Archive: 12 June 1998
64 articles found
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Fenomena Ayam, by Syarief Hidayat, at Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7194278), Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., until June 30. * Graphics Exhibition by Tisna Sanjaya, at Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., June 15 until July 10. Discussion on June 30.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
The nation should embrace universal humanity
The nation should embrace universal humanity By Frans Winarta JAKARTA (JP): The May 12 fatal shooting of four Trisakti University students, allegedly carried out by the security forces, marks a black day in the history of modern Indonesia. The tragic deaths of students who were demanding democratic reform occurred in conjunction with a wider process of democratization beginning in 1990 amid global trends favoring democratic institutions and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Radio stations rush to cast off 'RRI' millstone
Radio stations rush to cast off 'RRI' millstone By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Like other Indonesian radio buffs, Dita used to have the same listening problem. "I was listening to a song when suddenly, without warning, came that darned news broadcast," the 23-year-old journalist said. "Alright fine. I know I am a journalist and (it's) my duty to listen to news. But 14 times a day? And then, what news? It's government-regulated.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chinese-RI are victims
Chinese-RI are victims In this day and age, it saddens to read a letter such as that written by Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo The Jakarta Post, May 30, 1998, in which he criticized the Chinese-Indonesian who fled the country during the recent riots. If only you had experienced your house or shop-office being surrounded by hundreds of people attempting to get in with fire in their hands (God knows what they were going to do to your family).
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Forest reserve under threat
Forest reserve under threat JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: An official warned here yesterday that gold panning, logging and massive sand quarrying were endangering the one-million hectare Mt. Cycloop's forest reserve. The head of the provincial forestry and plantation office, Sudjud, said that unless drastic and immediate steps were taken to stop the practices, the rich diversity of flora and fauna in the Sentani subdistrict would be severely affected.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 11, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 425 -25 22,500 AHAP Insurance 575 0 0 Alter Abadi 500 0 132,500 Alumindo Light Metal 375 75 186,000 Alumindo Perkasa 200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 275 0 500 Aneka Tambang 1,400 -50 1,775,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 20,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Floods wash out rice crops
Floods wash out rice crops TANGERANG (JP): The rice supply in Tangerang Regency will be severely affected by failure of harvests on 600 hectares of paddy fields, destroyed by severe flooding last week. Head of the regency's agriculture office Yodhi Rosidi said yesterday the crops, which were ready for harvesting, were destroyed by the regency's biggest recorded floods which hit June 5.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Team to tackle PLN problems
Team to tackle PLN problems JAKARTA (JP): The government has formed a team to give recommendations on ways resolve problems faced by state-owned electricity firm PLN, including those with independent power producers (IPPs). The team is headed by a deputy to state minister for the empowerment of state enterprises, Markus Permadi, assisted by the director of electricity at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Endro Utomo Notodisuryo.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Open letter to ethnic Chinese
Open letter to ethnic Chinese From Pikiran Rakyat As a Moslem I wish to apologize sincerely to my brothers and sisters of Chinese ancestry who were the victims of brutality and terror from my brothers who are said to call themselves Moslems. I cannot imagine the sadness and pain in your hearts caused by the reality that your existence is seemingly not recognized in the country where you were born, but only because you happen to be citizens of Chinese descent.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Workers' freedom
Workers' freedom Authorities in this country showed a stubborn reluctance to recognize workers' rights right up until President B.J. Habibie signed up to the International Labor Organization (ILO) convention on June 5. The convention guarantees workers the freedom to organize. Under Soeharto, the authorities cut back workers rights and the police clamped down heavily on underground unions and any signs of labor unrest.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Regent denies killing journo
Regent denies killing journo YOGYAKARTA: Sri Roso Sudarmo, who was temporarily removed as Bantul regent Wednesday, vehemently denied yesterday that he was involved in the highly publicized 1996 murder of Bernas daily's journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, alias Udin. "How am I supposed defend myself anymore? Of course I deny it (the allegation)," Sri Roso told reporters after surrendering his post to Governor Paku Alam III.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Contractors rail against collusion
