Archive: 9 November 1998
45 articles found
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police confirm bosses of closed banks to be tried
Police confirm bosses of closed banks to be tried JAKARTA (JP): Legal proceedings on alleged banking fraud are expected to begin soon against owners and executives of all but three of the 16 banks closed by the government in November 1997, a police official confirmed on Saturday. Col. Made Mangku Pastika, the head of the National Police economic crime unit, said that completed dossiers on the alleged fraud would be submitted to the court within the next two months.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt 'should follow up' TGPF report
Govt 'should follow up' TGPF report JAKARTA (JP): Rights activist Marzuki Darusman said on Saturday the government must follow up on the government- sponsored fact-finding team's report which suggests that elements within the Armed Forces (ABRI) were involved in the May riots.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
OPEC says it's 'singled-out' by U.N. war on climate change
OPEC says it's 'singled-out' by U.N. war on climate change BUENOS AIRES (Reuters): The world's most powerful oil producing cartel said on Friday that its member countries were being unfairly targeted by United Nations efforts to combat climate change. OPEC said that the US$30 billion annual revenue losses its members expect as a result of hydrocarbon emissions curbs under discussion at the Nov. 2-13 Buenos Aires talks will be too much for their developing economies to bear without compensation.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Usman, the happy genius of recycling
Usman, the happy genius of recycling Text and photos by Suhardiansyah JAKARTA (JP): In the hands of Usman unused objects can be transformed into usable kitchen appliances. This 35-year-old man produces appliances such as stoves and traditional rice cookers. By doing so he manages to support his two wives and three children. "The materials that I use mostly consist of unused objects, which people in general fail to utilize to the fullest," he said.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
A crucial period for Indonesia
A crucial period for Indonesia Indonesia enters a crucial period next week. It is when the 1,000-member People's Consultative Assembly meets to discuss the political direction of the country. It will not be easy for President Jusuf Habibie, who is trying to steer his political reform package through during the four-day session.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
South Sumatra governor defends pipeline project
South Sumatra governor defends pipeline project JAKARTA (JP): The South Sumatra provincial administration has come out in support of continuing the operation of a disputed gas pipeline project even though President B.J. Habibie backed out of its dedication last week. South Sumatra governor Rosihan Arsyad said in the provincial capital of Palembang on Saturday that the operation of the pipelines would contribute significant revenue to the province.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Guarded optimism in Asian markets ahead of APEC
Guarded optimism in Asian markets ahead of APEC SINGAPORE (AFP): Guarded optimism prevails in Asian financial markets before the APEC talks in Malaysia with currencies expected to stay stable, but analysts say regional stocks may undergo a short-term correction. Political developments in Washington, a glimmer of hope in recession-hit Tokyo, falling interest rates all round and a rescue for Brazil have calmed nerves in the run-up to the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) jamboree.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indofood records profit
Indofood records profit JAKARTA (JP): PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, a food unit of the Salim Group, reported a net profit of Rp 81.8 billion (US$9.6 million) for the first nine months of this year, compared to a loss of Rp 456.23 billion in the same period of last year. Company Chief Operating Officer Eva Riyanti Hutapea said in a statement on Sunday that the nine-month profit was built on sales of more than Rp 6.4 trillion, an 81 percent increase over the same period of last year.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Amien condemned for statement anti-Soeharto remark
Amien condemned for statement anti-Soeharto remark JAKARTA (JP): About 100 activists demonstrated here on Saturday to condemn Moslem politician Amien Rais for accusing former president Soeharto of involvement in the murder spree of Moslem preachers and alleged black magic practitioners in Java. The youths, who called themselves the Enforcers of Truth and Justice Institute (LPKK), rallied in front of the headquarters of the National Mandate Party (PAN) which Amien chairs.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Corruption allegation affecting tycoon Arifin
Corruption allegation affecting tycoon Arifin JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Arifin Panigoro said on Sunday that he was ready to cooperate with the Attorney General over investigations into alleged corruption. Arifin told a media conference at his home in South Jakarta that he wanted the case settled quickly, and that he was "hurt" and "concerned" by the "mental pressure imposed on our family" regarding the allegations. Inquiries are scheduled to begin on Monday at the Attorney General's Office.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
'TVRI' to air MPR morning show
'TVRI' to air MPR morning show JAKARTA: State-run television station TVRI is to run morning broadcasts to cover the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Antara reported. TVRI will run live shows from the MPR complex. The morning show is scheduled to last from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and then continue at 2 p.m. (edt)
