Archive: 26 May 1998
64 articles found
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Frightened foreigners halt Indonesian investments
Frightened foreigners halt Indonesian investments MELBOURNE (Reuters): Foreign direct investment in Indonesia's shattered economy has dried up and will not flow again until long-term political stability returns, investment experts said on Monday. Indonesia's economic collapse and recent civil unrest have burned such a hole in foreign investors' pockets that many have withdrawn key staff and some have quit the country for good, experts in Indonesia and Australia said.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
TNT maintains RI operation
TNT maintains RI operation JAKARTA (JP): Dutch-owned courier service TNT Express Worldwide maintained its operations in Indonesia despite the recent political turmoil, the company said yesterday. The company said in a statement that it used a Boeing 727 aircraft to carry packages in and out Jakarta every day during the turmoil. It said the huge volume of packages carried during the period of unrest demonstrated that the events had done little to affect the country's import and export activities.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian monies drift sideways in lethargic trading
SE Asian monies drift sideways in lethargic trading SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies drifted sideways against the U.S. dollar in lethargic trading during Asian hours yesterday, as participants searched in vain for a catalyst to give the market direction. The rupiah remained all but untraded, ending the day flat as traders continued to give the market a wide berth as they awaited fresh political developments.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
14 ABRI members implicated in Trisakti shootings
14 ABRI members implicated in Trisakti shootings JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto said 14 Armed Forces (ABRI) personnel have been implicated as being behind the May 12 shootings at Trisakti University which resulted in the death of at least four students. "There are eight primary suspects from ABRI who are believed to be behind the death of the students," Wiranto told journalists after attending a cabinet meeting here yesterday.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on May 25, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 1 9,500.00 12,000.00 Austrian shilling 1 840.50 891.70 Australian dollar 1 6,220.00 7,245.00 Belgian franc 1 274.20 317.50 Canadian dollar 1 6,882.30 7,953.00 Swiss franc 1 6,788.90 7,860.60 Deutschemark 1 5,633.80 6,571.40 Danish krone 1 1,484.10 1,719.50 French franc 1 1,685.10 1,954.30 Poundsterling 1 16,260.00 18,791.00 Hong Kong dollar 1...
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Public figures racing to resign in reform fever
Public figures racing to resign in reform fever JAKARTA (JP): The campaign against nepotism is gaining momentum with public figures now racing to quit various executive or legislative posts they might not have obtained without familial connections. Ilham Habibie, the son of President B.J. Habibie, resigned from his post as assistant to chief of the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), which he obtained when his father headed the agency.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Residents raid gambling house
Residents raid gambling house YOGYAKARTA: Eight hundred residents of Notoprajan and Suronatan subdistricts here raided a gambling house Sunday and caught 19 alleged gamblers. Spearheaded by the United Development Party's local paramilitary task force, the raid was launched at 3 a.m. at the Ndalem Notoprajan housing complex near the Sultan's palace. "All alleged gamblers have been handed over to the police, along with all evidence.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Aceh governor's ceremony delayed
Aceh governor's ceremony delayed BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The swearing-in ceremony for Syamsuddin Mahmud to become governor of Aceh, originally slated for today, has been delayed indefinitely. The speaker of the provincial legislature, Teuku Djohan, said a telegram from the Ministry of Home Affairs received Saturday ordered the delay. The country's recent political developments and change in leadership was given as the reason for the delay, Antara reported.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hustle-and-bustle creeps back onto Jakarta streets
Hustle-and-bustle creeps back onto Jakarta streets JAKARTA (JP): After two weeks of tension, the capital returned to its routine daily hustle-and-bustle yesterday. The city, recently paralyzed by riots, arson and looting with some streets blocked by heavily-armed security forces, once again experienced traffic congestion at most intersections. The scenes of large crowds of commuters queuing for public transportation also colored the capital's activities yesterday.
Tue, 26 May 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 May 25 to May 31: U.S dollar 1 Rp 10,950 50 Austrian shilling 1 885.21 Australian dollar 1 6,821.85 Belgian franc 1 302.07 Canadian dollar 1 7,549.12 Swiss franc 1 7,366.30 Deutschemark 1 6,137.15 Danish krone 1 1,634.80 French franc 1 1,857.20 Poundsterling 1 17,776.23 Hong Kong...
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Market positive over Habibie's political pledge
Market positive over Habibie's political pledge JAKARTA (JP): The country's financial market is buoyant at President Habibie's commitment to pursue political reform, analysts said. Currency dealers said the rupiah improved slightly to 10,800 against the U.S. dollar in the spot market yesterday in very thin trading.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie outlines reform program
Habibie outlines reform program JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie outlined his agenda for reform before his 36-strong cabinet yesterday, including plans for the revision of political laws needed before he can call a general election. Habibie led the inaugural meeting of the cabinet he installed on Saturday at the Bina Graha presidential office, and set out the priorities for reform during his presidency.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three injured in student brawl
Three injured in student brawl JAKARTA (JP): Three people were injured when dozens of students and residents of Pesing, West Jakarta, were involved in a brawl Saturday, police said. The victims were identified as students Urip Widodo, 17, and Bernard Adrie, 18, and resident Dadang, 15. They were hospitalized for cuts sustained in the incident, police said. The incident started at about 2 p.m.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian stock markets close generally lower
Asian stock markets close generally lower HONG KONG (AP): Asian stock markets closed generally lower yesterday, with the key index in Seoul tumbling 6.8 percent to a 11-year low on fears of labor unrest in South Korea. Traders said South Korean shares were also pushed down after the U.S. dollar rose to a nearly seven-year high against the yen following a report that U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin would accept a weaker yen.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gold Corp buys RI gold
Gold Corp buys RI gold CANBERRA (Dow Jones): Western Australian state agency Gold Corp will resume buying gold from Aurora Gold Ltd yesterday, Aurora Gold said in a statement. On May 15, Gold Corp. suspended purchases "under force majeure provisions due to civil unrest" in Jakarta. Aurora produces gold from its Mt. Muro mine on the Indonesian island of Kalimantan, and the gold is refined in Jakarta before being purchased by Gold Corp.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:35 Children's Film 3:05 Children's Program: Mencintai Buku 3:30 Village Program 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Music: Lagu Pop Daerah 5:00 English Lessons 5:30 Documentary 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: Tunas Vokalia 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music: Tunas Vokalia (contd.) 8:30 Talk Show: Dialog 9:00 World News 9:35 Music: Pentas Bintang 10:30 Late News 10:40...
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan: A leopard loath to change its spots
Japan: A leopard loath to change its spots The economic crisis in Southeast Asia has left Japan highly exposed at a time when it is mired in a deep recession. William Keegan in London warns that the global economy will suffer if Japan, sticking to what it knows best, tries to export its way out of recession. LONDON: The economic crisis in Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia has left Japan highly exposed at a time when it is mired in the biggest recession since the Seventies.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Political turmoil brings more media freedom
Political turmoil brings more media freedom JAKARTA (JP): For most of Soeharto's 32-year rule, Indonesians realized there were words that could not be said in public. "Succession" and "regime" were just two of them. Government critics and opposition leaders might have uttered such words, but most people only whispered them.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Reform heroes on the Website
Reform heroes on the Website Farewell, heroes of reform. The tragic deaths of our young colleagues Hery Hartanto, Elang Mulya, Hafidin Royan and Hendriawan Lesmana at Trisakti University on the evening of May 12, 1998, will always remain in the hearts of the Indonesian people. This brutal action must not be repeated.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
FAO to supply rice to farmers
FAO to supply rice to farmers KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will supply local farmers with tons of rice following a failed harvest in several parts of the province last year. Spokesman of the provincial agriculture office, LM Safei Kahar, said yesterday that the aid was part of the FAO/World Food Program's (WFP) crop and food supply assessment mission to help the farmers. "Each farmer receives two kilograms of rice per working day," he said.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan investors detained as spies
Taiwan investors detained as spies TAIPEI (AP): China's state intelligence service has detained six Taiwanese businessmen suspected of spying, and is holding another 12 under house arrest, reports said yesterday. The businessmen are being held in five different Chinese cities and are all suspected of obtaining military secrets via the Internet, Taiwan's China Times Express reported.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Estrada sets out tough reform agenda
Estrada sets out tough reform agenda MANILA (Reuters): Joseph Estrada, an ex-actor who becomes the Philippines new president next month, has taken the first step to dispel deep suspicions he might sacrifice reform for populist policies, analysts and businessmen said. Estrada won the May 11 vote with the biggest number of votes in the history of free Philippine election, largely because of his huge popularity with the masses.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sustaining reform spirit
Sustaining reform spirit With the students evicted, the clamor at the House of Representatives (DPR) complex has subsided. But the flame of total reform continues to burn everywhere. Within the House, though, the reformist spirit appears to have diminished.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mobil weighs up move into Indonesian market
Mobil weighs up move into Indonesian market SINGAPORE (AP): Mobil Corp. is open to buying refineries with a good customer base, especially in the lube oil business, and would consider distribution in Indonesia if "a level playing field" were created by the new government, the U.S. company's chairman, Lucio A. Noto said yesterday. "If the right kind of refinery capacity became available at the right price I would not close my eyes to it," Noto told reporters after a meeting of the Singapore-U.S.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Goh 'relieved' at calm transition of power
Goh 'relieved' at calm transition of power JAKARTA (JP): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong told President B.J. Habibie that he was relieved political succession in Indonesia had proceeded peacefully and that he was looking forward to working with the new President. "I have followed developments in Indonesia with close concern. I watched the transfer of the presidency...
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF to begin review of Indonesian reform program
IMF to begin review of Indonesian reform program JAKARTA (JP): International Monetary Fund (IMF) Asia Pacific director Hubert Neiss is scheduled to arrive here today to assess developments in the country and evaluate progress on the economic reform program. Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said yesterday that Neiss would meet President B.J. Habibie, economic ministers and non-governmental figures during his stay here.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreign media descend on troubled city
Foreign media descend on troubled city JAKARTA (JP): The capital, already swamped by students and antigovernment protesters, also dealt with an invasion of another kind -- foreign media bent on landing the scoop on the latest political developments. Anecdotal evidence and observations of The Jakarta Post found them crowding the city's hotels, whose occupancy rates had plunged to about 30 percent during the economic crisis but soared during the media blitz.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Marubeni to boost stake in Chandra Asri
Marubeni to boost stake in Chandra Asri TOKYO (Reuters): Marubeni Corp said yesterday it may boost its stake in Indonesia's giant petrochemical project PT Chandra Asri, taking over shares held by its cash-strapped Indonesian project partners. "There is a chance that Marubeni will take over part of the stake held by Indonesian partners, whose financial strength is likely to be sapped by the ongoing financial turmoil," a Marubeni spokesman told Reuters.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Student suspects in murder case tortured: Lawyer
Student suspects in murder case tortured: Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Families, lecturers and students connected to Bogor's Juanda University told the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday that police tortured 12 students being questioned over the death of a police officer. They visited the commission accompanied by lawyers from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute led by Apong Herlina.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Violence is only the tip of iceberg
Violence is only the tip of iceberg Violence can take on many forms and the one that utterly manifested itself in last week's riots in Jakarta was just one of them, according to Father B.S. Mardiatmadja, a Catholic priest and a lecturer of philosophy at STF Driyarkara.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt releases Bintang, Pakpahan from prison
Govt releases Bintang, Pakpahan from prison JAKARTA (JP): The government released yesterday two prominent political prisoners, former legislator Sri Bintang Pamungkas and labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan, under the full glare of both local and foreign media. The two men walked out of Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta at 10 p.m.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Expat's hiring irks trade union
