Archive: 28 January 1998
63 articles found
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Futures commodity trading may start next year
Futures commodity trading may start next year JAKARTA (JP): The government has begun working on the implementation of a law on the futures commodity exchange, which is expected to start operating next year, an official said yesterday. The chairman of Indonesian Commodity Exchange Board, Arifin Lumban Gaol, said the board had started to set up the legal structure on the implementation of the law, which was passed by the House of Representatives in December.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Program for the rehabilitation of Indonesian banks
Program for the rehabilitation of Indonesian banks JAKARTA (JP): The following is the full text of a statement on the Indonesian banking reform issued by the government here yesterday. In order to restore the confidence of depositors and creditors -- domestic and foreign -- in the Indonesian banking system, and to re-establish the soundness of the system, we are undertaking a comprehensive program to rehabilitate the system. This program comprises two main elements.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two people die in diarrhea outbreak
Two people die in diarrhea outbreak KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Two people have died and 865 others have been hospitalized in the latest diarrhea outbreak in the Sumba Barat regency of the province's island of Sumba. Deputy governor Piet Tallo was quoted by Antara as saying Monday that his administration had sent 52 medics to 16 affected villages.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Producers allege CPO smuggling
Producers allege CPO smuggling JAKARTA (JP): Crude palm oil (CPO) producers in North Sumatra have urged the Attorney General's Office to investigate alleged CPO smuggling by PT Bukit Kapur Reksa through the Riau seaport of Dumai. "Such contraband trade sabotages the cooking oil price stabilization program and is not fair to us," they said in a statement. The producers also called on the Cooking Oil Producers Association to bring up the smuggling issue with the attorney general.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Can 'Asian values' help Asian economies out of crux?
Can 'Asian values' help Asian economies out of crux? By Muhadi Sugiono YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Asian economic crisis has once again brought the debate over "Asian values" to the fore. Previously, as Asian countries enjoyed high levels of economic growth, many believed that the Asian economic "miracle" was attributable to a set of values claimed to be specific to Asia.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Freeze to debt servicing proposed
Freeze to debt servicing proposed JAKARTA (JP): The government proposed yesterday a temporary halt in servicing Indonesia's huge foreign corporate debt in a bid to ease pressure on the beleaguered rupiah to allow time for negotiations. The government-appointed team to tackle corporate debt said the sharp decline of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar had made it increasingly difficult for Indonesian companies to service their external debts.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
PWI urges publications not to dismiss journalists
PWI urges publications not to dismiss journalists JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Journalists (PWI) Sofjan Lubis asked all publications yesterday not to dismiss employees as a way of surviving the monetary crisis. Sofjan insisted that publications first consult the association before resorting to such a harsh measure. He also said dismissal should be the last resort.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
The Idul Fitri spirit
The Idul Fitri spirit Idul Fitri, which falls either tomorrow or Friday, is always regarded as a time to rejoice. It is a most appropriate way to mark the end of the Ramadhan fasting month, during which Moslems are required to control their emotions and exercise restraint as a way of bringing themselves closer to their Creator. Refraining from eating and drinking and abstinence from sex between dawn and dusk for 29 or 30 days is one of the physical means to attain these spiritual goals.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI donates 200 tons of rice
ABRI donates 200 tons of rice SURABAYA, East Java: The Armed Forces (ABRI) here have donated 200 tons of rice to 33 drought-stricken villages in the province. East Java Military Chief Maj. Gen. Djaja Suparman told reporters here Monday that the contribution showed ABRI's concern about the plight of the people. "Although the donation is small, it shows that we are together in solving problems. By doing this, we can overcome any predicaments," he was quoted by Antara as saying.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Amien Rais warns against violent political reform
Amien Rais warns against violent political reform JAKARTA (JP): Politician Amien Rais, who is running for the 1998/2003 presidency, reiterated yesterday that political reform was the answer to the ongoing monetary crisis but warned against sudden and violent state leadership succession.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI's GDRs jump on rupiah's rebound
