Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 January 1998

73 articles found

New Indonesia pact still leaves creditors waiting

New Indonesia pact still leaves creditors waiting HONG KONG (Reuters): Indonesia's new agreement with the International Monetary Fund offers little cheer to foreign creditors waiting to be repaid by the country's borrowers, financial sources said yesterday.

Student mistakenly shot by police during street brawl

Student mistakenly shot by police during street brawl JAKARTA (JP): A junior high school student died of a gunshot wound to the head believed to have been mistakenly fired by a police sergeant during a street brawl in Cempaka Putih in Central Jakarta Thursday.

Suspected hoarders released by police

Suspected hoarders released by police JAKARTA (JP): Police have released four men suspected of hoarding basic food items during recent spates of panic buying here saying that there was a lack of evidence to charge them.City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E.

Job seekers urged to be entrepreneurs

Job seekers urged to be entrepreneurs JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers are being urged by Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief to hone their enterprising spirit by becoming small-scale entrepreneurs.

'I love profit'

'I love profit' In an attempt to help alleviate the shortage of dollars in Indonesia due to the current economic situation, people are being encouraged to exchange personal dollars to rupiah in the "I Love Rupiah", campaign.

General Motors keen on Indonesia again

General Motors keen on Indonesia again SINGAPORE (Reuters): General Motors (GM) said yesterday it was ready to make new investments in Indonesia now President Soeharto had removed tax exemptions on Jakarta's national car project.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for JakartaSaturdayMaghrib 6:18 p.m.SundayImsak 4:19 a.m.Subuh 4:29 a.m.

Soeharto pledges IMF sweep economic reforms

Soeharto pledges IMF sweep economic reforms The following is a letter accompanying the memorandum of Indonesia's reinforced economic reform program signed in Jakarta Thursday.Mr. Michel Camdessus Managing Director International Monetary Fund Washington, D.C. 20431Dear Mr. Camdessus: 1.

Cartel-like associations to be scrapped

Cartel-like associations to be scrapped JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said here yesterday that he was ready to dissolve all cartel-like associations under his ministry as part of the government's commitment to abolish all monopolistic practices in the country.

Bulog ready to compete with private companies

Bulog ready to compete with private companies JAKARTA (JP): The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) is ready to compete against private firms in sugar and wheat trading after the government revoked its monopoly over imports of the commodities, agency chairman Beddu Amang said yesterday.

Kunarto favored to chair audit body

Kunarto favored to chair audit body JAKARTA (JP): Deputy chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency Kunarto looks set to fill the top position of the body left vacant by J.B. Sumarlin since December last year.

Short-term survival the priority for local carmakers

Short-term survival the priority for local carmakersBy John Aglionby GOVERNMENT ministers struggling with limited job security, International Monetary Fund economists stuck between the beads on their abacus and numerous visiting dignitaries have spent all week talking up Indonesia's long-term...

Local papers reduce pages due to crisis

Local papers reduce pages due to crisis YOGYAKARTA (JP): Local publications have been forced to reduce pages and change publication regularity to survive the steep increase in the newsprint price over the past few months.

Orangutan care center planned

Orangutan care center planned PANGKALAN BUN, Central Kalimantan: An Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine will be set up by the International Orangutan Foundation and Indonesia's Forestry Ministry in Kotawaringin Barat district, Central Kalimantan.

Greedy banks and money changers

Greedy banks and money changersFrom Pikiran RakyatWhen the continuous monetary upheavals hit most people and all of us take steps to reduce our burdens, banks and money changers show themselves as antisocial in handling dollar transactions.

RI, Thailand seen to recover by 2000

RI, Thailand seen to recover by 2000 KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): International Monetary Fund managing director Michel Camdessus said yesterday that he believed Indonesia and Thailand would recover from an economic crisis by 2000.

Exim Bank to honor loan commitments

Exim Bank to honor loan commitmentsJP/bay JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank said yesterday that the bank would support all $4.4 billion worth of loans in Indonesia now under consideration."Our current exposure is about $3.8 billion and we have in the pipeline $4.4 billion.

RI following the right path: Analysts

RI following the right path: Analysts LONDON (Reuters): Indonesia's latest steps to restore confidence in its ailing economy are a move in the right direction but its battered currency may be slow to react, London analysts said.

Bank Pacific's repayment

Bank Pacific's repayment JAKARTA (JP): The liquidation team of Bank Pacific, one of 16 banks shut down by the government last year, will begin its second phase of repayment for bank customers on Jan. 26.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) conversion rates on Jan. 16, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 1 7,750.00 9,750.00Austrian shilling 1 620.40 751.30Australian dollar 1 5,395.00 6,110.10Belgian franc 1 218.90 246.80Canadian dollar 1 5,763.90 6,489.

API appoints new board

API appoints new board JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Textile Association (API) announced yesterday the members of its executive board for the 1998/2000 period.The new board includes Bambang Riyadi Soegomo as the association's chairman and Irwandi Muslim as the secretary- general.

Cohen pledges help for old ally Thailand

Cohen pledges help for old ally Thailand BANGKOK (Reuters): U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen pledged assistance to old ally Thailand yesterday, now financially strapped and facing problems paying for military equipment from the United States.

Moody's warns European banks on Asian exposure

Moody's warns European banks on Asian exposure PARIS (Reuters): Moody's served notice to European banks on Thursday that exposure to Asia's troubled economies could prove costly, warning that it might review or downgrade financial institutions.

Bakrie, Chase sign deal

Bakrie, Chase sign deal JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Bakrie & Brothers has appointed Chase Manhattan as its financial advisor to guide the company through the current crisis.Bakrie & Brothers said in a statement yesterday that Chase had assessed the company's financial situation and would...

NZ sees consensus ahead of talks in PNG

NZ sees consensus ahead of talks in PNG WELLINGTON (Reuters): New Zealand Foreign Minister Don McKinnon said yesterday he was hopeful of a formal cease-fire next week in the protracted secessionist war on Papua New Guinea's Bougainville island.

Tangerang ready for labor-intensive projects: Regent

Tangerang ready for labor-intensive projects: Regent TANGERANG (JP): In an attempt to curb unemployment and prevent social unrest, the Tangerang Regency Administration has provided Rp 1.3 billion (US$162,500) for its short-term labor-intensive projects, an official said yesterday.

Asian crisis could boost anti-U.S. feeling

Asian crisis could boost anti-U.S. feelingBy Stefan Kornelius WASHINGTON (DPA): U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen prepared his Asian tour well in advance. He was planning to discuss security policy and strategic interests.

Indonesian crude trade drops as crisis hits

Indonesian crude trade drops as crisis hits SINGAPORE (Reuters): OPEC member Indonesia has reduced its exports of crude oil for February for the third month in a row, reflecting the country's aim of relying more on domestic crude and limit imports in the face of financial problems, traders said...

Govt urged to draft antimonopoly law

Govt urged to draft antimonopoly law JAKARTA (JP): Agriculture analysts hailed yesterday the government's decision to scrap the monopolies so far enjoyed by the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).But they called on the government to prepare an antimonopoly law soon to ensure fair-trading practices.

Boxing body challenges Tourino in court hearing

Boxing body challenges Tourino in court hearing JAKARTA (JP): A dispute between two promoters over who has the right to stage an international boxing bout intensified when one insisted he would still take the matter to court.

Commander lucky with gold find

Commander lucky with gold find MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The commander of the Bukit Barisan military command, Maj. Gen. Rizal Nurdin, while helping to carry a bag of a fellow passenger on board a Jakarta bound flight, discovered that it contained 34 kilograms of gold bars.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Kumuh by Margono at Galeri Cipta III, Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Jan. 18. * Photo Exhibition: 100 old photos from Indonesia and Singapore, at Galeri TC (Twilight Cafe), Jl.

Businesspeople await implementation of reforms

Businesspeople await implementation of reforms JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople agreed yesterday that the reform program set out by the government Thursday was good, but warned that negative sentiments would remain until the election of the country's new president in mid-March.

El Nino's effects to go on until May, Agency predicts

El Nino's effects to go on until May, Agency predicts JAKARTA (JP): The National Meteorology and Geophysics Agency has predicted that the El Nino phenomenon would continue to affect weather patterns in much of Indonesia until May.

Motorcyclist killed in street racing

Motorcyclist killed in street racing JAKARTA (JP): A motorcyclist died in the early hours of yesterday after skidding out of control in a street race against another motorbike on Jl. M. Saidi in Petukangan Lama in South Jakarta.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 TV Series: The Crystal Maze 3:10 Teenager's Program: Vokal Group SLTA 3:35 Tour and Travel: Wisata Nasional 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:30 TV Drama: Perbuatan yang Merusak 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country...

A reminder worth noting

A reminder worth noting When, in January 1994, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) came into being, observers were quick to question its independence while many activists chose to keep their distance from the newly established organization.

Currencies defensive despite IMF cheer

Currencies defensive despite IMF cheer SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian currencies firmed late yesterday but were crouched in defensive positions, reacting only mutely to a slew of positive comments from U.S. and IMF officials on the progress of financial reform in Asia.

