Archive: 12 March 1998
69 articles found
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Only simple party for MPR members
Only simple party for MPR members JAKARTA (JP): Austerity and simplicity will be the order of the day at this year's reception hosted by President Soeharto for the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) as even the usually lavish menu will be toned down. The President has apparently ordered a simple and brief reception in light of the country's severe economic crisis. "We will only serve plain food," a palace official said.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
PLN fears shortfall despite cash infusion
PLN fears shortfall despite cash infusion HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Indonesia's state-owned electric utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) remains gravely concerned that it won't be able to make payments for gas and power supplies after March, despite a cash infusion this week of Rp 1.25 trillion, a utility official told Dow Jones Newswires yesterday.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Misguided' journalists
'Misguided' journalists JAKARTA (JP): Reporters covering the swearing in of President Soeharto grumbled yesterday about the excessive security applied both inside and outside the People's Consultative Assembly compound. During the opening of the General Session on March 1, reporters were permitted to enter the balconies of the main building. Yesterday, they were turned away from doors -- fitted with metal detectors -- leading to the venue.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bitter IMF pills to swallow
Bitter IMF pills to swallow If the IMF administers a transfer payment to the Indonesian government it will be caving in, giving the alcoholic a drink, the chocoholic a Kit-Kat, the grounded teenager a ticket to the prom on Saturday night. But, sometimes, it's easier for parents to give in and let their kids off the hook. As quoted in the Post, President Soeharto and a couple of his children said Tuesday that the family principle is the basis of Indonesian economics.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Food donations given to bus crew
Food donations given to bus crew JAKARTA (JP): The City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) handed over 1,000 parcels of basic commodities yesterday to bus crews and residents living near Kampung Rambutan bus terminal, in East Jakarta. Each parcel contained 2.5 kilograms of rice, 1 kilo of sugar and instant noodles. The parcels were given out in cooperation with privately run bus company PT Mayasari Bakti. Head of the agency J.P.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian crisis fuels new Asia contagion fears
Indonesian crisis fuels new Asia contagion fears HONG KONG (Reuters): Indonesia is a wild card with the potential to damage the entire region, but analysts are divided on whether its economic turmoil will drag Asia back to the brink of economic chaos. "I think it will have an impact, but it's a hard call," said Andrew Ballingal, equity strategist at Schroders Investment. "People look at Indonesia very differently than they do Korea, or the Philippines, or Thailand.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two Bank Exim executives arrest
Two Bank Exim executives arrest JAKARTA (JP): Police officially charged two executives of state-owned Bank Exim yesterday for allegedly falsifying bank records and taking bribes. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar identified the two yesterday as SA and HS. "We charged the two for violating Article 49 of the 1992 Banking Law on falsification of company books and bribery," he said.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Emil congratulates new Presidnet and Vice President
Emil congratulates new Presidnet and Vice President JAKARTA (JP): Senior economist Emil Salim proved he was a graceful loser yesterday, bowing out of the election arena by sending a congratulatory message to B.J. Habibie whom the People's Consultative Assembly chose ahead of him as the new vice president.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Five face two years for robbery
Five face two years for robbery JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked West Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence five men to two years in jail each for their alleged involvement in the theft of 37 sewing machines from a garment factory. Prosecutor Azwar said the five defendants -- Daeng Irwan, 37, Hengki Irawan, 20, Simon A. Jaya, 24, Tumiran, 32, and Chairul, 36, -- along with two accomplices who are still at large, stole the goods from PT Sapta Putra Angkasa's factory in Kebon Jeruk on Oct.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies hold up as Soeharto gives no clues
Asian currencies hold up as Soeharto gives no clues SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian currencies held up but steered clear of their early highs yesterday after Indonesian President Soeharto failed to mention a currency board in his eagerly awaited inauguration speech. Dealers and analysts said the market was focused on the Indonesian rupiah, which would remain hamstrung on uncertainty over its fate due to a lack of clear policy direction from Jakarta.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ramos not to attend ASEM in London
Ramos not to attend ASEM in London MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos said Wednesday he has cancelled plans to attend next month's Asia-Europe meeting (ASEM) in London. "I found it necessary to beg off from heading the (Philippine) delegation because of my duties here," Ramos said in his weekly press conference. Ramos said he was sending Senate President Neptali Gonzales to represent him at the second ASEM meeting on April.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Lyonnais forex deal suspended
