Archive: 4 November 1998
50 articles found
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah slips to 8,700 mark on political apprehension
Rupiah slips to 8,700 mark on political apprehension JAKARTA (JP): Mounting tension ahead of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) meeting next week piled pressure on the rupiah, which careened through the 8,500 psychological barrier to 8,700 against the greenback. Share prices in the local market surged 3.2 percent as most foreign investors took advantage of a weakening rupiah to place speculative buying orders on telecommunication and mining stocks, brokers said.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan's foreign minister Komura presents 4.5 billion yen to RI
Japan's foreign minister Komura presents 4.5 billion yen to RI JAKARTA (JP): Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura presented on Tuesday a 3 billion (US$26 million) grant to help the poor and another 1.45 billion to increase food production in Indonesia. Visiting Komura and his counterpart Ali Alatas signed the nonproject aid at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Excerpts of joint team's findings on the May riots
Excerpts of joint team's findings on the May riots JAKARTA (JP): The following are excerpts from the final report prepared by the joint fact-finding team (TGPF) on the May 13 to May 15 riots in Jakarta, Solo, Surabaya, Medan and Palembang which was released here on Tuesday evening. 1.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI ready for early sectoral liberalization
RI ready for early sectoral liberalization JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is ready to help pursue an agreement on the liberalization of the nine "fast tract" sectors in the upcoming leaders meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Kuala Lumpur later this month. Indonesian Ambassador for APEC Affairs Bintoro Tjokroamidjojo said here on Tuesday that Indonesia would table a significant offer at the summit. The offer, however, will vary from sector to sector.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Terms set for cooperatives to get forestry contracts
Terms set for cooperatives to get forestry contracts JAKARTA (JP): Only cooperatives that can prove their capability in managing a forestry business will be granted logging contracts or given a chance to purchase shares in forestry firms, Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said on Tuesday. Muslimin said it was necessary that cooperatives had two- year's experience in forestry before participating in forestry tenders or trying to obtain shares in forestry firms.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Akbar denies Golkar apology was 'official'
Akbar denies Golkar apology was 'official' JAKARTA (JP): A brewing rift among the Golkar leadership emerged on Tuesday when its chairman Akbar Tandjung contradicted deputy chief Marzuki Darusman's earlier apology for past political mistakes committed by the grouping. Akbar asserted the latter's statement on Monday did not represent an official stance.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Drawing on history for harmony
Drawing on history for harmony By Pramoedya Ananta Toer The following article is based on a paper presented at the recent relaunch of a book by the author of this article entitled Hoakiao di Indonesia (Overseas Chinese in Indonesia). JAKARTA: Racist sentiment toward the Chinese in Indonesia, which peaked with massive rioting in Jakarta and other cities in the middle of May, has been developing since the 18th century.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Nov. 3, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,025.00 8,125.00 8,025.00 8,225.00 Austrian schilling 1 647.40 717.40 - - Australian dollar 1 4,871.00 5,131.00 4,800.00 5,150.00 Belgian franc 1 217.70 242.70 - - Brunei dollar 1 - - 4,750.00 5,075.00 Canadian dollar 1 5,058.20 5,338.20 5,000.00 5,500.00 Swiss franc 1 5,769.25 6,049.25 5,550.00 6,050.00 Deutschemark 1 4,676.25 4,936.25 4,570.00 4,970.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Seaman faces 3 years in jail over marijuana
Seaman faces 3 years in jail over marijuana JAKARTA (JP): A seaman who failed to fulfill his dream of making the long trip to Kalimantan with 800 grams of dried marijuana was brought to trial at the North Jakarta District Court on Tuesday. According to prosecutor Elly Rachmawati, Agus Usman, 38, deserved a three-year jail sentence and a Rp 3 million (US$400) fine for possession of the marijuana.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Councilors reveal why they function as 'rubber stamp'
Councilors reveal why they function as 'rubber stamp' JAKARTA (JP): Members of the city council admitted on Tuesday that for years the council had functioned only as a rubber stamp for the city administration's policies as they always agreed with whatever the administration had already determined. Head of the Golkar faction Fatommy Asaari said that this could be clearly seen in the deliberation process for the city's annual budget drafts.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt says foreigners can buy homes
Govt says foreigners can buy homes JAKARTA (JP): The government has pledged to eliminate bureaucratic barriers in the sale of property to foreigners in a bid to help revive the country's sluggish property market. State Minister of Land Affairs Hasan Basri Durin reiterated on Tuesday that foreign nationals were entitled to own properties in the country as stated in a 1996 government regulation.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
MPR Special Session delays 'ninja' trials
MPR Special Session delays 'ninja' trials JAKARTA (JP): Police in East Java said the trials of suspected "ninja" killers and those who have sought retribution, planned for this week, would be postponed until after the conclusion of the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Nov. 13. Besuki Police chief Col.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bus station sex not what it seems
Bus station sex not what it seems PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Local officials here are upset and amazed that the number of transvestites roaming the town has jumped from 40 to 120 in the past five months. But it's not the fact that more than 90 percent of the transvestites come from other areas that upsets them. They are aghast by their recent survey which found that almost 80 percent of the transvestites offered oral sex in public places, notably at the bus terminal.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Freeport's Moffett due here soon
Freeport's Moffett due here soon JAKARTA (JP): Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s chairman James "Jimbob" Moffett will arrive in the next couple of days to answer to alleged corruption and collusion involving the firm's Indonesian subsidiary, Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib said on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie may cancel gas project dedication
Habibie may cancel gas project dedication JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie may back out of the dedication of a gas pipeline in central Sumatra owned by state gas distribution company PT PGN in the wake of a land dispute involving one of its clients. Habibie is scheduled to dedicate operations of the pipeline on Thursday from the Bina Graha presidential office here.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
INDRA sets new dollar rate
INDRA sets new dollar rate JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Debt Restructuring Agency (INDRA) set on Tuesday the U.S. dollar exchange rate used to convert the the country's corporate debt into rupiah at 8,501 for companies joining the agency in November. INDRA chairman Sumitro said in a statement that the rate was based on the moving average market rate over 20 working days in October and the monthly inflation rate in that month which stood at minus 0.27 percent.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Governor sad over delay of plans for city beautification
Governor sad over delay of plans for city beautification JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso expressed concern on Tuesday at the postponement in the implementation of many of his plans to beautify the capital. This was due to the prolonged monetary crisis.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
ICW reveals massive graft at PTPN XIII
ICW reveals massive graft at PTPN XIII JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) reported on Tuesday losses of more than Rp 234 billion (US$29 million) in three state-related companies because of alleged corruption. Teten Masduki, an executive of the anticorruption board, said the alleged corruption involved PT Perkebunan Nusantara XIII (PTPN XIII), the Pelaihari sugar mill and the Jababeka train project.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Politics and violence
Politics and violence After months of delay, the joint fact-finding team established by the government on July 23 to investigate the May riots finally presented its official report to the public on Tuesday. The 26-page report, compiled during a three-month period of interviews and on-the-spot observations, confirmed the public's worst fears. It would seem that the riots were at least in part incited by trained and accomplished agent provocateur.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jakartans 'need not fear troops on the streets'
Jakartans 'need not fear troops on the streets' JAKARTA (JP): The people of Jakarta should have no fear of the conspicuous presence of strongly armed troops in the capital, Governor Sutiyoso said Tuesday. The heavy concentration of security personnel from the police and military, mostly armed with rifles, have been deployed at various spots in the city in an attempt to intimidate ninja-like "killers" believed responsible for murdering many people, particularly Moslem preachers, he said.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
BAT has new chairman
BAT has new chairman JAKARTA (JP): Prof. Selo Soemardjan has been appointed new chief commissioner of PT BAT Indonesia, replacing Tanri Abeng, who resigned last May due to his appointment as the state minister of the empowerment of state enterprises. The cigarette producer announced that the appointment was endorsed by shareholders during an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bank DKI president to be questioned
Bank DKI president to be questioned JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office Syahmardan Lubis said on Tuesday that he would summon city-owned Bank DKI's president Soeharto and officials of city-owned property developer PD Pembangunan Sarana Jaya (PSJ) to clarify the bank's Rp 172 billion (US$21.5 million) bad credit. "We are now collecting data on the case and, if any thing is found, it is possible we will bring them to court," Syahmardan said.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
E. Java killings politically orchestrated: Survey
E. Java killings politically orchestrated: Survey The government is playing with fire by pitting societal groups against each other, a cross section of the public says. This explains why security officers have appeared so lackadaisical in tackling the Banyuwangi killings; the dragging of feet allows a sense of terror to reign and attention to shift from the government.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moslem congress opens amid fear of disintegration
Moslem congress opens amid fear of disintegration JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of Moslems congregated on Tuesday at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in a forceful campaign against signs of disintegration in society, with speakers saying that unless action was taken, the reform movement would end in chaos and destruction.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ideal exchange rate?
