Archive: 2 January 1998
62 articles found
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S. trade slowing down, players eying Indonesia
U.S. trade slowing down, players eying Indonesia NEW YORK (Reuters): Corporate bond players focused on a downgrade to Indonesia's credit ratings in an otherwise nonexistent pre-holiday trading session. Debt spreads remained unchanged as traders set out early ahead of New Year's Day holiday when U.S. financial markets will remain closed.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian films
Indonesian films From Republika One day in November I decided to look for an Indonesian film to watch for a change. I opened a local newspaper in Bandung and browsed through the cinema advertisements. There were four Indonesian films among the 25 showing at the time. The first one bore the title Susan yang Sexy (Sexy Susan), a film produced by PT Cancer Mas Film, directed by Henry Farel L. Tobing, starring Sally Marcellina. The picture in the advertisement showed a woman revealing a naked thigh.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kim Dae-jung vows to revive economy
Kim Dae-jung vows to revive economy SEOUL (Reuters): South Korea's president-elect Kim Dae-jung vowed yesterday to revive the ailing economic tiger in two years with the help of the International Monetary Fund but he also warned of difficult times ahead. "Many hardships are in store for us in the new year," the 74- year-old president-elect said.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
PLN service
PLN service From Republika I live in Taman Adiyasa, Cikupa, Tangerang, West Java, and would like to express my objection to the inconsistent service of PLN's (the state-owned electricity company) Cikupa branch. It has frequently cut off power over the past year even when there isn't any rain or clouds in the sky. Blackouts come without warning. Their suddenness catches consumers off guard. Is the Cikupa branch of PLN not in a position to provide better service?
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sarwono urges decree on natural disasters
Sarwono urges decree on natural disasters JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja has said another, more comprehensive decree on natural disasters is needed to better prepare for future problems. Speaking at a year-end media gathering Tuesday evening, Sarwono said a clearer definition of what a disaster was and ways to cope with one were needed to help the country's bureaucracy work in a crisis.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Culture at center stage
Culture at center stage After the spate of depressing news reports assaulting us to no end during the past year, it is indeed gratifying to hear some good tidings for a change. This new year has been designated the Year of Art and Culture, and its official announcement was the essence of President Soeharto's New Year's Eve address to the nation.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rebels blamed for kidnapping in RP
Rebels blamed for kidnapping in RP ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): Moro rebels disgruntled over unkept government promises of livelihood assistance and benefits are responsible for the abduction of a coconut plantation owner in the southern Philippines, police said yesterday. Police Col.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economists welcome the merger of four state banks
Economists welcome the merger of four state banks JAKARTA (JP): Economists and analysts hailed the government's plan to merge four of the country's seven state-owned banks, saying it was an important step toward improving the country's ailing banking industry. Economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati, I Nyoman Moena and Tjandra Kartika separately told The Jakarta Post Wednesday that the merger be an important breakthrough in preparing for tighter competition in the banking industry in the coming years.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Denmark's MLTR gives lesson to local music lovers
Denmark's MLTR gives lesson to local music lovers By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): One might not get enough of Danish pastries, and believe it or not, the same can be said of a boy-band from Denmark dishing out tunes in front of a never-to-break bathroom mirror. To promote their latest, Nothing To Lose, Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR) knew exactly how to work up an audience to a frenzy at their recent concert in Jakarta's Bengkel Night Park discotheque -- they sang their old songs.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Devolution a must to fight poverty
Devolution a must to fight poverty By S. Abdurrahman CANBERRA (JP): Various development programs, from the "vindicative" perspective of the Indonesian government, have been able to significantly ease out rural poverty for the past two decades. The development programs introduced by the government include presidential assistance programs, a presidential instruction program for the least developed villages, a savings scheme and a credit scheme.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police defend probe in alleged corruption acts
Police defend probe in alleged corruption acts JAKARTA (JP): The police has the legal right to investigate the alleged acts of corruption committed by three former directors at the central Bank Indonesia, according to a senior city police officer. The comment was made Wednesday by Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang in response to Tuesday's remarks by Attorney General Singgih, who said the police had no right to probe corruption.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thailand needs loans to boost foreign reserves
