Archive: 29 May 1998
75 articles found
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Minister gets earful on return to campus
Minister gets earful on return to campus BOGOR, West Java: Minister of Agriculture Soleh Solahuddin upon his return to the Bogor Institute of Technology (IPB), where he still serves as rector, was forced to defend his decision to accept the ministerial appointment. Farid R.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Investigation of wealth
Investigation of wealth I'm writing this letter in response to statements made by Amien Rais, chairman of the Muhammadyah, concerning investigating the personal wealth of former president Soeharto and his family. We must be wise in responding his statement. And we must be wise to the fact that Soeharto was not alone during his term in power for the past 32 years.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japanese banks mull capital boost for Indonesian units
Japanese banks mull capital boost for Indonesian units TOKYO (Reuters): Major Japanese commercial banks are considering raising capital for their Indonesian subsidiaries that were jointly set up with companies in the southeast Asian nation, banking sources here said yesterday. However, the amount of capital to be raised and the timing have yet to be decided, they said. "We will be raising capital.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Reform needed to boost food and agricultural production
Reform needed to boost food and agricultural production Food and agriculture have played a major role in exacerbating the economic crisis. Dr. H.S. Dillon, executive director of the Center for Agricultural Policy Studies, discusses developments under the new government. Question: What do you think about the ministers responsible for food, agriculture and forestry in President B.J. Habibie's new cabinet?
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Public pluck needed
Public pluck needed From Bisnis Indonesia We should feel grateful conditions in Jakarta have returned to normal. Nevertheless, people should not let down their guard. To anticipate unwanted situations, it is highly necessary to inject the people with courage to ward off and even to fight rioters and pillagers. Night-watch groups are only one means to prevent rioting and looting. I think another effective way would be to inject people with courage.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Painting Exhibition: Berdua, by Nonot Sukrasmono in CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., until May 30. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - The Tavern Pub: Hazztoria Band, daily except Sunday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Atrium Lounge: Solo Pianist, Monday to Friday, 7 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., Saturday at 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Borobudur festival canceled
Borobudur festival canceled SEMARANG, Central Java: This year's Borobudur International Festival, originally slated for July 7 to July 11, has been officially canceled due to safety and economic reasons. "We will soon send letters to the 20 countries that confirmed their wish to participate in the event to notify them of its cancellation," spokesman Henky Hermantoro was quoted by Antara as saying. He said the provincial administration would also announce the cancellation through the Internet.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
OPEC basket price increases
OPEC basket price increases LONDON (Reuters): The price of OPEC's basket of seven crudes rose to $13.21 a barrel on Wednesday from $13.13 a barrel on Tuesday, the OPEC news agency said quoting the OPEC Secretariat. The basket comprises Algeria's Saharan Blend, Indonesia's Minas, Nigeria's Bonny Light, Saudi Arabia's Arabian Light, Dubai of the UAE, Venezuela's Tia Juana and Mexico's Isthmus.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan offers scholarships
Japan offers scholarships UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The Japanese education ministry is offering scholarships for senior high school graduates to study at universities and polytechnical schools in Japan during the 1999 academic year. A media release from the Japanese Consulate General's office here Wednesday said students interested in applying to the S-1 degree program must have a 7.5 average or higher on their high school certificate, a 7.3 for the D3 program and a 7.0 for the D2 program.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Total reform is just that
Total reform is just that In an effort to implement reform, the Habibie administration and the House of Representatives have agreed not to hold a general election until next year. According to their schedule, the legislature needs six months to revamp the existing political laws, which will serve as a basis for the change. New Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid has said that his ministry needs three to four months to draft the amendments to the laws before they can be submitted to the House.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI crisis hits Dutch exports
RI crisis hits Dutch exports THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP): Exports of Dutch goods to Indonesia, the Netherlands' embattled former colony, plunged by 57 percent in February, the government statistics agency said yesterday. Indonesia's financial and political crisis already had pinched Dutch exports by 11 percent in January after having risen 42 percent for all of 1997, the Central Bureau for Statistics said.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Traders protest about security during riots
Traders protest about security during riots JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of traders of Chinese descent who were hit hard by the May 14 rioting went to the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday to complain about the lack of security during the unrest.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
The question of Habibie's legitimacy
The question of Habibie's legitimacy Up to this day the public debate remains focused on the legitimacy of Habibie's presidency. Habibie was formally installed as president even though the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) decree which named him vice president has not been abrogated. Neither has the MPR decree that officially declared Soeharto president. The law dictates that in order to recall an MPR decree, a general or extraordinary session of the Assembly has to be called.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Coalition may lead RI after general election
Coalition may lead RI after general election Indonesia is grappling for the best political format in the wake of last week's political turmoil. Arbi Sanit, a political scientist at the University of Indonesia, forecasts the trends. Question: Do you think President B.J. Habibie will receive support to call for an early general election?