Expat's hiring irks trade union KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia' largest labor organization slammed companies yesterday that favored employing expatriates over locals, the national news agency reported. Employing foreigners instead of Malaysians is "morally wrong," Zainal Rampak, president of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress, said.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Peregrine creditors tied to Indonesia
Peregrine creditors tied to Indonesia HONG KONG (Reuters): Creditors of Peregrine Fixed Income -- the unit which took center stage in the fall of the Peregrine group -- are soon to learn how difficult it will be to retrieve sums due, with their fates largely tied to Indonesia. The provisional liquidators of Peregrine Fixed Income Ltd and Peregrine Derivatives Ltd are due to hold creditors meetings on June 11 and 12.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Toyota resumes RI production
Toyota resumes RI production TOKYO (Reuters): Toyota Motor Corp said its Indonesian car plants resumed production yesterday. The plants stopped output on May 14 due to riots in the country. PT Toyota-Astra Motor, owned 51 percent by conglomerate PT Astra International and 49 percent by Toyota, resumed car production at its plants in Karawang, West Java, and Sunter, a Toyota spokesman said.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cargo ship sinks in Riau
Cargo ship sinks in Riau PANGKAL PINANG, South Sumatra: A wooden ship, Lentera Laut Raya, carrying a cargo of frozen fish bound for Singapore ran aground and later sank in the waters close to Dua island near here. All six crew members survived the accident which was believed to have been caused by sudden swells from the tide, Antara reported yesterday.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Open bidding system for logging contracts: Minister of Forestry
Open bidding system for logging contracts: Minister of Forestry JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said yesterday that he would study the possibility of introducing an open bidding system to award new logging contracts. The former vice chairman of the National Development Planning Board said that a bidding system would give the common people a better chance of benefiting from the country's forest resources.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie key figure
Habibie key figure The new President B.J. Habibie has announced his Reform and Development Cabinet. Let's not debate the pros and cons of this new cabinet. But I do have one question. Has the cabinet reflected on the political standpoint of Habibie to conduct "total reform" and clean-up the government from the influence of Soeharto's regime? Let us wait and see what the government will do to solve the crisis and abolish corruption, collusion and nepotism.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Shahrir replaces Muchdi as Kopassus commander
Shahrir replaces Muchdi as Kopassus commander JAKARTA (JP): The Army's Special Force (Kopassus) got a new commander yesterday when Maj. Gen. Syahrir M.S. replaced Maj. Gen. Muchdi Purwopranjono as head of the unit in a ceremony led by Army Chief of Staff Subagyo Hadisiswoyo. The ceremony was held in the Flamboyant Room in the elite unit's headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta. Those attending the ceremony were mostly Army officials, including Army Inspector-General Maj. Gen. Nurdin Yusuf.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two men arrested for robbery
Two men arrested for robbery JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested two people for allegedly robbing a man at Jatinegara Railway Station, East Jakarta on Sunday, a high-ranking officer said yesterday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the suspects, identified as Martin bin Zaini, 30, and Herman Ibrahim, 23, robbed Warto, 27, of Kramat Asem, East Jakarta. "The victim was walking around Jatinegara station about 8:30 p.m.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japanese to return to RI
Japanese to return to RI TOKYO (Reuters): Large Japanese firms will start sending employees back to Indonesia this week, Vice Trade Minister Osamu Watanabe said yesterday. "Large firms have been looking at events in Indonesia on Friday and at the weekend very closely and while some firms have yet to make a decision, others will be sending back employees and resuming business early this week," he told a news conference.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah intervention impact would be limited: Hashimoto
Rupiah intervention impact would be limited: Hashimoto TOKYO (Agencies): Japan's Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto said yesterday that intervention in the foreign exchange market would only have a limited impact in dealing with sudden fluctuations in Indonesia's rupiah and other Asian currencies.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Locusts, snails ruin paddy fields
Locusts, snails ruin paddy fields PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Over 200 hectares of paddy fields in 10 subdistricts in the regencies of Banyumas and Cilacap, Central Java, are now under the devastating attack of locusts and snails, an official said yesterday. JB Soedarmo of the Banyumas agricultural office said the subdistricts affected by the pests were Kebasen, Somagede, Tambak, Sumpiuh, Kemranjen, Sidareja, Kesugian, Nusawungu, Adipala and Maos.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Aussie considers more aid