Contractors rail against collusion JAKARTA (JP): About 80 representatives of contractors grouped in the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Builders Association staged a peaceful demonstration at City Hall yesterday to protest alleged collusion between the governor's office and the association's executives. One of the protesters, Beresman Siagian, said they wanted the revocation of Gubernatorial Decree No.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bogor military district's new chief
Bogor military district's new chief BOGOR (JP): Lt. Col. Suratmo was installed yesterday as the new commander of the Bogor military district, replacing Lt. Col. Mustofa Hadi Pranoto, who has been appointed chief of staff of the Bogor Military Resort. The installation ceremony at the military district headquarters was led by Bogor Military Resort Commander Col. Suprapto.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crisis kills joint military exercises
Crisis kills joint military exercises KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The economic crisis that has crippled many Southeast Asian nations has forced the cancellation of joint military exercises between Malaysia and Thailand, a daily said yesterday. The decision to cancel the annual "Thamal" exercise was made Wednesday at a meeting between Malaysian and Thai military officials in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian delegation head Lt. Gen. Abdul Aziz Hassan was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rice stock enough for 12 months, Bulog says
Rice stock enough for 12 months, Bulog says JAKARTA (JP): The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) has dismissed rumors that the country would soon face a rice shortage, saying that current stocks were sufficient for one year and imports would continue to flow in. Bulog chairman Beddu Amang said yesterday that Bulog rice stocks were currently 2.5 million tons, enough to meet domestic demand for about 12 months. "We have enough rice for this year.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF focuses on budget, monetary policy review
IMF focuses on budget, monetary policy review JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical team here to review Indonesia's macroeconomic development is focusing on the country's budget and monetary policy, IMF Asia Pacific director Hubert Neiss said yesterday. He added, to the media after meeting the country's economic ministers, that the other two topics were financial restructuring and structural reforms. "I will stay for two to three weeks...
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
City promises to end bias against Chinese-Indonesians
City promises to end bias against Chinese-Indonesians JAKARTA (JP): The city administration wants to put an end to allegedly discriminatory practices in the processing of identification cards for Chinese-Indonesians, an official said Wednesday. Deputy governor for administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi said the plan was based on universal human rights which stated that all citizens were equal and had the same rights and obligations.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
3,000 students stage demonstration at House
3,000 students stage demonstration at House JAKARTA (JP): More than 3,000 students in the Greater Jakarta Students Forum (Forum Kota) held a peaceful demonstration outside the House of Representatives compound yesterday, demanding the establishment of an Indonesian People's Committee to run a transitional government. Soldiers prevented the students from entering the compound which forced the protesters to air their demands outside.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Winterthur Life Indonesia 'Your security is our concern'
Winterthur Life Indonesia 'Your security is our concern' Winterthur Life Indonesia is a joint-venture partnership between Winterthur Swiss Insurance, part of the Credit Suisse Financial Services group, and Asuransi Wahana Tata, part of the Gemala group of companies. In 1997, Winterthur Life Indonesia achieved a total premium income of Rp 30 billion, and total paid-up capital has reached Rp 26.5 billion.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
JSX chief says suspension looms for 28 listed firms
JSX chief says suspension looms for 28 listed firms JAKARTA (JP): President of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Cyrill D. Noerhadi said yesterday that the 28 public companies which had yet to submit their annual financial reports for 1997 would face suspension if they did not do so by the end of today. "We have to be firm against those companies in order to improve the image of our capital market," he told The Jakarta Post.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Firm apologizes over land deal
Firm apologizes over land deal JAKARTA (JP): An executive of PT Catur Swasakti Utama, a subsidiary of the widely diversified Bakrie group, admitted yesterday that his firm had failed to meet requirements in a land exchange deal with the city. Company director Max B. Lani told city councilors that the company, which developed Taman Rasuna Apartments in Kuningan, South Jakarta, had experienced problems due to the prolonged economic crisis and a management reshuffle last year.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI presents its reform views
ABRI presents its reform views JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) presented its views on reform yesterday, warning that overzealous statements or protests threatening political and social stability in the reform process would not be tolerated. It underlined political and social stability as a prerequisite in resolving the crisis. ABRI also pointed out that without strong control, the current reform movement could be manipulated by parties that do not represent the interests of the people.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thai meeting on INRO membership up in air
