Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 November 1998

44 articles found

Special team will study stock exchanges' merger plan

Special team will study stock exchanges' merger plan JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) and Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSX) have set up a special team to study the two exchanges merger plan. The exchanges said in a joint statement Saturday that the team would study the best options that could be carried out in uniting them.

Two soldiers killed in E. Timor

Two soldiers killed in E. Timor DILI, East Timor: Falintil separatist rebels ambushed and killed two soldiers out on patrol near Terema village in Bobonaro regency, 80 kilometers west of Dili, on Friday morning. East Timor Military Commander Col. Tono Suratman identified the dead soldiers as Second Sgt. Mus and Second Private Suharsono. "I do not have any details of incident yet," Tono said on Friday evening. The provincial police chief, Col.

Malaysia to cut television time

Malaysia to cut television time KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's state-owned television station plans to reduce the air-time of its two television channels to cut operating costs amid a decline in advertising revenues, reports said on Sunday. Deputy Information Minister Suleiman Mohamad said the proposal was likely to be implemented in January next year and would result in Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) saving 30 million ringgit ($7.9 million) a year.

Cape Town mayor visits Jakarta

Cape Town mayor visits Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The mayor of Cape Town, William Bantom, is scheduled to arrive on Monday for a five-day visit, the Embassy of South Africa said in a statement. Accompanied by Dan Plato, a member of the Cape Town City Council, Bantom will meet several city officials, including the governor and deputy governors of the capital, and representatives of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Leading military supporter of Sumatran autonomy dies

Leading military supporter of Sumatran autonomy dies PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): A renowned military supporter of autonomy for Sumatra, Col. (ret.) Ahmad Husein, died in Jakarta on Saturday at the age of 73. His body arrived in Padang at noon on Saturday and was buried with full military honors at Kuranji Heroes' Cemetery later in the same day.

SE Asia strives to cut youth drug abuse

SE Asia strives to cut youth drug abuse By Paul Alexander HANOI, Vietnam (AP): Youth drug abuse continues to rise in Southeast Asia despite legal crackdowns, threatening the "fabric of society," officials at a regional anti-drug conference said Thursday. They urged a cooperative global effort that would incorporate young people's views and encourage alternative healthy activities.

Indorayon's imbroglio

Indorayon's imbroglio The latest wave of violent attacks by local protesters at the pulp and rayon mills of publicly-listed PT Inti Indorayon Utama near Lake Toba in North Sumatra last week, is an example of the hazards faced by resource-based ventures operating in Indonesia's new era of reform.

Estrada allays recession fear

Estrada allays recession fear SUBIC BAY, Philippines (DPA): Philippine President Joseph Estrada on Saturday allayed fears of a recession, saying that the economy will be propped by the continuous inflow of foreign investments. "I don't think there will be a recession. As you see, there are so many foreign investors coming in," he said during a weekend visit to the country's free port.

Malaysia to join military exercises

Malaysia to join military exercises KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia will resume military exercises with Singapore and three other countries next year under the Five Power Defense Arrangement (FPDA), a senior minister said on Sunday. "We will go on (participating in the military exercises) based on our ability," Syed Hamid Albar, defense minister was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama.

Atma Jaya holds graduation ceremony

Atma Jaya holds graduation ceremony JAKARTA (JP): Atma Jaya University held its 33rd graduation ceremony at the Senayan Convention Center in Central Jakarta on Saturday. Out of the 773 students awarded a degree at the ceremony, which was presided over by the university rector Thomas Suyatno, 22 were postgraduates and the other 751 were undergraduates.

Focus on Soeharto a misguided issue

Focus on Soeharto a misguided issue Recently, demonstrations aimed at pressuring the government to immediately try Soeharto have been held at a much greater intensity and frequency. Waves of thousands of students have tried to reach the residence of the country's former number one. The mass media enthusiastically responded to these demonstrations. Some of them have even jotted down the scenario of how the palace would be besieged by the students.

