Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 December 1998

53 articles found

Family robbed in Tangerang

Family robbed in Tangerang TANGERANG (JP): A five-member gang broke into a family home in the Bitung Jaya subdistrict of Cikupa here early on Thursday morning and stole possessions worth millions of rupiah, a police officer said on Friday. Head of the Tangerang Police precinct Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto said that items stolen included a 17-inch television set, 22 grams of gold, Rp 20,000 in cash and a wedding suit. "M.

Association complains over stickers on pirated VCDs

Association complains over stickers on pirated VCDs JAKARTA (JP): An executive of the Association of the Indonesian Video Recording Industry expressed concern on Friday over the rampant use of illegal hologram stickers on pirated video compact discs (VCD). Association secretary-general Wihadi Wiyanto said that this practice could cause the state losses of up to Rp 2 billion (US$266,666).

Explosion hits BCA ATM at Atrium Senen

Explosion hits BCA ATM at Atrium Senen JAKARTA (JP): An unknown material exploded at one of the two Bank Central Asia (BCA) automated teller machines (ATMs) on the ground floor of the Atrium Senen shopping center in Central Jakarta on Friday afternoon. No fatalities were reported. The glass windows, ceiling and walls of the ATM booth were destroyed in the blast. The air conditioner vent and a cupboard were slightly damaged. The overhead light was hanging from a cable from the destroyed ceiling.

IMF bills bring trouble for Chuan

IMF bills bring trouble for Chuan BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's political opposition filed on Friday an impeachment motion in parliament against Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai and finance minister Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda. The motion, led by the main opposition New Aspiration Party, accuses the government of violating the constitution by not consulting parliament on its letters of intent with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

ASEAN prepares for eventual aid summit with Japan

ASEAN prepares for eventual aid summit with Japan HANOI (AFP): Southeast Asian finance officials wrapped up two days of talks on Friday that prepared the stage for a summit with Japan, but stopped short of spelling out a common approach on the use of promised aid from Tokyo. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) officials discussed Japanese plans to help stricken Asian economies, including a 30-billion-dollar initiative unveiled by Finance Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, delegates said.

Photo expo on RI, UK culture

Photo expo on RI, UK culture JAKARTA (JP): Photographs depicting education and culture in Britain and Indonesia are to be displayed in a week-long exhibition beginning on Saturday in the lobby of the World Trade Center on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. The photographs were taken by two British and two Indonesian photographers during exchange visits to each others' countries, according to British Council, the organizers.

New security council members briefed

New security council members briefed JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie on Friday briefed the leaders of five religious councils about the formation of the Council for Enforcement of Security and Law, assuring them that the new body was more of a consultative forum rather than an operational institution. The President explained the inclusion of representatives from the five councils as members of the body was meant to ensure that the people's interests were represented.

Golkar no longer seeks funds from Dakab: Akbar

Golkar no longer seeks funds from Dakab: Akbar JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar party will no longer seek funds from a charity set up by former president Soeharto as it further distances itself from his disgraced regime, Antara news agency said on Friday. "Golkar will no longer ask the government for funds from the Dakab foundation," Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung was quoted as saying.

Managing demos

Managing demos Jakarta has been submerged by student demonstrations for almost a year and nobody can say when they will end. Some believe that since there is an ubiquitous lack of sincerity on the part of the government in carrying out reform, students need to stay on the alert and continue their demonstrations.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 11, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Failure to restore political crisis will worsen economy

Failure to restore political crisis will worsen economy JAKARTA (JP): The success of the government's attempts to resolve the country's political difficulties will become a determining factor in leading the crisis-hit country out of its dire economic situation, according to three leading economists.

16,000 orphans need help in Aceh

16,000 orphans need help in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): At least 16,000 orphans whose parents were either killed or abducted in Aceh during a 10-year military operation there need assistance in order to continue their studies. On Thursday Antara reported from Banda Aceh that the executive of the Forum for Human Rights in Aceh, Abdul Gani Nurdin, said infants among the orphans also needed assistance regarding their nutrition.

Six Filipino fishermen sent home

Six Filipino fishermen sent home PALU, Central Sulawesi: The immigration authorities have sent six fishermen from the Philippines stranded here to the North Sulawesi capital of Manado, where they would be shipped home. Antara quoted immigration office chief M. Husin Alaydrus as saying here on Friday the six fishermen from Mindanao in the southern Philippines were transported on KM Kambuna. The fishermen were crew of fishing boat Isoso, according to the news agency.

Sanyoto, Beddu questioned over Tommy's projects

Sanyoto, Beddu questioned over Tommy's projects JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo and former chairman of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang were questioned at the Attorney General's Office on Friday over the national car project and a multibillion rupiah land scam respectively.