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto's fall a near repeat of Sukarno's ruin
Soeharto's fall a near repeat of Sukarno's ruin By Tjipta Lesmana JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto's downfall and that of his predecessor, Sukarno, share many things in common. Both men were confronted with serious crises before their falls. The former encountered a monetary crisis which developed into a political crisis; the latter faced a political one.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Camdessus links Asian practice of crony capitalism to crisis
Camdessus links Asian practice of crony capitalism to crisis BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (Reuters): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had harsh words for some Asian states on Wednesday, with managing director Michel Camdessus naming "crony capitalism" as a major factor behind the region's economic crisis.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Military personnel face court-martial next week
Military personnel face court-martial next week JAKARTA (JP): Nineteen members of the Armed Forces (ABRI) will face a court-martial next week for their alleged involvement in the May 12 shootings at Trisakti University which left four student protesters dead, according to Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto. "We will soon submit their dossiers to the Jakarta Military Tribunal and the case will be heard next week," Wiranto said after installing Lt. Gen.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Macroeconomic targets need revising: Neiss
Macroeconomic targets need revising: Neiss JAKARTA (JP): Macroeconomic assumptions of the International Monetary Fund's economic reform program for Indonesia will have to be adjusted due to the country's worsening situation, IMF Asia Pacific director Hubert Neiss admitted yesterday. "Yes, we have to make adaptations in the macroeconomic framework to the new situation that unfortunately is even weaker than before," he told media following a 45-minute meeting with President B.J. Habibie.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Solo's riot damage totals Rp 5.4t
Solo's riot damage totals Rp 5.4t SURAKARTA, Central Java: An estimated Rp 5.4 billion will be needed to repair public facilities and infrastructure damaged during two days of unrest here two weeks ago. The city administration is currently reviewing its 1998/1999 budget to include the repairs. Antara reported yesterday that the revisions were discussed with the provincial council Wednesday.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF may not offer all the answers
IMF may not offer all the answers By Peter Sheehan and David Ray MELBOURNE (JP): With the resignation of former president Soeharto and the establishment of the Habibie government, Indonesia has a major opportunity for renewed economic and social progress. After the suffering which the country has undergone and the substantial nature of the political change that has been brought about by the popular will, Indonesia now has a very high level of international support on which it can draw.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mar'ie wants govt to close ailing banks
Mar'ie wants govt to close ailing banks YOGYAKARTA (JP): Former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad urged the government yesterday to close down ailing banks which could no longer be maintained without further financial help. "Banks which are in the worst shape are better off closed. Their assets could be given to state banks," Mar'ie told a symposium of economic students at Yogyakarta's Gajah Mada University.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Transparency for BI
Transparency for BI From Neraca Bank Indonesia (BI) is now free from the government's interference. It is now time for BI, as an independent monetary authority, to account to the House of Representatives and the public for the funds allocated for its liquidity credits (KLBI), totaling more than Rp 100 trillion. The funds, as once pointed out by our former national leader, were not meant as subsidies but as loans. The people now wait if the loans can be restituted in their totality plus interest.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Labor party to elect board members next week
Labor party to elect board members next week JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Workers Party (PPI), a new political party established by labor activists, is to assemble next week to elect an executive board. Party cofounder Wilhelmus Bokha said the party's maiden working meeting would be held here Sunday, and a list of candidates to lead the party had already been drawn up. He declined to reveal the candidates' names and refused to say whether his name was included on the list.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Aussie farm trade shocked
Aussie farm trade shocked SYDNEY (Reuters): Australia's A$20 billion a year farm export sector is braced for a worsening impact from the Asian crisis. Ian Donges, newly-elected president of Australia's peak farm body the National Farmers' Federation (NFF), said he was concerned especially about Indonesia, Australia's second-largest market for wheat, one of its largest markets for cotton and a very large buyer of other farm exports.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
India ships rice to Indonesia
India ships rice to Indonesia NEW DELHI (Reuters): Indian exporters sold 75,000 tons of long grain non-basmati rice to Indonesia this month, a leading trader said yesterday. "I have sold 75,000 tons of long grain rice to Indonesia in the past 10 days," Prem Garg, managing director of Shivnathrai Harnarayan, told Reuters. "This is the first major rice sale to Indonesia by India since 1996," he added.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV channel to promote ASEAN culture mooted