Thai meeting on INRO membership up in air BANGKOK (Reuters): A government panel's meeting to review Thailand's membership in the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) ended without a conclusion yesterday. Members of the Natural Rubber Policy Committee were sharply divided on the issue, Deputy Agriculture Minister Somchai Sunthornwat told reporters.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
New party open to all: Founder
New party open to all: Founder JAKARTA (JP): The newly formed Chinese-Indonesian Reform Party (Parti) denied accusations yesterday that it was ethnically exclusive and that the use of Tionghoa (Chinese) in its name did not reflect any disloyalty against the country. "If any other name was used, it would be meaningless. Why can't we all just learn to be honest and be who we are?" one of the party's founders, lawyer Gunawan Tjahjadi, told The Jakarta Post.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian opposition to defy ban on meetings
Malaysian opposition to defy ban on meetings KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's main opposition party vowed yesterday to press ahead with public meetings despite an apparent crackdown by police which led to the arrest of four members. "We expect more trouble but we will continue having more of such meetings," Democratic Action Party (DAP) deputy secretary general Lim Guan Eng told reporters at the party's headquarters on the outskirts of the capital.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN free trade plan on schedule despite turmoil
ASEAN free trade plan on schedule despite turmoil HONG KONG (Dow Jones): A top official of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations said yesterday that the Asian economic crisis won't derail its plan to set up a regional free trade zone by the year 2003. "(The) ASEAN has, at the highest level, strongly reaffirmed its commitment to regional economic integration and open regionalism, to keeping the ASEAN Free Trade Area on track and on schedule," Rodolfo C.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy close ties
The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy close ties Friends in need are friends indeed: the Philippines and Indonesia are no doubt learning the truth of this statement during the economic crisis. Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Eusebio A. Abaquin sat down with The Jakarta Post to discuss the two nations' long historical ties and ways they can work together in battling the hardships. JP: Do you see a new era dawning in the Philippines with the election of Joseph Ejercito Estrada to the presidency?
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Will new parties bring democracy?
Will new parties bring democracy? By Yulius P. Hermawan BANDUNG (JP): While the new law on political parties has not been formulated yet, enthusiasm for establishing new parties has led to the creation of new political alignments in Indonesia. Several mass organizations have proclaimed the formation of new parties (see article written by I. Haryanto, Jakarta Post on June 6, 1998). Others are still thinking about forming parties, and look likely to do so soon.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Workers urge U.S. to lobby IMF on loans
Workers urge U.S. to lobby IMF on loans JAKARTA (JP): More than 500 workers grouped in the transportation sector trade union (SPTI) staged a demonstration in front of the United States Embassy here yesterday, urging the U.S. government to press the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to immediately disburse pledged loans to help low-income Indonesians. The workers, mostly bus drivers and ship crew members, sang patriotic songs as they held up banners urging the U.S.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI 'must reveal truth behind riots'
ABRI 'must reveal truth behind riots' JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie told top brass in the Armed Forces (ABRI) to dig out the truth over allegations that "an organized group" was behind recent riots. Addressing a meeting of 151 high-ranking ABRI officials at the State Presidential Palace yesterday, Habibie said the Armed Forces headquarters should conduct a thorough investigation and clarify the issue.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police aiding investigation
Police aiding investigation JAKARTA (JP): The police are being cooperative in the Trisakti shooting investigation and will submit all evidence needed in resolving the case upon formal request, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said yesterday. Da'i made the remarks in response to questions about the 21 weapons used in the May 12 incident which were reportedly not presented by the police to the Trisakti investigation team, led by Jakarta Police Military Commander Col. Hendardji.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ispat still in running for Krakatau steel bid
Ispat still in running for Krakatau steel bid JAKARTA (JP): Netherlands-based Ispat International has priority on a tender for privatization of state-owned steelmaker PT Krakatau Steel if it can match the most competitive bid, an official said yesterday.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
AG office must be 'free from interference'
