Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 May 1998

55 articles found

SEA Games cars

SEA Games carsFrom Suara KaryaAccording to media reports, the organizing committee of SEA Games XIX, held in Jakarta in October 1997, imported luxury cars for the purpose of this event. These cars were reportedly exempt from import duty.

Volunteer medic team keeps student demonstrators fit

Volunteer medic team keeps student demonstrators fit JAKARTA (JP): For Rismanto and fellow volunteer medics, the "most serious" illness ever tackled by his temporary medical post at the House of Representatives so far was a girl got fainted.

Soeharto embodied Javanese ruler

Soeharto embodied Javanese rulerBy Onghokham JAKARTA (JP): Ever since president Soeharto launched the concept of lengser keprabon (Javanese for stepping down from the throne or, more accurately, "leaving kingship") people have been hotly debating what it meant.

Reforming attitudes

Reforming attitudes Even as Indonesia's newly installed President Habibie swore in his cabinet over the weekend, pros and cons over his taking over the reigns of the administration from the departed president Soeharto -- and over the manner in which it was done -- continued to simmer among the...

U.S. losing Asian influence role to Japan

U.S. losing Asian influence role to JapanBy Edward Neilan Indian nuclear test, Indonesian disruptions expose Washington policy neglect while Tokyo has power leverage. TOKYO (JP): The United States is losing its predominant position in the Asian power equation, as seen in weak Washington responses...

Dirty price to pay for 'clean' government call

Dirty price to pay for 'clean' government call JAKARTA (JP): For five extraordinary days, the House of Representatives was home to a vociferous mass of students and other antigovernment supporters packing its compound.

Japan's exposure at Y1.5t

Japan's exposure at Y1.5t TOKYO (Dow Jones): Major Japanese trading houses held Y1.5 trillion in credits in Indonesia as of March 1998, the Sunday edition of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun quotes a Ministry of International Trade and Industry survey as showing.

Idle land under flyover

Idle land under flyoverFrom KompasThe railway flyover between Manggarai and Kota has been operating for six years. During that period it has benefited road users who formerly had to pass one or several of 17 railway crossings at street-level.

Popular support for RI reform vital

Popular support for RI reform vital KANANASKIS, Alberta (Dow Jones): U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin Saturday said the Clinton administration isn't taking a hard line on International Monetary Fund credit to Indonesia but that certain political conditions must be in place before resumption of...

Market running out of imported goods

Market running out of imported goods JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta's Pasar Ular market is running out of imported goods following the city's recent massive riots, traders reported Saturday.Located in Semper subdistrict, the market is known for its low-priced imported goods entering the country at...

Vendors from riot-ravaged markets to be relocated

Vendors from riot-ravaged markets to be relocated JAKARTA (JP): Vendors of traditional markets which were ruined during last week's massive riots would be relocated quickly to other places, said an official of the city-owned traditional market management agency.

Can we really afford to forgo vital information infrastructure?

Can we really afford to forgo vital information infrastructure?By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): John Chamber, Cisco Systems' CEO, recently gave an excellent presentation that reminded me of one important thing that even our new government, which is led by a technologist, seems to have completely...

Indonesia beats Malaysia to retain Thomas Cup

Indonesia beats Malaysia to retain Thomas Cup HONG KONG (Agencies): Indonesia retained badminton's Thomas Cup yesterday with a 3-2 victory over fierce rival Malaysia to give a much-needed morale boost to its troubled country.

Back to work

Back to work First of all, Indonesians should be thankful to the students who successfully led the proreform movement. Without their vigilant efforts and sacrifices, none of these massive and rapid changes that we are seeing would have been possible.

J.E. Habibie quits post in bid to support brother

J.E. Habibie quits post in bid to support brother JAKARTA (JP): Junus Effendi Habibie tendered his resignation Saturday as head of the Batam Industrial Development Authority in a bid to quiet accusations of nepotism toward his elder brother, President B.J. Habibie.

Estrada greeted despite anti-U.S. base stance

Estrada greeted despite anti-U.S. base stance MANILA (AP): The U.S. government expects to work warmly with Joseph Estrada, the Philippines' probable next president, despite his high-profile role in the closure of American military bases in the country, the U.S. ambassador said yesterday.

Could 'Asian flu' of Soeharto's fall be catching?

Could 'Asian flu' of Soeharto's fall be catching?By John Gittings LONDON: Will a new epidemic of Asian flu -- political as well as economic -- send the region into convulsion? From Beijing to Yangon, the toppling of Soeharto's regime has a resonance.

RP bank capital raised

RP bank capital raised MANILA (Reuters): The Philippine central bank is willing to consider a proposal to boost banks' minimum capital requirements to strengthen the banking system, a top official of the incoming government said yesterday.

