Archive: 8 April 1998
50 articles found
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
S&P acts on RI banks following IBRA action
S&P acts on RI banks following IBRA action JAKARTA (JP): Global rating agency Standard & Poor's revised Monday its rating of Bank Umum Nasional (BUN), Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI) and Bank Expor Impor Indonesia (Bank Exim) to "NM", or not meaningful. The rating downgrade follows the government's move to place the banks under the control of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Makindo's profits up
Makindo's profits up JAKARTA (JP): PT Makindo has reported a 32 percent increase in net profits for 1997 to Rp 89.6 billion (US$9.48 million). Makindo said Monday that its total assets expanded 621 percent to Rp 1.07 trillion as of the end of 1997. The company plans to propose to its shareholders two alternatives on the size of the dividend payments: either 35 percent of 1997 net profits or 90 percent.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Governor OKs increase in tap water tariffs
Governor OKs increase in tap water tariffs JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso approved Monday the 25 percent average increase in tap water tariffs announced by city- owned water company PDAM late last week. Sutiyoso said he would sign a gubernatorial decree legalizing the new tariffs. He defended PDAM's reasons for the price adjustment, saying the tariff rise was important to help PDAM overcome financial difficulties. "PDAM's operational expenses are much bigger than its earnings.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to turn back to agribusiness to beat crisis
Govt urged to turn back to agribusiness to beat crisis JAKARTA (JP): The government should focus on developing the agricultural sector to reduce the country's dependence on imported commodities and to cope with rising unemployment, a noted agriculture analyst said yesterday. Executive director of the Center of Agricultural Policy Studies H.S.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Missing people case to be probed
Missing people case to be probed JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights will launch today an investigation into the clash between protesting students and security personnel in Yogyakarta, and the reported disappearance of political activists. Bambang W. Soeharto said Monday the commission had received reports about the clash and the missing activists and that, unless handled well, both cases might prove to be detrimental to Indonesia's international image.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rectors to regulate campus rallies: Minister
Rectors to regulate campus rallies: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wiranto Arismunandar said it was up to individual rectors to decide whether student rallies and activities had delved into the forbidden area of "practical politics". "Judgment on whether the activities are practical politics is in the hands of each university rector," he said yesterday, adding that a rector had the right to decide whether students' rallies were practical politics or a moral movement.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S. official due in KL, Jakarta over Iran deals
U.S. official due in KL, Jakarta over Iran deals KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A senior State Department official will visit Malaysia this week to review an investment by state oil company Petronas in Iran that could trigger U.S. sanctions, a U.S. official said yesterday. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Sanctions and Commodities William Ramsay was due to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday for two days of talks, a U.S. embassy official said.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Aussie concerned export to RI
Aussie concerned export to RI CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian Industry Minister John Moore said on Monday the Australian government remained concerned about some exports to Indonesia. Moore's comment followed his announcement on Sunday that the government would extend US$250 million in assistance for Australian cotton exporters to Indonesia. "I don't think necessarily the worst is over," Moore told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Missing in action
Missing in action The violence accompanying the student demonstrations which have erupted in various cities throughout Indonesia over the past couple of weeks is most certainly to be regretted. It is lamentable that injuries have been inflicted on those involved on both sides -- protesters on the one side and security officers on the other.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt collects 225 kg of gold
Govt collects 225 kg of gold JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Finance announced Monday that the government had received gold donations from the public totaling 225.87 kilograms, worth Rp 7.5 billion (US$888,000), since Jan. 20. Public donations to the government in foreign currencies totaled $445,221 for the same period. Bank Indonesia is currently holding all public donations, the finance ministry spokesman Agus Haryanto said.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Dengue fever kills five
Dengue fever kills five JAKARTA (JP): Five out of 519 dengue fever sufferers treated in North Jakarta between January and March died, an official said Sunday. "The five were residents of four subdistricts -- Lagoa, Semper Barat, Rawa Badak and Tugu Selatan," Bambang Irawan, head of the North Jakarta health office, said. By comparison, the number of people who died of dengue fever in North Jakarta last year was nine, with the total number of sufferers reaching 656, Bambang said.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bank move may cause more worries
