Archive: 22 December 1998
49 articles found
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mountaineers on Mt. Merapi found
Mountaineers on Mt. Merapi found PADANG, West Sumatra: Four mountaineers who had gone missing for eight days were found in a Mt. Merapi ravine on Sunday in a critical condition, police said. All four were evacuated on Monday and sent to hospital for treatment, Maj. Jumhana, spokesman of Tanah Datar police, said. They were discovered by a joint team of the local police, Search and Rescue Team, and members of local universities' mountaineering clubs.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
50-year-old woman dies in bakery fire
50-year-old woman dies in bakery fire JAKARTA (JP): A 50-year-old woman died in a fire which gutted the back part of the large Mon Ami bakery on Jl. K.S. Tubun in Slipi, West Jakarta, early Monday morning. City police deputy spokesman Maj. I Nyoman Suriasta said Sati, a bakery employee, was trapped in the fire which started at about 1 a.m. "Two other employees, Agus Subardi and Kasipan, suffered burns and are being treated at Pelni Hospital," Nyoman said.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Abduction cases go to court Wednesday
Abduction cases go to court Wednesday JAKARTA (JP): The trial of 11 military members who are defendants charged with involvement in the abduction of activists will start Wednesday at the military court. The Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, Munir, told The Jakarta Post Monday that he was informed of the trial date from a subpoena from the military prosecutor sent to former abduction victim Andi Arief.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
120 sea accidents in Bali in 1998
120 sea accidents in Bali in 1998 JAKARTA (JP): The country's main tourist destination, Bali, has had 120 marine accidents involving both domestic and foreign tourists this year. The accidents were blamed on rising tides on the coasts of Pecatu, Nusa Dua, Canggu and Kuta. The accidents claimed 19 lives, the head of the ocean tourism safety body, Balawisata in Bali's regency of Badung, I Gede Berata, was quoted by Antara in Denpasar as saying Monday. He said the recorded accidents were as of Dec.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.21, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 450 -50 31,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 0 96,000 Alumindo Light Metal 350 -25 190,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 -25 3,500 Aneka Tambang 1,600 -25 1,517,000 Anwar Sierad 100 -25 142,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie 'should not join dialog'
Habibie 'should not join dialog' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi supported on Monday President B.J. Habibie's refusal to meet with his onetime mentor, Soeharto, for the so-called national dialog. "Pak Habibie should not join the dialog because if he does, people will say that he is still under the influence of Soeharto," Muladi said here after attending a Cabinet meeting on political and security affairs.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreigners held for illegal entry
Foreigners held for illegal entry MANILA (AP): The Philippine navy has detained 11 foreigners who illegally entered the Philippines aboard a boat laden with smuggled canned goods from Indonesia, officials said on Monday. Military officials said 36 Filipinos were also aboard the motor boat Santos Sa, which was sighted by a navy patrol vessel on Sunday off Glan town in southern Sarangani province. The boat came from Manado, Indonesia.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Civilian militia delayed until House debate
Civilian militia delayed until House debate JAKARTA (JP): Following days of public uproar, the government decided on Monday to postpone the establishment of a civilian militia until at least a law on trained civilians is issued. Minister of Justice Muladi confirmed the delay and announced that the government had completed the draft law, which would be submitted to the House of Representatives next month.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt about to issue new ruling on tax break criteria
Govt about to issue new ruling on tax break criteria JAKARTA (JP): A presidential decree spelling out criteria for tax breaks for particular investments will be released this month and take effect in January, State Minister of Investment Hamzah Haz said on Monday. He said prompt issuance of the decree was important because many prospective foreign investors were awaiting the ruling and competition was intense in the region.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt promulgates latest facts on rape during rioting
Govt promulgates latest facts on rape during rioting JAKARTA (JP): The government said 76 women were violated during the May rioting here and in other cities, but claimed on Monday they were not the victims of an organized crime. The government also hinted that contrary to what many people believed, the victims were not largely women of Chinese descent.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Financial market trading quieter ahead of Xmas
Financial market trading quieter ahead of Xmas JAKARTA (JP): Trading activities in the local financial market were quiet on Monday with the rupiah closing at 7,725 against the U.S. dollar as share prices inched up 0.13 percent, dealers and stockbrokers said. Currency dealers said most market participants had stayed away from the local currency market due to the year-end holiday, leaving trading activities in the local currency market on the downward trend.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Public pressure called for to neutralize bureaucracy
