Archive: 27 February 1998
49 articles found
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kids may suffer in care of unqualified maids
Kids may suffer in care of unqualified maids By Eileen McBride JAKARTA (JP): Three-year-old Louise climbs on to the diving board at the deep end of the swimming pool, ignoring the remonstrances of her maid. Both Louise and her maid cannot swim, yet the toddler blithely jumps into the pool. She learned long ago that her maid has insufficient authority and is only to be ignored, that there are no rules that count and disobedience has no consequences.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Dialysis patients suffer in crisis
Dialysis patients suffer in crisis By Haryoso SEMARANG (JP): Wiryono, a 35-year-old civil servant suffering from kidney failure, was stunned into silence recently on finding out that he would now have to pay Rp 115,000 (US$12.75) for each of his twice weekly dialysis sessions. "I should have just dropped dead," he said. "I will never be able to afford it." Wiryono is a member of the state-owned health insurance scheme Askes which usually covers his hospital expenses.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia not to import fuel in March
Indonesia not to import fuel in March SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesia will not import any fuel oil for March arrival after failing to buy any cargoes for February, industry sources said on Thursday. "Indonesia is not buying any fuel oil March. In February it was also zero," one regular supplier to Indonesia said.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Broke asthmatic found hanging
Broke asthmatic found hanging KENDAL, Central Java: An asthmatic man was found hanging in his kitchen after complaining his acute illness had made him penniless and miserable. Karimin Susanto, 42, was found by his son in the kitchen at 1 a.m. Wednesday, only several hours after the father had grumbled to relatives about his hard life.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Feb. 26, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABN still eying Indonesia cautiously
ABN still eying Indonesia cautiously AMSTERDAM (Reuters): Dutch bank ABN AMRO said yesterday its only major concern in Asia was its exposure in Indonesia, but that it believed it had made sufficient provisions to cover any losses there. ABN AMRO said nine percent of its total risk weighted assets of 460 billion gilders (US$224.6 billion) were in Asia and one percent were in South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF, WB to provide help in private debt issues
IMF, WB to provide help in private debt issues JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will receive technical assistance from the IMF, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank in handling its corporate foreign debt problems, an Indonesian debt official has said. Radius Prawiro, chairman of the Corporate Foreign Debt Settlement Team, said yesterday the three international financial institutions would help hasten the progress of solving the debt crisis.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Privilage for old tourists
Privilage for old tourists JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will allow elderly foreign tourists to stay in the country up to one year, a senior government official has said. Director General of Tourism Andi Mappisameng said Wednesday the government was finalizing a presidential decree on the plan. Among the conditions that potential holidaymakers will have to meet are adequate bank guarantees and a written statement that if they die in Indonesia, their body will be flown home.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF may allow CBS after reforms
IMF may allow CBS after reforms SINGAPORE (AFP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) may allow a currency board in Indonesia once reforms earlier mandated by the fund are implemented by the government, an official said yesterday. David Nellor, deputy to the director of the IMF's Asia Pacific office, told AFP that the fund could incorporate the need for a currency board to manage the embattled rupiah under one of the IMF aid packages.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Flooding hits 120 villages
Flooding hits 120 villages BLORA, Central Java: Major floods have inundated 124 villages in Bojonegoro and Blora bordering East Java, officials said yesterday. No fatalities were reported. The floodwater, which was as high as 70 centimeters in the worst-hit areas, came from the overflowing Bengawan Solo river. In Blora, the flooding that began Wednesday affected six villages. In Bojonegoro, it swept through 18 villages.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
City administration to enact bylaw on injection wells
City administration to enact bylaw on injection wells JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is to introduce a new bylaw on injection wells to help stave off a water crisis in Jakarta, Governor Sutiyoso said yesterday. Under the planned bylaw, which the administration hopes will take effect in April, new buildings must include injection wells. The administration will have the power to impose sanctions on sites that do not meet the new requirements.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto innaugurates new container terminal in Koja
Soeharto innaugurates new container terminal in Koja JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday inaugurated the country's most modern container terminal, controlled by his youngest son Hutomo Mandala Putra, in Koja, North Jakarta. PT Humpuss Terminal Peti Kemas, of the Humpuss Group, built the container terminal and will operate it jointly with state- owned seaport operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) II. The terminal is located in Tanjung Priok Port. Pelindo II president A.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sudjana calls on OPEC to meet over oil prices
Sudjana calls on OPEC to meet over oil prices JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana, who is also the president of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has called for an emergency OPEC meeting to address decreasing oil prices. "I have told the OPEC secretary-general (Rilwanu Lukman) to contact OPEC ministers to see whether they will agree to gather for an extraordinary meeting," said Sudjana after a meeting with President Soeharto yesterday.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN customs officials start tariff talks in Jakarta
ASEAN customs officials start tariff talks in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Senior customs officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began a two-day meeting here yesterday to discuss further steps to harmonize tariffs in the region. Director General of Customs and Excise Soehardjo said yesterday the meeting's main agenda included discussions of tariff nomenclature, product classification and customs procedures.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Public expressions 'restricted'
Public expressions 'restricted' On Monday, three women were detained for 24 hours in Jakarta after they protested soaring food prices. Elsewhere in Indonesia, over one hundred people were held after rioting in various towns. Deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights Marzuki Darusman discusses human rights violations related to these demonstrations and riots. Question: Were there any violations of human rights committed during and after the spate of demonstrations and rioting?