TV channel to promote ASEAN culture mooted SINGAPORE (DPA): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may set up a satellite television channel to showcase the region's cultures, reports in Singapore said Wednesday. ASEAN representatives will discuss the idea at the ASEAN Information Ministers meeting in Bangkok in July, a Singapore official said.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Badminton players, coaches earn their cash bonuses
Badminton players, coaches earn their cash bonuses JAKARTA (JP): A cash bonus presentation capped the national badminton team's Thomas Cup victory celebration Wednesday, with each member receiving between Rp 20 million (US$2,000) and Rp 60 million. The rewards, totaling Rp 1.34 billion, were taken from a Rp 7.4 billion fund raised earlier this month by the country's businesspeople with long ties with the Badminton Association of Indonesia.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
UI to host overnight gathering on reform
UI to host overnight gathering on reform JAKARTA (JP): Up to 10,000 university students and lecturers in Greater Jakarta are expected to participate in an evening of music and discussions about reform at the University of Indonesia's Depok campus tonight. Effendi Gazali, chairman of the organizing committee, said at a media conference here yesterday the event would kick off at 5 p.m. and finish about 5 a.m. tomorrow.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Universities as tools for peaceful change
Universities as tools for peaceful change By Meuthia Ganie Rochman BOGOR (JP): What kinds of changes does Indonesian society expect to happen, planned or responsive? At present, the cultural themes about planned changes are vanishing. Society is dominantly oriented to tackle social and economic problems, heralded and carried out by government bodies. It seems that this nation has lost its confidence and, later, capability, to think how to create a better society, beyond refurbishment approach.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Slum residents perform at TIM
Slum residents perform at TIM JAKARTA (JP): Slum residents, rejecting the label of looters and rioters apparently given to them, are participating in a performance and installation exhibition under the theme public witness, organizers said. In a release from the Urban Poor Consortium received yesterday by The Jakarta Post, organizers said residents of Jelambar Baru in West Jakarta and Pulogadung in East Jakarta will be among participants at the event held at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
De Venecia concedes defeat
De Venecia concedes defeat MANILA (AP): Ruling party candidate Jose de Venecia conceded defeat yesterday, a day before Congress was scheduled to proclaim Vice President Joseph Estrada as the Philippines' next president. "I accept the verdict of our electorate and wish only the best for president-elect Joseph Estrada, who is the clear winner of the elections," House Speaker de Venecia said.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man caught for necklace snatching
Man caught for necklace snatching JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police have arrested a man for snatching a passerby's gold necklace at Senen bus terminal on Tuesday. The chief of Central Jakarta's police investigation unit, Jacob Margani, identified the suspect yesterday as Dedi Kurniawan Saragih, 27, who allegedly snatched a 20-gram golden necklace worth Rp 1.2 million from Herlina, 26.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt releases two more political prisoners
Govt releases two more political prisoners JAKARTA (JP): The government released yesterday two more political prisoners and dropped charges against three female activists who had been accused of disrupting public order. The two released were Nuku Suleiman, 34, chairman of human rights group the Pijar Foundation, and Andi Syahputra, 33, an activist from the Alliance of Independent Journalists. "Nuku and Andi left at 6 p.m.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Woman too broke to bury husband
Woman too broke to bury husband JAKARTA (JP): A 45-year-old destitute housewife of five handed over her husband's remains to the state-owned Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital on Tuesday night for burial. Emmy, a resident of Kampung Peninggaran, South Jakarta, said yesterday she did not have enough money to hold the burial service for her husband, Rustam, let alone buy a plot in the cemetery.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 28, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 650 0 0 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 775 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 300 0 30,000 Alumindo Perkasa 275 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 375 -25 8,500 Aneka Tambang 1,400 100 3,458,500 Anwar Sierad 175 0 25,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police chief change 'Hamami's request'
Police chief change 'Hamami's request' JAKARTA (JP): National Police Commander Gen. Dibyo Widodo said yesterday that the replacement of Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata as Jakarta Police chief was totally unrelated to the fatal shooting of four Trisakti University students on May 12. Speaking at the installation ceremony for Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman, Dibyo reiterated that Hamami's replacement was based primarily on his own request and the policy of Armed Forces Headquarters.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Good job