Timor Putra 'must pay' Rp 3.09t in back taxes

Timor Putra 'must pay' Rp 3.09t in back taxes JAKARTA (JP): PT Timor Putra Nasional automobile company, which is controlled by former president Soeharto's youngest son, Hutomo Mandala Putra, popularly known as "Tommy", was given until Dec.18 to pay Rp 3.09 trillion (US$412 million) in back taxes and import duties, Director General of Taxation Anshari Ritonga said on Friday.

RI stops sending workers to Singapore indefinitely

RI stops sending workers to Singapore indefinitely JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Manpower has stopped the sending of migrant workers to Singapore for an indefinite period, until labor supply firms are able to make clear the protection of workers there, Antara reported Friday. The news agency reported that meanwhile five women were taking refuge at the Indonesian embassy pending their lawsuits against their employers for rape.

Factions split over 4 million civil servants

Factions split over 4 million civil servants JAKARTA (JP): Factions on the House of Representatives' Working Committee were divided into two camps over whether Indonesia's 4 million civil servants should be allowed to be involved in political parties. Danial Tandjung of the United Development Party (PPP) said the committee's closed session on Friday ended in a deadlock. The legislators eventually agreed to seek a breakthrough by consulting their leaderships and lobbying among them.

'Antara-Lusa' pact hoped to help bilateral ties

'Antara-Lusa' pact hoped to help bilateral ties JAKARTA (JP): Official news agency, Antara expects a cooperation agreement with its Portuguese counterpart will improve the sometimes strained relations between the two countries. Antara managing director Parni Hadi said on Friday he hoped the cooperation with the Lusa agency, announced in conjunction with the former's 61st founding anniversary which falls Saturday, could help the settlement of the East Timor problem.

Armed civilian militia plan comes under fire

Armed civilian militia plan comes under fire JAKARTA (JP): A resounding "no" was voiced on Friday by public figures and scholars responding to the Armed Forces (ABRI) plan to establish an armed civilian militia. Former defense minister Gen. (ret) Edi Sudradjat, former ambassador to the United States Hasnan Habib, and the rector of Purwokerto's Jenderal Soedirman University Rubiyanto Misman all said the proposed move was unnecessary.

Nine children die from dengue

Nine children die from dengue KUDUS, Central Java: Nine children have died in dengue fever outbreaks in at least three towns in Central Java, health officials said on Friday. Three died in Kudus, four in Demak and two in Semarang, they reported. A member of the Central Java legislative council, Istadjib, urged the administration to contain the disease and to offer subsidized medical treatment and medicine to the victims. (har/01)

Indonesian fencers fall in Asian Games third round

Indonesian fencers fall in Asian Games third round BANGKOK (JP): Indonesian fencers got off to a poor start when the 13th Asian Games as they were dumped out of the competition in the third round of the individual epee competition on Friday. Best hope Sylvia Kristina Koeswandi lost to Japan's Yuko Arai 3-15, a reversal of their duel in the round-robin group match narrowly won by Sylvia 2-1.

Leo Burnet gets award

Leo Burnet gets award JAKARTA (JP): Public relations company Leo Burnet Kreasindo has received the Best Environmental PR award from the Asian PR News-Media & Marketing Publication for its print advertisement which called for the environmental protection of the Seribu Islands north of Jakarta. The company said in a statement on Friday that it had received the award on Nov. 27 in Hong Kong during the Asian PR Awards.

Soeharto stirs up suspicion

Soeharto stirs up suspicion From Merdeka Media reports on the investigation of former president Soeharto conducted at the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office on Dec. 9 made me wonder why the security measures for an ordinary citizen were so extraordinary. Some people say that the security measures were even tighter than those for the President. What is Soeharto's right to such treatment? It greatly inconvenienced the people using Jl. Rasuna Said.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Face to Face: Indonesia and Britain, at World Trade Center, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 29-31, South Jakarta (Phone: 5211320), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 12-18. * Painting Exhibition: Great Charcoals by Indonesian artist Krijono, at Hore-Hore Resto Kafe, Jl. Ampera Raya No. 11A, South Jakarta, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Dec. 15. * Painting Exhibition: by Bagong Kussudiardja, at Galeri Nasional, Jl. Merdeka Timur 14, Central Jakarta, until Dec.

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 Documentary 9:00 TV Drama: Bulan Dalam Baskom 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.

Caution on collections

Caution on collections On Dec. 9, a shop owner in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, telephoned us to inquire about a group of students wearing Atma Jaya University orange jackets and collecting funds regarding the tragic Semanggi incident. We hereby inform the public that we have never delegated our students to solicit funds from the public. We advise the public to be cautious in contributing to collections by "students" purportedly acting on behalf of Atma Jaya University.

