Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 April 1998

61 articles found

Yet another non-tax levy

Yet another non-tax levy Before very long cars passing along Jl. M.H. Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman during the morning and afternoon peak hours will be required to display stickers on their windshields. A sticker valid for one day will cost Rp 5,000 (64 U.S.

Man caught for growing pot

Man caught for growing pot TANGERANG (JP): A 37-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly growing marijuana in his yard in Batuceper subdistrict.The police confiscated 37 marijuana trees and 400 seeds from the suspect, Pe Giok, on Monday, Antara reported.

Property firm says business district hardest hit in crisis

Property firm says business district hardest hit in crisis JAKARTA (JP): The office market in the capital's central business district (CBD) has experienced the most severe adverse impacts of the monetary crisis, in terms of decreasing occupancy and rental rates, property consultant Procon Indah...

Environment minister shows diplomatic acumen

Environment minister shows diplomatic acumenBy Sugianto Tandra JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Juwono Sudarsono is a good listener, an eloquent speaker and a humble man, characteristics which should stand him in good stead as the glaring international spotlight focuses on the country's...

Minister supports traffic sticker plan

Minister supports traffic sticker plan JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Communications Giri Suseno Hadihardjono said yesterday the city administration should use the funds to be raised from the implementation of its traffic sticker system to improve public transportation.

Love is key to seoul-escorting ritual feast in Bentian

Love is key to seoul-escorting ritual feast in BentianBy Indra D. Himrat BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan (JP): It was 3 p.m. Dancers leading the rite came out of a longhouse and went to a field behind the building where a water buffalo was tied to a pole carved in the form of a human statue.

CX adds S'pore service

CX adds S'pore service JAKARTA (JP): Cathay Pacific Airways will operate a new daily flight serving Jakarta-Singapore beginning May 2, the company announced yesterday.The airline said yesterday flight CX714 would depart from Jakarta at 7:40 a.m. and arrive in Singapore at 10:20 a.m.

Reform in diplomacy

Reform in diplomacy Demands for reform abound these days. One demand regards the country's diplomacy.The success of the ASEM conference in London was marred by Portugal, which succeeded in cornering Indonesia by "borrowing" the UN secretary-general's hand at a time when a number of East Timorese...

TV today

TV todayTVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Kid Pix 3:05 Variety Show 3:30 Science Film: Ticket to Adventure 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 TV Series: Man From Uncle 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 My Country: Rona Nusantara...

Detained actress Ratna hospitalized

Detained actress Ratna hospitalized JAKARTA (JP): Actress Ratna Sarumpaet, who stands accused of holding an illegal political meeting and is being held in custody at the Jakarta Police Headquarters, was rushed to hospital on Tuesday night with acute back pains, her relatives said yesterday.

ICRC allowed access to repatriated migrants

ICRC allowed access to repatriated migrants JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will visit Aceh soon to meet 500 Acehnese recently repatriated from Malaysia for illegally migrating there.

Strengthening the rupiah

Strengthening the rupiah Bank Indonesia (the central bank) moved again Tuesday to tighten its monetary policy in another concerted bid to strengthen the rupiah and encourage people to hold the currency and put their savings into the domestic banking system.

RI coffee shipments still too small: Traders

RI coffee shipments still too small: Traders SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian coffee shipments are making their way into the market but the small quantities are not helping to relieve tight supplies, Asian traders said yesterday.

Govt to settle US$500m unpaid letters of credit

Govt to settle US$500m unpaid letters of credit JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia will settle the arrears of the letters of credit (LCs) issued by the country's banks to international banks, estimated at US$500 million, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said...

Asian currencies firm as Jakarta steps up reform

Asian currencies firm as Jakarta steps up reform SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian currencies kept on firm ground yesterday as Indonesia headed further down the reform track and the dollar lost its footing against the yen.