Soeharto ownership of properties found

Soeharto ownership of properties found JAKARTA (JP): Officials in East Kalimantan, Yogyakarta and Padang, West Sumatra, have discovered that former Soeharto and his family owned millions of hectares more property in their areas than previously thought. The head of the prosecutor's office in East Kalimantan, Mansyur Kertayasa, was quoted as saying on Friday that the former first family and their close associates controlled areas of forest totaling about 2.4 million hectares.

Christians pardon rioters and pray for them during service

Christians pardon rioters and pray for them during service By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Christians are encouraged not to take revenge against those who damaged and burned churches last week, but to instead pray for them and forgive them, preachers told congregations on the first Sunday service held since the mayhem of Nov. 22. Congregations were told that churches might be demolished but that their faith could not be so easily destroyed.

Radio and TV crews get awards

Radio and TV crews get awards JAKARTA (JP): A number of television and radio crews have received recognition for the public service they provided during clashes in Jakarta on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13 in which 16 people died. The Institute of Information Flow Studies (ISAI) presented the crews with trophies in a simple ceremony on Saturday. The institute's director, Goenawan Mohamad, who is also chief editor of Tempo weekly, said the awards were a "spontaneous" idea, Antara reported.

PGRI distances itself from Golkar

PGRI distances itself from Golkar BANDUNG (JP): The Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) vowed here on Saturday that it would release itself from decades-long association with the dominant Golkar grouping and instead strive to make itself a true professional association. At the closing ceremony of its 18th congress here, the association also announced the election of Muhammad Surya from the Bandung Teachers Training Institute (IKIP Bandung) as its new chairman. Set up on Nov.

Electric train projects

Electric train projects I am writing in response to The Jakarta Post's front page article of Nov. 25, 1998, on Indonesia's subway project. The projected cost of the Jakarta subway, US$1.5 billion, seems reasonable, although some unexpected expenses may be encountered when actual construction is started. I cannot, however, envision that an electric railway between Jakarta and Surabaya will only cost $1.5 billion.

Soeharto warns Habibie

Soeharto warns Habibie JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto's lawyer Yohanes Yacob warned President B.J.Habibie on Saturday that if the investigation of his client's wealth resulted in court proceedings there would be a devastating backlash against the whole government.

Social body gives Rp 976m donation

Social body gives Rp 976m donation JAKARTA (JP): The newly-established Indonesian Committee for Humanity marked its inaugural day on Saturday by handing over a donation worth over Rp 976 million (US$134,620) to Jakarta's needy people and social institutions badly hit by the economic crisis. The organization's chairman, former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad, said the donation was collected from both foreign and local businessmen to help those in need.

What's new in the ever changing computing world?

What's new in the ever changing computing world? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Magnesium, a type of silvery-white metal that is light and moderately hard, is suddenly being used by a growing number of notebook makers for the housing of their notebooks, replacing the thicker plastic.

ABRI's dual function

ABRI's dual function Indonesia's current political developments are so interesting as well as confusing, particularly to laymen like myself. It seems the Indonesian people are divided into at least two groups with regards to the Armed Forces (ABRI) dual function. The first group, mainly consisting of students, is of the opinion that ABRI's presence in the House of Representatives (DPR) should be abolished at once.

Malaysia's GDP shrinks in the third quarter

Malaysia's GDP shrinks in the third quarter KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's economy shrank 8.6 percent in the September quarter, the sharpest contraction in the current downturn and also the steepest among Asian economies except Indonesia, the central bank said on Saturday.

PPP supporters keep Jakartans off the streets

PPP supporters keep Jakartans off the streets JAKARTA (JP): Most city residents chose to stay at home on Sunday after thousands of United Development Party (PPP) supporters took to the capital's streets early in the morning. Unlike on other Sundays, main thoroughfares were almost deserted, leaving some areas of the capital looking like ghost towns.

Exporters hail plan to set up trade financing agency

Exporters hail plan to set up trade financing agency JAKARTA (JP): Exporters hailed on Saturday the government's plan to establish a financing agency whose immediate focus will be to provide them with subsidized preshipment working capital and export credit, as a breakthrough in overcoming the export financing bottleneck.

Indorayon calls on govt to provide protection

Indorayon calls on govt to provide protection JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed pulp and rayon producer PT Inti Indorayon Utama has called on the government to protect its operations, its workers and property while an independent auditing team begins work to decide its fate on Monday. The company also urged the public, especially those protesting against its operations, to give the team a chance to complete its work and let the government decide on the company's fate.

PPP opens fourth congress, cadres begin campaigning

PPP opens fourth congress, cadres begin campaigning JAKARTA (JP): Backed by tens of thousands of cadres and supporters who subsequently began election campaigning, the United Development Party (PPP) opened its fourth congress here on Sunday. Traffic disruption was so bad that even President B.J. Habibie got stuck in the congestion. Some 100,000 party loyalists from Jakarta and surrounding towns packed the Senayan soccer stadium in Central Jakarta to attend the congress' opening ceremony.

Drug dealers busted with 'shabu-shabu'

Drug dealers busted with 'shabu-shabu' JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives have apprehended two alleged dealers of amphetamine-derivative shabu-shabu and confiscated 100 grams of the drug with an estimated street value of Rp 35 million (US$4,666). The suspects -- identified as A. Liong, 29, alias Hasan, and Tjin Pit Mun, 40, alias Abun -- were apprehended at the former's house on Jl. Batu Ceper V in Central Jakarta on late Friday night, head of the city police Narcotics Detective Unit Lt. Col.

PAN ready for coalition with 'reformed' Golkar

PAN ready for coalition with 'reformed' Golkar JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Amien Rais said on Sunday that his party was ready to enter into a coalition with Golkar, provided the ruling political organization "reformed" and repented of its past wrongdoings. "Whether Golkar is willing to repent is another question," Amien was quoted by Antara as saying after inaugurating his party's West Sumatra branch.

Chipping away at press freedom

Chipping away at press freedom Is the Indonesian government in favor of freedom of the press? Is it going to uphold it in future? I ask because state-owned television network TVRI recently seems to be doing its utmost to create a public perception that "freedom of the press is a bad thing". They have treated us to talk shows where the speakers have had one thing in common -- their antipress freedom views.

IBRA to hold auction

IBRA to hold auction JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will auction noncore assets of liquidated banks on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9. IBRA director Eko Budianto said on Saturday that 83 cars and 41 motorcycles would be auctioned to the public through its asset management unit. "Before the auctioning, the public is allowed to check the condition of each vehicle on Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, 1998," he said in a statement. Inspections may be made at PT Balindo's office at Jl.

Foreign airlines concerned over violence reports

Foreign airlines concerned over violence reports JAKARTA (JP): Foreign carriers are concerned over reports of increasing violence in Indonesia, saying this may worsen their already sluggish businesses in the country. The airlines top executives said intensifying reports of riots, a growing crime rate, and student protests in the country may further deter people from visiting Indonesia, especially the capital city.

Leading figures warn of 'disaster' if polls unfair

Leading figures warn of 'disaster' if polls unfair JAKARTA (JP): The nation could be torn apart if there is no guarantee that next year's general election will be free and fair, it was warned on Sunday. "Poll rigging will lead to a disaster," Siswono Yudohusodo of the Movement for Indonesian Justice and Unity (GKPB) said here during the organization's national consultation meeting.

Medan students tell police about protest

Medan students tell police about protest JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of high school students in Medan who protest against their principal on Saturday at the local office of the Ministry of Education and Culture took the unusual step of obeying a new law and notified the police in advance. Antara quoted them as saying that the police notification was in line with a requirement in the new law on freedom of expression. Organizers of only a tiny minority of demonstrations have notified police.

