Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 November 1998

58 articles found

SE Asian currencies' rally appears to run out of steam

SE Asian currencies' rally appears to run out of steam SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The rally which over recent sessions has propelled Southeast Asian currencies to fresh long term highs against the U.S. dollar appeared to run out of steam during Asian trading hours on Thursday.

Conflict of interests mar final report of TPGF

Conflict of interests mar final report of TPGF The final report of the joint fact-finding team, known by its acronym TGPF, on the mid-May riots has drawn mixed reactions from different parties. Hermawan Sulistiyo, a political researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), and was...

Clinton to take growth plan to APEC summit

Clinton to take growth plan to APEC summit SINGAPORE (Reuters): U.S. President Bill Clinton will bring his plan for world growth to the APEC summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday.John Wolf, U.S.

SCB inaugurates branch

SCB inaugurates branch JAKARTA (JP): London-based Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) officially inaugurated on Thursday its newly renovated branch in Medan, North Sumatra.SCB's Head of Consumer Banking Indonesia Farhad Irani said that SCB's investment in Medan reflected the bank's commitment to...

Secondhand plastic bottles dangerous

Secondhand plastic bottles dangerous With the increase of the price of plastic bottles two or three fold since early 1998, several brands of small-pack bottled water in Greater Jakarta are using used bottles. In accordance with the Ministry of Industry and Trade's regulation No.

Digital technology powering 'Metro' into highly competitive news niche

Digital technology powering 'Metro' into highly competitive news nicheBy Antariksawan Jusuf JAKARTA (JP): Is it too much of a dream to watch Indonesian movies on American cable HBO? Considering the current situation of the Indonesian film and television industry, you will definitely say "No way.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Nov. 6, 1998

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Nov. 6, 1998Exhibitions * Etching Exhibition, by Rembdrant, from the collection of Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, Rotterdam, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. Rasuna Said, Kav. S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5252321), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Dec. 6.

Asian recovery seen dependent on Japan aid

Asian recovery seen dependent on Japan aid BANGKOK (Reuters): Japan's assistance for crisis-hit Southeast Asian countries under the Miyazawa Plan could serve as a catalyst for a revival of foreign capital flows to the region, a senior Asian Development Bank economist said on Thursday.

MGTI to install 30,000 new telephone lines

MGTI to install 30,000 new telephone lines JAKARTA (JP): PT Mitra Global Telekomunikasi Indonesia (MGTI) said on Thursday it would install 30,000 new telephone lines in Central Java and Yogyakarta by March to bring up a total of 350,000 lines.

Thais lead 1st round of Putra Cup

Thais lead 1st round of Putra Cup MANILA (AP): Tongchai Jaidee and Songphan Puakkprapong each scored 1-under-par 71s to put Thailand into an early lead in the first round of the 38th Putra Cup.Thailand, the defending champion, led with 214 and was eight strokes ahead of second place Malaysia with...

Industry survey shows grave impact of crisis

Industry survey shows grave impact of crisis JAKARTA (JP): More than one-third of companies operating in the electronics, machinery, chemical and metal-based industries have temporarily closed their operations as a result of the country's worst ever economic crisis, a survey has revealed.

TV Program: Friday, Nov. 6, 1998

TV Program: Friday, Nov. 6, 1998TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Cartoon: Warner Kartun 3:05 Sports Program 3:30 Village Program 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Performance: Cakrawala Budaya 5:00 Music: Paket 27 5:30 Education Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Documentary:...

China's Asiad athletes face doping tests

China's Asiad athletes face doping tests BEIJING (Agencies): China plans to subject athletes to unscheduled doping tests before they compete at the next month's Asian Games in Bangkok, sports officials said Thursday.

Response to TGPF report vital to recover confidence

Response to TGPF report vital to recover confidence JAKARTA (JP): Human rights activists and the international community are warning that the government's response to a joint fact-finding team's report on the May riots will make or break its quest to restore confidence.

STDs rife among Tangerang prostitutes

STDs rife among Tangerang prostitutes JAKARTA (JP): Womanizers beware! Most prostitutes operating in Tangerang mayoralty are believed to have sexually transmitted diseases, an official said.Mayoralty spokesman Harry Mulya Zein said on Tuesday that medical checkups on 41 prostitutes who were rounded...

Peaceful essential for democracy

Peaceful essential for democracy JAKARTA (JP): All but the beneficiaries of the old authoritarian regime would agree that Indonesia should develop a more democratic political system. However, given the fact that freedom of expression has been widely misunderstood as "political violence", there is...

Exim handles forestry funds

Exim handles forestry funds JAKARTA (JP): The ministry of forestry and plantations has appointed state Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia (Bank Exim) to handle the payments of the reforestation funds, the ministry's secretary general Oetomo said on Thursday.

Bio on author Soeman launched

Bio on author Soeman launched PEKANBARU, Riau: The biography of Soeman Hs, who pioneered detective novels in Indonesian literature with his Mencari Pencuri Anak Perawan (In Search of a Virgin Stealer), was launched here Thursday.