Bank move may cause more worries The government has suspended the operation of seven banks and taken over the management of seven others. Economist Kwik Kian Gie discusses the impact of the drastic measure. Question: Do you think the latest measure will help restore public confidence in the banking industry? Kwik: Not at all. Such a measure will even rock public confidence because people are now becoming more aware that the banking industry is seriously flawed.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Goro assigned to assist Bulog
Goro assigned to assist Bulog JAKARTA (JP): Despite the campaign against crony capitalism, the government has assigned a private company partly owned by Hutomo Mandala Putra to assist the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) distribute basic commodities nationwide. Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaja said Monday PT Goro Batara Sakti would distribute basic necessities such as soap and toothpaste, while Bulog would continue to manage food staples, especially rice.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Scavengers protest burning of garbage
Scavengers protest burning of garbage JAKARTA (JP): Seventy-five scavengers of the Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi staged a demonstration at City Hall on Monday protesting the city's decision to burn garbage instead of dumping it at the site. Holding banners saying "Pay attention to scavengers' fates", "We are financially broke because of garbage burning" and "Mr. Governor, help us", they complained that the garbage burning policy had cut their daily incomes 50 percent.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tourism in a time of crisis
Tourism in a time of crisis Our tourist industry can only lament the decline in tourist arrivals to the country. Hotels are suffering from a lack of guests, tour and travel agents are experiencing decreased ticket bookings and souvenir shops lack buyers. Even Bali, Indonesia's foremost tourist destination which is free of smog and upheavals, is experiencing a decline in tourist arrivals.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moslem leaders call for patience
Moslem leaders call for patience JAKARTA (JP): Religious leaders urged millions of Indonesian Moslems celebrating Idul Adha yesterday to remember the virtues of sacrifice and called on them to pray together for the strength to lift the nation out of its economic crisis. Perseverance and altruism were the common themes of many sermons after Moslems gathered to attend their early morning Idul Adha prayers.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Depositors rush to withdraw funds from troubled banks
Depositors rush to withdraw funds from troubled banks JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of anxious depositors rushed to withdraw their deposits Monday from the seven banks placed under the management of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) by the government over the weekend. Hundreds of people lined up at the headquarters of Bank Danamon on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta, Bank Modern on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, and Bank Umum Nasional (BUN) on Jl.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film 3:05 Family's Film 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Teen Program: Remaja Indonesia 5:00 Teen Drama: Science World 5:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 6:05 My Country: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama: Cinta Terbentur 8:05 Education Program: Lintas Ekonomi 8:30 News: Laporan Peristiwa 9:00 World News 9:30 TV Drama: Legenda 10:30 Late News 10:40 TV Series Program 2 4:30 p.m.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
McDonald's donates garbage truck
McDonald's donates garbage truck JAKARTA (JP): McDonald's Indonesia donated a dump truck to the city administration on Monday as part of the firm's commitment to help improve public sanitation. McDonald's Indonesia president Bambang N. Rachmadi presented the truck to Governor Sutiyoso at City Hall, Ari Satriyo Wibowo of the firm's communication division, said.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Maluku fishing worries Aussies
Maluku fishing worries Aussies AMBON, Maluku: The Australian government has expressed concern that some Maluku fishermen still use potassium and other toxic chemicals to catch kerapu fish. "I became deeply concerned after hearing the explanation from the governor. Unless overcome soon, these activities would create a problem for the Maluku population," Australian Embassy counselor David Stuart said after meeting Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina in Ambon Monday.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kalimantan wants to cash in on gems
Kalimantan wants to cash in on gems By Mick Elmore MARTAPURA, East Kalimantan (DPA): Diamond miners in South Kalimantan say their stones have magical powers -- a trait the local government is banking on to boost the economy of the remote and under-developed Indonesian province.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
On late water bills
On late water bills We would like to thank Mr. Hasan Karman for sending a letter to the editor of Media Indonesia which also appeared in The Jakarta Post (April 4) on his complaint titled KATI's bill comes late. However, we would like to provide an explanation. The late arrival of Mr. Karman's water bill was due to the fact that when we delivered the bill, nobody was home. This occurred repeatedly and he therefore received his bill late. We deeply regret the inconvenience and wish to apologize.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on April 6, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 1 8,000.00 9,500.00 Austrian shilling 1 446.60 728.80 Australian dollar 1 4,000.20 6,105.40 Belgian franc 1 157.80 239.60 Canadian dollar 1 4,102.90 6,219.40 Swiss franc 1 4,024.60 6,112.60 Deutschemark 1 3,241.80 4,958.20 Danish krone 1 854.90 1,299.10 French franc 1 969.80 1,475.00 Poundsterling 1 9,569.80 14,507.00 Hong Kong dollar 1 752.60...