Aussie considers more aid CANBERRA (Reuters): Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said yesterday Australia had done a great deal to help Indonesia in its current crisis and would look at providing more aid if required. But Downer said that given the aid already made available to Indonesia through an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package and a World Bank humanitarian package, it was now very important to restore confidence in the economy.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian palm oil markets eye Indonesian trading
Asian palm oil markets eye Indonesian trading KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Asian palm oil traders are likely to watch Indonesian markets closely this week as trade fully resumes following weeks of political turmoil. Demonstrations and riots came to an end in Indonesia after President Soeharto resigned on Thursday. "For sure, the market will start to return to normal on Monday, but it is still too early to make predictions on how the market will behave...just wait and see," said one trader in Jakarta.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Change of president
Change of president From Merdeka H.M. Soeharto finally stepped down from his presidential post on May 21, following weeks of student demonstrations demanding reform in all fields -- economy, politics, law and social and cultural affairs, as well as Soeharto's resignation as president of the republic. Then, based on article 8 of the 1945 Constitution, Soeharto transferred his post to Prof. Dr. B.J. Habibie.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI committed to fundamental reform
ABRI committed to fundamental reform JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) announced yesterday it is committed to reform, calling it "the answer" to all crises affecting the country. ABRI Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said fundamental reform should be the agenda of the new government, which is now striving to restore the country's economy and to regain the confidence of the general public.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto in good health, says Hardijanti Rukmana
Soeharto in good health, says Hardijanti Rukmana JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto is in good spirits and is staying at home, his eldest daughter Siti Hardijanti Rukmana said. "He is in good health thanks to the prayers of the people of Indonesia," Hardijanti told reporters after relinquishing her position as minister of social services to Justika S. Baharsjah at a ceremony yesterday.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Retail sector deal thrown into doubt
Retail sector deal thrown into doubt JAKARTA (JP): City Council has questioned whether a cooperation program between small entrepreneurs and Goro wholesale company would continue after its management was taken over by the Confederation of Primary Cooperative Associations (Inkud) early this month. Head of Commission B for economic affairs, Djafar Badjeber, said the future of the cooperation program, which they had mulled over in March, was uncertain after the Goro management takeover.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Social safety-net program needs overseas support
Social safety-net program needs overseas support JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed chairman of the National Development Planning Board Boediono said yesterday that Indonesia would need more foreign aid to strengthen its social safety-net program.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two bodies found
Two bodies found JAKARTA (JP): Two bodies were found in West and North Jakarta over the weekend, police said yesterday. In West Jakarta, the decomposing corpse of a man, believed to be a victim of the recent riots, was found by residents on Jl. K.H. Mas Mansyur. Dai Manuhutu, 36, was found on the second floor of a burned- out building after those living nearby noticed a foul odor. "We believe that he was trapped during the burning spree.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 25, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 650 0 0 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 750 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 225 -125 5,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 100 67,500 Aneka Tambang 1,425 0 5,139,000 Anwar Sierad 200 25 121,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Workers set up party to form democratic govt
Workers set up party to form democratic govt JAKARTA (JP): Seizing on the new government's promise of greater political freedom, a group of labor activists inaugurated the Indonesian Workers Party (PPI) yesterday, and expressed their readiness to challenge Golkar and other leading political parties in the next general election. The founders said the objectives of the party were democratic governance and a civil society that respected human rights and equality for all.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesians seek finery despite economic crisis
Indonesians seek finery despite economic crisis By Alicia Seow SINGAPORE (Reuters): Rocked by political and economic crises at home, wealthy Indonesians still find time to appreciate the finer things in life. Indonesians are among the most active auction-goers, bidding top dollar for fine art and jewels, auctioneers say. "They are the strongest buyers. Almost 50 percent of my buyers are Indonesian," Irene Lee, managing director of Christie's in Singapore, told Reuters.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI turmoil may keep rubber prices secure