Petroz says deal expected on Timor 'liquids' project in '99

Petroz says deal expected on Timor 'liquids' project in '99 BRISBANE, Australia (Bloomberg): Petroz NL said the partners in the Bayu-Undan gas field in the Timor Sea probably will decide by the end of March to go ahead with a US$1.4 billion "liquids" extraction project.

Sovereign defaults continue to decline in 1998: S&P

Sovereign defaults continue to decline in 1998: S&P JAKARTA (JP): Despite financial stress in Asia and its fallout on emerging markets, debt defaults by sovereign governments would continue to decline this year, according to the international rating agency Standard & Poor's.

Prayers, demos prior to session

Prayers, demos prior to session JAKARTA (JP): Even as preparations for the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) shifted into high gear, groups of proponents and opponents staged "trial" demonstrations on Thursday ahead of the Nov. 10-13 session.

Students hold anti-MPR session protest warmup

Students hold anti-MPR session protest warmup JAKARTA (JP): At least 500 students staged a rally on Thursday at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, calling it a rehearsal for a massive demonstration to be held on Monday ahead of the Nov. 10 to Nov.

Badminton official looks ahead to Sydney Olympics

Badminton official looks ahead to Sydney Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian badminton players bound for the upcoming Asian Games look set to form the backbone of the national team for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, an official said on Thursday.

Soehartos' land found in Yogykarta

Soehartos' land found in Yogykarta YOGYAKARTA: The head of the Yogyakarta High Prosecutor's Office Suparman said his office had tracked down 150 hectares of land belonging to former president Soeharto's children and his friends.

Freeport chief denies corruption charges

Freeport chief denies corruption charges JAKARTA (JP): The chief executive officer of U.S Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold. Inc., James Moffett, denied Thursday allegations of corruption in PT Freeport's Indonesia operation, including charges against a senior economic minister.

RP slams China 'build up' in Spratlys

RP slams China 'build up' in Spratlys MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines on Thursday accused China of beefing up its position on a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands by sending armed military and cargo ships to the area and called Beijing's action a "security threat.

Police foil holdup, robber shot dead

Police foil holdup, robber shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police shot dead a repeat offender on Wednesday as he attempted to rob a private employee of Rp 75 million (US$8,330) outside a money changer on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta.City police detectives chief Col.

Pelindo privatization into effect next year

Pelindo privatization into effect next year JAKARTA (JP): The government will likely open the tender for the sales of its stake in state sea port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) II to strategic investors early next year, a corporate executive has said.

A show of wanting sincerity

A show of wanting sincerity Extraordinary. This is the expression that best describes both the findings of the TGPF (Joint Fact Finding Team on the May riots) and the reaction from high-ranking cabinet officials to the team's report.

Top bosses at Bank DKI to get walking papers

Top bosses at Bank DKI to get walking papers JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Thursday he would soon replace three top officials of city-owned Bank DKI due to their alleged mismanagement which saddled the bank with Rp 172 billion in bad credit.

Most trade financing schemes 'not utilized'

Most trade financing schemes 'not utilized' JAKARTA (JP): Most of the trade financing facilities obtained by the government from several donor countries has not been fully utilized by local banks to help restore import activities, according to the government.

State banks bolster weak rupiah

State banks bolster weak rupiah JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah remained under pressure on Thursday, breaking through the 9,000 barrier against the U.S. dollar before bouncing back to close the day at 8,600 after massive intervention by state banks.

Loss of authority

Loss of authorityFrom Sinar PagiB.J. Habibie's is a transitional government. Since its induction it has come in for sharp criticism by the community and will again in the future.Habibie himself is not a leading figure in society and does not quite fit the bill of an authoritative leader, especially...

Ancient Javanese shadow drama set for English performance

Ancient Javanese shadow drama set for English performanceBy Ton Bintoro JAKARTA (JP): The scene is set. The tree of life spins around and is planted upright in the middle of the screen. The music begins with a trance-like beat.

Mar'ie: Provinces must be given the widest possible autonomy'

Mar'ie: Provinces must be given the widest possible autonomy' JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of finance Mar'ie Muhammad said on Thursday that he supported autonomy for the provinces as it would help avoid a repetition of the neglect experienced by provinces outside Java and Bali.

Norway helps with Braille equipment

Norway helps with Braille equipment JAKARTA (JP): A three-year project to develop the use of Braille in seven blind resource centers and 40 special schools around the country was officially launched on Thursday.A total of US$17.

Intercontinental cuts deal

Intercontinental cuts deal JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Jakarta International Hotels and Development (JIHD), the owner of the five-star Hotel Borobudur Intercontinental Jakarta announced on Thursday that international hotel chain Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts will stop managing the hotel...

Gas pipeline opening canceled

Gas pipeline opening canceled JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie canceled on Thursday the planned dedication of a gas pipeline in central Sumatra owned by state gas distribution company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) following a land dispute involving one of the company's clients.

