Archive: 9 February 1998
46 articles found
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Currency board 'an option' for RI
Currency board 'an option' for RI NEW YORK (AFP): Setting up a currency board linking the rupiah to the dollar could help stabilize Indonesia's currency, though this is not the only option, IMF Managing Director Michel Camdessus said Friday. "It's an option available but it's not the only one," the International Monetary Fund chief was quoted by as saying.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thailand must pay for pipeline delays
Thailand must pay for pipeline delays YANGON (AFP): Thailand must pay thousands of dollars a day in compensation if the launch of a disputed gas pipeline linking Myanmar and Thailand is delayed by Thai protesters, officials said here yesterday. The comments came after demonstrators in western Thailand last week rallied to block construction of a remaining section of the line, due to start pumping in July and bringing in desperately- needed revenue for military-run Myanmar.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Military, civilians stand equal chance in VP race
Military, civilians stand equal chance in VP race JAKARTA (JP): Military and civilian figures have an equal opportunity to win the vice presidential race next March, but an association with incumbent President Soeharto would be a deciding factor, a political analyst has said.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI presidential election 'influences' crisis
RI presidential election 'influences' crisis SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore's former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew has said the worst of Asia's financial troubles will not be over until after Indonesian presidential elections next month, the local Sunday Times newspaper reported. "If there are no upsets in the election, the situation will stabilize and improve.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Securities firms consolidate their operations
Securities firms consolidate their operations JAKARTA (JP): A number of local securities companies are engaged in massive cost-cutting programs to cope with the economic crisis -- laying off key personnel and consolidating business units. Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, for example, announced early last week that its Indonesian equities operations would be consolidated into its Hong Kong and Singapore hubs.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four killed in boat crash
Four killed in boat crash PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Four people, missing since last Thursday's boat crash on the Musi river, Mariana subdistrict, were found dead Saturday, Antara reported. A spokesman for South Sumatra provincial police said the four victims, three adults and one child, were passengers on the Ardiansyah Putra. The victims' bodies were found near the site where the Ardiansyah Putra collided with the speedboat Family, the report said.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
An insight into the tragic Banjarmasin riot
An insight into the tragic Banjarmasin riot Amuk Banjarmasin (Banjarmasin Unrest); Dr. Hairus Salim HS and Andi Achdian; Forewords by Dr. Mohtar Mas'oed and Setia Budhi; Yayasan Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Indonesia (YLBHI) Jakarta, 1997; XXII, 124 pp. JAKARTA (JP): The bloody riot in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on May 23 last year is still fresh in our minds.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
IFC pledges to help clients settle debts
IFC pledges to help clients settle debts JAKARTA (JP): The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, is currently reviewing the performance of its 42 clients in Indonesia to assess their liquidity requirements and their capacity to service their foreign debts.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pusri to raise production
Pusri to raise production JAKARTA (JP): State-owned fertilizer producer PT Pupuk Sriwijaya (Pusri) is looking to increase fertilizer production to 2.24 million tons this year from Rp 2.11 million tons last year. The head of Pusri's public relations department, Faisal Perdana, said in Palembang Friday that the company was optimistic about reaching the target because its plant had an annual production capacity of 2.48 million tons.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian monetary crisis halts arms buying binge
Asian monetary crisis halts arms buying binge The financial crunch crippling parts of Asia has put a crimp on governments' military spending, writes Thalif Deenof Inter Press Service. UNITED NATIONS (IPS): The spreading economic crisis in Southeast Asia threatens to torpedo the once vibrant multi billion dollar arms market in the region.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S. sees lower oil demand in Asian states due to crisis
U.S. sees lower oil demand in Asian states due to crisis WASHINGTON (Reuters): Due to the economic crisis in Asia, the U.S. Department of Energy Friday reduced its monthly forecast for oil demand this year in Asian countries -- excluding China and Japan -- by 300,000 barrels to 9.1 million barrels per day. In addition, the DOE lowered its 1999 forecast for oil demand in the region by 500,000 barrels to 9.5 million barrels a day.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chain e-mails result in cyber-boycotts
Chain e-mails result in cyber-boycotts By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): In the past few days, I have received numerous e-mail messages under "guardian angel". I have to agree with my friends that these particular e-mail were more fun than others I received in recent times. Most had been about the financial crisis, phone calls from and visits by heads of states and government that President Soeharto met with this week, arrival of the IMF and U.S.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Singapore backs Asian currency plan: Mahathir
Singapore backs Asian currency plan: Mahathir SINGAPORE (Reuters): Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad said on Saturday he had agreed at a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong about "the use of our own currencies for the purpose of trade between ASEAN countries".
