Archive: 15 May 1998
47 articles found
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jalan Jalan takes Jakarta entertainment to new heights
Jalan Jalan takes Jakarta entertainment to new heights By Marieke Van Heek JAKARTA (JP): On the top floor of one of the highest office buildings in Jakarta's business district, a nightclub enjoys a full house every weekend. The normally deserted parking lot around Menara Imperium on Jl. HR Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, is filled with luxury cars while their owners have a good time in the club above. Guests have to go up to the 36th and 37th floors, where Jalan Jalan is situated.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan agrees to give Indonesia rice as aid
Taiwan agrees to give Indonesia rice as aid TAIPEI (Reuters): Taiwan, eager to lend a helping hand to the financially battered Southeast Asia, said yesterday it would aid Indonesia with 200,000 tons of rice. Taiwan's state radio said the agriculture council and foreign ministry have decided to aid Indonesia with 200,000 tons of rice worth over US$50 million. Indonesia could pay for the rice in cash or through a barter deal, the radio said. It gave no further details.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Juwono says RI slow to fight fires
Juwono says RI slow to fight fires SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: State Minister of Environment Juwono Sudarsono said yesterday Indonesia reacted slowly and passively in handling its forest fires, and that it only responded when the fires grabbed international attention. "We have to admit this weakness. Forest fires only get serious attention when they become international news," he said as quoted by Antara. One of the weaknesses, he said, was a lack of coordination.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto cuts short his trip to Cairo
Soeharto cuts short his trip to Cairo JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto cut short his trip to Cairo and flew home yesterday after holding a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on efforts to improve bilateral ties. "The state visit is being shortened, but I don't know the exact time when President Soeharto will depart," Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas was quoted by Antara as saying in Cairo yesterday.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Borneo Festival to be held
Borneo Festival to be held PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: The city will host the third Borneo Festival which is to be opened on May 22 by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Abdul Latief, Antara reported yesterday. "The festival aims to promote and preserve the traditional culture of the island of Borneo," Hendrarto Martono, head of the provincial administration's public relations section, said here yesterday.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Riots, looting paralyze Jakarta
Riots, looting paralyze Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The capital looked like a war zone yesterday as thousands of people damaged and burned hundreds of buildings and vehicles and looted the contents of the destroyed properties. At least two civilians and three soldiers were killed in clashes between rioters and the security forces. Many more, including a press photographer, were injured by bullets. Police said 200 people were arrested during the riots, which totally paralyzed the city.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 14, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 600 0 0 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 750 25 7,000 Alumindo Light Metal 225 -25 20,000 Alumindo Perkasa 350 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 -50 60,000 Aneka Tambang 1,225 0 5,496,000 Anwar Sierad 150 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ship fares rise 30 percent
Ship fares rise 30 percent MANADO, North Sulawesi: The tariff for economy class tickets on passenger ships here has gone up 30 percent. Antara reported yesterday that Governor E.E. Mangindaan had signed a letter Wednesday approving the increase from Rp 99 per kilometer for each passenger to Rp 129. The head of the Maritime Transport Office, Yusni Ramli, said the new tariff would come into effect today, adding that the recent hike in fuel prices was the main reason for the increased fare. (mds)
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Palmoil quiet in Europe as traders watch Indonesia
Palmoil quiet in Europe as traders watch Indonesia LONDON (Reuters): Crude palm oil sellers were unchanged at the opening of the European vegetable oil market yesterday despite the increasing unrest in Indonesia. "The crude palm oil market, which you expect to be most affected by the Indonesian crisis, is quiet with very few buyers about," said one trader. Traders said most players were sidelined and awaiting developments.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Estrada warns poll cheaters
Estrada warns poll cheaters MANILA (Reuters): Joseph Estrada, whom many in the Philippines except his top rival believe has won the presidential election, warned officials not to cheat him of victory. An unofficial count showed him leading by over one million votes.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gen. Wiranto apologizes for shootings
Gen. Wiranto apologizes for shootings JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces formally apologized for the fatal shooting of four Trisakti University students on Tuesday and said that three soldiers were killed when rioting erupted in many parts of Jakarta yesterday. Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto also insisted that despite yesterday's and the previous day's rampages, Jakarta remained under the control of the military and there was no need to impose a curfew.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Cartoon: Tom and Jerry Kids 3:05 Sports: Topik Olah Raga 3:30 Village Program 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Performance: Cakrawala Budaya 5:00 Music: Paket 27 5:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 My Country: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Music 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Gramophone 8:30 Talk Show: Dialog 9:00 World News 9:35 Music: Gebyar Dangdut 10:30 Late News...
