Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 September 1997

67 articles found

Currencies fall in tandem with stock markets

Currencies fall in tandem with stock markets SINGAPORE (AFP): Southeast Asian currencies tumbled yesterday in tandem with stock markets, triggering fears of a fresh slide as Thailand faced a new credit risk review and political uncertainty gripped the Philippines. After a short-lived regional rally, the Thai baht and Philippine peso's woes spilled over to neighbors as players found new excuses to take profits and buy up the U.S. dollar.

IPB activities halted after student clash

IPB activities halted after student clash JAKARTA (JP): The rector of Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), Professor Soleh Solahuddin, temporarily stopped lessons at the campus yesterday following a clash involving hundreds of students on Tuesday. "We hope that the lecture activities will return to normal on Thursday (today)," Soleh told a press conference at the state- owned institute's Darmaga campus. The institute is widely recognized as one of the top universities in the country.

Aneka Tambang not affected by rupiah depreciation

Aneka Tambang not affected by rupiah depreciation JAKARTA (JP): State-owned nickel and gold producer PT Aneka Tambang is not adversely affected by the rupiah depreciation because most of the company's products are destined for export, a senior official said. Aneka Tambang's Finance Director Ki Agus Umar Tochfa said yesterday the rupiah's depreciation against the American dollar since July did not have a significant impact on the company.

SE Asian cocoa prices mixed over El-Nino concern

SE Asian cocoa prices mixed over El-Nino concern KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian and Indonesian cocoa prices were mixed this week and concern was growing in both countries about the recent weather extremes thought to be the effect of the El-Nino phenomenon, traders said. "There are signs and symptoms of the El-Nino effect here," a veteran cocoa dealer in Sabah, Malaysia's largest cocoa-producing state on Borneo island, told Reuters yesterday.

City vows to go ahead with Blok P cemetery relocation

City vows to go ahead with Blok P cemetery relocation JAKARTA (JP): Despite objections from city councilors, the municipality will continue the relocation of Blok P cemetery in South Jakarta to make way for the mayoralty's new office. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that the plan would go ahead because, in the long-term, the new office would improve administrative services for the public. "The plan isn't to show that the municipality is more powerful than the public. Not at all.

When haze becomes hazier

When haze becomes hazier The Indonesian government and those of neighboring countries have been extremely worried by the serious impact of the haze coming from burning forests in Kalimantan and Sumatra. But those involved in the making of the "environmental apocalypse" apparently remain unrepentant. The haze, covering a vast area of Southeast Asia, is not only feared as a health hazard but has also caused limited visibility in Kalimantan, Sumatra, Malaysia and Singapore.

Asian tigers fade, U.S. investors wise up

Asian tigers fade, U.S. investors wise up By Nailene Chou Wiest NEW YORK (Reuter): U.S. investors have woken up to new realities in Southeast Asia, where currencies swing, stock markets slump, recession threatens and economic nationalism may be rearing its head. The unraveling of the Asian economic miracle has taken some weeks to sink in, during which even the most upbeat U.S. experts turned pessimistic.

Ung Hoat invited to SEA Games opening

Ung Hoat invited to SEA Games opening JAKARTA (JP): Cambodian First Prime Minister Ung Huot has been invited to attend the SEA Games opening ceremony here on Oct. 11. SEA Games organizing committee secretary Ekodjatmiko said Tuesday: "Ung is invited not in his capacity as Cambodian first prime minister, but as a SEA Games Federation council member." Ekodjatmiko further said that an invitation had been sent and Ung might attend.

Help, Telkomsel

Help, Telkomsel From Suara Pembaruan About a week ago I found could no longer use my mobile phone to make outgoing calls, although I could still receive incoming calls. Apparently, outgoing calls were being blocked by Telkomsel. I contacted Telkomsel by calling their number 8282811, and a company assistant, initial D, told me that according to the company's records I had not paid my bill for March. However, if I had, I should send, by fax, proof of payment to the company.

Six die of diarrhea

Six die of diarrhea TENGGARONG, East Kalimantan: Six residents of Kutai regency died of diarrhea in an outbreak which started in May, Antara reported yesterday. Head of the Kutai health office Said Suharmani said the six died because they failed to receive treatment in time. "They were brought to health centers in critical condition," he said. (swe)

Australian mining giant declares 'force majeure'

Australian mining giant declares 'force majeure' MELBOURNE (Reuter): Australian mining giant BHP said yesterday it had declared 'force majeure' on customers of its idle Ok Tedi copper mine in Papua New Guinea because of a drought in the South Pacific nation. BHP -- the Broken Hill Pty Co Ltd -- said the prolonged dry spell would prevent it meeting annual contracts to supply copper concentrates from the mine.

