Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 November 1998

58 articles found

Looting on toll road

Looting on toll road On Sunday, Nov. 22, 1998, as I was returning to Bandung from Jakarta after a business appointment, I had a very bad experience on a toll road and had to give away all personal belongings to looters. It was about 5 p.m., and as we proceeded along the toll near Tanjung Priok, all of a sudden 15 to 20 boys armed with knives and stones came onto the toll road and forced our vehicle to stop and open the windows.

Tommy's remarks give students new spirit

Tommy's remarks give students new spirit JAKARTA (JP): A challenge laid down by the youngest son of former president Soeharto calling for people to prove the wrongdoings of his father and family has galvanized the student movement in the capital. Thousands of students, including students from other cities, took to the streets of Jakarta on Thursday, saying they had been electrified by the challenge laid down by Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. "Who said we cannot prove Soeharto's sins?

Log supply expected to drop by 25 percent

Log supply expected to drop by 25 percent JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's log supply might decline by as much as 25 percent this year due to a drop in timber companies' logging activities, according to the Indonesian Forestry Society (MPI). MPI's executive director Kristiyono Fajari said on Thursday that the 25 percent drop in the log supply was also attributed to the heavy rainy season and the postponement of timber companies' logging contracts.

Mixed-ethnic Chinese literature

Mixed-ethnic Chinese literature Most of us would think that Chinese-Indonesians know nothing other than trade, and they are even labeled quite often as "economic animals". Very interestingly, Mr. Leo Suryadinata writes in his book "The culture of the Chinese minority in Indonesia" (as shown in French scholar, Ms.

Compensation sought from country club

Compensation sought from country club JAKARTA (JP): About 25 families in the Ciganjur-Cipedak subdistrict, South Jakarta, have demanded compensation for a 12- hectare plot of their land appropriated by force as part of the Matoa golf course and country club.

Manhunt for 25 jailbreakers

Manhunt for 25 jailbreakers MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police are still hunting for 25 of the 40 people who escaped from the Labuhan Deli penitentiary two weeks ago, Antara reported on Thursday. Mintardjo, chief of prison affairs at the North Sumatra Justice Office, said 15 escapees had been recaptured so far. The jailbirds had fled through the prison roof after beating several warders. (rms)

Number of poor families doubles

Number of poor families doubles JAKARTA (JP): The number of Jakarta families living below the poverty line in October was 57,218, more than double the 23,384 families recorded three months earlier, an official from the city's office of the National Family Planning Board (BKKBN) said on Thursday.

U.S. says Indonesia used excessive force

U.S. says Indonesia used excessive force WASHINGTON (Agencies): The United States on Wednesday said Indonesian security forces has used excessive force against unarmed demonstrators and urged the government to bring those responsible to justice quickly. State Department spokesman James Rubin said the "terrible violence" that marked protests on Nov. 13-14 "clearly involved excessive use of force by security forces against unarmed demonstrators," Reuters reported.

ABRI and the people

ABRI and the people Since former president Soeharto was forced to step down in May, the Armed Forces (ABRI) has been forced to stand back and watch while demands for total reform rise to a fever pitch. The demands of the reform movement, articulated so vociferously by university students, is nothing but normal in a nation that has only recently managed to free itself from the yoke of an iron rule lasting for more than three decades.

Govt may give up stakes in 7 charity foundations

Govt may give up stakes in 7 charity foundations JAKARTA (JP): The government might sell the stakes controlled by seven foundations chaired by former president Soeharto if they lack profitability, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Haryono Suyono said on Thursday.

ASEAN countries seek drug deterrent

ASEAN countries seek drug deterrent HANOI (AFP): The nine countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began on Thursday a conference in Hanoi on ways to protect young people from the increasing threat of drugs.

Hyundai given ample debt relief

Hyundai given ample debt relief SEOUL (Reuters): South Korea's Hyundai Motor has been given substantially more debt relief than it originally asked for in its deal to take over troubled Kia Motors Corp and Asia Motors, it was announced on Thursday. Creditors agreed to write off an additional 219.4 billion won (US$175.24 million) of Asia Motors debt, bringing the total write-off offered to Hyundai on the two companies to 7.39 trillion won.

