Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 December 1998

61 articles found

Rupiah stays put but stocks up 2.38 percent on bullish sentiment

Rupiah stays put but stocks up 2.38 percent on bullish sentiment JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah ended unchanged at 7,450 against the U.S. dollar in thin trading on Wednesday but stock prices gained ground to close 2.38 percent higher. Currency dealers said market participants were almost absent from the local currency market, leaving the rupiah to be traded in the very narrow range between 7,400 and 7,550.

Govt lifts subsidies, trade restriction on fertilizers

Govt lifts subsidies, trade restriction on fertilizers JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to lift subsidies on fertilizers and remove all restrictions to their trade, Minister of Agriculture Soleh Solahuddin said on Wednesday. The new measures will mean that fertilizers can be imported and distributed to farmers through cooperatives and retailers at the market price. The state-owned PT Pupuk Sriwijaya (Pusri) previously held a monopoly on the import of subsidized fertilizers.

Govt 'must review its land swap deal with Salim firms'

Govt 'must review its land swap deal with Salim firms' JAKARTA (JP): State-owned forestry firm Perum Perhutani has urged the Ministry of Forestry and Plantations to review its 1995 land swap deals with two companies in the widely diversified Salim Group. Perhutani General Affairs Director Bambang Sardjito said on Wednesday that the two swap deals only benefited the two Salim Group companies, PT Pertiwi Lestari and PT Besland Pertiwi.

Students rally at Merdeka Palace

Students rally at Merdeka Palace JAKARTA (JP): About 2,000 Trisakti University students broke through a tight military cordon across from the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday, only hours after President B.J. Habibie reproached them for taking to the streets. Unlike in many of the previous student rallies, the soldiers appeared bewildered and unprepared for the mass congregated on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara, located exactly in front of the compound of Habibie's office in Central Jakarta.

IBRA set to auction frozen bank's vehicles

IBRA set to auction frozen bank's vehicles JAKARTA (JP): Eighty-three cars and 41 motorcycles owned by 10 banks whose operations were suspended by the government will be auctioned to the public next week, an executive of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Tuesday.

Addressing export woes

Addressing export woes The latest foreign trade figures announced by the Central Bureau of Statistics earlier this week confirmed not only the extent of the damage the financial meltdown has wreaked on the economy but also the numerous hurdles to exports which businesspeople have long complained about. The 70-80 percent fall in the rupiah's value against the American dollar since January should have theoretically made Indonesian goods much more price competitive in the international market.

Local companies reluctant to seek ISO certification

Local companies reluctant to seek ISO certification JAKARTA (JP): Most companies in Indonesia have yet to make use of the international quality standardization known as ISO, despite its increasing importance in global trade, a Ministry of Industry and Trade official has said. Atih Surjati Herman said on Wednesday that many companies, especially small and medium-scale ventures, had been slow to make use of the standards because of cost and a lack of information.

RI's economy to start growing in 2000: Mari

RI's economy to start growing in 2000: Mari JAKARTA (JP): Fallout from domestic political turmoil rules out the country returning to the growth track before 2000, noted economist Mari E. Pangestu said on Wednesday. The executive director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies added that the country would record negative growth next year of between minus 2 percent and minus 5 percent. "As we have to balance social and economic concerns, our recovery will be very slow.

Three killed as robbers and residents clash in Joglo

Three killed as robbers and residents clash in Joglo JAKARTA (JP): Three men were killed in a clash between three robbers and residents of Joglo in the Kembangan district of West Jakarta after the residents caught a gang of robbers stealing a 14-inch television set from a neighborhood house on Wednesday morning.

Banks file bankruptcy claim against Indomobil subsidiary

Banks file bankruptcy claim against Indomobil subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): At least 12 overseas and local banks have filed a joint bankruptcy claim in the Jakarta Commercial Court against PT Bringin Indotama Finance, part of the Indomobil Group, for defaulting on debt payments.

UI student who knocked down troops released

UI student who knocked down troops released JAKARTA (JP): Police said on Wednesday that a student detained for driving his vehicle into a cordon of security personnel, injuring nine soldiers in the process, was released on Nov. 27. City police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman told The Jakarta Post that police inquiries into Anas Allamoedi in relation to the incident of Nov. 11 on Jl. Imam Bonjol, Central Jakarta, were complete. "We're just waiting for the legal process to progress," he said.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 2, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,300.00 7,450.00 7,300.00 7,525.00 Austrian schilling 1 577.75 647.75 - - Australian dollar 1 4,522.10 4,782.10 4,515.00 4,865.00 Belgian franc 1 193.60 218.60 - - Brunei dollar 1 - - 4,280.00 4,605.00 Canadian dollar 1 4,619.15 4,899.15 4,600.00 5,100.00 Swiss franc 1 5,150.60 5,430.60 4,998.00 5,498.00 Deutschemark 1 4,196.25 4,456.25 4,109.00 4,509.

