Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 October 1998

64 articles found

ASEAN ministers open their economic meeting

ASEAN ministers open their economic meeting MANILA (AFP): Southeast Asian economic ministers began a two- day meeting here Wednesday with commitments to drastic tariff cuts as a pill to revive economies knocked down by the Asian financial flu. Philippines President Joseph Estrada set the tone in a keynote address, urging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maintain open markets and cautioning members against "backsliding" on commitments to trade liberalization.

Megawati's congress set to open

Megawati's congress set to open By Imanuddin and M.M.I. Ahyani DENPASAR (JP): Tens of thousands of Megawati Soekarnoputri loyalists continue to stream into Bali to lend support to a three-day congress of her faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), which she has promised will be secure and orderly. Set to open on Thursday morning, the congress will welcome about 1,000 registered party officials from across the country.

Manila to hunt on for Marcos money

Manila to hunt on for Marcos money MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government will not let up its chase against the estate of the Marcos family despite the acquittal of former first lady Imelda Marcos, presidential spokesman Fernando Barican said on Wednesday. Imelda Marcos' acquittal on graft charges on Tuesday "does not put to rest government's pursuit" of wealth allegedly stolen by the Marcos family, Barican said.

More juvenile delinquency amid crisis

More juvenile delinquency amid crisis JAKARTA (JP): Psychologist Subyakto Atmosiswoyo said on Wednesday that juvenile delinquency was on the increase in the city because of the current economic crisis. Speaking at his inauguration ceremony as a professor at the University of Indonesia in Depok, Subyakto said the upward trend could be seen from the increase in deviant behavior, especially student brawls and drug abuse.

Art Summit schedule

Art Summit schedule Oct. 7-8: Music, No World Improvisations, Jin Hi Kim (USA), Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3154087). Oct. 9-10: Music, Wulan Bamban, Suka Hardjana (Indonesia), Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (GKJ), Jl. Pos No. 2, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3441892). Oct. 11-12: Theater, Ngeh (Understand), Teater Mandiri (Indonesia), TIM. Oct. 13-14: Dance, Diez-Diez Danza SL (Spain), GKJ. Oct. 16-17: Music, Tsuchitori Toshiyuki (Japan), TIM. Oct.

Habibie set to meet Estrada in S'pore

Habibie set to meet Estrada in S'pore MANILA (AP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada has been invited by Indonesian President B.J. Habibie to meet next week in Singapore when both leaders are attending an international economic forum, Estrada's spokesman said Wednesday.

New entrants for odd museum

New entrants for odd museum SEMARANG (JP): Hanging around parking lots has its own virtue. Jauhari, 37, likes to memorize number plates, and his habit has landed him in the Indonesian Museum of Records here -- he can memorize sequences up to 49 digits long. The museum, set up by self-proclaimed renown humorologist Jaya Suprana, also has two other new entrants.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 7, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 250 50 2,041,000 Alumindo Light Metal 250 0 13,500 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 100 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,125 50 7,536,000 Anwar Sierad 100 25 107,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Last ditch stand politics revisited

Last ditch stand politics revisited By Herb Feith YOGYAKARTA (JP): Sunsets can be tranquil or turbulent. In the turbulent ones there is often a moment of intense brightness just before the sun disappears. The American cultural historian William Irwin Thompson developed his theory of "enantadromia" on the basis of that phenomenon. The theory explains a great deal of what happened in the last two months of Soeharto's rule, and what is happening in Malaysia today.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali's conversion rates on Oct. 7, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates ---------------------------------------- Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Aberdeen cuts Bank Bali stake

Aberdeen cuts Bank Bali stake JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Bali said on Wednesday that regional fund manager Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Ltd reduced its stake in the bank to 4.99 percent on Sept. 15. Bank Bali's corporate programs and communications manager, Dian Syarief, said that Aberdeen previously held 5.13 percent of the bank's equity. Dian's statement clarifies a previous report in The Jakarta Post about Aberdeen's links with the bank. (rid)

End minimum wage system, says Union

End minimum wage system, says Union CIANJUR, West Java (JP): The splinter faction of the Federation of All Indonesian Workers Union (FSPSI Reformasi) will fight for replacement of the monthly minimum wage with a market- based remuneration system, a newly elected executive said on Wednesday. Secretary-general Mohammad Rodja argued the minimum wage approach should be discontinued because it had failed to improve workers' welfare.