Flights full as people return home

Flights full as people return home KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Flights to Indonesia from Malaysia and Singapore, the two main destinations for those fleeing abroad when unrest hit the country, were packed over the weekend as many Indonesians began returning home.

Malaysian firms in RI stop operations

Malaysian firms in RI stop operations KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A number of Malaysian companies in Indonesia have stopped operations while waiting for the situation there to stabilize, local newspapers reported yesterday.

Asia at a crossroad: Where is it going?

Asia at a crossroad: Where is it going?By Gwynne Dyer LONDON (JP): The 'post-colonial era' in Asia is over. What's not clear yet is where Asia goes from here: into a bloody rerun of 20th-century European history, or straight into a peaceful and democratic 21st century.

Bali still smiles despite Indonesian agony

Bali still smiles despite Indonesian agonyBy Kevin Morrison KUTA, Bali (Reuters): The elderly couple from the west London suburb of Ealing seemed surprised when their waiter mentioned the bloodshed in Jakarta."How long's this trouble been going on then?" asked the wife.

Politicking disrupts the Thai economy

Politicking disrupts the Thai economyBy Rajan Moses BANGKOK (Reuters): The Thai opposition's constitutional challenge to four executive decrees crucial to help repair the battered economy has made Prime Minister Chuan government look vulnerable, analysts said last Friday.

Anwar says IMF unfair if it opts to hold RI loan

Anwar says IMF unfair if it opts to hold RI loan KANANASKIS, Alberta (Reuters): Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister said on Friday he would push the International Monetary Fund to begin the disbursement of its $10 billion loan to Indonesia as soon as possible.

Mangrove forest endangered

Mangrove forest endangered AMBON, Maluku: Massive exploitation of the mangrove forest on the northern coast of Buru island here by locals over the past few years has threatened the forest's existence."The mangrove potential is huge, but now it's almost gone due to massive cutting by locals," the...

Muladi hands over university post

Muladi hands over university post SEMARANG, Central Java: Justice Minister Muladi handed over his post as rector of Diponegoro University to Prof. Eko Budihardjo at a ceremony here Saturday evening.Muladi, who was very popular with students, urged in his farewell address for the university to...

Water rationing until September

Water rationing until September KUALA LUMPUR (AP): More than 2.5 million people in the Malaysian capital region's Klang Valley will have to suffer water rationing until September, a newspaper said yesterday.

Police arrest 29 for fresh looting at Harco Plaza

Police arrest 29 for fresh looting at Harco Plaza JAKARTA (JP): Marines and security personnel rounded up 29 people looting shops in Harco Plaza, Mangga Dua in North Jakarta early Saturday, police said yesterday.City police spokesman Lt. Col.

House cleared after student occupation

House cleared after student occupation JAKARTA (JP): Staff members literally began picking up the pieces at the House of Representatives (DPR) over the weekend in the aftermath of the compound's five-day "occupation" by students.

RI remains committed to IMF programs

RI remains committed to IMF programs JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said Saturday that Indonesia is still committed to the IMF-sponsored reform program despite the change in the government."The program itself is good and still valid.

PDAM extends payment deadline

PDAM extends payment deadline PADANG, West Sumatra: The local water company PDAM has given an extension until today for residents who have not paid this month's water bill.The extension was made following the recent wave of unrest which hit many parts of the country.

A challenge for Habibie

A challenge for Habibie Haji Muhammad Soeharto's resignation, or departure, as president of the Republic of Indonesia culminated in the current reform drive. With his public statement of resignation on Thursday, May 21, the purpose of the campaign is as good as achieved.

Rahardi promises to boost exports, essensial supplies

Rahardi promises to boost exports, essensial supplies JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed Minister of Industry and Trade Rahardi Ramelan said Saturday that boosting exports and maintaining a smooth supply of essential goods would be his top priorities.

Tangerang to lose Rp 27b in taxes

Tangerang to lose Rp 27b in taxes TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang regency and mayoralty will lose a total of Rp 27 billion (US$2.2 million) for the 1998/1999 fiscal year due to a scrapping of 35 taxes and levies May 23.

Military urges support for President Habibie

Military urges support for President Habibie JAKARTA (JP): The nation shows increasing signs of polarization over the presidency of B.J. Habibie and his cabinet, with the Armed Forces (ABRI) urging people to support him, while government critics are calling for his dismissal.

Thousands pray for God's protection

Thousands pray for God's protection PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: More than 6,000 Moslems gathered and prayed here yesterday asking God to protect the nation from falling into disaster.The massive prayer was led by local, charismatic Moslem leader Achmad Kusasi Jumberi, Antara reported...