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stop the rampage
Stop the rampage Every thinking person must be appalled by the anarchy -- there really is no other word for it -- that engulfed much of Jakarta yesterday. For two days in a row since Wednesday, the day following the tragic death of four demonstrating students at Jakarta's Trisakti University, the Indonesian capital has been in the throes of some of the most ugly rioting, burning and looting the city has seen in decades.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Business community nervous about change in leadership
Business community nervous about change in leadership The death of four students on Tuesday ignited riots and heightened social and political tension. Economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati, vice chairwoman of the University of Indonesia's Center for Social and Economic Studies, discusses the impact of this on the economy. Question: What impact will the political tension have on the Indonesian economy?
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on May 14, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
A lamentable tragedy
A lamentable tragedy Media reports of the recent bloody incident at Trisakti University have prompted much reaction from almost every segment of society. Students staged commemorations on their own respective campuses and at Trisakti University in a show of solidarity for their dead colleagues. The Trisakti tragedy is not only a sad event, but a shameful one -- and all the more so since it was shown on international television networks.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Outbound flights fully booked
Outbound flights fully booked JAKARTA (JP): Bookings for outbound flights registered a dramatic rise yesterday as foreigners and frightened locals fled the tumultuous city. The director of Iwata Nusantara Tours and Travel, Meity Robot, said yesterday computer data showed that all yesterday's flights abroad were fully booked. "The flights are all incredibly packed," Robot told The Jakarta Post, adding that the rush had begun since Wednesday.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
E-com needs new balanced interests
E-com needs new balanced interests By Djauhari Oratmangung and Wiwit Wisatyo JAKARTA (JP): At the threshold of the 21st century, developed and developing nations alike are challenging themselves to action structural reform or modernization in society based on the key paradigms globalization, liberalization and informatization.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Emerging market fund manager loads up in Indonesia
Emerging market fund manager loads up in Indonesia NEW YORK (Dow Jones): Emerging markets hedge fund manager Edward Bozaan is quietly loading up on shares of undervalued companies in Indonesia despite the country's escalating political tension. For Bozaan, who manages the US$15 million Global Stabilization and Recovery Fund, civil strife presents a rare opportunity to buy good companies cheap. "On big selloff days, I try to add as much as possible," he told Dow Jones.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's neighbors concerned over riots
Indonesia's neighbors concerned over riots KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia said yesterday that it is concerned over unrest in Indonesia and is closely monitoring the situation. "We are of course concerned, monitoring this very closely," Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah slumps below Rp 11,000 as unrest intensifies
Rupiah slumps below Rp 11,000 as unrest intensifies JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah slumped to below Rp 11,000 to the U.S. dollar and share prices continued their plunge yesterday amid the worsening political situation and widespread social unrest in the capital. Dealers said the currency mustered to Rp 11,200 against the greenback in late afternoon trading on the Jakarta spot market, after plunging to as low as Rp 11,700 in midday trading, compared to Rp 10,600 on Wednesday.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia Airlines says planes from Jakarta full
Malaysia Airlines says planes from Jakarta full KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia Airlines (MAS) said yesterday that its planes from Jakarta were full, but it did not know if the strong demand for seats was due to riots in the Indonesian capital or the return of Malaysians from holiday. A spokeswoman for the state carrier, a unit of Malaysian Airline System Bhd., said there had been no change in flight schedules. "Out of Indonesia, it is full," she told Reuters by telephone.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mobs rule streets as riots rock the city
Mobs rule streets as riots rock the city JAKARTA (JP): Mobs ruled the city's streets yesterday. It was a day when crowds, motorists and motorcyclists did not have to bother about traffic signs or traffic laws. Mobs engaged in orgies of looting and burning, blocking roads and threatening motorists and motorcyclists, and scaring drivers of public buses.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
New Jakarta Ensemble to perform in New York
New Jakarta Ensemble to perform in New York JAKARTA (JP): New Jakarta Ensemble will make its North American debut with a unique mix of East and West at the Asia Society in New York next week. Using drums, wood blocks, Tibetan singing bowls, bells, flutes, gongs and other instruments from Indonesia and beyond -- including the Arabic region, China, the Caribbean and Africa -- the group will perform on May 21.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
KL, Jakarta agree on ICJ ruling
