Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 May 1997

64 articles found

PPP to complain to rights body over police beatings

PPP to complain to rights body over police beatings SURABAYA (JP): The United Development Party's (PPP) local chapter plans to lodge a complaint with the National Commission on Human Rights over security personnel's alleged mistreatment of its supporters in Pasuruan, East Java. "We're receiving reports from people who were detained for questioning (over a campaign clash) and beaten up by security personnel," said chapter chairman Syumli Sadli.

Chavalit confirms U.S. satellite deal

Chavalit confirms U.S. satellite deal BANGKOK (DPA): Thailand has agreed to grant the United States use of its satellite orbital slots in exchange for free use of six transponders on a U.S. satellite, Thai Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said yesterday. Chavalit claimed that Thailand would soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the United States which would guarantee the government or Thai military free use of the satellite.

Danamon, Setdco plan Kuningan superblock

Danamon, Setdco plan Kuningan superblock JAKARTA (JP): PT Bentala Sanggrahan of the Danamon Group and PT Setdco Graha Mandura of the Setdco Group have set up a joint venture to build an 8.4-hectare superblock in Kuningan, Central Jakarta, with a total investment of US$250 million. Budi Mardianto, a director of the joint venture company, PT Bentala Mahaya, said the newly established firm would be 60 percent owned by the Danamon Group and 40 percent by the Setdco Group.

Chicago Ribs serves up hearty but uninspired fare

Chicago Ribs serves up hearty but uninspired fare I knew I was entering familiar dining territory as we walked into Chicago Ribs in the BRI II Center Park building on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. The bracing feeling of having passed this way many times before was not evoked by the aromas of food (none was particularly distinct) nor the wall-to-wall gallery of photographs of Hollywood stars of yesteryear.

'Yellow fever' hits prison island

'Yellow fever' hits prison island CILACAP, Central Java: The United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have no place on the notorious prison island of Nusa Kambangan. In this campaign, only Golkar's yellow flags flutter on the island which has four prisons with 500 hard-core criminals under lock and key. In the 1992 election, Golkar won up to 97 percent of votes cast on the island in the Indian Ocean off Cilacap.

E. Timor animal husbandry luring

E. Timor animal husbandry luring DILI: An official from the Communication Forum of East Timor/West Nusa Tenggara -- Darwin, Manuel Viegas Carrascalao, has said that Darwin (Australia) businesspeople are interested in developing animal husbandry in East Timor. Carrascalao, forum chairman for the East Timor region, said Monday that a ranch might be developed in the southern part of East Timor. He said that telephone contacts have been made between him and Australian businesspeople.

S. Sumatra coal exports up

S. Sumatra coal exports up JAKARTA (JP): South Sumatra exported 63,608 tons of coal worth US$2.28 million in February, up from 50,817 tons at $1.82 million in January, Antara reported yesterday. Head of South Sumatra's industry and trade office, Hariasa Adiwijata, told the news agency Monday that the February exports went to Malaysia, while the January exports were sent to Malaysia (with a foreign exchange earning of $1.58 million) and Thailand ($238,563).

3,000 rally against privatization

3,000 rally against privatization BANGKOK (AFP): Three thousand employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) rallied at Government House yesterday to protest plans by the cabinet to privatize the state agency. "We don't want the cabinet to cancel the privatization of EGAT but we want it to suspend (the action) until we are sure that it will not increase the price of electricity," said Thammayouph Southivavichai, president of the EGAT labor union.

PPP lobbies Megawati to join its campaign

PPP lobbies Megawati to join its campaign JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to improve its election performance, the United Development Party (PPP) intensified its campaign yesterday to win over Megawati Soekarnoputri to its cause. The Moslem-based PPP sent Mudrick Sangidoe, its Surakarta branch chief, to meet with the ousted PDI leader at her residence in South Jakarta last night.

Widows to visit husbands' graves in East Timor

Widows to visit husbands' graves in East Timor JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto ordered Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung yesterday to provide transportation for families of ABRI members killed in military operations in East Timor. The order was an answer by President Soeharto to the request of widows who wanted to see their husbands' graveyards in East Timor.