Commodities collapse magnifies Papua New Guinea's misfortune

Commodities collapse magnifies Papua New Guinea's misfortune By James Regan SYDNEY (Reuters): Papua New Guinea was in trouble even before Asia's financial mess knocked the wind out of world commodities markets. Drought, political scandals and a long-running secessionist movement had already taken a toll on life in the poverty-stricken Pacific island nation, whose abundant mineral wealth lies largely untapped.

Badminton gives RI first gold medal

Badminton gives RI first gold medal BANGKOK (Agencies): Badminton salvaged Indonesia's pride at the 13th Asian Games when its new-look men's team trounced an unusually spiritless China for the gold medal on Friday. It was the first gold for Indonesia after six days of action and an ideal start for a beleaguered badminton side which is aiming to scoop four gold medals here. Fielding its dream team fresh from Thomas Cup triumph.

Yogyakarta's Heri Dono wins Prince Claus Award

Yogyakarta's Heri Dono wins Prince Claus Award JAKARTA (JP): A Yogyakarta artist, Heri Dono, has won a US$20,000 Prince Claus Award from the Dutch government. The award was presented by the Dutch ambassador to Indonesia, Baron Schelto van Heemstra, at Karta Pusaka, the Indonesian- Netherlands cultural center in Yogyakarta, on Friday.

APEC accepts U.S. offer on social safety

APEC accepts U.S. offer on social safety SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation has accepted a U.S. offer to explore how member countries can cooperate to provide social safety provisions to crisis-stricken countries, a senior official said on Friday. Speaking to reporters following a two-day preparatory senior officials meeting, APEC senior official Maarten Wevers said the organization plans to give high priority to this area in the light of Asia' s economic crisis. The U.

Contradictions in human rights

Contradictions in human rights United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson said almost all the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are being abused in many parts of the world. The declaration -- issued 50 years ago -- seems to have had little significant impact so far.

Indonesia retains men's Asiad badminton team title

Indonesia retains men's Asiad badminton team title By Primastuti Handayani BANGKOK (JP): A new look Indonesian men's badminton team cruised to back-to-back titles at the Asian Games on Friday, ending a nearly week long gold medal drought for Indonesia. China, viewed as the side most capable of stopping Indonesia, surprisingly failed to offer much resistance. China called it a day after defending champion Indonesia sprinted out to a 4-0 lead.

A voice of conscience must speak

A voice of conscience must speak By Marianus Kleden KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Incorrect "input" in forming the conscience of Indonesians has inevitably resulted in erroneous "output". In the continuing sociopolitical turbulence, a juridical question can be asked of someone's guilt. Its juridical answer depends on the judicial process, in which the judge makes a decision according to the strength or weakness of the argument set forth by both the accused and the accuser.

Pertamina told to check contract irregularities

Pertamina told to check contract irregularities JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto has called on state oil and gas company Pertamina to check possible irregularities in oil and gas contracts awarded to foreign companies in joint ventures with former president Soeharto's family and cronies.

Asian currencies end lower against dollar

Asian currencies end lower against dollar SINGAPORE (Agencies): Asian currencies ended largely lower against the U.S. dollar on Friday after being locked in tight ranges in lethargic trading, dealers said. The yen closed Asian trading here at 117.37 against the dollar from 117.10 in New York on Thursday, with the greenback's upside capped by uncertainty over the U.S. economy following falls on Wall Street. At this stage the baht is looking pretty strong.

Asia Pacific countries face onslaught of health problems

Asia Pacific countries face onslaught of health problems YOGYAKARTA (JP): Health experts from 13 countries concluded on Friday their five-day conference called Asia-Pacific Social Sciences and Medicine voicing a warning over the multitude of health problems besieging the region.

UK envoy discusses rights in E. Timor

UK envoy discusses rights in E. Timor DILI, East Timor: British deputy head of mission, Quinton Quayle, has held talks with head of the provincial office of the National Commission on Human Rights (KOMNAS), Florentino Sarmento, on the latest developments in human rights in East Timor. "We talked about human rights as well as economic and political issues," Florentino was quoted by Antara as saying after their one-hour meeting here Friday.

Crisis delays restoration works on aging mosque

Crisis delays restoration works on aging mosque JAKARTA (JP): The current financial hardship has badly affected the restoration of the nearly three-century-old Kebon Jeruk mosque in Kota, the city's Chinatown in downtown Jakarta. According to the head of the mosque restoration committee, Ahmad Zulfakar, donations for the work last year totaled Rp 135 million (US$18,000) and it all came from a single source: the Jakarta Museum and Restoration Agency.

Australia to open honorary consulate

Australia to open honorary consulate JAKARTA: Australian Ambassador to Indonesia John McCarthy is scheduled to install Barry Cooke as Australian honorary consul for East Kalimantan during a reception to be held in Balikpapan on Monday, it was announced Friday. Antara quoted the Australian embassy as saying in a statement that the honorary consulate in Balikpapan is the second to be opened in the country this year, following the launching of the first in Medan, North Sumatra last October.