Public pressure called for to neutralize bureaucracy JAKARTA (JP): Political observer J. Kristiadi has called on the public to exert pressure on the House of Representatives -- now in recess -- so that it decides against allowing the 4.1 million civil servants to enter politics. The researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned of potential "power politics" if the bureaucracy was not neutral in politics.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economic crisis dampens Singapore's Christmas spirit
Economic crisis dampens Singapore's Christmas spirit By Jasmina Kuzmanovic SINGAPORE (AP): For the first time in years, an economic crisis has forced this rich island nation to cut down on preparations for Christmas, usually one of its biggest entertainment and shopping events. Only 12 percent of Singapore's 3.1 million people are Christians, but overdressed Santas sweat in tropical Singapore from November to January, shortly before this predominantly Chinese population marks the Lunar New Year.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Most SE Asian currencies up against the dollar
Most SE Asian currencies up against the dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies were generally higher against the U.S. dollar in late trading Monday as sentiment for the U.S. currency wanes, traders said. The apparent end of U.S. air attacks on Iraq, the weekend decision to impeach U.S. President Bill Clinton and continual reports of lay-offs and possible poor earnings by U.S corporations has prompted dollar selling, they said.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
ADB backs Asia fund, readies new loans
ADB backs Asia fund, readies new loans TOKYO (Reuters): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is preparing to help underwrite between US$2 billion and $3 billion in new loans to the Asian economies most directly hit by the regional crisis, a senior official at the bank said on Monday. The official said an Asia-specific monetary fund of the kind proposed by Japan could play an important role in leveraging more private-sector financing for the region.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Performance * Sundanese Traditional Drama: Sayembara Pasopati, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 433562), 8 p.m., Dec. 26. Music and Entertainment * Hotel Papandayan, Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 83 (Phone: 022 310799): - The Burangrang Lounge at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Solo Jazz Piano, Tuesday to Friday. Piano Couple (Jazz and Pop), Saturday, Wednesday. Piano, Guitar and Vocal, Sunday. * Preanger Aerowisata Bandung Hotel, Jl.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kupang fire guts 15 buildings
Kupang fire guts 15 buildings KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Fire razed 15 shops and restaurants in Oesao traditional market in south Kupang on Monday, Antara reported. The fire began just after midnight in a shop known to have been vacated by its owner for two weeks, Chris Ndoki, the chief of Oesao village said. The fire quickly spread to other buildings All the shops were owned by migrants, prompting Chris to speculate on foul play.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Is the Indonesian economic recovery for real?
Is the Indonesian economic recovery for real? By Eddy Soeparno JAKARTA (JP): Recent economic indicators suggest that the Indonesian economy is on its way to recovery. Inflation seems to be under control, therefore allowing interest rates to soften, while consumer goods (especially basic needs or "Sembako") have gradually come down making them more affordable to the public.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Secularization an extension of the idea of primacy of reason
Secularization an extension of the idea of primacy of reason The following article is based on an interview by The Jakarta Post columnist Mochtar Buchori with Prof. Bassam Tibi, a Syrian-born expert on Islamic studies from Goettingen University, Germany. Dr. Tibi, who is also the 1998 Robert Bosch Fellow of Harvard University, visited Indonesia at the invitation of the Goethe Institut. The son of a respected ulema family in Damascus, Tibi left Syria for Germany when he was 18.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - The Tavern Pub: Hazztoria Band, Monday to Friday Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), Monday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Solo Pianist, Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Garden: Traditional Music, Gamelan, Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. * Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie's toy boys?
Habibie's toy boys? Will Gen. Wiranto's questionable plan to deputize 70,000 civilians to join Indonesia's security faction have the effect of ensuring greater law and order throughout Indonesia? Not if the crop of new recruits turns out to be like their older brothers. Armed Forces (ABRI) soldiers and police, those at the junior level who are on duty on the streets, can be very affable when meeting the public.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Acronyms! Oh, my!
