Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 December 1998

57 articles found

Rupiah hits 8,000, stocks rise 2.8%

Rupiah hits 8,000, stocks rise 2.8% JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah slipped to hit an intraday low at 8,000 against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday in thin dealing as stock prices closed 2.8 percent firmer, currency dealers and stockbrokers said.

ASEAN launches recovery effort

ASEAN launches recovery effortBy Kornelius Purba & Meidyatama Suryodiningrat HANOI (JP): ASEAN leaders set out on Wednesday to cushion the social impact of the regions crisis by establishing safety-net and poverty-eradication programs along with "bold" economic measures to hasten economic recovery.

IMF approves release of latest tranche of aid package

IMF approves release of latest tranche of aid package WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday approved the extension of a US$957 million credit to Indonesia under the $43 billion economic rescue package it assembled in November 1997.

Asian Games results

Asian Games resultsKaratedoMen's Kata: 1. Ryoki Abe (Jpn) 42.9, 2. N. Seyed-Alaedin (Iri) 41.8, 3. Abdullah Kadir (Ina) 41.3Men's kumite over 75kg: 1. Jaber Alhammad (Kuw), 2. Ali Shaterzadeh (Iri), 3. S. Subramaniam (Mas), Chu Tien Lai (Tpe)Men's kumite under 75kg: 1. Ali-Reza Katiraei (Iri), 2.

RI shuttlers win three final berths

RI shuttlers win three final berths BANGKOK (JP): Indonesia assured itself of three final berths plus one consolation bronze in the semifinals of the 13th Asian Games badminton competition at the Thammasat University sports complex on Wednesday.

Asian stocks mixed as investors stay away

Asian stocks mixed as investors stay away HONG KONG (AFP): Asian stock markets Wednesday ended mixed, with investors largely sidelined ahead of the Christmas holidays and the impeachment debate to decide the political fate of U.S. President Bill Clinton.Tokyo closed 0.

Habibie promises release of Dita

Habibie promises release of Dita JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris said Wednesday he has appealed for the release of all detained labor activists and that President B.J. Habibie has promised the release of at least one of them, Dita Indah Sari.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Exhibitions * Arts Exhibition: by Mangu Putra at The Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975963), until Jan. 4. * Painting Exhibition: No Retreat, by Barbara Anello, Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Valeriu Sepi, at the Oberoi Bali, Jl.

51 protesters held for staging rally without notification

51 protesters held for staging rally without notification JAKARTA (JP): Police on Wednesday arrested a group of 51 student protesters for allegedly holding a street rally without prior notification as required by the new law on freedom of expression.

Thailand gets $500m loans

Thailand gets $500m loans WASHINGTON (AFP): The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday announced that Thailand was now entitled to another US$500 million worth of international credits in light of its progress toward economic stability.

Street vendors to get designated trading sites

Street vendors to get designated trading sites JAKARTA (JP): Three of the capital's five mayors have said they will provide designated areas to accommodate a sharp increase in the number of street vendors expected during the Ramadhan fasting month, which starts on Dec. 20.

Just one of 300 tested athletes fails dope test

Just one of 300 tested athletes fails dope test BANGKOK (AP): Only one Asian Games athlete has tested positive for drugs among the 300 for whom tests have been completed, a games medical official said Wednesday.About 800 athletes are expected to be tested by the time competition ends on Sunday.

Thai crash pilot broke landing rule

Thai crash pilot broke landing rule BANGKOK (AFP): The pilot of the Thai Airways jet which crashed killing 101 people apparently flouted a vital safety rule by trying a third landing attempt in a violent storm.

Local toymakers facing production problem

Local toymakers facing production problem JAKARTA (JP): Local toy producers acknowledged on Wednesday their low production capacity often forced them to reject orders from overseas.Umar, who owns U.D Umar, a wooden automotive toy company, said his company received many orders from foreign buyers,...

Newly established party won't affect Golkar's votes: Scholar

Newly established party won't affect Golkar's votes: Scholar YOGYAKARTA (JP): Political scientist Ichlasul Amal said the Justice and Unity Party (PKP) established recently by a group of Golkar dissenters would not steal votes from the dominant political organization at next June's general election.

Asian currencies up and down on dollar

Asian currencies up and down on dollar SINGAPORE (AFP): Asian currencies ended mixed on Wednesday against the U.S. dollar despite a rise in the Japanese yen, dealers said.The Thai baht closed Asian trading at 36.22 to the U.S. dollar, down from 36.

Civilian militia may worsen social tension: Nasution

Civilian militia may worsen social tension: Nasution JAKARTA (JP): Gen. (ret) Abdul Haris Nasution, one of the country's most senior military figures, has objected to the creation of a civilian militia, saying it will worsen the existing social tension.

