Archive: 7 May 1998
52 articles found
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Newsprint price will be raised up to 12%
Newsprint price will be raised up to 12% JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association (APKI) said yesterday it would raise the price of newsprint by 10 percent to 12 percent, following the rise in fuel and electricity prices. The association's executive director, Kahar Haryopuspito, said yesterday the new price would take effect immediately. "Fuel and electricity makes up 20 percent of newsprint's production costs," Kahar said.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fuel price hike prompts Garuda to raise airfares
Fuel price hike prompts Garuda to raise airfares JAKARTA (JP): National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has raised the tariffs of all its domestic flights by an average of 37.7 percent, effective today, to take account of the sharp fuel- price rise and the rupiah's weakening value.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
ICMI calls for total political reform
ICMI calls for total political reform JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) broke ranks with the government yesterday by calling for total political reform to lift the nation out of the economic crisis. ICMI's executive board described the government's latest reform proposal, given by President Soeharto to leaders of the political parties and the House of Representatives last week, as "vague, too little and too late".
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI needs constitutional economy
RI needs constitutional economy By Akhmad Mukhtar JAKARTA (JP): The prolonged economic crisis in Indonesia reflects the bad policies and poor economic management of the government, the administration of which is poorly regulated. In issuing regulations, the government usually has the naive assumption that all its bureaucratic personnel are sincere and honest. However, the unbounded greed and power of its personnel have resulted in unbounded economic problems that tend toward chaos.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stocks and rupiah dive over unrest
Stocks and rupiah dive over unrest JAKARTA (JP): Share prices plunged by nearly 5 percent and the rupiah lost almost 8 percent on fears that escalating riots in Medan, North Sumatra, will spread to other major cities. Stock brokers said sell-off of blue-chip stocks and shares of politically connected companies pushed the Jakarta Stock Exchange's Composite Index down to 414.62 in moderate trade, about 5 percent lower than 435.16 the previous day.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
OPEC basket price falls to $13.38
OPEC basket price falls to $13.38 LONDON (Reuters): The price of OPEC's basket of seven crudes fell to US$13.38 a barrel on Tuesday from $13.62 on Monday from $13.24, 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.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Plywood income likely to fall by 16 percent
Plywood income likely to fall by 16 percent JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings from plywood exports is expected to fall 16 percent this year to US$3 billion from $3.58 billion last year, the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo) estimates. Apkindo executive director A. Tjipto Wignjorajitno said yesterday the lower estimate was partly due to the fall in prices and export volume.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Woman found dead at boardinghouse
Woman found dead at boardinghouse JAKARTA (JP): A 43-year-old woman was found dead in her boardinghouse on Jl. Pegangsaan I, Rawa Terate subdistrict in East Jakarta yesterday morning. A forensic examination of the woman, Muksinah, found injuries suggesting she might have been murdered between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. yesterday. The unmarried woman was on the administrative staff at a tax service office in Senen, Central Jakarta.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Activist set to testify before U.S. Congress today
Activist set to testify before U.S. Congress today JAKARTA (JP): Political activist Pius Lustrilanang, who has fled Indonesia in search of safety, is scheduled today to testify before a U.S. Congressional subcommittee concerning his abduction, his lawyer said here yesterday. In a statement made available to the media, the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) said Pius, 30, would testify before the subcommittee on international operations and human rights.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four killed in shoot-out
Four killed in shoot-out ILIGAN, Philippines (Reuters): Four people were killed and four wounded, including a local council candidate, in a shoot-out between unidentified armed men and local police in the southern Philippines, police said yesterday. Lanao provincial police chief Tingaraan Mangondato said 17 armed men fired late on Tuesday afternoon at a truck carrying several people including council candidate Mustapha Palao, in Tagoloan town in Lanao del Norte, 790 km south of Manila.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan welcomes IMF's RI program