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Press freedom alliance launched
Press freedom alliance launched BANGKOK (AFP): Southeast Asian journalists launched a new regional alliance here on Sunday to fight for press freedom and to monitor attacks on reporters. The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) will set up a secretariat in Bangkok next year to urge governments to overturn repressive media laws and monitor attacks on journalists, a statement said.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Seven 'ninja' suspects murdered in Central Java
Seven 'ninja' suspects murdered in Central Java SEMARANG, Central Java: Seven more people accused of being "ninja" assassins were killed by mobs in separate places in the province on Saturday. Angry mobs attacked strangers they suspected of being killers targeting religious leaders. The killers are dubbed "ninjas" on account of their clothing and stealth and have been sought for the murders of about 180 people.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Krismon' and celebrations
'Krismon' and celebrations The "By the Way" of Oct. 25 entitled "Is Indonesia really suffering from 'krismon'", written by a conservative person by nature, is good to read. The author, who I understand is an Indian expatriate, advises the public "to show empathy and understanding to our less fortunate citizens", which is, of course, fine advice. But does he practice what he advises?
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hostile neighborhoods clash again, one killed
Hostile neighborhoods clash again, one killed JAKARTA (JP): High hopes for a lasting settlement to the long- running hostilities between two warring neighborhoods in Central Jakarta were dashed again on Friday and Saturday nights when renewed fighting erupted. A resident of Menteng Jaya was killed and another wounded in the latest brawl, which took place from 8 p.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Palembang told to brace for floods
Palembang told to brace for floods PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Palembang will probably be hit by flooding as a result of the La Nia weather phenomenon, the head of the town's Meteorology and Geophysics Agency Achmad Subarna warned on Saturday. Quoted by Antara, Achmad stated recent rainfall in Palembang was above normal. In July it was recorded at 122.8 millimeters, 331.7 mm in August, 254.5 mm in September, 267.9 mm in October and 121.5 mm up to Nov. 5.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Facing a dilemma
Facing a dilemma With one day to go before the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is due to convene in a four-day Special Session, Jakarta is in the grip of rising political tension. The reason for this tension is the meeting's potentially combustible agenda -- namely to pave the way for a free and democratic poll to elect a new government in May next year.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
PPM defends its decision to guard Special Session
PPM defends its decision to guard Special Session JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Pemuda Panca Marga (PPM) youth organization have defended their decision to safeguard this week's Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly, calling it volunteer work carried out on their own initiative. It's a duty call to take part in securing such an important event, which would determine the future of more-than 200 million Indonesians, they said.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore aid to KL 'not charity'
S'pore aid to KL 'not charity' SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's agreement to help Malaysia raise funds is a deal between the two countries and not an act of charity, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday. On Thursday Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong made a surprise visit to his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad in Malaysia, as Kuala Lumpur sought its neighbor's help to raise funds amid the economic crisis.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Exports to main buyers rises by 3.8%
Exports to main buyers rises by 3.8% JAKARTA (JP): Non-oil and gas exports to Indonesia's 24 main export destinations rose by 3.86 percent to US$21.92 billion in the January-July period of this year, compared to $21.11 billion in the same period last year, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced in a statement on Saturday.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI workers go beserk after being stranded in Malaysia
RI workers go beserk after being stranded in Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): Almost 1,800 Indonesian illegal workers stranded for a week at a Johor Baru port in Malaysia ran amok on Sunday and broke the windows of a construction office and other office equipment. Antara reported that the 1,780 workers at the Pasir Gudang seaport were angry that a Malaysian travel agent, Mekar Jingga Tetanik, broke its promise to transport them home early last week.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sukamto files restructuring
Sukamto files restructuring HONOLULU (Bloomberg): Sukamto Sia, 39, former chairman and controlling shareholder of the Bank of Honolulu, filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 on Nov. 6 in Honolulu, the Honolulu Advertiser reported on Sunday. Sia listed debts of more than US$200 million -- including $25 million owed to Bank Bira of Indonesia -- and assets of between $10 million and $50 million.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Number of tourists to Bogor drops
Number of tourists to Bogor drops BOGOR (JP): The number of tourists visiting Bogor regency has shown a drastic drop this year due to an instability of security in the country, an official said on Saturday. Head of the local Tourism Agency, Diani Budiarrto, said, "We predict that this city will only have 20,000 visitors this year compared to last year's 59,000." "It's a big drop," the officer said.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Urgent appeal to Gen. Wiranto