Good job It has been on my mind for several days to write to you. I've long been an admirer of The Jakarta Post and have found especially your news coverage over the four and a half years that we've lived in Jakarta excellent. But now my enthusiasm and admiration for the Post has increased so much over the latest period of crisis, that I feel compelled to write. You have never failed to appear even on the most critical days, when most of us spent as little time as possible outside of our homes.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Payment clarification
Payment clarification In response to the letter from Ms. Kristina Djaja which appeared in May 27's The Jakarta Post, Visa International advises that such conduct is unacceptable. Once a Visa cardholder signs the sales draft, it becomes an authorization for a purchase and also a proven document of agreement between the cardholder and the merchant. Both the cardholder and merchant must agree on any changes in the amount to be charged.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto clan fazed by probe into fortune
Soeharto clan fazed by probe into fortune JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto and his family would not object to having their personal wealth investigated as long as it was conducted by the Attorney General's Office, a relative said yesterday. "In my opinion, as a family member, Soeharto and his children are ready to face investigation by the Attorney General's Office (in order) to reveal (the origins of) their real wealth," said Soeharto's half-brother Probosutedjo.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Joint naval patrols held
Joint naval patrols held HANOI (Reuters): Vietnam and Thailand will hold their first joint naval patrols in November to guarantee security for ships exploiting oil and gas in the Gulf of Thailand, the official Vietnam News Agency (VNA) said. The two countries signed an agreement last August to divide overlapping oil and gas blocks along their territory in the Gulf of Thailand.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto family web spans 120 Pertamina associates
Soeharto family web spans 120 Pertamina associates JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina has identified at least 120 companies operating as its contractors or suppliers which are owned by former president Soeharto's family and cronies. Pertamina president Soegianto said yesterday the number could be higher as the listing of companies which landed projects from Pertamina through political connections and other unsavory business practices was still tentative.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
ID card processing free of charge
ID card processing free of charge TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang mayoralty administration has decided to abolish all costs in the processing of identification cards in a bid to help people through the monetary crisis, an official said yesterday. Tangerang Mayor Djakaria Machmud said the decision was taken in a meeting of mayoralty officials and district and subdistrict heads.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Perta Oil continues operations as normal
Perta Oil continues operations as normal HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Perta Oil Marketing Ltd., an affiliate of Indonesian state-owned oil company, Pertamina, is operating as usual, despite government statements that Pertamina's affiliates are under review, a source close to Perta Oil Marketing Ltd. said. "Business is going on as normal," he said, adding that Perta Oil still expects to handle June oil product allocations for state-owned oil concern Pertamina.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Food subsidies for industries to end
Food subsidies for industries to end JAKARTA (JP): The government is to import only essential foodstuffs for household use and is encouraging industries to import food of a quality that meets their needs, a minister said yesterday. "We will only import food for household consumption, not for industrial use," State Minister of Food, Drugs and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin told reporters following a meeting on essential food items with other economic ministers.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Case settled
Case settled Referring to my letter "Bank Bali Visa Card" in the May 27 edition of The Jakarta Post, and based on my discussion with Kahyangan Restaurant at the President Hotel, I declare that the case between me and the restaurant was settled a long time ago. I just need an explanation about the procedure for processing a crossed out figure on the receipt. KRISTINA DJAJA Jakarta
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
More loot returned in W. Jakarta
More loot returned in W. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta military district handed over to the West Jakarta mayoralty Wednesday more goods it had confiscated from looters during the recent riots. Five televisions, two diesel engines, 27 tires and Rp 7.32 million in cash were presented by military district commander Lt. Col. Amril Amir to Mayor H. Soetardjianto.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Change for the better
Change for the better From Merdeka Let me first congratulate Prof. B.J. Habibie on his appointment as president of the Republic of Indonesia, a very important position in this country, and the leader of 200 million people made up of diverse racial and tribal groups and various religions. In view of the fact that he came into this position by virtue of Article 8 of the 1945 Constitution and with the assistance of a student movement (indirectly), the following must be borne in mind: 1.