Malaysian crisis heats up amid fresh pro-Anwar rally

Malaysian crisis heats up amid fresh pro-Anwar rally KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he would not appoint a replacement for Anwar Ibrahim as anti-government protests broke out again with thousands demanding justice for his ousted, jailed deputy. After chairing a meeting of his United Malays National Organization Party (UMNO) until early hours, Mahathir said he would wait to fill Anwar's seat until the party's internal election in 1999.

GMNU to stage 'mass gathering'

GMNU to stage 'mass gathering' JAKARTA (JP): The Nahdlatul Ulama Youth Movement (GMNU), a youth wing of the country's largest Moslem organization, the Nahdlatul Ulama, announced on Wednesday a plan to stage a huge gathering here -- probably to be attended by one million people -- on Oct. 11 at the Senayan eastern parking lot. GMNU's secretary, Chatibul Umam Wiranu, said the gathering, scheduled to last from 8 a.m.

River pollution high in C. Lampung

River pollution high in C. Lampung BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Four tapioca factories have allegedly dumped hundreds of metric tons of waste into Pegadungan River flowing through Central Lampung. Gusmarwan of the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) said here on Wednesday the river was heavily polluted with effluent from the factories. The factories are PT Sentral Intan, PT Sago Tiga Kembang, PT Eka Inti Tapioka and PT Sakti Buana.

Group wants Anwar trial in Malay

Group wants Anwar trial in Malay KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The decision by a judge to conduct the trial of Malaysia's chief dissident in English instead of the local language has drawn criticism, a newspaper reported on Wednesday. The Malaysian National Writers Association said in a statement that conducting Anwar Ibrahim's trial in English for the benefit of an international audience will mean "sacrificing the position and dignity of the Malay language".

Ignorance worsens malnutrition: Farid

Ignorance worsens malnutrition: Farid JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Farid Anfasa Moeloek said on Wednesday malnutrition problems found among the country's children were not only due to economic deprivation but also because of a lack of knowledge on health issues.

Young girl dies from overdose

Young girl dies from overdose JAKARTA (JP): A 16-year-old girl died in her rented house on early Wednesday morning possibly due to an overdose of putaw, a low-grade heroin. Fatimah Oktavia, popularly known as Ria, was found lying on the floor of her room at about 4 a.m. with yellow liquid oozing from her mouth, said Leggi, one of the victim's friends. Ria was a resident of Pamulang Permai in South Jakarta and had lived with friends after her parents divorced, she said.

Duty free imports of lubricants

Duty free imports of lubricants I am writing in response to the article "Lubricant producers against imports freedom" of Oct. 5. Many times, the Association of Indonesian Lubricant Producers, through its chairman A.P. Batubara, used the phrase "national interest". This slogan has, by now, proven to be hollow and abused maybe as much as the tariff list from the customs' book. What has not been protected in the name of national interest?

Schizophrenia initiated by some indicative symptoms

Schizophrenia initiated by some indicative symptoms JAKARTA (JP): Some symptoms which may indicate a person is schizophrenic are: * inability to sleep, unusual waking hours; * social withdrawal, isolation; * weakening in social relations; * hyperactivity, or inactivity, or alternation; * inability to concentrate; * unusual preoccupation with religion or the occult; * unusual emotional reactions; * unusual sensitivity to stimuli (noise, light); * hostility, suspicion, fearfulness; * bizarre...

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Cakrawala Seni, Museum Puri Lukisan - Yayasan Ratna Warta, Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Oct. 8. * 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.

