Archive: 23 December 1998
53 articles found
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah ends lower as stocks up 0.4 percent
Rupiah ends lower as stocks up 0.4 percent JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah dipped against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, but stock prices gained ground in thin trading as the year winds down. Dealers said trading activities on the currency market slowed as money market players chose the sidelines ahead of Christmas and year-end holiday. "It was just another bleak trading day on Tuesday with offshore operators totally absent from the local market," a chief dealer with a joint venture bank said.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Apkindo estimates lower plywood exports next year
Apkindo estimates lower plywood exports next year JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's plywood exports are likely to continue to drop next year as demand from chief buyers such as Japan and South Korea would remain low, according to the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo). Apkindo's executive director, A.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Woman found dead on toll road
Woman found dead on toll road JAKARTA (JP): A 22-year-old woman was found dead on the Cikampek toll road in Tambun district, Bekasi, on Tuesday morning. The woman was identified as Rochmah Rokhayati T.H., an employee of an electronics manufacturer in Cibitung. No details on the cause of her death were available. Rochmah's brother-in-law, Wiwid, said the family saw Rochmah for the last time when she left for work from the family home in Kampung Kebantenan, Jatiasih district, at about 4:30 a.m.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rio Tinto, ITB cooperate
Rio Tinto, ITB cooperate JAKARTA (JP): The Anglo-Australian giant mining company Rio Tinto's foundation in Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to promote mining studies and human resources.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI economy in deep water, and it's sink or swim time
RI economy in deep water, and it's sink or swim time By Riyadi JAKARTA (JP): The country's economy remains a near hopeless case. After one and a half years beset by an acute crisis, there is still no light at the end of the tunnel. Gross domestic product has plunged this year by 15 percent and is expected to fall further next year. Inflation has soared nearly 80 percent this year; projections are for it to remain high next year.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
PLN set to rehash contract terms with all IPPs
PLN set to rehash contract terms with all IPPs JAKARTA (JP): Cash-strapped state electricity company PT PLN said on Tuesday it would soon invite independent power producers (IPPs) to renegotiate their power purchase contracts in the dispute simmering between the two in the past year. PLN president Adhi Satriya said in a statement that PLN would invite the 27 IPPs involved in power purchase agreements (PPA) for discussions on mutually acceptable and equitable solutions to the contractual dispute.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
GE Capital to boost jobs
GE Capital to boost jobs BANGKOK (AFP): The Thai finance arm of General Electric said Tuesday it would hire over 300 more people in Thailand as a result of its successful bid for auctioned loans. GE Capital (Thailand) and Goldman Sachs (Asia) jointly agreed to take four tranches of loan assets stripped from closed finance firms and sold by the Financial Sector Restructuring Authority last week.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
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: Tanah Airku 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 22, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
City gives 45 workers the ax for corruption and bribery
City gives 45 workers the ax for corruption and bribery JAKARTA (JP): Forty-five employees of the city administration have been fired since June for involvement in corruption and bribery, Deputy Governor of Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi said on Tuesday. "Twenty-three of those fired were high-ranking civil servants, while the other 22 were of the lower ranks," said Kahfi, who is also the chairman of the city administration reform team.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Decentralization alternatives vital
Decentralization alternatives vital By Santo Koesoebjono THE HAGUE, Netherlands (JP): "We are doing well during this period of economic crisis. In fact we hope that this situation will last longer," a government official in Bali said recently. A senior research fellow of the island's state University Udayana expressed a similar opinion about the economic progress of this island.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indofood plans to sell Bogasari
Indofood plans to sell Bogasari JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed food giant PT Indofood Sukses Makmur said on Wednesday that it would spin off its PT Bogasari Flour Mills and then sell it to strategic investors to increase its funds. Indofood Chief Operating Officer Eva Riyanti Hutapea said here that the spin off would separate Bogasari from Indofood and make it an independent company.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
PTSI management to be reorganized
PTSI management to be reorganized JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng said state-owned PT Surveyor Indonesia (PTSI) would soon hold a shareholders meeting to appoint a finance director, a position which is now held concurrently by president Toga M. Sitompul. "We are now evaluating several candidates for that position," Tanri told reporters in reply to questions as to why the two important managerial positions were held by the same person.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
