Archive: 23 November 1998
45 articles found
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Top lawyers' team defends opposition figures' statement
Top lawyers' team defends opposition figures' statement JAKARTA (JP): The Defense Lawyers Team for Indonesian Democracy insisted on Saturday that its clients, charged of trying to topple President B.J. Habibie's government, were innocent. The team's spokesman, Max Junus Lamuda, said at a media conference there were no legal grounds that would lead to a conviction.
Mon, 23 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: Mawar dan Melati 9:00 Music 9:30 Interval 2:00 p.m.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia oil trade continues to be murky
Indonesia oil trade continues to be murky SINGAPORE (Reuters): The oil business in post-Suharto Indonesia is just as murky, if not murkier, under the new government despite its promises of transparency, industry sources said. Six months into the job, President B.J. Habibie's government has yet to come to grips with the problems created by decades of monopolistic control in the oil sector.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tunnel tragedy worst in Lampung
Tunnel tragedy worst in Lampung BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: An accident in the construction of the Batu Tegi reservoir in Pulau Panggung district, Tanggamus regency -- in which 13 workers were killed and 33 others lightly and seriously injured -- was the biggest occupational accident in Lampung. No other accident in Lampung had claimed 13 lives before, a local manpower official was quoted by Antara as saying here Saturday. "The Batu Tegi tragedy may even be called the biggest in this century.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government to draft law on fiscal balance
Government to draft law on fiscal balance JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon form a team to draft legislation to create fiscal balance between the central and provincial governments, an official at the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) said on Sunday. A deputy head of the budget and implementation control department at Bappenas, Muhammad Abduh, said the team would be coordinated by the Ministry of Finance.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ex-regent faces graft charge
Ex-regent faces graft charge UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Former Maros regent, identified only as NA by Antara, could face a life sentence for allegedly misusing Rp 1.4 billion (US$187,000) in state funds. The deputy head of the provincial prosecutor's office, Mangellai, said the former regent had embezzled funds for public works projects, including the construction of his own office.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Activists warn Moslems against exploitation
Activists warn Moslems against exploitation JAKARTA (JP): Rights activists have warned Moslems against further exploitation, in the form of having them commit acts of violence, by as yet unidentified forces.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Apresiasi Kepahlawanan dalam Lukisan, by Darmaji Satiman, at Sahid Jaya Hotel, Sukoharjo Lounge, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 86, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5704444), until Nov. 26. * Painting Exhibition: by Teng Nee Cheong, at Hotel Aryaduta, Monas Room, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta (Phone: 2311234), Nov. 27 to Dec. 1. * Painting Exhibition: Kecil Itu Indah 6, at Edwin Galeri Jl. Kemang Raya No.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Anti-U.S. fervor grows ahead of Anwar's trial
Anti-U.S. fervor grows ahead of Anwar's trial KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Anti-U.S. sentiment gained pace in Malaysia on Sunday after the detention of four supporters of ousted deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, whose corruption trial resumes here next week. In northern Perlis state, hundreds of people burnt an effigy of U.S. Vice President Al Gore and carried banners condemning him at a one-hour gathering on Sunday, the official news agency Bernama reported.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
'RI culture receptive' to ABRI's dual function
'RI culture receptive' to ABRI's dual function JAKARTA (JP): Despite increasing demands that the Armed Forces' political role be abolished, a noted sociologist said it would continue given the tolerant nature of the Indonesian culture. Ignas Kleden, speaking at a discussion on the military on Saturday, said because the Indonesian culture was "accommodative" to the military's presence in politics, the controversial dual function doctrine would continue to pervade modern political behavior here.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI to punish violent members
ABRI to punish violent members JAKARTA (JP): Four Army members will be court-martialled and 144 other personnel from various military units may also be arraigned for undue violence when dealing with student-led protests over a week ago during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Armed Forces (ABRI) announced on Sunday. ABRI spokesman Maj. Gen. Syamsul Ma'arif said the four Army members would be tried for beating up journalists in an incident on Jl.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Unocal to lead deepwater oil and gas development
Unocal to lead deepwater oil and gas development By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): Oil and gas company Unocal Indonesia Company, a subsidiary of the giant United States energy company Unocal Corp., is set to put itself in the position of leader in developing the country's oil and gas deepwater resources.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