Journey into the spirit of the times of the Asmat

Journey into the spirit of the times of the Asmat By Teguh Ostenrik JAKARTA (JP): Perhaps it would be interesting to look at the problem facing Asmat art in the context of a worldwide phenomenon. May I cite the example of Montmartre, Paris, where Picasso once lived and created many of his masterpieces. And where at the same time his neighbors were busy producing "instant" art for tourists.

Asian forex, stocks to take center stage at IMF talks

Asian forex, stocks to take center stage at IMF talks WASHINGTON (Reuter): U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin on Tuesday said Southeast Asian currency and stock markets would take center stage at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Hong Kong later this month. "One of the paramount issues in the meetings in Hong Kong ... will be the currency and stock market conditions in Southeast Asia," Rubin said in an interview on Cable News Network's "Moneyline" program.

Plan replacement of medium-size buses hailed

Plan replacement of medium-size buses hailed JAKARTA (JP): The Organization of City Land Transportation Owners has welcomed the municipality's plan to replace medium- size buses -- Metromini, Kopaja and Mikrolet -- with larger vehicles. But the organization's chairman, Aip Syarifuddin, said yesterday that the plan should be publicly announced and conducted in stages. "By socializing the plan first, the city administration can, for instance, prevent protests from drivers of the medium-size buses.

Teravainen targets Ericsson Masters

Teravainen targets Ericsson Masters By Bobby Allen Wilson BINTAN, Riau (JP): Peter Teravainen is tired after an exciting run, but is planning to muster enough energy to make the US$500,000 Asia Pacific Ericsson Masters here his sixth tournament in six weeks. The 41-year-old American ended a bleak run with a victory at the Japan Open last year.

'Pakpahan's critical remark is neutral'

'Pakpahan's critical remark is neutral' JAKARTA (JP): An expert witness testified yesterday that comments made by labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan, being tried for subversion, should be regarded as neutral personal statements. Political scientist Ryaas Rashid, a witness for the prosecution, told the South Jakarta District Court that Pakpahan's statements were neutral unless he threatened to conduct a revolution.

Trakindo wins $175m order

Trakindo wins $175m order PEORIA, Ill.(Reuter): Caterpillar Inc said Tuesday its Indonesia dealer, P.T. Trakindo Utama, secured a mining equipment contract worth more than US$175 million with P.T. Newmont Nusa Tenggara. P.T. Newmont is a joint venture company, whose operating partner is Newmont Gold Co. Most of the products will be manufactured in Decatur, East Peoria, Joliet and Aurora, Ill. Delivery of the machines is scheduled to begin this fall and continue through 2002.

Garuda to stop Jakarta-Jeddah flight via Batam

Garuda to stop Jakarta-Jeddah flight via Batam JAKARTA (JP): National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will discontinue its Jakarta-Batam-Jeddah-London flights in October due to the lack of passengers. The airline's general manager for Batam Iskandar Basro said yesterday there had been a poor response to the Jakarta-Batam- Jeddah service since its launch last October.

Hockey field problems delay Games turf installation

Hockey field problems delay Games turf installation JAKARTA (JP): The SEA Games hockey field turf installation has been delayed because of a communication problem between the Indonesian Hockey Association and the Games Organizing Committee.

More confusion in Ramos row

More confusion in Ramos row MANILA (Reuter): The Philippine presidential palace issued yesterday apparently conflicting statements on whether President Fidel Ramos would step down at the end of his term next June, adding confusion to a controversy that has divided the nation. The palace said Ramos had told critics, led by Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin, on Tuesday "that there will be a smooth transfer of power when he steps down... in 1998".

Presidential prerogative?

Presidential prerogative? From Republika Recent events are a cause for heightened concern. Crime, depreciation of the rupiah and the foolish requirement of uniform shoes for high school students are just a few. I do not know if the latter action was an instruction or merely a recommendation by a government agency. It is clear our contemporary society remains submissive toward guidance from superiors, regardless whether it is an order or a suggestion.