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bank executives get police protection
Bank executives get police protection JAKARTA (JP): Police have pledged to protect members of the boards of directors of seven suspended banks and another seven under the management of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA). City police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata announced Monday that it was the police's duty to anticipate any possible disputes between the banks' managements and their customers, who were expected to withdraw their money from the ailing banks.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Private debt talks to be held in NY
Private debt talks to be held in NY JAKARTA (JP): Negotiations to settle Indonesia's private sector debt of $68 billion will be held in New York mid-April following the conclusion of the first phase of negotiations in Singapore on Monday, Deutsche Bank said in a statement. The negotiations will address the implementation of a broad framework agreed to Monday between the government and 13 international banks that make up a "steering committee" of Indonesian lenders.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Obituary
Obituary The governor of the Police College, Maj. Gen. Syech Tarigan, died yesterday afternoon at the age of 53. Tarigan had been treated for some time at Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta. Antara quoted National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar as saying that the police force had lost one of its most faithful and distinguished servants.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moslems observe Idul Adha rite with passion
Moslems observe Idul Adha rite with passion JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Moslems gathered in mosques, open fields, schools and office compounds yesterday to say the Idul Adha (Islamic Day of Sacrifice) prayers. Besides the prayers and distribution of meat to the poor, residents of Balekambang and Batu Ampar subdistricts in Condet, East Jakarta, staged a traditional Betawi music, Tanjidor and ondel-ondel (Betawi puppet) show in celebration of the holy day.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fire guts 30 houses in North Jakarta
Fire guts 30 houses in North Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Fire gutted 30 houses in Jembatan Batu slum area, Pinangsia subdistrict, North Jakarta, on the Islamic Day of Sacrifice yesterday. There were no casualties. Some 100 residents, mostly street vendors and office boys working at Mangga Dua Mall, North Jakarta, temporarily took shelter in the Aula building near the subdistrict office. A North Jakarta Fire Department officer, Nadi, said the fire started at 11:45 a.m. and was extinguished by 1:15 p.m.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economic reform plus
Economic reform plus From Merdeka A clean government that commands respect is the dream of the entire Indonesian nation, a people with a strong sense of morality and ethics. Efforts must continue to be made to see such a government become a reality. We must be able to cure ourselves of the social disease of having a corrupt mentality, as from this dishonesty, corruption, nepotism and the like stem. We have tarnished the image and the authority of the government and bureaucracy.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir defends harsh sentence
Mahathir defends harsh sentence KUALA LUMPUR (AP): An 18-month jail term for an opposition member of Parliament has not undermined free speech and democracy, said Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He stressed that justice should be meted out fairly to opposition members as well as government politicians.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan considering $1b loan for Indonesia
Japan considering $1b loan for Indonesia TOKYO (Reuters): Japan is considering extending US$1 billion in aid to Indonesia in the form of untied loans to help get the country out of its economic crisis, the Export-Import Bank of Japan said yesterday. "We are considering extending a two-step untied loan to Indonesia...possibly through the Indonesian central bank," a spokesman for the bank said. He said the bank was now working on the loan in line with a Japanese government decision on Feb.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
BASF posts $54m in sales
BASF posts $54m in sales JAKARTA (JP): BASF Indonesia booked Rp 463 billion (US$54.4 million) in total sales for 1997, an increase of 15 percent from 1996. The company, however, did not provide any other income figures. The company's chief executive officer, Danny Jozal, said in a statement that BASF's commitment in Indonesia would remain unchanged despite the country's economic turmoil.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Agung urges transparency in SEA Games sticker sales
Agung urges transparency in SEA Games sticker sales JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Agung Laksono urged the 19th SEA Games (SEAG) underwriting consortium Monday to immediately settle its debts and to be more transparent over its Rp 64 billion deficit.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Painters to hold festival in Ubud
Painters to hold festival in Ubud DENPASAR, Bali: About 50 Indonesian painters will take part in a two-week exhibition in Ubud at the Rudana Museum and Gallery, 20 kilometers northeast of here, to celebrate the Indonesian Year of the Arts. The exhibition, which will begin on April 18, is to display about 100 art works, Antara reported yesterday.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
New agreement set to be signed today
New agreement set to be signed today JAKARTA (JP): The government is expected to announce the details of its newly revised agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the monthly cabinet meeting today. Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said Monday that both parties had finalized their agreement and would simultaneously disclose the details of the economic reforms to the public.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man gets int'l patent for pump
Man gets int'l patent for pump KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): A retired elementary school teacher in Sika, Flores, has received international acclaim for his water pump, an invention now registered at The Hague patent office. Saverius Nurak 61, described his invention as a product that resulted from a combination of natural challenges and artistic innovation. His birthplace, Nitaboleng village, is the only area in Sika where clean water is hard to obtain.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian workers still in high demand
Indonesian workers still in high demand JAKARTA (JP): Despite Malaysia's ongoing deportation of thousands of illegal workers, Indonesians are still in high demand in the international labor market, says an official. Director General of Labor Placement Jack Iskandarsyah said Indonesia was still exporting 2,000 to 3,000 semi-skilled workers each month, with an average annual salary of US$2,500. "The number of Indonesian workers overseas, including illegal workers, has reached 2.1 million.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Why in Jakarta only?
