Archive: 25 May 1998
55 articles found
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. E Aritonang said the alleged looters were transferred to the city police headquarters Saturday afternoon. "The police have also received the seized loot to be used as evidence," Aritonang said.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. With Malaysia in the grip of a drought caused by the El Nio weather phenomenon, the next wet season is not due until then, the Sunday Sun said. Some Malaysians have endured water rationing for more than two months.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 open-heartedly accept his departure and welcome the new rector.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 head of the local forestry office, Soewardjo Martokusumo, was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. "I don't think (any further delay) is fair. They (Indonesians) have gone through a lot.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Politicking disrupts the Thai economy
Politicking disrupts the Thai economy By 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. The move has raised doubts about the government's ability to take decisive action to lift Thailand out of its worst economic crisis in decades, they said.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bali still smiles despite Indonesian agony
Bali still smiles despite Indonesian agony By 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. "I've not heard anything about it." The empty tables in the hotel restaurant should have tipped her off. The sun-kissed island of Bali has escaped the violence elsewhere in Indonesia, but its effects are still plain to see.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Soeharto's fall guarantees the democratization of Indonesia, which means that soon every one of the former Asian 'tigers' will be a democracy.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. The papers quoted Malaysian Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz as saying that political developments and financial problems in neighboring Indonesia have stopped some of the companies from carrying on their businesses.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. A Malaysia Airlines' ticketing official said here yesterday that no seats from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta were available until Tuesday (tomorrow).
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Banker Edgardo Espiritu, appointed finance secretary by newly elected President Joseph Estrada, told reporters central bank governor Gabriel Singson was "open" to his capital build-up proposal. Estrada and his government are due to take office on June 30.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Even in new democracies such as South Korea, the Indonesian example could rekindle militancy among students and workers.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Ambassador Thomas Hubbard said Estrada has promised to forge closer ties with Washington, which hopes he will back a proposed agreement that would allow U.S.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
SEA Games cars
SEA Games cars From Suara Karya According 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. Of course, these luxury cars were imported to be used by the participants of the Games. However, one may wonder where these luxury cars are now.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Now that the movement has achieved initial success, the students must stop occupying the House of Representatives compound.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. It was Indonesia's 11th win and its third in succession while Malaysian coach Morten Frost tasted defeat for the second straight time. He was in charge of the Danish team that lost 5-0 to Indonesia in 1996.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 forgotten: The undeniably pervasive role of information technology in our lives today.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Lihardin Sipayung, the agency's spokesman, said over the weekend that his office was still calculating losses and the number of vendors who needed to be relocated.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 nearby Tanjung Priok Port. Traders said current stocks, like shoes, perfume, wristwatches and leather products, were from before the massive riots on May 13 and May 14.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 aid will receive Washington's support.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Idle land under flyover
Idle land under flyover From Kompas The 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. The flyover has also made it possible for the state railway company to operate more trains, including electric trains which accommodate 280,000 commuters a day. For many years now the stalls at smaller stations beneath the flyover have remained closed.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. The total was nearly double the more than Y800 billion announced by the nine biggest trading houses earlier this month in their annual earnings results.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. But the 30-year-old building also played unwilling host to the mountain of garbage accumulated during their sit-in.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S. losing Asian influence role to Japan
U.S. losing Asian influence role to Japan By 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 to India's surprise nuclear test and the downward spiral of public order in Indonesia.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 ranks of the heretofore seemingly solidly united proreform activists.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto embodied Javanese ruler
Soeharto embodied Javanese ruler By 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. Recent events in the last few days seem to have accelerated the process of abdication from his 32-year presidency of the Indonesian republic.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. "It was on Wednesday, when the day was so hot since morning. But a heavy downpour in the afternoon later really got many students sick," said the 26-year-old medical school fresh graduate.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. "I have conferred my resignation to the President of the Republic of Indonesia," Junus said yesterday. Junus issued a media statement Saturday saying he had tendered his resignation.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 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 Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Music: Mozaik 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music: Mozaik (contd.) 8:30 Belief in God The Almighty 9:00 World News 9:35 Sports...
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Mingguan Malaysia, one of Malaysia's largest Sunday newspapers, said ethnic Indonesians account for 90 percent of the population but control only 10 percent of Indonesia's wealth.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Rini, who still holds her job as finance director of the widely diversified Astra International, said she resigned from IBRA because the agency was not as independent as she expected.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Soldiers at Ramayana Mall in Pondok Aren, which mobs vandalized and looted last Thursday, said they mistook the oncoming crowd of about 50 for a rampaging mob at midnight.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Head of research of Pentasena Securities Mohammad Syahrial said that investors continued to fret over the nation's latest political situation, as many students were still unhappy with B.J. Habibie's appointment as the country's third president.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 meeting to journalists last night, saying that the President had responded affirmatively about the possibility of elections.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. BCA president Abdullah Ali also said yesterday that Sigit Hajojudanto and Siti Hardijanti Rukmana, children of former president Soeharto, held a 30 percent stake at the bank.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta (Phone: 2523456), until Jun. 20. * Art Exhibition: Works of Suromo, at Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 10 a.m.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 here yesterday the group did not come to the House to pick a fight. "We came to support constitutional reform, not merely for (President) B.J. Habibie," Ahmad said.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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". He asserted that the current Habibie government should be transitional in nature and that the country's largest Moslem organization backed calls for the People's Consultative Assembly to hold an extraordinary session.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. The student takeover of the DPR not only helped end the 32- year presidency of Soeharto, but apparently caused severe damage to the "people's" building which will likely hamper planned legislative meetings in the near future.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. The students from 14 universities were given a ride in trucks provided by the North Sumatra Military Command back to their respective campuses. "They were taken away after we persuaded them to go home," Maj. Gen.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Kadin chairman Aburizal Bakrie said that the program should have a realistic target and clear timetable to provide certainty to the business community.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 said Saturday.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cyber work: Alternative way during the riots in the city
Cyber work: Alternative way during the riots in the city By 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. The next few days after the unrest, for security reason, most businesses decided to let all employees stay at home. They made the announcement through radio stations, or did a "call tree" to inform employees about the decision.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Muladi said in Semarang, Central Java, that he and Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung would meet with Habibie to discuss who would be released in the next few weeks.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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 yesterday. The head of the local chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council, Haderani, told the congregation that the prayer was meant to bring people closer to God so they would be protected from disaster.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. Regency spokesman Rochimin Sasmita said Friday that 10 taxes, including those on dogs, liquor, butcher houses, company registrations and foreigners, would no longer be collected as of last Saturday according to Law No. 18/1997 on the reduction of tax categories.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. "Exports and the supply of essentials are the two most pressing problems to be taken care of right now," Rahardi said after the handover ceremony of the ministerial post from his predecessor Mohamad "Bob" Hasan on Saturday.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. "People who have not paid this month's bill, which was actually due on May 20, have until May 25 without incurring a fine," said PDAM's spokesman Edwar.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. We need to continue implementing it," Ginandjar told a media briefing at his office.
Mon, 25 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
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. The installation ceremony was led by Jakarta Military Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi at the command's headquarters. Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen.