Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 December 1997

61 articles found

Singapore still optimistic as growth prospects downgraded

Singapore still optimistic as growth prospects downgraded SINGAPORE (AFP): The Singapore government yesterday expressed confidence in the island's long-term economic prospects as investment houses sharply downgraded 1998 growth forecasts because of the regional financial crisis.

Malaysia told to get saving

Malaysia told to get saving KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad pushed the private sector to trim high salaries now paid to its senior executives in the wake of the current economic turmoil, reports said yesterday.

Bouraq private exchange rate

Bouraq private exchange rate Did Bouraq know something about what was going to happen to the rupiah well before we all did? As of mid October it had set its own private, profit-making rate of Rp 4,100/US$ for people purchasing airline tickets.

South Korea's financial crisis attacks world markets again

South Korea's financial crisis attacks world markets againBy Nick Cumming-Bruce and Larry Elliott BANGKOK/LONDON: Shock waves from a new financial crisis in South Korea rippled round the globe Thursday with Asia gripped by a currency contagion and share prices plunging in Europe and North America.

New policy for village development

New policy for village development PALU, Central Sulawesi: The government has issued three new policies on village development in anticipation of the social changes occurring as a result of development and the global era.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 TV Series: The Crystal Maze 3:10 Environment: Mengenal Lingkungan 3:35 Tour and Travel: Wisata Nasional 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:30 TV Series: Full House 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village...

Asia metal recovery elusive

Asia metal recovery elusive SINGAPORE (Reuters): Recovery is looking more elusive for base metals in Asia as regional currencies crashed to record lows against the U.S. dollar on Friday, dealers said."Because of this currency situation, I can only see a dark picture.

S. Korea's GNP admits trying to raise loans

S. Korea's GNP admits trying to raise loans SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's majority party admitted yesterday to trying to raise massive underground loans, triggering accusations it was seeking to buy votes in the Dec. 18 presidential poll.

RP congressman gets 173 years

RP congressman gets 173 years MANILA (Reuters): A Philippine trial court sentenced yesterday congressman Romeo Jalosjos up to 173 years in jail for raping a minor in one of the country's most celebrated sex cases in years.

Asian currencies fret as won, rupiah plummet

Asian currencies fret as won, rupiah plummet SINGAPORE (Reuters): Thin year-end trading, South Korea's economic woes and renewed worries about Indonesian President Soeharto's health sent Asian currencies spiraling to new lows yesterday.

Experts call for action to curb unemployment

Experts call for action to curb unemployment JAKARTA (JP): Experts are appealing to the government to take concrete measures to stop high unemployment from swelling as a result of the economic crisis.Sociologists Arief Budiman and Loekman Soetrisno along with population expert Sofian Effendi told...

UNIDO ready to help develop RI's industry

UNIDO ready to help develop RI's industry JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said here yesterday it was ready to work with the Indonesian government to develop the country's industrial sector.

Mercedes-Benz lifts lid on new CLK Cabrio

Mercedes-Benz lifts lid on new CLK CabrioBy Neil McDonald MERCEDES-BENZ may have come up with the perfect compromise for Indonesian buyers looking for open-top motoring -- the new CLK Cabrio.Although PT Star Motors, the local assembler and importer, has brought in about 35 SLKs -- the sporty...

Mayor asked to help settle land dispute

Mayor asked to help settle land dispute JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso ordered East Jakarta Mayor Sudarsono to investigate and settle a dispute between a city- owned developer and a private bank over a 2,187-square-meter plot on Jl. Matraman.

Ford Lynx slips quietly onto small car shopping lists

Ford Lynx slips quietly onto small car shopping listsBy John Aglionby You have to hand it to Ford.The economy is in turmoil and the cost of imports is rising exponentially by the day as the rupiah continues its free fall but the American company goes ahead and launches a sedan that many...