Mrs. Murdaya, ever onward!

Mrs. Murdaya, ever onward! I am a non-Buddhist. But I admire and appreciate what has been done by Mrs. Siti Hartati Murdaya. She made herself readily available to help the needy and provide suffering people with medical treatment.

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 Film 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.

Exhibition reveals contrasting styles of local snappers

Exhibition reveals contrasting styles of local snappers By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): Kayus Mulia and Eky Tandyo are both members of the Association of Indonesian Professional Photographers. But, viewing them from many angles, it is obvious the two are very different. In their world, the distinction between them is akin -- both literally in the exhibition as well as figuratively -- to the differences between black-and-white and color prints.

Researchers fear disputes over tribal land

Researchers fear disputes over tribal land JAKARTA (JP): A group of researchers have called on the government to slow down the process of registering traditional lands, saying that moving too rapidly could do more harm than good. Unless the government moves cautiously, the process of land registration and certification could raise potentially explosive disputes over land ownership, a research unit led by Atma Jaya University said on Tuesday.

Domestic help needs help

Domestic help needs help MALANG, East Java: Activists here are urging the government to pay more attention to household servants in the country, including through setting wage standardization. Kridawati Sadhana of the Women's Studies Institute said servants, often an integral part of the household and a huge worker base, rarely receive attention in the country and are not covered by any legislation. "The government should set a minimum wage standard.

Three hurt in prison brawl

Three hurt in prison brawl SEMARANG, Central Java: A fight broke out among convicts at the Ambarawa penitentiary on Wednesday, leaving three prisoners with serious injuries. "The fight erupted after several convicts felt they had been treated unfairly when a senior prisoner was rationing out food and soap," Semarang police resort chief Lt. Col. Beno Kilapong said. Beno asserted that the incident was not an attempt to break out of the prison but grew out of an internal issue among the convicts.

Australia to dominate Jakarta mining expo

Australia to dominate Jakarta mining expo JAKARTA (JP) Australian mining equipment, technology and service suppliers will have the largest presence at the Mining Indonesia '98 exhibition, which will be opened today and run until Saturday at the Jakarta fairgrounds in North Jakarta.

Southeast Asian currencies strengthen

Southeast Asian currencies strengthen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Just as the rally in Southeast Asian currencies was appearing to flag, the Philippine peso took up the baton, strengthening sharply to hit a six-month high during Asian trading on Wednesday. In what was otherwise a lackluster day for the regional foreign exchange markets, healthy capital inflows lifted the Philippine peso (PHP) to its highest level in six months, as the U.S.

PAL talks fail on two fronts

PAL talks fail on two fronts MANILA (Reuters): The future of Philippine Airlines Inc. was in grave doubt on Wednesday after news that talks had broken down with two potential foreign investors, Cathay Pacific Airways and Northwest Airlines Corp. One analyst said the twin failures of the talks meant the financially ravaged airline, Asia's oldest carrier, could well disappear from the skies.

Information for studying in Japan

Information for studying in Japan The Japanese Embassy's education section provides various books and brochures about studying in Japan. These books can be read free of charge in the lobby. The embassy hopes the books and brochures will be of use for prospective students at Japanese institutions. The address of the education section of the Japanese Embassy is Jl. M.H. Thamrin 24, Central Jakarta. It is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

Indonesia, a genuine friend and partner of Japan

Indonesia, a genuine friend and partner of Japan On the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, The Jakarta Post interviewed His Excellency Mr. Takao Kawakami, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Indonesia. Here we share his thoughts concerning Japan-Indonesia relations. Question: First of all, may I have your views on Indonesia in 1998?

Optimizing your stay in Jakarta

Optimizing your stay in Jakarta Situated in the heart of Jakarta, Hotel President optimizes your travel to any destination in the city. Hotel President is affiliated to Nikko Hotels International. With a choice of 315 luxury hotel rooms, as well as a fitness center, sauna, swimming pool and eight different restaurants to choose from, Hotel President is a home away from home for any person coming to Jakarta for business.