Indonesia to rely on women in Asiad tennis

Indonesia to rely on women in Asiad tennis JAKARTA (JP): Women players make up the bulk of Indonesia's tennis squad for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December, the Indonesian Tennis Association announced on Wednesday. The association's chairman, Sarwono Kusumaatmaja, said Indonesia's best bet Yayuk Basuki will lead a quartet of women's players who will represent the country in both team and individual events at the Asiad.

Sultan to confer with journalists

Sultan to confer with journalists YOGYAKARTA: Newly installed Yogyakarta governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X has promised to lead in an open manner and hold routine dialogs with local journalists in order to disseminate his development policies and seek input. Antara said the traditional monarch made the pledge on Wednesday when he met with representatives of the local branch of the Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) at his office.

Ex-champ Icuk wants to see Mia win Indonesia Open

Ex-champ Icuk wants to see Mia win Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best hope, Mia Audina, will end her title drought in the US$120,000 Sanyo Indonesia Open Badminton Championships, after her chief rivals have opted out, former world champion Icuk Sugiarto has predicted. "It's the right time for Mia to win the annual event, thanks to the absence of several top players," Icuk said on Wednesday.

Shutterbugs show their skills in photographs of city life

Shutterbugs show their skills in photographs of city life JAKARTA (JP): At first glance, the photographs seem to be nothing special. In fact, most may look like run-of-the-mill snapshots of experimenting young photography enthusiasts or students. The difference, though, is that the works have been organized in a professional layout and displayed in an exhibition.

ASEAN members agree to submit surveillance data

ASEAN members agree to submit surveillance data MANILA (Dow Jones): All members of the nine-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, have finally agreed on supplying the necessary data to set up a long-awaited economic mutual surveillance mechanism. The system, seen as one of the few measures that ASEAN has taken as a group to deal with the region's 15-month-old financial crisis, is aimed at spotting fault lines appearing in Southeast Asian economies.

Schizophrenia: Painting picture to shatter the myths

Schizophrenia: Painting picture to shatter the myths By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): She enthusiastically displayed her 20-page drawing book and explained in detail the theme of each drawing. Most of them, made with a ball-point pen, resembled sketches. The point was clear: they were about grievance and grief. In many of the drawings she depicts eyes -- eyes looking out of flowers, eyes looking out of leaves. Every eye is crying. She looked somewhat uneasy.

Semen Gresik to export 1.25m tons of cement

Semen Gresik to export 1.25m tons of cement JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cementmaker PT Semen Gresik and its two wholly owned subsidiaries will export at least 1.25 million metric tons of cement this year to offset a declining domestic demand, the company's president has said.

Stabilizing the rupiah

Stabilizing the rupiah News that the government is planning to study a number of foreign exchange control options, and expectations that any option chosen will be consistent with regard to pursuing its Bank Indonesia liquidity aid (BLBI) policies, has helped to strengthen the rupiah. Aside from economic considerations, the country's internal political situation also acts as a barometer by which the government's credibility is measured.

No one safe from schizophrenia

No one safe from schizophrenia JAKARTA (JP): Could not sleep last night? It happens almost every week day? Or suddenly feeling hypersensitive or hyperactive? It may be an early sign of mental or behavioral disorder. Schizophrenia has several symptoms, mainly the incapacity to integrate thinking, feelings and behavior. Sufferers are incapable of differentiating between their fantasies and real life. Specific definitions are still formulated.

Mercure offers new service

Mercure offers new service JAKARTA (JP): Hotel Mercure Rekso Hayam Wuruk announced on Wednesday that it would provide a new service aimed at giving information to foreign businesspeople interested in starting businesses in Indonesia. Called One Stop Service, the scheme to be launched on Oct. 16, will supply information and services on business opportunities, immigration and taxation facilities, and advice on starting businesses in Indonesia.