Golkar pledges orderly campaigns

Golkar pledges orderly campaigns JAKARTA (JP): Golkar, which the government has reprimanded for rowdy convoys, pledged yesterday to win public sympathy by campaigning orderly. Golkar Chairman Harmoko said Golkar, which has been in power since 1971, would depend on indoor rallies with limited audiences rather than massive street rallies.

13 banks ordered to finance Timor car project

13 banks ordered to finance Timor car project JAKARTA (JP): The government has ordered three state banks and 10 private banks to lend US$1.3 billion to the producer of the country's so-called national car, PT Timor Putra Nasional. Coordinating Minister for Economic and Finance Saleh Afiff confirmed that the consortium of 13 banks would be directly supervised by the central bank's governor, J. Soedrajad Djiwandono.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Horison Hotel, Jl. Pelajar Pejuang 45 No. 121, Maskumambang 8 Buah Batu: - Spec's Music Lounge and Karaoke, at 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., P&P Band and Flower Power Band, Wednesday, Saturday; Organist and Singer, daily. - Malabar Coffee Shop; New Name Vocal Group, Tarambo Vocal Group, Rotama Vocal Group, open 24 hours. - Lobby, Jaipongan Dance, Saturday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. * Chedi Hotel, Jl. Rancabentang 56-58: Job (Pianist), Monday to Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Red Cross brings clean water, health program to East Timorese

Red Cross brings clean water, health program to East Timorese By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat Tomorrow the world celebrates Red Cross day. To commemorate the occasion The Jakarta Post takes a glimpse at the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in East Timor concerning a clean water and health program, along with the more sensitive issue of detention visits. BILUMAHALO, East Timor (JP): Mothers and children gather at the village center.

Government wants 10 percent of Newmont's gold: Minister

Government wants 10 percent of Newmont's gold: Minister JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government has asked for a 10 percent share in the Batu Hijau gold mine in West Nusa Tenggara, controlled by a subsidiary of the U.S. Newmont Mining Corp. Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana said: "It's only a request. Newmont has the right to reject the request and stick to the terms of its contract of work." "We don't mind if it rejects the request.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 2-3, South Jakarta: - Semanggi Lounge; Classic Guitar Melodies with Nelson Rumantir, daily except Sunday, 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., Pauli Yahya (Pianist), Monday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Mullova Chamber Music String Quartet - semi classical and romantic hits, daily except Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Josef G. Mualim (Pianist), every night, except Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Canadian companies get black eye from Bre-X fraud

Canadian companies get black eye from Bre-X fraud TORONTO (Reuter): Canada's reputation as a hotbed for international mining finance got hammered on Monday after a report revealed that Bre-X Minerals Ltd.'s celebrated Indonesian gold find was a spectacular fraud.

Aberson says his indictment is inaccurate

Aberson says his indictment is inaccurate JAKARTA (JP): A legislator, charged with defaming President Soeharto, said yesterday his statements quoted in the prosecutor's indictment were inaccurate. Aberson Marle Sihaloho, a member of the House of Representatives from the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), told the Central Jakarta District Court that none of the quotations were accurate because they had been reedited in a such a way that they lost their essence.

YASCO organizing party for singles

YASCO organizing party for singles JAKARTA (JP): If you are spouseless, older than 21 years old and have nothing to do this Saturday night, the Scorpio Foundation (YASCO) is organizing a party for singles at the Kartika Chandra Hotel. All singles, including widows and widowers, will have a chance to meet the desire of their dreams at a party held to celebrate YASCO's 23rd anniversary. According to YASCO chief executive H.M.S.

Ramos leaves for trip to Americas

Ramos leaves for trip to Americas MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos left for a working trip to the United States and state visits to Panama and Mexico yesterday. Ramos, accompanied by his wife Amelita, Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon, Trade Secretary Cesar Bautista and Press Secretary Hector Villanueva and a high-powered 86-member business delegation, departed Manila shortly after noon (0400 GMT) for Los Angeles.

PDI chief Soerjadi denies losing public sympathy

PDI chief Soerjadi denies losing public sympathy DONGGALA, Central Sulawesi (JP): The government-sanctioned faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) insisted yesterday that it had not lost the public's support despite the party's split. PDI chairman Soerjadi told 15,000 people at the Donggala soccer field here that huge turnouts at the faction's rallies proved the split had not affected the party's support. "This reality should open the eyes of those who underestimate PDI.

Pegadaian's rating outlook

Pegadaian's rating outlook JAKARTA (JP): Local credit rating agency, PT Pefindo, has said it is considering upgrading the BBB rating of the bond issued by state-owned pawn company Perum Pegadaian. Pefindo said its was considering the upgrade because the company's performance had improved. "The company's operating profit to average assets was above 5 percent last year, which is considered one of the best of the local financial institutions," it said.

Local products

Local products I am writing in reference to the editorial Championing local products which was published on May 2. Your recommendation for the government's extension of long-term, low interest loans to the buyers of capital goods through the central and state banks is indeed laudable, but inadequate.

Reclamation project study 'still in process'

Reclamation project study 'still in process' JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the North Jakarta Reclamation Project board said yesterday he had not been informed of the rejection of any of the project's regional environmental impact studies. M. Sidharta, was responding to yesterday's report in the Bisnis Indonesia daily that the Environmental Impact Management Agency, Bapedal, had rejected the project's initial regional environmental impact study. "We don't know about the rejection.

SEA Games stickers

SEA Games stickers From Bisnis Indonesia Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana says that the purchase of SEA Games stickers is voluntary. Fellow ministers should do the same, including the Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications. At Juanda Airport, Surabaya, each passenger is compelled to buy a SEAG sticker for Rp 1,000.

Surjadi installs new spokesperson

Surjadi installs new spokesperson JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja urged the city's new spokesperson to foster better communication with the press in order to improve the city's image. "Synergy would prevent misunderstandings caused by incomplete information," Surjadi said after installing four new officials yesterday.

Activist walks out of courtroom

Activist walks out of courtroom JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court continued a hearing on Monday despite the weak condition of an activist who has refrained from eating since Thursday. Presiding judge I Made Somya decided to continue the hearing even though defendant I Gusti Anom Astika said he was ill. His condition, the judge said, was made by his intentional action, so court proceedings were allowed to continue.

Sorong needs more electricity

Sorong needs more electricity SORONG, Irian Jaya: Only 31 out of 266 villages in Sorong regency, Irian Jaya, have been provided with electricity, the head of the local state-owned electricity company (PLN) said here yesterday. The lack of money has been the main obstacle for the electricity company in order to expand its services to other villages, said local PLN office head Suparyono.

Gold fluctuates as Busang effect ebbs

Gold fluctuates as Busang effect ebbs LONDON (Reuter): Gold prices were higher in London but surrendered some of the gains racked up in New York as the effect of the uncovering of the fraudulent claims for the Busang gold deposit faded away.

RI selects SEA Games volleyball team

RI selects SEA Games volleyball team JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Association selected its 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games men's indoor final team on May 1, volleyball training director, Sutardiono, said yesterday. "The selection is based on the evaluation of their physical condition and technical skills through tryouts with local teams in Yogyakarta and Bandung," he said.

Djajanti buys fishing firm

Djajanti buys fishing firm JAKARTA (JP): The Djajanti Group has taken over PT MTI, a large foreign fishing joint venture in Biak, Irian Jaya, that had stopped operation and dismissed its employees, an official said yesterday. The head of Biak's manpower office, Samuel Pademme, was quoted by Antara as saying in Biak that the Djajanti Group would pay Rp 1.3 billion (US$534,759) in dismissal compensation for 698 ex- employees of PT MTI, which used to operate Irian Jaya's first tuna canning factory.

Improving workers' skills important: GE executive

Improving workers' skills important: GE executive SURABAYA (JP): PT GE Lighting Indonesia, a lighting producer owned by the U.S. General Electric, believes improving workers' skills and welfare is one of the most important strategies in raising its market share in the country. Company president, Paul Morse, said here yesterday that a company was required not just to operate modern equipment and facilities but also to improve its employees skills to boost sales.