President points to RI women's plight
President points to RI women's plight JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie marked Women's Day on Tuesday by drawing public attention to how modernization has not spared women from violence, harassment, or abuse of their rights.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian pop music beats the odds in 1998
Indonesian pop music beats the odds in 1998 By Helly Minarti JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian pop music industry, much affected by the krismon (monetary crisis), has been struggling hard to cope with the odds. In January, the rupiah hit its lowest level, from about Rp 2,300 for one US dollar in July last year to Rp 16,000 for one dollar, sharply weakening people's buying power.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thailand to host ASEAN-EU meeting
Thailand to host ASEAN-EU meeting BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand will next month host high-level talks between ASEAN and the European Union canceled amid acrimony last year because of a row over Myanmar's participation, officials said on Tuesday. The meeting of the ASEAN-EU Joint Committee, due to have been held last November, will take place between Jan. 24 and 26, Thai foreign ministry officials said.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Smuggling attempts foiled at airport
Smuggling attempts foiled at airport TANGERANG (JP): Customs officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have foiled attempts to smuggle in via postal services marijuana, Viagra pills, VCDs and stun weapons worth billions of rupiah to and from Jakarta.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Experts differ on Gus Dur's intent in meeting Soeharto
Experts differ on Gus Dur's intent in meeting Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Controversy surrounding Abdurrahman Wahid's latest political maneuver continued on Tuesday with scholars issuing different opinions on whether it was justified for the Muslim leader to involve former president Soeharto in a planned dialog for national reconciliation.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Battered banking sector struggles to survive after crisis
Battered banking sector struggles to survive after crisis By Reiner S. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's once glamorous banking sector has been badly beaten by the 17-month old economic crisis. A total of 26 privately owned banks have been closed down since November 1997. Four private banks, including two of the country's largest, had to be taken over by the government.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mining firm declared bankrupt
Mining firm declared bankrupt JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court has declared mining firm PT Kutai Kertanegara Prima Coal and an individual credit card holder bankrupt for failure to honor debts. Kutai was ruled bankrupt on Monday for a debt to businessman Hasim Sutiono. Hasim filed a bankruptcy petition early this month over delinquency in meeting terms of a Rp 1 billion loan.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Upheaval 'likely' in next election campaign
Upheaval 'likely' in next election campaign JAKARTA (JP): Observers called on political parties and the public on Tuesday to prepare for the possibility of upheavals in the general election next June, and to reduce tensions during the campaign. Speaking in a seminar on the new format of election campaigning for next year's poll, the experts voiced concern over what they believed was Indonesians' political immaturity, which might lead to tension and conflicts in the next campaign.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV stations modify year-end program
TV stations modify year-end program JAKARTA (JP): The fasting month of Ramadhan, Christmas and New Year, which occur concurrently at the end of this year, have forced local TV stations to modify their year-end programming. If in the past TV stations usually planned extensive programs for each of the events, this year most of them are reducing the proportion for each event.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
UGM assistance for tuition fees
UGM assistance for tuition fees YOGYAKARTA: State-run Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has given partial scholarships to some 4,500 students, who have been affected by the economic crisis, to help pay their tuition fees, rector Ichlasul Amal said on Saturday. The money had been collected from various donations, including alumni of the university. Last year, the university gave partial scholarships to 3,693 students.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three dead in recent student brawl toll
Three dead in recent student brawl toll JAKARTA (JP): Three deaths and 41 injured were recorded in 40 student brawls in the capital over the last three months, an official of the city's Social Disturbance Control Center said on Tuesday. Raya Siahaan said two were killed and 25 hurt last month, while the other fatality and another 14 injuries occurred in October, and two wounded in September.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
UN envoy Marker meets with Habibie, Alatas on East Timor
UN envoy Marker meets with Habibie, Alatas on East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Visiting UN special envoy Jamsheed Marker said Tuesday he was assured of Indonesia's "firm commitment" to negotiations which have dragged on for years regarding East Timor. He held separate meetings with President B.J. Habibie and Foreign Minister Ali Alatas Tuesday to discuss the government's proposal to give autonomy to East Timor.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Accepting Soeharto once again?