WHO sounds alarm over TB, HIV plague in Asia
WHO sounds alarm over TB, HIV plague in Asia BANGKOK (Reuters): The World Health Organization is worried a fatal combination of tuberculosis and HIV could create a public health disaster in Asia if governments cut back medical programs because of the regional economic crisis.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt 'pricing policy' causes low production
Govt 'pricing policy' causes low production BOGOR, West Java (JP): The country's failure to increase its rice and food crop production has been caused by two government policies -- one concerning the exchange rate of the rupiah and the other the pricing of rice, a noted agricultural analyst said on Saturday.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Six killed, 8 injured in latest riots
Six killed, 8 injured in latest riots JAKARTA (JP): At least six people were killed and eight others injured, five by gun fire, and seven churches were torched in the latest riots sparked by clashes between rival ethnic and religious groups on Jl. KH. Zainul Arifin in the Ketapang area, West Jakarta, on Sunday. Five of the dead victims were identified as Jakartans of Ambonese descent, while the injured included two soldiers -- Central Jakarta military district commander Lt. Col. S.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
IFC to set up $500 million fund to aid Asian firms
IFC to set up $500 million fund to aid Asian firms WASHINGTON (Bloomberg): The International Finance Corp., the private lending arm of the World Bank, is setting up a US$500 million fund to aid companies in South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia deal with massive debts. The fund, part of a $10 billion U.S.-Japan initiative to shore up Asia's ailing companies and banks, will provide capital infusions into companies to restructure debts, fund new projects, and entice investors back.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Student protests costly to tourist industry: Feisol
Student protests costly to tourist industry: Feisol JAKARTA (JP): Persistent anti-government student demonstrations sweeping across the country are having a costly effect on the tourism sector, the industry executives have said. Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Feisol Hashim, said on Saturday that Jakarta and nearby towns had had to suffer the repercussions of the latest political dynamics in the country. "We don't object to demonstrations.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
What's brewing?
What's brewing? Ten days after the event, today the fear seems to be growing among observers that what has become known as Black Friday -- the Nov. 13 Semanggi incident -- may be destined to become yet another dark stain on our growing roster of unresolved major cases burdening our collective conscience as a nation.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Journalists reject PWI leaders
Journalists reject PWI leaders YOGYAKARTA: About 100 journalists from Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan, the West Java of capital Bandung, and Central Java cities of Semarang, Surakarta and Kudus have declared a vote of no confidence in the new leadership of the Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI). In the "Yogyakarta Declaration", the journalists said they rejected the leadership of Tarman Azzam and secretary-general Bambang Sadono.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Airport authorities tighten security due to 'student actions'
Airport authorities tighten security due to 'student actions' JAKARTA (JP): Security at airports in several provinces is being tightened up following students' actions in Medan, North Sumatra and Padang, West Sumatra. The students' protests at Polonia airport in Medan on Nov. 14 led to damage to ground handling facilities while violence almost erupted at Padang's Tabing airport.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
WIC to hold charity bazaar
WIC to hold charity bazaar JAKARTA (JP): The Women's International Club (WIC) Jakarta is to hold its 31st annual charity bazaar at Gran Melia Hotel on Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Dec. 1, its president said on Friday. WIC Jakarta president Fauziah Abdullah said that the bazaar was scheduled to be officially opened by First Lady Hasri Ainun Habibie. After being opened, the bazaar will continue in the auditorium of the Nyi Ageng Serang building, also on Jl. Rasuna Said, from Dec.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kusnadi dies after 10 days in coma
Kusnadi dies after 10 days in coma JAKARTA (JP): Engkus Kusnadi, a student of Jakarta University in East Jakarta, died at 1:40 p.m. on Sunday after 10 days in a coma at St. Carolus Hospital in Central Jakarta. Kusnadi's death raises the fatalities of Black Friday's shooting incident at Atma Jaya University in South Jakarta to 16. Wisnu Affan, the assistant to the university's rector for student affairs, said Kusnadi's condition started to deteriorate drastically early Sunday morning.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Only a grain of truth
Only a grain of truth Most certainly The Jakarta Post, and quite probably Antara news agency and the Ministry of Industry and Trade have made available only a pittance of the information concerning the licensing of companies to import iodized salt. While it is newsworthy that such licenses have been issued, a more professional news release would contain background information sufficient to answer the most common of questions prompted by the news release itself.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Organized discontent