Japan welcomes IMF's RI program TOKYO (Reuters): Japan welcomes a decision by the executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve an amended economic program for Indonesia, Japanese Finance Minister Hikaru Matsunaga said yesterday. "I am confident that steady implementation of this agreement would help Indonesia restore confidence of international markets in her economy, and overcome her economic difficulties," Matsunaga said in the statement.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Self-correction before reform
Self-correction before reform From Republika "In fact Allah will not change the condition of a community before they have changed their own condition." (Ar-Ra'ad:11) Of late, ishlah (reform) has become a popular word, and the key word in proposals for improvements in Indonesia's economic, political and legal situation. We have heard critical voices from intellectuals, prominent citizens and students in their moral actions with expressions of concern shown at all universities in the country.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Plane crashes in Philippines
Plane crashes in Philippines MANILA (Reuters): A Cessna-206 plane carrying seven people crashed yesterday on Bohol island in central Philippines, the Air Transportation Office (ATO) said. It could not be immediately determined if there were any survivors. "We received a report from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) rescue helicopter and the crash site is estimated at two miles south of Clarin, Bohol," Arturo Donayri, chief operations officer of the ATO's Mactan Office, said by telephone.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
More violence mars student protests
More violence mars student protests JAKARTA (JP): Violence became an increasingly unavoidable feature as more and more student demonstrations demanding reforms and protesting against the fuel and electricity price increases broke into clashes with security officers.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies take a battering
SE Asian currencies take a battering SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Battered by a barrage of bad news, Southeast Asian currencies succumbed to downward pressure yesterday, falling steeply against the U.S. dollar during Asian trading hours. The rupiah, the ringgit, and the Singapore dollar all dropped heavily as factors as diverse as escalating riots in Indonesia and a lack of bidders at a Singapore land auction prompted bank dealers to sell down the region's currencies.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Buddhists donate blood
Buddhists donate blood SEMARANG, Central Java: To commemorate the upcoming Waisak day, 50 Buddhists donated blood yesterday to the Indonesian Red Cross. The head of the Theravada Buddhist Religious Council, D. Henry Basuki, said the blood donations were an act of social solidarity ahead of religious celebrations Monday. He said Buddhists here have also contributed 10 metric tons of rice and two metric tons of sugar to the needy. (mds)
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indosat's profit up 33 percent
Indosat's profit up 33 percent JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed international telecommunications provider PT Indosat announced yesterday a 33 percent increase in net profit to Rp 176 billion (US$22 million) in the first quarter of this year from Rp 132.4 billion over the same period last year. The company said in a statement yesterday that its earning per share was Rp 170 (2 U.S. cents) per American Depository Shares (ADS).
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Inflation rate slowed to 4.7 percent in April
Inflation rate slowed to 4.7 percent in April JAKARTA (JP): The monthly inflation rate slowed to 4.7 percent in April from 5.49 percent in March, bringing the cumulative increase in the consumer price index to 33.09 percent for the first four months of 1998, the government said yesterday.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI must meet IMF terms: U.S.
RI must meet IMF terms: U.S. WASHINGTON (Agencies): The Clinton administration Tuesday warned the government of President Soeharto to follow through on International Monetary Fund (IMF) mandated economic reforms and expressed concerns over human rights abuses in the country. "The aid is in serious jeopardy if he doesn't meet the obligations he has to the IMF facility.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Business sluggish after price hikes
Business sluggish after price hikes JAKARTA (JP): Many traders of essential goods in East and South Jakarta reported yesterday that business was sluggish after prices went up yet again due to Tuesday's fuel price hikes. The new fuel prices have jacked up rental fees for trucks used to carry commodities into Jakarta. "It's another quiet day today," said Ida, a trader at Rawamangun market in East Jakarta.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Political reform may boost rupiah
Political reform may boost rupiah The disbursement of aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has failed to boost the rupiah's value against the U.S. dollar. Pande Radja Silalahi, head of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' (CSIS) economic department, discusses the causes of the failure. Question: Why has the rupiah weakened despite the IMF's US$1 billion disbursement approval of additional aid?