RI's GDRs jump on rupiah's rebound LONDON (Reuters): Indonesian global depositary receipts (GDRs) jumped yesterday as the rupiah gained on repeated intervention, news of a de-facto debt moratorium and plans to restructure the banking system. But dealers said GDR business was limited and sentiment remained weak among international investors. "The rupiah rallied today on intervention but the currency is still very fragile, so this could prove to be a temporary bounce," said one dealer.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to impose quota on log export
Govt to impose quota on log export JAKARTA (JP): The government will impose a quota on the export of logs, sawn timber and rattan to guarantee a sufficient supply for domestic demand, a minister said yesterday. Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said the export quota would not break the government's reform commitment made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "The supply of logs, sawn timber and rattan will be prioritized to meet domestic demand.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
S&P lowers Indonesian currency ratings
S&P lowers Indonesian currency ratings HONG KONG (AFP): U.S. ratings agency Standard and Poor's yesterday downgraded its Indonesia long-term foreign currency rating to B from BB, and its local currency rating to BB- from BBB. Standard and Poor's downgrades Indonesia currency ratings, as the country announced reforms and sought to stall corporate debt repayments. The agency cut its long-term foreign currency rating to B from BB, and its local currency rating to BB- from BBB, it said.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Grand Prix calendar changed
Grand Prix calendar changed PARIS (AFP): The Indonesian and Portuguese grands prix have been removed from this year's calendar, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) announced Monday. The Indonesian race, initially planned for April 19, will be replaced by the Malaysian Grand Prix, which was originally scheduled for March 29. The race will be held in Johor.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Estimate on bank exposure to Indonesia
Estimate on bank exposure to Indonesia mid-1997 end-1996 mid-1996 ---------------------------------------------------------- Japan 23.153 22.035 21.622 Germany 5.610 5.508 4.843 France 4.787 4.463 3.652 United States 4.591 5.279 3.551 United Kingdom 4.332 3.834 3.260 Belgium 2.870 2.982 2.346 Netherlands 2.823 2.458 2.466 Austria 1.453 1.357 1.156 Canada 838 589 412 Spain 225 143 117 Italy 187 104 97 Finland 124 108 75 Luxembourg 70 54 64 Total loans to RI 58.726 55.523 49.306 NOTE: 1.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Idul Fitri likely to fall tomorrow: Scholars
Idul Fitri likely to fall tomorrow: Scholars SURABAYA (JP): Indonesia's largest Moslem organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) may join Muhammadiyah members celebrating Idul Fitri tomorrow rather than Friday as the government calendar says. NU astronomy expert Mahfud Anwar and secretary of the East Java chapter Fuad Anwar told The Jakarta Post they believed the Ramadhan fasting month ends today and the Islamic lunar month of Syawal, which coincides with the first day of Idul Fitri, begins tomorrow.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
No roar from Asian retailers as year of Tiger nears
No roar from Asian retailers as year of Tiger nears By Angela Tan SINGAPORE (Reuters): The Year of the Tiger will prove vicious for Asia's retailers, with potential to leave a bloodbath among the less savvy, analysts and shopowners say. In Singapore, retailers lament that even sales of small items like pineapple tarts and other lunar new year goodies have been hit by Asia's financial malady.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Mercure Grand Hotel, Jl. Raya Kupang Indah: Pasar Senggol with traditional music - keroncong or langgam, every Wednesday night. * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rahmat 106-128: - The Tavern Pub: Decada Band with a Saxophone player, daily except Sunday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Hazztoria Band, live music performance on Sunday, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - Atrium Lounge: Solo Pianist, Monday to Friday, 7 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., Saturday at 7 a.m.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Century old mummy found
Century old mummy found SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A mummy of a Dayak tribal chief thought to be a century old was found deep in the wilderness earlier this month by villagers of Tanjung Soke of Kutai regency. Regent Sulaiman was quoted by Antara as saying Monday in the regency's capital of Tengarong that the mummy was found along with ancient ceramics, a mandau sword (traditional Dayak weapon), a shield, and other stone accessories.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Teenage burned in attempted suicide
Teenage burned in attempted suicide JAKARTA (JP): A 16-year-old girl from Tambun district in Bekasi, West Java suffered severe burns during a suicide attempt, city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said on Monday. He said the teenager, Siti Komala, poured kerosene over her body and set herself on fire Sunday morning. Siti was determined to end her life apparently because she was brokenhearted, he said.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asia-Pacific markets look to holiday respite