Imelda lays claim to Swiss deposits

Imelda lays claim to Swiss deposits MANILA (AP): Imelda Marcos owns nearly all of the more than US$500 million in Swiss bank deposits said to belong to her late husband, and no one can claim her money, a Marcos family lawyer said yesterday.

New Blazer leads expanding SUV market

New Blazer leads expanding SUV marketBy John Aglionby "Never believe anything until it has been officially denied," is the advice given to an incoming minister by his private secretary in the British comedy TV series Yes Minister.

Support, criticism pour in for reform package

Support, criticism pour in for reform package JAKARTA (JP): Senior economist Emil Salim said yesterday he was optimistic the government's economic reform package, to be conducted under the supervision of the International Monetary Fund, would give Indonesia a competitive edge necessary to face the...

KL won't recall students in Jordan

KL won't recall students in Jordan KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia scrapped a decision yesterday to recall 150 state-sponsored university students from Jordan after its government promised to review their tuition fee.

Reforms 'strong enough' to restore banking industry

Reforms 'strong enough' to restore banking industry JAKARTA (JP): Banking sector reforms -- part of overall sweeping reforms announced by President Soeharto Thursday -- were adequate enough to restore the ailing banking industry, analysts said yesterday.

KONI tightens criteria for sending teams to Asiad

KONI tightens criteria for sending teams to Asiad JAKARTA (JP): Due to the deepening economic turmoil, the National Sports Council's Asiad task force has decided to combine the three categories of sports set to compete at the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December into only one.

Austerity urged this Idul Fitri

Austerity urged this Idul Fitri MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Chairman of the provincial chapter of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas, Ahmad Usman, is appealing to Moslems across the country to celebrate Idul Fitri in simplicity."It is not necessary to wear new clothes and serve elaborate dishes.

Alternate presidential candidates

Alternate presidential candidates Following in the footsteps of Dr. Amien Rais, Megawati Soekarnoputri -- in a statement made at her residence in the presence of many, including a number of foreign diplomats -- declared herself ready to be a candidate for the presidency.

Students on trial for killing and robbery

Students on trial for killing and robbery JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence three students to nine years in jail each for killing a housemaid and stealing jewelry worth Rp 3.5 million (US$388).

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 16, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 700 0 0 AHAP Insurance 450 0 0 Alter Abadi 325 -50 500 Alumindo Light Metal 225 -25 140,000 Alumindo...

Moody's reviews ratings of four Malaysian banks

Moody's reviews ratings of four Malaysian banks KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Moody's Investors Service yesterday placed four leading Malaysian banks under review for possible downgrades of their credit ratings, citing mounting pressure on the financial system.

HP to remain in SE Asia

HP to remain in SE Asia MANILA (AFP): U.S.-based Computer giant Hewlett-Packard will stick it out in Southeast Asia despite the financial turmoil hammering the region, a senior official said Thursday."We play for the long term.

Pet vendors in Menteng offer bargains

Pet vendors in Menteng offer bargainsBy Fitriyanti Djoni JAKARTA (JP): A luxury sedan slows down to a halt right in front of some cages of puppies for sale on Jl. Latuharhary, in the Menteng area of Central Jakarta.

Gender bias

Gender bias I am a white foreigner. I am married to an Indonesian. I am a Moslem. We are expecting a baby. I am utilizing a social visit visa so I can stay with my wife. I have purchased a home for my wife and child. We have bought an Indonesian-made automobile, and Indonesian-made furniture.

RI's gross forex assets total $20.39b

RI's gross forex assets total $20.39b JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, announced yesterday that the country's gross foreign assets totaled US$20.39 billion as of Jan. 15, down from $27.56 billion as of last September.

Ford undeterred by Asia's woes

Ford undeterred by Asia's woes FORD MOTOR Co believes Asia will overcome its economic troubles to become the world's biggest vehicle market, and hopes to announce soon the opening of a new plant in the Philippines, a senior executive said last week.

Econ dumps Indonesian telecom deal

Econ dumps Indonesian telecom deal SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore's Econ International Ltd (Econ) said yesterday it was scrapping a US$66.65 million deal with Indonesian telecommunications firm PT Centralindo because of Southeast Asia's economic crisis.

PPIP marks anniversary of Indonesia-Portugal ties

PPIP marks anniversary of Indonesia-Portugal ties JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesia-Portugal Friendship Association (PPIP) celebrates its fourth anniversary today.The association, chaired by President Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, was established in 1994 as a bridge of communication...

