Archive: 19 November 1998
50 articles found
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Another Moslem cleric killed by mob in Demak
Another Moslem cleric killed by mob in Demak SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): A Moslem cleric was killed by a mob in Demak, Central Java, for being suspected of practicing black magic. The victim, Suliman, 55, died Monday at about 9:30 p.m. in Tambakroto village, Sayung district. The incident followed reports of two others being killed by mobs in Demak and in neighboring Grobogan regency on Saturday night.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt appoints nine new cellular phone providers
Govt appoints nine new cellular phone providers JAKARTA (JP): The government has appointed nine companies to operate the Digital Cordless System and the Personal Handy-Phone Service in six areas of the country, the Ministry of Communications announced on Wednesday. The Director General of Post and Telecommunication in the ministry, Sasmito Dirdjo, said the nine companies awarded the licenses were chosen from the 22 firms that won through to the final stage of the tender in late October.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
APEC addresses crisis
APEC addresses crisis The sixth APEC summit near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, though failing to reach agreement on a US$1.5 trillion deal to fast- track nine key areas of trade, its core program, is by no means a disappointment, given the twist of events preceding the gathering of the 21 developed and developing economies. The two-day meeting that ended on Wednesday set its priority right by focusing attention on ways of addressing the Asian crisis.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
LNG exports to S. Korea and Japan to decrease
LNG exports to S. Korea and Japan to decrease JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina estimates its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports will decrease by 4.2 percent this year following a slump in demand by South Korea and Japan amid the monetary crisis. Pertamina's director of general affairs Hadi Daryono said on Monday the company's LNG exports would drop by 22 shipments to 501 shipments this year due to the crisis which has battered the region for more than one year.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kusnadi's dream laid to rest after bullet leaves him in coma
Kusnadi's dream laid to rest after bullet leaves him in coma By Ivy Susanti JAKARTA (JP): Engkus Kusnadi's dream of becoming an architect came to an abrupt halt when a bullet hit his head during last Friday's shooting spree on Jl. Sudirman. He has been in a coma ever since. A 19-year-old third-year student in the School of Architecture at Jakarta University in East Jakarta, Kusnadi underwent head surgery early on Saturday at St.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
A plot to topple the government?
A plot to topple the government? A number of people gathered in a plush hotel room. There, under the glare of television spotlights, they made public an 18- point proposition to be televised nationwide, openly. Among those 18 points was one proposing the formation of a presidium as an alternative to the present government. Not much interest was shown at the time the 18 points were publicized, neither by the public or by the government.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indosat hikes international call rates up to 50 percent
Indosat hikes international call rates up to 50 percent JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed international telecommunications provider PT Indosat announced on Wednesday that it would raise international telephone rates between 4 percent and 50 percent effective on Nov. 25. The government approved the increase on Nov. 12 due to the rupiah's sharp depreciation against the U.S dollar, the company said in a statement.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Five students still missing
Five students still missing JAKARTA (JP): At least five university students are considered missing after the bloody Friday the 13th incident at Semanggi, a representative of a student organization said. "As of 3 p.m. today, five of our friends have not reported in person to our post here," Ki Joyo Sardo, spokesman of the Big Family of University of Indonesia (Keluarga Besar UI), said on Tuesday.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Don't incite hatred, ITB professors say
Don't incite hatred, ITB professors say JAKARTA (JP): The professors of Bandung Institute of Technology called for restraint among community leaders and the government, asking that they refrain from using provocative terms such as "treason" and "mastermind". The professors issued a statement on Tuesday in Bandung, West Java, calling for the self-restraint needed for a community fast developing into a complicated society striving for democracy.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Restaurant employees in a stew over dismissal
Restaurant employees in a stew over dismissal JAKARTA (JP): Thirty employees of a Japanese restaurant on Jl. Melawai in South Jakarta visited the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute on Wednesday to seek legal advice over their dismissal. The group's spokesman, Floresaka, said they had refused the severance pay offered by PT Cahaya Lumindo, the management of Ai dan Tamu restaurant. "The payment is only half that given to 25 workers who were dismissed last month," he said.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies static; Fed cut has little impact
SE Asian currencies static; Fed cut has little impact SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies marked time on Wednesday, trading sideways through Asian hours. While most traders and analysts regard Tuesday's 25 basis point cut in U.S. short term interest rates as a plus for Asia, as long as the yen remains range-bound - which it did throughout Asian hours on Wednesday - there is little appetite for regional currencies.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students protest, demand Habibie, Wiranto to quit
Students protest, demand Habibie, Wiranto to quit JAKARTA (JP): The capital on Wednesday witnessed a new wave of street protests by thousands of students after just four days of uneasy calm. Voicing the same demand for the resignation of President B.J. Habibie and Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Chief Gen. Wiranto, the demonstrators -- mostly students -- aired their protests at three different spots in the city.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Legislators vow to cut ABRI's DPR seats
Legislators vow to cut ABRI's DPR seats JAKARTA (JP): Legislators vowed on Wednesday to fight to reduce the number of unelected seats allocated to the powerful Armed Forces (ABRI) in the House of Representatives (DPR). Under the terms of the government-sponsored draft law on general elections, the military will be allocated 55 of the 550 seats in the House on an unelected basis.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Expert warns against moves to gag freedom of the media
Expert warns against moves to gag freedom of the media JAKARTA (JP): A senior media observer urged media workers and the public on Monday to keep an eye out for any moves that could curtail media freedom. Dr. Soetomo Press Institute director Atmakusumah Astraatmadja said the newfound freedom enjoyed by mass media workers over the past six months "has reached a point of no return".