RI turmoil may keep rubber prices secure SINGAPORE (Reuters): Continuing worries over instability in Indonesia, one of the world's biggest rubber producers, are likely to support prices this week, regional traders said yesterday. However, they expected the market to stay quiet with little activity due to lack of demand across the region. Former Indonesian President Soeharto announced his resignation last Thursday after 32 years in power, and former Vice President B.J.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
22 Hero outlets damaged, looted in riots
22 Hero outlets damaged, looted in riots JAKARTA (JP): At least 22 of PT Hero Supermarket's 50 retail outlets in the capital and nearby towns were damaged during the recent riots, an official of the retail chain said yesterday. The company's corporate secretary, Maurice Pawadi, told The Jakarta Post that the company was still calculating its losses. "We have not finished calculating the total loss but it will be hundreds of billions of rupiah," he said.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Villages tense after boy's murder
Villages tense after boy's murder JAKARTA (JP): Tension gripped neighbors in a Bekasi village yesterday following Sunday night's murder of a 15-year-old boy, police said. Fighting broke out yesterday between dozens of residents from Babelan and Perumahan Harapan, a housing complex inside the village, just hours after relatives of the deceased teenager damaged and then set fire to a house in Babelan.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan maintains its investment in SE Asia
Taiwan maintains its investment in SE Asia TAIPEI (Dow Jones): China Development Corp. isn't backing down from its investments in Southeast Asia but is keeping its focus on targets in Thailand and Malaysia where markets appear to have bottomed out, a top official from the company said yesterday.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
RP Moslems call for representation
RP Moslems call for representation MANILA (DPA): The largest southern Philippine rebel group urged Vice President Joseph Estrada yesterday to appoint a Moslem to his cabinet and avoid the mistake of past presidents who excluded an Islamic representative. "This time, Mindanao should not be left out," said a letter from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and three other Islamic groups, referring to the troubled southern island.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Councilors want inquiry into water revenues
Councilors want inquiry into water revenues JAKARTA (JP): City Council will summon representatives of city-owned water company PDAM Jaya and its two private partners to question them over the whereabouts of Rp 90 billion collected during a short-lived accord, a councilor said yesterday.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to review Pertamina trade, shipping contract
Govt to review Pertamina trade, shipping contract JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said yesterday the government would review all contracts between state oil and gas company Pertamina and trading and shipping companies, including those owned by former president Soeharto's family. "All the contracts will be reviewed and the results of the evaluation will be announced transparently," Kuntoro said after the cabinet's first meeting at the palace.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
DPR protest cause Rp 2 billion damage
DPR protest cause Rp 2 billion damage JAKARTA (JP): The chaotic but successful five-day student demonstration at the House of Representatives last week left a trail of structural damage worth about Rp 2 billion (US$167,000), officials said yesterday. But they blamed outsiders seeking personal gain, rather than the proreform students.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Transfer of power must be legal
Transfer of power must be legal By Mulyana W. Kusumah JAKARTA (JP): Soeharto's declaration that he would quit the presidency on May 21, 1998 and the subsequent rise of then vice president B.J. Habibie was a historic constitutional event. Article 8 of the 1945 Constitution stipulates the vice president replace the president in the case of "resignation while in office", until the end of the tenure.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mere window dressing
Mere window dressing To convince Indonesians he is serious about reform, President B. J. Habibie announced that his government would hold a general election as soon as possible, has agreed to release all political prisoners and has vowed to put the country's economy back on track. To top off the performance, his brother, Junus Effendy, obligingly quit his post as head of the Batam Industrial Development Authority, which operates on the island next to Singapore.
Tue, 26 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thomas Cup win a morale booster for Indonesians
Thomas Cup win a morale booster for Indonesians JAKARTA (JP): The achievement of Indonesia's Thomas Cup men's badminton team came just in time to give the struggling nation a much needed lift, former badminton great Icuk Sugiarto said yesterday. Icuk said the shuttlers' win was beyond his expectations, particularly due to the added tension the players had to endure while competing. "Hence, our victory this time around is more meaningful than our successes in the past.