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gasoline, gas, lube prices increase
Gasoline, gas, lube prices increase JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina has raised the prices of gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and lubricants following the government's move to cut fuel subsidies. Pertamina, in a decree signed Monday but released yesterday, raised the price of Premix gasoline by 76 percent to Rp 1,500 (18 U.S.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Muladi urges fair trial for 12 alleged hijackers
Muladi urges fair trial for 12 alleged hijackers JAKARTA (JP): The government called on the Chinese government yesterday to prosecute Indonesians arrested on suspicion of hijacking a Malaysian-flagged oil tanker, through a fair and impartial trial. Minister of Justice Muladi was quoted by Antara as saying here yesterday that the 12 Indonesians could not be prosecuted here as there was no extradition treaty between the two countries.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Antam goes ahead expansion project
Antam goes ahead expansion project JAKARTA (JP): State-controlled, publicly listed gold and nickel miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) said yesterday it would proceed with its ferronickel expansion project in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi, despite the crisis. The company said in a statement that it had appointed United Bank of Switzerland's Warburg Dillon Read as its financial advisor on the best available financing alternatives for the project.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Organda proposes new fares for taxis and AC buses
Organda proposes new fares for taxis and AC buses JAKARTA (JP): The city branch of the Association of Public Transportation Owners (Organda) has presented a proposal to Governor Sutiyoso on new fares for taxis and air-conditioned buses in a move to end mounting confusion. Organda chairman Aip Sjarifuddin declined to detail the proposal after discussing it with officials from the administration and the City Land Transportation Agency.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Quay to be built to boost tourism
Quay to be built to boost tourism BUTON, Southeast Sulawesi: A permanent quay will be built on Kaledupa island, one of the islands in Tukang Besi subdistrict here, in a bid to boost tourism at Wakatobi National Park. The Ministry of Communications has allocated Rp 2.5 billion to finance the project, the head of the ministry's provincial office, Mawardi Yusuf, said yesterday.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Social distress' the next crisis to threaten Indonesia
'Social distress' the next crisis to threaten Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The government must quickly address the social impacts of its economic reforms to prevent the country from sliding into a more severe situation, economists say. "The great challenge Indonesia is facing in this economic crisis is the spillover effect into society," said senior economist Frans Seda.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Kid Pix 3:05 Environment Program: Mengenal Lingkungan 3:30 Science Film: Ticket to Adventure 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 TV Series: Man From Uncle 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 Comedy: Terminal Humor 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Comedy: Terminal Humor (contd.) 8:20 Koran Recital...
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto to attend G-15 Summit
Soeharto to attend G-15 Summit JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will leave for Cairo on Saturday morning for a one-week visit for the Group of 15 Summit, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday. The President will attend the three-day summit beginning Monday and stay on in Cairo for a state visit. "This will be the President's first overseas trip after his reelection in March," Alatas said after attending a monthly cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on May 6, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,300.00 8,900.00 Austrian shilling 1 671.50 761.10 Australian dollar 1 5,533.20 5,860.40 Belgian franc 1 237.40 250.00 Canadian dollar 1 6,024.90 6,337.00 Swiss franc 1 5,850.70 6,161.10 Deutschemark 1 4,879.40 5,176.30 Danish krone 1 1,283.80 1,352.80 French franc 1 1,459.10 1,539.10 Poundsterling 1 14,424.60 15,151.50 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,108.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Former cabinet minister calls for immediate reform
Former cabinet minister calls for immediate reform JAKARTA (JP): Former cabinet minister Siswono Yudohusodo stressed the necessity of immediate political and economic reforms yesterday, indicating that a cabinet reshuffle may be needed to help defuse the national crisis. "Seeing the deterioration in the quality of life in the social, economic and political fields, immediate reform has become a must.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Worker crushed to death at factory
