Archive: 22 October 1998
53 articles found
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Employees protest newspaper
Employees protest newspaper MANADO, North Sulawesi: Hundreds of employees of PT Megasurya Nusa Lestari Manado demonstrated at the office of the Manado Post daily over its reports on reclamation by the company, Antara reported Wednesday. Representatives of the 150 protesters, who came in three trucks, demanded a public apology, saying the reports, including those of Oct. 8, Oct. 13 and Oct. 14, were slanted against the company.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Let the people decide
Let the people decide I have read a report in The Jakarta Post of Oct. 19, 1998 on the demonstration staged by workers of PT Indorayon at the office of the North Sumatra governor and now wish to write the following: Until now the solution to various problems arising between the local people and PT Indorayon in Porsea has never been based on the people's wishes.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
More suspected killers murdered in East Java
More suspected killers murdered in East Java SURABAYA (JP): Angry mobs killed three more people in Madura and Sidoarjo on Wednesday and Tuesday in reprisals against individuals they suspected of involvement in the mysterious killing spree in East Java. Local police said that Kahar, 30, a resident of Galis district in Bangkalan regency, Madura, was mobbed to death early on Wednesday. He was attacked on his way to visit a religious leader, Masduki, who heads the Cendana Islamic boarding school.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fakfak yet to get clean water
Fakfak yet to get clean water FAKFAK, Irian Jaya: The construction of a clean water pipeline network for the supply of Fakfak town residents is estimated to be completed in 2000. The head of the clean water project here, FX Budiantoro, was quoted Wednesday by Antara as saying here that "residents would be able to enjoy clean water 24 hours a day" when the project was completed.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Planet Hollywood event to raise funds
Planet Hollywood event to raise funds JAKARTA (JP): Planet Hollywood Jakarta is holding a Charity Gala Dinner to celebrate its fourth anniversary on Thursday night. The dinner is expected to raise Rp 45 million (US$6,400) for the purchase of 1,000 packages of sembako (basic necessities), to be distributed to poor families throughout Jakarta.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur on the mend, doctor says
Gus Dur on the mend, doctor says JAKARTA (JP): Moslem scholar Abdurrahman Wahid, hospitalized since Saturday for high blood pressure and a light stroke, was on the mend and would soon be released, his doctor said. Jusuf Misbach, who headed a team of doctors treating the chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), told reporters on Wednesday that Abdurrahman would have to rest for at least a week.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie 'understands furor' over Hindu remark
Habibie 'understands furor' over Hindu remark JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie emphasized on Wednesday that he fully understood the emotional outburst by the Balinese and Hindus over the recent remark by State Minister of Food and Horticulture Affairs A.M. Saefuddin. Bali Governor Dewa Made Beratha quoted the President as hoping that Hindus would stay calm for the sake of the nation's integrity.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Iwan Tirta projects ancient art of batik into 21st century
Iwan Tirta projects ancient art of batik into 21st century By Brigid O'Halloran JAKARTA (JP): Although the intricate traditional art of batik tulis would seem to have little in common with the futuristic world of computers, acclaimed batik designer Iwan Tirta has fused the two in his latest venture. On Friday Iwan will open a new batik factory equipped with the latest computer technology for the storage and manipulation of traditional and contemporary batik designs.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Another demonstration near House building
Another demonstration near House building JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of students staged a rally near the toll gate on Jl. Gatot Subroto close to the Semanggi cloverleaf in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, demanding the establishment of a national reconciliation council by the House of Representatives.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's tragedy today is a crisis of leadership
Indonesia's tragedy today is a crisis of leadership Five months after Soeharto stepped down, student protesters are still stalking the House of Representatives compound, creating traffic snarls almost every day. Political observer J. Soedjati Djiwandono traces today's complex political map. JAKARTA (JP): A free-for-all is what Indonesia in the immediate post-Soeharto era is all about. Is this the real meaning of the reform era? No way!
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar junta frees NLD detainees
Myanmar junta frees NLD detainees YANGON (AFP): Myanmar's junta said on Wednesday it released 10 members of the main pro-democracy opposition party last week after detaining them for an "exchange of views." The 10 are National League for Democracy (NLD) members of parliament, elected in 1990 polls which the military refused to recognize. The junta had said the NLD members were "invited" for a political discussion. It said earlier they were at "government guest houses" and had not been arrested.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian boat capsize toll up to 12
Malaysian boat capsize toll up to 12 KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The death toll from a weekend boat accident off Malaysia's western coast rose to 12 on Wednesday, with rescuers still searching for three more bodies, a news report said. Police said they discovered the body of Norhisham Hashim, 20, about five kilometers away from the resort island of Pulau Besar off the southwestern state of Malacca, the national news agency Bernama reported.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia, Australia to have crime treaty
Indonesia, Australia to have crime treaty JAKARTA (JP): A bilateral treaty seeking to empower the Indonesian and Australian governments to fight transnational crime was submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) for endorsement on Wednesday. During the bill's first reading before the House plenary session, Minister of Justice Muladi said the treaty was meant to complete the two countries' 1994 pact on extradition.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Dengue fever cases up sharply on last year
Dengue fever cases up sharply on last year JAKARTA (JP): The number of people infected with dengue fever in the capital is projected to jump from last year's figure of 5,700 to 17,100 by the end of this year, according to the deputy chairman of the city health agency Rasjid Piarah. Fifteen thousand people have been infected so far this year, he said on Wednesday at a discussion on how best to disseminate information needed to fight the disease.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Reform team uncovers land scam
Reform team uncovers land scam JAKARTA (JP): The city administration's reform team is investigating gross irregularities in the acquisition of 120 hectares of land near Bogor by the city-owned property development company PD Pembangunan Sarana Jaya and Bank DKI. Deputy Governor for development affairs Abdul Kahfi, who heads the team, told the media that the case was still under investigation and that no officials had yet been named as suspects.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Manifold Changes, by Davina Stephens, in Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran (Phone: 0361 701010), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., until Oct. 28. * Painting Exhibition: Atmospheres by American artist Mark Rutkowski, at Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Nov. 4. * Arts Exhibition: Kelompok Reinkarnasi, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Typhoon strands thousands in RP
Typhoon strands thousands in RP TACLOBAN, Philippines (Reuters): Typhoon Babs marched toward the central Philippines on Wednesday, stranding thousands of people and prompting many to move out of low-lying areas along its path. Babs, with winds gusting up to 235 kilometers per hour near its center, was expected to hit Albay and Catanduanes provinces later on Wednesday, meteorologists said.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Improving indicators leave Habibie hopeful of recovery
Improving indicators leave Habibie hopeful of recovery JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie expressed optimism on Wednesday that the economy was on track for a recovery from the year-long economic crisis because of considerable improvement in inflation and exchange rate indicators in recent months. He said the inflation rate during the first two weeks of this month was minus 0.7 percent, well below July's level of 8.5 percent. "July's inflation was horrifying.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Energy efficiency called for to protect environment
Energy efficiency called for to protect environment JAKARTA (JP): It is high time Jakarta's transportation and industrial sectors as well as households used energy more efficiently to help conserve the environment, an official said on Wednesday. "It's totally wrong to think that bigger and more advanced technology will use more energy, either fuel or electricity," Emy Perdanahari of the Ministry of Mines and Energy's directorate general of electricity and energy development said.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt opts for joint electoral system
Govt opts for joint electoral system JAKARTA (JP): The government stood its ground during the deliberation of its three political bills on Wednesday, insisting that next year's general election use a combination of district and proportional representation systems. Represented by Minister of Home Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid in a hearing with the House of Representatives, the government insisted that it wanted the Armed Forces (ABRI) to stay in the legislature.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI confident Australia won't reexamine Balibo incident
RI confident Australia won't reexamine Balibo incident JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia doubts Australia will reopen an inquiry into the deaths of five Australia-based journalists in East Timor in 1975 since the case was closed in 1996, an official says.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV to boost appreciation of traditional art, music
TV to boost appreciation of traditional art, music By Sri Wahyuni YOGYAKARTA (JP): Traditional art is often perceived as boring and old-fashioned by many, regardless of the fact that its beauty and cultural value is highly acknowledged. Such a fact has seemingly annoyed people who see that traditional art deserves the same appreciation as modern and popular art.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali's conversion rates on Oct. 21, 1998:
JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali's conversion rates on Oct. 21, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Unpaid reforestation fees reach Rp 170b
Unpaid reforestation fees reach Rp 170b JAKARTA (JP): Unpaid reforestation fees have reached more than Rp 170 billion (US$22.6 million) as of October this year, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Forestry. Director General of Forest Utilization Harnanto H. Martosiswojo said on Wednesday that the timber companies would be given two months from now to settle their debts. "Timber companies will be given a warning and a two percent fine per month will be imposed.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indotama serves households
Indotama serves households JAKARTA (JP): Indotama Cooperative has become the first cooperative in the country to enter the retail delivery service. The cooperative's chairman, S. Daniel Phrang, said on Wednesday that the cooperative started its household shopping service early this month to serve customers in Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi. He said goods would arrive at the purchasers' addresses within a week and deliveries were free of charge.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Communication is vital in inter-ethnic relations
Communication is vital in inter-ethnic relations By A.G. Wenats and S.M. Niken Restaty JAKARTA (JP): While claiming large numbers of victims, huge losses and the deep trauma of racism, the May riots still left many questions unanswered. They are: * What actual condition was the main cause of the riots? * Was it a mere economic gap or an accumulation of high-level political problems? * Who were the perpetrators and the instigators of the riots?
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Not our security personnel
Not our security personnel With reference to the reports in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 20, 1998 and Sept. 25, 1998 on the demand aired by a number of security guards, herewith for and on behalf of and in the legal interest of PT JAYA READYMIX we deem it necessary to present the following refutation and response: 1. PT JAYA READYMIX has never hired any security guards as referred to in the reports in The Jakarta Post. 2.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Second company declared bankrupt by Jakarta court
Second company declared bankrupt by Jakarta court JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court declared PT Sarana Kemas Utama bankrupt on Wednesday following a petition from Bank PDFCI. Sarana Kemas, a cardboard producer, is the second company to be declared bankrupt by the court after a controversial bankruptcy decision made by the same court early this month. Presiding judge Haryono said that Sarana Kemas had acknowledged its obligations and its failure to service its debt with the plaintiff.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Observers doubt Golkar independence declaration
Observers doubt Golkar independence declaration JAKARTA (JP): Political observers have expressed doubt that Golkar will follow through on its "lip service" declaration of independence from its two main supporters, the Armed Forces and the bureaucracy. Bambang Triantoro and Afan Gaffar separately agreed that the dominant political grouping could only retain its long-standing political supremacy with the help of the two powerful bodies.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah ideal at Rp 7,000-8,000 range: Ginandjar
Rupiah ideal at Rp 7,000-8,000 range: Ginandjar JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said on Wednesday the favorable equilibrium level for the rupiah should be at a range of between Rp 7,000 and Rp 8,000 to the U.S. dollar in order to maintain the country's export competitiveness in the region.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Freeport profit declines
Freeport profit declines NEW ORLEANS (Reuters): Increased production and lower costs of Indonesian operations blunted the impact of lower copper prices on Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s third quarter profits, the company said on Tuesday. Profits declined to US$23.8 million, or 14 cents per share, matching the First Call consensus for the third quarter. This compares with earnings of $36.6 million, or 19 cents per share, in 1997's September quarter.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Banks ask Supreme Court to revoke Modernland verdict
Banks ask Supreme Court to revoke Modernland verdict JAKARTA (JP): Bank Danamon and Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), two of the country's largest private listed banks, have appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn a bankruptcy verdict on property firm PT Modernland Realty. Hotman Paris Hutapea of Makarim and Taira S Law firm and Denny Kailimang of Kailimang law firm said on Wednesday that the appeal was filed on Monday.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 21, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 275 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 0 1,532,500 Alumindo Light Metal 275 0 314,000 Alumindo Perkasa 175 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 40,500 Aneka Tambang 1,450 0 8,280,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir refuses to bow to pressure, call election
Mahathir refuses to bow to pressure, call election KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he won't be pressured into calling early elections despite weekly street protests demanding his resignation. "I do not see why I should be pushed into an earlier election because that will have the effect of undermining our economic programs," the national news agency Bernama quoted him as saying. Since former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was arrested on Sept.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
A rare coincidence?
A rare coincidence? One day when I was looking at a picture of the robust Philippine President Estrada and his petite Indonesian counterpart President Habibie, I suddenly remembered an article in Asiaweek of Oct. 9, 1998 about President Estrada. Although the article was about Estrada, if you exchange Estrada with Habibie, the Philippines with Indonesia and Ramos with Soeharto, you realize that these changes make no difference and the article still makes sense.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Evidence needed
Evidence needed Amid the speculation about who could be behind the killings (in Banyuwangi, East Java), a most disturbing assertion has been made by the chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) board, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). Gus Dur told reporters masterminds of the killings could be found in the current Reform Cabinet as well as outside the cabinet's formal structure. The motive, according to Gus Dur, is to provoke the outrage of NU members and create national instability.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Presidential candidate
Presidential candidate From Merdeka People have started discussing Indonesia's fourth president and proposing candidates. They have also set the requirements for the presidency. In my opinion, we'd better return to the 1945 Constitution and the Pancasila philosophy, the state's basis and ideology. There are people who do not think highly of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, others have proposed a perfection of the 1945 Constitution.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soccer league to proceed despite sponsorship doubts
Soccer league to proceed despite sponsorship doubts JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the All Indonesian Soccer Federation Agum Gumelar reiterated on Wednesday that the upcoming league would kick off as scheduled despite the uncertain sponsorship situation. Agum said the federation had earmarked Rp 100 million (US$14,000) in subsidies for each of the 28 participating clubs, a quarter of which would be handed over to all the team managers on Oct. 28.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
MPR asked to rule on Soeharto
MPR asked to rule on Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Activists demanded on Wednesday that the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) next month ratify a decree to reclaim Soeharto's family wealth which he allegedly amassed during 32 years in power. Teten Masduki of Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) said the Assembly should issue a "political judgment" on public allegations that Soeharto abused his power to enrich his family and cronies.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN mulls 'open house' to all investors in 1999
ASEAN mulls 'open house' to all investors in 1999 MANILA (AFP): Nine Southeast Asian countries may temporarily grant "open house treatment" to all foreign investors by next year as part of joint efforts to address the financial crisis, a Philippine official said on Wednesday. The proposal is "one of the package of bold measures" to be discussed by senior economic officials for adoption by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Assistant Trade Secretary Edsel Custodio told reporters.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Caltex moves to Singapore
Caltex moves to Singapore SINGAPORE (DPA): U.S. giant Caltex Petroleum Corporation is moving its global headquarters from Dallas, Texas, to Singapore, the company announced Friday. Caltex would be the first multinational company to establish its corporate base in the city-state, officials in Singapore said. The shift came out of a company reorganization in June aimed at raising efficiency, Caltex said.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Zarina granted early remission to sentence
Zarina granted early remission to sentence TANGERANG (JP): With a bright smile and cheerful face, Zarina -- the budding TV actress who was not supposed to end her four- year jail term until November 2000 for her Ecstasy case -- was freed on conditional release on Wednesday. Accompanied by relatives and lawyers, the 26-year-old, who looked much heavier than when she was arrested in November 1996, left the Tangerang Women's Penitentiary at 10:15 a.m.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie says he needs no political brokers
Habibie says he needs no political brokers JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie said on Wednesday that he would get rid of people within his circle who were acting as political brokers, saying that they were the cause of the tragic downfall of his two predecessors, Soeharto and Sukarno. "I don't want the same thing to happen to me," Habibie said in a joint interview with TVRI and RCTI. "Both men resigned in an unsavory manner," he said. He said the brokers operate to serve their own interests.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Key Asian rescue draft to be presented at APEC
Key Asian rescue draft to be presented at APEC SYDNEY (AFP): A strategy to coordinate Asian economic revival involving simultaneous interest rate cuts and budget expansion drawing partly on Japan's new credit line will be put to next month's APEC forum in Malaysia.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt 'broke rules' over Freeport's obligations
Govt 'broke rules' over Freeport's obligations JAKARTA (JP): Former mines and energy minister Subroto said on Wednesday the government contravened accepted practices by not informing legislators that it had relieved copper and gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia of its divestment obligation. "Since the contract involved consultation with the House of Representatives (before being signed by the government and Freeport), the House should at least be informed," Subroto said.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia may impose tax on palm oil to counter budget steps
Malaysia may impose tax on palm oil to counter budget steps KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia is likely to impose taxes on palm oil, its leading export earner, in its budget this week to help offset an expansionary spending plan, analysts and traders said. They expect Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is also first finance minister, to announce an export tax on refined palm oil or a sales tax on crude palm oil when he unveils the 1999 budget to parliament at 4 p.m. on Friday.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jamsostek asks to be exempt from paying tax
Jamsostek asks to be exempt from paying tax JAKARTA (JP): PT Jamsostek, a state-owned company running the social security insurance program for workers, proposed to the government that it should be exempt from its obligation to pay tax and dividends.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
PBSI waiting for result of Sigit's second drug test
PBSI waiting for result of Sigit's second drug test JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will not take any action against doubles specialist Sigit Budiarto until the International Badminton Federation (IBF) announces the result of a second test on a urine sample taken from him in August.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Thundercats 3:05 Student's Program: Pramuka 3:30 Science Film 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 TV Series: The Man from Uncle 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Comedy: Terminal Humor 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Comedy: Terminal Humor 8:20 Koran Recital 8:30 Religious Teachings: Islam 9:00...
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Beggars flourish in Banjarmasin
Beggars flourish in Banjarmasin BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Beggars and female and child street singers are becoming more numerous at intersections in Banjarmasin. On Wednesday Antara reported that this scene was easily found at main road intersections and shopping centers. The report said beggars included minors who would "hang on car windows" in their efforts to ask for cash.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Meridien's year-end package
Meridien's year-end package JAKARTA (JP): Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort in Bali launched on Wednesday its Christmas campaign to boost sales over the Christmas and New Year period. Operation Christmas includes telesales to local operators, key wholesalers and regional sales offices to provide details of the activities and events that have been planned for Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Strong buying pushes Asian currencies to further heights
Strong buying pushes Asian currencies to further heights SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Strong buying interest catapulted the Indonesian rupiah to its highest level in eight months during Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The heavy demand for the local currency, which was variously attributed to domestic banks and corporations or to offshore hedge funds, at one point pushed the rupiah to a level of Rp 7,050 to the U.S.
Thu, 22 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI maids work in S'pore for a dollar a month
RI maids work in S'pore for a dollar a month SINGAPORE (AP): To escape poverty at home, hundreds of Indonesian women are working for just one Singapore dollar (US$0.60) a month as domestic servants in Singapore. The regional economic crisis has increased the supply of imported maids in this rich island state, prompting local maid agencies to cut already low rates to a symbolic fee.