Archive: 8 July 1995
55 articles found
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Asia could follow suit with rate cut
Asia could follow suit with rate cut SINGAPORE (AFP): The U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates for the first time in three years was seen by analysts yesterday as a possible signal for Asian central banks to move towards softer rate regimes. But a loosening of monetary policy, while boosting equities markets, could fan inflation in some rapidly growing regional economies and possibly lead to current-account pressures, the analysts warned.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
RI to seek $22.5b from CGI
RI to seek $22.5b from CGI JAKARTA (JP): The government will propose 686 development projects worth around US$22.5 billion during the meeting of the World Bank-chaired Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) in Paris later this month. Deputy Chairman of the National Development Planning Board Rahardi Ramelan said yesterday that the government plans to ask for about $17.68 billion in soft loans and grants from the CGI donor members to partly finance the proposed projects.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Single bar association still a distant dream
Single bar association still a distant dream By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): A realization of the government's dream of bringing all lawyers into one umbrella organization seems as distant as ever at the conclusion of a three-day gathering yesterday, designed to bring them together to resolve their differences. The problem appeared to be that none of the three major associations of lawyers were interested in unification.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Population data base planned
Population data base planned JAKARTA (JP): The Office of the State Minister of Population plans to launch an on-line data base service supplying information about the Indonesian population. The service will also integrate data from other information systems, Loet Affandi, the secretary to the State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono, said.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Two journalists face prosecution for trespassing
Two journalists face prosecution for trespassing JAKARTA (JP): Two journalists of the Sinar news magazine are facing prosecution for allegedly sneaking into the home of a daughter of former president Sukarno in search of evidence that she was having a love affair with a senior police officer. Police detectives said yesterday that they had "strong" evidence that the journalists, Victoria I.G.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN to curb reinsurance
ASEAN to curb reinsurance KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): ASEAN insurers should step up cooperation to enhance capacity and retain within the region reinsurance premiums that formed a significant outflow of invisibles, Malaysia's top banker said yesterday. The governor of the central Bank Negara, Ahmad Don, said that with mounting pressure exerted by the developed economies for greater liberalization of trade and services, it was timely that insurers in the region join forces.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Illegally-cut wood set aside for low-cost housing
Illegally-cut wood set aside for low-cost housing JAKARTA (JP): A joint ministerial decree was signed here yesterday to allow the use of wood confiscated from illegal logging for the construction of low-cost and medium-cost public housing.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Diplomatic gaffe
Diplomatic gaffe The Indonesian government's decision to withdraw the nomination of Lt. General (Ret.) Mantiri as Indonesia's next Ambassador to Australia is a wise and right one, though a little too late. The brouhaha preceding the withdrawal may have slowly died down, but it has suddenly presented an ugly contortion on the otherwise broad smiling face which has marked the increasingly closer relations between the two neighboring countries.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
RP confident for peace with Moros
RP confident for peace with Moros MANILA (AFP): Philippine government negotiators expressed confidence yesterday that an agreement to end Moslem insurgency in the country's south would be reached later this month despite the threat of Moslem extremist factions. "We are aware of their existence but they are just small groups," said Ambassador Manuel Yan, head of the government peace panel.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Candidates jockey for Muhammadiyah positions
Candidates jockey for Muhammadiyah positions By Santi WE Soekanto and Wisnu Pramudya BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Candidates for the Muhammadiyah chairmanship undertook last minute behind-the-scenes lobbying yesterday to canvas support for today's election. Observers predicted that the election would be lively, judging by the last two days of intensive lobbying by prospective chairmen and their supporters.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Decorative lamps
