January 11, 2005 edition
FOR three decades, the north coast of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province thrived on natural gas. Some 17.1 trillion cubic feet of gas lies within the bowels of Aceh. This buried treasure sustained the gas industry, as well as a number of other industries that rely on natural gas, such as fertilizers and pulp. The north coast of Aceh was like a magnet for thousands of jobseekers in the country as well as abroad. But the reserves of natural gas are disappearing. Some factories are now on their last legs. Thousands of workers are jobless, and thousands of others are on the verge of losing their jobs. The formerly lively gas towns are now faded, dead, and poor. For two weeks, Tempo reporter Ali Anwar documented life on the Aceh north coast that has now lost its glorious mantle of gas. The following is his report.
FOR three decades, the north coast of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province thrived on natural gas. Some 17.1 trillion cubic feet of gas lies within the bowels of Aceh. This buried treasure sustained the gas industry, as well as a number of other industries that rely on natural gas, such as fertilizers and pulp. The north coast of Aceh was like a magnet for thousands of jobseekers in the country as well as abroad. But the reserves of natural gas are disappearing. Some factories are now on their last legs. Thousands of workers are jobless, and thousands of others are on the verge of losing their jobs. The formerly lively gas towns are now faded, dead, and poor. For two weeks, Tempo reporter Ali Anwar documented life on the Aceh north coast that has now lost its glorious mantle of gas. The following is his report.
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More Intermezzo articles in other editions
November 23, 2004 edition
The appearance of Islam in China has a lengthy history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century. This period was contemporary with the first generation of the followers of Prophet Muhammad, who died in AD 632. These Hui Muslims were mostly traders who came into contact with Arabs, Persians, and Indians along the Silk Road. Dozens of mosques constructed in Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Cang'an—now known as Xi'an—were happily constructed with blood, sweat and tears. Today, Islam has a strong presence in Xi'an, supported by a harmony of small businesses, tourism, and a tradition of Tai Chi.
Here is a travel report made in early September by Wahyu Muryadi from Tempo, who explored the ancient dream cities of the emperors.
The appearance of Islam in China has a lengthy history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century. This period was contemporary with the first generation of the followers of Prophet Muhammad, who died in AD 632. These Hui Muslims were mostly traders who came into contact with Arabs, Persians, and Indians along the Silk Road. Dozens of mosques constructed in Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Cang'an—now known as Xi'an—were happily constructed with blood, sweat and tears. Today, Islam has a strong presence in Xi'an, supported by a harmony of small businesses, tourism, and a tradition of Tai Chi.
Here is a travel report made in early September by Wahyu Muryadi from Tempo, who explored the ancient dream cities of the emperors.
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November 9, 2004 edition
FRESH air was blowing in Vietnam, 1986. The country, torn by protracted war, decided to launch doi moi—perestroika Vietnam-style. Various doors, closed since the war, have now been opened with ‘lubricants’ added: deregulation, land reform, and a revived business climate. This step is expected to go a long way in changing the face of Vietnam. Is it true that doi moi has become an effective formula to change Vietnam, which is dubbed Asia’s ‘little dragon’? Here is a travel report from Tempo’s Mardiyah Chamim, who visited Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, last month.
FRESH air was blowing in Vietnam, 1986. The country, torn by protracted war, decided to launch doi moi—perestroika Vietnam-style. Various doors, closed since the war, have now been opened with ‘lubricants’ added: deregulation, land reform, and a revived business climate. This step is expected to go a long way in changing the face of Vietnam. Is it true that doi moi has become an effective formula to change Vietnam, which is dubbed Asia’s ‘little dragon’? Here is a travel report from Tempo’s Mardiyah Chamim, who visited Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, last month.