Accepting Soeharto once again? The recent visit of Gus Dur (Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Abdurrahman Wahid) to (former president) Soeharto has raised many questions. It could be that such a move could help bring down the heated political temperature. It could also be that Gus Dur is seeing an invisible hand at play in the current political unrest. It is possible that Gus Dur possesses relevant data concerning the political disturbances. Even so, the standards he is using are far from clear.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Transportation loans badly needed
Transportation loans badly needed JAKARTA (JP): An executive of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) expressed concern on Monday over the slow disbursement of loans worth Rp 56.3 billion (US$7.5 million) pledged by the government to help the ailing transportation sector. "We've held meetings several times to discuss the disbursement, but it has not been realized up to now," Aip Syaifuddin, head of Organda Jakarta, said.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
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., until Dec. 31. * 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. Laksmana, Legian Beach, until Jan. 7.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF sees better days ahead for East Asia
IMF sees better days ahead for East Asia WASHINGTON (AFP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday said South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia faced brighter prospects in 1999, with their economies either limiting output declines or staging modest recoveries after deep recessions this year.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sari Husada enters Iran
Sari Husada enters Iran JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Sari Husada has exported 7.5 million cans of its Nini brand formula to Iran, the company announced on Tuesday. The shipment was formally shipped by the Yogyakarta-based company on Tuesday from the Tanjung Mas Semarang Seaport in Central Java. The ceremony was attended by Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 22, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 450 0 15,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 0 50,000 Alumindo Light Metal 350 0 22,500 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,600 0 858,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Question to Indovision
Question to Indovision We are very upset and sad because of what happened on Dec. 14. Without any notice, we are now looking at a black screen; the children are crying and are unhappy, they cannot watch TNT or the Discovery channel. Daddy is angry, he cannot watch his favorite sports programs or the daily international news anymore. Why? What has happened to Indovision? Why did Indovision do this during Christmas time, the most important holiday time of the year? Did Indovision go bankrupt?
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Textile industry has better survival odds
Textile industry has better survival odds By Devi M. Asmarani JAKARTA (JP): Despite the extend of the economic crisis, which has hit the country since mid last year, the textile sector is one sector that has a higher chance of survival. The rupiah's nose-dive by almost 70 percent against the U.S. dollar has in fact helped Indonesia maintain its standing as the world's 12th largest exporter of textile-related products.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Idea to establish civilian militia
Idea to establish civilian militia From Pelita From their reactions and comments, the majority of the community members show that they are harboring suspicions about the idea of establishing a civilian militia. The Coordinating Minister of Political Affairs and Security has stated that the militia will be established because its establishment is needed and conforms with law.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt suspends subsidy for low-cost housing
Govt suspends subsidy for low-cost housing JAKARTA (JP): The government has suspended subsidies for the purchase of low-cost housing until the economy emerges from the crisis, dealing another blow to embattled property developers. Director General of Finance Susiyati B. Hirawan said on Tuesday that providing the subsidy would be economically inefficient and hamper efforts to promote economic growth.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 6:08 p.m. Thursday Imsak 4:03 a.m. Subuh 4.13 a.m.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Group says stamp out New Order's vestiges
Group says stamp out New Order's vestiges JAKARTA (JP): The Petisi 50 Working Group called on the nation on Tuesday to work together to root out vestiges of the New Order political system. The renowned group of longtime government critics defined it as a system which exploited the military and bureaucracy for the benefit of powerholders. "Let's crush this regime...
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Prabowo still an Indonesian citizen: Hasyim
Prabowo still an Indonesian citizen: Hasyim JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Hashim Djojohadikusumo confirmed on Tuesday that Jordanian citizenship had been granted to his elder brother Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto, but said the latter would not relinquish his Indonesian citizenship.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie sued over election
Habibie sued over election PEKANBARU, Riau: A local resident has asked the Riau State Administrative Court to annul the election of Brig. Gen. Saleh Djasit as Riau Governor in October. Hasbullah Zaini, the plaintiff, named President B.J. Habibie, Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid and the Riau Legislative Council as defendants, Antara reported on Tuesday. Hasbullah said Saleh's election by the legislative council and endorsed by Habibie and Syarwan was flawed and constitutionally defective.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI medal winners awarded insurance
RI medal winners awarded insurance JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Sports Council Wismoyo Arismunandar said on Tuesday that rewards in the form of life insurance policies would be given to Indonesian athletes who won medals at the just-concluded Asian Games. "We deem insurance is more useful for the athletes than cash, because it will protect their futures," Wismoyo said. He refused to unveil the amount, saying it would be discussed with his fellow council members.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local tour operators expect gloomy business in 1999