Thailand needs loans to boost foreign reserves BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand needs an additional US$8 billion in loans to augment its existing International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package and boost foreign reserves, a report said Wednesday. Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) president Chalongphob Sussangkarn said the central bank would need more money next year to shore up foreign reserves, stabilize the baht and bolster market confidence in the economy, the Nation reported.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Our central bank's credibility
Our central bank's credibility Three former directors of Bank Indonesia are at present being questioned by the police. This is a rather sensational piece of news because it has been barely a week since they were dismissed from their positions. According to police sources, the three were being questioned on suspicion of collusion involving huge amounts of money.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Australia expects Jiang Zemin visit in 1998
Australia expects Jiang Zemin visit in 1998 By Jack Taylor SYDNEY (AFP): Chinese President Jiang Zemin has accepted an invitation to visit Australia next year, capping Canberra's efforts to repair links which went close to breaking in 1996, reports said here Wednesday.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 TV Series: Tom and Jerry Kid 3:10 Children's Dance 3:35 Talk Show: Sambung Rasa 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Student's Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 5:10 Documentary Film: Science World 5:30 Music: Paket 27 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Parliamentary 8:05 Variety Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Koran Recital 9:42 Religious Program: Pesantren ke Pesantren 9:57...
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Vietnamese, U.S. vets begin trans-Vietnam bike journey
Vietnamese, U.S. vets begin trans-Vietnam bike journey HANOI (AP): Nearly 80 riders, half of them veterans of the Vietnam War, began a 1,200-mile (1,920-kilometer) bicycle journey yesterday from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The 16-day journey, called the Vietnam Challenge, has been organized by a U.S.-based group to help heal the wounds of the war, which left 58,000 Americans and some 3 million Vietnamese dead before it ended two decades ago. The riders include about 40 U.S.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hotspots found in Central Java
Hotspots found in Central Java SEMARANG, Central Java: Eight new hotspots have been detected at Mount Merbabu, and the authorities are blaming the activities of locals making charcoal. Forest official Irfan Rosadi was quoted by Antara as saying that 14 people had been detained for starting the fires. "I explained the negative impact of what they were doing and they signed a letter of commitment promising not to make charcoal by burning forests at Mount Merbabu," he said. (mds)
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Ramada Bintang Bali, Kuta: - La Brasserie Cafe Restaurant: Crosstil Quatro, daily. - Alun-alun Lounge: The Heart Beat Band, nightly except on Thursday, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - Poolside Open Theater: Tek-Tekan dance, Saturday, Legong Terompong dance, Tuesday, Ramayana dance, Thursday. - BB Discotheque: Fashion show, every Friday. Dance show by Andromeda, Friday, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. - Coconut Wharf Restaurant: Italian Cuisine Beach Side, daily, 8 a.m.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conservationists call for boycott
Conservationists call for boycott BANGKOK (AFP): Conservationists in Thailand have called for a consumer boycott of Thailand's largest company as well as its U.S. and French partners in the Yadana gas development project, reports said yesterday. The conservationists based in Thailand's northern provinces urged consumers not to buy products from the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT), U.S. oil giant Unocal and France's Total, the Bangkok Post said.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Domestic violence increases
Domestic violence increases JAKARTA (JP): A woman activist called Wednesday for a stronger campaign against domestic violence and for the community to report cases of violence against women. Rita Serena Kolibonso, the director of the Mitra Perempuan women's crisis center, said public assistance could help put a stop to men mistreating their wives.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Garuda profits from assets
Garuda profits from assets JAKARTA (JP): The country's flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia estimated Wednesday that its net profit for 1997 would be Rp 232 billion, mostly due to the sale of productive assets. The airline's president Soepandi said the company had sold Hotel Sanur in Bali and Hotel Senggigi in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. He did not mention the value of the sales.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ida Bagus Oka backs tourist clinic
Ida Bagus Oka backs tourist clinic DENPASAR, Bali: Bali Governor Ida Bagus Oka has welcomed a local hospital's plan to set up a special clinic for foreign tourists as a public health service. "It's only appropriate for Bali as the largest tourist region in Indonesia to have an exemplary health service center for foreign tourists," Oka said after delivering a speech on the 38th anniversary of Sanglah Hospital.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tighten your budget as the crisis sinks deeper
Tighten your budget as the crisis sinks deeper What are the prospects for Indonesia's economy in this new year after a prolonged monetary crisis last year? Economist Mari Pangestu discusses the issue. Question: Since the start of the monetary crisis in July the rupiah has lost more than 50 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar. Will this help boost Indonesia's exports in 1998?