Sober alliance needed for reforms

Sober alliance needed for reforms Some university students involved in demonstrations held a dialog with ministers and the military last weekend. Mochtar Mas'oed, a lecturer in political sciences at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, reveals his views on the political climate in the aftermath of...

Sabah suffers food shortages

Sabah suffers food shortages MATUNGGONG, Malaysia (Reuters): A combination of drought and forest fires have shriveled crops in Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island, forcing hungry villagers to eat wild tapioca.

Students-govt dialogs

Students-govt dialogs When you read the abundance of news about murders, thefts, robberies, corruption, rapes, etc., these days, news about the friendly successful meeting between university students and the government is like a refreshing shower on a hot sticky day.

Two bodies found after 'bajaj' plunges into canal

Two bodies found after 'bajaj' plunges into canal JAKARTA (JP): Two of the four passengers in a bajaj (three- wheeled taxi) that plunged into the Banjir Kanal waterway in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, after being hit by a train Tuesday evening were found dead yesterday.

Dengue outbreak bites into city's blood supply

Dengue outbreak bites into city's blood supply JAKARTA (JP): The dengue fever outbreak has triggered a blood crisis for the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) due to escalating demand.Dozens of patients' relatives have been forced to spend more than a day waiting in the understaffed...

Dengue outbreak may hurt tourist sector

Dengue outbreak may hurt tourist sector JAKARTA (JP): The dengue fever outbreak could become a "bomb ready to explode" for Indonesia's already bruised tourist sector, the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) has said.

More activists jailed for street protest

More activists jailed for street protest JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta District Court sentenced another 23 people to two months and 12 days in jail yesterday for ignoring a police order to disperse during a Feb. 11 street demonstration.

Rupiah falls on reaction to size of SBI rate increase

Rupiah falls on reaction to size of SBI rate increase JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah failed to keep its footing yesterday despite Bank Indonesia's increase in short-term promissory note (SBI) rates and the government's assurances of fully meeting its reform deadlines, currency dealers said.

Crisis hampers rights office opening

Crisis hampers rights office opening SEMARANG: The economic crisis has hampered the planned establishment of the Irian Jaya branch of the National Commission on Human Rights, according to commission member Satjipto Rahardjo.

Security lax for Surabaya protest

Security lax for Surabaya protest JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of students at dozens of campuses continued with anti-government rallies yesterday but, at least in one city, security was notably lax.Besides demanding lower prices for basic commodities, students also chanted for sweeping political reform,...

Banks under IBRA supervision unveiled

Banks under IBRA supervision unveiled JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Fuad Bawazier yesterday named the 40 commercial banks placed under the supervision of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) as part of efforts to overhaul the ailing banking sector.

'Argolawu' train hits car, kills 3

'Argolawu' train hits car, kills 3 SURAKARTA, C. Java: A couple and their unborn child died Tuesday when the Argolawu express train on the Jakarta-Surakarta line hit a minibus carrying five passengers on a railway crossing here.

Earth Day celebrations marred by cancelations

Earth Day celebrations marred by cancelations JAKARTA (JP): A public dialog on environmental hazards and an antinuclear art exhibition planned in conjunction with an event to celebrate Earth Day were canceled by authorities at the last minute yesterday.

Buddhist temples to sell cheap essentials

Buddhist temples to sell cheap essentials SEMARANG: Six Buddhist temples in Semarang municipality, Central Java, will sell basic commodities at low prices on May 2, in observance of this year's Waisak Day.The chairman of the local chapter of the Indonesian Theravada Buddhism Council, D.

SE Asia feed firms down

SE Asia feed firms down SINGAPORE (Reuters): Southeast Asia's feed industry is expected to plunge by between 10 to 50 percent in 1998 from a year ago and no immediate recovery is expected, a U.S. expert said yesterday.

Victims' families unhappy with offer

Victims' families unhappy with offer SINGAPORE (DPA): Families of victims killed in a recent air crash are unhappy with compensation offers from the Singapore airline companies involved, a news report in the island republic said yesterday.