Ideal exchange rate? From Kompas As a layman, I really cannot understand the statement/expectation of Coordinating Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita that the exchange rate of US$1 against our rupiah stands at between 7,000 and 8,000. This is really a naive statement to be made by an economist.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
TPGF confirms 66 rapes in riots
TPGF confirms 66 rapes in riots JAKARTA (JP): The government-appointed team assigned to investigate the mid-May riots in Jakarta and other cities confirmed on Tuesday that 66 women, mostly Chinese-Indonesians, were raped and that the unrest might well have involved Soeharto's son-in-law Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto and former Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt upbeat about IMF loan
Govt upbeat about IMF loan JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Boediono is optimistic that the International Monetary Fund will disburse its next US$1 billion bailout sum to crisis-hit Indonesia. He said on Tuesday that the aid would be disbursed as soon as the IMF board of directors convene later this week to review the country's economic reform programs.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Creditors insist debtors sell noncore businesses
Creditors insist debtors sell noncore businesses JAKARTA (JP): Foreign creditors demanded the country's corporate sector on Tuesday sell their noncore businesses as a key means of restoring the ability of defaulting debtors to repay loans. Cash flow-generating prospects were a key consideration for the creditors to enter any debt restructuring negotiation, the creditors said on Tuesday at the closing of the two-day conference on the country's massive corporate debt.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 3, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 275 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 250 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 225 0 10,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 125 -25 2,500 Aneka Tambang 1,375 25 23,428,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian rice prices seen declining in 1999
Asian rice prices seen declining in 1999 SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian rice trade and prices are likely to decline in 1999, as major importers scale down their buying, forcing sellers to reduce prices, according to delegates at a recent industry conference. Though the decline in trade is expected to be significant, global rice trading volume will still be substantial, they said. A drop in Indonesia's demand is seen as the main factor pushing down world trade and, along with it, prices in 1999.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man lynched for stealing
Man lynched for stealing JAKARTA (JP): One man was mobbed to death and his accomplice suffered severe injuries after they failed to steal a motorcycle in Kangkang village in Bekasi on Monday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang identified the dead victim as Oman bin Walin, 42, and the injured man as Asep Saefullah, 37. The two were caught red-handed trying to steal a Suzuki motorcycle from Napi, 19, an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cibinong resumes payment
Cibinong resumes payment JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cementmaker PT Semen Cibinong announced on Tuesday that it had entered into the final stage of debt negotiation with its foreign creditors. Company president Hashim Djojohadikusumo said in a statement that the company had resumed partial monthly interest payments at 25 percent of the original contractual rate on its debt starting Nov. 1., payable as of Nov. 30.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
PT SI claims merging would be unhealthy
PT SI claims merging would be unhealthy JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Surveyor Indonesia (SI) said on Tuesday it would be best for the country to let the two state- owned surveyor companies operate together rather than merge them. Company president Toga M. Sitompul said that merging PT SI with its sister company PT Sucofindo would be unhealthy because it "would encourage monopolistic practices". "This could have a negative impact on the national economy which we are reforming now," Toga said.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
30 Africans arrested in two months
30 Africans arrested in two months JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta police have arrested at least 30 Africans for various crimes, mostly for overstaying their visas and involvement in counterfeiting U.S. banknotes, in the last two months. The head of the precinct's intelligence unit, Maj. Yusril Hakim, said on Tuesday that the Central Jakarta police had already completed the dossiers of all the foreign suspects.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian migrant workers
Indonesian migrant workers From Gatra Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris has stepped up efforts in the protection of Indonesian workers abroad. The efforts are very late in coming but let's hope they will be useful, especially for the Indonesian migrant workers themselves. Indonesian migrant workers experience not only difficulties abroad but also at home. Government officials and ruffians here often make them milch cows.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian stock markets post modest gains
Asian stock markets post modest gains HONG KONG (AFP): Asian stock markets ended with modest gains Tuesday on buying triggered by hopes of easing interest rates and positive sentiment fueled by the overnight rise on Wall Street. The Tokyo Stock Exchange was closed for a holiday, but markets elsewhere in the region extended recent gains, with Hong Kong putting on 1.9 percent on an influx of foreign funds. Late profit-taking however trimmed some of Tuesday's gains off most regional stock indices.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Albright to visit Indonesia soon
Albright to visit Indonesia soon WASHINGTON (Reuters): U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will visit Indonesia later this month for the first time since the downfall of president Soeharto, a U.S. ally for several decades, the State Department said on Monday. Albright, who will be in Asia this month for the annual Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, will also visit Thailand for bilateral meetings with Thai leaders, it said.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
On Kwik's writing
On Kwik's writing From Kompas Mr. Kwik Kian Gie's article in Kompas of Oct. 19 is quite informative and analytical. So as a regular reader of his articles, I have been tempted to give my response. Chronologically Kwik dwells on the policies of the reform government in experimenting with the development of a distribution line and concludes that the result is considered very bad.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
What do people think of the phenomenon of violence?