Extortionist shot dead in Kota

Extortionist shot dead in Kota JAKARTA (JP): A man caught extorting money from bajaj (three- wheeled pedicab) drivers was shot dead after he wounded two pedestrians and attacked police officers in front of the Bank Exim building in Kota, West Jakarta on Tuesday. Maj. Djamalludin, who heads Taman Sari police subprecinct, said the victim was identified as Tulus, a vagrant notorious for extorting money from bajaj drivers in the area.

PPP expected to push govt for total reform

PPP expected to push govt for total reform JAKARTA (JP): The new leadership of the United Development Party (PPP) under Hamzah Haz is expected to continue the party's drive for reforms which include a reduction of the Armed Forces' role in politics and a fair democratic election next year. Political scientist Indria Samego from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said Hamzah should step up the party's efforts to act as a check on the government, as outlined in the congress.

Epson meets business challenges

Epson meets business challenges PT Indonesia Epson Industry is a subsidiary of Sieko Epson Corporation, Japan, a company known worldwide as a manufacturer of quality computers, printers, watches, semiconductors and a wide range of electronic devices. PT Indonesia Epson Industry, established in Jakarta in 1994, specializes in the production of terminal printers. Epson is fully aware of the business challenges of today, and tomorrow.

Vehicle maintenance losses jump to Rp 16b

Vehicle maintenance losses jump to Rp 16b JAKARTA (JP): The loss of funds allocated by the city for the maintenance of official vehicles in the first eight months of this fiscal year jumped from an estimated Rp 2 billion (US$266,666) to about Rp 16 billion, an official at the city supplies office said on Wednesday.

Maluku earthquake toll rises to 26

Maluku earthquake toll rises to 26 JAKARTA (JP): The death toll from a severe earthquake that struck the remote Tailabu and Mangole islands in Maluku on Sunday has risen to 26, with eight people still missing, Antara reported on Wednesday. The body of 40-year-old La Abu was dug from the rubble of his house on Monday, as rescue workers searched for eight people they feared were swept away by tidal waves.

Int'l group denounces KL

Int'l group denounces KL KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Legislators representing a global rights watchdog condemned the Malaysian government on Wednesday over a jailed opposition leader, adding to international criticism of Kuala Lumpur's rights record. Representatives of the human rights committee of the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) said Malaysian authorities had shown an almost unprecedented lack of cooperation during their three-day visit to the capital.

Weak prices to offset growth in rubber exports

Weak prices to offset growth in rubber exports JAKARTA (JP): Increased volume of the country's rubber exports will be offset by the continuing slump in prices of the commodity on the international market, an Indonesian Rubber Association (Gapkindo) executive predicts. Gapkindo's executive director A.F.S. Budiman said the country would manage to increase rubber export volume by about 5 percent next year from the projected 1.53 metric million tons this year.

Police under fire in Malaysia for alleged rights abuses

Police under fire in Malaysia for alleged rights abuses KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Beatings. Psychological torture. Coerced confessions. Malaysia's police force, grappling with unprecedented civil unrest, has become the target of scathing criticism for alleged abuses. Sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim's black eye, which he said he suffered while in police custody, was the foremost example. Anwar is now on trial in a corruption and sex trial at the center of simmering civil unrest in Malaysia.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibitions * Exhibition of World AIDS Day, at CCCL - French Cultural Center Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., until Dec. 6. * Exhibition of French Mode: Mode dari Masa ke Masa, by Esther Winoto, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 7-11. Film * French Film, CCCL - French Cultural Center, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.: Le Colonel Chabert, until Dec. 4.

Health reform essential for hospitals' survival

Health reform essential for hospitals' survival By Dumilah Ayuningtyas DEPOK, West Java (JP): Indonesia marked World Health Day on May 6 and National Health Day on Nov. 12, but this year both were overshadowed by the dire impact the economic meltdown has had on health services here.

'Instigators' behind Kupang riots

'Instigators' behind Kupang riots JAKARTA (JP): The rioting in the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang on Monday that included attacks on a number of mosques might have been orchestrated, according to Governor Piet Alexander Tallo. Tallo said in Kupang on Wednesday that at least two alleged instigators of the riot had been detained for questioning.