Urgent appeal to Gen. Wiranto Gen. Wiranto, I would have preferred writing in a different vein to commemorate Heroes Day tomorrow, but I am very apprehensive of the mounting fervor leading up to the Special Session of the MPR. Tension has been rising, as many groups have been reverting to primordialism. Threats and counter-threats are being issued daily, with every group claiming to represent the people.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Factions vow to meet people's aspirations
Factions vow to meet people's aspirations JAKARTA (JP): Two major factions of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) promised on Sunday after separate internal meetings to meet as many of the people's aspirations for overall reform as possible in the wake of mounting opposition to the MPR Special Session which starts on Tuesday.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three peole killed, 23 injured in late-night head-on bus collision
Three peole killed, 23 injured in late-night head-on bus collision JAKARTA (JP): Two city buses, whose drivers were reportedly drowsy, were involved in a head-on collision near the Pulogadung industrial complex in East Jakarta early on Sunday morning. Three passengers were killed and 23 others injured. The two buses were identified by police as a Himpurna 94, which plied the Pulogadung-Ciledug route and a Himpurna 64, which ran the Pulogadung-Kalideres route.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Political tension seen sinking market mood
Political tension seen sinking market mood JAKARTA (JP): Escalating political apprehension ahead of the four-day Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is likely to weigh down sentiment on local financial markets this week. Financial analysts said on Saturday investors feared that the antigovernment demonstrations, which have taken place almost every during the past few days, would turn tumultuous.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Beggars swept from Bogor streets
Beggars swept from Bogor streets BOGOR (JP): Local police have netted 14 beggars during a Friday raid here, an official has said. The arrestees, all of whom are believed to be mentally ill, included two women, were taken immediately to the Bogor psychiatric hospital for medical treatment, Bogor Regency Police Chief Lt. Col. Edmond Ilyas said on Saturday.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI's INRO membership reliant on Thais
RI's INRO membership reliant on Thais JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia may pull out of the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) if Thailand decides to quit the rubber buffer stock agency, an industry executive has said. An executive of the Indonesian Rubber Producers Association said on Friday the Indonesian position in INRO would rely on the Thai government's decision.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
The IMF and export tax on crude palm oil
The IMF and export tax on crude palm oil By Derom Bangun JAKARTA (JP): I was very impressed when I stepped into the International Monetary Fund (IMF) office in Washington D.C. back in 1986. Together with my classmates and faculty members from the Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), we were briefed on the principle and the mission of the fund.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI warned of bloody fights over MPR session
ABRI warned of bloody fights over MPR session JAKARTA (JP): As the Armed Forces (ABRI) further tightens its security cordon around the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) complex, more and more people are raising fears about possible bloody clashes between opponents and supporters of the MPR Special Session.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pantomime pioneer dies at 45
Pantomime pioneer dies at 45 JAKARTA (JP): A pioneer of pantomime in Indonesia, Sena A. Utoyo, died on Saturday aged 45. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Sena was buried at the Jeruk Purut cemetery in South Jakarta. The Suara Pembaruan afternoon daily reported on Sunday that he was rushed to the Pertamina hospital by fellow pantomime and theater actor Didi Petet after complaining of chest pains. He died at the hospital at about 4 p.m., reportedly of a heart attack.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fears of possible unrest affect tourist business
Fears of possible unrest affect tourist business JAKARTA (JP): Businesses on Jl. Jaksa and Jl. Surabaya, two of Central Jakarta's famous tourist destinations, which were showing signs of recovery after the mid-May riots, are back in the doldrums ahead of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Special Session from Nov. 10 through Nov. 13.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Notice:
Notice: We regret to announce that Zatni Arbi's column will not appear today due to delivery problems. -- Editor
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Iran Jaya attracts 28 local oil palm investors
Iran Jaya attracts 28 local oil palm investors JAKARTA (JP): The government's effort to open oil palm plantations in new areas of the country may be succeeding as 28 local investors are mulling development of oil palm plantations in various parts of Irian Jaya.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:35 TV Series: The Big Valley 3:05 Documentary: Monumen dan Patung 3:30 TV Drama: Rahmi, Kekasihku 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:30 Education Quiz: Tangkas Cermat 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports: Monitor Olah Raga 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Teen Music: Gelar Musik Remaja 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Teen Music: Gelar Musik Remaja 8:30...