Decorative lamps From Republika To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence and the 486th anniversary of Jakarta, Jakartans are decorating their houses with colorful electric lamps as instructed by the Governor of Jakarta. However, we should be aware that this kind of activity deviates from the true meaning of the thanksgiving ceremony. Installing decorative lamps is clearly wasteful and contrary to the government's appeal that the people be economical with energy.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Merpati opens two new routes to Malaysia
Merpati opens two new routes to Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, will begin new flight services to Tawau and Johor Baru in Malaysia. Merpati, which recently started a route between Ambon and Darwin in Australia, will open the Ujungpandang (S. Sulawesi)- Balikpapan (E. Kalimantan)-Tawau service on Sunday, A. Tondo Widodo, a public relations officer of the airline said here yesterday.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Bukaka wins Malaysian airfield deal
Bukaka wins Malaysian airfield deal KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Two consortiums made up of Malaysia's Sime Darby Bhd unit, an Indonesian firm and two local firms won two contracts yesterday to provide passenger loading bridges and apron services at Malaysia's second international airport. The Sime Engineering Sdn. Bhd. and FMC-Jetway consortium clinched a deal worth 83.66 million ringgit (US$33.4 million), while Projass Engineering Sdn.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
One drowned after ritual
One drowned after ritual YOGYAKARTA: A woman drowned and two of her friends went missing after they were overcome by a huge wave during an outing at the Parangtritis beach near here, Antara reported. Soepardjan, an official of the local Search and Rescue agency, said a group of six people were out bathing and performing some "strange" rituals on the beach on Wednesday night when the incident happened.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Prospects bright for Indonesia's advertising industry
Prospects bright for Indonesia's advertising industry JAKARTA (JP): Alan Fairnington, President of J. Walter Thompson, one of the world's biggest advertising agencies, sees the prospects of the advertising industry in Indonesia as very positive with good growth potential. "But the industry still lags far behind some other key markets such as China, India and Thailand," noted Fairnington who was here last week on a tightly-scheduled two-day visit. Fairnington is responsible for overseeing the J.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Small-scale industries
Small-scale industries From Merdeka Indonesia can indeed be proud of the fast economic growth in the past decade. Our economy seems to have been able to follow the rhythm of globalization. But, even though greatly pleased by the convincing economic growth, the government should not forget the role of the small- scale industries because they also contribute to the progress of the national economy.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Reform reflects vow of liberalization
Reform reflects vow of liberalization JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's deregulation package announced in May reflects its commitment to the liberalization of trade and investment in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, a Japanese executive said on Thursday.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
'Si Unyil' to make television comeback
'Si Unyil' to make television comeback JAKARTA (JP): Si Unyil, the popular children's program taken off the air in 1991, plans to make a comeback in the near future. "I don't know exactly what the program will be called, maybe Si Unyil with a new style and an added flair," Minister of Information Harmoko disclosed on Wednesday during a hearing with the House of Representatives's Commission I which deals with national security issues.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
City plans to tear Yabeka school down
City plans to tear Yabeka school down JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to demolish a senior high school built on government property in Kalibata, South Jakarta, next week for failing to voluntarily vacate by the set deadline. The administration had set a June 30 deadline for the management of the Yabeka high school to pack and leave to its new location in the southern outskirts of Jakarta.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Bird park
Bird park From Media Indonesia There is a bird park on Jl Enggano, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. It is situated precisely between Entrance Seven and Entrance Eight of the harbor. I was told that the park was initiated and established by the North Jakarta Administration. It is a good idea, because they tried to make use of an unused piece of land. However, there are a few things that need considering. First, the traffic at this particular place is always heavy.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Foundation offers awards, grants to young researchers
Foundation offers awards, grants to young researchers JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian-Japanese foundation is, for the second time, encouraging young researchers to apply for grants to finance their projects. Last year a similar program failed to attract many applicants, and none of the proposals submitted satisfied the requisites laid down by the Indonesia Toray Science Foundation, whose aim is to encourage innovations in science.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
