Archive: 31 December 1998
48 articles found
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
No courage?
No courage? According to an announcement by Coordinating Minister for Development Supervision and State Administrative Reforms Hartarto Sastrosoenarto, acts of corruption, collusion and nepotism committed over the past 32 years while president Soeharto was in power have caused the state losses totaling Rp 22.85 trillion. Apart from Soeharto, also involved were former government officials, their children and cronies of the former first family.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two men die from beating, stabbing
Two men die from beating, stabbing TANGERANG (JP): A suspected robber and a man involved in a row over a woman were killed in separate incidents here on Wednesday. Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto said Mardiyan, 23, was killed by a mob after he stabbed an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver named Sudiyo and seized his vehicle. Sudiyo picked up Mardiyan from the Cengkareng area early on Wednesday morning.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's bombshell
Gus Dur's bombshell For common people, to plant land mines is considered a serious violation of the law. For a religious leader to do so is more than a sin. For religious leader Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) to explode a bomb as the nation approaches its year end was considered by some, and the perpetrator himself, just "a service to the nation".
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Novotel best in Sumatra
Novotel best in Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): French-based hotel management firm Accor Asia Pacific announced on Wednesday that its Novotel Hotel Bukittinggi, located in West Sumatra, was named as best hotel in Sumatra by Tourism Asia Magazine.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
National crime rate increases by 10%: Police chief
National crime rate increases by 10%: Police chief JAKARTA (JP): After a year of feeling the pressure in handling the soaring crime rate and massive rallies, the police saw more hard work awaiting them in 1999. Speaking in a traditional year-end press conference on Wednesday, National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi said that police across the country had so far recorded a total of 157,180 crimes this year, which is a 10 percent increase over the 142,711 cases in 1998.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Worker-management communication
Worker-management communication In response to the article "Shoe factory workers demand ouster of divisional heads" dated Monday, Dec. 28, 1998, Nike would like to clarify the issues raised by The Jakarta Post. Nike and our manufacturing partners take all worker concerns very seriously and do our best to resolve all issues as quickly as possible and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Dengue fever added fuel to the fire
Dengue fever added fuel to the fire By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): In addition to all the other troubles assaulting them in the monetary crisis, Jakartans were socked by a widespread dengue fever outbreak. So extensive was the disease, which is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito, that numerous deaths and hospitalizations were recorded. The city's hospitals were stretched to the limit.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 30, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 -25 5,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 325 50 62,500 Alumindo Light Metal 325 25 149,500 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 25 500 Aneka Tambang 1,625 0 1,059,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 12,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: New Year Program * The Patra Surabaya Hilton International, Jl. Gunungsari (Phone: 031 5682703): - Dec. 31: New Year's Eve, in the Beer Garden. * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 5311234): - Dec. 31: New Year's Eve, in the Chinese Arumanis. * Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend. Sungkono 120 (Phone: 5661550): - Dec. 31: New Year's Eve, in the Shang Palace, Coffee Garden, Desperado's, Portofino.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Finish probe on Soeharto before elections: Habibie
Finish probe on Soeharto before elections: Habibie JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie on Wednesday called for a quick end to the probe into allegations that fallen president Soeharto illegally amassed a fortune while in power. "It is hoped that the investigation into former president Soeharto will be completed before the (June 7) general election," Information Minister Muhammad Yunus quoted Habibie as saying.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Woman seeks justice from PT Jamsostek
Woman seeks justice from PT Jamsostek JAKARTA (JP): A female migrant worker is demanding that state- owned workers insurance firm PT Jamsostek pay her Rp 25 million (US$3,333) for the blindness allegedly caused by an abusive Saudi employer four years ago. Iis Sukarni, 42, made the demand at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute on Wednesday.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Thursday Maghrib 6:12 p.m. Friday Imsak 4:08 a.m. Subuh 4.18 a.m. Maghrib 6:13 p.m. Saturday Imsak 4:09 a.m Subuh 4:19 a.m.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chinese shuttlers shine at Copenhagen Masters