Are foreign lawyers a problem?

Are foreign lawyers a problem?By Donna K. Woodward MEDAN (JP): In the April 13 issue of The Jakarta Post, attorney Kartini Muljadi presented clearly the rationale for the position taken by Indonesian lawyers' groups on the employment of foreign lawyers in Indonesia.As Kartini and T.

AFP sells U.S. properties

AFP sells U.S. properties SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asia Food & Properties Ltd (AFP), an arm of Indonesia's Sinar Mas group, said yesterday it had completed the sale of several U.S. properties for a total cash consideration of US$265 million.

Agents qualify for honors

Agents qualify for honors JAKARTA (JP): Fifty-three agents of PT Asuransi Jiwa Sewu New York Life have qualified to become members of the US$1 million round table (MDRT) for 1998.The company said yesterday that MDRT was the premier international life insurance association of qualifying sales...

Bakrie's banks to merge

Bakrie's banks to merge JAKARTA (JP): Four private banks under the Bakrie Group, Bank Nasional, Bank Nusa International, Bank Angkasa and Bank Nasional Komersial, are set to merge soon.Chief commissioner of PT Bakrie Capital Indonesia Nirwan D.

Amexcard service

Amexcard service I was an American Express card member until a few weeks ago. In 1977, I obtained my Amexcard in Brighton, England, when there were no Amexcard activities and operations in Indonesia. For 21 years I was a member in good standing until my withdrawal nearly three weeks ago.

Agricultural sector must be revitalized soon: Wiranto

Agricultural sector must be revitalized soon: Wiranto TEGAL, Central Java (JP): Given the economic crisis, the agricultural sector must be revitalized as soon as possible to meet the nation's food needs, Minister of Defense/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto said here yesterday.

Police seize 100,000 pirated discs in Glodok

Police seize 100,000 pirated discs in Glodok JAKARTA (JP): The police seized about 100,000 illegal video compact discs, laser discs, audio compact discs and digital video discs in a raid on a shopping plaza in the Glodok commercial district Tuesday.

ITB's faculty senate sets up anti-crisis body

ITB's faculty senate sets up anti-crisis body BANDUNG (JP): The faculty senate of the Bandung Institute of Technology set up a committee yesterday to explore concepts and prepare recommendations for the government on ways to cope with the economic crisis.

Domestic banks raise deposit rates up to 55%

Domestic banks raise deposit rates up to 55% JAKARTA (JP): Domestic commercial banks raised interest rates on their one-month deposits yesterday to as high as 55 percent, following Bank Indonesia's increase of rates payable on short- term promissory notes (SBIs) on Tuesday.

Stickers burdensome

Stickers burdensomeFrom Bisnis IndonesiaIn response to the plan to enforce a sticker system on restricted roads in Jakarta, presently known as the three-in-one zone, allow me to contribute the following ideas, which, hopefully, may draw the attention of the Jakarta governor and the City Council:1.

UN urges RI to punish firms starting fires

UN urges RI to punish firms starting fires GENEVA (Reuters): The United Nations, warning that Indonesia's fires threaten to become a global disaster, urged Jakarta on Tuesday to discipline timber and plantation firms that illegally clear forests for profit by setting them on fire.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Exhibition * Art Exhibition by W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp (European Artist), at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until April 30.

JSX's key index climbs, Asian markets end mixed

JSX's key index climbs, Asian markets end mixed HONG KONG (AP): Asian markets closed mixed yesterday, with Jakarta's key index climbing above the psychological barrier of 500 points.Jakarta's benchmark JSX composite index closed 2.93 points higher at 500.64.

Colors of death in photographs, paintings

Colors of death in photographs, paintings JAKARTA (JP): Kalimantan on fire! Forests take centuries to mature, but only hours to burn. Try to imagine the appalling size of the fires. They're much larger than images commonly seen in the media would lead one to believe.