U.S. backs APEC mediation in trade disputes
U.S. backs APEC mediation in trade disputes SAPPORO, Japan (AFP): The chairman of an advisory group to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum said yesterday that the United States was ready to promote a new multilateral approach to trade disputes.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian buys RI brokerage
Malaysian buys RI brokerage KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's largest brokerage, Rashid Hussain Bhd., has bought an 85-percent stake in the Indonesian stockbroker PT Seruni Tunggal, amid rising local interest in Indonesia's financial sector, officials said yesterday. Rashid Hussain's wholly-owned subsidiary, RHB Capital (Jersey) Ltd., bought the stake from Singapore's Partners Worldwide and Associates Pte. Ltd.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Officials shamed into obedience
Officials shamed into obedience KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Employees of the Kupang Regency Administration who turn up late for work are being punished by being ordered to sweep the street, each one carrying a huge banner that says "I came to the office late". Kupang Regent Paul Lawa Rihi said the punishment is intended to put them to shame for tardiness and, hopefully, to get rid of this bad habit once and for all.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Another irksome game
Another irksome game With the crime rate in this country, especially Jakarta, rising ever higher, the police have had to redouble their efforts to curb the alarming trend. And so far police authorities have yet to devise an effective way to deal with the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The most often heard police complaint is that the budget allocated by the government is barely enough to cover operational activities, while citizens keep demanding better service.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN members end 2-day meeting on free trade laws
ASEAN members end 2-day meeting on free trade laws SINGAPORE (AFP): ASEAN member-states ended two days of talks here yesterday that centered on a legal framework to introduce a more liberal trade regime within the regional bloc that will lower tariff and investment barriers.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Mantiri affair a test of RI-Australian relations
Mantiri affair a test of RI-Australian relations By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's withdrawal of Lt. Gen. (ret.) H.B.L. Mantiri as ambassador to Australia marks a low in the up-and-down relationship between Jakarta and Canberra and comes at a time when relations were at a very high point. On Thursday Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas announced the withdrawal of Ambassador Mantiri and said the post would be left vacant indefinitely.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Church Services
Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Tourist board to extend promotion in major marts
Tourist board to extend promotion in major marts JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesia Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB) will continue promoting in major overseas markets including Singapore, Japan, Australia, Taiwan and Germany, to attract more foreign visitors. "With a budget of about US$20 million, we will also promote Indonesia's tourism in the United States and Britain this fiscal year," ITPB's managing director, Wuryastuti Sunario, said earlier this week.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Fashion Cafe to open in town
Fashion Cafe to open in town JAKARTA (JP): Fashion Cafe (FC), owned by top models Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson and Christy Turlington, is slated to open here early next year, it was reported yesterday. The establishment, which will be located in the Jakarta Foreign Exchange Building, will be the third Fashion Cafe to open after those in New York and London. "We are convinced Jakarta offers good prospects," said Naomi Campbell as reported by Antara.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Shanghai ballet next week
Shanghai ballet next week JAKARTA (JP): The Shanghai Ballet Troupe will enliven the 5th anniversary of the restitution of Indonesian-Chinese diplomatic relations here next week. Chairman of the organizing committee Tadjudin Hidayat said that the troupe will perform on July 10. The venue is still to be decided. Jakarta severed diplomatic ties with Beijing after Indonesia accused China of backing a bloody coup attempt in 1965 that the Indonesian government blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Ruined road
Ruined road From Kompas Most of Jl. Raya Jatipadang in South Jakarta is damaged and a hazard to motorists. At night the area is dangerously dark because there are no streetlights. I have reported the matter to the authorities but have received no response. It's no wonder road accidents often occur along the road, one even claimed a life. It is time the authorities repaired the ruined road to avoid further disasters. DEDI MULYADI Jakarta
