More carmakers caught in headlights of VW engine-rigging scandal

More carmakers caught in headlights of VW engine-rigging scandal
Volkswagen has admitted it installed illegal software into 11 million 2.0 liter and 3.0 liter diesel engines worldwide (AFP Photo/Josh Edelson)

Volkswagen emissions scandal

Iran's 'catastrophic mistake': Speculation, pressure, then admission

Iran's 'catastrophic mistake': Speculation, pressure, then admission
Analsyts say it is irresponsible to link the crash of a Ukraine International Airline Boeing 737-800 to the 737 MAX accidents (AFP Photo/INA FASSBENDER)

Missing MH370 likely to have disintegrated mid-flight: experts

Missing MH370 likely to have disintegrated mid-flight: experts
A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 commercial jet.

QZ8501 (AirAsia)

Leaders see horror of French Alps crash as probe gathers pace

"The Recalibration of Awareness – Apr 20/21, 2012 (Kryon channeled by Lee Carroll) (Subjects: Old Energy, Recalibration Lectures, God / Creator, Religions/Spiritual systems (Catholic Church, Priests/Nun’s, Worship, John Paul Pope, Women in the Church otherwise church will go, Current Pope won’t do it), Middle East, Jews, Governments will change (Internet, Media, Democracies, Dictators, North Korea, Nations voted at once), Integrity (Businesses, Tobacco Companies, Bankers/ Financial Institutes, Pharmaceutical company to collapse), Illuminati (Started in Greece, with Shipping, Financial markets, Stock markets, Pharmaceutical money (fund to build Africa, to develop)), Shift of Human Consciousness, (Old) Souls, Women, Masters to/already come back, Global Unity.... etc.) - (Text version)

… The Shift in Human Nature

You're starting to see integrity change. Awareness recalibrates integrity, and the Human Being who would sit there and take advantage of another Human Being in an old energy would never do it in a new energy. The reason? It will become intuitive, so this is a shift in Human Nature as well, for in the past you have assumed that people take advantage of people first and integrity comes later. That's just ordinary Human nature.

In the past, Human nature expressed within governments worked like this: If you were stronger than the other one, you simply conquered them. If you were strong, it was an invitation to conquer. If you were weak, it was an invitation to be conquered. No one even thought about it. It was the way of things. The bigger you could have your armies, the better they would do when you sent them out to conquer. That's not how you think today. Did you notice?

Any country that thinks this way today will not survive, for humanity has discovered that the world goes far better by putting things together instead of tearing them apart. The new energy puts the weak and strong together in ways that make sense and that have integrity. Take a look at what happened to some of the businesses in this great land (USA). Up to 30 years ago, when you started realizing some of them didn't have integrity, you eliminated them. What happened to the tobacco companies when you realized they were knowingly addicting your children? Today, they still sell their products to less-aware countries, but that will also change.

What did you do a few years ago when you realized that your bankers were actually selling you homes that they knew you couldn't pay for later? They were walking away, smiling greedily, not thinking about the heartbreak that was to follow when a life's dream would be lost. Dear American, you are in a recession. However, this is like when you prune a tree and cut back the branches. When the tree grows back, you've got control and the branches will grow bigger and stronger than they were before, without the greed factor. Then, if you don't like the way it grows back, you'll prune it again! I tell you this because awareness is now in control of big money. It's right before your eyes, what you're doing. But fear often rules. …

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Military Exercise Plane Crashes and Burns at Bali's Airport

Jakarta Globe, Made Arya Kencana, June 24, 2010



A KT-1Wong Bee plane, in this file photo, crashed at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport, butboth occupants had safely ejected before impact. (Photo courtesy of TNI AU)


A KT-1Woong Bee exercise plane crashed and burned at the eastern tip of Bali's IGusti Ngurah Rai Airport.

Thepilot Maj. Andi Wijanarko and its passenger, Udayana's Regional MilitaryCommander Maj. Gen. Rachmad Budianto ejected themselves to safety.

Theplane, flown by Maj. Andi Wijanarko, was one of five exercise planes in a“Terbang Gembira” (“Joy Flight”) activity in Bali.

Witnessessaid that the plane crashed when it was about to land at the airport afterperforming an aerobatic maneuver.

