Archive: 29 October 1998
53 articles found
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ginandjar off to Japan to discuss more loans
Ginandjar off to Japan to discuss more loans BANDUNG (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita was scheduled to leave for Japan on Wednesday night to follow up on the Japanese government's pledge to provide additional aid packages to Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Spotlight
Spotlight Correction: Max de la Fuente is Peruvian ambassador to Hungary, not to Indonesia as mentioned in the caption of a photo under Spotlight on Page 9 in Wednesday's paper. Peruvian Ambassador to Indonesia is Elard Escala. We apologize for any inconvenience. -- Editor
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Workers want withdrawal of discriminatory decree
Workers want withdrawal of discriminatory decree JAKARTA (JP): More than 600 workers loyal to the current leadership of the Federation of All Indonesian Workers Union demonstrated at the Ministry of Manpower on Wednesday to push the government to lift what they said was a discriminatory ministerial decree. Minister of Manpower Decree No. 5/1998 makes it obligatory for labor unions to register with the government, a ruling which they said contradicted the ILO convention on freedom of association.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Insulting statement
Insulting statement A controversial statement made by State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin concerning Megawati was, in my opinion, really an act of bigotry. I truly can't understand how such a high-ranking official as educated as himself could have made such an insensitive statement to a group of journalists. Doesn't he know that when he speaks to journalists such an outrageous statement would definitely be printed and blown up?
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fake diplomas mar village chief race
Fake diplomas mar village chief race TANGERANG (JP): At least 17 of 386 candidates up for 119 village chief posts in Tangerang regency here are suspected of submitting fake school diplomas to meet the prerequisites for the coveted position. The head of the regency's village administration department, H.E. Kusnadi, said Wednesday the election committee discovered the fraud thanks to tip-offs from the public as well as the candidates' competitors.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Winners of May 21 Trisakti monument announced
Winners of May 21 Trisakti monument announced JAKARTA (JP): Private Trisakti University, which plans to build a monument in commemoration of the deaths of four of its students who were fatally shot during the May 12 tragic incident, revealed on Wednesday three winners of the monument design contest. One design, created by Mukrifin, a student of the university's school of architecture and, another design created by M. Deni Hendrawan, a graduate of the university, were chosen as the first winners.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students demonstrate to mark Youth Pledge Day
Students demonstrate to mark Youth Pledge Day JAKARTA (JP): Students commemorated the 70th anniversary of the country's Youth Pledge on Wednesday by staging demonstrations against the planned special session of the People's Consultative Assembly, the Armed Forces' (ABRI) political role, and a host of other issues.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
TNT presses on with RI expansion
TNT presses on with RI expansion JAKARTA (JP): Netherlands-based air express company TNT Express Worldwide will continue to expand its business in Indonesia despite the country's worst economic turmoil in decades. TNT Indonesia president Soediono Soemantri said on Wednesday the company would open five new branch offices in Pekanbaru and Batam, both in Riau, and Bogor, Tangerang and Cikarang in West Java by the end of 1999.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
No rift in team probing May unrest, Marzuki says
No rift in team probing May unrest, Marzuki says JAKARTA (JP): Human rights campaigner Marzuki Darusman denied on Wednesday that a rumored rift between members of the team investigating the May riots caused the postponement of the announcement of its findings. Marzuki, who chaired the government-sponsored joint team, said "technical problems" delayed the scheduled Oct. 23 release.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
50 ex-convicts undergo training
50 ex-convicts undergo training BOGOR (JP): The Bogor social services office has enrolled 50 former convicts in vocational training courses to improve their chances of earning an independent living. Kusnadi, head of the social service office, said on Wednesday training opportunities ranged from automotive repair to preparation of salted eggs and noodles. Each participant receives transportation fees of Rp 30,000 (US$3.75) a month during the four-month training course, which started in September.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia plan crackdown on fresh street protests
Malaysia plan crackdown on fresh street protests KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian police warned on Wednesday supporters of sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim that they would crack down on any street protests even if it meant risking harm to women and children. "The police can only take so much. So don't force us to take stern action when the situation is out of control," Mohamed Yusuf, deputy director of internal security and public order for the police, was quoted as saying.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Strong quake jolts Ternate
Strong quake jolts Ternate TERNATE, Ambon: A strong earthquake jolted Ternate town and its surroundings on Wednesday afternoon, but no casualties were reported, according to Antara. "We have not received any reports of casualties or material losses. And local people have been asked to stay alert over possible tremors," said Aryo Fauzi, the chief of the Ternate office of the Meteorological and Geophysics Agency.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
City seeks review on tax rulings