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: Pesona Flora 9:00 Music 9:30 Interval 2:00 p.m.

Toward an orderly election

Toward an orderly election Those who are hoping that one day a person will emerge to lead a democratic Indonesia naturally realize the importance of preventing this republic from being destroyed from within. The People's Consultative Assembly has issued decrees ordering an investigation into the possibly ill-gotten wealth of (former president) Soeharto, his family and cronies.

Rights activists warn government about Aceh

Rights activists warn government about Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Human rights activists on Saturday warned about the latent danger of inciting anger in Aceh as the result of what they said were the vague steps so far taken by the government to atone for atrocities committed during military operations in the province. "The deep psychological wounds carried by the Acehnese people have crystallized.

UI campus becomes no-smoking zone

UI campus becomes no-smoking zone JAKARTA (JP): The University of Indonesia has designated its campus on Jl. Salemba Raya in Central Jakarta -- home to three medical schools -- as a no-smoking zone. The ruling, which took effect Saturday, gives the university what is probably the country's first smoke-free campus. The achievement was marked in a ceremony presided over by an assistant to the university's rector, Kusmardiono, at the Salemba campus on Saturday.

Skepticism haunts next election

Skepticism haunts next election By Yulius P. Hermawan BANDUNG (JP): The widespread criticism of the decisions reached by the recent Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) shows a public awareness of the necessity of next year's general election. The election is now seen as the only possible platform on which to build a new form of politics under a legitimate and credible leadership.

Unseeded Indonesia's Budi wins HK Open

Unseeded Indonesia's Budi wins HK Open HONG KONG (Reuters): Indonesia's Budi Santoso, probably to be left out of his country's singles squad for next month's Asian Games in Bangkok, won the Hong Kong Open badminton title on Sunday with a 15-10, 15-10 win over fourth seed Chen Gang of China. Budi, who will only play mixed doubles in the Asiad, overpowered Asian champion Chen with some thrilling smashes.

Unocal to apply cheap technology to new reserves

Unocal to apply cheap technology to new reserves JAKARTA (JP): Oil and gas company Unocal Indonesia, a subsidiary of the giant United States energy company Unocal Corp., will apply low cost technology to the development of its new oil and gas contract areas in the Makassar Straits and South Sulawesi.

Parung drivers irked by traders at terminal

Parung drivers irked by traders at terminal BOGOR (JP): Hundreds of public transportation drivers in Parung district here protested on Saturday the takeover of a minivan terminal by market traders, saying it threatened their livelihood. Drivers urged local market authority officials to return the terminal to its original function and complained the transformation was done in recent months without prior notification. An established traditional market is located next to the terminal.

Orangutans sick in E. Kalimantan

Orangutans sick in E. Kalimantan BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: Ailments afflicting orangutans in East Kalimantan include the common flu, hepatitis, intestinal worms and tuberculosis, the head of a forestry research center has said. Boen Purnama referred to orangutans here during a workshop on forest fire coverage.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: at Galeri Mini, Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Phone: 5201266), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dec. 1-8. * 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.

Idle land to be used by locals

Idle land to be used by locals JAKARTA (JP): Local people will be allowed to utilize at least 1,900 hectares of land in the city cleared by developers but subsequently neglected. "As the lands have not been optimally utilized, local people, mainly the jobless, have been allowed to temporarily cultivate them to grow edible food crops," city administration spokesman Kamaludin S. said on Saturday in quoting Governor Sutiyoso.

Local stocks expected to lose steam this week

Local stocks expected to lose steam this week JAKARTA (JP): Share prices in the local market are expected to lose steam this week due to the absence of a foreign funds inflow into the local bourse and lingering fears over the country's political and social environment, analysts said. They said that the massive foreign funds inflow, which allowed the local benchmark price index to break through the 400-point key level to 428.98 on Monday, would soon quit the hammered local bourse.