Lyonnais forex deal suspended HANOI (Reuters): The general manager of the Vietnam branch of Credit Lyonnais said yesterday his bank had been suspended from foreign exchange dealing for a month after it broke regulations governing margins. "The suspension is for the amount of US$2,298 and the central bank asked Credit Lyonnais to refund this $2,298 to customers regarding two separate forward foreign exchange transactions in February," Patrick Oberreiner said in a statement.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
POSCO profit rises 17%
POSCO profit rises 17% SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's giant Pohang Iron and Steel Co. (POSCO) said Wednesday its net profit jumped 17 percent to 729 billion won (US$461 million) last year. Sales also grew 15 percent to 9.72 trillion won ($6.1 billion) in calendar 1997, a POSCO spokesman said. It is expected to be the second consecutive year that the world's second largest steel maker posted the biggest net profit by a South Korean firm.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF says it will be flexible on Indonesian reforms
IMF says it will be flexible on Indonesian reforms WASHINGTON (Agencies): The International Monetary Fund (IMF), sending a conciliatory message to President Soeharto, said on Tuesday it was ready to tailor its economic program for Indonesia to take human suffering into account. IMF First Deputy Managing Director Stanley Fischer said the Washington-based lending agency was prepared to adjust the terms of Indonesia's reform program because circumstances had changed.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128: - The Tavern Pub: Cosindos Band, daily except Sunday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Hazztoria Band, live music performance on Sunday, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. - Atrium Lounge: Solo Pianist, Monday to Friday, 7 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., Saturday at 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Lobby: Gamelan, Traditional Music, daily, 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. * Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 Children's Film: Kid Pix 3:10 Science Film: Modern Eye for Traditional 3:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Orchestra Film 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 Children's Drama: Oh Nenek 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Live Reports: The Reception of President, Vice President and the People's Consultative Assembly 9:00 World News...
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
KSEI seeks fresh funds for scripless trading
KSEI seeks fresh funds for scripless trading JAKARTA (JP): PT Kustodian Sentral Efek Indonesia (KSEI) is seeking fresh funds to finance a scripless trading system in the country's two local stock exchanges. KSEI president Isakayoga said yesterday the company would try to obtain additional funds from shareholders or bank loans. "We have not decided which option (is best) since both would be difficult at this time," he said, pointing to tight liquidity and high interest rates.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
President Soeharto's acceptance speech to the MPR
President Soeharto's acceptance speech to the MPR The following is the full text of President Soeharto's acceptance speech after he was inaugurated for a seventh five- year term yesterday on the final day of the General Session of People's Consultative Assembly. JAKARTA: Honourable Chairman, Vice Chairmen and members of the People's Consultative Assembly, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen; These last 11 days were extremely important for our nation's future journey, evolution and growth.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gafur: All easy questions
Gafur: All easy questions JAKARTA (JP): What would happen if by some strange chance the newly elected Vice President B.J. Habibie had refused his nomination yesterday? Could the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) find a replacement within a day? Those questions were shot at House Deputy Speaker Abdul Gafur, from the Golkar faction, after the five factions interviewed Habibie on the last day of the General Session to formally affirm his readiness for the nomination.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
More students, lecturers join on-campus rallies
More students, lecturers join on-campus rallies JAKARTA (JP): On-campus rallies calling for reform and protesting against the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities gathered steam yesterday as tens of thousands of students and lecturers from nearly 40 universities took part.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Smooth MPR General Session draws praise
Smooth MPR General Session draws praise JAKARTA (JP): Assembly members patted themselves on the back yesterday at the end of a smooth and prosaic General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Ismail Hasan Metareum said the legislative body deserved congratulations for finishing the 11- day congress on time with only minor interruptions. "No problem.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto seeks people's support
Soeharto seeks people's support JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, sworn in for his seventh five-year term of office yesterday, appealed in his inauguration address for people's support to complete the term which he sees as being "very tough." Soeharto's deputy for the next five years is the country's technology czar B.J. Habibie, who was elected yesterday and sworn in in a separate ceremony last night.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
KPC seeks approval to sell its shares
KPC seeks approval to sell its shares JAKARTA (JP): Coal mining giant PT Kaltim Prima Coal wants government approval to offer a portion of its shares to the public to fulfill a mandatory divestment program. The company's assistant managing director, Hadi S. Hadiprayitno, said Tuesday KPC preferred selling its shares on the stock market rather than through direct private placement as proposed by the government.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Like father, like son