Fri, 29 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: Menantang Arus 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 Talk Show: Majalah Udara 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Talk Show: Majalah Udara (contd.) 8:30 Talk Show: Dialog 9:00 World News 9:35...
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Riot-hit shopping centers unlikely to open for weeks
Riot-hit shopping centers unlikely to open for weeks JAKARTA (JP): Most of the 119 shopping centers which were looted and vandalized in the May 14 riots will not reopen for another one or two months, an official said. Executive director of the Indonesian Retail Business Association Kustarjono Prodjolalito said Wednesday that stores which suffered extensive damage would take much longer to reopen.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua (Phone: 0361 771234): - Poolside: Pasar Senggol (Traditional Balinese Market), daily, 6:30 p.m., Kecak Dance, Friday and Tuesday. Legong Dance, Saturday and Wednesday, 7 p.m., Arjuna Wiwaha Dance, Sunday, 7 p.m., Balinese Dance Parade, Rejang Dance, Puspawresti Dance, Belibis Dance and Jaran Teji Dance, Monday, 7 p.m. * Bali Padma Hotel, Legian (Phone: 0361 752111): - Pool Side: Batak Singers, Sunday.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fresh riots erupt in N. Sumatra and S. Sulawesi
Fresh riots erupt in N. Sumatra and S. Sulawesi JAKARTA (JP): Rioting erupted Wednesday in the North Sumatra town of Tanjungbalai and South Sulawesi town of Jeneponto leaving at least one man dead and 14 people injured. Hundreds of shops were damaged and looted and a number of cars and motorcycles burned. Asahan Police Chief Lt. Col Satria Sitepu said in Tanjungbalai that the fatality, Rizal, died when he was hit by a vehicle during the unrest.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan trade houses rekindle fears on Asia
Japan trade houses rekindle fears on Asia TOKYO (Reuters): Japanese trading houses rekindled worries about their financial health yesterday with fresh disclosure of their vast exposure to the troubled Asian region. Shares in five of the six leading houses sagged after they disclosed outstanding exposure totaling more than one trillion yen (US$7.2 billion) in Indonesia alone. Of the total, only 40 percent of is hedged.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Councilors recruited neposticly 'should resign'
Councilors recruited neposticly 'should resign' JAKARTA (JP): City Council speaker Edy Waluyo called on councilors yesterday who obtained their seats nepotisticly to resign. But Edy said that he would be careful when approaching the councilors he believed fell into this category. Not all council members who happen to have familial relations can be unfairly suspected of practicing nepotism, he said. "If the councilors are performing well, why should we ask them to leave.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students honored in reform diorama
Students honored in reform diorama JAKARTA (JP): The ongoing student-led reform campaign will be immortalized at the National Monument (Monas), an official said yesterday. Monas promotion manager Soleh Satyawirawan said the diorama in the monument, unlike museums, could accommodate current historical events. "To be displayed at the diorama are peak events like the five- day massive student demonstrations at the House of Representatives," Soleh said as quoted by Antara.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Poll schedule to be set at end of year
Poll schedule to be set at end of year JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Harmoko yesterday shot down hopes for snap elections, saying that an extraordinary session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to set a poll date would not be held until the end of the year. Harmoko said time was needed to review the country's five political laws, which include the electoral laws, before an election could be called.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore rubber prices weaken