Chinese shuttlers shine at Copenhagen Masters JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia failed to retain its title in the men's doubles after Ricky Ahmad Subagja and Antonius lost to the host pair of Jens Eriksen and Jesper Larsen 15-9, 15-4 in the finals of the 1998 Copenhagen Masters on Tuesday.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Honors for top short stories
Honors for top short stories JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Arts Council will select the best of 24 nominees from short stories published in local newspapers this year, the council said in a statement on Wednesday. The author of the top ranked short story will receive Rp 5 million (US$666), while the other nominees will be awarded Rp 1 million each, the statement said.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crisis throws into limbo Jakarta's megaprojects
Crisis throws into limbo Jakarta's megaprojects By Hyginus Hardoyo JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans' dreams for the long-awaited triple- tier transit system, badly needed to reduce traffic congestion, are unlikely to come true in the near future. A groundbreaking ceremony for construction early this year was rescheduled at the eleventh hour.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fires this year cost 75 lives, Rp 104.7b losses
Fires this year cost 75 lives, Rp 104.7b losses JAKARTA (JP): The city this year witnessed as many as 789 fires that left 75 people dead, 28,918 homeless and caused Rp 104.7 billion in material losses, an official said on Wednesday. Johny Pangaribuan, a senior official at the Jakarta fire agency, said that almost half of the blazes, excluding the fires that gutted hundreds of shops, buildings and public facilities during a series of riots here, were caused by electrical short circuits.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fresh riot erupts in Aceh, victims yet to be found
Fresh riot erupts in Aceh, victims yet to be found MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Army units continued a desperate sweep of the East Aceh regency Wednesday in search of eight soldier victims of an as yet unexplained attack, as further violence ensued in North Aceh early Wednesday morning. A police station and a military post in Banda Sakti, North Aceh, were attacked by a mob at 4 a.m. Wedensday. The cause of the attack, which also resulted in two cars and five motorcycles burned, is still unknown.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hilton hosts course on Islam
Hilton hosts course on Islam JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Hilton International Hotel will hold a three-day course on Islam (Pesantren Kilat) starting on Friday. Held during the fasting month of Ramadhan, the course will feature as speakers several noted Muslim figures, including preacher Zainuddin MZ., scholars Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Komarudin Hidayat, the hotel's public relations officer Nike said.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Unrest to persist in 1999: Bakin
Unrest to persist in 1999: Bakin JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the State Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Bakin), Zaini Azhar Maulani, on Wednesday predicted that political tension would increase next year, but riots would not likely match the scale of those which happened in May. One reason, he said, was that only a small group of people want a change in state leadership.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 30, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Most SE Asian currencies up in thin trading
Most SE Asian currencies up in thin trading SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Southeast Asian currencies ended Asian hours a touch stronger Wednesday, after a day of minimal trading activity. In North Asia, too, regional currencies climbed, with the U.S. dollar falling against the South Korean won, to dip briefly below the psychologically important 1,200 level after the central bank released a favorable economic survey.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia determined to bring Tansil to justice
Indonesia determined to bring Tansil to justice JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government expressed its determination Wednesday to bring back business tycoon Eddy Tansil, despite not having an extradition treaty with China where the fugitive has reportedly fled. Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security, Feisal Tanjung, said, "Jakarta will approach the Chinese government to deliver Tansil to us. "He's a criminal.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economic recovery must be 'top priority'
Economic recovery must be 'top priority' JAKARTA (JP): Senior economists have urged the country's political leaders to reach a consensus in putting economic recovery top of the list of national priorities despite ongoing political rivalries. M. Sadli and Anwar Nasution said on Wednesday that the consensus was critical if the country is to take advantage of recent positive economic developments and move toward a recovery from the 17-month old crisis.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Supriyati receives Rp 100m from PASI
Supriyati receives Rp 100m from PASI JAKARTA (JP): Middle distance runner Supriyati Sutono, who won the women's 5,000 meters gold medal at the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok two weeks ago, received a cash bonus from the Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association (PASI) on Wednesday. Supriyati, in winning Indonesia's second ever Asiad track and field gold after Muhammad Sarengat in the fourth Asiad in 1962, bagged Rp 100 million (US$12,500). She clocked 15 minutes 54.45 seconds.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Arifin injured in car accident on toll road
Arifin injured in car accident on toll road JAKARTA (JP): Oil tycoon Arifin Panigoro and two friends suffered minor injuries in a car accident on the Jagorawi toll road on early Wednesday morning. Arifin and his friends, identified as Ahmad Bukhari, alias Johny Saleh, and Zaenal Arifin, were returning to Jakarta from Bandung in a Mercedes-Benz sedan when the accident occurred at about 1:30 a.m., a member of the businessman's staff, Muntazar, said. "The cause of the accident is still unclear.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV programs
TV programs 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: Thunder Cats 8:00 Music: Dendang Pagi 9:00 Music: Hiburan Keluarga 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
400 students leave East Timor
400 students leave East Timor DILI, East Timor: Some 400 students in the last two months have moved to study outside the province due to the security disturbances which have continued to dog Indonesia's youngest province. The head of the curriculum section of the local Education Office, Emanuel Ulu, said here Wednesday that the students had requested the transfer due to the rising political tension and various forms of intimidation occurring.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rights abuses reports jump
Rights abuses reports jump YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Legal Aid Office here announced on Wednesday that complaints it has received regarding rights abuses jumped by slightly more than 100 percent from last year, from 143 to 299 cases. Office spokesman Budi Santoso said the rights violations reported were mostly perpetrated by the security apparatus. "The rough handling of student demonstrators has increased the number of these complaints," he told the press.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hopes and fears
Hopes and fears As 1998 ends at the stroke of midnight tonight, it brings to a close easily the most dreadful year Indonesia has experienced in decades. What will the new year bring? Indonesians are awaiting the answer with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
IFC raises Philippines stake, may invest in China, Korea
IFC raises Philippines stake, may invest in China, Korea WASHINGTON (Bloomberg): The International Finance Corp., the private lending unit of the World Bank, has raised its stake in a Philippines bank and may invest in banks in China and Korea, bolstering its presence in Asia's cash-strapped financial industry.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
New Year
New Year In observance of New Year's celebration The Jakarta Post will not appear on Friday. The Post will resume publication on Saturday. We wish everybody a Happy New Year. -- Publisher
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian wages seen up next year amid crisis
Asian wages seen up next year amid crisis SINGAPORE (Reuters): Net wages are likely to rise in most countries of Asia next year -- Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia being the exceptions -- despite the region's economic crisis, U.S. funds survey firm William Mercer said on Wednesday. Net wages in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia would fall because inflation rates were likely to be much higher than the wage increases, the survey said.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
MPR can do no wrong?
MPR can do no wrong? From the time of our former presidents Sukarno and Soeharto, history tells us that at the very least, "the king can do no wrong" rule reigns forever in this country. But, does anybody in this country ever think with a clear mind that we, consciously or not, for the same time frame, were used to living with the rule "the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) can do no wrong?" ATTILA RAHAYOE Bekasi, West Java
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
460 foreigners deported for violating immigration law
460 foreigners deported for violating immigration law JAKARTA (JP): The rising trend in deportations from Indonesia has continued as the Directorate General for Immigration expelled 460 foreigners of 50 different nationalities this year. Zaiman Nurmatias, director of immigration supervision and control, said this year's number continued the upward trend which he expects to carry on next year.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Politician acquitted in corruption case
Politician acquitted in corruption case KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A Malaysian court acquitted a senior member of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's political party of corruption charges, newspapers said on Wednesday. Muhammad Muhammad Taib, 53, one of three vice presidents in Mahathir's United Malays National Organization, was acquitted on Tuesday of a charge of failing to declare his assets fully. The charge carries a sentence of one year in jail, or a 2,000 ringgit fine or both.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah falls to 8,200 level to dollar, stock index rises
Rupiah falls to 8,200 level to dollar, stock index rises JAKARTA (JP): On the last trading day of a helter-skelter year, the rupiah sank to the 8,200 level against the U.S. dollar in moderate dealing on Wednesday. Stock prices rose slightly, with the main price index closing at 398.03 points. Currency dealers said the rupiah dipped against the greenback due to unexpectedly high fresh dollar demand by local commercial banks.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
1998 a year of questions and turmoil for ABRI
1998 a year of questions and turmoil for ABRI By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): Many will remember 1998 as the year the Armed Forces' reputation plunged to its lowest ebb following revelations of past atrocities and mounting demands for the abolition of its sociopolitical role. The media have reported case upon case of public protests against the military's domination in both politics and security affairs, in ways which were unthinkable only last year when Soeharto's New Order regime was in power.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
KL firm may sell 20% of Bank Niaga stake
KL firm may sell 20% of Bank Niaga stake KUALA LUMPUR (Bloomberg): Rashid Hussain Bhd., a Malaysian property and financial group, plans to sell its 20 percent stake in Indonesia's PT Bank Niaga to raise cash for its ailing businesses. "I'm selling it off," Abdul Rashid Hussain, chairman of Rashid Hussain told reporters after an annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank mulls bid on Daiwa unit
Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank mulls bid on Daiwa unit TOKYO (Bloomberg): Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank Ltd., Japan's third- largest lender, is in talks to buy a majority stake in the Indonesian banking unit of Daiwa Bank Ltd., a Daiwa spokesman said on Wednesday. Daiwa Bank, the smallest of Japan's nine nationwide commercial lenders, is tackling chronic bad loans and debilitating write- offs by cutting costs, staff and all operations abroad.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
TFT to install software for RI futures exchange
TFT to install software for RI futures exchange JAKARTA (JP): TIBCO Financial Technologies Inc. (TFT), a subsidiary of Reuters plc, has been appointed the installer of a software system for the planned Indonesian Commodities Futures Exchange.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Military Command to sue UKI authorities and students
Military Command to sue UKI authorities and students JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Military Command will file lawsuits against students and four representatives of the Indonesian Christian University (UKI) in East Jakarta for assaulting a soldier and denying his freedom of movement, an official said on Wednesday. The command's spokesman, Lt. Col. DJ.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Expert doubts elections will be held on schedule
Expert doubts elections will be held on schedule YOGYAKARTA (JP): Political scientist Riswandha Imawan says the general election, scheduled for June 1999, is likely to be postponed due to the economic and political problems besetting the country.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mia must get her act together: Coach
Mia must get her act together: Coach JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best current hope in badminton, Mia Audina, must be able to put aside all her problems if she wants to qualify for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Coach Liang Chiusia told reporters on Wednesday that a champion should not involve her personal problems in training and competition. "We all have problems but a champion must put aside her personal problems during a competition.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tourism could start turnaround in 1999
Tourism could start turnaround in 1999 JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian tourist industry is expected to see signs of recovery in 1999 after a major setback this year, a senior official at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture said on Wednesday. Director General of Tourism I Gde Ardhika said that although the number of foreign tourist arrivals would be around the same level as this year, signs of recovery would be seen in most of the country's tourist-related sectors.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Laksmana, Legian Beach, until Jan. 7. New Year Program * Sheraton Nusa Indah, Nusa Dua (Phone: 0361 771906): - Dec. 31: New Year's Eve, Cafe Lagoon, Mayang Sari. * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, Nusa Dua: - Dec.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
FDI inflow may plunge further, says Hamzah Haz
FDI inflow may plunge further, says Hamzah Haz JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will likely see a slow inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 1999, and, if the worst comes to the worst, the political debacle would drag down next year's investment approvals still further, State Minister of Investment Hamzah Haz said on Wednesday.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Heavy rains drench Gorontalo
Heavy rains drench Gorontalo GORONTALO, North Sulawesi: Hundreds of houses were inundated here Wednesday after three days of heavy rain drenched the Gorontalo area. Nearly a meter of water had entered houses since late Tuesday night as the two largest rivers in the area, Bone and Bulanggo, also overflowed. According to Antara the local administration has responded by sending whatever relief -- food and medicine -- is available at their disposal.
Thu, 31 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Legal aid group concerned by abuse of women
Legal aid group concerned by abuse of women JAKARTA (JP): A legal aid group highlighted on Wednesday the increasing trend of women to work in those jobs during the economic crisis where they were prone to abuse.