Theactivity was to introduce the KT-1 Wong Bee to the Bali government. The planeitself is normally used to train Air Force pilots.


Related Article:

Friday, June 18, 2010

Garuda appeals court verdict, calls fines baseless

Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 06/18/2010 10:40 AM

National airline company PT Garuda Indonesia filed on Thursday an appeal at the Central Jakarta District Court against a verdict forcing the company to pay Rp 187 billion (US$20.38 million) in compensation and fines for price fixing.

“The verdict is baseless and we therefore officially reject the decision,” Garuda’s lawyer, Erry Heriawan, told reporters after submitting the appeal at the court.

Another lawyer for Garuda, Yogi Sudrajat, said the Indonesian Business Supervisory Commission (KPPU) had not provided sufficient evidence Garuda had colluded with other airlines in fixing fuel surcharges imposed on passengers.

“The KPPU accused us of conspiring with other airlines in fixing the fuel surcharge. We can prove that Garuda’s fuel surcharges were totally different from those imposed by other airlines,” he added.

He said that in 2006, the Transportation Ministry had suggested airline companies impose similar fuel surcharges for a three-month period. “However, the agreement was cancelled after the KPPU opposed the plan,” Yogi said.

In May, the KPPU accused nine local airline companies of price fixing, landing customers with total additional costs of Rp 13.84 trillion (US$1.5 billion).

The guilty airlines are Sriwijaya Air, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Mandala Airlines, Travel Express Aviation Service, Lion Mentari Airlines, Wings Abadi Airlines, Metro Batavia and Kartika Airlines.

For the offence, the airliners were required to pay a total penalty of Rp 585 billion, which comprises Rp 80 billion in fines and Rp 505 billion in compensation.

Garuda must pay a fine of Rp 25 billion and compensation of Rp 162 billion, Sriwijaya (Rp 9 billion and Rp 60 billion), Merpati (Rp 8 billion and Rp 53 billion), Mandala (Rp 5 billion and Rp 31 billion), Travel Express (Rp 1 billion and Rp 1.9 billion), Lion (Rp 17 billion and Rp 107 billion), Wings (Rp 5 billion and Rp 32.5 billion), Metro (Rp 9 billion and Rp 56 billion), and Kartika (Rp 1 billion and Rp 1.6 billion).

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Illegal transport helps residents out

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 06/16/2010 10:58 AM

Illegal public vehicles in certain parts of the city attract many passengers as they are the only affordable means of transportation available.

Nia Aulia, a passenger, said that the illegal public minivans, dubbed mobil tuyul (mischievous spirit vehicles), which served the route between Cengkareng-Kamal, West Jakarta (about 10 kilometers), was the only alternative for her as there was no public vehicles serving the route. “Residents here really need them,” she said.

The Bina Sarana Informatika academy student, who takes illegal minivans every day, said she only pays Rp 2,000 (22 US cents) for one trip, which is similar to the fare of a mikrolet (public minivan). The illegal minivans operate 24 hours a day, with full occupation during rush hour in the morning (between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.) and in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.).

Milus, who uses a rented car with a capacity of 12 passengers, can earn between Rp 30,000 and Rp 100,000 per day after paying the rent fee and buying the fuel. The daily rent fee is Rp 70,000, while a mikrolet driver has to pay between Rp 110,000 and Rp 120,000.

“My income depends largely on passengers’ movements. Sometimes, even though the car is full, I can earn less because many passengers stop in nearby places,” he said.

Udin, another driver, said that he set the fare as low as Rp 1,000 for a short-distance trip and did not charge children accompanied by adults. “I only charge adults, not children,” said Udin, who drives his own car. Udin said illegal vehicles had operated in the area since the 1970s. There are around 500 illegal minivans operating along the Cengkareng-Kamal route, passing Taman Palem Lestari, Menceng, and Tegal Alur, which are not served by other public vehicles. Illegal public vehicles can also be found in many other parts of the city.

Taswin, a driver serving the route of Pasar Semanan in Kalideres to the ABC intersection in Duri Kosambi, West Jakarta, said that he could earn more than Rp 200,000 per day. “But it depends on the season. For example, today I have had less passengers as school students are on holiday,” he said.

