Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 December 1998

54 articles found

Frozen banks' vehicles go for Rp 6b

Frozen banks' vehicles go for Rp 6b JAKARTA (JP): A two-day auction of cars and motorcycles seized by the government from suspended banks raised Rp 6 billion (US$800,000), far exceeding the Rp 5 billion target.Managing director of privately owned auction firm PT Balai Lelang (Balindo), G.

Islamic song contest staged in Jakarta

Islamic song contest staged in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Muhammadiyah's culture council is staging an Islamic song contest here to mark the upcoming Moslem fasting month of Ramadhan and the Idul Fitri holiday.Nasrullah M.

Nomiya's motorcade in accident

Nomiya's motorcade in accident BANGKOK (AFP): Japanese Prince Tomohito Mikasa Nomiya's motorcade was involved in an accident on the way to an Asian Games venue on Wednesday but the prince was unharmed, Thai police said.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 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: Thunder Cats 8:00 Music 8:30 Documantary Film 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.

Students go after former governor

Students go after former governor PEKANBARU, Riau: A group of students called on the Riau administration on Wednesday to investigate the wealth of former governor H. Soeripto, Antara reported.The students from the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) said any portion of Soeripto's wealth that resulted...

Power politics blurs rights debate

Power politics blurs rights debateBy Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): Even though the universality of human rights was declared 50 years ago through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), there is still a heated debate between Western and Asian leaders regarding the application of that...

S. Korea to repay IMF loan

S. Korea to repay IMF loan SEOUL (AFP): South Korea on Wednesday decided to repay the first 2.8 billion dollar tranche of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan which matures on December 18, news reports said.

17 students injured in clash with security officers

17 students injured in clash with security officers JAKARTA (JP): At least 17 student protesters were injured and 33 others detained by the police when demonstrators opposed to President B.J. Habibie and security personnel clashed near the President's residence on Jl.

South Korea stops China's march with record jerk

South Korea stops China's march with record jerk BANGKOK (AFP): South Korea's Kim Hak-bong put on a sensational final burst to win the men's 69kg class title Wednesday and halt China's sweep of the Asian Games weightlifting.

Bogor farmers demand their land back

Bogor farmers demand their land back JAKARTA (JP): At least 270 farmers staged a rally outside the National Land Agency (BPN) in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, to demand the return of lands taken from them by force and by stealth.

EU helps forest protection

EU helps forest protection JAKARTA (JP): The European Union (EU) is committed to protecting the world's remaining tropical forests, including in Indonesia, the director of an EU-funded forestry project said on Wednesday.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 9, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 0 110,000 Alumindo Light Metal 275 -25 79,000 Alumindo...

Forestry bill does not support small firms

Forestry bill does not support small firms JAKARTA (JP): The proposed forestry bill fails to address local administrations' demand for greater autonomy in managing the country's forest assets, according to the Indonesian Forestry Society for Reform (MPI Reformasi).

Demolition at BSD done on wrong site

Demolition at BSD done on wrong site TANGERANG (JP): Demolition work on a 2.5-hectare plot of disputed land at the Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex, which led to a clash between security guards and officers of the Tangerang District Court on Saturday, was undertaken on the wrong site, an official...

Indosat, NTT tie up

Indosat, NTT tie up JAKARTA (JP): Indosat, in cooperation with NTT Worldwide Telecommunications Corporation, began providing a high-quality, managed international frame relay service in Indonesia in November, the company said in a statement.

Indonesian foreign exchange reserves rise to US$14.27b

Indonesian foreign exchange reserves rise to US$14.27b JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's net foreign exchange reserves rose mildly to US$14.27 billion as of Nov. 30 from $14.21 billion a week before mainly due to the disbursement of overseas loans and oil export revenues.

DPR, Malik lament shameful recent religious conflicts

DPR, Malik lament shameful recent religious conflicts JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Malik Fadjar and House of Representatives (DPR) legislators held an intensive discussion on Wednesday on recent outbreaks of religious and ethnic conflict, and agreed the country was witnessing a...

Rahmayani recreates unjust treatment against the weak

Rahmayani recreates unjust treatment against the weakBy Chandra Johan JAKARTA (JP): The lights were turned off and silence fell. The visitors were stunned for a moment. Then a sad and depressing sound arose, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of a tambourine.

PriceWaterhouse's new team

PriceWaterhouse's new team JAKARTA (JP): PriceWaterhouse Cooper, an international professional service firm, introduced on Wednesday a team of 26 energy and mining specialists to the Indonesian market.The company said yesterday that the group will be working with leading global and Indonesian...