Full text of the ASEAN 'Hanoi Declaration of 1998'

Full text of the ASEAN 'Hanoi Declaration of 1998' The full text of the "Hanoi Declaration of 1998" adopted by leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the end of their summit Wednesday.

Violence against women explored in art

Violence against women explored in artBy Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Some of the works by 18 artists in the Taking a Stance Towards Violence Against Women, on show at the Cemara 6 Gallery, Central Jakarta, until Dec. 20, have really startled some viewers.

Trucks operation halted in Lampung

Trucks operation halted in Lampung BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Traders have stopped the operation of about 500 trucks due to a decrease in the volume of merchandise that needs transporting to and from Panjang Port, Antara said on Wednesday.

Anwar's brother says was forced to frame him

Anwar's brother says was forced to frame him KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Lawyers for sacked Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim read at his trial on Wednesday a letter quoting his adopted brother saying he was tortured by police into lying that Anwar sodomized him.

Ethnic statistics negate humanity

Ethnic statistics negate humanityBy Alfonsus Sirait JAKARTA (JP): The May riots in Jakarta and the preceding disturbances in a number of towns across Indonesia such as Situbondo, Pamanukan, Rengasdengklok, and Medan have sparked tense debates on ethnicity, mostly on the Chinese ethnic group.

Soeharto foundations and KKN

Soeharto foundations and KKNFrom Bisnis IndonesiaBisnis Indonesia on Dec. 15 published an article on page 16 regarding the disbursement of funds by Soeharto's foundations without going through the mechanisms of a meeting of the board of directors.

Bill on political parties to beat Jan. 28 deadline

Bill on political parties to beat Jan. 28 deadline JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) looks set to endorse the bill on political parties before the Jan. 28 deadline, despite two important issues still left to be discussed.

63 rural banks cease operating

63 rural banks cease operating YOGYAKARTA (JP): Sixty three secondary or rural banks, known locally as BPRs, have ceased operation, leaving Rp 300 billion (US$40 million) of third party funds in question.

ASEAN's new member

ASEAN's new member After days of rifts over Cambodia's admission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the grouping's nine leaders eventually reached a compromise on Tuesday by announcing that the country was to become the association's 10th member.

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 Family's Welfare 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.

House urges tight budget for 1999/2000

House urges tight budget for 1999/2000 JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) urged the government on Wednesday to draft a tight, realistic state budget for the 1999/2000 fiscal year, saying that Indonesia's economy would still be vulnerable next year.

Bomb hoax disrupts Pasir Putih cafe

Bomb hoax disrupts Pasir Putih cafe JAKARTA (JP): Lunchtime visitors and staff of the popular Pasir Putih cafe in Kemang, South Jakarta, were evacuated hastily after a telephoned bomb threat on Wednesday afternoon.According to operation manager A.M. Yogi Baskoro, the call was received at 1 p.m.

ASEAN offers 'bold' investment incentives

ASEAN offers 'bold' investment incentivesBy Meidyatama Suryadiningrat HANOI (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on Wednesday to introduce special incentives as a quick fix to the fall in investment to the region.

Violence hits Samarinda

Violence hits Samarinda JAKARTA: A riot broke out in the Samarinda capital of East Kalimantan on Wednesday, three days after over 1,000 public transportation drivers took to the streets to protest high prices of vehicle spare parts.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Exhibition * Photo Exhibition: Satu Ekspresi, by Hari Density, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., until Dec. 19.Film * French Film: Farinelli, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., until Dec. 18.

Amien states his readliness to run for the presidency

Amien states his readliness to run for the presidency BANDUNG (JP): National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais reiterated on Wednesday that he was ready to run for the presidency.Amien was speaking before the opening of the party's congress, at which he said would declare his nomination for...

Only half the picture seen in Britain, RI photo display

Only half the picture seen in Britain, RI photo displayBy K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): Dual photo exhibitions are common. But when photographers from geographically and culturally different nations turn their lens on the other's land, the results should rank as a must-see.

Nissin, First Pacific take 60% stake in Indofood

Nissin, First Pacific take 60% stake in Indofood JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, the world's largest instant noodle maker, announced on Wednesday that several of its controlling shareholders plan to transfer 60 percent of their company shares to a Dutch holding company...

Aid for victims of violence

Aid for victims of violence NORTH ACEH, Aceh: The Indonesian Red Cross, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), began on Wednesday distributing basic commodities to victims of violence in the province.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 16,1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,700.00 7,900.00 7,700.00 7,950.00Austrian schilling 1 622.10 692.10 - -Australian dollar 1 4,686.90 4,946.90 4,495.00 5,045.00Belgian franc 1 208.60 233.