Rupiah, stocks follow on regional weakness

Rupiah, stocks follow on regional weakness JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah and stock prices weakened yesterday following general weakness in the region, dealers and stock brokers said. The rupiah was moving in tandem with the region, with spot rupiah closing at 2,935/38 against the U.S. dollar from an opening of 2,900/15 after two days of stability at the 2,900 level. Foreign exchange dealers said general weakness in regional currencies had affected the rupiah.

Lunar eclipse in E. Timor

Lunar eclipse in E. Timor DILI, East Timor: Locals beat on electricity poles and created deafening noise to greet the lunar eclipse that appeared over East Timor on Tuesday. The noise, which started at 9 p.m. local time, could be heard in the regions of Becora, Kuluhun, Bemori, Audian, Vilaverde, Bairopite, Fatumetan and Surikmas. Local cultural observer Eugenio C.J.

Talented Aditya unravels the feminine mystique

Talented Aditya unravels the feminine mystique By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Aditya Novali's paintings could easily be mistaken for a foray by flamboyant fashion designer John Galliano into the finer fine arts. The portraits of Indonesian women currently on display at the Cafe Gallery Linggar are garishly adorned and evinced, from the swirling prints on the traditional kebaya clothing to a psychotherapist's bounty of emotions.

Economic laws must be updated: Lawyer

Economic laws must be updated: Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Noted corporate lawyer T. Mulya Lubis called on the government yesterday to update all laws related to economic activities to enable Indonesia to compete in the free market era.

Anwar announces steps to cut Malaysian deficit

Anwar announces steps to cut Malaysian deficit KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim outlined steps yesterday to slash the country's current account deficit to four percent of gross national product (GNP) by the end of next year. "For this year, we expect the deficit to be reduced to five percent and, with the adjustments we are making, it is expected to further reduce to four percent in 1998," he told a local bankers association dinner.

Govt to study reported famine

Govt to study reported famine JAKARTA (JP): The Kutai administration in East Kalimantan promised yesterday to investigate reports that villagers were starving in Long Pahangai district after crop failure because of this year's extended dry season, Antara reported. Regency spokesman Syafrudin said a team would be sent to the district, situated 300 kilometers west of Tenggarong, the capital of Kutai. "We'll check whether the reports are true.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Holiday Inn, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 33, Bandung: - Kebun Bambu Restaurant: Guitar performance, Saturday, 7:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. - Braga Bar and Lounge: Jazz live entertainment at 7:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., featuring Duet Piano and Saxophone, every Tuesday and Thursday, Piano, Saxophone and Bass, Friday, Piano, Saxophone, Bass and Singer, Saturday. - Kutilang: Traditional musics, Kecapi and Suling, daily, 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Manpower bill will be passed today

Manpower bill will be passed today JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives is scheduled to pass the manpower bill today, claiming that the controversial document has undergone radical changes after two months of deliberation. Trade unionists Bomer Pasaribu, Imam Sudarwo and Marzuki Achmad said at a press conference yesterday that the bill introduced articles aimed at protecting workers' basic rights.

Riau residents wake up to a blue sky after rain

Riau residents wake up to a blue sky after rain JAKARTA (JP): People in Pekanbaru, the provincial capital of Riau, celebrated a haze-free, sunny day yesterday after overnight heavy rain. Smoke continued to hang over the town, but it did not affect morning visibility and flights at Simpang Tiga Airport returned to normal. Two hours of rain came as a surprise to the city as Indonesia is in the midst of a prolonged dry season.

Student arrested for theft

Student arrested for theft JAKARTA (JP): A high school student has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the theft of an ojek (motorcycle taxi) in Ciputat, South Jakarta. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that the suspect, Danan Widianto Putra, 18, was arrested Tuesday night with the stolen ojek. His alleged accomplice has not been found. "Police detained him for further questioning," Aritonang said.

World palm oil output may rise

World palm oil output may rise HAMBURG (Reuter): Global palm oil production in 1998 may reach 17.9 million tons, 500,000 tons more than estimated for 1997, the independent newsletter Oil World said. This year would see the peak of the current four-year production cycle, which would be followed by slower growth in the mature area and lower yields, it said. In April, it had put global palm oil output, made from the pulp of the oil palm nut, in 1998 at 18.2 million tons.

Kemang area

Kemang area From Republika Sustainable development requires skillful human resources who are physically and mentally healthy. This is in line with the country's development objectives. It is deplorable that a handful of men -- consciously or not -- impede and even destroy the pillars of development. One of their actions is to spread moral destruction among human resources, which is the main element of the nation's development.