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Landslide closes vital road
Landslide closes vital road PALU, Central Sulawesi: A landslide has buried a crucial part of the Trans-Sulawesi Highway between Palu and Donggala in Central Sulawesi, disrupting transportation in that part of the island. Antara reported that the landslide occurred in an area called Kebun Kopi, with about 50 meters of the highway covered by mud and earth. Work was still underway to clear the road yesterday, Antara reported.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Contraceptive implant study not complete yet
Contraceptive implant study not complete yet JAKARTA (JP): The National Family Planning Board has delayed the introduction of one-pellet implants called Implanon pending the result of further study by the University of Indonesia. "The study by the university's School of Medicine is not complete yet," Elizabeth Kuji, of the board's contraceptives bureau, said on Thursday.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
RI troupe bound for Europe
RI troupe bound for Europe JAKARTA (JP): A troupe of 90 singers and dancers will leave for Europe next week for a series of cultural performances called Indonesian Night 1995. The trip has been organized by the Jodi Utomo Foundation in cooperation with state-owned television station TVRI, the Directorate General of Tourism, and the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Rp 45 billion needed to fund anti-polio drive
Rp 45 billion needed to fund anti-polio drive JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Sujudi said yesterday that the government needed Rp 45 billion (US$20 million) to support an ambitious national program to eradicate polio. The program, which will run for a week from Sept. 13, aims to free Indonesian children from polio by the year 2000. It will be repeated from Oct. 18. The campaign will be conducted again in 1996 and 1997.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Aussie citrus to flood market
Aussie citrus to flood market JAKARTA (JP): Australian citrus fruit producers announced yesterday a major export campaign, designed to boost the number of Australian oranges sold in Indonesia. The campaign is aimed at increasing Australian citrus exports by more than 100 percent to US$15 million in value by the year 2000. Total Australian horticultural exports in 1992/1993 were worth A$429 million (approximately US$321 million) of which A$25.7 million was to Indonesia.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Visiting 'nouveau riche' restaurants in Kemang
Visiting 'nouveau riche' restaurants in Kemang JAKARTA (JP): The nouveau riche may be growing, but judging by the quality of nouveau riche restaurants which have recently opened in Jakarta, they're not eating. Although trendy Pondok Indah provides stiff competition, the leafy neighborhood of Kemang in South Jakarta has long been the home of the nouveau riche (old money lives in Menteng).
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
City administration told to help poor fishermen
City administration told to help poor fishermen JAKARTA (JP): The City Council has urged the administration to do more to lift the economic status of about 7,000 Jakartan fishing families who live in utter poverty. According to the ruling Golkar faction of the council, each fishery family earns only Rp 300,000 (US$133) a month, which barely makes ends meet.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Local firms given until August to alter names
Local firms given until August to alter names JAKARTA (JP): The city administration reminded companies throughout Jakarta yesterday that time is running out for them to change their names into Indonesian. Deputy Head of the City Public Order Office Yusuf Shahab said that all companies should have changed the foreign words by Aug. 17, when Indonesia celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
N. Jakarta mayoralty rebuked for demolition
N. Jakarta mayoralty rebuked for demolition JAKARTA (JP): A leading member of the National Commission on Human Rights criticized the North Jakarta mayoralty yesterday for demolishing the homes of more than 800 families in the Cilincing and Rorotan subdistricts. "Demolishing residents' houses is against the law and constitutes a violation of human rights," Roekmini Koesoemo Astoeti said after meeting with some of evicted tenants.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Govt prioritizes issuing of timber estate permits
Govt prioritizes issuing of timber estate permits JAKARTA (JP): When issuing new permits for industrial timber estates, the government will give priority to paper producers that still rely on pulp sources outside their concession areas, Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Workers file complaint rights body
Workers file complaint rights body JAKARTA (JP): Thirty eight workers from two textile factories met with members of the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday to complain about unfair treatment by their employers. The workers were employees of PT Rajabrana and PT Ever Shinetex Garment. "We told the companies that they have violated our rights as laborers.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Ever been to sea?