Hari Darmawan buys another 5 percent of Multipolar

Hari Darmawan buys another 5 percent of Multipolar JAKARTA (JP): President of the publicly listed Matahari Putra Prima, Hari Darmawan, bought yesterday another 5 percent of Multipolar through his investment firm PT Haritama Bakti Persada. The purchase increased Hari's stake in Multipolar to 10 percent. Last month, Hari announced he would buy 10 percent of Multipolar for Rp 56 billion (US$23.52 million).

Water company hotline

Water company hotline JAKARTA (JP): City-owned water company PAM Jaya has installed a hotline telephone number to attract more consumers, company director Rama Budi said yesterday. "A week after installing the hotline, we have gained 1,000 new customers," Rama said. He said the company has targeted 40,000 new customers this year, an increase above the 27,000 customers they has last year. Interested customers could call the hotline number 572-222, he said. (ste)

Bakun dam boss sues journalist

Bakun dam boss sues journalist KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The chairman of Malaysia's mammoth Bakun dam project has sued a local journalist for 100 million ringgit (US$40 million) for defaming him on the Internet, legal sources said yesterday. The suit by Ekran Bhd. executive chairman Ting Pek Khiing was filed against freelance journalist M.G.G. Pillai last Friday at the High Court in eastern Sarawak state on Borneo, the source told AFP.

Siswanto faces death sentence

Siswanto faces death sentence JAKARTA (JP): The prosecutor demanded that the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence Siswanto to death for murdering six boys after sodomizing them. Prosecutor Suriansah said Siswanto alias Robot Gedek, 33, was guilty of first degree murder under article 65 of the Criminal Code, which carries the death penalty.

Political revival seen as most important theme

Political revival seen as most important theme JAKARTA (JP): The most significant thing to come out of the election campaign so far is the need for political revitalization, political observer J. Kristiadi said yesterday. Kristiadi, from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the fight against corruption, collusion and nepotism and other campaign themes were now insignificant because the public was unlikely to believe there would be substantial change.

PPP supporters' violence incited by outsiders: Tosari

PPP supporters' violence incited by outsiders: Tosari JAKARTA (JP): An United Development Party (PPP) leader defended yesterday the party's supporters accused of campaign violence and vandalism by saying "outsiders" had provoked them. PPP Secretary-general Tosari Widjaya said PPP supporters had clashed mostly with Golkar supporters and some Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) supporters after being stirred by unknown groups. Tosari said he agreed with Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 6, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 7,500 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 75,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 -25 152,500 Alumindo Perkasa 750 0 36,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,150 25 414,000 Anwar Sierad 825 0 223,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Ascension Day of Jesus Christ and the Islamic New Year, The Jakarta Post will not be published tomorrow. The Post will reappear on Friday. -- Editor

Golkar hat causes trouble

Golkar hat causes trouble BOGOR, West Java: A roadside vendor and a Golkar supporter almost came to blows yesterday over a yellow hat bearing a picture of a banyan tree, the symbol of Golkar. The Golkar supporter, taking part in a convoy, snatched one of the hats piled up on a pavement because he thought they were provided for free by a rally committee. The trader chased and caught up with the supporter.

Belo won't vote, says governor

Belo won't vote, says governor DILI, East Timor (JP): Dili Bishop Filipe Carlos Ximenes Belo has confirmed he won't vote in the May 29 general election because he will be in the United States, East Timor Governor Abilio Soares said yesterday. Soares, while welcoming Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas at Komoro airport, told reporters that Belo would be on his way to Washington from New York on the day that more than 124 million Indonesians will cast their votes.

Telagamas, Cipta tie up

Telagamas, Cipta tie up JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Telagamas Pertiwi, a producer of shoes and related components, has agreed to take over 40 percent of finance company PT Cipta Inti Multiperdana to diversify its business into consumer financing. Telagamas' president Sutikno said yesterday the company had signed an agreement last Friday to acquire the stake from PT Ometraco Arthaguna, PT Cipta's owner.