World class runners take part in BHIM

World class runners take part in BHIM JAKARTA (JP): American Maurice Green heads a list of thirty world ranked runners in the Bob Hasan Invitational Meet (BHIM) at Senayan Madya stadium on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20. Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association chief Bob Hasan said Tuesday that most of the foreign runners had also competed in the world athletics championships in Athens, Greece.

Little Princesses

Little Princesses Amid all the hype about Diana, I couldn't help but worry about all the little girls (mine is aged five) who live and dream in a world of princesses. Suddenly and rudely they've learned that some princesses are mortal. So, if you have a little princess in your house, give her extra attention for a while, she may need it. D. STOLTZ Bogor, West Java

PT Indal ties up with Japan

PT Indal ties up with Japan SURABAYA (JP): Publicly listed PT Indal Aluminum Industry, through its subsidiary PT Indal Investindo, has set up two joint ventures with Japanese companies to manufacture car spare parts in Gresik, East Java, and Bekasi, West Java. PT Indal Investindo signed a joint venture agreement here yesterday with Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., Toyota Tsusho Corp., and Itoh Seikoh Co. Ltd.

High school student killed in N. Jakarta street fight

High school student killed in N. Jakarta street fight JAKARTA (JP): Another senior high school student was killed yesterday during a street fight in North Jakarta, raising the death toll from student brawls to eight in less than two months. Irwanto, 16, a first year student of the private Ristek technical high school in Cakung, East Jakarta, died from severe head and back injuries. His father, Sariana, said a group of students from another school attacked Irwanto at 6 p.m.

Youths protest leader's death

Youths protest leader's death KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Dozens of youths held a protest Monday at Kalabahi Hospital in Alor regency, accusing doctors of negligence that led to the death of a community leader, Antara reported yesterday. The youths from Kolana village charged that Samson Karipui died on Aug. 30 because doctors refused to operate on him.

Seminar on board cruiser

Seminar on board cruiser JAKARTA (JP): Gramedia, Grasindo and the Jakarta Consulting Group (JCG) will jointly hold a management seminar in four cities and onboard the Awani Dream cruiser. The seminar on actual management will be held at Hotel Borobudur Inter-Continental, Jakarta on Sept 17, Hotel Shangri- La, Surabaya on Sept 23, Hotel Sahid Makasar, Ujungpandang on Sept 25, Hotel Novotel Medan, Oct 2 and Awani Dream 2 cruiser from Oct 24 to Oct. 26.

ICI boosts Indonesian presence

ICI boosts Indonesian presence JP/msa JAKARTA (JP): ICI Plc's move earlier this year to take over Unilever's chemical division will significantly boost the company's presence in Indonesia, a senior company executive said here yesterday. ICI plc vice president Peter Kirby said Unilever's chemical division, which includes Quest, Crosfield, Unichema and National Starch, has already operated in Indonesia for a long time.

RI delays boxers' trip to Hungary

RI delays boxers' trip to Hungary JAKARTA (JP): Lack of funds has forced Indonesia to postpone its plan to send boxers to the world championships in Hungary, from Oct. 18 to Oct. 26. National boxing coach Ferry Moniaga said Tuesday: "This has been decided by the Indonesian Boxing Association." "Apart from the lack of funds, the plan was also postponed because none of the boxers made a good showing at the Asian meet in Kuala Lumpur in early September," Antara quoted Ferry as saying.

Cathay adds Jakarta flights

Cathay adds Jakarta flights JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong-based air carrier Cathay Pacific plans to double its flights between Hong Kong and Jakarta to twice a day, starting Oct. 26. The airline's outgoing Indonesian manager, Gregory Hughes, was quoted by Antara as saying that Cathay would fly the Jakarta-Hong Kong route at 9:00 a.m. and 15:25 p.m. daily. He said the flight increase between the two cities was in anticipation of the increasing flow of tourists and businesspeople.

IPB holds conference

IPB holds conference BOGOR, West Java: An expert says genetic engineering has played an important role in accelerating development of agricultural products, international trade and the global environment. When applied to food technology, however, genetic engineering raises questions of safety, socioeconomic impacts and ethics, according to professor of food technology at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), F.G. Winarno.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Nuansa Decoratif by Sutopo, Djoko Maruto, Petrus Pranagung at Mon Decor Gallery, Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No.1 Blok B 13-14 Central Jakarta, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Sept. 14. * Painting Exhibition: by Sri Hadhy, Tulus Warsito, Sukriyal Sadin and Kristiyanto at Hotel Kristal Jl. Tarogong Raya, Cilandak Barat, South Jakarta, 24 hours, until Sept. 30.