Worker crushed to death at factory JAKARTA (JP): A worker was crushed to death by a rolling machine at a steel manufacturing factory at the MM-2100 industrial estate in Karawang yesterday. The victim, identified as Laurensius Uje Diaz, 24, was reportedly trying to fix the machine at the plant owned by PT Bisma Narindra when the engine suddenly started. A colleague, Agam, 27, told reporters that he heard other workers scream when they saw Laurensius' body was stuck in the machine.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Welcome to Indonesia'
'Welcome to Indonesia' I am a Dutchman, married to a lovely Indonesian lady. We planned a three-month trip to Indonesia to visit family and to explore the country. For a three-month visit you need a visa, which we applied for in Holland. To our surprise we were only issued a two-month visa. The Indonesian Embassy told us that we could extend the visa in Indonesia without cost. But why not a three-month visa initially like other countries issue? We flew to Jakarta.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Weightlifting coach Harry Wibowo dies
Weightlifting coach Harry Wibowo dies JAKARTA (JP): The nation's weightlifting circle mourned yesterday the death of coach Harry Wibowo, an old hand who helped put Indonesia on the world map of the sport. Harry was found lying unconscious in the bathroom of his house in Ciledug, Tangerang, West Java, on Tuesday by his brother. The 41-year-old coach was rushed to the hospital but doctors could not save his life.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hun Sen meets with Thai PM
Hun Sen meets with Thai PM BANGKOK (Reuters): Cambodian leader Hun Sen told Thai premier Chuan Leekpai yesterday he would reintegrate fighters loyal to deposed co-premier Prince Norodom Ranariddh into the armed forces quickly in the interests of peace, a Thai official said. Hun Sen, who arrived in Bangkok earlier yesterday, met Chuan for two hours of talks which also covered bilateral relations between the neighbors, the official said.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt 'won't backtrack' on fuel price hikes
Govt 'won't backtrack' on fuel price hikes JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto has pledged to explain the government's controversial decision to raise fuel prices, but says a repeal of the policy is not in the offing. Kuntoro said yesterday he would visit the House of Representatives today as requested to explain the policy that went into effect Tuesday.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
An escalation of violence
An escalation of violence Whether we are aware of it or not, we have now entered a disturbing stage (in our reform drive). We entered a stage of self-destruction the moment we elevated the students to heroes of change and renewal. We entered this stage of self-destruction the moment we allowed the students and the Armed Forces (ABRI) to engage in a match of strength on the streets in the name of one word: reform.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Apkindo maintains export restrictions on plywood
Apkindo maintains export restrictions on plywood JAKARTA (JP): Plywood producers remain restricted by an export quota mechanism set by the Association of Indonesia Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo) even though restrictive marketing arrangements were abolished by the then industry and trade minister, Tunky Ariwibowo, in late January.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Coffee traders eye Indonesian crop
Coffee traders eye Indonesian crop LONDON (Reuters): Coffee traders are concerned about the flow of Indonesian coffee into the market given the country's economic turmoil and social unrest, ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation said. The diversified Dutch investment bank said with Vietnam happy to hold back its crop, attention had turned to the Indonesian new crop.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Steady Safe bus drivers stage protest over fares
Steady Safe bus drivers stage protest over fares JAKARTA (JP): Two hundred Steady Safe bus drivers staged a protest yesterday over a confusing decision on new fares following the hike in gasoline prices. The drivers refused to work and just sat around their bus pool on Jl. Pegangsaan II in Cakung, Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, because instead of the fare for their non-air conditioned (AC) buses being raised, it was cut from Rp 700 (9 U.S.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mismanagement must be tackled
Mismanagement must be tackled Minister of Justice Muladi has made the right statements so far, which makes us have trust in him. His first homework is to draft a bankruptcy law within five weeks, to be approved by the House of Representatives. In the judicial sector, Muladi might have to sign a memorandum of cooperation with the Armed Forces (ABRI) to further his efforts to clean up the courts, including the Supreme Court. ABRI's support is crucial to ensure his actions hit their target.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Taxi drivers find work unprofitable