Taswin, who drives a new Suzuki minivan, said that he used some of the money to pay monthly installments, which cost him around Rp 1 million. He has three other cars and rents them out to his relatives. Having been in the business for about 10 years, Taswin said today around 300 minivans operate there. “Thankfully I have never been netted by the police,” he said, adding that some of his fellow-drivers had been raided and were required to pay more than Rp 100,000 each. He also claimed that drivers paid daily “security fees” of Rp 5,000 to thugs who “ruled” the area. However, during police operations they did not demand anything, he said.

The Land Transportation Division of West Jakarta Transportation Sub-agency head, P. Baihaqi, said that his office did not have the authority to take any action against illegal public vehicles in the area. “We only deal with legal public vehicles, while the illegal ones should be handled by the police,” he said.

Baihaqi claimed that his office had cooperated with the police to address the issue several years ago.

“However, the police didn’t really support us. They worried that banning the operation of illegal vehicles would incite social unrest,” he said. (lnd)

Sunday, June 6, 2010

With a touch down in Amsterdam, Garuda enters a new era

Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Amsterdam | Sun, 06/06/2010 10:04 AM

With a six-year flying ban to Europe finally lifted, national carrier Garuda Indonesia relaunched its Jakarta to Amsterdam direct service this week, inviting government officials, legislators, businesspeople and journalists on the voyage that marked the beginning of a new era for the airline.

For captain pilot Ari Sapari, who flow the GA088 Jakarta to Amsterdam flight on June 1, the event was a proud moment. “It brought back memories of when I flew Garuda before we stopped the operation six years ago,” he said.

When the Airbus A330-200 touched down at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, the passengers on board applauded the flight deck for a smooth landing. Excitement turned to outright delight when two fire trucks from the local fire brigade began showering the aircraft with water — a ritual at the airport when an airline makes its maiden arrival there.

Ari, an executive vice president for operations at Garuda and a presidential pilot, said he was very proud of having been given the opportunity to pilot the maiden flight marking Garuda’s return to Europe. Garuda stopped flying to Europe in late 2004 to cut costs.

The carrier was then banned three years later from flying to Europe after the European Union imposed a flight ban on Indonesian airlines following a string of air accidents and heightened security measures.

For Wiyati, an Indonesian living in the small town of Schellinkhout and the owner of Waq travel agency, Garuda’s return means she now has more options to offer clients.

“We usually fly our guests to Indonesia using Singapore Airlines and Emirates but now we have Garuda so we can offer them an alternative. The air fare [of Garuda] is cheaper,” Wiyati said.

Garuda prices a Jakarta-Amsterdam round trip ticket at US$1,450. Currently, as part of a promotion for new customers, Garuda is offering a buy-one-get-one free policy.

Garuda president and chief executive officer Emirsyah Satar said he was upbeat the new route would receive a warm welcome in Europe, adding that plans were already in place to add new routes to other cities, including Frankfurt, London, Paris and Rome.

After struggling with a $900 million debt five years ago, Garuda has gradually turned around its finances and returned to profit.

Part of its recent success can be contributed to its recently launched “Quantum Leap” strategy that will increase the number of its aircraft to 116 in 2014, and sets a target of 27.6 million passengers in 2014 from 10.3 million in 2008. The airline expects to increased operating revenue to Rp 57.9 trillion in 2014 from Rp 18.1 trillion in 2008.

Emirsyah promised that passengers would benefit from improved service on flights, thanks to an overhaul of its flight service under the slogan “Garuda Experience”.

“It is an experience that as soon as passengers board the aircraft they can feel that they are in Indonesia through our hospitality and services,” he said.

And Garuda has gone the extra mile to realize a superior service, he said. Upon entering the aircraft, passengers are welcomed by flight attendants wearing a new kebaya-inspired uniform consisting of a blouse and a batik long skirt designed by Josephine “Obin” Komara, brandishing colors orange, turquoise and blue.

However, Garuda has some work to do improve passenger comfort. The newly upholstered seats on the aircraft could not recline fully — a complaint voiced by several passengers. However, a 25-movie individual entertainment system displayed on mini screens embedded in the backs of the seats’ headrests goes some way to distract passengers from the frustratingly restrictive seats.