KL, Jakarta agree on ICJ ruling JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Malaysia have formally agreed to accept any future ruling made by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the disputed Sipadan and Ligitan islands. The agreement was announced here yesterday at the exchange of the ratification instrument of the Special Agreement for Submission to the International Court of Justice of the Dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia Concerning Sovereignty over Sipadan and Ligitan Islands.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt sets resource rent taxes at six percent
Govt sets resource rent taxes at six percent JAKARTA (JP): The government has introduced resource royalty provisions, or rent taxes, on the country's timber companies to replace mandatory forest royalties. According to Government Regulation No. 59/1998, dated May 5, forest concessionaires are liable for rent taxes, ranging from zero to 6 percent of timber sales. The regulation came into effect when it was issued.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Caring for the 'little people'
Caring for the 'little people' From Republika It is the little people who suffer most because of the increase in fuel prices. It is practically a certainty that there will be very bad social upheavals which will bring the country into further chaos. The little people think that they are treated in an unjust way every time the government increases prices: cement, electricity and fertilizers. On the other hand, the government uses kid gloves when. So cautious that policies can be changed.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hot debate over Soeharto's offer to step aside
Hot debate over Soeharto's offer to step aside JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's reported remarks that he was prepared to resign if people no longer trusted him provoked a wide debate here yesterday, in spite of a correction by Foreign Minister Ali Alatas from Cairo. The chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Harmoko, said he hoped to "consult" with Soeharto as soon as the latter returned from Cairo to discuss the statement. Harmoko refused to elaborate.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreign wholesalers banned
Foreign wholesalers banned JAKARTA (JP): The government has prohibited foreign wholesalers and distributors from entering the domestic retail market. A decree issued by State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo on Wednesday states that the ban came into effect April 30, Antara reported yesterday. The decree also rules that large foreign distributors can only operate in Jakarta and provincial capitals.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina ready for free market
Pertamina ready for free market JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina is beefing up its operations to enable it compete with multinational oil companies in the distribution and sale of fuel in the domestic market. Company processing director Samto Utomo said recently that Pertamina had taken steps, including improving the efficiency of its refineries, to anticipate the free market era.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Protesters take over radio station in Semarang
Protesters take over radio station in Semarang JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of student protesters in the Central Java capital of Semarang, joined by hundreds of city residents, took over the state-owned Radio Republik Indonesia station yesterday forcing the radio station to air their demands for reform.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Transportation fees
Transportation fees From Media Indonesia To accept the price increase of gasoline is like swallowing a bitter pill for the society, otherwise our state budget will have to shoulder a heavy burden if subsidies must be retained. The government seems to have made special efforts to uphold justice by applying different rates of price increase to different kinds of fuel, so as not to give too heavy a burden to the economically weak community.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hang Seng's exposure to RI
Hang Seng's exposure to RI HONG KONG (Reuters): Hang Seng Bank Ltd. said yesterday it had very limited exposure to Indonesia. "Our exposure to Asian countries is immaterial," a bank spokeswoman said. "Our main focus is Hong Kong. Our exposure in Asia, other than Hong Kong, is relatively small and our exposure to Indonesia is even smaller, or very limited." Hang Seng Bank is 62.1 percent owned by HSBC Holdings Plc. as at the end of 1997. HSBC said yesterday its exposure to Indonesia, as at Dec.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Coffee sharply increases
Coffee sharply increases LONDON (Reuters): LIFFE robusta coffee raced higher yesterday morning as worries over Indonesia's worsening social unrest and market talk of Vietnamese and Indonesian origin defaults sparked speculative buying. "These talks are adding to the nearby (supply) stress," said one trader. "There are also some suggestions that the problems in Indonesia may well be something to do with it," the trader added.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Nuclear tests shift strategic balance in Asia
Nuclear tests shift strategic balance in Asia By Olaf Jahn HONG KONG (DPA): India has suddenly pushed itself into the ranks of key players in any calculation of Asia's strategic balance. The shockwaves from its unexpected nuclear tests have been felt as far away as Japan and Indonesia, and very intensely here in China. Five detonations in the desert of Rajasthan have proved that the collective security system ringing China now has a second veritable nuclear power.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students hit by crisis