Organized discontent It is said that the Indonesian independence movement leader Dr. Tjipto Mangoenkoesoemo once wrote -- and through his writing managed to convince the colonial rulers of the time -- that the only way to improve the situation in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) was to "organize discontent" and allow a political opposition to develop, even if it was just an opposition for the sake of opposition.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
BNP boosts presence in Asia
BNP boosts presence in Asia HONG KONG (Dow Jones): BNP Prime Peregrine will bolster its presence in Southeast Asia by expanding offices and boosting staff levels, a local newspaper quoted the company's chairman, Francis Leung Pak-to, as saying. According to the report in Saturday's South China Morning Post, Leung said the financial services company has already obtained broking licenses for its offices in Thailand and Indonesia. Its Singapore branch is expected to receive a license next year.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah's growth lacks fundamental support
Rupiah's growth lacks fundamental support The rupiah has remained strong in spite of the political upheaval during the recent Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly. Raden Pardede, a senior economist at the state-owned securities company PT Danareksa, discusses the factors supporting the currency's strength.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
12 mentally ill netted every day in Jakarta
12 mentally ill netted every day in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The city authorities have netted an average of 12 people considered as "mentally depressed" on the capital's streets everyday in the past three months, an official said on Saturday. The head of the city's rehabilitation agency for mentally ill people, M. Sihombing, said the huge number of new arrivals had turned the city's three rehabilitation centers into "something like overloaded buses".
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock market price rally may continue this week
Stock market price rally may continue this week JAKARTA (JP): The price rally on the local market is expected to continue this week as a result of newfound investor confidence in the country's economy, according to analysts. Analysts said that bullish sentiment over the weekend was expected to lure more investors back into the fray.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew admitted to hospital
Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew admitted to hospital SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew has been admitted to a local hospital for treatment of an infection arising from a minor surgical procedure, a government statement said on Sunday. According to the statement from the former prime minister's office, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, Lee, 75, was taken to National University Hospital on Saturday and is in stable condition.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
RP to discuss funds from Japan
RP to discuss funds from Japan MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government will discuss this week details of the country's share in a US$30 billion Japanese fund to assist crisis-hit Asian economies, government said announced on Sunday. The government said a "consultative mission" from Japan is to arrive in Manila this week, although no specific dates were given.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Allianz Insurance committed to Asia despite economic crisis
Allianz Insurance committed to Asia despite economic crisis By Riyadi SINGAPORE (JP): Allianz AG, one of the world's largest insurance firms, is still committed to investing in Asia despite the deepening crisis. Allianz Insurance Management Asia-Pacific's chief executive officer Micheal Diekmann says the company's long-lasting commitment to the region serves as one of its strengths in Asia.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreign investors remain reluctant to enter RI banks
Foreign investors remain reluctant to enter RI banks By Reiner S JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investors will not enter Indonesia's cash-strapped banking sector if uncertainty in the political and economic fields continues, according to a foreign fund manager.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Ojek' drivers stage protest
'Ojek' drivers stage protest AMBON, Maluku: About 200 ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers staged a peaceful demonstration at the provincial police headquarters on Saturday to protest the alleged beating of five of them by two police officers. One of the protester, Sutikno, said the officers kicked and injured his friends on Saturday because they were too slow to move their motorcycles in Mardika market.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
No spies deployed: ABRI
No spies deployed: ABRI JAKARTA (JP): City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman said on Sunday that his command stopped deploying intelligence officers at campuses after the massive May riots. "After the May incident, we stationed no more intelligence officers at campuses to monitor the students," Djadja said.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
72 held for criminal acts after Semanggi incident