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Relatives still seek ferry victims
Relatives still seek ferry victims KOLAKA, Southeast Sulawesi: Dozens of people whose relatives were aboard a ferry which capsized last week were still looking for the latters' whereabouts on Wednesday at search and rescue posts and the local hospital. Antara quoted the search and rescue team's secretary in Kolaka, Pieter P., as saying that search operations for victims of the Nov. 13 accident were still on-going.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gunung Kidul gets water aid
Gunung Kidul gets water aid YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Gunung Kidul regency has been allotted Rp 46.9 billion (US$6.2 million) from the government for the construction of water distribution and storage facilities. The facilities are aimed at 64,125 residents of the unfertile area. Minister of Public Works Rachmadi BS handed over the assistance on Monday, saying it was a follow-up to President B.J. Habibie's pledge made during his visit in July to help the area.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings: Hikmah Pagi 6:00 Morning News 6:30 News: Nuansa Reformasi 7:00 Children's Program: Lagu Anak Nusantara 7:30 Cartoon 8:00 Music 8:30 Documantary Film 9:00 Music 9:30 Interval 2:00 p.m.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asiad to pick best athlete
Asiad to pick best athlete JAKARTA (JP): Organizers of December's Asian Games in Bangkok will award US$100,000 to the best performer among the event's competitors. The Most Valued Performance (MVP) Award has been endorsed by the Olympic Council of Asia and the Bangkok Asian Games Organizing Committee (BAGOC). Sponsored by South Korean electronic company Samsung, the award will be bestowed on the athlete selected by journalists covering the quadrennial event.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Statement by Mitra Perempuan
Statement by Mitra Perempuan From Media Indonesia Observing current developments in the political situation, we, Indonesian women of Mitra Perempuan, hereby state our deep concern and anxiety. In this reform era where democratic life is our common objective, the situation seems to have deviated to an alarming degree. The Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly that was expected to realize the dreams of the Indonesian people is showing signs of the opposite.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
30 injured in Ambon clash
30 injured in Ambon clash JAKARTA (JP): Thirty people, mostly students, were hospitalized on Wednesday following a clash with security officers, the second violent encounter this week after seven were hurt on Monday during a demonstration. Antara reported that Wednesday's clash involved thousands of students from Pattimura University, the Maluku Christian University and others. Six of the casualties were members of the riot police and the Army. A vehicle belonging to a military official, Maj.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Lisbon governor in town
Lisbon governor in town JAKARTA (JP): Lisbon Governor Jose Antonio dos Soares met Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso at the City Hall on Wednesday, as a follow-up to their meeting when they attended a conference on sister cities in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, last month. "I believe that the Lisbon governor's visit will tighten the relationship between Portugal and Indonesia. We did not discuss political matters during the meeting, but only our relationships in sports and cultural events," Sutiyoso said.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Law and order key to economic cure: Budiono
Law and order key to economic cure: Budiono JAKARTA (JP): National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Chairman Budiono said on Wednesday that maintaining law and order was essential if the country was to overcome the economic crisis.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Drug scandals irk sports chiefs ahead of Asiad
Drug scandals irk sports chiefs ahead of Asiad HONG KONG (Agencies): Drug scandals involving top Asian athletes have forced the continent's sports leaders to draw up emergency plans to counter the growing threat to next month's Asian Games. Badminton world men's doubles champion Sigit Budiarto, and Susanthika Jayasinghe, silver medal winner in the women's 200m at the world track and field championships, have this week seen their part in the Bangkok Games canceled or put in doubt.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Marines set ABRI fine example
Marines set ABRI fine example By Andrew Trigg and Haryana Susi Achadiena JAKARTA (JP): Two attitudes were apparent towards the Armed Forces (ABRI) on Saturday Nov. 14, the day after Black Friday. On the day when grief, and the fear of worse to come, hung heavy in the air the Marines were seen being cheered, applauded and high-fived by masses of students and ordinary people. They were willingly cooperating with the Marines in maintaining public order.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
BI's gross forex reserves up to $22.76b
BI's gross forex reserves up to $22.76b JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's gross foreign exchange reserves rose by US$985.3 million to $22.76 billion in the week ending Nov. 13 from the previous weekly level, the central bank said on Wednesday. The central bank attributed the increase to the withdrawal of the IMF extended loan arrangement. BI said, however, that net international reserves (NIR) dropped by $100,000 primarily due to servicing government foreign debt and stabilizing the rupiah.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Group protests 'SCTV' gives 'one-sided' reports
Group protests 'SCTV' gives 'one-sided' reports JAKARTA (JP): Around 20 people representing a group calling itself the Islamic Committee for Press Monitoring (KUPP) staged a demonstration outside the offices of SCTV private television station on Wednesday to express their anger at what they saw as biased coverage of last week's clashes between anti-government protesters and security personnel. The demonstrators accused the TV station of using the clashes near Jl.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Military involved in 'provoking' student protesters