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
52 export firms deny special status facility
52 export firms deny special status facility JAKARTA (JP): Fifty-two export-related companies or 14 percent of the 450 companies applying for a special status facility from the government had failed to obtain approval from the related agencies, according to the industry and trade ministry.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Good prospects for industries with local content: Sanyoto
Good prospects for industries with local content: Sanyoto JAKARTA (JP): Industries relying predominantly on local resources and with strong export potential will be the most prospective investment sectors this year, a senior official has said. State Minister for Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo said these sectors include agriculture-based businesses such as plantations, fishery and agro-industry. The furniture industry would also remain a potential sector to invest in, he said.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where is this country headed?
Where is this country headed? From Merdeka Recent media reports informed us that the rupiah has depreciated by more than 100 percent against the U.S. dollar. Many people say our beloved country is in a crisis. We have not forgotten that at the beginning of the crisis many people said there was no cause for alarm, because it was all due to currency upheavals in neighboring countries.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asian feedmeal industry to be hit hard in 1998
Southeast Asian feedmeal industry to be hit hard in 1998 SINGAPORE (Reuters): Southeast Asia's feedmeal industry will be hit hard next year by the economic turmoil in the region, with production expected to fall 15 to 20 percent as meat consumption declines, traders said yesterday. Indonesia is likely to be hit the hardest, with feedmeal output falling by 30 to 40 percent in 1998 in the wake of the rupiah's sharp depreciation against the U.S. dollar.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: 100 old photos from Indonesia and Singapore, at Galeri TC (Twilight Cafe), Jl. Kemang Raya No.24A South Jakarta, Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Jan. 2-29. * Photo Exhibition: Kilas Balik 97, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, daily except Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., until Jan. 14.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Forensic tests on aborted fetuses go on
Forensic tests on aborted fetuses go on JAKARTA (JP): An ongoing forensic examination of the remains of fetuses and babies exhumed recently from several burial sites in Central Jakarta has revealed that they were from at least 46 fetuses and babies. Forensic expert Mun'im Idries of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital said Wednesday that the preliminary conclusion was made after a careful examination of skulls taken from half of the remains collected.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Financial markets in Asia face critical start to 1998
Financial markets in Asia face critical start to 1998 SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian financial markets, driven to their sick bed by the events of 1997, face a testing time in the new year as political and economic events threaten to push them from the critical list into intensive care. Heading the chart of political risk factors are presidential elections in Indonesia. Polls in the Philippines and a new South Korean government will also play a part.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Artist Moelyono intends to promote social awareness
Artist Moelyono intends to promote social awareness By Chandra Johan JAKARTA (JP): Three village men rest in their chairs, blanketed in their sarongs and enjoying a smoke. The image is sketched in pencil all over a single wall of Galeri Lontar in East Jakarta. Of the men in their uniform kopiah (traditional pillbox-shaped hat), artist Moelyono says the picture reflects the seemingly agreeable, conforming Javanese culture in search of security.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
NCB-Interpol gets new boss
NCB-Interpol gets new boss JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo installed Col. Wayan Arjana as the new secretary of the National Central Bureau (NCB)-Interpol on Wednesday. Wayan, 51, previously served in Indonesia's Interpol central bureau for six years with his last position as deputy secretary. Like in many other countries, the local central bureau of the 176-country-member police organization here is led by the Indonesian police chief.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Window dressing props up Asian stock markets
Window dressing props up Asian stock markets HONG KONG (AFP): Most Asia-Pacific stock markets ended higher Wednesday as institutional funds dressed up their portfolios in the climax to a tempestuous 1997. The markets in Tokyo, Seoul, Manila and Jakarta were closed. Trading in Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and Auckland was restricted to half-a-day on New Year's eve before the markets closed for the New Year holiday.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