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
No excuses, please
No excuses, please Surprise might have been pleaded as a mitigating factor last year when the region was smothered for over three months in a mixture of smoke and chemicals as the forests of Kalimantan and Sumatra blazed away. But the ASEAN environment ministers who are meeting today (Wednesday) in Kuching, Sarawak, need not accept such an excuse this time round as a fresh outbreak of fires threatens to send choking haze over large areas of Southeast Asia.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso declares an end to Bendi Park issue
Sutiyoso declares an end to Bendi Park issue JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso announced yesterday the dispute between the city and a developer over the removal of trees from Bendi park in South Jakarta had been resolved after the firm apologized and promised to replant the trees. Sutiyoso also disclosed that the firm had submitted a letter to him asking for permission.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang court jails 14 people for killing
Tangerang court jails 14 people for killing TANGERANG (JP): The local district court sentenced 14 men to between one year and four years in jail Wednesday for the manslaughter of a man in Cijantra village, Legok, here. Presiding judges Ratna and Ramadhani, who dealt with the case in two different trial sessions, found the defendants guilty of beating Sanusi to death on July 2 last year and burying the victim under a cement slab. "The killing, even though it was not planned, was sadistic.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
KONI awaits report from PSSI on collusion scandal
KONI awaits report from PSSI on collusion scandal JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council has said it would wait for reports from the All-Indonesian Soccer Federation's (PSSI) investigating team on collusion between referees and clubs during last year's Indonesian league. The council's vice chairman, Arie Sudewo, said yesterday the council would allow time for the investigating team to look into allegations of collusion before any action was taken by the council.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies in limbo ahead of Jakarta meeting
Asian currencies in limbo ahead of Jakarta meeting SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian currencies were firm against the U.S. dollar but the market was trapped in limbo yesterday ahead of an ASEAN finance ministers meeting in Jakarta on Friday. "The market is almost at a standstill. No one dares to take any fresh positions ahead of the Jakarta meetings and the Singapore budget announcements. They are just squaring their positions," said a senior dealer with a European house.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
9-day school holiday during MPR sessions
9-day school holiday during MPR sessions JAKARTA (JP): The city office of the Ministry of Education and Culture has granted private and public, elementary, junior and senior high school students a nine-day vacation, which coincides with the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Hadis Hadianegara, the office spokesman, told The Jakarta Post Wednesday that the holiday would comprise the mid-term holiday from March 2 to March 7 and a special break from March 9 to March 11.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rotary Club helps 50th harelip case
Rotary Club helps 50th harelip case JAKARTA (JP): Rotary Club Jakarta's Menteng branch celebrated funding its 50th operation on people with harelips in Mandarin Oriental Jakarta yesterday, pledging to continue the social mission. In her speech, the club's vice president Lusiana Hasan called on people to bring children with harelips to the club so they could undergo surgery free of charge.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two commit suicide by hanging
Two commit suicide by hanging JAKARTA (JP): Two young people hanged themselves in their homes over the past five days, raising the toll from suicides to 11 this year. Neighbors found Tri Hendrianto, 27, a resident of Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, hanging by a piece of cloth in a bathroom at 4:30 a.m. yesterday, according to one of his relatives who asked not to be named. He said the unemployed man may have been despondent after his mother refused to give him money.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Proposal to MPR
Proposal to MPR Starting March 1, 1998, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Indonesia's highest political body, will hold a General Session to set the State Policy Guidelines and elect a president and vice president for the 1998/2003 term. For that purpose, all members (1,000 in all), will be accommodated in two or three four star and five star hotels in Jakarta for 15 days and nights. Each member will be allocated one room.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Seven-year itch
Seven-year itch In 1991, I bought a Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) house at Reni Jaya Lama through the method of "debtor transfer". I fulfilled all the obligations regarding the purchase of the house. The handover document is numbered 138/Dok/Bgr/Spspk/1991 and signed by Ratimin and Subarna. To date I have received the entire set of documents, except the land title deed, which I am told is still being processed.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police face lawsuit over improper detention
Police face lawsuit over improper detention JAKARTA (JP): R.O. Tambunan from Lawyers for the Defense of Indonesian Democracy (TPDI) said yesterday he would sue the city police for the improper detention of 123 people involved in a protest over soaring prices in South Jakarta on Feb. 11. Tambunan accused the police of deliberately adding additional charges the day after the cases were brought to court.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Free debate in VP choice