Military involved in 'provoking' student protesters JAKARTA (JP): The independent Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) asserted on Wednesday that the military was involved in provoking student protesters, leading to at least seven deaths on Friday at the Semanggi cloverleaf. Plainclothes and uniformed military personnel were "directly and indirectly involved", Kontras coordinator Munir said.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sigit accepts IBF's doping decision
Sigit accepts IBF's doping decision JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's doubles badminton world champion Sigit Budiarto said on Wednesday he had accepted a one- year suspension imposed by the International Badminton Federation (IBF) for failing a dope test. The 22-year-old shuttler was banned after the anabolic steroid Nandrolone was found in his urine samples taken at the Singapore Open in August, a competition he won. "Thank God because I will only serve half the usual sentence.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government to remove subsidies on fertilizers
Government to remove subsidies on fertilizers JAKARTA (JP): The government will gradually remove the subsidies on fertilizers for farmers beginning April next year to avoid rampant malfeasance in the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, Agriculture Minister Soleh Solahuddin said on Wednesday. Soleh said farmers will be given cheap loans to buy fertilizers so that the subsidy removal would not affect farming activities.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cheer over interest rate cut short-lived
Cheer over interest rate cut short-lived SINGAPORE (AFP): The latest U.S. interest rate cut was welcomed as a reassuring sign on Wednesday by most of Asia's stock markets, but profit-taking took a little shine off regional gains. There was generally positive sentiment that the lowering of short-term interest rates in the United States would further boost Asian currencies and consequently regional share markets.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kontras established in East Timor
Kontras established in East Timor DILI, East Timor: Rights activists launched on Monday the regional office of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Antara reported. Community leaders and youth activists attended the launch of the organization which will seek to protect locals' rights. Coordinator Isabel D.C. Ferreira said the body has a board of 14 advisors led by Munir, who is the coordinator of Kontras in Jakarta.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah firm despite political instability
Rupiah firm despite political instability JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah managed to stay in touch with the 7,000 level against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, despite the country's political uncertainty. Analysts said the rupiah closed slightly lower at 7,500 against the U.S. dollar, with the overall trading outlook remaining stable. News of a cut in the U.S.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
200 residents protest over land transfer
200 residents protest over land transfer TANGERANG (JP): At least 200 residents of Parung Serab subdistrict in Ciledug district here protested on Wednesday over an alleged illegal transfer of the 25-hectare plot of land they lived on to private firm PT Cipta Keluarga Tama. They went to the local subdistrict office with five of their representatives going separately to the Tangerang property tax service office, questioning the status of their land.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Nov. 18, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Barbaric acts
Barbaric acts I'm very disappointed by the barbaric acts committed by the country's military during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which claimed more than a dozen lives. I strongly support the students movement that aims to reform the whole regime. As a citizen of Indonesia, I strongly hope that the people, professionals, bureaucrats and military members who still have a conscience and clean hearts make an effort to fix this country.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.18, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 -25 85,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 250 0 400,000 Alumindo Light Metal 275 25 236,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 175 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,625 100 19,434,000 Anwar Sierad 100 0 79,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
AFF to decide Mursyid's appeal
AFF to decide Mursyid's appeal JAKARTA (JP): The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) will decide whether to uphold a lifetime ban on Indonesian soccer player Mursyid Effendi during an executive meeting in February in Kuala Lumpur. An Asian Football Confederation (AFC) meeting in Beirut last month ruled to ban Mursyid for life from competition for intentionally scoring an own goal in a Tiger Cup match against Thailand in September.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Seven opposition figures questioned further
Seven opposition figures questioned further JAKARTA (JP): The National Police ignored mounting calls on Wednesday to drop their investigation of government critics and continued to question seven of the 20 opposition figures accused of trying to topple President B.J. Habibie's government. The seven figures questioned at the National Police headquarters were former head of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) Lt. Gen. (ret) A. Kemal Idris; former Jakarta governor Marine Lt. Gen.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Batik and smiles hide APEC summit brouhaha