72 held for criminal acts after Semanggi incident JAKARTA (JP): Police thus far have detained 72 people for looting, extortion and attacking security officers following the recent clashes and mayhem, a police official said on Saturday. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang vowed to bring all of the suspects to court immediately. "We will process all cases according to the law," Aritonang said. The suspects, he said, were arrested during the Black Friday incident and the Nov.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
MPR scuttles press freedom centerpiece
MPR scuttles press freedom centerpiece By Atmakusumah This is the first of two articles on the aborted attempt by Indonesian journalists to ensure press freedom in the country. JAKARTA (JP): The recently concluded Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) was the most remarkable meeting the Indonesian press has ever seen. It could have gone down in history for the birth of the greatest workpiece for press freedom in Indonesia in over two and a half centuries.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students jeered at for mistaken yell
Students jeered at for mistaken yell JEPARA, C. Java (JP): Onlookers became choked with spluttered laughter when some of the about 100 students peppered their noisy demonstration here on Saturday with an obsolete demand. "Down with Soeharto! Down with Soeharto!" the students shouted in reference to the former autocratic ruler who stepped down in May following massive student demonstrations.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bureaucratic reasons delay 60,000 workers passage to S. Arabia
Bureaucratic reasons delay 60,000 workers passage to S. Arabia JAKARTA (JP): The sending of 60,000 workers to Saudi Arabia is being delayed because of obstacles raised by new administrative requirements, managements of labor export firms have said. Representatives of eight companies, which have accommodated the workers in their dormitories in Greater Jakarta and Surabaya, East Java, complained on Saturday that the workers could not be sent because their labor contracts had yet to be signed.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sinetron unrealistic
Sinetron unrealistic From Kompas The economic crisis has caused great suffering to the community, especially the little people. It is deplorable that Indonesian television, in particular private TV stations, often airs entertainment programs like sinetron (teleseries) which focus on extravagant lifestyles far from the reality of the ongoing economic crisis. What is actually happening in this country? A sinetron has three functions: to entertain, give hope for the future and impart wisdom.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto tells Keating his policies were appropriate
Soeharto tells Keating his policies were appropriate JAKARTA (JP): Former Australian prime minister Paul Keating has maintained that former Indonesian president Soeharto was ready to answer allegations of corruption should such charges be brought against him. Keating, during his 1991 to 1996 term as prime minister, was known to have a close friendship with Soeharto and made no less than half-a-dozen visits here. Keating was in Indonesia as a speaker during last week's Indonesia Forum.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Language of truth needed
Language of truth needed During a recent anti-government rally, one student leader asked his fellows to recite a modified "Youth Pledge". One of the clauses contained therein went thus: One Language, the language of truth. It is not only students who want to know the facts, all 200 million Indonesians desperately want to hear the government and their representatives in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speak the truth.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to speed up completion of BSD toll road project
Govt to speed up completion of BSD toll road project TANGERANG (JP): The government has pledged to speed up the completion of a toll road project in Jakarta to Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing complex in a bid to further develop the area, in which there are an increasing number of foreign investments, a minister said on Saturday.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students 'occupy' military office
Students 'occupy' military office PURWOKERTO, Central Java: More than 2,000 students from seven local universities rallied on Saturday and managed to enter and stage a sit-in at the headquarters of Wijayakusuma 071 military resort for about three hours. The students -- including those from a nursing school -- gathered at the Jenderal Soedirman University campus to listen to speeches.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Abilio escapes attack
Abilio escapes attack DILI, East Timor: Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares escaped an attack by an unidentified knife-wielding man during a meeting with a group of pro-integration people here on Saturday. Antara reported that the man, dressed in black, mingled with the group and suddenly approached the governor with a knife in his hand. The group leader, Eurico Gutteres, who happened to be near the man, stopped his advance. Eurico's right thumb was reportedly cut in the tussle.
Mon, 23 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
65 youths to train in Japan
65 youths to train in Japan PADANG, West Sumatra: Sixty-five local high school graduates will join a three-year apprenticeship program in Nagoya and Tokyo, Antara said. Herman Ramli, in charge of training and productivity at the West Sumatra Manpower Office, said here on Saturday the youths would be placed at various industrial, construction and public works companies.