'Soldier' arrested in Tangerang

'Soldier' arrested in Tangerang JAKARTA (JP): A man claiming to be a soldier has been arrested for allegedly trying to steal a motorcycle from a parking lot in Sukasari district, Tangerang, police said. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said Tuesday that the alleged thief, Deni Saifudin, was caught red-handed Monday after the motorcycle's owner, Cas Redi, saw him and screamed for help.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 10, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 87,000 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 975 -25 10,500 Alumindo Light Metal 875 -50 239,500 Alumindo Perkasa 675 75 5,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,025 0 495,000 Anwar Sierad 975 0 10,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

City govt to rebuild Miss Tjitjih playhouse

City govt to rebuild Miss Tjitjih playhouse JAKARTA (JP): The Miss Tjitjih playhouse, which was destroyed by fire in April, will soon be rebuilt with funds from the Jakarta administration and a community of West Javanese living here. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that the plan to rebuild the playhouse, once a symbol of ethnic Sundanese theater extravaganza, demonstrated the need to preserve local culture. "The playhouse will be built better than the former building," Surjadi said.

PT Freeport's fund should be rearranged

PT Freeport's fund should be rearranged JAKARTA (JP): The distribution of PT Freeport Indonesia's development fund should be rearranged so that it will not cause problems or conflict among Irian Jaya tribes that receive it, a human rights official says. "The distribution and utilization of the 1 percent fund should be corrected," said Bambang Soeharto of the National Commission on Human Rights, adding that it should be ensured that the money reached the right people.

SE Asia volatility also taints India

SE Asia volatility also taints India NEW DELHI (Reuter): Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said yesterday the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will not tolerate excessive volatility in the rupee's exchange rate and added that some of the turbulence in Southeast Asia's currency markets has spilled over to India. Chidambaram told an annual meeting of economic editors that the Southeast Asian exchange markets had been extremely volatile.

RI painter gets ASEAN art award

RI painter gets ASEAN art award By Ati Nurbaiti MANILA (JP): Yuswantoro Adi became Indonesia's first painter to win in the ASEAN Art Awards, receiving the grand prize trophy and a cash prize of US$10,000 from Philippine First Lady Amelita M. Ramos here yesterday. Titled Masterpieces of Indonesia, Yuswantoro's piece was selected from among 35 works by artists from seven countries.

Time to put house in order

Time to put house in order By Rob Goodfellow and M. Dwi Marianto YOGYAKARTA (JP): In a recent article, the Australian historian Gary Hughes examined a document which described in gruesome detail the unprovoked slaughter of old men, women and children by police. His article, based on unreleased papers from the Victorian State archives, detailed a massacre of "natives" in southern Melbourne nearly 150 years ago. A survey party consisting of colonial police butchered an entire tribe in cold blood.

President will open Mustika Sheraton Hotel

President will open Mustika Sheraton Hotel JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will open Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Hotel next week, the first hotel owned by the Mustika Ratu Group. Mooryati Soedibyo, president of PT Mustika Princess which owns the hotel, said Soeharto would be accompanied by several ministers, foreign ambassadors, Chamber of Commerce members and other businesspeople during his visit to Yogyakarta.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Travel: My Country 2:35 Children's Film: Family Matters 3:10 Science Film: Animal Odyssey 3:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Orchestra Film 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 Children's Story: Hadiah 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 7:35 Variety Show: Cakrawala Budaya 8:05 Talk Show: Spektrum 9:00 World News 9:30 Koran Recital 9:42 TV Drama 10:32...

Dongjin expands petrochemical plants

Dongjin expands petrochemical plants JAKARTA (JP): Petrochemical producer PT Dongjin Indonesia will invest about US$25 million to expand the production capacity of its petrochemical plants in Cilegon, West Java, the company said yesterday. Company general manager Leo Subagyo said Dongjin would invest $5 million to increase the production capacity of its foaming agent production facilities in Cilegon's Krakatau Industrial Estate to 24,000 tons a year from 14,200 tons a year at present.

RI-U.S. relations still strong

RI-U.S. relations still strong JAKARTA (JP): Senior government officials reaffirmed that ties between the United States and Indonesia remained strong and expressed their commitment to overcome irritants which have snagged relations over the past year. Visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Stanley Owen Roth said here yesterday that ties were sound and that the two countries had many common interests.