What do people think of the phenomenon of violence? JAKARTA (JP): The following tables are the results of a poll on what people think about the phenomenon of violence in regard to the Banyuwangi mysterious killing spree. The poll, conducted by the Resource Productivity Center from Oct. 22 to Oct. 27, was jointly commissioned by The Jakarta Post and D&R magazine.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Floods hit South Bandung
Floods hit South Bandung BANDUNG: Incessant rains in the past two days have sparked floods in five districts in South Bandung regency, inundating thousands of residences and hundreds of hectares of paddy fields. The head of the South Bandung Natural Disaster Coordinating Unit (Satkorlak-PBA), Muhydin, said on Tuesday 12 elementary schools and three high schools were among those affected. No casualties have been reported, but flooding has hit about 4,500 houses.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rp 33m stolen from firm employee
Rp 33m stolen from firm employee TANGERANG (JP): Two unidentified men stole Rp 33.5 million (US$4,187) in cash from an employee of private insurance company PT Asuransi Jiwa Adi Sarana Wanaartha on Tuesday. The victim, Iskandar, said the thieves smashed his car window and stole the money. "I just left my car for about five minutes in the parking lot. It happened very quickly," Iskandar said He said the money was supposed to be used to pay the rent on a shop-house in Taman Pabuaran complex.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Painted trash bins expected to raise waste awareness
Painted trash bins expected to raise waste awareness By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Can attractive trash cans move people to dispose of their garbage properly? Yes, according to the organizer of a trash-can painting competition held at the Senayan sport complex on Sunday. The competition, sponsored by Fanta Orange in cooperation with the city's sanitation agency, was held not only to mark the soft drink's relaunch here but mainly to turn Jakarta into a fun and clean city.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Balinese continue protests at slur
Balinese continue protests at slur DENPASAR: Thousands of Balinese Hindus in Jembrana regency prayed on Tuesday for the nation's leaders to have a clear conscience in settling the alleged slur on their religion by Cabinet minister A.M. Saefuddin. Antara reported that those attending the prayer at the Jagatnatha temple included private employees, civil servants and public transport drivers and villagers from 59 villages in the regency.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
FIFA happy with S. Korea on W. Cup
FIFA happy with S. Korea on W. Cup SEOUL (Reuters): South Korea is proceeding well with its preparations for co-hosting the 2002 World Cup finals, the head of a visiting FIFA delegation said on Tuesday. "I am very satisfied about the organization," said FIFA vice president Antonio Matarrese after officials from world soccer's governing body inspected the site of a 64,000-seat stadium in Seoul. A ground-breaking ceremony for the US$124 million stadium is scheduled for Friday.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
119 RI athletes to compete in Asiad
119 RI athletes to compete in Asiad JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council announced on Tuesday that it would send 119 athletes, 35 coaches and 39 officials, not including the swimming and equestrian squads, to the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok next month. The council's athletes development deputy, Muchamad Hindarto, told reporters that the swimming and equestrian organizations did not show up at Tuesday's evaluation meeting.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Thunder Cats 3:05 TV Series: Daktari 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Teen Program: Remaja Indonesia 5:00 Teen Drama: Seputih Hatinya 5:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama: Pengecut 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Literature Program: Dunia Buku 8:30 News: Laporan Peristiwa 9:00 World News 9:30 Special...
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN stability tied to food safety
ASEAN stability tied to food safety HANOI (Agencies): Southeast Asian stability depends heavily on food security and the region needs to ensure supplies of staples such as rice, a senior Vietnamese official said on Tuesday. Agriculture Minister Le Huy Ngo told Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) food security conference that the region's economic crisis and adverse weather this year had hit agricultural output badly.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
13 dead in river crash
13 dead in river crash JAKARTA (JP): Thirteen bodies have been recovered from a collision between two speedboats on Saturday morning in a river near Sampit town in Central Kalimantan. Another four are missing, feared drowned. Sampit police chief Lt. Col. Ade Sudarna said the 13 included two other victims found Tuesday in the Katingan river. The accident involving a total of 92 passengers and crew on the two boats occurred at 9:30 a.m. because of poor visibility, he told The Jakarta Post.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
HMI intensifies pressure to eject ABRI from House
HMI intensifies pressure to eject ABRI from House JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) must scrap the Armed Forces' (ABRI) seats in the House of Representatives (DPR) during its Nov. 10 to Nov. 13 Special Session, an influential student group said on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
PAN's concern is people's welfare
PAN's concern is people's welfare From Ummat As a new party which came into existence during the era of reform, the National Mandate Party (PAN) has not committed any sin against the nation and state, either morally or politically. Nor has the chairman of the party, Dr. H.M. Amien Rais, sinned in any fashion.