Ever been to sea? JAKARTA (JP): Some 300 junior and high school students are participating in a five-day discipline course conducted by the Navy on a warship that set sail from Jakarta on its way to Lampung yesterday. The journey that started from Tanjung Priok harbor is aimed at promoting the "maritime spirit" among youngsters. The students were shipped off in a ceremony led by the Navy's Western Fleet commander Rear Admiral Widodo AS. Their parents were also present.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Krakatau Steel cuts jobs
Krakatau Steel cuts jobs JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Krakatau Steel in Cilegon, West Java, has received early retirement applications from 125 of its 530 laid-off employees. The company's president, Soetoro Mangoensoewargo, said the 125 employees had been discharged in May and had been offered an early retirement package which guarantees special compensations and bonuses.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Muhammadiyah elections draw closer
Muhammadiyah elections draw closer By Santi WE Soekanto and Wisnu Pramudya BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The ongoing 43rd congress of Muhammadiyah has seen the emergence of many people widely believed to be chairman material. Most have disclaimed any interest in the top position, but intensive lobbying has been the norm and several of the people listed below have become top contenders.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 7, 1995: ------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,250 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo 1,100 0 0 Andayani Megah 3,300 50 108,000 Aneka Kimia 6,250 200 61,000 Anwar Sierad 1,450 25 82,500 Aqua Golden 2,800 0 0 Argha Karya 1,775 50 810,500 Argo Pantes 2,600 0 0 Asiana IMI 1,000 150 95,000 Aster Dharma 975 100 8,000 Astra...
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Mantiri's withdrawal
Mantiri's withdrawal Had (Lt. Gen. Herman) Mantiri become the Indonesian ambassador to Australia, he would be representing the Indonesian government and the Indonesian people. As (Foreign Minister Ali) Alatas said, it would be inconceivable for us to allow our ambassador to be made a target for disproportionate affront, especially when done merely in the interest of political disputes.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
China gets airport loan
China gets airport loan WASHINGTON (AFP): The U.S. Export Import Bank said Thursday it has authorized a US$27 million loan to China to help finance the sale of U.S. exports for the expansion of the Harbin International Airport in Manchuria. The Annapolis, Maryland-based firm ARINC, Inc. won a $30- million contract to serve as the prime contractor for the airport expansion in Heilongjiang, Manchuria.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Detainee escapes women's jail
Detainee escapes women's jail BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: A woman under detention in a women's correctional institution escaped after fooling the guards by pretending to be a visitor at the jail. The 45-year woman, identified only as Wer, was put in the care of the Metro Lampung Tengah correctional facility while police were preparing a case against her. She is accused of abducting her neighbor's nine-year old child last month, Antara reported. The woman fled during visiting hours on Thursday.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
China firm on Taiwan issue
China firm on Taiwan issue BEIJING (AFP): The issue of Taiwan is "the only obstacle" to setting up Sino-South African diplomatic ties, China said yesterday, as it rejected any possibility of letting Pretoria recognize both Beijing and Taipei.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Upset parents and students protest school enrollment
Upset parents and students protest school enrollment JAKARTA (JP): Enraged parents and students flocked to the Jakarta Office of Ministry of Education and Culture yesterday to protest questionable school enrollment criteria. Parents claim that their children were not admitted to the schools of their choice even with scores above the minimum required. They suspect that there have been mistakes in either the determination of their children's final exam scores (NEM) or in the enrollment procedures.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Monday Thursday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Los Paraguas, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Boece & Ayu (pianist and singer), Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Transit project pact accepted
Transit project pact accepted BANGKOK (AFP): A leading Thai environmentalist has accepted a court brokered disclosure agreement and withdrawn a lawsuit that sought to block construction of a mass transit system in Bangkok, a statement seen yesterday said. Chodchoy Sophonpanich accepted the agreement proposed on Thursday by the Civil Court here and dropped the suit against the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, according to the statement released by her office.
Sat, 08 Jul 1995, 00:00 WIB
Evans comes under fire for RI envoy's retreat
Evans comes under fire for RI envoy's retreat SYDNEY (Agencies): Foreign Minister Gareth Evans came under sharp fire in the press here yesterday for his role in Indonesia's retreat on the appointment of Indonesian Lt. Gen. Herman Mantiri as ambassador designate. Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas withdrew Mantiri as its nominee on Thursday after a furor had erupted in Australia over the general's 1992 comment on the November 1991 Dili incident in East Timor.