This Ramadhan ideal time to practice what we preach
This Ramadhan ideal time to practice what we preach By Lila Fitri Aly JAKARTA (JP): Ramadhan this year brings about an uncommon moment for reflection. We all know fasting is about self-control -- but would better self-control help us in this crisis? Counting on millions of people as individuals to make a difference may seem impossible, but two Moslem scholars refer to at least two groups that could improve themselves collectively: those in power and the rest of us, consumers.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jiang on Asian crisis
Jiang on Asian crisis BEIJING (AFP): China is "very concerned" about Asia's financial crisis, President Jiang Zemin said in a speech Wednesday to mark the end of a momentous year for his country. "We are very concerned about the financial turmoil in some countries and regions," said Jiang, who also admitted that China was also burdened with its owns economic problems.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
The Listening Post
The Listening Post "Building English Skills Through Newspaper + Radio" Produced by American Language Center in cooperation with The Jakarta Post and Radio Sonora FM 100.9 Mhz * "Sound of the Economy," a monthly panel discussion by experts, on audiocassette, opens another year of our English listening study series, through a unique distance-learning program. "The Listening Post," which premiered in October 1988, has always been, and is still, the only English program of its kind in the world.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
What's wrong with us?
What's wrong with us? Right before the economic crisis, our per capita income was about US$1,400 per annum, which put us well above most poverty- stricken African countries, something that we could be proud of, even though we were still well below Malaysia which was above $2,000 per annum. But now with the persistent dive of the rupiah, being a layman, I would say looking at our per capita income with the current rate, it may well be about $500.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
1998 declared Year of Art and Culture
1998 declared Year of Art and Culture JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto rang in the new year at the stroke of midnight yesterday, proclaiming it as The Year of Art and Culture. 1998 is also a continuation of the Decade of Visit Indonesia to promote tourism, now the nation's top earner of badly needed foreign exchange. "We shall emphasize the nation's art and culture," Soeharto said in a nationwide televised address.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Monetary crisis kills most small poultry farms
Monetary crisis kills most small poultry farms JAKARTA (JP): A sharp rise in feedmeal prices over the past several months has forced most small and medium poultry farms out of businesses, an official says. Director General of Animal Husbandry Erwin Soetirto said that the increased prices, triggered by the currency crisis, had significantly reduced poultry farmers' income because it was not followed by a rise in the price of eggs and meat. "The price of ready-to-use fodder today is Rp 1,500.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man arrested for presidential poll
Man arrested for presidential poll BANDUNG, West Java: A man in Cilbaligo, Cimahi, was arrested by police Tuesday on suspicion of distributing unlawful ballot sheets proposing a new president and vice president. Zai, 20, was taken into custody at his home, where police also confiscated dozens of the documents listing names of prospective candidates. Priangan police chief, Col.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Trust fund proposed to settle private debts
Trust fund proposed to settle private debts JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has proposed the establishment of a trust fund to help tackle mounting private foreign debts. The chamber's chairman, Aburizal Bakrie, said Wednesday that the fund would buy commercial papers (CPs) to be issued by local indebted firms at a discount.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Holiday Inn, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 33, Bandung: - Kebun Bambu Restaurant offers Ramadhan package. - Kutilang Restaurant: Sundanese music, Kecapi Suling, daily, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Braga Bar and Lounge: Prospect Band, Thursday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. * Sheraton Hotel, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 390: - Tuscany's Restaurant: Quartet Singers, Los Anjus, Monday and Wednesday, at 7 p.m., Acapella, Friday, Saturday, at 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto calls for nation's support