S'pore rubber prices weaken SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore rubber futures fell across the board on Thursday on profit-taking from previous gains and traders said such selling might continue. "Worries over Indonesia are decreasing so some people started to take profits," said one trader. Indonesia, which experienced bloody riots and a cabinet reshuffle earlier this month, is one of the world's biggest rubber producers.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Golkar leaders talk down risk of disintegration
Golkar leaders talk down risk of disintegration JAKARTA (JP): Golkar leaders were stoical yesterday about the possible unraveling of the dominant political grouping following the breakaway of one of its strongest allies, MKGR. They said they still had enough cadres to ensure the party's survival.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Dow cancels RI project
Dow cancels RI project SINGAPORE (Reuters): Dow Chemical said yesterday it has put plans to build an olefins complex in West Java, Indonesia on hold. "The project is put on hold due to economic conditions in Indonesia," Brian Trotter, Dow Chemical's Indonesia country general manager said. He added the company was reviewing its plans. Trotter said the proposed project was to have been a joint venture with Indonesia's PT Gajah Tunggal.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Critics urge IMF to disburse loans
Critics urge IMF to disburse loans JAKARTA (JP): Prominent government critics met yesterday with visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) Asia-Pacific Director Hubert Neiss, calling on the body to continue its loan disbursements unconditionally to alleviate the suffering of millions of people here. One of the critics, senior economist Emil Salim, also called on the IMF not to interfere in Indonesia's internal political affairs.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pismatek cancels car deal
Pismatek cancels car deal JAKARTA (JP): PT Pismatek Group from Pekalongan in Central Java said yesterday it had canceled its plan to produce automotive components for the Timor car project. Pismatek Group president Djamal Ghozi said the company won a contract several months ago to supply pistons to the Timor car project, owned by Hutomo Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie's burdens
Habibie's burdens B.J. Habibie is only the third president in Indonesia's 50- year postcolonial history, but he assumes office with two heavy burdens that could make his tenure brief. Habibie's first problem is Indonesia's months-old economic crisis. Touted only a year ago as a model of poor-country development, this archipelago nation of 210 million is growing poorer by the day.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Property sector 'needs foreign investment'
Property sector 'needs foreign investment' JAKARTA (JP): The property market needs foreign investors with fresh capital to pay debts, release existing owners from unprofitable properties and restructure the sector, a property analyst said.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Minister Yunus Yosfiah claims he sides with the media
Minister Yunus Yosfiah claims he sides with the media JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Yunus Yosfiah in a brief meeting with about a dozen journalists grouped in the newly formed Indonesian Press Solidarity Society (SMPI), said he supported the establishment of alternative media organizations other than the government-recognized Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI). "Allowing only one association is similar to a monopoly and collusion...