Like father, like son MAGELANG, Central Java: Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has done his father proud by coming top of his class at the Military Academy. The son of Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Armed Forces' chief of sociopolitical affairs, was among the more than 300 students whose rank was promoted from First Private to Corporal on Sunday, Antara reported. Winning such accolades is not unusual for Agus.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Seoul eyes swap deal with RI
Seoul eyes swap deal with RI SEOUL (Dow Jones): The South Korean government said yesterday it is considering a plan to swap its exports to Indonesia for imports, as many exports and construction fees haven't been paid for by the trouble-ridden Southeast Asian nation. If necessary, the Korean government will send a survey team to start government-level negotiations to exchange its unpaid exports with the imports of raw materials from Indonesia, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
E. Timor assured of rice supply
E. Timor assured of rice supply DILI, East Timor: East Timor Deputy Governor Johanes Haribowo said the province has 16,000 tons of rice stored in its warehouses, enough for at least five months. Haribowo, who heads the administration's team for monitoring the supply of basic foodstuffs, said the ample stock should keep the market price at its current level of Rp 1,100 to Rp 1,200 a kilogram. East Timor needs 3,000 tons of rice each month, he said.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Analysts urge establishment of credible cabinet
Analysts urge establishment of credible cabinet JAKARTA (JP): Economists expect the upcoming cabinet to be a credible one to help solve the country's ongoing economic crisis. Both domestic and foreign investors hope the new cabinet will be able to rebuild confidence in the government and the country's markets, said Umar Juoro, a senior economist at the Center for Information and Development Studies. The private think tank is connected to newly elected Vice President B.J. Habibie.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Results of MPR General Session
Results of MPR General Session From Neraca The present General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) differs from previous sessions because it has convened amid concern over all areas of the country's affairs. Not only is the economic crisis giving cause for concern, but there is a more serious crisis of confidence in the government. Amazingly, the cost of the 11 day MPR General Sessions is said to exceed Rp 40 billion.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian markets wary of RI-IMF standoff
Asian markets wary of RI-IMF standoff HONG KONG (AFP): Asian share prices closed mixed yesterday amid lingering concern over Indonesia's intent to carry out economic reforms called for by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in return for a bailout package. Fragile sentiment over the apparent standoff between Jakarta and the IMF remained as President Soeharto was sworn in for a seventh consecutive five-year term.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sime Bank takeover comes under spotlight
Sime Bank takeover comes under spotlight By Nelson Graves KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Financier Abdul Rashid Hussain adds to a growing empire with his takeover of ailing Sime Bank, but questions lingered yesterday over how he would pay and whether it would end up being a government rescue. Abdul Rashid's namesake group, Rashid Hussain Bhd., announced late on Tuesday it had agreed to buy Sime Bank, owned by blue chip conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd., for US$220 million.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Picasso among axhibits at new city art gallery
Picasso among axhibits at new city art gallery JAKARTA (JP): Art lovers can have their fill of masterpieces by old masters and contemporary works by new artists at a new gallery recently opened here, an assistant art advisor has said. Wirasti Wiryono said Galerie Sepia, opened at Jakarta's Shangri-La hotel on Feb. 28, offers "a varied collection of 17th century European old masters and masterpieces as well as works of five local artists under contract". The parent gallery is in Paris.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bus operators seek import duty exemption
Bus operators seek import duty exemption JAKARTA (JP): Public bus owners and operators called on the government yesterday to exempt them from paying import duties and subsidize imports of badly needed spare parts. The Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) and City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) are currently discussing measures to alleviate the pressure on bus owners and operators.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan boosts investment
Taiwan boosts investment TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan is to invest T$20 billion (US$618.7 million) in Southeast Asia, mainly in Malaysia, following a visit by Taiwan Vice President Lien Chan to Kuala Lumpur last week, a business group leader said in remarks published yesterday. "We prepare to form an investment company capitalized at 20 billion Taiwan dollars," said Liu Tai-ying, chairman of the ruling Kuomintang's powerful business unit.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four Indonesians skippers convicted
Four Indonesians skippers convicted KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian magistrate's court sentenced four Indonesian boat skippers to two years in jail and a whipping for smuggling in 11 Indonesian immigrants into Malaysia in February, reports said yesterday. The four Indonesian skippers, identified only as Idris, 30, Surinto, 22, Bakhtiar, 34, and Rosli, 45, are to receive three strokes of the rattan. They were also fined 30,000 ringgit (US$7,895) each, the New Straits Times reported.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on March 11, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rice production to drop, drought delays harvest