City seeks review on tax rulings JAKARTA (JP): The government should review three regulations pertaining to collection of taxes and levies because they are burdensome to the regional administration, Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs Budiardjo Soekmadi said on Wednesday. Speaking at a City Council plenary session on behalf of Governor Sutiyoso, Budiardjo said the government should review Law No. 18/1997 on the collection of taxes and regional levies, Government Regulation No.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sintong ignores U.S. court verdict
Sintong ignores U.S. court verdict BANDUNG: Secretary of Development Operations Sintong Pandjaitan has decided to ignore the verdict of a Boston district court that he pay a US$14 million compensation to Helen Todd for the death of her son Kamal Bamadhaj in the 1991 Dili incident in which troops opened fire on protesters. Sintong was then chief of the Udayana Military Command overseeing West and East Nusa Tenggara and East Timor when the incident occurred.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Works Exhibition by Heri Dono, Indonesian contemporary artist, CCCL - French Cultural Center Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday to Saturday, until Oct. 31. Performance * Franco-Indonesian Concert: Candra Puspita Ensemble of Sundanese Traditional Music and Matjapat Songs, at Balai Sahabat, Jl. Gentengkali 89-91, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 30.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Manila to import rice
Manila to import rice MANILA (AP): President Joseph Estrada has authorized a government agency to import up to 300,000 metric tons of rice because of damage to rice crops from four recent typhoons, officials said Wednesday. The National Food Authority sought Estrada's permission to import rice after 734,750 tons of rice worth 1.7 billion pesos (US$42.5 million) was destroyed by the typhoons, mostly on the main Philippine island of Luzon.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Daihatsu doubles stake in Indonesian joint venture
Daihatsu doubles stake in Indonesian joint venture JAKARTA (JP): Japan's Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. will soon double its stake in PT Astra Daihatsu Motor, a joint venture with Indonesia's largest auto producer PT Astra International, to 40 percent under an agreement signed here on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Youth Pledge Day marked with rallies
Youth Pledge Day marked with rallies JAKARTA (JP): As had been widely expected, the 70th anniversary of the Youth Pledge on Wednesday was marked with noisy anti-Habibie protests by thousands of demonstrators in the capital and many other big cities across the country. No clashes were reported and all of the protests ended peacefully under the watchful gaze of heavily armed soldiers and riot police.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * 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. Raya Ubud, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Nov. 22. Concert * Julian Lennon Live in Concert, at Hard Rock Cafe Bali (Phone: 0361 755661), Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 11 p.m.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bankruptcy claim against Davomas pulled
Bankruptcy claim against Davomas pulled JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court has approved a request made by American Express Bank of Jakarta to withdraw an insolvency petition against the publicly-listed cocoa producer PT Davomas Abadi. Hotman Paris Hutapea of Makarim and Taira S. law firm, who is acting on behalf of Davomas, said the court had approved the request after learning that the bank and PT Davomas had reached an agreement to settle the debt outside court.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
APEC: Mahathir's 'last hurrah'?
APEC: Mahathir's 'last hurrah'? By Edward Neilan Malaysian Prime Minister may be snubbed by Clinton at Kuala Lumpur meeting TOKYO (JP): Next month's meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) was supposed to be a crowning moment for host Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Instead it is likely to turn out to be a soiled "last hurrah" for the 72-year old controversial leader who is Asia's most outspoken anti-American.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Saleh Djasit elected governor
Saleh Djasit elected governor PEKANBARU, Riau: Brig. Gen. Saleh Djasit, a legislator of the Armed Forces faction, won the Riau governor's election to replace Soeripto for the 1998/2003 term. Saleh won 25 of the 45 available votes in the plenary session of the Riau provincial legislative council, which was also attended by Director General of Regional Autonomy and Public Administration Ryas Rasyid. The other two candidates, Firdaus Malik and Azaly Djohan, got 19 and one vote respectively.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI in business
ABRI in business Apart from its sociopolitical function, the trading and business activities that have for years been conducted by ABRI -- either by individual members or by ABRI as an institution -- have now come under fire. Such nonmilitary activities are now seen as "deviations that must no longer be tolerated". Demands have even come from several sides that ABRI abandon its businesses, or maintain only its cooperatives.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 28, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 275 0 500 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 250 0 228,000 Alumindo Light Metal 250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,375 0 5,646,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Workers stage hunger strike
Workers stage hunger strike MEDAN, North Sumatra: Three workers of PT Latexindo Toba Perkasa began a hunger strike while camped out in front of the Medan Legal Aid Institute office. They are protesting the arrest of 12 fellow workers, Antara reported on Wednesday. Rahmadhaniel Daulay of the legal aid office said Rusianti, Susi Parningsih and Parida Wati started the hunger strike on midday Tuesday. He said the 12 workers were arrested during a labor strike in the company last Friday.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Why were we stopped?