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bomb hoax disturbs moviegoers at mall
Bomb hoax disturbs moviegoers at mall JAKARTA (JP): A bomb threat rocked Mal Pondok Indah in South Jakarta on Saturday night, forcing the mall's management to temporarily evacuate hundreds of moviegoers. After a brief inspection by Jakarta Military Command, Jakarta Police and the Gegana Bomb-Sweeping Squad, the threat was deemed to be a hoax. The mall was declared safe and after the unplanned intermission, moviegoers were able to finish watching their films.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local stock prices likely to consolidate this week
Local stock prices likely to consolidate this week JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) are expected to consolidate this week after making a 10 percent gain last week, securities analysts have said. The analysts said foreign funds might still enter the market but profit taking by local investors would make most prices stagnant.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Laws crucial for effective reforms
Laws crucial for effective reforms JAKARTA (JP): Adequate legal infrastructure and transparent government will be critical to the success of Indonesia's painful International Monetary Fund (IMF) sponsored economic reforms, economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sofjan back home
Sofjan back home JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Sofjan Wanandi returned from an overseas business trip Saturday declaring his readiness to answer a police summons tomorrow in connection with an ongoing investigation into last month's bomb-making activities here. Sofjan told The Jakarta Post by telephone yesterday that he flew back to Jakarta on a Singapore Airlines flight after attending routine corporate meetings in Brisbane and Melbourne, and another in Singapore.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI, Bangladesh to sign treaty
RI, Bangladesh to sign treaty DHAKA (DPA): Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas arrived in Dhaka on Saturday from Colombo on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh, a government spokesman here said. Alatas is expected to sign with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad a bilateral treaty for promotion and protection of investments between the two countries after talks today.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Save your money by faxing directly through your PC
Save your money by faxing directly through your PC By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): In offices and homes, fax machines have become as ubiquitous as 'tukang parkir' (parking attendants) in Jakarta. In fact, no real office today can operate without one. The popularity of the fax is justifiable. Sending a fax is more cost-efficient than making a phone call, since you can say a lot more on a sheet of paper than in a two-minute phone conversation.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bandung's rider Dadang wins Gudang Garam Championships
Bandung's rider Dadang wins Gudang Garam Championships TEGAL, Central Java (JP): Aep Dadang Supriatna from Bandung, West Java, reaffirmed his status as one of the country's top 125cc riders when he took out the opening round of the Gudang Garam Motocross National Championships yesterday. Unchallenged from a field of 24 riders, including 14-year-old Adam Cini of Australia, Aep dominated in both moto one and moto two.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
More Irianese wear clothing
More Irianese wear clothing WAMENA, Irian Jaya (Antara): More Irianese living in remote areas are now able to speak Bahasa Indonesia and choose to wear clothing instead of penis sheaths, or koteka, thanks to government policy aimed at opening up the province through infrastructure development programs, an official said over the weekend.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
German school to move to BSD
German school to move to BSD TANGERANG (JP): The German International School is scheduled to move to Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing complex here in August. The new school complex is under construction at BSD and a topping-off ceremony was held yesterday to mark the completion of the basic structure. Ambassador Heinrich Seeman said during the ceremony that the school was constructed on a 4.4-hectare plot of land at a cost of about DM 9.5 million (Rp 57 billion).