Andrean beats Indian chess ace

Andrean beats Indian chess ace JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian junior chess player Andrean Susiladinata toppled Indian ace Abhijeet Gupta on Wednesday to open up his chance to finish among the top three at the World Age Group Chess Championships in Oropesa Del Mar, Spain.

Man killed in argument over politics

Man killed in argument over politics JAKARTA (JP): A man was beaten to death in Cipinang Jaya, East Jakarta early on Thursday morning following a heated argument on the latest developments in the country's political condition.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 5, 1998: -------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 225 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 25...

Amien alleges Soeharto role in Java murder spree

Amien alleges Soeharto role in Java murder spree JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Mandate Party (PAN) Amien Rais alleged on Thursday that former president Soeharto was involved in the killings of almost 200 Moslem preachers and people accused of practicing black magic in a wave of murders...

Govt to learn from green activists: Habibie

Govt to learn from green activists: Habibie JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie suggested on Thursday that the government and the public learn from some award-winning environmental activists, many of whom are unschooled, who had selflessly translated ideals into actions in the promotion of the...

Saga sells Jambi block

Saga sells Jambi block OSLO (Dow Jones): Norwegian upstream oil company Saga Petroleum ASA said Thursday it has sold its stake in the Jambi Merang block in Indonesia to YPF Indonesia Ltd. and Amerada Hess Limited for NOK133 million (US$17.7 million).

Flooding spreads to Kebumen

Flooding spreads to Kebumen KEBUMEN, Central Java: More than 3,000 hectares of paddy were damaged and dozens of villages in three subdistricts inundated in flooding that hit the Kebumen regency following incessant rain since Tuesday. No casualties were reported.

KL, Singapore to narrow gap in thorny ties

KL, Singapore to narrow gap in thorny ties KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia and Singapore agreed on Thursday to work towards narrowing their differences as Kuala Lumpur sought its neighbor's help to raise funds amid the economic crisis.

500 Bekasi scavengers receive free medical aid

500 Bekasi scavengers receive free medical aid BEKASI (JP): About 500 of the 6,000 scavengers living around Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi, east of here, were given free medical services by the government on Thursday.

Tanjung Manis inspires artists from near, far

Tanjung Manis inspires artists from near, farBy Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): If we look at the maps of Kalimantan from any period, we will find that there are always new names and locations of villages while the old villages somehow cease to exist. This is due to the region's nomadic tribal culture.

Soeharto grandson loses briquette deal

Soeharto grandson loses briquette deal JAKARTA (JP): State coal mining company PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam has terminated a contract with Ari Sigit Hardjodjudanto -- a grandson of former president Soeharto -- for the construction of five coal briquette factories in Java.

APEC meeting must focus on solving crisis: Mari

APEC meeting must focus on solving crisis: Mari JAKARTA (JP): When the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum holds its meeting in Kuala Lumpur later this month it must focus on efforts to restore the economies of its crisis- hit members rather than on trade and investment liberalization...

Jamsostek helps dismissed workers

Jamsostek helps dismissed workers JAKARTA (JP): About 260 dismissed workers in Bekasi received Rp 52 million (US$6,000) in aid from state-owned PT Jamsostek to help them survive during the economic crisis, a company official said on Thursday.

What has made us reluctant to investigate?

What has made us reluctant to investigate?By Adrianus Meliala BRISBANE, Australia (JP): In the words of Rendra, one of the most important artists in contemporary Indonesia, this country has developed a "reluctance to investigate" mentality (Kompas, Oct. 27 1998).

MPR officials claim no electricity in barbed wire

MPR officials claim no electricity in barbed wire JAKARTA (JP): Officials said on Thursday that pranksters were responsible for placing signs warning of electrified barbed wire at the People's Consultative Assembly/House of Representatives (MPR/DPR) compound.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Nov. 5, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,875.00 8,975.00 8,875.00 9,075.00 Austrian schilling 1 716.25 786.25 - - Australian dollar 1 5,457.50 5,717.50 5,400.00 5,830.00 Belgian franc 1 240.

Qantas adds to Bali flights

Qantas adds to Bali flights JAKARTA (JP): Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways reports record business to Bali with a sharp upturn in demand this year.Qantas's Sales Manager Indonesia, Ronny Mampouw said that the airline has added another flight from Sydney to Bali, starting Oct.

Moslem unity is pivotal

Moslem unity is pivotal The five-day Indonesian Moslem Congress currently underway in Jakarta was not meant to be a political meeting but Minister of Religious Affairs Malik Fajar said in his opening speech that by the end of it all Moslems should have a common perception of where they stand on a...

Unrest rumors fail to trigger foreign flight

Unrest rumors fail to trigger foreign flight JAKARTA (JP): Travel industry insiders said on Thursday there had been no exodus to foreign destinations despite widespread rumors of unrest before the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) opening on Nov. 10.

Mahathir, Estrada no bilateral meeting

Mahathir, Estrada no bilateral meeting MANILA (AFP): There will be no bilateral meeting between Philippine President Joseph Estrada and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during an Asia-Pacific leaders' summit in Kuala Lumpur this month, Manila's top diplomat said on Thursday.