Utut loses in world chess c'ships

Utut loses in world chess c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto suffered his first defeat at the world chess championships in Groningen, the Netherlands, Thursday.Utut's defeat came in the first game of the second against GM Peter Svidler of Russia on the 44th move.

Aid to Korea should be raised to $100b: Analysts

Aid to Korea should be raised to $100b: Analysts SINGAPORE (Reuters): The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) US$57 billion aid package for South Korea is not nearly big enough to plug Seoul's vast short-term debt gap and needs to be substantially increased, analysts said yesterday.

Do we have to import rice?

Do we have to import rice? In Indonesia rice is a vital commodity and there are worried rumors if there is a shortage of it or prices soar beyond control. The government realizes this and always keeps a close watch on the rice situation.

Airport police chief fired for extortion

Airport police chief fired for extortion TANGERANG (JP): The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport police subprecinct chief has been fired for allegedly extorting money from two foreign passengers suspected to be smugglers, raising the number of senior officer dismissals in Tangerang to three over...

Economic woes to top ASEAN summit agenda

Economic woes to top ASEAN summit agenda KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Asian leaders, who helped foster rapid growth with a philosophy of cooperation without interference in each other's affairs, are facing some cold, hard realities.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) conversion rates on Dec. 12, 1997: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 4,800.00 5,200.00Austrian shilling 384.30 450.00Australian dollar 3,280.00 3,581.80Belgian franc 135.80 147.80Canadian dollar 3,473.10 3,771.

ABRI blames rumors for monetary crisis

ABRI blames rumors for monetary crisis JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) is blaming Indonesia's weakening monetary situation on certain groups who are spreading malicious rumors to wane the economy.

Rupiah breaks 5,000 barrier against the U.S. greenback

Rupiah breaks 5,000 barrier against the U.S. greenback JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah and the stock market plunged to new uncharted lows yesterday on regional weaknesses and news that President Soeharto would cancel his trip to Kuala Lumpur, dealers and stockbrokers said.

Students demand Latief quit over misuse of funds

Students demand Latief quit over misuse of funds YOGYAKARTA (JP): After several days of lull, Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief has again become the target of harsh criticism over the alleged misuse of workers' insurance funds for the deliberation of the manpower bill.

S'pore oil spill captain charged

S'pore oil spill captain charged SINGAPORE (Reuters): Prosecutors laid yesterday a second charge against the captain of a ship involved in a tanker collision that spewed almost 29,000 tons of oil into the Singapore Strait.

Lament for minor languages

Lament for minor languagesBy A. Chaedar Alwasilah BANDUNG (JP): All countries have their own language policies to ascertain that the languages used facilitate national development. In the case of Indonesia, language planning should address three different areas -- the national language, ethnic...

Australia students questioned

Australia students questioned SEMARANG, Central Java: Two Australian students, Stuart Munckton, 20, and Mary Little, 21, have been questioned by immigration officials following involvement in a demonstration during Wednesday's Human Rights Day.

Hoyer-Larsen meets Dong in GP Finals semis

Hoyer-Larsen meets Dong in GP Finals semis JAKARTA (JP): So close but yet so far. Hermawan Susanto was on the verge of qualifying for the semifinals of the 1997 Lipton World Grand Prix Badminton Finals at the Senayan Indoor Stadium yesterday but the 1996 Olympic gold medalist Poul-Erik Hoyer-...

East Java govt to help divorcees

East Java govt to help divorcees SURABAYA (JP): The East Java government has decided to provide training and Rp 200,000 (US$44) in business capital to every divorced woman or widow in the province, in an effort to curb prostitution.

Daewoo-Ssangyong deal a boon for customers

Daewoo-Ssangyong deal a boon for customersBy John Aglionby DAEWOO's takeover of Ssangyong Motor should benefit all concerned, the Ssangyong distributor in Indonesia believes.Angky Camaro, the managing director of Indomobil, which includes Ssangyong in its stable, is confident that the deal between...