Batik and smiles hide APEC summit brouhaha CYBERJAYA, Malaysia (Agencies): Asia-Pacific leaders put on batik shirts and best smiles on Wednesday to brave out their uneasy annual summit in the heart of Malaysia's site for a futuristic high-tech city. The 21 presidents, prime ministers and government leaders gathered at an oil-palm plantation set to be the heart of a future "Silicon Valley" city for their annual fashion statement.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
UI faculty members say Gen. Wiranto must resign
UI faculty members say Gen. Wiranto must resign JAKARTA (JP): Members of the University of Indonesia faculty, in a moving eulogy to their students slain last Friday in a clash with security personnel at Atma Jaya University, blamed the tragedy on Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto and demanded that he resign. A group of 47 respected professors -- including anthropologists Koentjaraningrat and T.O. Ihromi, economist Moh.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Differing interests divide Moslems
Differing interests divide Moslems Islamic symbols have become more prominent on the Indonesian political stage in recent weeks. Azyumardi Azra, rector of the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic Institute (IAIN) explains why. Question: During the Nov. 13 Black Friday clash, demonstrating students prayed in the streets, while government-back security volunteers opposed to their cause chanted the name of Allah and policemen shouted Allahu Akbar before shooting at demonstrators. What does this mean?
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Text of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' statement
Text of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' statement KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Following is the text of the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation forum statement, released at the conclusion of the sixth leaders' summit in Kuala Lumpur. APEC comprises Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the U.S. and Vietnam. 1.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
252 patients leave Tangerang hospital without paying
252 patients leave Tangerang hospital without paying TANGERANG (JP): At least 252 patients of Tangerang General Hospital ran away before paying their bills in the first 10 months of this year, causing the hospital losses of Rp 159.17 million (US$21,200), an official said on Wednesday. In comparison the total number of fleeing patients last year was only 160 with total losses amounting to Rp 190.83 million, hospital president H. Syartil Arfan said.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Show your outrage at U.S., Mahathir's party urges
Show your outrage at U.S., Mahathir's party urges KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's political party urged Malaysians on Wednesday to condemn U.S. Vice President Al Gore's sharp attack on the government.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Obituary
Obituary Wilhelmus Bokha, a labor activist and chairman of the Indonesian Workers' Party, died of kidney failure at the St. Carolus Catholic Hospital early Wednesday. Bokha, who was born in Maumere, Flores, on June 15, 1947, won popularity among workers for his outspokenness against government's labor policies which were considered not in workers' interests. He had been active in labor issues since the 1970s and one of several leaders in the Federation of All Indonesian Workers Union (FSPSI).
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI role in city must be reduced
ABRI role in city must be reduced JAKARTA (JP): Senior city officials -- including those with a military background -- councilors and an NGO activist have joined the chorus on the plan to reduce the size of the Armed Forces (ABRI) representation in the Jakarta administration. Contacted separately by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday, they hailed the plan, calling it a good path toward creating fair competition among the city officials which, in turn, could create better work performance.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police say clashes were provoked
Police say clashes were provoked JAKARTA (JP): Agents provocateurs incited students and the masses to attack security forces before the bloody clash in Jakarta last Friday, National Police chief. Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi announced on Tuesday. In a nationwide televised address, Roesmanhadi presented the police version of the Black Friday incident, in which armed troops clashed with anti-government protesters near the Semanggi cloverleaf junction.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Civil servants still awaiting pay
Civil servants still awaiting pay MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Hundreds of civil servants in the province have yet to get their pay following a clash on Nov. 5 which led to many people fleeing their homes, including administration cashiers. Pos Kupang daily Monday was referring to the bloodshed that resulted in at least 23 deaths in Waikabubak, West Sumba, and also 125 homes being damaged or burned. Hundreds were left homeless.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bravo Indonesia!
Bravo Indonesia! Bravo Indonesia! It may seem that after so many deaths on "Black Friday" Indonesia has little to celebrate; but that is wrong. Between 11 p.m. and midnight on that fateful day we visited the Semanggi area. First we encountered a large group of students just south of Jl. Asia Afrika. They were peaceable, fatigued, calm and genuinely absorbed in their task of bringing reform to Indonesia. As we walked among them they paid little attention to us and were not at all threatening.
Thu, 19 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
An appeal to 'Bapak' Soeharto
An appeal to 'Bapak' Soeharto Indonesia is the largest Moslem country in the world, and as such it is of enormous interest to all Moslems, including myself. The events surrounding the last day of the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) -- both inside the Assembly and outside -- will remain forever etched in my mind.