Free debate in VP choice The crisis of confidence in the Indonesian government is mainly because its executive does not talk and listen to the people. As the House of Representatives tries to improve its image by working more actively in finding solution to problems facing the country, new procedures need to be developed and implemented in choosing candidates for vice president in the hope that transparency and openness are practiced.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rallies are natural in democracy: Edi
Rallies are natural in democracy: Edi JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat responded positively yesterday to growing calls for economic and political reform and the recent spate of demonstrations against soaring prices. Speaking at a media conference after a limited cabinet meeting on political affairs and security, Edi said it was natural that people living in a democratic society would have different opinions on various issues.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students stage massive protest in several cities
Students stage massive protest in several cities JAKARTA (JP): With the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly only three days away, students across Java staged demonstrations yesterday to press their demands for lower prices and political reform. Major peaceful demonstrations were staged in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Purwokerto and Kudus. Students massed on their campuses and no clashes with security personnel were reported.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian firm cancels cotton imports due to crisis
Indonesian firm cancels cotton imports due to crisis SYDNEY (Reuters): An Indonesian cotton mill has canceled a contract for the purchase of about 10,000 tons of Australian cotton from Namoi Cotton Co-operative Ltd. But shipments to Indonesia had not been seriously affected by its economic crisis, Namoi chairman Stuart Boydell said.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Few RI exports benefit from GSP
Few RI exports benefit from GSP JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's exporters have not fully benefited from the United States' General System of Preferences (GSP) facilities, the director general of foreign trade, Djoko Moeljono, has said. Djoko said yesterday the types of export commodities that suit the GSP facilities were limited and most Indonesian commodities could not meet the requirements.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fire destroys 177 houses
Fire destroys 177 houses SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A fire razed 177 houses and buildings in a slum area of Loa Janan Ilir early yesterday, the second such destructive conflagration the province in less than a month. There was no word of injuries but 379 families, or 1,384 people, were left homeless, Antara reported. It is not known how the fire started. It was reported at about midnight and was brought under control at 2:30 a.m.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Art Exhibition: Visions From Maninjau, at Kinara Kinari Gallery, Jl. Kemang Raya 114, South Jakarta (phone 7180939), until Feb. 28. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Identitas Mengambang by Aminudin Siregar, Nandang Gawe, Dodi Rosadi, Dikdik Sayahdikumullah, Heru Hikayat, at Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu No. 68 H, East Jakarta, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until March 27.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Multipolar sues Wal-Mart Inc. for $98.8 million
Multipolar sues Wal-Mart Inc. for $98.8 million JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed retailer PT Multipolar Corporation is suing its U.S. partner, retail giant Wal-Mart Store Inc. and its executives, for financial losses worth US$98.8 million for improper business practices.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
IBF fears for sponsorship amid crisis
IBF fears for sponsorship amid crisis JAKARTA (JP): The International Badminton Federation (IBF) vice chairman, Justian Suhandinata, has said that he hopes sponsors will not withdraw from the Thomas and Uber Cups to be held in Hong Kong in May. His statement came amid reports that financial difficulties resulting from the regional economic crisis were forcing some of the event's backers to contemplate reneging on commitments of support.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Teater Utan Kayu reels in local film lovers
Teater Utan Kayu reels in local film lovers By Devi M. Asmarani JAKARTA (JP): For some people, art is among the top of their needs. Nothing is more satisfying to them than an inspiring piece of literature, a stimulating play or a profound film. Unfortunately, Jakarta is no New York, or any of the other culturally rich cities for that matter, where choices are merely a subway trip downtown or a walk of a couple of blocks.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 26, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 675 0 45,000 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 575 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 300 0 728,500 Alumindo Perkasa 250 0 71,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 25 2,566,500 Aneka Tambang 1,600 25 2,522,000 Anwar Sierad 225 25 97,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Message from the Publisher