Asian stock markets dip at the end of bruising week

Asian stock markets dip at the end of bruising week HONG KONG (AFP): Most Asia-Pacific stock markets closed lower yesterday at the end of a bruising week spent under the shadow of South Korea's deepening financial turmoil.

Bridgestone may raise tire prices 30% next year

Bridgestone may raise tire prices 30% next year JAKARTA (JP): PT Bridgestone Tire Indonesia said yesterday it may have to raise the price of its products 30 percent next year to meet increasing production costs.The tire company's marketing director, H.

Japanese divers go missing

Japanese divers go missing UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Police are still searching the waters for five Japanese and one Indonesian diver missing after a dive near Betang Island yesterday afternoon.The divers were reported missing in the afternoon, lost on their second dive of the day yesterday,...

Hardships prompt citizens to pawn their valuables

Hardships prompt citizens to pawn their valuables JAKARTA (JP): The number of people hocking their belongings at state-run pawnshops in the city has skyrocketed in the lead up to the festive season, an official said yesterday.

Mar'ie and Rubin discuss RI's IMF package

Mar'ie and Rubin discuss RI's IMF package WASHINGTON (AP): U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and Indonesian Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad on Thursday discussed implementation of a US$23 billion rescue package the IMF arranged for Indonesia in October.

RI one of the cheapest business locations

RI one of the cheapest business locations LONDON (AFP): Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, three economies that have been ravaged by the financial turmoil, are among the world's most inexpensive business locations, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said.

ABRI won't tolerate voting, walkouts

ABRI won't tolerate voting, walkouts BANDUNG (JP): The Armed Forces forewarned yesterday those seeking to disrupt March's People's General Assembly (MPR) by "excessive" interruptions, walking out of meetings, or taking votes.Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.12, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 650 -100 8,500 AHAP Insurance 625 0 0 Alter Abadi 400 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 175 -50 5,878,500 Alumindo...

PPP to select would-be leaders

PPP to select would-be leaders JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) has promised it will carefully select presidential and vice presidential candidates for 1998/2003 and will name only deserving people to be brought to the People's Consultative Assembly next March.

Guard killed while patrolling factory

Guard killed while patrolling factory JAKARTA (JP): A security guard for a factory in Bekasi was found dead early yesterday with at least eight stab wounds in his body, a police officer said.Second Lt. Saut Gultom of Bekasi Police precinct said that Sunarto, 45, was killed by a group of people, who...

Former employee deceives workers

Former employee deceives workers JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested a former employee of state- owned telecommunications firm PT Telkom office in Jakarta for deceiving at least 13 would-be job applicants, a Telkom executive said yesterday.Deputy head of the Jakarta office Jimmy R.

Police confiscate 70 kg of marijuana from ship passenger

Police confiscate 70 kg of marijuana from ship passenger JAKARTA (JP): Tanjung Priok Port Police arrested a ship passenger arriving from Medan, North Sumatra, for allegedly possessing 70 kilograms of marijuana, police said.The port police chief, Lt. Col.

Lippo Securities' profit surges to Rp 236 billion

Lippo Securities' profit surges to Rp 236 billion JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed securities firm PT Lippo Securities announced yesterday that its consolidated operating profit surged 600 percent to Rp 236 billion (US$52.44 million) in the first nine months of this year.

Thailand not to seek easing of IMF conditions

Thailand not to seek easing of IMF conditions BANGKOK (AFP): Premier Chuan Leekpai has vowed Bangkok would not seek an easing of its IMF bailout conditions, despite Thai currency and stock markets receiving another beating, a report said yesterday.

Reality bites for 'MTV' video jockeys

Reality bites for 'MTV' video jockeys JAKARTA (JP): Say video jockey, and several thoughts come to mind -- a gabbing cutie on TV, Donna Karan leather jackets and Manolo Blahniks, a bespectacled music buff, money, a great social life, designer Mickey Mouse goggles or a Spice Girls' interview.