German exports fall

German exports fall WIESBADEN, Germany (AFP): German exports to ASEAN countries and to Russia slumped in August owing to the economic and financial crises hammering the countries, data published by the Federal Statistics Office on Thursday showed. Germany exported goods worth a total 1.3 billion marks (US$760 million) to ASEAN countries in August, or 33.5 percent less than the total volume of goods exported in August 1997, the office said in a statement.

Six foreign companies bid for stake in Pelindo's unit

Six foreign companies bid for stake in Pelindo's unit JAKARTA (JP): Six giant foreign shipping and port operators have submitted offers to buy a 49 percent to 51 percent stake in the newly established PT Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT), a unit of state-owned port operator PT Pelindo II. Sofyan Djalil, an assistant to the State Minister for the Empowerment of State Enterprises, said on Thursday that the six qualifying bidders are Denmark's A.P.

Free AIDS tests at UI

Free AIDS tests at UI JAKARTA (JP): University of Indonesia's School of Medicine will offer free HIV/AIDS tests to the public for three months beginning next month in commemoration of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the organizers said Wednesday. Fatma Asyari of the school's study group specializing in AIDS said that a one-day symposium on surgery on people with HIV/AIDS would also be held this Friday at the university campus on Jl. Salemba Raya in Central Jakarta.

S'pore to offer palm oil futures contract

S'pore to offer palm oil futures contract SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): The Singapore Commodity Exchange may start trading a palm oil futures contract, a move that would challenge the dominance of the Kuala Lumpur Commodity Exchange, where crude palm oil is exclusively traded. The plan has annoyed the KLCE, which has seen daily trading volume of crude palm oil futures slump 35 percent after the government introduced capital controls in September that blocked repatriation of trading profits.

PPP introduces new vision, paradigm for 1999 election

PPP introduces new vision, paradigm for 1999 election JAKARTA (JP): Ahead of its extraordinary Congress, slated for Nov. 29 through Dec. 3, the United Development Party (PPP) has been launching several strategic issues as part of its efforts to maintain its existence in the politics of the reform era. The party has a lot of work ahead to maintain support among its traditional supporters, and to widen its base among the younger Moslem generation.

Owner Bob Hasan reshuffles 'Gatra'

Owner Bob Hasan reshuffles 'Gatra' JAKARTA (JP): Timber tycoon Mohammad (Bob) Hasan, who controls PT Era Media Informasi, publisher of the Gatra weekly, has sacked the magazine's directors and chief editor for unclear reasons. Herry Komar, one of the dismissed directors and the weekly's former chief editor, told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that their dismissal was announced in the meeting of the company's shareholders on Nov.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov.26, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 375 0 15,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 25 930,000 Alumindo Light Metal 300 0 130,500 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 -25 25,000 Aneka Tambang 1,675 0 7,381,500 Anwar Sierad 125 0 30,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Shoe workers complain of torture

Shoe workers complain of torture JAKARTA (JP): Workers of shoe producer PT Emperor Footwear Indonesia complained on Thursday of being tortured while staging a protest early this week at the factory's site in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi. Thirteen representatives of the workers went to the National Commission on Human Rights, saying that at least five of their colleagues suffered injuries when scores of hoodlums hired by the firm dispersed the rally of hundreds of workers.

China defense minister in S'pore

China defense minister in S'pore SINGAPORE (AP): Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Chi Haotian met on Thursday with his Singapore counterpart, Tony Tan, Singapore's Defense Ministry said in a statement. Chi, who is in Singapore on a four-day official visit, was to meet with Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew on Friday.

UN-sponsored talks resume on East Timor after brief halt

UN-sponsored talks resume on East Timor after brief halt UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): United Nations-sponsored talks on the question of East Timor resumed on Wednesday after being broken off last Friday, a UN spokesman said. The talks, involving senior Portuguese and Indonesian officials, were halted by Portugal after reports circulated that 44 people had been killed in a military operation around the East Timor village of Alas, some 125 miles (200 km) east of Dili, the capital.

Stocks recoup their losses, rupiah stays flat

Stocks recoup their losses, rupiah stays flat JAKARTA (JP): Speculative buying on banking stocks fueled a 1.9 percent gain on the local market on Thursday, but the rupiah held its own to end the day virtually unchanged. After a sharp correction of 7.7 percent on Wednesday, the market was rattled by rumors that the government would soon announce banks to be merged or liquidated because of their poor capital position.

Thai baht rises against dollar, Singapore's currency plunges

Thai baht rises against dollar, Singapore's currency plunges SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The courses taken by Southeast Asian currencies diverged sharply on Thursday. As a steady stream of investment inflows lifted the Thai baht to a fresh 58-week high against the U.S. dollar, heavy sales of the Singapore dollar pushed the island republic's currency to its lowest level in 10 days.

Golkar 'dissidents' look set to announce their stance soon

Golkar 'dissidents' look set to announce their stance soon JAKARTA (JP): One hundred and fifty dissenting members of the ruling Golkar grouping are to meet soon to plan their future strategy. Antara on Thursday quoted member Uncu Natsir, who is coordinating the meeting, as saying that the talks titled Golkar in the Multiparty Era were planned for Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.

RI 'still attractive' for oil and gas investment

RI 'still attractive' for oil and gas investment JAKARTA (JP): An official at state oil and gas company Pertamina said on Wednesday that the country's oil and gas potential and the incentives offered by the government for their development meant Indonesia was still attractive for investors.

Two mobbed to death

Two mobbed to death TANGERANG (JP): An unidentified man was beaten to death by angry mobs after being caught red-handed attempting to steal a motorcycle in Caranang village of Cikupa district here on Wednesday night. Tangerang Police chief detective Capt. Krisnadi said on Thursday that the man, in his 20s, was spotted by local residents at about 7:30 p.m. while struggling to grab the motorcycle from an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver.

House committee agrees on keeping old PR system

House committee agrees on keeping old PR system JAKARTA (JP): A special committee of the House of Representatives agreed on Thursday to retain the old proportional representation (PR) system for next year's general election, but with major improvements to make it more democratic.

PBSI to appeal Sigit's one-year suspension handed down by IBF

PBSI to appeal Sigit's one-year suspension handed down by IBF JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will file an appeal to the International Badminton Federation (IBF) over a one-year suspension it has imposed on doubles specialist Sigit Budiarto. PBSI secretary-general Leo Chandra Wiranata, said on Thursday that chairman Subagyo Hadi Siswoyo, who is also the Army Chief of Staff, made the decision after a meeting with some of his staff.

Japan eyes business deals during Jiang's visit

Japan eyes business deals during Jiang's visit By Edward Neilan "Bullet train" excursion may mean more to ties than "spin doctor" politicizing. TOKYO (JP): Chinese President Jiang Zemin's ride on a Shinkansen "bullet train" between Tokyo and Sendai will be the most important event during his visit to Japan this week.

Soemitro pleads for fair treatment of son Prabowo

Soemitro pleads for fair treatment of son Prabowo JAKARTA (JP): The country's most respected economist Soemitro Djojohadikusumo appealed to the media on Thursday to be fair to his son, Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto, discharged from the military for his role in the abduction of political activists. Prabowo is the victim of "black propaganda", Antara reported Soemitro as saying.

RI crew saved from ship mishap

RI crew saved from ship mishap JAKARTA: An Indonesian cargo vessel M.V. Kalimantan Express carrying 3,000 tons of pulses from Myanmar to Calcutta sank in the Bengal Bay on Wednesday, but all its 22 crew members were safe, Antara reported on Thursday. Director of Calcutta Port Trust's Marine Department, Gautam Sen, said the ship's engine room was damaged during a severe storm. Another Indonesian vessel NV Medan Express, which was sailing nearby, rescued the 22-member crew, Sen said.

BRI boss probe over graft charges

BRI boss probe over graft charges JAKARTA (JP): President director of government-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Djoko Santoso Moeljono was questioned by the Attorney General's Office on Thursday as a suspect in a Rp 572.2 billion ($76 million) loan scandal, Antara reported.

General admits Irianese victimized in army operations

General admits Irianese victimized in army operations JAKARTA (JP): The military commander overseeing Maluku and Irian Jaya, Maj. Gen. Amir Sembiring, has acknowledged that many Irianese were victimized during military operations to hunt separatists. Antara reported on Thursday that Amir was responding to students in a dialog with the authorities in the provincial capital, Jayapura. With the end of Irian Jaya's status as a military operations region on Oct.