Acronyms! Oh, my! Indonesians may not know it, but they have going for themselves a most comprehensive secret language, which defeats all foreigners on arrival, and which is a never-ending struggle for us old-timers to keep up with. I refer to acronyms and abbreviated/truncated words. You cannot avoid them; they appear in the English press, TV and in everyday conversations (Bahasa Indonesia and English). Take for example The Jakarta Post of Dec. 10, 1998 edition, page 2 and page 3 only.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to ease requirement for provincial banks
Govt to ease requirement for provincial banks JAKARTA (JP): The government is considering modifying the legal entity status of provincial administration-owned development banks to enable investors to participate in their recapitalization. Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto said on Monday the provincial government had to provide 20 percent of the funding requirement for recapitalization of the banks, with the government responsible for the remainder.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
The Soeharto factor
The Soeharto factor Abdurrahman Wahid, often known for going against the current of public opinion, stunned the nation once again over the weekend when he suggested the inclusion of former president Soeharto in a national dialog. As we know, Gus Dur, as the chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is popularly known, is campaigning for a national dialog to resolve the cumulative crises facing Indonesia, which he said bordered on a social revolution.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Star witness says she tried to 'save' brother from Anwar
Star witness says she tried to 'save' brother from Anwar KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A star witness who lodged accusations of sexual misconduct against Anwar Ibrahim took the witness stand for the first time on Monday and told how she tried to "save" her brother from the former deputy premier. Ummi Hafilda Aziz, the sister of Anwar's then private secretary, told Anwar's trial she appealed for help in a letter she sent to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Aug. 5 last year.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Civil corps, ABRI to hold low cost Xmas celebration
Civil corps, ABRI to hold low cost Xmas celebration JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie and other cabinet ministers will attend a Christmas celebration organized by civil servants and Armed Forces (ABRI) members on Sunday, an official said on Monday. Ignatius Setyoko, the chairman of the celebration committee said, unlike previous years, this year's celebration will be held at the Senayan Indoor Tennis Court in South Jakarta as a way of saving costs.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan's surplus falls, but worries persist
Japan's surplus falls, but worries persist TOKYO (Reuters): Japan's trade surplus declined in November for the first time in 20 months, but economists say it will stay large and concerns about trade friction with the United States will persist until Japan's economy fully recovers.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Forces of nature wrought havoc in parts of Asia this summer
Forces of nature wrought havoc in parts of Asia this summer By Andreas Landwehr and Juergen Hein BEIJING/NEW DELHI (DPA): Environmental destruction and the forces of nature wrought havoc this summer in large parts of Asia, worst of all in China and Bangladesh which were hit by devastating floods. Every fifth Chinese person was affected when the country's major rivers burst their banks, while for several weeks two- thirds of low-lying Bangladesh were under water.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police probe vandalism of churches in Bekasi
Police probe vandalism of churches in Bekasi JAKARTA (JP): Police are still investigating vandalism of at least three churches and a private school believed to have been committed by hundreds of unknown people in Kali Abang subdistrict, Bekasi on Saturday night. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang said on Monday that the windows of the churches and the school were stoned by at least 200 people.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Many subdistricts can't pay cheap rice
Many subdistricts can't pay cheap rice JAKARTA (JP): Most of the 265 subdistricts getting cheap rice amounting to 1,595 tons from the Jakarta chapter of the National Logistics Agency (Dolog Jaya) over the last four months were unable to pay for the commodity, an official said on Monday. Djodjo Sutardjo of the city's regional economic bureau said, "Only Rp 244 million has thus far been paid into our account at the government-run Bank DKI.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Tuesday Maghrib 6:08 p.m. Wednesday Imsak 4:03 a.m. Subuh 4.13 a.m.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Why the extra charge?
Why the extra charge? For the past two years my family and I have subscribed to Indovision. The service has been relatively tolerable (despite a fairly intolerable decoder box), although expensive. We paid over Rp 2 million to sign up for the service, back when the rupiah was Rp 2,450 to the dollar. No problem, we both wanted to be able to watch international television, including CNN, BBC, ESPN, Star Sports, HBO, Discovery Channel, etc.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police pursue vicious robbers
Police pursue vicious robbers BOGOR (JP): Police are looking for men believed to have killed Edwin Saputra, 28, a resident of Gading Elok housing complex in Serpong, Tangerang, Bogor Police chief Lt. Col. Ferial Manaf said on Monday. Ferial said the robbers carjacked Edwin's Isuzu Panther van after assaulting him and his girlfriend Yani Indri, 25, and later dumped them at a roadside in Gunung Sindur on Sunday night.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
EU to help ASEAN
EU to help ASEAN BANGKOK (DPA): The European Union will help Southeast Asian countries conform to World Trade Organization rules on intellectual property rights by funding a co-operation program with the regional body, the EU said Monday. Under the five-million-euro (US$5.5 million) program over five years, the EU is to assist Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) governments align their rules with the WTO's Trade and Related Aspects of Intellectual Property rules.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Marker describes meeting with Gen. Wiranto helpful
Marker describes meeting with Gen. Wiranto helpful JAKARTA (JP): Visiting United Nations (UN) special envoy Jamsheed Marker said he was pleased with his meeting with Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto here Monday which can be useful for future dialogs on the East Timor issue. "I had a good and very intensive meeting with Gen. Wiranto... I'm very confident that this will help push forward the process of dialog," Marker told journalists after the meeting.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sugar production may drop 31 percent this year: Official