Hale-Bopp above again

Hale-Bopp above again BANDUNG: Bandung-based Boscha Observatory has not yet seen the Hale-Bopp commet but a South Kalimantan man claims to have seen it with the naked eye. The man, Iriano, telephoned Prof. Bambang Hidayat at the observatory to say he had seen the commet at 7:15 p.m. local time Sunday, Antara reported Monday. Iriano said the commet could be seen in the northwest after sunset when the weather was bright. "I am waiting for more information from Irianto.

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 7, 1997:

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 7, 1997: Party Campaign area Important campaigners ------------------------------------------------------------- PPP Kalimantan, Sulawesi Aisyah Aminy, Hamzah Haz, Yudo Paripurno, Zain Badjeber, Alawy Muhammad, Djafar Siddiq Golkar Sumatra, Bali, West and Harmoko, Abdul Gafur, Pontjo Sutowo, East Nusa Tenggara, Burhan Magenda, Fahmi Idris, Tantyo East Timor Sudharmono, Awaloedin Djamin, Alamsyah R.

Ginandjar learns 'dangndut' dancing

Ginandjar learns 'dangndut' dancing TASIKMALAYA, West Java: State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita is proud of learning how to dance yesterday to Dangndut music, often sneered at as music for poor people with no taste. After addressing a huge Golkar rally, Ginandjar joined a crowd dancing on the stage to a live performance by local musicians. "This is the first time that I have learned to dance," he told The Jakarta Post afterwards.

TV programs

TV programs Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Family's Film: Road to Avonlea 3:10 Children's Program: Anak-Anak Indonesia 3:35 Talk Show: Kotak Pos 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:10 TV Series: Topacio 5:55 Music 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Campaign Program 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Quiz: Dewasa 8:30 Technology Program 9:00...

RP to benefit from Busang hoax

RP to benefit from Busang hoax MANILA (AFP): The Philippines expects to lure foreign mining firms following revelations that the world's biggest gold find in Indonesia is a hoax, a senior government official said yesterday. "What it vindicates is the kind of transparency of the decision-making process we follow here," said Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Antonio La Vina. "The chance of a fiasco like that in Busang to happen (in the Philippines) will be nil," he said.

The Bern Convention

The Bern Convention Barring some unforeseen circumstances, it now appears certain that Indonesia will soon -- probably in a matter of days -- ratify the 1886 Bern Convention on copyright protection. The intention was announced Monday by the vice cabinet secretary of the State Secretariat, Bambang Kesowo.

The Busang hoax

The Busang hoax The controversy over the Busang gold mine has come to an anticlimactic end. Bre-X, the Canadian company which claimed to have discovered the world's richest gold deposit in the hinterland of East Kalimantan, has announced the findings of an independent analysis, which says that no commercially feasible gold deposit has been found in the Busang area.

Golkar politician fed up with Golkar

Golkar politician fed up with Golkar DILI: Golkar politician Manuel Viegas Carrascalao says he is losing faith in the party's East Timor chapter, which he has represented for 15 years. Carrascalao, a former Portuguese member of parliament, said Monday that Golkar had picked unpopular candidates to represent locals in the provincial legislative council. "I'm very disappointed because Golkar has chosen figures that people hate representing them in the council," he said.

Linda Finch arrives here on round-world flight

Linda Finch arrives here on round-world flight JAKARTA (JP): Linda Finch, an American aviator who plans to be the first woman to fly around the world along the equator in a 1935 Lockheed Electra 10E, landed smoothly here yesterday at 2:05 p.m., where she was greeted by a gentle wind at Halim Perdanakusumah Airport in East Jakarta. After refueling, she taxied the 62-year-old airplane to a runway where she was welcomed by a crowd, including U.S. Ambassador J.

Myth of strong state under threat

Myth of strong state under threat Political scientist Cornelis LAY from the Yogyakarta-based University of Gadjah Mada says state symbols have become the target of people's resentment in recent years and the government should promptly remedy the situation. YOGYAKARTA (JP): For a long time the New Order government has been considered a strong state.