Capital's subway project hinges on financing: Minister

Capital's subway project hinges on financing: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Communications Giri Suseno Hadihardjono said that implementation of the much delayed Jakarta subway project would depend on whether the government could secure the necessary financing. Speaking on Thursday, he said that the government had to participate in the project because full private sector financing would result in very high passenger tariffs.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Fine Art Photography, at Galeri Foto Cahya, Plaza Menteng, 2nd floor, C7-8, Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto 79, Menteng, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Dec. 7. * Painting Exhibition: Temu Ragam Lima Pelukis, at Balai Budaya, Jl. Gereja Theresia No. 47, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Dec. 2. * Painting Exhibition: Silakan Masuk!, by Andree Suryaman, Galeri Kafe Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No.

German investors told to stay in Indonesia

German investors told to stay in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): A former German economics minister has advised his compatriots to persevere in crisis-hit Indonesia to maintain market share for when the economy rebounds. "I can only ask you to stay, invest and work for better days," Otto Graf Lambsdorff, a two-term minister in the late 1970s through early 1980s, said on Thursday.

Australia ships wheat to RI

Australia ships wheat to RI JAKARTA (JP): Prominent Australian wheat flour producer Manildra Pty Ltd has shipped a significant amount of wheat flour to Indonesia, the Australian Embassy announced on Thursday. Manildra's chief executive officer Dick Honan said the initial shipments of wheat flour had departed on four different vessels from the port of Sydney this week and would arrive in several Indonesian ports between late November and mid December.

Aceh coral reefs endangered

Aceh coral reefs endangered BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Ninety percent of the coral reefs around the Banyak islands have been damaged because of the use of dynamite and cyanide by fishermen in the area, Antara reported. Deputy head of the Banyak Island Foundation, Mahmud Bangkaru, said that the explosive has also killed marine biota consumed by the fish. Apparently, the fishermen got their potassium for free from some businessmen, he said.

Surprise twist delays the trial of Anwar

Surprise twist delays the trial of Anwar KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A surprise twist delayed the sex and corruption trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday when the chief prosecutor was called away to testify in a related criminal case. Abdul Gani Patail, who is leading the prosecution against Anwar, had been subpoenaed to take the stand against Anwar's former tennis partner, who faces the death penalty for alleged illegal possession of live bullets.

Hartati Murdaya, repent!

Hartati Murdaya, repent! From Sinar Pagi Mrs. Siti Hartati Murdaya's TV appearance on Nov. 16 angered and amused me at the same time (TVRI's Dialog Khusus or Special Dialog program). It is ridiculous that as a member of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) she confessed she was not well-versed in politics and that during the dialog she gave the impression of not knowing about the upheavals taking place in this country.

WFP blended food arrives

WFP blended food arrives JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) announced on Thursday the arrival of the first 200 tons of a 8,660-ton consignment of blended food for Indonesia as part of its overall package of food assistance. WFP said in a statement that the blended food, valued at over US$4 million, is a grant from the people of the United States. It is a mixture of wheat and soybean flour, fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Maan swings into second place in Matoa Open

Maan swings into second place in Matoa Open JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Maan Nasim showed that persistent play pays off by moving to second on the scoreboard as other title contenders faltered in the third round of the Rp 100 million (US$13,300) Matoa Nasional Open-Andersen Consulting Challenge Championship on Thursday. Maan notched a two under par 70 for a two-way tie with fierce rival Kasyadi.

Students clash with Tarutung police

Students clash with Tarutung police JAKARTA (JP): Demonstrations on Thursday were marred by violence as stone pelting between students, other protesters and security officers in Medan, North Sumatra led to warning shots and tear gas being directed at demonstrators.

Briton, Filipinos injured in air crash

Briton, Filipinos injured in air crash CEBU, Philippines (AFP): A Briton and two Filipinos were injured when a light plane ditched in the sea near this central Philippine city on Thursday, an aviation official said. Jack Clout, British electronics engineering consultant for Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), Piltel vice president Clarence Rivera and pilot George Kapilitan were listed in "stable" condition at a hospital here.

Fired workers turning to LBH for counsel

Fired workers turning to LBH for counsel JAKARTA (JP): At least 10,000 dismissed workers from Greater Jakarta visited the capital's Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) between January and Nov. 18 to ask for legal advice in disputes with their employers, a lawyer said on Thursday. The head of LBH Jakarta's labor division, Surya Tjandra, said the dismissed workers were part of a total of 16,655 workers who visited his office in search of help to settle disputes with their employers.