Ex-driver says Anwar sodomized him

Ex-driver says Anwar sodomized him KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): The former driver of Malaysia's sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he stood by allegations he made last year accusing Anwar of committing homosexual acts with him against his will. Azizan Abu Bakar, testifying in Anwar's corruption and sex trial, told the capital's High Court he stood by a statement he wrote saying he had repeatedly been "a victim of homosexual acts by Anwar Ibrahim" in 1992.

Molotov cocktail hits courthouse

Molotov cocktail hits courthouse LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh: Police in North Aceh are investigating an arson attack on the Lhokseumawe courthouse in which several rooms burned. "We are still hunting the people who threw a Molotov cocktail at the court building and collecting evidence from witnesses," North Aceh police resort deputy chief Maj. Amrin Remico said here Wednesday, adding that no motive was immediately apparent for the attack.

Public approves students action: Poll

Public approves students action: Poll JAKARTA (JP): The following are results of a survey on what the people think of the current students movement in the aftermath of the Nov. 13 Black Friday tragedy, the full story of which is presented on Page 1. 1. Do you believe the student movement has been manipulated by certain parties?: Yes 35.9 No 62.4 Undecided 1.7 2.

In search of a safe exit from our present crisis

In search of a safe exit from our present crisis By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): What is really the problem in Indonesia today? Why are we unable to solve our crisis in a peaceful and civilized manner? Why do we desert reason and passion, and resort to violence? People have different perceptions regarding these questions. According to some, we are basically facing a crisis of governance. Others believe it is more a crisis of leadership.

RP pledges support to drug suspect

RP pledges support to drug suspect MANILA (DPA): The Philippine government pledged on Wednesday to provide full legal and financial assistance to a 32-year-old Filipina facing the possibility of a death penalty in Singapore for drug possession charges. Presidential spokesman Jerry Barican said Sally Tigue, an over-staying tourist who has admitted keeping drugs in an apartment she shared with her Singaporean boyfriend, will be treated as an overseas Filipina worker.

Tourist arrivals fall 19%

Tourist arrivals fall 19% JAKARTA (JP): The number of overseas tourists visiting Indonesia slumped by about 19 percent to 2.91 million people during the first 10 months of this year, down from 3.56 million people during the same period last year, the Ministry for Tourism, Arts and Culture reported on Wednesday. The lowest level of tourist arrivals occurred in May when massive unrest hit Jakarta, leading to the resignation of former president Soeharto.

Indonesian loan delay won't affect 1999 schedule: IMF

Indonesian loan delay won't affect 1999 schedule: IMF WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday a delay in its disbursement of funds to Indonesia won't disrupt its schedule of loan payments to this country in 1999. An IMF official said in a telephone interview that there will be a delay "of maybe a few weeks" in the payment of $960 million that was originally due Nov. 25.

Social conflict reach alarming levels

Social conflict reach alarming levels JAKARTA (JP): Political scientists and observers warned on Wednesday that the recent spate of racial and religious conflicts would heighten in the coming year if fundamental societal issues were continually exploited for political ends. "Racial conflict has reached a dangerous level because societal issues have been manipulated to serve people's self interests," said political scientist J.

Habibie urged to show statesmanship

Habibie urged to show statesmanship JAKARTA (JP): Former members of the Association of Moslem Students demanded on Wednesday that President B.J. Habibie carefully weigh potential ramifications of another term in office and demonstrate statesmanship given the deep reservations about his government's legitimacy. Anniswati M.

Number of city's crime black spots doubles

Number of city's crime black spots doubles JAKARTA (JP): The number of crime black spots in the capital doubled from 31 in July to 60 last month as the result of a growing sense of desperation setting in among the segment of the city's population recently forced into life below the poverty line, an official has said.

Banks asked to form debt restructuring unit

Banks asked to form debt restructuring unit JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian banks are obliged to set up special working units to restructure their non-performing loans before Feb. 12, 1998, according to Bank Indonesia. Detailing its November ruling on bank credit restructuring guidelines, the central bank said the working units should be staffed by people unconnected with decisions to issue the loans.

A blow to our tourist industry

A blow to our tourist industry The United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan have once again cautioned their citizens not to visit Indonesia. This alert was issued because of the uncertain political situation in this country, and because unrest and clashes have occurred in a number of places, including the Semanggi and Ketapang areas of Jakarta.

Nation needs talented teachers

Nation needs talented teachers By Iwan Pranoto BANDUNG (JP): How bad is our school system? It is very bad. Our elementary schools are very far from satisfying. It concentrates too much on forcing students to learn by rote. It does not encourage students to learn actively and to think critically. So, if we believe that a school should be an intellectual environment that teaches students universal values, our elementary schools have failed.

Australian to help rebuild RI economy

Australian to help rebuild RI economy SYDNEY (AFP): A plan to help rebuild the Indonesian economy is being mounted by influential Australian business, defense and government figures backed by some of the country's most successful companies, a report said Wednesday. The effort could involve assistance to rebuild and reform Indonesia's economic, political and defense institutions, The Melbourne Age said.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Different Visions, by Frans Nadjira, Charles Cham, Budhiana, Aant S. Kawisar, at Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran (Phone: 0361 701010), daily, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 3. * Arts Exhibition: by Mangu Putra at The Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975963), until Jan. 4.

Hamzah beats Saefuddin to become new PPP chief

Hamzah beats Saefuddin to become new PPP chief JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) wound up its fourth congress on Wednesday by appointing new chairman Hamzah Haz and secretary-general Ali Marwan Hanan to lead it in the daunting task of facing stiffer political competition. The outcome of the chairmanship for the term 1998 to 2003 was predicted since early Wednesday morning when the board of seven "formatters" was finally decided.

Man gets 6 months for kidnapping

Man gets 6 months for kidnapping BOGOR (JP): The Bogor District Court sentenced Okta Yudistira alias Sarifudin, 20, on Tuesday to six months in jail for involvement in kidnapping two South Korean citizens and holding them hostage in his rented house in Cinoro.

Tax revenue at risk due to economic crisis: Official

Tax revenue at risk due to economic crisis: Official JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Taxation Effendi Ritonga said on Wednesday that the 1998/1999 tax revenue target might not be achieved due to massive demands for tax exemption in the wake of the current economic crisis.

E. Timor rebels shoot teacher

E. Timor rebels shoot teacher DILI, East Timor: Members of the armed insurgent group Falentil group, shot dead an elementary school teacher at Viqueque, about 197 kilometers east of here, on Wednesday while he was teaching sixth grade students. East Timor police spokesman Capt. Widodo DS was quoted by Antara as saying that Fransisco Amaral, 46, was shot by Falentil members from the classroom doorway.

Estrada promises $51,000 reward

Estrada promises $51,000 reward MANILA (AP): President Joseph Estrada promised Wednesday to give 2 million pesos (US$51,200) to any Filipino athlete who wins a gold medal during the 13th Asian Games this month in Thailand. Estrada made the promise during sendoff ceremonies at the presidential palace for the 400-person delegation, which includes 257 athletes. "I have no doubt that you will perform well," Estrada said.

Crisis situation may increase the death rate

Crisis situation may increase the death rate JAKARTA (JP): Crime, natural disasters, epidemics and starvation brought on by sheer poverty could increase the rate of death in the next five years, a demographer said Wednesday. This prediction was among the worst of four "scenarios" discussed in a one-day seminar on demographic projections and parameters after the economic crisis.

Philippine exports up 17.95%

Philippine exports up 17.95% MANILA (AFP): Philippine merchandise exports earning grew 17.9 percent in the year to October from US$20.689 billion in 1997 to $24.387 billion this year, the National Statistics Office said on Wednesday. In October alone, export earnings rose by 9.3 percent from $2.326 billion last year to $2.542 billion this year, the office said in a statement.

RI's next budget sees rupiah at 7,500 to dollar

RI's next budget sees rupiah at 7,500 to dollar JAKARTA (JP): The government assumes that the rupiah should stay at around 7,500 against the U.S. dollar in the next fiscal year starting in April 1999. In a report to the monthly cabinet meeting on economic matters on Wednesday, Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto said that the calculation for 1999/2000 budget assumes that "the rupiah's exchange rate should range between Rp 7,000 and Rp 8,000 per U.S.

Suwarna denies helping student demonstrators

Suwarna denies helping student demonstrators JAKARTA (JP): Free meals became a sensitive issue on Wednesday as an angry governor denied he had a vested interest in feeding demonstrating students.

Hindarto plays down injury worries

Hindarto plays down injury worries JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's chef de mission to the Asian Games, Mochamad Hindarto, shrugged off injury worries on Wednesday on the eve of his contingent's departure for Bangkok. Hindarto said four athletes were suffering longstanding injuries but he was not too concerned, saying they were minor in nature. "Everything is okay.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 2, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 25 5,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 0 61,000 Alumindo Light Metal 275 0 198,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,725 -25 12,418,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 13,000 Apac Centertex Corp.