Taxi drivers find work unprofitable SURABAYA, East Java: Thousands of taxis here have remained in their depots due to Tuesday's fuel price increases. Antara reported yesterday that many of the drivers decided that the monetary crisis, compounded by rising fuel prices, had made driving their taxis unprofitable. The situation is worse given that spare parts prices have gone up as much as 300 percent.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 6, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 600 0 0 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 900 -50 81,000 Alumindo Light Metal 325 -25 90,000 Alumindo Perkasa 300 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 -50 25,000 Aneka Tambang 1,300 -100 9,145,000 Anwar Sierad 175 -25 45,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soldiers donate blood
Soldiers donate blood JAKARTA (JP): The East Jakarta Military Command has organized a two-day blood drive ending today to help dengue fever patients who need blood transfusions. The campaign, which is open to the public, aims to collect at least 300 units of blood. Each unit comprises 250 cc of blood. "This is a campaign initiated by the military command to help PMI (Indonesian Red Cross) collect blood for dengue fever patients," the command's chief of staff, Maj. Didi Sudiana, said yesterday.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI's stability key to recovery
RI's stability key to recovery SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia needs social stability, much more than economic reforms as currently being pushed by the International Monetary Fund, in order to overcome the ongoing financial crisis crippling the country, Cheng Hong Fong, Nomura Singapore Ltd.'s senior vice president for emerging Asia fixed income research, told Dow Jones Newswires yesterday in an interview.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Medan still tense as rioting spreads to nearby towns
Medan still tense as rioting spreads to nearby towns MEDAN (JP): Rioting spread to nearby towns yesterday as parts of the North Sumatran capital remained tense. East Medan's Tebung commercial area was littered with glass and debris yesterday evening after scores of shops had earlier been looted and set on fire by hundreds of rioters. In another part of the city, looters broke into a car and motorcycle dealer showroom and dragged out 20 motorcycles and one car and burned them on the street.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thousands of workers strike, seeking wage rise
Thousands of workers strike, seeking wage rise TANGERANG (JP): Over 5,500 workers from seven manufacturing firms went on strike yesterday, demanding wage increases and welfare improvements. About 4,000 of the protesters worked at two ceramic companies here, PT Keramindo Megah Pertiwi and PT Satria Raya Keramindo Indonesia, which are located on Jl. Raya Serang, in Balaraja.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Study on trans-Asia railway almost ready
Study on trans-Asia railway almost ready KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A study on building a Trans-Asia railway line from Singapore to Kunming in China will be ready by June, Malaysia's national Bernama news agency reported yesterday. The cost of the study, some five million ringgit (US$1.3 million), was borne by Malaysia after the project was approved by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995, the news agency quoted Malaysian Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik as saying.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
French funk band FFF in joint gig with alternative local group
French funk band FFF in joint gig with alternative local group JAKARTA (JP): Energy and satisfaction are what comes from listening to French funk music. Or that is according to organizers of a concert by French funk band FFF and Indonesian band /rif, together with DJ Charles Schillings tomorrow, being staged by the French Cultural Center in Bengkel Cafe in the Central Business District on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. FFF (Fdration Franaise de Funk) is well known.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Midwife denies illegal abortions
Midwife denies illegal abortions JAKARTA (JP): A midwife, the owner of the banned abortion clinic who is currently indicted at the Central Jakarta District Court on charges of conducting illegal abortion practices, defended yesterday that what she had done was legal.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Political reform
Political reform From Media Indonesia The intensifying student demonstrations must be construed as a sign that community members are concerned with the condition of our statehood and nationhood in relation to the situation which has prevailed for some time. I therefore wish to pass judgment on this condition.
Thu, 07 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI junior tennis team post wins
RI junior tennis team post wins JAKARTA (JP): The country's junior tennis players moved a step closer yesterday to claiming World Championship berths when they posted their second wins in both the boys' and girls' team events of the Asia/Oceania qualifying tournament. While their male compatriots had little trouble in whitewashing Lebanon 3-0, the country's young female talents scrambled back from a match down to defeat China 2-1.