Health lies on your plate

Health lies on your plate I refer to Dumilah Ayuningtyas' "Health reform essential for hospitals' survival" (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 3, 1998). I am particularly impressed by the statement: "Under the new paradigm, medical services will be geared toward helping people become healthier rather than just curing certain illnesses.

Let's keep our emotions in check

Let's keep our emotions in check Wednesday, Dec. 9, will stand as a historic day in both law enforcement and politics. On that day, former president Soeharto was summoned to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office to be questioned about matters related to corruption, collusion, nepotism and abuse of power. It is about time. The Indonesian people have been waiting for this action and students have been pressing through their demonstrations for the investigation to take place.

Serving others

Serving others It is a tough time for all of us. Not only here in Jakarta or Indonesia, but all around the world humanity is experiencing the change of time. It is a reform of the worldwide political and global economic system down to individual transformation. We have been going down our path of separateness, injuring ourselves due to our selfishness and greed for wealth and power.

Pasar Jaya ends ties with tardy developers

Pasar Jaya ends ties with tardy developers JAKARTA (JP): City-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya has severed agreements with two private developers for the renovation of two traditional markets because the projects were lagging behind schedule.

KL to 'fine tune' tough capital ruling

KL to 'fine tune' tough capital ruling KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad Friday assured international fund managers that Malaysia may fine tune the present tough exchange control regulations introduced last September. Mahathir said however the present capital control regulations would be maintained for the time being, the official Bernama news agency reported, citing fund managers.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 11, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 450 50 123,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 25 649,000 Alumindo Light Metal 350 25 87,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 225 25 3,000 Aneka Tambang 1,675 0 1,955,500 Anwar Sierad 125 0 25,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Live TV shows

Live TV shows JAKARTA (JP): Sports competitions to be broadcast live this weekend on local TVs (all times in West Indonesia Time): Saturday: English soccer league: Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur, SCTV at 10 p.m. Sunday: Italian soccer league: Parma v AS Roma, RCTI at 8:30 p.m. English soccer league: Wimbledon v Liverpool, Indosiar at 10 p.m.

Noegroho calls for restraint ahead of festive season

Noegroho calls for restraint ahead of festive season JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman urged people of all walks of life in the capital on Friday to restrain themselves to help reduce tension ahead of the coming festive season. "I want all people, including students, to help create a calm and peaceful atmosphere for the coming festive season," he told The Jakarta Post.

Myanmar press mocks bank's bid

Myanmar press mocks bank's bid YANGON (AP): Myanmar's state-run newspapers said on Friday the government could not be bought off with a World Bank offer of US$1 billion in aid to open a dialog with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar's military government has been officially silent on the offer, which was revealed last month, but commentaries in the military-controlled press are believed to reflect the thinking of at least some members of the government.

Two women injured in mysterious shootings

Two women injured in mysterious shootings JAKARTA (JP): Police are scrambling to determine the culprits and allay public fear over two mysterious shooting incidents which occurred at the same time on Thursday morning. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang identified the two women injured as Dewi Yulianti, 24, who was shot as she talked with friends at a hotel in Sunter, North Jakarta, and Nyimas Lesmana, 29, wounded on a busy street off Jl. Raya Ciracas in East Jakarta.

Bank recapitalization key to economic recovery

Bank recapitalization key to economic recovery JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Bambang Subianto on Friday called for House of Representatives support of the state budget appropriation to cover the costs of the bank recapitalization program, arguing that it is crucial for the country's economic recovery. The bank recapitalization is pivotal for economic recovery as stronger banks would be able to resume lendings that would grease the wheels of business, Bambang said.

Toll road robber arrested

Toll road robber arrested JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested on Friday one of the three men believed to have robbed a businessman and his wife on the Jakarta-Merak toll road in Tangerang the previous day. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang told reporters the crook, identified as Ajum bin Saleh, 41, was arrested in his house in Buaran Harapan Mulya in Bekasi. Aritonang said the other two thieves, whose identities were not disclosed, were still at large.

More arrests made in Kupang

More arrests made in Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Thirteen more arrests have been made in connection with the unrest that rocked Kupang on Nov. 30, bringing the total to 50, Antara reported on Friday. Kupang Police deputy chief Maj. Wahyudi Hidayat said the fresh suspects were sent by the police from nearby Rote island. Dossiers on the 50 suspects will be presented to the prosecutor's office next week, he said.

ASEAN ministers defer Cambodia's admission

ASEAN ministers defer Cambodia's admission HANOI (AFP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday deferred the admission of Cambodia as a member until after the new coalition government in Phnom Penh takes full shape, officials said. "We feel there needs to be more time to let the dust settle and that would be better for all sides," Thai foreign ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul told journalists as the group's foreign ministers met into the night.