Soeharto calls for nation's support JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is calling on the entire nation to throw its wholehearted support behind the government's efforts to overcome the economic crisis. In his end-of-year speech televised nationwide Wednesday, the President described 1997 as a "disconcerting" year marked by various calamities. "We are now undergoing a severe trial in the monetary and economic sectors. "We are fighting with everything we have to get through this very difficult time.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI's population now 202.5 million
RI's population now 202.5 million JAKARTA (JP): The National Family Planning Board has claimed the estimated population of 202,535,145 on New Year's Day goes a long way to debunk dire predictions of Malthusian population increases made 30 years ago. The nation reached the 200 million population mark on Feb.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Monetary crisis in Southeast Asia
Monetary crisis in Southeast Asia The monetary crisis in Southeast Asia should not be a puzzle. It is the end result of colonialism and imperialism systematically carried out by some European countries, Japan and lately the United States. "Globalization" is merely a disguised name for ongoing economical imperialism and hegemony by which developed and capitalistic countries attempt to dominate the global market by inundating the world with their products and insisting on market liberalization.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 6.13 p.m. Saturday Imsak 4:10 a.m. Subuh 4.20 a.m.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Medan governor gets new office
Medan governor gets new office MEDAN, North Sumatra: Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie. S. inaugurated the North Sumatra governor's new office yesterday. Located in the heart of the city on Jl. Diponegoro, the 11- story building will house offices for 2,700 provincial officials. The office cost Rp 36 billion (US$6.5 million) and took three years to complete. Funding for the construction was allocated from the provincial budget and the sale of provincial assets.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Mirama Hotel, Jl. Raya Darmo 58-76: - Mirama Bar: UNV Band, Monday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Haztoria Band, playing TOP 40, Tuesday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Abouwhim VG and Bubi Chen Virtuoso Band, Back 60, Wednesday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Abouwhim Band, Thursday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., HI Beat Band and Singer, Friday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Guitar Player, daily except Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Electone Player, Sunday, at 8:30 p.m.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia rubber market seen languishing
Malaysia rubber market seen languishing KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): After a lackluster 1997, Malaysia's rubber market is showing no sign of revival and experts say there may be no rebound in 1998. A sharp fall in the value of the Malaysian ringgit since the middle of this year has boosted prices of all local commodities except rubber. The situation is unlikely to change much in 1998 because of weak demand and a sluggish economy, traders said.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Wardiman optimistic over nation's schools
Wardiman optimistic over nation's schools By Ivy Susanti JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Education and Culture is among government institutions which got its fair share of criticism over the past five years. Student brawls, teacher strikes over poor salaries, officials colluding with businesses to turn students into cash cows -- these were among the scenes of national education recently.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto hints at readiness for another term
Soeharto hints at readiness for another term JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has indicated that he might be ready to be reelected for another presidential term next year, a senior government official said. The hint was given by Soeharto on Wednesday to Alwi Dahlan, head of the State Agency for Propagation of State Ideology Pancasila (BP7), after a meeting between them at Soeharto's residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Lifting body mulls coach's contract
Lifting body mulls coach's contract JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Weightlifting, Power lifting and Bodybuilding Association is leaning toward not renewing the contract of Bulgarian coach Nedelcho Kolev to give local coaches more experience. Association spokesman Budi Santoso, speaking after a meeting Wednesday, said the contract ended on Dec. 31, and the association believed it should give more opportunities to local coaches to train lifters.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Container flow through Tanjung Priok rises 22%