Message from the Publisher More than a month ago The Jakarta Post implemented several cost-efficiency measures -- including the reduction of the number of pages of the newspaper from 16 to 12 -- to cut financial losses caused by shrinking advertising revenue and rising newsprint prices. We had hoped that the economic situation would improve to avoid having to increase our subscription rate. Unfortunately the economic uncertainty persists and production costs keep rising.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreign interference
Foreign interference After testifying in the U.S. Congress on Jan. 30, I gave an interview to a reporter from The Jakarta Post, repeating some of the points in my testimony. I was surprised to find those comments criticized by my friend General Sayidiman in a column in these pages a few days ago. I sympathize with General Sayidiman's concern about foreign interference in Indonesia's affairs. I do not like foreign interference in the affairs of my country either.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
House approves budget with reservations
House approves budget with reservations JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives approved the 1998/1999 budget yesterday with some reservations over the weak rupiah and falling crude oil prices. The House also approved changes made to the current budget, which produced a surplus of Rp 456.24 billion (US$50.7 million) due to unexpected rises in oil prices last year.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
New warning issued on MPR disruptions
New warning issued on MPR disruptions JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly factions issued fresh warnings to their members yesterday against expressing dissent by interrupting the body's General Session next week. Golkar chairman Harmoko, Armed Forces faction leader Lt. Gen.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto, Habibie must be given a chance: Amien
Soeharto, Habibie must be given a chance: Amien JAKARTA (JP): Moslem leader Amien Rais called on the nation yesterday to give Soeharto and B.J. Habibie a fair chance to end the economic crisis after they are elected president and vice president respectively next month.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
The road to nowhere
The road to nowhere It has been a bad week for the contractors assigned to build the city's triple tier transit system. They have committed two blunders, and that before the massive project even begins. First came the bulldozing of hundreds of trees planted only a month ago as part of the city's regreening drive. The contractors claimed that the plot of land at Tanah Kusir in South Jakarta was needed for the ceremony to lay the project's first stone.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
JSX books slight gain in moderate trade
JSX books slight gain in moderate trade JAKARTA (JP): Prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) improved fractionally yesterday in moderate trading after losing ground the previous two days. But securities brokers said the general mood remained bearish as investors were still confused by the government's conflicting signals over its plan to adopt a currency board.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Nigerian arrested with heroin worth Rp3.2b
Nigerian arrested with heroin worth Rp3.2b JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested a Nigerian man at a Central Jakarta house for allegedly possessing 1.3 kilograms of high- grade heroin. Deputy to City Police chief of detectives Lt. Col. Bakat Purwanto said yesterday the heroin confiscated from Romanus Ngobi Igbozulike Pita, 38, had an estimated street value of Rp 3.2 billion. "I'd say that it's the biggest drug haul this year," Bakat said.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three arrested over pirated discs
Three arrested over pirated discs JAKARTA (JP): Three men have been arrested in separated raids in South Jakarta for allegedly being involved in the distribution of pirate laser and video compact discs, city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday. Aritonang said the three were believed to be responsible for the distribution of 4,848 discs, some of which were pornographic movies, in their stores.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore warns public of haze from RI
S'pore warns public of haze from RI SINGAPORE (AFP): The Singapore government warned the public Thursday to start preparing for the possible return of unhealthy air pollution here within weeks as hundreds of forest fires rage in Indonesia. Forest fires began in January in East Kalimantan and the situation has deteriorated in recent weeks, with hundreds of forest fires reported, an official statement said.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto yet to decide on CBS
Soeharto yet to decide on CBS JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has not yet made any decision on a fixed exchange regime as he is still studying its advantages and disadvantages, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said yesterday. But the President has reaffirmed his strong commitment to the IMF-brokeraged 50-point reform package he signed on Jan. 15, added Prabhakar Narvekar, an IMF liaison official, after a meeting with Soeharto. "He has not postponed it.
Fri, 27 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Golkar leaves cabinet lineup to president
Golkar leaves cabinet lineup to president JAKARTA (JP): Ruling political organization Golkar will let the elected president decide on members of the next cabinet, Golkar chairman Harmoko said yesterday. Harmoko suggested, however, that consultation on the selections could be conducted "through the internal mechanism of Golkar". "Our stance is we will trust the recipient of the People's Consultative Assembly' mandate (the president) to pick his or her choice of aides.