Students hit by crisis YOGYAKARTA: Some 4,000 Gadjah Mada University students may have to take a vacation from their studies because of financial difficulties, its rector, Ichlasul Amal, said here Wednesday. Amal was quoted by Antara as saying that 460 students have already told the university they could not afford to pay their tuition.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreign embassies urge their nationals to show caution
Foreign embassies urge their nationals to show caution JAKARTA (JP): The United States embassy here issued a travel warning urging U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia and suggesting that those working here may wish to consider leaving the country due to the deteriorating political situation. Yesterday's announcement said the departure of U.S.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
S&P assigns 'B-' to APP
S&P assigns 'B-' to APP JAKARTA (JP): International rating agency Standard & Poor's assigned a "B-" long-term rating yesterday to APP Finance (VII) Mauritius Ltd.'s US$500 million convertible notes due April 2003. Standard & Poor's said in a statement that the rating was on credit watch with negative implications. It said the notes were unconditionally guaranteed by parent Asia Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd. (APP), a Singapore-based company owned by the Indonesian Sinar Mas Group.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rizal Nurdin elected governor
Rizal Nurdin elected governor MEDAN, North Sumatra: Maj. Gen. T. Rizal Nurdin, the former chief of Bukit Barisan Military Command, saw off challenges from rivals Usman Pelly and A.M. Situmorang and was elected North Sumatra governor for 1998/2003 yesterday. Nurdin won 49 votes from the provincial legislature, Pelly obtained three votes and Situmorang received a mere two votes in the election which was presided over by chairman of the provincial legislative body Mat Iskak.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government critics ask Soeharto to step down
Government critics ask Soeharto to step down JAKARTA (JP): A group of 44 leading government critics, including Amien Rais, senior journalist Goenawan Mohamad and senior economist Emil Salim, established the Majelis Amanah Rakyat (Council for People's Mandate) last night and demanded President Soeharto resign.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
First Pacific says RI exposure at minimal level
First Pacific says RI exposure at minimal level HONG KONG (Reuters): First Pacific Co Ltd said yesterday the company's exposure to Indonesia was minimal with less than one percent of its profit derived from the country. "In terms of profit contribution (from Indonesia), it is significantly less than one percent. So our exposure is minimal," said group vice president corporate communications, Robert Sherbin.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Student demonstrations continue
Student demonstrations continue JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of university students in the city continued to demonstrate yesterday by holding free-speech forums on their campuses. At the University of Indonesia (UI) campus in Salemba, Central Jakarta, students gathered to hear speeches by, among others, MK Tadjudin, a former UI rector; Mahar Mardjono, also a former UI rector; Hari Darmawan, head of the university alumni association; and Hariman Siregar, a former head of the UI student council.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Deutsche closes RI units
Deutsche closes RI units SINGAPORE (Reuters): Deutsche Bank AG said yesterday it had temporarily closed its branches in Jakarta and Surabaya, Indonesia. "Due to the deterioration of the situation in Indonesia we have taken the decision to temporarily close our branches in Jakarta and Surabaya," the bank said in a statement. "We are monitoring developments closely and will re-open the branches as soon as the situation improves," the bank said.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Religious leaders decry violence
Religious leaders decry violence JAKARTA (JP): Religious leaders of different faiths in the country joined hands yesterday in deploring the widespread violence of recent days, imploring all parties to show restraint. "We are calling on everybody to abstain from violence, and deliberate in order to reach consensus.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian markets sweat over Indonesia meltdown fears
Asian markets sweat over Indonesia meltdown fears SINGAPORE (Reuters): A third day of anti-government riots in Jakarta cut short an early rebound on most Asian markets yesterday as traders again quaked in the shadow of Indonesia's worsening social and political crisis. The Indonesian rupiah gyrated wildly in razor-thin trade against the dollar, plunging below 11,000 at one point on news of the renewed rioting, before strengthening later.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bangkok Bank quits Jakarta
Bangkok Bank quits Jakarta BANGKOK (Reuters): Bangkok Bank Plc. said yesterday it had suspended banking operation in Jakarta due to spreading riots. A Bangkok Bank executive said his bank had informed Indonesian and Thai central bank authorities of what he called a temporary business suspension in Jakarta until anti-government protests in the Indonesian capital ease. Bangkok Bank, Thailand's largest bank, has a full branch and a sub branch in Jakarta.
Fri, 15 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Art Exhibition: Works of Suromo, at Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until May 28. * Painting Exhibition: Study for Distance by Hanafi, at Galerie Focus, Jl. Kemang Selatan X B No. 3, South Jakarta, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., until May 24. * Painting Exhibition: Three Worlds by Ledek Sukadi, Herly Gaya, Kukuh Nuswanto, at Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No.