Financial market is unmoved by questioning of Soeharto

Financial market is unmoved by questioning of Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): The local financial market lost ground on Wednesday as former president Soeharto was questioned by investigators from the Jakarta chief prosecutor's office, currency dealers and stockbrokers said.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Exhibitions * Exhibition of French Mode: Mode dari Masa ke Masa, by Esther Winoto, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., until Dec. 11.

Dengue cases rise in Yogyakarta

Dengue cases rise in Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA: Dengue has been more fatal in the Yogyakarta area this year than in 1997, with 76 deaths compared to 36, Antara said on Monday.Between January and September, 3,332 were treated for the disease against 953 in the corresponding period of 1997, Muchamad...

Lignite plants ignite Thai protest

Lignite plants ignite Thai protest BANGKOK (AP): More than 5,000 protesters burned Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai in effigy while demanding the government back off plans to build three lignite power plants, a local paper reported on Wednesday.

On religion and unity

On religion and unity Thank you very much for publishing my letter Religion and national unity on Dec. 7, 1998. However, a small error in perception has occurred in the one of the sentences.A statement in the second paragraph reads: "Actually, not only were Indonesians tolerant toward other...

World aghast at Imelda claim to gold hoard

World aghast at Imelda claim to gold hoardBy Martin Abbugao MANILA (AFP): Flamboyant former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos claims her late husband, dictator Ferdinand Marcos, had amassed 4,000 tons of gold, more than half the gold at Fort Knox.

Ideas on uniforms welcomed

Ideas on uniforms welcomed JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso on Wednesday welcomed a recommendation from two city councilors that students should change out of their uniforms into regular clothes after classes in an attempt to curb the growing number of student brawls.

Prolonged crisis leads to gloomy parcel business

Prolonged crisis leads to gloomy parcel business JAKARTA (JP): The end of the year is nearing but the usual joy at the thought of the holidays -- Christmas, New Year's Day, Idul Fitri and the Lunar New Year -- is hardly felt, because Indonesia is still suffering the pains of the prolonged economic...

Factions want bill deliberation open to public

Factions want bill deliberation open to public JAKARTA (JP): In response to recent criticism, factions at the House of Representatives passed a motion on Wednesday to have its Working Committee deliberate the political bills in open session.

Indonesian shuttlers go to Asian Games semifinals

Indonesian shuttlers go to Asian Games semifinals BANGKOK (JP): Badminton powerhouse Indonesia received some early scares but regained its winning form to crush Hong Kong 5-0 in the men's team quarterfinals at the Asian Games on Wednesday.

Indonesia: Bizarre, absurd and deceitful

Indonesia: Bizarre, absurd and deceitful I have been observing the situation in Indonesia and think it is bizarre, absurd and deceitful. Just look at the following:1. Some 12 student activists were kidnapped by Group IV of the Army's special force (Kopassus).

Japan edges RI 2-1 in Asiad quarterfinals

Japan edges RI 2-1 in Asiad quarterfinalsBy Primastuti Handayani BANGKOK (JP): An uninspired Indonesia crashed out of the men's tennis team competition at the 13th Asian Games on Wednesday, losing to second seed Japan in a virtually one-sided quarterfinal at the Muang Thon Tani sports complex.

Students for, against military in Jambi

Students for, against military in Jambi JAMBI: A group of students from nine colleges visited the headquarters of the local military command on Wednesday, expressing their support for the Armed Forces (ABRI) dual function but saying that it had exceeded its authority, Antara reported.

Antigraft drive could save govt more than $1b

Antigraft drive could save govt more than $1b JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng said on Wednesday that the government could save more than US$1 billion from anticorruption measures launched in state companies.

New regulations for exports introduced

New regulations for exports introduced JAKARTA (JP): A new Ministry of Industry and Trade decree on export commodities changes the status of several products previously permitted or prohibited from export.The decree, signed by trade minister Rahardi Ramelan on Dec.

Ross fails to break deadlock over West Bank

Ross fails to break deadlock over West Bank RAMALLAH, West Bank (Agencies): U.S. peace envoy Dennis Ross has failed to break the impasse over a second Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank scheduled to follow U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit, Palestinian officials said on Wednesday.

Ical looks certain to again lead Kadin

Ical looks certain to again lead Kadin JAKARTA (JP): Aburizal Bakrie looks practically certain to be reelected chairman of the Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) on Thursday after most participants at the chamber's national congress were united in their support for him on...