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Military reassures foreigners about personal safety
Military reassures foreigners about personal safety JAKARTA (JP): City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has guaranteed the security of foreigners living and working in the capital. "I can assure foreigners not to worry about staying in Jakarta because we will continue taking responsibility for their security," Sjafrie told reporters Saturday.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Price protest ends in vandalism
Price protest ends in vandalism MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): A protest against the rising prices of basic commodities was held in Ende yesterday but ended in vandalism, Regent Frans Gedowolo said. The incident, which is the latest in a spate of food riots that have taken place in several Indonesian cities over the past few weeks, resulted in damage to at least 16 shops, two cars and two motorcycles. Some of the properties were set on fire, while others were pelted with stones.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tycoons must not be selfish
Tycoons must not be selfish From Pikiran Rakyat The "Sell your U.S. dollars" campaign promoted by a number of government officials, ministers, businessmen and legislators is nothing but a moral drive. This is evident from the fact that the rupiah is still weak against the U.S. dollar and the price of goods, essential or otherwise, continue to soar. Prices for these goods have risen by between 100 percent and 150 percent since we were first hit by monetary turmoil six months ago.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Unocal Corp continues with Sarulla project
Unocal Corp continues with Sarulla project JAKARTA (JP): Unocal Geothermal of Indonesia Ltd, a subsidiary of United States Unocal Corp, is continuing to develop a Sarulla geothermal power plant in North Sumatra although the project has been canceled by the government. Company vice president and general manager Olin D.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Press freedom key to corruption fighting
Press freedom key to corruption fighting Calls for political reforms that include the eradication of corruption and collusion practices are becoming increasingly vociferous. Law professor J.E. Sahetapy from Airlangga University in Surabaya, East Java, gives his views on the subject. Question: How severely have corruption and collusion practices affected Indonesian economy?
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Train crash still being probed
Train crash still being probed JAKARTA (JP): Officials are still investigating the cause of a train accident that took place Saturday near the small Sadang railway station in Purwakarta, West Java, and which disrupted traffic up to yesterday. "It is still too early to speculate on the cause of the accident and we should wait for the result of the investigation by the technical team," said Roni Wahyudi, local official of state railway company, Antara reported yesterday.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
80 firms to get mining contracts
80 firms to get mining contracts JAKARTA (JP): At least 80 foreign companies will soon receive contracts of works (COWs) to develop coal and mineral deposits across the country, according to a senior official. Director General of Mining Adjat Sudradjat said Thursday that the 80 mining contracts had recently been approved by President Soeharto. "We hope to award the contracts to the investors this month", he added.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
10,000 retrenched in Malaysia
10,000 retrenched in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): More than 10,000 Malaysians have been retrenched by companies due to the country's economic downturn, the Malaysian Trade Unions Congress (MTUC) said yesterday. The national Bernama news agency quoted MTUC President Zainal Rampak as saying that around 5,000 workers were laid off with immediate effect in the last week alone.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Spanish firm wins $6b deal
Spanish firm wins $6b deal MADRID (AFP): Spain's public works company Dragados is to sign a contract worth more than 1,000 billion pesetas (US$6.6 billion) to supply water and power to the Moroccan capital of Rabat, the firm said here. The contract grants a consortium headed by a Dragados subsidiary, Urbasser, the concession on Rabat's water and electricity services for 30 years, Dragados said.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Men quizzed in incitement probe
Men quizzed in incitement probe MANADO, North Sulawesi: Police have been questioning several people on suspicion of inciting others to riot in protest at soaring prices, a report said Saturday. Local military commander Col. H.M. Ali Fathan told Antara yesterday that the authorities believed that among those under questioning was the main instigator he identified as R.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
The reformists' battle
The reformists' battle World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn understandably ducked political questions raised during his meeting with about 60 non- government public figures, including vocal critics of the government, in Jakarta last week. It was a commendable act on his part to meet them and then to openly admit that the bank was mistaken with its rosy assessment of Indonesia last year, a misjudgment which has perhaps exacerbated the present economic crisis.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Don't raise drug prices without permission: Governor
Don't raise drug prices without permission: Governor JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has asked privately owned drugstores and city-owned hospitals here not to raise their service fees and drug prices without permission from the government. "Don't add to the people's burdens, especially sick people's. Don't take personal advantage of the monetary crisis when drug prices and medical service fees can be maintained," he said over the weekend.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibition * Painting Exhibition: Journey by Parvathi Nayar Nayaran at The New Age Bar, Jl. Wahid Hasyim 112, Central Jakarta, 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., until March 23. * Photo Exhibition: World Press Photo '97, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Feb. 12-22. * Comic Exhibition: Pekan Komik dan Animasi Nasional 1998, at Gedung Pameran Seni Rupa Depdikbud (The Art Exhibition Building), Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, Central Jakarta, until Feb. 12.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Forestry dues
Forestry dues From Kompas Forest concession (HPH) operators are liable for forest products royalties and must make a payment into the reforestation fund. These taxes are levied in U.S. dollars. However, the Minister of Forestry has recently stated that payments will now be made in rupiah, at a rate of Rp 3,000 to the dollar. The forest concessionaires' lobby must be very powerful because the government has come to their aid despite current economic turmoil.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four detained following stabbing of a Kuwaiti
Four detained following stabbing of a Kuwaiti JAKARTA (JP): Police have detained three local youths and a foreigner following the stabbing of a member of the Kuwaiti royal family at Hotel Mulia Senayan, in South Jakarta, early Saturday morning. The head of city police detectives, Col. Gories Mere, said Saturday the three youths -- identified as Bram, Dav and Abi -- and Yusef Al-Raqam from Kuwait, were detained for questioning.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:45 Film: The Big Valley 3:10 TV Drama: Dibalik Buaian Semu 3:35 Belief in God The Almighty 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Health Program: Kesehatan Keluarga 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:25 Variety Show 5:30 Sports 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Entrepreneurship: Sukses Berkarya 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music: Mozaik 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:30 Late News 10:40 TV...