Rupiah surges, stocks gain ground

Rupiah surges, stocks gain ground JAKARTA (JP): The government's economic reforms, which failed to impress the financial and stock markets at their announcement Thursday, managed to beef up the rupiah and stock prices yesterday.

Palm oil firm in European close on RI news

Palm oil firm in European close on RI news LONDON (Reuters): Palm oil closed firm on the European vegetable oil market on Thursday following news that Indonesia is to keep its ban on palm oil exports until the end of March.

Soeharto lauded over reforms

Soeharto lauded over reforms JAKARTA (JP): U.S. President Bill Clinton has lauded President Soeharto's courage and determination to conduct sweeping economic reforms, a minister said yesterday.In a telephone conversation Thursday evening (Jakarta time), Clinton congratulated Soeharto following the...

Indonesian students in cash bind Down Under

Indonesian students in cash bind Down UnderBy Monika Winarto JAKARTA (JP): The Australian Education Center in Kuningan, South Jakarta, is busier than usual these days.But the up to 30 people dropping in to see counselors are not just prospective students weighing choices.

Bank facts

Bank facts The boards of directors and commissioners are very disappointed with the misleading article in the Business and Investment section of the Jan. 10 The Jakarta Post.Although a Reuters article, the headline your newspaper chose and some of the contents were open to misinterpretation.

Most Asia-Pacific markets stage rebound

Most Asia-Pacific markets stage rebound TOKYO (AFP): Stronger Japanese shares led a return to confidence as investors maintained positive sentiment over the financial sector, as other markets in the Asia-Pacific were buoyed by comments from visiting IMF officials.

Taiwanese mission due here

Taiwanese mission due here JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of Taiwan's Council of Economic Planning and Development P.K. Chiang will lead a trade delegation from Taiwan on a two-day visit here to examine the country's business environment.The delegation is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

Forests project to cost Rp 7b

Forests project to cost Rp 7b BANDAR LAMPUNG: The provincial forestry office here has allocated Rp 7 billion in reforestation funds to rehabilitate 2,600 hectares of protected forest.The project began last December and is scheduled to be finished in March, head of the forestry office Ajat Sudrajat...

Assembly split over two crucial issues

Assembly split over two crucial issues JAKARTA (JP): After making some progress, the deliberation of the State Policy Guidelines in the People's Consultative Assembly ended on a low note yesterday as it failed to reach a unanimous agreement on the last two motions discussed.

Ford eyes Kia

Ford eyes Kia SEOUL: Ford reportedly has notified the Seoul government, Korea Development Bank and Kia business group of its intention to take over the ill-fated Kia Motors.According to a report in the Korea Economic Daily, The Korea Development Bank is scheduled to make additional investments in...

Regional layoffs expected to rise due to crisis

Regional layoffs expected to rise due to crisis SINGAPORE (Agencies): As many as 15,000 people in Singapore may lose their jobs this year as a result of Southeast Asia's economic crisis, a report said yesterday.

Officials support Megawati, Amien for nomination

Officials support Megawati, Amien for nomination JAKARTA (JP): Two high-ranking officials responded positively yesterday to recent calls for the nomination of government critics Megawati Soekarnoputri and Amien Rais as the next president and vice president.

Clinton focuses on Asia to safeguard the U.S.

Clinton focuses on Asia to safeguard the U.S. WASHINGTON (Reuters): President Bill Clinton has thrown himself into the effort to contain Asia's financial crisis, which may threaten the crowning achievement of his presidency -- the robust U.S. economy.U.S.

Britain backs call for Asian crisis meeting

Britain backs call for Asian crisis meeting LONDON (Reuters): Britain on Thursday gave its backing for a U.S.-proposed, top level international meeting on the Asian financial crisis.The meeting would involve the Group of Seven (G-7) leading industrial countries and the Asian nations affected by the...

Man face trials in Vietnam, U.S.

Man face trials in Vietnam, U.S. HANOI (DPA): A Vietnamese-American, sought for theft in Vietnam and a 1983 murder in the United States, was turned over by Cambodian authorities to Vietnam, where he will face charges before his expected deportation to the U.S., police said yesterday.

Indonesian memorandum of economic and financial policies

Indonesian memorandum of economic and financial policies The following is the full text of Indonesia's 50-point Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies attached to the letter of intent signed by President Soeharto Thursday in Jakarta.I. BACKGROUND1.

Teenager arrested for attempted robbery

Teenager arrested for attempted robbery JAKARTA (JP): A 14-year-old junior high school student has been arrested in Bekasi, West Jakarta, for allegedly attempting to rob a taxi driver, police said.City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E.