Ishadi replaced as director general

Ishadi replaced as director general JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Information's director general for radio, television and film, Ishadi SK, was formally replaced on Wednesday with Azis Husain, who is also the director of state television station TVRI. Ishadi, known among many television figures as a resourceful and creative bureaucrat, held his post for less than five months. He was installed on May 15 by the then information minister, Alwi Dahlan.

Rise of yen propels SE Asian monies higher

Rise of yen propels SE Asian monies higher SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies continued their winning streak against the U.S. dollar in Asian trading Wednesday, after getting a tremendous boost from the strength of the yen. Expectations of a strong supplementary economic-stimulus package in Japan, and the offshore unloading of the dollar against the yen, especially after the start of European trading Wednesday, pushed the U.S. currency convincingly below Y130.00.

Local angry over waste from pig farms

Local angry over waste from pig farms TANGERANG (JP): About 300 residents of Tanjung Burung village in Teluk Naga district here went to the Tangerang regency office on Tuesday to protest pig farming in their village. They said the closure of the pig farms was needed because its owners dumped waste straight into the nearby Cisadane river, where local residents bathed, washed clothes and took drinking water.

Govt swears to root out KKN in power contracts

Govt swears to root out KKN in power contracts JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto has pledged that the government will stamp out all traces of corruption, collusion and nepotism in the awarding of power projects to independent power companies. "No question about that. We shall eliminate elements of KKN in the power contracts," Kuntoro said on Tuesday after delivering a speech at a business luncheon organized by the Indonesian Business Circle.

Toyota help SE Asia plants

Toyota help SE Asia plants TOKYO (Nikkei): Toyota Motor Corp has unveiled plans to provide financial support for companies in Southeast Asia that supply its local factories with auto parts, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports in its Wednesday morning edition. Toyota will shoulder the cost of purchasing materials the suppliers need to make electrical devices, pressed parts and other components used in the assembly of Toyota vehicles in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Many countries offer barter deals to RI

Many countries offer barter deals to RI JAKARTA (JP): China, India, South Korea, Vietnam and a number of European countries have offered countertrade arrangements with Indonesia to help the latter cope with its financial crisis, a senior official said here on Wednesday. Director General of International Trade Djoko Moeljono said India and China expected to trade medicines for crude oil, sawn timber, plywood and crude palm oil (CPO) while Vietnam wanted to barter its rice with urea fertilizer.

No boundaries for revamped 2 Unlimited

No boundaries for revamped 2 Unlimited JAKARTA (JP): UK dance-act 2 Unlimited have arrived in Jakarta on a promotional tour, but don't be surprised if you don't recognize them. The award winning dance outfit has two new faces, the sultry blonde Romy and Marion, a spiky haired brunette. The revamped 2 Unlimited will perform on Thursday at the Fashion Cafe, Wisma 46 BNI, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

Radicals on the move?

Radicals on the move? After what has seemed to many observers like a rather protracted period of indecision, it appears President B.J. Habibie has now acquired the necessary self-confidence to launch a convincing counteroffensive against his critics and antagonists and build himself a base solid enough at least to complete the daunting task of restarting the nation on its way to economic recovery.

Heavy fighting erupts again in north Sri Lanka

Heavy fighting erupts again in north Sri Lanka COLOMBO (Agencies): Heavy fighting broke out between government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka's north when the military advanced ahead of a key town that it captured last week, military officials said on Wednesday. Twenty rebels were killed in sporadic fighting with government troops in northern Sri Lanka where at least 1,200 people died last week in the biggest battle in two years, the officials said.

British missions due here

British missions due here JAKARTA (JP): Two business delegations from the United Kingdom are due here next week to boost business ties between the two countries, the British Embassy said on Wednesday. The delegations are from the Indonesian-British Business Council (IBBC) and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The IBBC delegation will be in Jakarta on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 for a second IBBC meeting, which will focus on the energy sector.

Perumka orders builders off land

Perumka orders builders off land BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The provincial office of the Ministry of Communications has told developers of shops on land belonging to state-owned railway company Perumka to stop their activities. "The public should report to Perumka if they see shops being developed on the company's property," Ahmad Usman Duni, head of the office, was quoted by Antara as saying here on Wednesday.