Tap water supply agreement with Sigit, Liem halted

Tap water supply agreement with Sigit, Liem halted JAKARTA (JP): The city administration canceled Saturday a cooperative agreement with two private companies involved in water management on the grounds that the awarding of the project stank of corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Govt to release at least 10 political prisoners

Govt to release at least 10 political prisoners JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi said yesterday that he would meet with President B.J. Habibie today to discuss the release of between 10 and 15 political prisoners.

Cyber work: Alternative way during the riots in the city

Cyber work: Alternative way during the riots in the cityBy Hanny Agustine JAKARTA (JP): The economic wheel suddenly stopped 10 days ago when riots broke out in the city. No business activities were conducted as all stores, markets and offices closed.

APEC supports immediate aid for Indonesia

APEC supports immediate aid for Indonesia KANANASKIS, Alberta (Agencies): Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) finance ministers unanimously agreed the next disbursement of International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid to Indonesia shouldn't be delayed "unduly," Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin...

Kadin urges new cabinet to adopt concrete program

Kadin urges new cabinet to adopt concrete program JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) urged new President B.J Habibie Saturday to adopt a concrete economic program to lift the country out of its economic crisis.

Students leave council building

Students leave council building MEDAN, North Sumatra: Dozens of university students left the provincial council office here yesterday after occupying the building overnight to express their dissatisfaction with the government.

New military district chiefs

New military district chiefs JAKARTA (JP): Lt. Col. Ibrahim Saleh and Lt. Col. Budi Rachmat were installed on Saturday as the new commanders of South and East Jakarta military districts respectively, replacing Lt. Col. Sadiyo P. and Lt. Col. Iskandar Zulkarnain.

NU behind Habibie for legal reasons

NU behind Habibie for legal reasons JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the 30-million strong Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Moslem organization Abdurrahman Wahid said here yesterday the organization's support for President Habibie was "restricted simply to his constitutional rights, nothing more".

Camdessus says IMF loan to resume after review

Camdessus says IMF loan to resume after review KANANASKIS, Alberta (Dow Jones): International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Michel Camdessus on Saturday stopped short of predicting when lending to Indonesia will resume, but suggested there could be action soon.

KISDI denies wishing to provoke students

KISDI denies wishing to provoke students JAKARTA (JP): Activists grouped in the Moslem Committee for Constitutional Reform have denied provoking tension at the House of Representatives last Friday.Ahmad Sumargono, from the Indonesian Committee for World Moslem Solidarity (KISDI), told journalists...

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Cartoon Exhibition: Population Issue, by Cartoonists from 9 countries in Asia, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Gallery Pasar Seni Jaya Ancol, Jl. Lodan Timur, North Jakarta, until May 31. * Art Exhibition by Sixteen Female Artists, at the Regent Jakarta, Main Lobby, Jl. H.

Salim keeps BCA majority stake

Salim keeps BCA majority stake JAKARTA (JP): The country's top business tycoon Liem Sioe Liong, also known as Sudono Salim, still retains a 70 percent stake in Bank Central Asia (BCA), the country's largest private bank.

Govt to hold elections: Amien

Govt to hold elections: Amien JAKARTA (JP): Leading opposition figure Amien Rais has claimed that President B.J. Habibie told him that elections would be held within 12 months.Amien, who met with Habibie at his private residence in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Saturday, revealed the results of the...

Investors play it safe over political disquiet

Investors play it safe over political disquiet JAKARTA (JP): Trading activities on the local bourse are likely to remain dormant this week as investors play it safe over the country's political uncertainties, securities analysts said.

Mistaken identity could be deadly

Mistaken identity could be deadly TANGERANG (JP): A sudden tension melted early Friday when panicky soldiers firing rubber bullets realized that their target was a group of people wanting to present them a thief.

Risi says she quit IBRA due to lack of independence

Risi says she quit IBRA due to lack of independence JAKARTA (JP): Rini Soewandi, a professional manager recently appointed as the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) deputy chairwoman and as a advisor to the finance minister said Saturday she has quit both jobs.

Malaysian paper slams Soeharto

Malaysian paper slams Soeharto KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A Malaysian newspaper said yesterday that former Indonesian President Soeharto had made a big mistake by not adopting an affirmative action policy like Malaysia's to spread his nation's wealth to ethnic Indonesians.

Thailand anxiously awaits decrees' ratification

Thailand anxiously awaits decrees' ratification BANGKOK (Reuters): The Thai government is anxiously awaiting ratification of four controversial financial decrees in parliament today to arm itself with more powers to speedily resuscitate the comatose economy.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:35 TV Series: The Big Valley 3:05 Talk Show: Sebaiknya Anda Tahu 3:30 TV Drama: Kompetisi 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:30 Education Quiz: Tangkas Cermat 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 My Country: Rona...