Local tour operators expect gloomy business in 1999 JAKARTA (JP): Local tour operators expect another gloomy year ahead as international travelers may consider Indonesia too dangerous to visit in the first half of 1999, an industry executive said on Tuesday.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Momentous women's congress rectifies history
Momentous women's congress rectifies history By Debra H. Yatim YOGYAKARTA (JP): Former minister of manpower, SK Trimurti, had to use the service lift to take her upstairs for the one-day seminar here under the theme: "Indonesian Women: Looking Toward the Future Inspired by Aspirations of the Past". Bad knees notwithstanding, the feisty 86-year-old decided she just had to attend the session, which precluded the biggest congress of Indonesian women in 70 years.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police ignore Rp 5 fine
Police ignore Rp 5 fine MEDAN, North Sumatra: A local resident is waiting for the police to pay Rp 5 (0.0007 U.S. cent) he was awarded by the Medan District Court for illegally impounding his vehicle, his lawyer Rahmadaniel Daulay said on Monday. Rahmadaniel said his client Nur Asli, owner of a public transportation company in Deli Serdang regency, insisted on being paid the full amount, Antara reported.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie to chair security council's first meeting
Habibie to chair security council's first meeting JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie will chair the first meeting of the Council for Enforcement of Security and Law on Thursday. The refusal of two prominent organizations to join the security council will not affect the plan, a minister said on Tuesday. Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said he had reported the refusal of the Indonesian Bishops Council (KWI) and National Commission on Human Rights to the President.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Doctorate for mayor
Doctorate for mayor UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: American World University (AWU) has bestowed an honorary doctoral degree on Ujungpandang Mayor Malik B. Masry, Antara reported on Tuesday. Malik received the doctorate after an oration detailing his urban development strategy in Singapore on Monday, said Rusli Kamaruddin, Ujungpandang administration spokesman.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
The economic outlook
The economic outlook Though all key economic indicators have, of late, been showing a marked improvement, never, over the past 30 years, have we been as worried as now, facing a new year with so grave a sense of foreboding about our future. We are leaving a year of political turbulence, increasingly frequent civil strife and economic depression, only to enter a new year pregnant with uncertainty in almost all aspects of our life.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hike in regional minimum wages set
Hike in regional minimum wages set JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to increase regional minimum wages by between 10 percent and 20 percent next April. Syaufii Samsuddin, director general of industrial relations and labor standards at the manpower ministry, said on Tuesday that almost all provincial offices of the ministry had proposed an increase in minimum wages. Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris was expected to announce the decision on an increase in January.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bank Putera needs Rp 200b
Bank Putera needs Rp 200b JAKARTA (JP): Private Bank Putera will need at least Rp 200 billion (US$26.7 million) to meet the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) requirement of at least 4 percent by the end of the year. The bank's president, Masyhud Ali, said on Tuesday that the bank shareholders would provide about Rp 40 billion of the required fund and the government was expected in inject the remainder.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
RP unemployment rate surges
RP unemployment rate surges MANILA (AFP): Unemployment in the Philippines rose to 9.6 percent in October 1998 to three million people compared to 7.9 percent in the same period last year, the National Statistics Office said here Tuesday. This marked an improvement over the 13.3 percent unemployment rate in April 1998, the statistics also revealed. The office said the labor force in October 1998 had grown by 3.3 percent or by more than one million people over the labor force in October 1997.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Ewako'!
'Ewako'! From Media Indonesia A process of idolizing democracy is taking place in this country. A feeling of nervousness invades us when we see the sudden emergence of the people's sovereignty that is trying to find its shape. The feeling is tangible by the highly persistent waves of action conducted by students inside and outside their campuses and the voices of people who suddenly proclaim themselves reformists. All of this colors this year-end. But is the cost too high to be paid?
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Irate house buyers demand developer return their money
Irate house buyers demand developer return their money JAKARTA (JP): More than 100 customers of Bumi Indah housing complex in Tangerang staged a rally at the developer's office demanding the firm return their housing installments worth billions of rupiah. The customers swarmed the office of PT Artha Buana Sakti, a member of Bank Harapan Sentosa (BHS) Group located on Jl. Zaenul Arifin, West Jakarta, on Tuesday at 10 a.m. and immediately unfurled banners and posters stating their demands.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asian currencies slip back against greenback
Southeast Asian currencies slip back against greenback SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Both North Asian and Southeast Asian currencies slipped back against the U.S. dollar during Asian hours on Tuesday. While the regional currency sell-off was driven partly by an abrupt slide in the yen, many traders said that the fall, at least in the cases of the South Korean won and the Singapore dollar, was assisted by the tacit approval of the local central banks.
Wed, 23 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
RP leader vows to update military
RP leader vows to update military MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada pledged on Tuesday to modernize the country's ill-equipped armed forces and protect the country's territories, including a disputed chain of South China Sea islands. "We will preserve our constitution and preserve our territorial integrity.