Cardinal Sin sick but in good spirits

Cardinal Sin sick but in good spirits MANILA (DPA): Outspoken Philippine Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Sin has been hospitalized since late last month due to a stomach infection, church officials said in a statement on Wednesday. The 70-year-old clergyman was rushed to Cardinal Santos Medical Center on Sept. 28 when he complained of stomach pains and fever. Physicians said the infection was due to a tube surgically inserted into his peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdomen.

It's time for Chinese-Indonesians to wake up

It's time for Chinese-Indonesians to wake up By Rahayu Ratnaningsih This is the first of two articles suggesting steps which could be taken by Chinese-Indonesians in the aftermath of the May riots. JAKARTA (JP): A Dutch friend incredulously asked me why I was still living in this country. Why I hadn't left and found a new homeland. I didn't quite know how to answer him.

Indonesia vows to pursue painful economic reforms

Indonesia vows to pursue painful economic reforms WASHINGTON (AFP): Indonesia's finance minister pledged to world leaders Tuesday that his government would stick with painful economic reforms despite widespread suffering caused by the Asian financial crisis. "Let me reaffirm the strong commitment of my government to continue reforms," Finance Minister Bambang Subianto said in a speech at year-end meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Never become an IMF plaything

Never become an IMF plaything From Merdeka Several months before his resignation, former president Soeharto signed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Rumors have it that he did so without even deigning to discuss it first with either the House of Representatives or any of his Cabinet ministers. The fact is, this agreement has leashed Indonesia to certain obligations: 1. We have been promised a loan which may be repaid over a very long period. 2.

'Political scenario' cited behind protests

'Political scenario' cited behind protests JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto said on Wednesday that a "political scenario" was behind a demonstration on Sept. 7 and stoked reports of riot police bayoneting students. Held in front of the House of Representatives, the demonstration was the first since students occupied the House in May in their effort to force Soeharto from the presidency. He resigned on May 21.

Rupiah beefs up to 9,500 against dollar

Rupiah beefs up to 9,500 against dollar JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah broke through the 10,000 key psychological level against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday to hit 9,500 -- the highest level since former President Soeharto resigned in May. Currency dealers said fresh market talks of a possible imposition of capital controls, hopes of slowing the inflation rate and regional strength helped boost the rupiah standing.

FAO warns of worsening RI food crisis

FAO warns of worsening RI food crisis SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's food situation has worsened to such an extent that it needs to import more rice while its production is set to fall, according to an Oct. 6 report by the crop and food supply assessment mission of the Rome-based UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program. The assessment, conducted during Sept. 7-Sept. 25, is a follow-up to an April mission.

Estrada urges ASEAN to discuss problems freely

Estrada urges ASEAN to discuss problems freely MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Joseph Estrada asked the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries on Wednesday to discuss their problems freely and find solutions to restore the region's financial health. Estrada also urged the United States to pour more funds to the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to contain the financial crisis.

Rating lowered for Indonesian state banks

Rating lowered for Indonesian state banks HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Thomson BankWatch announced Wednesday it has downgraded the short-term local currency debt ratings for six Indonesian state banks. The credit ratings agency downgraded the local currency debt ratings of Bank Tabungan Negara, Bank Dagang Negara, Bank Bumi Daya, Bank Pembangunan Indonesia and Bank Negara Indonesia to LC- 4 from LC-3. In addition, it has placed Bank Ekspor-Impor Indonesia under review for possible downgrade.

Garuda seeks new routes and airplanes

Garuda seeks new routes and airplanes JAKARTA (JP): National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia plans to look for new international routes and new airplanes despite a recent decision to return several leased jets and halt a number of its established foreign routes. Garuda president Robby Djoham said on Wednesday that the airline's plan to open new routes and procure new airplanes was part of its effort to put the carrier's financial performance back on track.