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Prabowo installed chief of Staff and Command School
Prabowo installed chief of Staff and Command School JAKARTA (JP): Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, one of Indonesia's prominent generals, was installed yesterday as chief of the Armed Forces Staff and Command School -- his first noncombatant post after a long series of high-profile active duties. Prabowo replaced Lt. Gen. Arie J. Kumaat in a simple ceremony at the Armed Forces (ABRI)'s Cilangkap headquarters in East Jakarta, presided over by Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hotel Mulia told to pay Rp 20b fine for violations
Hotel Mulia told to pay Rp 20b fine for violations JAKARTA (JP): City councilors urged the city administration yesterday to order management of Hotel Mulia to pay forthwith the Rp 20.5 billion penalty owed for violations of spatial permits. Council speaker Edy Waluyo demanded the administration push the five-star hotel's management to fulfill its obligation. "The administration can take legal action against the management if they do not fulfill their promise," he said.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moertopo: Problem solver and straight talker
Moertopo: Problem solver and straight talker Our Asia correspondent Harvey Stockwin remembers Gen. Ali Moertopo against the background of Indonesia's current crisis. This is the first of two articles. HONG KONG (JP): At the time of trauma and travail for Indonesia, one Indonesian who comes readily to mind, for a very relevant reason, is the late Gen. Ali Moertopo. When I first met the late Ali Moertopo he was a Brigadier General. It was in 1966 or 1967.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
W. Sumatra may suspend governor
W. Sumatra may suspend governor PADANG, West Sumatra: The provincial prosecutors office has filed a request, through the Attorney General, to the Minister of Home Affairs to suspend West Sumatra Governor Muchlis Ibrahim and Padang Mayor Zuiyen Rais, for their alleged involvement in a bribery scandal. The request was forwarded to the Attorney General's office yesterday in a letter No. R183/0.3.1/Dp.1/05/1998, signed by West Sumatra Deputy Attorney General Bagio Supardi, Antara reported.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Insurance firms urged to honor claims
Insurance firms urged to honor claims JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Finance's director of insurance, Suyoto, has called on insurance companies to pay claims made by retailers whose properties were badly damaged during recent unrests. "If the insurance policy covers damages incurred from riots, we are asking insurance firms to pay the claims of their clients," Suyoto said yesterday, the Neraca daily reported.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pawnshop sees brisk business
Pawnshop sees brisk business LARANTUKA, East Nusa Tenggara: As a result of the economic crisis sweeping across the country, the state-owned pawnshop PT Pegadaian here has seen extremely brisk business with people lining up in search of credit. The Rp 2.8 billion in credit allocated for this year has already been surpassed. In the first five months of this year alone, Rp 2.9 million has been given out.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Regional grains market still waiting for RI L/Cs
Regional grains market still waiting for RI L/Cs SINGAPORE (Reuters): Southeast Asia's grains market stayed in the doldrums yesterday and there were no signs of regional demand picking up in the near term, traders said. They said they were waiting for buyers in Indonesia, one of the main players in Asia, to provide letters of credit (LCs) for fresh deals.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
BCA put under IBRA control after massive run
BCA put under IBRA control after massive run JAKARTA (JP): The country's largest bank, Bank Central Asia (BCA), has finally surrendered to the power of its depositors, who have been frantically withdrawing money, and been placed under the tutelage of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA). Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahrir Sabirin told journalists yesterday evening that the continuing run on BCA since May 18 had resulted in liquidity problems and dried up its reserves at the central bank.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bank Bali Visa
Bank Bali Visa I am writing in response to Ms. Kristina Djaja's letter of May 27. On behalf of the management of Hotel President, I would like to convey that the said case happened in June last year. We have already met Ms. Kristina Djaja and settled the problem completely. Both parties agreed to close the case, which means that the letter from Ms. Kristina is fully addressed to Bank Bali. B.S. BULAN Asst. PR Manager Hotel President Jakarta
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto-linked shares remain under pressure
Soeharto-linked shares remain under pressure JAKARTA (JP): Shares of companies owned by former president Soeharto's family and his cronies remained under selling pressure yesterday. Stockbrokers said most shares linked to Soeharto's family and cronies dropped in the morning but managed to recover in the afternoon as local investors started to take advantage of the low prices. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index fell 0.66 percent, or 2.74 points, to 414.22 on a total turnover of 178.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rice stocks will last three months: Bulog
Rice stocks will last three months: Bulog JAKARTA (JP): The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) has said that its rice stocks currently stood at 2.1 million metric tons, or only enough to meet domestic demand for about three months. Bulog's chairman, Beddu Amang, said Wednesday that the agency's existing stocks dropped from 2.5 million tons three weeks ago. "The stocks will be enough to supply domestic demand for three to four months," he said.
Fri, 29 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on May 28, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 1 10,600.00 11,800.00 Austrian shilling 1 n/a n/a Australian dollar 1 6,489.00 6,948.60 Belgian franc 1 285.20 303.60 Canadian dollar 1 7,206.60 7,655.20 Swiss franc 1 7,109.00 7,566.50 Deutschemark 1 5,862.40 6,285.40 Danish krone 1 1,543.20 1,643.50 French franc 1 1,753.10 1,868.80 Poundsterling 1 17,115.00 18,181.80 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,337.90...