Why were we stopped? As a visitor to Indonesia, I am very impressed with the friendliness of the people and the many wonderful sights in the cities and the countryside. Having already traveled around Jakarta and Yogyakarta with my family, earlier this week we set our minds toward the sights and sounds of Bali. On a day trip to Mt. Batur, we were very surprised when our Indonesian driver was pulled over twice by police. He told us that the police had asked him for money or cigarettes.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
People's appeal to DPR members
People's appeal to DPR members From Republika With reference to Republika of Oct. 15, I, who personally would like to see a basic change in this nation's life, became worried about the heavy load of the House of Representatives (DPR) to analyze, in a very short period of time, the bills submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Indonesian Science Institute.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Deepening poverty 'biggest threat to human rights'
Deepening poverty 'biggest threat to human rights' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas warned on Wednesday that deepening poverty caused by East Asia's financial meltdown poses the biggest threat to human rights. "It stirs up social and political turmoil, spreads inequities, injustice and deprivation and could even trigger mass migrations across borders," Alatas said.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mrs. Fields close outlets
Mrs. Fields close outlets JAKARTA (JP): Baked food franchise Mrs. Fields plans to close its last two outlets in Indonesia in the next few weeks, as the severe economic crisis has made doing business here financially untenable. An advisor to the local franchisee of the U.S.-based Mrs. Fields, Patrick Holland, said on Wednesday the rupiah's 65 percent drop had boosted costs of imported materials while the purchasing power of its customers had diminished sharply.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Singaporean minister: ASEAN solidarity remains solid
Singaporean minister: ASEAN solidarity remains solid By Kornelius Purba SINGAPORE (JP): Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs S. Jayakumar said on Wednesday the spirit of solidarity and cooperation prevailed in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) despite temporary weakening caused by the economic crisis and political transition faced by some members.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Four forces' seen vying for power
'Four forces' seen vying for power JAKARTA (JP): The influential Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) said on Wednesday there were four social forces involved in the political power struggle, including the remnants of Soeharto's New Order regime. YLBHI chairman Bambang Widjojanto, at the 28th anniversary celebration of the foundation, identified those who sought to revive Soeharto's influence in society as "restorationists".
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Top seeds cruise into second round at Indonesia Open
Top seeds cruise into second round at Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): Most top seeds romped through their first round outings in the US$120,000 Sanyo Indonesia Open Badminton Championships on Wednesday, but it was rough going for Denmark's heavily favored men's stars. Roni Agustinus of Indonesia celebrated his promotion to the country's badminton elite by upsetting Denmark's 1992 Olympic bronze medalist Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen 15-5, 15-7, at the Senayan Indoor Stadium in Central Jakarta.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Serial killings are jeopardizing reform: Habibie
Serial killings are jeopardizing reform: Habibie BANDUNG (JP): President B.J. Habibie said here on Wednesday that a series of mysterious killings of Moslem preachers and alleged black magic practitioners in East Java was jeopardizing the country's move toward democratic reform. Addressing a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Youth Pledge Day, he said the bloodshed, in which more than 150 people have been killed since August, has spread terror and suspicion.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Winters' allegation against Ginandjar
Winters' allegation against Ginandjar From Kompas By nature, I am an Indonesian nationalist, one that adheres to the five-point state principle Pancasila. However, as far as the truth is concerned, I will not come to the defense of something solely on the basis of nationalism. But I will do it for truth itself.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mandela arrives for Congo talks
Mandela arrives for Congo talks WINDHOEK (DPA): South African President Nelson Mandela arrived in Windhoek on Wednesday for private talks with Namibian President Sam Nujoma over the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The talks, which are expected to center around the conflict in the DRC for which Mandela is trying to seek a diplomatic solution, forms part of a series of meetings between the South African president and key players in the region.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
DHL receives best rating
DHL receives best rating JAKARTA (JP): Air courier, DHL Worldwide Express, has been awarded the title of "Europe's most admired company in the express parcels sector", according to a survey. A survey by Michael Brown of the Nottingham School of Business rated DHL the top among its competitors including Securico Omega Express, Federal Express Europe, Jet Services, UPS Europe, TNT Express Worldwide, Parcel Force, General Parcel and ANC.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kadin hails creditors' moves on loans to firms
Kadin hails creditors' moves on loans to firms JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Aburizal Bakrie hailed on Wednesday efforts by several international creditors to renegotiate loan repayments from local companies. Aburizal said out-of-court settlements were the best approach in dealing with the country's mounting private debt because they benefited both parties.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Inflation may be falling, but rupiah hit by rally
Inflation may be falling, but rupiah hit by rally JAKARTA (JP): Inflation in October is expected to be zero and could even begin to fall on the back of lower food prices and the strengthening rupiah, Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Wednesday. He said the economy witnessed disinflation during the first three weeks of this month due to lower food prices, particularly for rice.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Official vows help in cheap credit bid