UN Council reform questioned

UN Council reform questioned By Omar Halim JAKARTA (JP): The intense pressure which Germany and Japan have exerted to become permanent members of the Security Council and the air of reform circulating these days in the United Nations has made the issue a major focus of discussions.

Tancho shareholders get bonus dividends

Tancho shareholders get bonus dividends JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Tancho Indonesia, a producer of cosmetics, perfumes and plastic goods, will pay dividends of Rp 300 (12.5 U.S. cent) a share and give two-for-one bonus shares to its shareholders. Tancho's president Norimoto Asagiri said yesterday at the company's annual shareholders' meeting that Tancho would distribute the dividend on June 9.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Paintings JP/msa PAINTING EXPO: Ati Wardiman (second left), the wife of Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, looks at one of Satya Graha's paintings on display at Lontar Gallery in Jakarta. She opened the exhibition last Thursday in a ceremony also attended by German Ambassador Heinrich Seeman (right) and his wife Karin (second right). The exhibition closes on June 4.

ICRC help protect and safeguard detainees' rights

ICRC help protect and safeguard detainees' rights DILI, East Timor (JP): A woman once came to the ICRC office here to report that her relative was missing and she believed he had been detained. The ICRC delegate directed her to first inquire at the local military post. She did so and found an officer who kindly explained the reason for her relative's detention and provided a written verification of his well-being.

3.2 kg of heroin seized

3.2 kg of heroin seized JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested five people yesterday and confiscated 3.2 kilograms of heroin and Rp 20 million in cash in West Jakarta. Four men and one woman were arrested at Graha Medika private hospital in Kebon Jeruk where they were about to conduct a transaction in the hospital yesterday afternoon, police said. Hospital sources said one of the suspects, identified as RS, had been treated there and had just been released. His ailment was not clear.

Goh Chok Tong demands $900,000 in libel damages

Goh Chok Tong demands $900,000 in libel damages SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong demanded more than Singapore $1 million in libel damages yesterday from an opposition politician he sued for calling the island's political leadership liars.

Damansara-Sakato property

Damansara-Sakato property KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian property developer Damansara Realty Bhd said yesterday it had entered into a joint venture agreement with Indonesia's P.T. Andalas Tuah Sakato for a quarry in Indonesia. "The joint venture company will focus on quarrying and extraction of marble and other dimension stones for sale," said Damansara Realty in a statement issued to the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.

Bringing UN closer to Southeast Asia region

Bringing UN closer to Southeast Asia region By A.K.P. Mochtan JAKARTA (JP): Southeast Asia is performing well. The region is politically stable and cohesive despite many unresolved territorial claims. New processes and fora are underway to further ensure the creation of a predictable and constructive politico-strategic environment. The most important feature of these processes and fora is perhaps their inclusiveness: they include all the major actors around the region.

Life vests spark protest

Life vests spark protest MATARAM: In the political war of colors, even yellow life vests are raising eyebrows because yellow is the color of Golkar. Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chief Soerjadi protested the vests' color on his flight Monday from Lombok to Surabaya. A Merpati Nusantara flight attendant was about to demonstrate the use of life vests in emergencies when Soerjadi, whose party's color is red, stopped her. "Do you have any other colors?

Bre-X's operations in Indonesia frozen

Bre-X's operations in Indonesia frozen JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government froze yesterday the Bre-X Minerals Ltd and its subsidiaries' activities in Indonesia and is set to tighten rules on gold prospectors. Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana announced the measures after a report by independent consultant Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd on Sunday that said what Bre-X's had claimed was the century's largest gold find at Busang in East Kalimantan was a hoax.

JSX shares gain ground on surge in Wall Street

JSX shares gain ground on surge in Wall Street JAKARTA (JP): Trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) gained ground yesterday on the back of psychological support from an increase in the Dow Jones Industrial index and a sustained buying of selected blue chips, brokers and securities analysts said yesterday. The Dow Jones industrial index rose by 143 points to 7.214 Monday sending good sentiment to regional markets including Indonesia's, the brokers said.