Economic growth to slow down, Ginandjar says

Economic growth to slow down, Ginandjar says JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's economic growth would slow down this year but likely recover the next as the currency crisis was only temporary, State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita said here yesterday. He said Indonesia's growth also slowed down in the early 1990s due to a tight monetary policy. But after the money pinch was eased, growth rebounded in the subsequent years. "This economic growth slowdown will be temporary.

Hanoi says exports at risk from turmoil

Hanoi says exports at risk from turmoil HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam's central bank governor has called for measures to protect domestic goods from regional competition in the wake of Southeast Asia's currency turmoil, state media reported yesterday.

More comments pour in on Juwono's statement

More comments pour in on Juwono's statement JAKARTA (JP): Government officials and observers joined yesterday a growing chorus of opposition to a recent suggestion that people with military background were better able to lead the country for at least another five years.

ASEAN holds essay, photo contest

ASEAN holds essay, photo contest JAKARTA (JP): To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an essay, poster and photo competition is being held. All three categories are open to nationals of the nine ASEAN member states -- Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Only undergraduate students are eligible to enter the essay competition with the theme of "My Vision of ASEAN in the Year 2020".

Noninterference goal fades among ASEAN members

Noninterference goal fades among ASEAN members HONG KONG (Reuter): The first political victim of Asia's economic crisis will be the region's rallying cry that countries do not interfere in each other's affairs, the head of a regional think tank said yesterday. "I think this is far and away the most important regional political implication of the turmoil," said Bob Broadfoot, managing director of the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy.

Ford Motor to send team to help ailing Kia Motors

Ford Motor to send team to help ailing Kia Motors SEOUL (AFP): A team from the U.S. Ford Motor Co., will arrive in Seoul this week to seek ways to help ailing Kia Motors, while the government said yesterday it was seeking a formula to save the auto maker. "Ford will send a team sometime this week to Kia Motors to examine ways to help," Yonhap news agency quoted Kim Sun-hong, chairman of Kia Group, as telling reporters while attending the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Police shoot dead alleged gold robber, arrest fifth suspect

Police shoot dead alleged gold robber, arrest fifth suspect JAKARTA (JP): A suspect in last month's gold robbery in Grogol, West Jakarta -- where a police sergeant was killed in a shooting spree -- has been shot dead. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that another suspect in the robbery had also been arrested. Police were forced to shoot Mukrim Adrian on Tuesday night because he resisted arrest and tried to flee, Aritonang said.

Man drowns in North Jakarta

Man drowns in North Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A man who was missing and presumed drowned, after falling into the Jakarta North Sea three days ago, was found dead yesterday, relatives said. Imam Hartono, 27, a resident of Komplek PJKA, North Jakarta, fell into the sea while scavenging among piles of iron junk at Tanjung Priok port. His uncle, Subagyono, said that Imam was a former security guard at Artha Prima Bank in Sunter. He was laid off two months ago.

IMF warned on economic vulnerability last year

IMF warned on economic vulnerability last year WASHINGTON (Agencies): The International Monetary Fund had warned the government in Jakarta as early as July, 1996 about Indonesia's vulnerability to economic crisis, a report said here. The IMF annual report released on Tuesday said it also had warned Indonesia about "important policy challenges" that it faced.

'Big Five' nations to redraw world economic map

'Big Five' nations to redraw world economic map WASHINGTON (Reuter): The world economy will change fundamentally over the next 25 years as Indonesia, Brazil, China, India and Russia assume more central roles in the global marketplace, the World Bank said on Tuesday.

No special autonomy for East Timor: Alatas

No special autonomy for East Timor: Alatas JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas rejected yesterday South African President Nelson Mandela's call to award special autonomy to East Timor to end prolonged conflict over the territory. "The idea of granting special autonomy regional status for East Timor is one that can neither be implemented nor accepted by Indonesia for various reasons," Alatas said after meeting with President Soeharto at Soeharto's residence on Jl.

RI's multimedia access lowest in SE Asia: ITU

RI's multimedia access lowest in SE Asia: ITU By I Christianto GENEVA (JP): Indonesia has the lowest level of multimedia access in Southeast Asia, according to a recent report published by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Based on the report, "Challenging to the Network: Telecommunications and the Internet" Indonesia was ranked 44th out of 45 nations reviewed by the ITU. This makes multimedia access in Indonesia one of the lowest in the world.