Asia-Pacific markets look to holiday respite HONG KONG (AFP): Most Asia-Pacific stock markets prepared for a Chinese New Year respite yesterday, as Indonesia unveiled crucial banking reforms and sought to save its debt-ridden corporate sector from disaster. The stock markets in Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei were closed early for the Chinese calendar's Year of the Tiger which begins Wednesday, followed by the Moslem Eid holidays.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah gains ground on debt, banking reforms
Rupiah gains ground on debt, banking reforms JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah strengthened to 11,000 to the U.S. dollar yesterday on banking reforms, new measures to resolve corporate debt and market intervention by Bank Indonesia. The strengthening rupiah also boosted stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), which saw its main price index climb 0.6 percent to close at 476.31 points.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thais rule out debt delay
Thais rule out debt delay BANGKOK (AFP): The central Bank of Thailand (BoT) yesterday ruled out a Thai debt moratorium following Indonesia's announcement of plans to stall debt repayments by its corporate borrowers. "We do not need to follow Indonesia's lead," the BoT's Financial Supervision Department director, Kleothong Hetrakul, told AFP-affiliated financial news agency AFX-Asia.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crisis also affects Britain
Crisis also affects Britain LONDON (Reuters): The British government might be left with a bill of more than three billion pounds sterling used to underwrite loans to Asian countries if the Pacific Rim nations default on their debts, the Independent newspaper said. Figures due to be published next month show a total of 3.2 billion sterling ($4.9 billion) in loans to be repaid by Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, the newspaper reported.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina looks to halt import of crude oil
Pertamina looks to halt import of crude oil SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian state-oil firm Pertamina is holding talks with suppliers to halt outstanding imports of crude and products in February, an affiliate source said yesterday. The move surprised some traders because Indonesia, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is a net exporter of dollar-denominated oil.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economic reform without misery?
Economic reform without misery? By Omar Halim This is the first of two articles examining the prospects for Indonesia's economy in light of the signing of a reinforced economic program mid this month by President Soeharto and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Michel Camdessus. JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto signed on Jan. 15 an agreement revising and strengthening an earlier economic program with the IMF.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three-in-one ruling may go after general session
Three-in-one ruling may go after general session JAKARTA (JP): The three-in-one traffic regulation for Jakarta's main thoroughfares is to be disbanded after the March general session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Governor Sutiyoso announced yesterday. Speaking after a meeting with President Soeharto at his residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta, Sutiyoso said a special regulation would be issued to back up the implementation of a new sticker system.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Citra Marga holding food fair for poor
Citra Marga holding food fair for poor JAKARTA (JP): Tollroad construction firm PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada, a subsidiary of the Citra Group owned by Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, is holding a fair of cheap staple foods at eight of the city's subdistricts considered as poor areas.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 6:20 p.m. Thursday Imsak 4:23 a.m. Subuh 4:33 a.m.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Holiday exodus has peaked, but its not over yet
Holiday exodus has peaked, but its not over yet JAKARTA (JP): Predictions that the peak of the holiday exodus would fall yesterday -- three days before Idul Fitri -- turned out to be incorrect as 180,000 people had left the city Sunday. Only an estimated 110,000 holidaymakers departed yesterday, including 38,000 train passengers and another 60,000 on buses, according to data from the national Idul Fitri post.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt guarantees bank deposits
Govt guarantees bank deposits JAKARTA (JP): The government announced massive banking reforms yesterday to restore confidence in the system, guaranteeing the embattled banking sector's deposits and debts and allowing foreign ownership in local banks. The government established a new government institution, the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), to rehabilitate the banking sector.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
No misuse of workers' funds, BPKP says
No misuse of workers' funds, BPKP says JAKARTA (JP): The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) has cleared Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief of any impropriety in the use of state-owned social security company PT Jamsostek's funds. The internal audit agency's chairman, Soedarjono, after meeting with President Soeharto yesterday, said Latief had not misused Jamsostek's funds since the money was from the funds' profits. Soedarjono claimed Soeharto approved the comptroller's report on the matter.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI debt problem will take a year to solve: Banks
RI debt problem will take a year to solve: Banks SINGAPORE (Agencies): Indonesia's corporate debt problem would take at least a year to solve and not all creditors will be repaid, a spokesman for a committee of creditor banks said in Singapore yesterday. David Brougham, group executive director of Standard Chartered Bank, said after a meeting between creditor banks and an Indonesian committee that both sides had the appetite to solve Indonesia's debt problem.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moslem coalition launches campaign to help the poor
Moslem coalition launches campaign to help the poor JAKARTA (JP): A coalition of Moslem organizations launched a public service campaign yesterday to help alleviate people's suffering during the monetary crisis. The drive, called the Komite Aksi Untuk Pelayanan Masyarakat (KAUM) or the Committee for the Public Service, was marked with a prayer led by mullahs from various organizations and closed with a fund raising event.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rates for tax payment
Rates for tax payment JAKARTA (JP): The government announced yesterday new official conversion rates as the basis for payment of import duty, value added tax on goods and services, sales tax on luxury goods, export tax and income tax. The new conversion rates will be valid for one week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1: U.S.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S.-RP military deal delay criticized
U.S.-RP military deal delay criticized MANILA (AFP): A member of a US Congress mission expressed disappointment yesterday at a delayed agreement to allow joint military training with the Philippines. "I am personally disappointed that the Philippines has been slow in ratifying the agreement with the US because our ships can't come in here unless it's ratified and that's part of the two-way street" former senator Larry Pressler, here with the US congress's National Security Caucus (NSC), said.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Analysts, bankers, businesspeople laud banking reform
Analysts, bankers, businesspeople laud banking reform JAKARTA (JP): Analyst, bankers and Indonesian businesspeople commended yesterday the government's congenial measure to fortify the country's frail banking sector, indicating such a move was long overdue. Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Aburizal Bakrie said the chamber supported the government's pledge to guarantee all depositors and creditors of the country's private, state-owned and joint-venture banks.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Exhibition * Ramadhan Exhibition featuring Handicraft, Fashion, Food, at the Lobby, Preanger Aerowisata Bandung Hotel, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81, Central Bandung, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Jan. 29. * Painting Exhibition: International Indonesian Paintings Exhibition 1998 by Jeihan, Popo, Erica Hestu Wahyuni, Krisna Murti, Faizal, Maria Tjui, etc., at the lobby level Grand Aquila Hotel, Jl. Dr. Djundjunan No. 116, Bandung, until Feb. 28.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Arresting the rupiah's drop
Arresting the rupiah's drop The new bold measures on corporate debts and bank restructuring announced by the Indonesian government yesterday directly address the main causes of the wild volatility and downward spiral of the rupiah's exchange rate. A temporary freeze on the servicing of both the interest and principal of corporate debts, called for in the measures, would soon arrest the strong demand for American dollars.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Transport strike hits more RP cities
Transport strike hits more RP cities CEBU, Philippines (Reuters): A new wave of transport strikes crippled Cebu, a major central Philippine city, yesterday but officials used dump trucks to ferry workers and lessen the impact of the walkouts elsewhere, police said. The protests were to culminate later in the day with a planned march by thousands of leftist workers on the presidential palace in Manila.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 27, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 600 0 0 AHAP Insurance 350 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 50 20,000 Alumindo Light Metal 250 25 79,000 Alumindo Perkasa 250 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 -100 424,000 Aneka Tambang 1,575 -75 29,287,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 2,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Probe into gold bullion company widened after arrest
Probe into gold bullion company widened after arrest JAKARTA (JP): Police will widen their probe into PT Pan Bullion Prima, a private gold bullion trading company, after the executive director was named a suspect. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said yesterday that investigators would start questioning other executives and staff members as potential witnesses to alleged breaches of the firm's business permit.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Nokia will not hike cellular phone prices
Nokia will not hike cellular phone prices JAKARTA (JP): Finnish mobile phone producer Nokia has promised not to raises prices of its mobile phones in Indonesia for the next several months despite the rupiah's volatility against the U.S. dollar. The general manager of Nokia Mobile Phones of Indonesia, Alexander Lambeek, said Monday Nokia raised its products' prices by about 20 percent in the second half of last year due to the monetary crisis.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ulemas banned for politicking
Ulemas banned for politicking SURABAYA (JP): A group of local Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) scholars, known for their critical view of chairman Abdurrahman Wahid, has been banned for politicking. East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman asked the group, calling itself FOKUS and claiming to have the support of 100 mullahs, to dissolve for fear of competing with the original provincial chapter of NU.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jakartans warned about fire dangers
Jakartans warned about fire dangers JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Fire Department urged residents, especially those celebrating Idul Fitri outside the city, to safeguard their houses before leaving. Suharso, head of the department, told The Jakarta Post many houses were left empty over the holiday and he did not want holidaymakers returning to a fire-gutted home.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Managing monetary crisis
Managing monetary crisis From Media Indonesia Of late, the print and electronic media have been carrying polemics on how to find the right solution to the prolonged monetary crisis. Of all the ideas expressed, the most interesting is one about a national dialog of sorts. Many people are likely to ask questions like: What form will this national dialog assume? Who will be invited to participate in it? Or, what ideas will be offered in such a dialog?
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Belo rallies for crisis-hit daily
Belo rallies for crisis-hit daily DILI, East Timor: Dili Catholic leader Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo called on subscribers of the Suara Timor Timur yesterday to help ease the financial burden that has severely affected the newspaper. "I call on subscribers who have not paid their subscription fees to soon fulfill their duties," Belo said. His call followed reports that the monetary crisis and the resulting soaring price of newsprint had forced the daily to suspend publication temporarily.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tough policy key to cure crisis
Tough policy key to cure crisis By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is a developing nation which has to go through crises and challenges to become an industrialized and mature nation. Every developed nation today has gone through this phase in its history. Take, for instance, the depression in industrialized nations in the 1980s.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Nissan sees drop in RI car demand
Nissan sees drop in RI car demand TOKYO (Reuters): Japanese car giant Nissan Motor Co Ltd said yesterday it expects total vehicle demand in Indonesia to fall about 70 percent in January compared with the same month last year. "Overall (vehicle) demand in Indonesia is sliding about 70 percent," Yoshi Iwashita, general manager in charge of Nissan's Asia and Oceania Operations Division, told Reuters in an interview.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) conversion rates on Jan. 27, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Capt. Suko faces calls for dismissal
Capt. Suko faces calls for dismissal YOGYAKARTA: Military prosecutors are demanding Capt. Suko Haryanto, who stands accused in a bribery case, be sentenced to 32 months in prison and be discharged from the police force. Prosecuting attorney Col. Asmar Gutji told a military tribunal Monday that the defendant had received a bribe from two drug traffickers named A Siong Margono and Toni Hartoyo.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japanese companies cautious on Indonesia
Japanese companies cautious on Indonesia TOKYO (Reuters): Japanese firms are cautious about investing in Indonesia despite a new IMF reform program endorsing deregulation of foreign investment to help cope with political and economic instability, officials said yesterday. The reform package calls for Indonesia to remove all formal and informal barriers to foreign investment in palm oil plantations by Feb. 1.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Media Indonesia' manager denies link to banned PRD
'Media Indonesia' manager denies link to banned PRD JAKARTA (JP): The general manager of the Media Indonesia daily Surya Paloh denied yesterday having any link to the banned Democratic People's Party (PRD).
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
SOFT LOANS FOR RI:
SOFT LOANS FOR RI: JP/oby Indonesia and Japan signed diplomatic notes for Japanese overseas development assistance yesterday, making available loans to the sum of 195.2 billion yen (US$1.47 billion). The loans, signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas (right) and Japanese ambassador Takao Kawakami (left), constitute a major portion of the 213.8 billion yen in overseas development assistance pledged by Tokyo under the package from the Consultative Group on Indonesia which met in July.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Spotlight
Spotlight Photo A: Fasting JP/oby BREAKING THE FAST: Army Chief Gen. Wiranto (second right) breaks the fast with chief editors and journalists at the Balai Kartini, Jakarta. He was accompanied Monday by noted preacher Zainuddin MZ (second left), chief of the Legion of Indonesia Veterans Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ahmad Tahir (right) and chairman of the Indonesian Journalists' Association Sofyan Lubis (left).
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Korean Tae Kwon Do coach still possibility
Korean Tae Kwon Do coach still possibility JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tae Kwon Do Association is considering whether or not to extend the contract of Korean coach Oh Il-nam for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December and other events this year. Ahmad Zarkasih, the association's secretary-general, said Monday the association would hold a meeting with their representatives and national coaches to discuss the Korean coach's contract.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Idul Fitri
Idul Fitri Announcement: The government is expected to announce tonight whether Idul Fitri falls tomorrow or Friday. Should it fall tomorrow, then it will be declared a public holiday, and The Jakarta Post will not appear accordingly. The newspaper will resume publication on Sunday. -- The Publisher
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN trade in own currencies 'impractical'
ASEAN trade in own currencies 'impractical' KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): An Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) proposal that the grouping use local currencies in regional trade is neither practical nor expected to find enough support even among its members, analysts said. The direction of the region's trade, the cost of developing a new trading system and lack of interest among some key members would keep the proposal shelved for the time being, they said.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Siswono highlights reasons behind Soeharto's renomination
Siswono highlights reasons behind Soeharto's renomination JAKARTA (JP): The country's political elite have renominated incumbent President Soeharto because they are not ready to fill his shoes, Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo said yesterday. Siswono said it was a sense of inability to measure up to Soeharto's outstanding achievements that had kept the elite from initiating a succession of national leadership.
Wed, 28 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: Big Brother Jake 3:10 Indonesian Children 3:35 Talk Show: Kotak Pos 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:10 Documentary: Masjid-Masjid Kuno di Jakarta 5:30 TV Drama: Menutup Mulut 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Science Film 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Entrepreneurship Program: Mitra Kita 8:05 Children's Drama 8:30 TV Drama: Jalan Yang Salah 9:00 World News 9:30...
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police gun down alleged robber
Police gun down alleged robber JAKARTA (JP): A police officer shot dead an alleged robber and wounded another after chasing them along Jl. Raya Teluk Gong in North Jakarta yesterday morning. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the wounded suspect escaped before he could be arrested. The dead man has been identified as Cecep Suhendra, 32, a blue-collar worker in Tangerang, West Java.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia PM to visit Thailand
Malaysia PM to visit Thailand KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to make an official visit to Thailand on Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, the national Bernama news agency reported yesterday. Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan was quoted by the Thai press as saying Mahathir's visit to Thailand is part of a regional tour to discuss ways to surmount the Asian economic crisis, said Bernama.
Wed, 28 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
New plan on Kemang draws mixed reaction
New plan on Kemang draws mixed reaction JAKARTA (JP): The city's decision to allow business owners in Kemang, South Jakarta, who already possess legal permits to continue operating has drawn a mixed reaction from councilors and businesspeople. Several councilors told The Jakarta Post they regretted the move and asked the city to review it for the sake of the residents, but another councilor along with Kemang businesspeople praised the decision.