Official vows help in cheap credit bid JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs Budiardjo Soekmadi pledged on Wednesday to help minivan operators qualify for cheap credit worth Rp 94.1 billion (US$11.76 million) provided by the government for the transportation sector. Budiardjo said the administration would ask the government to change its policy of restricting awarding of the credit to medium and wide-bodied bus operators in 15 major cities, including the capital.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
PT Inco reports $800,000 loss
PT Inco reports $800,000 loss JAKARTA (JP): PT International Nickel Indonesia (PT Inco) announced on Wednesday an audited loss of US$800,000 for the third quarter of 1998, compared with net earnings of $8.3 million, or three cents per share, for the same period last year. Inco said in a statement that net earnings for the first nine months of 1998 were $9.9 million, or four cents per share, compared with $25.4 million, or 10 cents per share in the corresponding period of 1997.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Beards problem for Afghan boxers
Beards problem for Afghan boxers KABUL (AFP): Afghanistan's religious sports officials on Monday urged Asian Games and Olympics organizers to change laws banning beards in boxing, to allow their athletes to compete. Sports Minister Abdul Shokour Mutmaen said his boxers had been unfairly treated during a tournament in Karachi, when three boxers were barred because they had untrimmed beards.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ex-servicemen go on rampage
Ex-servicemen go on rampage AMBON: About 2,000 retired servicemen and civil servants went on a rampage on Tuesday and damaged the branch office of state- owned PT Taspen and the district court in protest against the court's verdict over their case, Antara reported on Wednesday. The two buildings' windows and doors and interior furnishings were badly damaged. "We were forced to damage the two buildings because the court has not been fair in trying our lawsuit," said Yance Wenna, a demonstrator.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three members of known criminal gangs shot dead
Three members of known criminal gangs shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives shot dead three men alleged to be members of notorious criminal gangs in separate incidents early on Wednesday, fulfilling their recent pledge to take stern measures against brutal crooks.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Berlin impresses Governor Sutiyoso
Berlin impresses Governor Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): What's Governor Sutiyoso done so far on his two- week official trip to Turkey, Rotterdam and Berlin? According to Antara, while in Berlin, the governor was stunned by the rapid but well-integrated development of the city which -- in his opinion -- does not need to scare the landscape by demolishing any historical structures.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Clean bus project resumes in April
Clean bus project resumes in April JAKARTA (JP): Swisscontact, a Switzerland-based nonprofit organization, will hold the second phase of its Rp 1 billion (US$125,000) clean bus project in the capital in April next year in a bid to help improve air quality, an environmental consultant said on Tuesday.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local residents catch suspected killers of cabbie
Local residents catch suspected killers of cabbie JAKARTA (JP): A taxi driver was allegedly stabbed to death in a robbery attempt by two teenage passengers on Tuesday night. The two suspects were later captured and beaten up after they stopped for help when the vehicle broke down in Bekasi. The victim, identified as 42-year-old Erwin Suharja, the driver of a Blue Bird Cendrawasih taxi, was thought to have died instantly from the seven stab wounds to his back and head.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Megawati views Saefuddin blunder as an 'ordeal'
Megawati views Saefuddin blunder as an 'ordeal' JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin has again apologized for remarks which incurred the wrath of thousands of Hindus, but Megawati Soekarnoputri -- the original target of the minister's statement -- has remained noncommittal. "I'd rather be silent (over the furor).
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local chess hero faces Karpov in quarters
Local chess hero faces Karpov in quarters JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Utut Adianto will square off in a rematch against official world champion Anatoly Karpov of Russia in the quarterfinals of the US$48,000 Intercontinental Rapid Chess tournament at Cap d'Agde, France, on Wednesday. They last met at the Clash of the Titans here in November last year, with Karpov winning a one-sided duel.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah strengthening
Rupiah strengthening Neither the recent mysterious killing spree in East Java, nor the latest wave of student demonstrations in the capital has been able to impede the rupiah's strong rebound that started last month.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sex crime victims lack protection: Experts
Sex crime victims lack protection: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Noted law expert Loebby Loqman has sought a revision of the Criminal Code so that it covers a wider range of sexual crimes and affords victims better protection. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) here on Wednesday, Loebby said the definition of sexual crimes, including rape, should be revised because the existing definitions were too narrow.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Oct. 28, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 29 Oct 1998, 00:00 WIB
PT PLN aims to lower power price to $0.04
PT PLN aims to lower power price to $0.04 By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): Cash-strapped state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) will seek to cut the price of power supplied by independent power producers (IPP) to around 4 U.S. cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) in a bid to bring relief to its current financial difficulties. "We will try to bring down power purchase prices to a fair level," PLN president Adhi Satriya said on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 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 Symphony Film 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: Catatan Perjalanan 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Local Products Appreciation 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Local Products Appreciation 8:20 Koran Recital 8:30 Religious Teachings: Islam...