Luckily, Garuda food paints a favorable impression of Indonesian cuisine. In collaboration with culinary expert William Wongso, Garuda offers nasi kuning (yellow rice with side dishes) for dinner and nasi goreng (fried rice) for breakfast. There is also an international menu on flights leaving the country from Jakarta.

As part of an effort to lure passengers from Europe, the government collaborated with Garuda to allow passengers to receive on-arrival visas while in the air.

However, there are still many t’s to be crossed and i’s to be dotted before Garuda can truly claim to be able to compete with the world’s major carriers.

Since recently receiving a four-star rating from Skytrax, a United Kingdom-based research company that specializes in commercial airlines, Garuda has built a cooperation with KLM and is mulling joining the Skyteam airline alliance.

However, Emirsyah said, improvements should not only come from Garuda’s side. He said it was no less important for Indonesia’s international airports to improve their facilities and services.

W Java traffic accidents kill thousands

Antara News, Sunday, June 6, 2010 03:11 WIB

Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - West Java Province lost 4,098 people in traffic accidents last year. Eighty percent of them were in the productive ages, West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan said.

"The West Java police reported that last year`s traffic accident death toll reached 4,098 people. Eighty percent of them were in productive ages," he said here Saturday.

Besides killing 4,098 people, the 2009 traffic accidents had also caused at least 3,000 others to get injured, he said.

Ironically, 75 percent of the traffic accident victims were motorists while the remaining 25 percent were car drivers, he said.

Governor Ahmad Heryawan said traffic accidents remained the biggest causes of death in the world.

More than 1.2 million people were killed on roads every year. Ninety percent happened in developing countries, he said.

In reducing the traffic accident cases in West Java, Heryawan asked the police to intensify the campaigns of their "police as children`s friend" program.

Through the program, children could have been educated about safe traffic from their early ages, he said.

Governor Ahmad Heryawan said creating highly-disciplined traffic users in his province and Indonesia was not only the government`s responsibility but also that of other stakeholders.

The children, who received the police`s socialization program, were expected to have safe traffic behavior when they became aduts, he said.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

US cargo aircraft arrives in Bali ahead of Obama’s visit

Desy Nurhayati, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali | Wed, 06/02/2010 7:28 PM

Before the visit: A US cargo plane carrying logistic needs for the visit of President Barack Obama lands on Ngurah Rai International Airport in Kuta, Bali, on Wednesday. Obama has confirmed his plan to visit Bali in the next two weeks. JP/Zul Trio Anggono

A US Air Force cargo plane carrying logistical needs for the visit of President Barack Obama landed at the Ngurah Rai air base in the Bali capital of Denpasar on Wednesday.

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster crews were seen unloading forklifts and other heavy equipment from the aircraft as soon as it touched down at around 5 p.m. local time.

Security at the air base was tightened as the plane arrived, with journalists given no access to the US Air Force officers.

Air base commander Lt. Col. Aldrin P. Mongan refused to comment when contacted by the press, saying he would give an official statement later.

Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika has confirmed Obama’s trip to the island in about two weeks. Obama is slated to visit Besakih temple, Uluwatu temple and Udayana University campus in Jimbaran.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The first phase of the MRT construction to be extended by one kilometer

Indah Setiawati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Tue, 06/01/2010 7:58 PM | Jakarta

PT MRT has planned to add an underground station in the construction of the South-North network of the first phase of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), raising the number of station to 13 linking Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to Hotel Indonesia (HI) traffic circle in Central Jakarta.

The additional station will extend the route by about one kilometer after previously the company planned to build only 12 stations in a 14.3-kilometer line linking Lebak Bulus to Dukuh Atas.

“We consider the space in Dukuh Atas as too crowded. Besides, the additional length of network in HI traffic circle will attract a greater number of passengers,” PT MRT director Tribudi said.

He said he had not estimated the additional budget allocation for the station yet.

Tribudi further said the second phase of MRT construction would link HI traffic circle to Kampong Bandan in North Jakarta.

“We target to finish the first phase construction by the end of 2016, while the second phase construction in 2020,” he added.