Rice production to drop, drought delays harvest JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's unhusked rice production this year is expected to reach 45 million tons, only 84.3 percent of its initial target of 53.25 million tons. Sjarifudin Karama, secretary general of the ministry of agriculture, said the lower rice production was due to the severe drought in several provinces.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ananda shocked over Melandrie's death
Ananda shocked over Melandrie's death JAKARTA (JP): Ananda Mikola, Indonesia's rising Formula III racing star, was shocked by the death of his teammate Alfredo Melandrie of Italy who died Monday at the Faenza hospital in Italy. Melandrie, a member of the R.C. Motorsport club, died after suffering head injuries in a car crash during practice on March 2 at the Mugello circuit in Italy.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pulomas dam critical
Pulomas dam critical From Kompas The condition of the Pulomas dam, East Jakarta, is causing great concern to residents of the area, especially those living close to the weir. One Saturday evening, the rain was moderate and brief. It was followed by drizzle until the next morning. The drainage network leading to the dam was flooded, as were the streets.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
World Bank encouraged by Soeharto's speech
World Bank encouraged by Soeharto's speech TOKYO (Reuters): A senior World Bank official said yesterday he was encouraged by statements from Indonesian President Soeharto at his inauguration, but added that the bank's structural assistance to the region depends on an International Monetary Fund aid package remaining on track. "I was very encouraged by Soeharto's speech," said World Bank Vice President for External Affairs Mark Malloch Brown.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto hailed over stance on criticism
Soeharto hailed over stance on criticism JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's reassurance that he is open to criticism received an enthusiastic response from legislators and observers alike yesterday. But legislators of the House of Representatives, a body often sneered at as a rubber-stamp institution that lacks the courage to criticize the government, refused to say if the President's statement would change their stature.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF vs Indonesia, a dangerous game?
IMF vs Indonesia, a dangerous game? The disagreement between Indonesia and the IMF has come to resemble a cat-and-mouse game, with Indonesia looking to stabilize the rupiah without becoming ensnared in its commitment to reform and loosing out on the US$43 billion bailout cheese! Steps toward stabilizing the rupiah began with the announcement about introducing a currency board system.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Developers owe Rp 3.6b in taxes
Developers owe Rp 3.6b in taxes TANGERANG (JP): Property tax arrears from developers of housing complexes and golf courses in the city have reached Rp 3.68 billion (US$334,545), an official said yesterday. The head of Tangerang's property tax office, Junaidi, said the West Java provincial government would remind them that tax arrears should have been paid on Dec. 1 last year. "West Java's Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs and Development Ukman Sutaryan will call them soon," Junaidi said.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
ATF vice chairman Katimansah resigns
ATF vice chairman Katimansah resigns JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) vice chairman, Eddy Katimansah of Indonesia, resigned from the federation due to the rupiah collapse in the country. "I sent a resignation letter to the federation's chairman, Eiichi Kawatei, on February 12," Eddy said Tuesday, reported Antara. Eddy said he had to pay for airplane tickets personally every time he had to attend the federation's meet.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 11, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 800 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 500 0 32,500 Alumindo Light Metal 325 0 150,500 Alumindo Perkasa 250 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 575 25 79,000 Aneka Tambang 1,600 -25 612,000 Anwar Sierad 275 0 32,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Regional leaders acclaim Soeharto
Regional leaders acclaim Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Congratulatory notes on President Soeharto's reelection poured in yesterday, with neighboring countries expressing confidence the 76-year-old President's leadership would help Indonesia out of its economic crisis. Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in a letter to the President yesterday said that Indonesia has in the past managed to overcome overwhelming difficulties and widespread poverty due to Soeharto's leadership.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina changes ICP formula
Pertamina changes ICP formula SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian state oil company Pertamina will change the formula for its official term Indonesian Crude Price (ICP) starting in April, traders said yesterday. They said the new formula for its crude sales will use a third of the Asian Petroleum Price Index (APPI), a third of the daily Platt's quotes, and a third of RIM Intelligence Co. Currently, the APPI portion makes up half the formula, while Platt's and RIM quotations each make up a quarter.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore cleans up small oil spill
S'pore cleans up small oil spill SINGAPORE (Reuters): The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it has cleaned up a minor oil spill after a bunker tanker carrying 304 tons of marine gas oil collided with a dredger off Singapore yesterday. The MPA said in a statement that the collision between the Dutch registered 7,906 gross-tonnage dredger Volvox Delta, and the Singapore 313 gross-tonnage bunker tanker Allwell Perfect occurred off the southern Sister Islands at 11:20 (0130 GMT).