Container flow through Tanjung Priok rises 22% JAKARTA (JP): Container flow, representing exports and imports, through Jakarta's Tanjung Priok rose 22 percent to 1.9 million 20-foot equivalent (TEU) in 1997 from 1.6 million in 1966, the port authority said. Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said the container flow through Tanjung Priok, the country's largest container port, would continue to increase this year and next year in line with freer trade between countries.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
S&P lowers Indonesian ratings, outlook negative
S&P lowers Indonesian ratings, outlook negative JAKARTA (JP): Standard & Poors has cut Indonesia's long-term foreign currency rating to BB-plus from BBB-minus and its local currency rating to BBB-plus from A-minus. The Melbourne office of the U.S. rating agency said Wednesday the outlook on the ratings was negative. The downgrades reflect the government's diminished fiscal and balance of payments flexibility, it said.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bulog suffers losses in market operation
Bulog suffers losses in market operation JAKARTA (JP): The National Logistics Agency (Bulog) suffers a loss of at least Rp 200 per kilogram of imported rice used in its market operation, its chairman said. Beddu Amang claimed the subsidy was necessary in order to stabilize the staple's price in domestic markets. "But it doesn't matter to suffer a loss once in a while," he said when inspecting the Cipinang market with Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo on Tuesday.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Counterfeit goods seized
Counterfeit goods seized JAKARTA (JP): National Police officers have seized over 1,000 counterfeit items bearing famous brandnames from 32 counters at four shopping centers here. According to Ibrahim Senen of the Dermawan & Co. law firm, the counterfeit items confiscated during the Dec. 29 and Dec. 30 raids were products of Louis Vuitton and Etienne Aigner. "The raids took place on the request of the two legal producers," said Ibrahim yesterday.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Calls for presidential succession grow louder
Calls for presidential succession grow louder JAKARTA (JP): Two political observers said Wednesday that to salvage the economy presidential succession should take place this year. Arbi Sanit, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences, and Dahlan Ranuwihardjo said separately that the calls for new leadership reflected an objective assessment of the situation. Arbi said that when the value of the rupiah plunged drastically last month against the U.S.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta celebrates New Year's in a modest way
Jakarta celebrates New Year's in a modest way JAKARTA (JP): Even though Jakarta celebrated New Year's Eve modestly, with no sound of the customary live and loud music, fireworks or entertainment, people's joy could still be seen across the capital. Street celebrations were not as crowded as in previous years, but thousands of Jakartans still poured on to Jl. Sudirman, Jl. Thamrin, Jl. Gajah Mada, Harmoni and Jl. Hayam Wuruk and Monas Park in Central Jakarta.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to merge four state-owned banks
Govt to merge four state-owned banks JAKARTA (JP): The government will merge four of the seven state-owned banks into a single bank as part of reform measures in the banking industry, says Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
10-month jail for heroin users
10-month jail for heroin users JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked the South Jakarta District Court Wednesday to sentence a musician and a private employee to 10 months in jail for consuming putaw, a low-grade heroin. Prosecutor Syaiful Alim said Dimar Pratama, 25, and Poltak Parulian Simatupang, 24, were arrested in a rented house on Jl. Tebet Utara, South Jakarta, on Oct. 21. Police seized 0.3 grams of heroin and equipment used for its consumption, he said.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ali Alatas to meet Kofi Annan
Ali Alatas to meet Kofi Annan JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas will, in his capacity as new chairman of Group-77, meet with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at UN headquarters in New York in the second week of this month. "The foreign minister will meet Kofi Annan in his capacity as the new chairman of Group-77," Indonesia's permanent representative at the United Nations, Ambassador Makarim Wibisono, was quoted by Antara as saying in New York Tuesday.
Fri, 02 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt accused of poor human rights development
Govt accused of poor human rights development JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) accused the government and the Armed Forces of poorly supporting the advancement and development of human rights. The respected legal aid body said in its 1997 evaluation Wednesday that the government had failed to accommodate the universality of human rights as stipulated in the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights.