Archive: 8 December 1998
51 articles found
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fishing boat catches fire
Fishing boat catches fire DENPASAR, Bali: A fishing boat caught fire on Saturday off Bali but all the crew swam to safety to Ketapang, south of Denpasar, Antara reported on Monday. Bali Police spokesman Maj. Y. Suyatmo said the fire on board Putra Jaya 50 caused the owner, a local fishing company, Rp 500 million (US$66,000) in losses. Imam Safei, the boat's captain, told the police that the fire was first spotted in the engine room.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Private Budi sues Wiwid
Private Budi sues Wiwid JAKARTA (JP): Private Budi Leksono, a member of the Presidential Guard, lodged a complaint at the Central Jakarta Police station on Monday against Wiwid Pratiwo for defamation. "Wiwid has spread lies with groundless statements. I'll pursue truth through the existing laws," Budi said. Budi, who is on suspension from his unit for desertion, admitted that he filed the complaint on his own initiative. "Nobody forced or influenced me to do this," he said.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Prabowo to be honored in retirement ceremony
Prabowo to be honored in retirement ceremony JAKARTA (JP): The former commander of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus), Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto, is among 70 generals invited to bring their service to an honorable end in a formal retirement ceremony on Thursday. Armed Forces (ABRI) Spokesman Maj. Gen. Syamsul Ma'arif said the ceremony would be held at the National Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java. "Lt. Gen.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sporting superpower has nervous start to Asian Games
Sporting superpower has nervous start to Asian Games BANGKOK (Agencies): China struggled to establish its superiority on the first day of serious Asian Games competition Monday with its swimmers slowing down and its shooters off target. That let Japan through to lead the medals table while the Thai host of the 13th Asian Games was delighted to win two gold medals and bask in international praise of the 41 nation event which has drawn more than 6,700 athletes.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Lifter Indri bags RI's 1st medal
Lifter Indri bags RI's 1st medal By Primastuti Handayani BANGKOK (JP): Liu Xiuhua of China won the gold medal in the 48 kilograms women's weightlifting event on the second day of the 13th Asian Games. Liu lifted a total of 187.5 kilograms and set a new snatch record of 83.5 kilograms. China's Li Zhou had held the previous record of 83 kilograms since September. Xiuhua ended her attempt to break the world clean and jerk mark of 112.5 kilograms at 104.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Reform justification for blasphemy?
Reform justification for blasphemy? President B.J. Habibie said reforms do not intend to destroy what the country has achieved these past decades. Reforms should not serve as a reason for people to blaspheme one another or force their own will on others. At present however, certain people have justified their crooked and depraved behavior in the name of reforms. Sadism and crimes have lately become a daily menu.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Troops rescue man from mob's attack
Troops rescue man from mob's attack JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of Duri Utara, West Jakarta residents on Monday evening threw stones at the house of a local resident who was hiding inside after wounding a youth with a sword. Two armored vehicles which rushed to the scene to rescue the man from his house on Jl. Duri Utara II in Tambora were also pelted with stones, bricks and bottles by the angry residents. As of last night, the area was still tense and many people in the neighborhood were on alert.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt will open Java, Bali to foreign mining investments
Govt will open Java, Bali to foreign mining investments BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Both Java and Bali will be opened to foreign mining investments under the eighth generation Contract of Work (COW) which is being drafted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, a ministry official said here on Tuesday. Director General of Mining at the ministry Rozik B.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Assets: Getting better value for money
Assets: Getting better value for money By C.J. de Koning The following is the second of two articles on Indonesia's economic crisis. LONDON (JP): How does the IMF program for Indonesia fit into this analysis? Selling state-owned companies to the private sector shifts ownership in the expectation that the same assets produce more output and income for the new owners. This an efficiency enhancing measure. It does nothing to extend the financial lifespan of the assets.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ghalib says Tommy's Timor car nepotistic
Ghalib says Tommy's Timor car nepotistic JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib described the former president Soeharto's national car program, entrusted to his own son Hutomo Mandala Putra, as a graft-infested project designed entirely for self-profit. Ghalib said in a statement distributed to members of the House of Representatives on Monday that the national car project, run by Hutomo's firm PT Timor Putra Nasional, had caused the country losses of US$1.55 billion.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
The long and painful process of reforming a government
The long and painful process of reforming a government By Owen Podger This is the second of two articles on the obstacles blocking attempts to reform the government. JAKARTA (JP): Why has the government delayed implementing functional positions (jabatan fungsional)? The reason given by the Ministry of Finance is that the country cannot afford it. But how can the country continue with a system that so blatantly prevents proper human resource management?
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah end unchanged, stocks gain 2.3 percent
Rupiah end unchanged, stocks gain 2.3 percent JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah remained steady to close at 7,550 against the U.S. dollar in dull trading on Monday but stock prices gained 2.3 percent. Currency dealers said trading activities had significantly subsided and most participants had moved to the sidelines of the local market. "I think most operators did not want to build any new position now as they squared their position the previous month," a chief dealer with a local private bank said.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thanks to Garuda
Thanks to Garuda I would like to relate a very positive experience on Nov. 13, 1998. We were 50 expectant participants for Jungle Run 9 in Tana Toraja, scheduled on the 12:30 p.m. Garuda flight from Jakarta to Ujungpandang. Unfortunately, the flight was canceled as the airport in Ujungpandang was closed due to demonstrations. The telex from Ujungpandang mentioned that the airport at the earliest would open up again at 9 p.m.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
E. Timorese mark anniversary of 'invasion' with protests
E. Timorese mark anniversary of 'invasion' with protests JAKARTA (JP): East Timorese marked the 23rd anniversary of what they described as the territory's invasion by Indonesia by dancing and protesting at the United Nations headquarters here. One hundred students and activists participated in the demonstration which then moved down Jl. H. Agus Salim.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
When a doctor's honest help paid back with a cruel attack
When a doctor's honest help paid back with a cruel attack By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): It was dusk on Nov. 27 and Andi Santosa, a 47- year-old general practitioner, was at his rented practice on Jl. Dewi Sartika, East Jakarta. He was alone. The last patient had left a few minutes earlier and no one was in the waiting room. At about 6 p.m. Andi, who was still in his white coat, heard a knock on the door. "It was a handsome man in his mid-20s," he recalled.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thailand calls for Cambodian reforms
Thailand calls for Cambodian reforms BANGKOK (AP): Despite the United Nations' recent decision to admit Cambodia, Thailand is still cautious about allowing the country to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a Foreign Ministry official said on Monday. "We don't want to polarize ASEAN over this issue. There should be consensus," Foreign Ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul said.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students told to stop denouncing ABRI
Students told to stop denouncing ABRI JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Juwono Sudarsono appealed to students on Monday to stop bashing the Armed Forces (ABRI) while the nation's security and stability is in a most precarious position. "For the time being, I call on students not to use strong, radical rhetorics against ABRI, especially the police force," Juwono told reporters in his office. "People need them (ABRI) to rebuild their confidence and their sense of security," he said.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Author forecasts a cautious resumption of growth in Asia
Author forecasts a cautious resumption of growth in Asia By Edward Neilan TOKYO (JP): Always ahead of the curve in anticipating change, historian-author-consultant Daniel Yergin is already talking about "The Asian Comeback." His forecast is not gushing optimism but a prediction for cautious restart of the things that created the Asia powerhouse in the first place.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
DHL's money-back guarantee
DHL's money-back guarantee JAKARTA (JP): PT Birotika Semesta/DHL Worldwide Express launched on Tuesday a new service called The USA First's Service Guarantee that promises door-to-door delivery of any shipment from a number of major cities in Indonesia to the United States in two days.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crimes on toll road
Crimes on toll road From Bisnis Indonesia Reading, hearing about and witnessing the hair-raising hold- ups and robberies on Jakarta's urban toll roads all make we ordinary citizens really gripped by fear in conducting our daily activities. A question arises in us as toll road users, is it wrong and what is the penalty if we, in order to save ourselves, ram our vehicles into the robbers? We would like to appeal to the authorities to give their attention to this matter. BUDY JACOB Jakarta
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
English language teaching must be reformed
English language teaching must be reformed By A. Chaedar Alwasilah This is the first of two articles on the necessity of reform in the teaching of English as a foreign language in Indonesia. BANDUNG, West Java (JP): May 1998 marked a new era of reform for all walks of Indonesian life, including education. This new era is one of openness and transparency, where almost all social ills and injustices are subject to public discussion.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN leaders urge trade, finance liberalization
ASEAN leaders urge trade, finance liberalization HANOI (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian leaders will call for increased liberalization of trade and services and faster implementation of a regional tariff agreement at a summit of leaders in Hanoi next week, according to a preliminary draft of a joint declaration.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Obituary
Obituary Soebadio Sastrosatomo, an independence fighter and a politician after Indonesian won its independence, died of old age at the Metropolitan Medical Center (MMC) on Monday. Antara reported that he died at MMC after having been treated at the hospital for a month for various health problems. In the past few years, Soebadio was better known as a writer of books critical of the government of former president Soeharto.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Obuchi to attend ASEAN summit
Obuchi to attend ASEAN summit TOKYO (Reuters): Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit meeting in Hanoi on Dec.15 through Dec. 16, which includes a Japan-ASEAN summit on the Dec. 16, a senior Foreign Ministry official said on Monday. Obuchi is expected to give a policy speech on the future relationship between Japan and ASEAN at the summit, before meeting separately with leaders of ASEAN, South Korea and possibly China, later in the day.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Meaning of democracy
Meaning of democracy From Media Indonesia Apparently we still have a lot to learn about democracy. The New Order regime interpreted democracy as holding total power (judiciary, executive and legislative, even military) in one hand. It also silenced anyone who had a different opinion, accusing him of undermining Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution and putting him in jail. Was it called Pancasila democracy?
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Muchtar, Ratna to get awards
Muchtar, Ratna to get awards JAKARTA (JP): Labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan and playwright Ratna Sarumpaet have been named as recipients of awards by two separate international bodies advocating human rights. The awards will be handed at separate ceremonies on Dec. 10, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian Games results
Asian Games results Cycling Men's downhill: 1. P. Kongsamut (Tha) 3min 43.13sec 2. Takashi Tsukamoto (Jpn) 3.44.79 3. Lam Brian Cook (Hkg) 3.57.65 Women's downhill: 1. Sachiko Kamakura (Jpn) 4min 26.49sec 2. Mami Masuda (Jpn) 4:44.15 3. Chen Ju Miao (Tpe) 4:54.18 Shooting Women Team Air Rifle: 1. Thailand (Thanyarat Pupiromchaikul, Nuanwan Kerdsumran, Jarintorn Dangpiam) 1,178pts 2. South Korea (Kim Jung mi, Yeo Kab-soon, Lee Ki-young) 1,171 3.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Fine Arts Exhibition: Gonjang Ganjing Negeriku, by Herry Dim, at Galeri Taman Budaya Jawa Barat, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan No. 53, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., until Dec. 11. * Painting Exhibition: Works of Eddy Noor, at Bandung Giri Gahana Golf and Resor, Jl. Raya Jatinangor km. 20 (Phone: 022 798401), 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 8. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Recognition, by Yudi Yudoyoko, at Galeripadi Jl. Ir. H.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Student's death investigated
Student's death investigated AMBON, Maluku: A Pattimura University team probing the mysterious death of one of its students following clashes with security forces here last month has promised to continue with the investigation. The head of the team, Rony Titahelu, told Antara on Monday that two witnesses, both roommates of the victim, 20-year old Febriani Eluar, had already been questioned. Febriani died in Ambon General Hospital on Dec.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Brebes calm after Sunday riot, police still investigating
Brebes calm after Sunday riot, police still investigating SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Police in Brebes have said they are still investigating a riot on Sunday in which 10 people were hurt when Golkar supporters clashed with followers of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction led by Megawati Soekarnoputri. "The town's quiet now but we're still deploying police," Brebes Police chief Lt. Col. Zaenal Syarif Alamsyah said.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie rejects plan to hold national dialog
Habibie rejects plan to hold national dialog JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has poured cold water on the National Resilience Council's (Lemhanas) plan to hold a national dialog, saying it may create more problems than it intends to solve. Speaking at the Bina Graha presidential office to participants on the council's 31st regular course, Habibie said one main drawback could be selecting suitable participants worthy of placating all interests.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Medal winner Indri following in the footsteps of her father
Medal winner Indri following in the footsteps of her father BANGKOK (JP): Sri Indriyani may not be as well-known as the Indonesian badminton players, but the weight lifter stole the limelight after winning the country's first medal at the 13th Asian Games. Making her Asiad debut, the diminutive Indriyani took a bronze medal in the 48-kilogram division with a total lift of 180 kilograms. However, Indri, as her friends call her, admits she was once reluctant to train.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Many firms prefer to hold meetings outside Jakarta'
'Many firms prefer to hold meetings outside Jakarta' BOGOR, West Java (JP): The uncertainty over security and the political situation in Jakarta has provided opportunities for hotels and resorts outside the capital. Novotel Bogor's General Manager Antoin Sirot said many companies and institutions preferred to hold their meetings and seminars outside the capital to ensure that their activities would not be disturbed by antigovernment protests, which often turned violent.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Political tension could heighten
Political tension could heighten Unrest and uncertainty have been spreading through Indonesia at an alarming rate in recent months. Azyumardi Azra, who is professor of history and rector of the Syarif Hidayatullah State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) in Jakarta, warns the situation could get worse in the coming months. JAKARTA (JP): Increasing resentment, especially among those who question the legitimacy of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and President B.J.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two former ministers to be questioned
Two former ministers to be questioned JAKARTA (JP): Two former industry ministers under former president Soeharto -- Mohamad "Bob" Hasan, Tunky Ariwibowo -- will be questioned by the Attorney General's office on Tuesday on possible corruption relating to the former president.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN police chiefs in S'pore
ASEAN police chiefs in S'pore SINGAPORE (AP): Southeast Asian police chiefs predicted on Monday that drug trafficking, piracy of copyrighted materials and computer fraud would probably be the biggest regional cross- border crimes in the next century, Singapore's state-run television reported. The police representatives have gathered in Singapore for a two-week conference to strengthen ties within the regional grouping and discuss collective strategies to deal with cross- border crimes.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Court turns down claim against Dharmala Agrifood
Court turns down claim against Dharmala Agrifood JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court on Monday turned down a bankruptcy claim jointly filed by publicly owned Bank Niaga, ING Indonesia Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) against PT Dharmala Agrifood. Presiding judge Ch. Kristi Purnamiwulan said in the hearing on Monday that the debt claims brought by the three financial institutions had not fallen due.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
In search of talented teachers
In search of talented teachers Iwan Pranoto in his article "Nation needs talented teachers" (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 3) stated some of the problems in the Indonesian educational system and suggested several solutions, focusing on improving the quality of teachers. The greatest teacher training resource in this country is hidden in the international schools, which are only available to children of expatriates.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt criticized over decision to lift fertilizer subsidy
Govt criticized over decision to lift fertilizer subsidy JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives criticized on Monday the government's decision to lift its subsidy on fertilizers in one go, saying the decision would further cut the country's rice production. Members of House Commission III for agriculture, forestry and plantations, transmigration and food affairs urged the government to rethink the decision and to lift the subsidy gradually.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Dec. 7, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,350.00 7,600.00 7,350.00 7,675.00 Austrian schilling 1 589.70 659.70 - - Australian dollar 1 4,450.90 4,710.90 4,435.00 4,785.00 Belgian franc 1 197.80 222.80 - - Brunei dollar 1 - - 4,345.00 4,670.00 Canadian dollar 1 4,675.80 4,955.80 4,600.00 5,100.00 Swiss franc 1 5,267.30 5,547.30 5,090.00 5,590.00 Deutschemark 1 4,277.25 4,537.25 4,185.00 4,585.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Samsung swaps car unit for Daewoo firm
Samsung swaps car unit for Daewoo firm SEOUL (Reuters): South Korea's Samsung will swap its troubled car business for the debt-burdened electronics company of its rival Daewoo as the country's bloated conglomerates on Monday announced moves to shed scores of their units.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
BP, Caltex plan tie-up
BP, Caltex plan tie-up MELBOURNE (AFP): The Australian arm of British Petroleum said on Monday it was in discussions on a possible joint venture with Caltex Australia Ltd to jointly operate their oil refineries in the country. BP Australia Ltd and Caltex said in a joint statement that they were in "detailed discussions" on building a joint venture that would reduce the costs of operating their four refineries.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Islets facing growing poverty
Islets facing growing poverty JAKARTA (JP): About 900 islands, mostly inhabited by fisherfolk, have become pockets of poverty, Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid said on Monday, blaming a lack of coordination between the central and regional governments. Antara quoted his address read by Director General of Regional Development Soetardjo J., at the opening of a seminar on the management of small islands here.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 7, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 0 17,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 -25 43,000 Alumindo Light Metal 300 25 90,500 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 225 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,625 -25 8,552,500 Anwar Sierad 125 0 72,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Questioning of Sjahrir on hold
Questioning of Sjahrir on hold JAKARTA (JP): The city police have temporarily ended the questioning of Sjahrir, one of the country's top economists, a senior officer said on Monday. Head of the Jakarta Police unit for special crimes, Lt. Col. Winarno, said "the questioning of Sjahrir has been stopped temporarily, but we're trying to obtain further evidence." Winarno refused further explanation of the postponement.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Marzuki elected to chair human rights commission
Marzuki elected to chair human rights commission JAKARTA (JP): Marzuki Darusman was elected as the new chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights during a meeting on Saturday that also saw the appointment of six new members, the commission announced on Monday.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gold donations to be auctioned
Gold donations to be auctioned JAKARTA (JP): The government will auction on Tuesday and Wednesday 100.79 kilograms of gold collected from the public during the "I Love Rupiah" campaign earlier this year. Director General of the State Budget of the Ministry of Finance Darsyah said on Monday that proceeds were expected to reach at least Rp 5.5 billion (US$733,333).
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Civilians rewarded for helping police arrest criminals
Civilians rewarded for helping police arrest criminals JAKARTA (JP): City police honored three civilians on Monday for helping law enforcement officers catch criminals in the capital. Awards of certificates and Rp 125,000 (US$17) cash each were presented by Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman in an official ceremony in conjunction with the 49th anniversary of the city police.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan will aid Vietnam
Japan will aid Vietnam TOKYO (AFP): Tokyo will give financial assistance worth 100 billion yen (US$847 million) to Vietnam and consider giving part of the US$30 billion Asian rescue fund to the country, a report said on Monday. The aid will be unveiled at a World Bank-sponsored conference of donors to Vietnam scheduled for December 7-8 in Paris, Jiji Press said. The major portion of the planned assistance will be Japan's yen loans, the report said.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
New Year's party is still on
New Year's party is still on SURABAYA: People hoping to celebrate the New Year in style will be allowed to have their party after all. The East Java provincial administration ruled on Monday that entertainment locations may open during the first 13 days of the Ramadhan fasting month, but only between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Antara reported. The administration had earlier ruled that entertainment places must cease operations between Dec. 20 and Jan. 2 to respect Moslems performing the fast.
Tue, 08 Dec 1998, 00:00 WIB
Customs exchange
Customs exchange Correction: Regarding the caption on this page in the Business and Investment section on Saturday, Darwin will be the site of the preclearance facility set up by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and the Northern Territory's Asia and Trade division. The agreement was signed in Jakarta on Friday. We regret the error. -- Editor