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Album
Album Photo A: Thanksgiving Antara THANKSGIVING: President Soeharto, surrounded by family and friends, cuts a traditional yellow rice cone. The thanksgiving gathering was held yesterday at his residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta, after he was sworn in for his seventh consecutive term. Photo B: VPs Antara VP ROW: Former vice presidents Umar Wirahadikusumah (second left) and Sudharmono (third left) share a joke in the visitors gallery during President Soeharto's swearing in ceremony.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Players welcome decision to continue training in Jakarta
Players welcome decision to continue training in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Junior badminton players and coach are happy with the Badminton Association of Indonesia's decision to cancel plans to shift their training programs to clubs and provincial badminton centers. Irwansyah, the 1997 Poland men's singles semifinalist, said yesterday that he preferred to be coached at the National Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, than anywhere else.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mini-Marshall plan to rebuild RI
Mini-Marshall plan to rebuild RI By Geoffrey Barker The Iraq and Indonesian crises demonstrate the need for new thinking about Australian national security. SYDNEY: The Iraq and Indonesian crises have exposed flaws at the heart of Australian national security policy flaws that arise because standard political and economic assumptions do not tidily resolve security dilemmas posed by the crises.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Trade funding scheme for RI not canceled: S'pore
Trade funding scheme for RI not canceled: S'pore SINGAPORE (AFP): The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said yesterday the city-state's proposed guarantee scheme to help finance Indonesian imports would proceed despite reports in Jakarta that it had failed. "Singapore has not canceled the plan to set up a multilateral trade finance guarantee facility for Indonesia," a spokesman for the MAS, Singapore's de facto central bank, said in a statement in reply to media queries.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Forest fire losses close to Rp 200b
Forest fire losses close to Rp 200b JAKARTA (JP): At least 63,000 hectares of forest and brush along East Kalimantan's Mahakam River have been ravaged by fires over the last two months, causing close to Rp 200 billion (US$21 million) in losses. Speaking from the forestry ministry's fire-fighting command post here yesterday, Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation Soemarsono said the losses excluded biodiversity damage. "It's still a rough figure...
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
City councilors in punch up
City councilors in punch up MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two city councilors were involved in a punch up Monday following a row over a car accident. Bernard Situmorang, chairman of the PDI faction in the Medan City Council, said he had reported the incident with Moses Tambonan of the Golkar faction to Council Speaker Syamsi Harahap, who promised to resolve the conflict in a "familial" way.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local stocks up in moderate trading
Local stocks up in moderate trading JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) rose 0.3 percent in moderate trading yesterday after President Soeharto was sworn in as the country's president for a seventh consecutive five year term, stockbrokers said. They said uncertainties over the country's political situation faded away after Soeharto was sworn in by the People's Consultative Assembly yesterday.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Governor says it with tears
Governor says it with tears JAKARTA (JP): So moved by what he saw as President Soeharto's honesty, Irian Jaya governor Jacob Pattipi only mumbled broken words and shed tears when asked to comment on the President's inaugural speech yesterday. "He (Soeharto) is a great man... Not only did he list successes but also admitted failures. On top of that, he also expects criticisms," he said. He paused, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, took off his glasses and repeatedly wiped away tears.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
'D&R' managing editor named suspect: Police
'D&R' managing editor named suspect: Police JAKARTA (JP): The managing editor of Detektif dan Romantika (D&R) magazine, Bambang Bujono, was officially named a suspect by police yesterday after being interrogated for at least five hours for his alleged involvement in the weekly's controversial March 7 cover and editorial. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said neither Bambang nor the other suspect, D&R's chief editor Margiono, was detained.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Image Dance by Made Budhiana at Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay, Nusa Dua, Bali, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., until March 27. * Painting Exhibition: Ida Bagus Made, at Darga Gallery, Komplek Sanur Raya, No.21/22, Denpasar, March 14 to April 14. Music and entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: - Poolside: Pasar Senggol, daily, 6:30 p.m., Kecak Dance, Friday and Tuesday.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
PM Hashimoto due in Jakarta for crisis talks
PM Hashimoto due in Jakarta for crisis talks JAKARTA (JP): Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto is scheduled to arrive here Saturday evening for a two-day working visit, a senior government official confirmed yesterday. Hashimoto is expected to bridge a dispute between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and President Soeharto over the latter's plan to peg the rupiah at a fixed rate to the U.S. dollar under a currency board system.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