Tidal swell leaves hundreds homeless in Aceh

Tidal swell leaves hundreds homeless in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Some 1,276 North Acehnese were forced to abandon their villages after losing their homes to a tidal swell. Antara quoted a public relations officer in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, as saying on Wednesday that the tidal swell, brought on Sunday by a full moon, had hit a number of coastal villages, with those in Banda Sakti district being the worst hit.

Removal of Indorayon's mill contradicts prior agreements

Removal of Indorayon's mill contradicts prior agreements SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Indonesian government's call for the relocation of PT Inti Indorayon's mill in North Sumatra contradicts prior agreements between the company and the government, Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd. (ARH) said Tuesday in a press statement to the New York Stock Exchange.

Bad debt recovery crucial for bank restructuring

Bad debt recovery crucial for bank restructuring JAKARTA (JP): Resolving bad debt problems is a crucial step in restructuring Indonesia's ailing banks, an international banking analyst has said. The vice president of the Boston Consulting Group, Roland Loehner, said here on Wednesday that unrecovered debts could lead to bigger problems for the banks.

Bogus policeman steals motorcycle

Bogus policeman steals motorcycle JAKARTA (JP): City police are currently looking for a criminal believed to have pretended to be a policeman who deceived a motorcyclist and made away with his RX King motorcycle in South Jakarta. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang said the culprit, who was wearing a police uniform, stopped Achmad, the motorcyclist, on Monday evening on Jl. Sisingamangaraja because as his motorcycle headlight was broken.

Dismissed workers get pension fund

Dismissed workers get pension fund BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The state-owned social security insurance company, PT Jamsostek, has paid Rp 2.48 billion in pension funds to more than 4,600 dismissed workers in the province. "There is no reason for us not to extend our service to those who have already lost their employment.

Watch out! More street bandits prey on vehicles, accessories

Watch out! More street bandits prey on vehicles, accessories JAKARTA (JP): It was early afternoon. The female executive and a guest of her company were being driven in her C-200 Mercedes Benz sedan in South Jakarta, when suddenly three teenagers approached them while they were stopped at a traffic light on Jl. Hang Tuah.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibitions * Cultural Activities of CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 5678639): - Photo Exhibition: Indonesia - Paradox Cultural, Herve Dangla, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., until Oct. 13. - Arts Works Exhibition by Heri Dono, Indonesian contemporary artist, Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 15-31. - French Film: La Haine, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Oct. 5-9. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend.

Dewi accuses Soeharto of plotting coup attempt

Dewi accuses Soeharto of plotting coup attempt JAKARTA (JP): A widow of Indonesia's founding president Sukarno, Ratna Sari Dewi, alleged again on Wednesday that former president Soeharto had plotted his own coup in order to wrest power from Sukarno in the mid-1960s. "Soeharto betrayed Sukarno.

PDI congress still a tough forum for Megawati

PDI congress still a tough forum for Megawati By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): When Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto finally said "yes" on Sept. 30 to whether the government would permit the Megawati Soekarnoputri faction of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) to hold their congress in Bali, many of her supporters yelled "Yes!".

Indonesia denies plan to control export earnings

Indonesia denies plan to control export earnings MANILA (Dow Jones): The Indonesian government is still studying a plan that could force exporters to repatriate their foreign exchange earnings, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said Wednesday.

Why nepotistic?

Why nepotistic? Ms. Donna Woodward's letter printed in the Oct. 3 edition of The Jakarta Post once again allowed her to assume a position atop her well-worn soap-box; this time to launch into a critique of Ilham Habibie's recent participation in an official trade mission to Taiwan. Seemingly, Ms. Woodward's view is that because Ilham is the son of President Habibie this is a prima facie case for a return to the nepotistic and power-abusive practices of the past.

Military personnel may be involved in killings: NU

Military personnel may be involved in killings: NU JAKARTA (JP): Military personnel and a government official may have been involved in a mysterious murder spree of more than 100 people in East Java, according to Antara on Wednesday.