Foreign investment to decline by 30 percent

Foreign investment to decline by 30 percent JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investment approvals are likely to decline by about 30 percent this year to US$21.9 billion from $33.8 billion in 1997, according to a senior investment official. Asril Noer, the secretary to the State Minister of Investment, said here on Thursday that foreign investment approvals for the first 10 months of this year declined nearly 50 percent in value to $12.9 billion from $25.3 billion during the same period last year.

Habibie hits damage, arson of 22 churches

Habibie hits damage, arson of 22 churches JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has condemned as "unforgivable" the burning and vandalization of 22 churches and five Protestant and Catholic schools in the capital last Sunday. In a meeting on Thursday with his economic advisor Frans Seda, the President said he was outraged because no religion tolerated such shameful acts. "This is truly an unforgivable act," Frans quoted the President as saying at Merdeka Palace.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Nov. 26, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

No priority for ABRI

No priority for ABRI From Pikiran Rakyat Are Armed Forces (ABRI) members special? They are in the legislative body in great numbers without being elected. The number of seats occupied by ABRI is special compared to those given to the people's representatives. Is it right to give ABRI this priority? I think ABRI members are not above other community members. They carry out their duty for Indonesia's defense and security, are paid from the people's money and should not be given special treatment.

Why roaming charges?

Why roaming charges? It has been confirmed that Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabotabek) are free of cellular phone roaming charges. However I have received several charges for roaming costs within the area, especially Bogor. I live in Bogor and work in Jakarta. In response to my many complaints to Satelindo, I have been advised that the case is highly technical.

Broken fridges leave morgue at reduced capacity

Broken fridges leave morgue at reduced capacity By Ivy Susanti JAKARTA (JP): Normally able to accommodate 28 bodies, the morgue at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, the only hospital authorized to do postmortem examinations in the capital, is currently operating at only about one third its capacity, an official said on Thursday. Mardiyono, chief of the morgue, said that only 10 of the 28 refrigeration units used to preserve corpses before they are examined were functioning.

Consequences of MNC domination

Consequences of MNC domination By Beni Sindhunata This is the first of two articles on foreign investment in Indonesia. JAKARTA (JP): In the past six months, widespread allegations of corrupt practices in mega-projects involving multinational companies (MNCs) and billions of U.S. dollars imply the position of dominance that foreign companies have assumed in Indonesia.

Senators challange Salim's

Senators challange Salim's MANILA (AP): Philippine lawmakers are attempting to prevent Indonesian Salim Group's First Pacific Co. from taking a controlling stake in the Philippines' biggest telecommunications company. Barely two days after the deal was struck, several Philippine senators have filed motions calling for an inquiry into First Pacific acquiring a sizable stake in Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.

Team to gather data on Pinrang riots

Team to gather data on Pinrang riots JAKARTA (JP): Director General for Regional Autonomy and Public Administration Ryaas Rasyid of the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Thursday in Jakarta that he had sent a team to Pinrang, South Sulawesi to gather data regarding riots there. "We'll check it up first and ask them (officials in the region) to take necessary preventive steps... we are also monitoring the situation through the governor," he said.

Frenzied situation 'will not discourage investors'

Frenzied situation 'will not discourage investors' JAKARTA (JP): Most Asian and European executives consider the current frenzied situation in Indonesia as part of the transition to the creation of a real democracy and that it will therefore not discourage foreign investors. The executives' judgment about the political and economic situation was revealed during the 1998 Corporate Image Conference held in Hong Kong recently.

Certificate for CN235-220

Certificate for CN235-220 JAKARTA (JP): State aircraft manufacturer PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) has received the airworthiness certificate from the Indonesian Military Airworthiness Authority (IMAA) for its CN235-220 military aircraft. The IMAA agency is linked to the Ministry of Defense and Security. The company said in a statement on Thursday that the certificate was awarded by IMAA's senior official, Brig. Gen.

I need no ultimatum over gambling dens: Sutiyoso

I need no ultimatum over gambling dens: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso says he deplores the remarks made by city councilors who demanded his resignation unless he closed down all gambling dens in the capital. According to the governor, he had already ordered related subordinates to shut down all existing gambling parlors here shortly after the Nov. 22 Ketapang incident erupted. "Such an ultimatum is not needed as I can close the spots in hours," he announced on Wednesday.