A new Vice President
A new Vice President If Minister of Research and Technology Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie's smooth ascent to the vice presidency can be taken as an indication, there will not be many obstacles which will impede the execution of his duties when he takes office.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan teacher to be deported
Taiwan teacher to be deported JAKARTA: A Taiwan citizen is soon to be deported after she was caught red-handed working as a teacher at an English-language school in Jambi, the directorate general of immigration said. Hsu Hsiu Hsiang was arrested Feb. 28 while teaching at a school run by the Ananda Marga Indonesia Foundation. The statement did not give her age but described her as "beautiful". She pleaded her innocence despite being caught red- handed, it added.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore calls for help to fight RI fire
S'pore calls for help to fight RI fire SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore called for international help yesterday to put out Indonesia's spreading forest and bush fires. Environment Minister Yeo Cheow Tong told parliament Singapore had only a slim chance of avoiding smog pollution if the fires, which have been raging on in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesian part of Borneo island, continued. The fires have been blamed on logging companies and small farmers clearing land for cultivation.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto-Habibie duet wins laurels from public
Soeharto-Habibie duet wins laurels from public JAKARTA (JP): Over the past week many newspapers reporting the election of Soeharto and B.J. Habibie have likened the proximity of the new duo with that of the country's first president and vice president, Sukarno and M. Hatta, respectively. There are various reasons why some people call them dwitunggal (two but one), just like Indonesians used to refer to Sukarno and M.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Over 16,000 laid off since January
Over 16,000 laid off since January JAKARTA (JP): The city office of the Ministry of Manpower has approved the laying off of 16,481 workers from 98 companies since January, and the number is likely to continue rising as the recession deepens. S. Sianturi, head of the office, said the administration has done all it can to minimize the number of layoffs, but most companies were having a hard time keeping workers on.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI track and field meet delayed due to crisis
RI track and field meet delayed due to crisis JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) has announced the postponement of the May 17 Bob Hasan Invitational track and field meet due to the country's economic woes. "Indonesia's financial crisis has forced us to postpone the Bob Hasan Invitational," association secretary B. Chaidir confirmed Tuesday.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Poultry farmers feel henpecked in crisis
Poultry farmers feel henpecked in crisis By Asep Fathulrachman YOGYAKARTA (JP): Poultry farmers are selling their chickens and closing down in droves as soaring prices of feedmeal make business no longer viable. Knock-on effects are already being felt. The supply of chicken meat and eggs to the market is threatened, experienced by consumers in Yogyakarta and several other cities.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto may announce new cabinet on Saturday
Soeharto may announce new cabinet on Saturday JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is expected to announce the line-up for the 1998/2003 cabinet on Saturday morning, a source close to the palace said. The source said the hasty formation of the cabinet reflected the President's deep concern over the lingering economic crisis. "With the formation of the new cabinet, the President can start working to deal with the economic crisis," said the source, who requested anonymity.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Utut suffers another defeat
Utut suffers another defeat JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto suffered another defeat in the Grandmasters Championships in Calicut, India, Tuesday. Utut's defeat came from International Master Ziaur Rachman from India in the 41st move of the Tartakower opening. The other defeat was from IM Abhijit Kunte, also from India, on the same day. With this defeat, Utut again slipped to sixth place together with GM Yurtaev, who lost to Indian GM Thipsay.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Journalist never repents
Journalist never repents JAKARTA (JP): A senior female journalist for a Sumatra newspaper was briefly questioned yesterday by security officers for speculating on the next cabinet lineup. The woman drew a large crowd at a press center when she read out a list of the next cabinet lineup to fellow reporters and a television crew treated her like an authoritative official. When the "news briefing" was over, plainclothesmen approached and led her outside. "There is nothing to worry about.
Thu, 12 Mar 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ratna charged with staging illegal meeting
Ratna charged with staging illegal meeting JAKARTA (JP): Stage actress Ratna Sarumpaet and eight other activists were formally charged yesterday with organizing a political meeting in a North Jakarta hotel without a police permit Tuesday. Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the group had been charged under a 1969 law restricting political activities. If found guilty they face a maximum sentence of one year in jail.