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: Hazztoria Band daily except Sunday 9 p.m. to 1 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.

Three to be questioned over Games sticker row

Three to be questioned over Games sticker row JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono will reportedly summon three executives of the 19th SEA Games underwriting subcontractor to answer questions on their alleged involvement in a Rp 1 billion scam involving...

Reform deadlines met: Minister

Reform deadlines met: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has implemented all the reforms due this week under deadlines agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Coordinating Minister for Finance, Economy and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said yesterday.

40% of Bogor buses grounded

40% of Bogor buses grounded BOGOR (JP): The skyrocketing prices of auto parts have forced about 40 percent of the town's 2,400 public transportation vehicles off the roads, an official said yesterday.A.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 22, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 650 -50 7,000 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,025 0 116,000 Alumindo Light Metal 400 25 27,000...

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on April 22, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 1 7,500.00 8,500.00Austrian shilling 1 573.00 682.00Australian dollar 1 4,876.20 5,420.10Belgian franc 1 202.40 224.10Canadian dollar 1 5,243.

Govt imposes new 40% tax on CPO exports

Govt imposes new 40% tax on CPO exports JAKARTA (JP): The government imposed yesterday export taxes of up to 40 percent for crude palm oil (CPO) and its by-products following the lifting of the export ban on the commodities.It also imposed new export taxes on coconut oil products.

Bakin monitors courts to prevent collusion

Bakin monitors courts to prevent collusion JAKARTA (JP): The chief of the State Intelligence Coordinating Board (Bakin), Lt. Gen. Moetojib, said yesterday that his personnel were monitoring courts in an effort to eradicate collusion and corruption practices.

Crisis sees housing sales slump by up to 50 percent

Crisis sees housing sales slump by up to 50 percent JAKARTA (JP): Housing sales transactions in Greater Jakarta dropped by between 40 percent and 50 percent over the last six months due to weakening purchasing power and the difficulties of taking out a mortgage from private banks, an executive of...

Best franchise developer

Best franchise developer JAKARTA (JP): PT Tri Saga Sarana, the franchiser of TGI Friday's, Front Row Sports Grill and Italiannis, has been awarded the International Franchise Developer of the Year for 1997 by their holding company.

Illegal levies rampant in Bekasi

Illegal levies rampant in Bekasi BEKASI (JP): Bus drivers here are complaining about rampant levies, both illegal and legal, that are severely squeezing their daily incomes.They said yesterday they had to spend about Rp 5,000 (65 U.S.

Unique lake now tourist resort

Unique lake now tourist resort PALANGKARAYA, C. Kalimantan: A lake that naturally desalinates seawater in Sungai Bakau village of Kotawaringin district has been converted into a tourist resort in the hope the region will attract visitors.

The Earth can take it no more: Artist

The Earth can take it no more: ArtistBy Tedy Novan and Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): Soil is the subject of a piece by installation artist and painter Heri Dono. To many, the land is a matter of life and death -- when landowners of single plots must make way for hotels, golf courses and housing...

HIV knows no economic crux

HIV knows no economic crux JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of people flocked to a bazaar organized by AIDS activists in Bulungan sports stadium, South Jakarta, over the weekend.On sale were items donated by people concerned with the spread of HIV/AIDS, including Dangdut singer Ikke Nurjanah, comedian Miing...

Insurance for Dutch firms set to spur trade with RI

Insurance for Dutch firms set to spur trade with RI AMSTERDAM (Reuters): The Netherlands said on Tuesday credit insurance facilities would be granted to Dutch companies exporting to Indonesia, in an effort to stimulate trade between the two countries.

S'pore predicted to go into recession in 1998

S'pore predicted to go into recession in 1998 SINGAPORE (AP): An investment bank has predicted for the first time that Singapore, which has weathered the Southeast Asian economic crisis much better than its neighbors, will go into recession this year.