President Habibie warns nation about mass actions

President Habibie warns nation about mass actions JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie warned the nation on Wednesday evening that ongoing mass actions, especially those which have been marred by vandalizing and looting, were against the spirit of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the 50th...

Riot reports hurt tourist industry

Riot reports hurt tourist industry JAKARTA (JP): Reports of riots have reversed the recovery of the country's tourist industry as many tourists have canceled their Indonesian trips due to security reasons, a senior government official said here on Wednesday.

Gus Dur meets with Wiranto to discuss nation's problems

Gus Dur meets with Wiranto to discuss nation's problems JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto visited Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Abdurrahman Wahid at the latter's residence on Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in the country's social...

Keep Xmas feast modest: PGI

Keep Xmas feast modest: PGI JAKARTA: The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) appealed to all Christians in Indonesia on Wednesday to keep their Christmas celebration modest as a sign of respect for Moslems who are observing the Ramadhan fasting month, slated to begin on Dec. 20.

Indonesian judokas go home after shocking defeats in Asiad

Indonesian judokas go home after shocking defeats in Asiad BANGKOK (JP): The Indonesian judo team will leave the 13th Asian Games empty-handed after its last two medal hopefuls made early exits on Wednesday.

Briefcase stolen, few items returned

Briefcase stolen, few items returned I have returned recently to Jakarta after a three-year absence. Within 48 hours from arrival, my briefcase was stolen in the Sahid Jaya Hotel. The theft occurred on Nov. 4.

Govt softens political party general election requirements

Govt softens political party general election requirements JAKARTA (JP): The government and the House of Representatives agreed on Wednesday to ease requirements for existing political parties to contest the general election scheduled for next June 7.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Exhibitions * Arts Exhibition: "Movement" Read " Stillness" by Pande Gede Supada, at Sika Contemporary Art Gallery, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 13-31. * Arts Exhibition: by Mangu Putra at The Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud (Phone:...

Central Java provides fertile ground for unrest

Central Java provides fertile ground for unrest BLORA, Central Java (JP): Looting broke out again in Blora on Wednesday when crowds of people said to be from out of town ransacked stores in search of fertilizers.

'Citizen' Soeharto questioned

'Citizen' Soeharto questioned JAKARTA (JP): Citizen Soeharto was grilled for more than three hours by three government prosecutors amid heavy security here on Wednesday over allegations of corruption connected to him during his 32 years in power.

Big challenges ahead for KOMNAS independence

Big challenges ahead for KOMNAS independence JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights still faces serious challenges in retaining and improving its independence, because so far its reputation of being fairly independent of the government has relied more on its individual members,...

Pertamina annuls contract with IKPT for LNG project

Pertamina annuls contract with IKPT for LNG project JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina has annulled a contract to build a giant liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Irian Jaya awarded to PT Inti Karya Persada Teknik (IKPT), a company controlled by former president Soeharto's golfing...

'Health reform more urgent than aid'

'Health reform more urgent than aid' YOGYAKARTA (JP): An expert has called for bureaucratic reform in the health sector, describing the campaign as more urgent than soliciting financial assistance.Terence Hull, the director of the Graduate Studies in Demography, Research School of Social Sciences...

'Robber' shot dead at traffic light

'Robber' shot dead at traffic light JAKARTA (JP): Police officers shot dead a man for allegedly attempting to rob a female motorist at a traffic light in North Jakarta late on Tuesday, city police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang said on Wednesday.

2,600 poor families get rice donation

2,600 poor families get rice donation BOGOR (JP): At least 2,640 families in West Bogor district each received 5 kilograms of rice on Tuesday to help them cope with the effects of the prolonged economic crisis.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 9, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,250.00 7,450.00 7,250.00 7,500.00Austrian schilling 1 580.10 650.10 - -Australian dollar 1 4,320.25 4,580.25 4,305.00 4,655.00Belgian franc 1 197.80 222.

Recapitalization program should be selective: Sri

Recapitalization program should be selective: Sri JAKARTA (JP): The government should select only banks with strong prospects to join its recapitalization program which aims to create a strong banking system, economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati suggests.

Government to recapitalize 70 banks

Government to recapitalize 70 banks JAKARTA (JP): The government will recapitalize 70 out of 166 national commercial banks at a cost of Rp 257.5 trillion (US$34.3 billion) in a bid to revamp the beleaguered banking industry, Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto said on Wednesday.