Bank Lippo receives ISO 9001

Bank Lippo receives ISO 9001 JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Lippo of the widely diversified Lippo Group has received the ISO 9001 certificate for the quality of its automatic telling machinery (ATM) system and its data center operations.

UN member reports on E. Timor visit

UN member reports on E. Timor visit DILI, East Timor: A visiting member of the United Nations subcommission on the prevention of discrimination and protection of minorities, Miguel Alfonso Martinez, called yesterday for a realistic view of East Timor.

What's wrong with Indonesian films?

What's wrong with Indonesian films?From MerdekaThe Indonesian film world is seriously sick and there is no remedy for it. It is in very poor condition and awakes only occasionally. The question is how for long will it be sick? When will it be healthy?Actually the national film industries of other...

Khatami wins boost from Islamic summit

Khatami wins boost from Islamic summitBy Paul Taylor TEHRAN (Reuters): An Islamic summit in Tehran gave a strong boost to Iran's new President Mohammad Khatami and showed Iranians the welcome they can expect on the world stage if they eschew harsh anti-Western rhetoric.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Impressions of Indonesia by Hetty Ansing at the Nusantara Gallery, Jl. Arteri Raya, Paradiso Executive Complex, Central Jakarta, until Jan. 10. * Painting Exhibition: Nuansa Cakrawala, by Rieta Yoedho, A. Malik A., Emily D.

Two Indonesian VJs rise from pack to 'MTV' screens

Two Indonesian VJs rise from pack to 'MTV' screensBy Yogita Tahil Ramani and Edith Hartanto JAKARTA (JP): A bevy of beautiful women dance and jiggle in white, short T-shirts. As the Spice Girls blare out girl power commands to "shake it to the left, shake it to the right", the eight dancers...

Try laments RI's human resources

Try laments RI's human resources JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno expressed concern yesterday about the worrisome quality of Indonesia's human resources development.Citing a 1997 United Nations Development Program report on human development, Try said Indonesia ranked only 99th out of 175...

Annan to visit Malaysia

Annan to visit Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will arrive here tomorrow for a four-day visit, coinciding with an East Asian summit, reports said yesterday.Annan, accompanied by his wife and UN officials, is scheduled to meet Malaysian King Tuanku Jaa'far...

Soeharto cancels KL summit trip

Soeharto cancels KL summit trip JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has canceled his trip to Kuala Lumpur for the 30th commemorative summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) next week.

33% cut in number of airport taxis

33% cut in number of airport taxis JAKARTA (JP): The management of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has announced its plan to reduce the number of taxis serving the airport from 3,000 to 2,000 as of next month.

Passengers upset over retroactive hike in airfares

Passengers upset over retroactive hike in airfares NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Air passengers at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta and the Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali were upset over an unexpected retroactive increase in airfares which became effective yesterday.

Justice minister condemns arrest of prosecutors

Justice minister condemns arrest of prosecutors JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman yesterday criticized the way police arrested and questioned employees of the Jakarta Provincial Prosecutor's Office for their alleged involvement in manipulating witnesses' testimonies.

East Timorese get death for ambush

East Timorese get death for ambush JAKARTA (JP): A district court sentenced to death two East Timorese separatist rebels Thursday for their involvement in a May 30 ambush which killed 17 security personnel in Baucau regency, East Timor.

Appointment with danger

Appointment with danger Shocking news stories come to light almost every day here and this tendency has made our people too busy to decide which dreadful experiences are worth learning from to prevent future disasters.

Patmawati, Winarni get Rp 50m bonus

Patmawati, Winarni get Rp 50m bonus JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar handed over Rp 50 million bonuses to weight lifters Patmawati and Winarni after they won gold medals in the World Weight lifting Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Hit-and-run taxi driver kills school student

Hit-and-run taxi driver kills school student JAKARTA (JP): A taxi driver, who tried to flee after allegedly hitting a 14-year-old boy on Jl. Raya Bekasi in East Jakarta, was caught a few hours later by a motorist who gave chase.