Sugar production may drop 31 percent this year: Official JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's sugar production is expected to drop by 31 percent to 1.5 million tons this year, from 2.1 million tons last year, an official at the ministry of forestry and plantations said on Monday. Director of the Development of Plantation Production A. Simandjuntak attributed the decline to the prolonged drought, heavy rains and the scarcity of fertilizers.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Official warns students 'to remember' their studies
Official warns students 'to remember' their studies JAKARTA (JP): Students' academic records are likely to regress following intensive street demonstrations, an official at the Ministry of Education and Culture said Monday. Student Affairs Director of the Ministry of Education and Culture Sudharmadi told The Jakarta Post that many students tend to join the rallies and neglect their academic studies.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina may raise output by 56 percent next year
Pertamina may raise output by 56 percent next year JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina could raise its oil output by 56 percent next year to 117,000 barrels per day (bpd) following the recent discovery of significant oil reserves in Prabumulih, South Sumatra, the company said on Monday. Pertamina spokesman Ramli Djaafar said that the company's exploration and production unit had found oil and gas reserves in Tepus and Sopa which could produce 24,000 bpd and 18,000 bpd.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Council indicts new local tabloid
Council indicts new local tabloid KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The provincial legislative council has lodged a complaint with the police about an article that appeared in the Pro Demokrasi tabloid in November. Council chairman Saleh Lasata said the article insulted the council's good name by suggesting that its members accepted bribes, including a car, from various people in the course of their duty, Antara reported on Monday. The tabloid is a new local publication.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
KL seeks $5b from Miyazawa Plan
KL seeks $5b from Miyazawa Plan KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia is seeking US$5 billion from a 30-billion-dollar fund for Asia proposed by Japan's Finance Minister Kiichi Miyazawa in October, Second Finance Minister Mustapa Mohamed said Monday. "They (Japan) appear quite serious about it," Mustapa said during a signing ceremony for a Japanese-government guaranteed five-year euronote issue arranged by Nomura Securities Co. Ltd. raising 74 billion yen ($640 million) for Malaysia.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Imelda threatened with contempt
Imelda threatened with contempt MANILA (Reuters): A Philippine Senate panel threatened on Monday to cite former first lady Imelda Marcos for contempt after she refused to identify businessmen allegedly acting as trustees of the family's fabled fortune.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Texmaco signs engine deal
Texmaco signs engine deal PERTH (Dow Jones): Australia's Orbital Engine Corp. (OE), an engine technology concern, Monday said Indonesia's PT Texmaco Perkasa Engineering has signed a license agreement to manufacture a range of Orbital Combustion Process two-stoke engines. The Indonesian engineering and heavy equipment company intends to produce 30,000 three-cylinder two-stroke engines within two years, Orbital said in a statement.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang mayoralty recieves less in tax revenue
Tangerang mayoralty recieves less in tax revenue TANGERANG (JP): The mayoralty's annual income from hotel and restaurant tax dropped by half from Rp 20.78 billion (US$2.73 million) in 1997 to Rp 10.4 billion this year, an official said on Monday. The head of Tangerang revenue office, Agus Burhanudin, said the drastic plunge in revenue was mainly due to the prolonged economic crisis and the extensive damage to hotels and restaurants during the mid-May riot in the area. Implementation of Law No.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Export financing body to open soon
Export financing body to open soon JAKARTA (JP): The government-sponsored Export Financing Agency will most likely begin operations in February to overhaul unresolved trade financing issues, Industry and Trade minister Rahardi Ramelan said on Monday. "If everything works out fine, God willing, it will start in February," Rahardi told reporters in his office.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
50 political convicts to be released: Muladi
50 political convicts to be released: Muladi JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie will soon release up to 50 political prisoners or detainees, including East Timorese and Acehnese activists, Minister of Justice Muladi said on Monday. In a presidential decree, the President will grant amnesty to prisoners and drop charges against detainees. Muladi was quick to point out that the President would not include jailed East Timorese Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, despite international pressures.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
1.9m tons of coal exported
1.9m tons of coal exported JAKARTA (JP): State-owned coal producer PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam said on Monday it had exported 1.9 million tons of coals this year. The company president, R. Sunardi, said the exported portion represented only 18 percent of its annual output of 10.5 million tons. Most of its output is sold to local independent power producers to generate electricity.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Ratih' shows ABRI's poor coordination
'Ratih' shows ABRI's poor coordination Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto's plan to establish Rakyat Terlatih (trained militia) to safeguard next year's general election, has caused an uproar. Military observer Lt. Gen. (ret.) Hasnan Habib discusses problems facing its establishment. Question: Can Rakyat Terlatih or Ratih for short be established without being supported by a new law? Hasnan: No. Military leaders have said Ratih will be based on Law No.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Discotheque employees seek severance pay
Discotheque employees seek severance pay JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-one employees of Sydney 200 Discotheque on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta, claimed on Monday that they were dismissed without severance pay. The employees went to the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute to air their complaints. The spokeswoman for the employees, Asri, said that the employees were arbitrarily dismissed by the discotheque's owner, identified as Ahok, on Dec. 16.
Tue, 22 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 21, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.