Why in Jakarta only? From Merdeka We feel a lot of satisfaction every time we read or hear reports about businesspeople and entertainers donating basic foodstuffs to the less fortunate. Their actions show their concern for the people in the present monetary crisis. Their help is all the more appreciated if the food is distributed free. Some people object to this because it is not educational, but it does not matter. At least it alleviates the suffering of the poor.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
PSSI may change playoff system
PSSI may change playoff system JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) is pondering changes to the post-league playoff matches to allow extra time for the national team to regroup ahead of the 2nd Tiger Cup finals. Spokesman for the federation Tondo Widodo said Monday it was proposed there be just six teams qualifying for the playoff, instead of 12 under the current plan.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreign universities
Foreign universities From Kompas With respect to the possibility of foreign institutions being allowed to set up universities in Indonesia, I am in agreement with Dr. Mochtar Buchori. It is public assumption that in terms of qualification foreign graduates are better (and perhaps they are) than local university graduates. Why? There are a lot of variables affecting this matter. The greatest influence comes from the education system and local teaching methods.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sembiring becomes Trikora military chief
Sembiring becomes Trikora military chief JAKARTA (JP): Maj. Gen. Amir Sembiring was installed Monday as the new chief of the Trikora Regional Military Command which oversees Maluku and Irian Jaya. Sembiring, a familiar face to the command, is a 1972 graduate of the Armed Forces Academy. He replaced his senior, Maj. Gen. Johny Lumintang, in a ceremony presided over by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo in the Irian Jaya capital of Jayapura, Antara reported.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hostels' lucrative trade dries up
Hostels' lucrative trade dries up PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Many initially applauded the removal of streetwalkers from the Baturaden tourist resort a fortnight ago, but now the owners of hundreds of nearby hostels complain they are going bankrupt because no one is using their facilities anymore. Unabashedly, the owners of some 150 non-star (Melati-class) hotels admit the presence of prostitutes in the area has helped keep their small lodgings full.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rates for Tax Payment
Rates for Tax Payment JAKARTA (JP): The new official conversion rates as the basis for payment of import duty, value-added tax on goods and services, sales tax on luxury goods, export tax and income tax, valid from April 6 to April 12: U.S dollar 1 Rp 8,525.00 Austrian shilling 1 659.83 Australian dollar 1 5,583.88 Belgian franc 1 223.93 Canadian dollar 1 5,998.03 Swiss franc 1 5,556.28 Deutschemark 1 4,595.69 Danish krone 1 1,211.97 French franc 1 1,377.55 Poundsterling 1 14.190.72 Hong Kong...
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
New firm to manage ailing banks' assets
New firm to manage ailing banks' assets JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to establish a new company to manage the assets of ailing and suspended banks, Minister of Finance Fuad Bawazier said. The company, which will be under the supervision of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), will handle the assets, including bad loans, of both private and state commercial banks, Fuad told reporters Monday. Fuad did not say when the company would be incorporated.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Salim cancels plan to buy Danamon stake
Salim cancels plan to buy Danamon stake JAKARTA (JP): Salim Group, the country's largest business conglomerate, and U.S. firm Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) announced Monday they had abandoned plans to buy a stake in publicly listed Bank Danamon. The Salim Group and CSFB said in a joint media statement that the deal was canceled because of "recent developments" involving Bank Danamon.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Commitment to reform key to recovery
Commitment to reform key to recovery JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's way out from its worst ever economic crisis does not depend on the substance of the IMF-sponsored economic reforms but on the seriousness in implementing the program, economists have said.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 6, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 650 0 0 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 750 -75 20,000 Alumindo Light Metal 400 -25 150,000 Alumindo Perkasa 375 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 0 114,500 Aneka Tambang 1,625 -50 2,261,500 Anwar Sierad 300 -25 14,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fire warning network suggested
Fire warning network suggested MANILA (AP): Canada has recommended the formation of a regional warning network to allow quick responses to forest fires in any part of Asia, a Canadian official said yesterday. Such a network could have reduced the damage from recent forest fires in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, said Raymond Chan, Canada's secretary of state for Asia-Pacific. The fires caused haze over many parts of Southeast Asia.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Cakrawarta' starts services
'Cakrawarta' starts services JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's first broadcasting satellite Cakrawarta I will commence test transmissions April 15, with full commercial services expected to start a month later, satellite operator Datakom Asia said yesterday. The satellite has five transponders, each capable of serving eight channels, or a total of 40 channels. The services will be used by Datakom's subsidiary PT Matahari Lintas Cakrawala, known as Indovision, which operates a cable television service.
Wed, 08 Apr 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bank stock sales push down JSX prices
Bank stock sales push down JSX prices JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) were dragged down 1.3 percent Monday by the heavy selling of bank stocks, stockbrokers said. The exchange was closed yesterday for Idul Adha, the Islamic Day of Sacrifice.