Starko provides free city info

Starko provides free city info JAKARTA (JP): PT Motorollain Corporation, operator of the Starko radio beeper service in Indonesia, introduced its latest free-of-charge service on Wednesday; transmitting brief advice on the latest situation in Greater Jakarta (Jabotabek) to its local customers.

Yayuk reaches first Asiad singles final

Yayuk reaches first Asiad singles finalBy Primastuti Handayani BANGKOK (JP): Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki moved a step closer to realizing her dream of a third Asian Games gold medal after posting an upset 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 win over second seed Li Fang of China in the women's singles semifinals on...

Establishing new councils smacks of scapegoating

Establishing new councils smacks of scapegoating President B.J. Habibie's fondness for setting up councils has often caused controversy, the latest being the Council for the Enforcement of Security and Law. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono, addresses this issue.

Include Soeharto in dialog: Gus Dur

Include Soeharto in dialog: Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid made a fresh call on Wednesday for former president Soeharto to be included in a dialog for national reconciliation."Pak Harto, as well as President B.J. Habibie and Armed Forces Commander Gen.

Juwono warns against too much freedom

Juwono warns against too much freedom JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Juwono Sudarsono said on Wednesday the country had gone too far too fast in its search for political freedom and called for some restrictions to minimize the possibility of bloodshed during the June general...

Parametric names distributor

Parametric names distributor JAKARTA (JP): Software producer Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) of the United States has appointed PT Parametrik Nusanara distributor of its products in Indonesia.PTC director for Southeast Asia Ivan Lee said on Wednesday that Parametric Nusantara would also...

Stability needed for development: China

Stability needed for development: ChinaBy Meidyatama Suryodiningrat HANOI (JP): Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao pledged his country's commitment on Wednesday to amiably resolve any differences with members of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN), asserting that only peace could foster...

Doubt lingers over bank recapitalization

Doubt lingers over bank recapitalization JAKARTA (JP): Experts have expressed doubt over the country's costly bank recapitalization program, because the huge amount of money required for the program might be difficult to obtain.

Old diamond trader murdered in her house

Old diamond trader murdered in her house JAKARTA (JP): An 80-year-old diamond trader was found dead in a pool of blood in her bedroom at her two-story Duren Tiga home in Pancoran, South Jakarta on Wednesday morning.

Indonesia's naked truth revealed in exhibition

Indonesia's naked truth revealed in exhibitionBy Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE (JP): Most Australians now know where Indonesia is, and many more learn about what is happening in the country from snippets of news on the radio, television and in the newspaper.

SBU executives go on trial for graft

SBU executives go on trial for graft JAKARTA (JP): Two executives of private PT Sejahtera Bank Umum (SBU) were indicted at the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday for their alleged role in a Rp 209 billion and US$105 million scandal in two toll-road projects here.

UN special envoy to spend two days in E. Timor

UN special envoy to spend two days in E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations secretary general's envoy for East Timor, Jamsheed Marker, arrived on Tuesday for a nine-day visit, including two days in East Timor.On Wednesday, he met Armed Forces (ABRI) Intelligence Agency chief Maj. Gen.

Bank Mayapada announces 9.16 percent CAR after audit

Bank Mayapada announces 9.16 percent CAR after audit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Mayapada Internasional revealed on Wednesday that its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) was 9.16 percent, according to a financial due diligence audit conducted by international auditors.

Number of dropouts rise

Number of dropouts rise PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A total of 11,258 students in Banyumas regency have dropped out of school since the economic crisis hit last year, an official said on Wednesday.Sutjipto, the head of Banyumas education office, told The Jakarta Post that those who dropped out were...

C. Jakarta court fines former minister of mines Rp 26 billion

C. Jakarta court fines former minister of mines Rp 26 billion JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court ordered former minister of mines and energy I.B. Sudjana and his staff on Wednesday to pay Rp 26 billion (US$3.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 16, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 500 50 333,500 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 0 224,000 Alumindo Light Metal 350 0 140,000 Alumindo...

Aetna, Mashill tie-up

Aetna, Mashill tie-up JAKARTA (JP): Aetna Life Indonesia, a subsidiary of Aetna International of the United States, and Bank Mashill Utama jointly launched on Tuesday the Aetna Visa Card.Aetna Life Indonesia's president John V.

Excerpts of Hanoi Plan of Action

Excerpts of Hanoi Plan of Action HANOI (AFP): Excerpts of the Hanoi Plan of Action approved by the nine leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) here Wednesday:The Second ASEAN Informal Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur on Dec.

Human rights violations continue in Irian Jaya

Human rights violations continue in Irian JayaBy Yohanis G. Bonay JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is now 50 years old is addressed to all nations to remind them that power is needed only as long as it guarantees the safety of man.

Civilian militia and motives

Civilian militia and motives Your question Why now? (Dec. 14) concerning the setting up of a civilian militia is understandable. Events during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in November confirmed at least two things.