and India mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. However, the ties between the two nations have existed much longer, predating the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of India. These connections span social, cultural, religious, economic, and trade aspects. But do those close ties of the past have any bearing on the present relationship? Why is there no direct flight between the capitals of the two countries?

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Sandeep Chakravorty, shares his views on this matter at TEMPO TALKS.