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sumba killings spree death toll rises to 23, more victims likely
Sumba killings spree death toll rises to 23, more victims likely MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): The death toll following a killing spree in a West Sumba town has climbed to 23 people and residents are still gripped with fear. State-run TVRI reported on Sunday that at least one child was among the fatalities in Waikabubak. Governor Piet A. Tallo tried to console the relatives of the victims. "Investigations will be conducted thoroughly," he said.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, Nov. 9, 1998
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, Nov. 9, 1998 Exhibitions * Etching Exhibition, by Rembrandt, from the collection of Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. HR Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5252321), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Dec. 6. * Photo Exhibition: Kontemplasi, by Maya S Ibrahim, Sadlie Abdullah, etc, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), daily (except Monday), 11:30 a.m.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreigners still facing barriers to buying houses
Foreigners still facing barriers to buying houses By Devi M. Asmarani JAKARTA (JP): Two years have past since the government enacted a regulation allowing foreigners to own properties in Indonesia, but in practice this has not helped them purchase their own homes in this country. Developers, property consultants and home buyers all complain about the poor implementation of Govt. Regulation No. 41/1996, which states that a foreigner with a legal residency permit is allowed to buy property here.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Analysts oppose call for only male Moslem presidents
Analysts oppose call for only male Moslem presidents JAKARTA (JP): Political observers opposed on Saturday the recommendation by a group of Moslem clerics that Indonesia's president and vice president must be male Moslems. Political professor Muhammad Budyatna and Moslem politician Amien Rais argued against the recommendation issued by a commission during the Indonesian Moslem Congress which ended on Saturday.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Megawati: RI's next president?
Megawati: RI's next president? By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): With a successful congress behind her, Megawati Soekarnoputri can now concentrate on consolidating her faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and preparing for the general election in May 1999.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Navy ready to secure MPR session
Navy ready to secure MPR session JAKARTA (JP): The Navy has put on alert its strong fleet of warships, submarines and speedboats in the Jakarta Bay to ward off any marine disturbances to the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Inspecting the grouping on Saturday, Navy Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Widodo AS said it was assigned to detect and defend against threats originating from the bay.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
MUI leader Hasan dies aged 78
MUI leader Hasan dies aged 78 JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) Hasan Basri passed away on Sunday at the age of 78. He was reportedly suffering from various illnesses, including diabetes, when he died at his home in South Jakarta at about 1:15 p.m. The funeral is scheduled for Monday at the Tanah Kusir cemetery in South Jakarta.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stormy weather will come
Stormy weather will come On Nov. 10 a national event, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Special Session, will take place. It is the people's hope that this very important event will run smoothly and safely. After the session, a general election is scheduled for May, 1999. Campaigning is usually done before the general election. I am worried about the campaigning when considering campaigns of the past. If formerly there were only three parties contesting, now there will be several dozen.
Mon, 09 Nov 1998, 00:00 WIB
Whither the Special Session of MPR?
Whither the Special Session of MPR? J. Soedjati Djiwandono JAKARTA (JP): In a way, People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) sessions throughout former president Soeharto's New Order regime resembled Javanese shadow shows. Most people attending already knew the plot, some even in great detail. Yet they still turned up to find out how the story was going to be told by the particular dalang (puppeteer, story teller). That's where the fun lay.