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
ITTO aids forestry projects
ITTO aids forestry projects JAKARTA (JP): The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), has signed an agreement to provide a US$1.57 million grant to finance four forestry projects in Indonesia dedicated to sustainable forestry management. The new grant increases ITTO's donations to the Indonesian government to US$12 million, which is allocated to 10 forestry projects, ITTO's executive director B.C.Y Freezailah said following the signing of the grant Saturday.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Arrested students freed in Bogor
Arrested students freed in Bogor JAKARTA (JP): Four students, who were arrested Saturday for distributing copies of a speech by ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party Megawati Soekarnoputri in Bogor, were released yesterday.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Food consumption diversification
Food consumption diversification From Kompas I am a housewife and do not understand the inner mysteries of the economy, including the policy on provision of the nine essential food staples. The apparently low supply of rice has caused panic in society recently. However, the situation could be alleviated by importing rice to cover the shortage in home production. Indonesia, often referred to as an agrarian country, should be able to produce enough basic foodstuffs.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Solving imminent social conflict
Solving imminent social conflict By Makmur Keliat SURABAYA (JP): A variety of comments have been made on the origins of the ongoing monetary crisis. Analysis has suggested anything ranging from economic mismanagement to political misrule, from cultural weakness to structural impediments, from irrational reactions, such as panic, to hidden political agendas.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crisis forces city to review its draft budget
Crisis forces city to review its draft budget JAKARTA (JP): The monetary crisis has forced the municipality to keep reviewing its draft budget for the 1998/1999 fiscal year which is due to take effect beginning April 1, an official said. The continuous reviews have caused significant delays in getting final approval from the City Council, said Ongky Sukasah, one of several senior city officials who attended the latest budget meeting Thursday.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Palm oil industry buffeted by inconsistent regulations
Palm oil industry buffeted by inconsistent regulations By Devi M. Asmarani JAKARTA (JP): Over the past three months the government has issued numerous new regulations on the country's palm oil industry to stabilize cooking oil prices but none has yet shown any effectiveness. It started with the establishment of a 20 percent quota on Dec. 17 on the exports of palm oil and olein. The government imposed a 28 percent to 30 percent surcharge tax on exports which exceeded the quota.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Drought may drag on, forest fires may worsen
Drought may drag on, forest fires may worsen JAKARTA (JP): The drought may continue well into June in East Kalimantan, where new fires in January have ravaged tens of thousands of hectares of forest, an official has said. Deputy Chairman of the National Disaster Management Coordinating Board, Maj. Gen. Adang Ruchiatna, said Saturday that despite several weeks of rains recently, this year's forest fires could be worse than last year's unless they were immediately addressed.
Mon, 09 Feb 1998, 00:00 WIB
Media criticized for causing unrest
Media criticized for causing unrest JAKARTA (JP): Observers rapped the national media over its knuckles over the weekend, saying that it tended to trigger unrest and lacked accuracy. Mass communication expert Alwi Dahlan said that while the country was battling the economic crisis, the media should have made reports that calmed the public, which was vulnerable to rumors and other baseless information.