AG office must be 'free from interference' JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro said yesterday he had proposed that his office detach itself from the government and become a separate and independent institution. Soedjono told reporters here yesterday that his office was preparing a concept proposal on the issue which would be completed on Monday, adding that he intended to submit it to President B.J. Habibie soon.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Philippine merchandise exports and imports with Indonesia (US$)
Philippine merchandise exports and imports with Indonesia (US$) 1995 1996 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Export to Indonesia 129,125,611 142,452,704 170,427,178 Import from Indonesia 654,310,590 575,440,256 475,241,176 Source: Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippines
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Armed Forces needs to reduce its political role: Observers
Armed Forces needs to reduce its political role: Observers YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) needs to reduce its political role to accelerate the country's fledgling democratic reform, a military observer said. "ABRIs sociopolitical role must be immediately reviewed to smooth the passage of democratic reform in Indonesia," Yahya Muhaimin of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta told reporters.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Winterthur Life Indonesia Signs Joint Marketing Agreement with Astra CMG Life
Winterthur Life Indonesia Signs Joint Marketing Agreement with Astra CMG Life Two life insurance joint-venture companies PT Asuransi Winterthur Life Indonesia (WLI) and PT Astra CMG Life (ACMGL) signed recently a unique marketing cooperation agreement. The agreement will enable both companies to focus their attentions on the specific segments of the market where they have particular strengths.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Six new oil mining contracts awarded
Six new oil mining contracts awarded JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto awarded six new oil and gas production sharing contracts yesterday and reassured foreign investors that their agreements would be honored. The six contractors, including five foreign companies, were awarded the right to explore oil and gas resources in Irian Jaya, the Natuna Islands and East Java for 30 years. The contractors are Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd (JAPEX), Lasmo (Malagot) Ltd.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moerdiono questioned over land swindle
Moerdiono questioned over land swindle JAKARTA (JP): Former minister/state secretary Moerdiono was grilled by the Attorney General's Office yesterday over a 1994 scam in which state land was used as collateral on an Rp 90 billion loan for the construction of condominiums in Kemayaron, Central Jakarta. Spokesman for the Attorney General's Office Barman Zahir said Moerdiono was questioned for over two hours by a team led by the head of intelligence operations Sudibyo Saleh.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ethnic Chinese do try
Ethnic Chinese do try From Bisnis Indonesia I would like to comment on Lutfi Heyder's letter in Bisnis Indonesia of May 8. 1. You suggested that the ethnic Chinese should intermingle with the community. They have done so. But does the government itself support assimilation if it issues identity cards that have a special code for ethnic Chinese? 2. The use of Mandarin or English in public places. What about people from Java, Madura, Padang, etc. who use their regional languages in public places?
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Studying in the Philippines cost-effective for RI students
Studying in the Philippines cost-effective for RI students The economic crisis in the region has forced parents to consider thinking of more cost-effective options other than sending their children to expensive schools in Europe, Australia or the United States. Because of this, Philippine colleges and universities are becoming more and more attractive to foreigners who want good but affordable education overseas. According to Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Eusebio A.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto hires lawyers
Soeharto hires lawyers JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro revealed here yesterday that former president Soeharto has appointed a number of lawyers to represent him. "Yes that's true," Soedjono replied hastily when asked by journalists. When pressed further he revealed that he had also recently met with them. "They (lawyers) submitted a letter on their power of attorney," he said. Soedjono refused to divulge further details, saying only that there were "several of them".
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Astra CMG Life 'Making a difference in life'
Astra CMG Life 'Making a difference in life' Astra CMG Life, a joint-venture partnership between the Astra Group (Indonesia) and the Colonial Group (Australia), currently has 12 sales offices in eight major Indonesian cities: five locations in Jakarta, and one in Bandung, Surabaya, Malang, Banjarmasin, Medan, Palembang and Lampung. This business network will be extended gradually to cover all areas of Indonesia. ACMGL, based on the Dewan Asuransi Indonesia Report on life insurance as at Dec.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on June 11, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 1 13,000.00 14,000.00 Austrian shilling 1 994.20 1,137.80 Australian dollar 1 7,701.20 8,239.70 Belgian franc 1 351.40 374.00 Canadian dollar 1 8,906.70 9,462.70 Swiss franc 1 8,757.50 9,322.30 Deutschemark 1 7,223.80 7,745.10 Danish krone 1 1,902.60 2,026.50 French franc 1 2,159.70 2,302.60 Poundsterling 1 21,260.00 22,576.20 Hong Kong dollar 1...
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Riot victims find it hard to pick up the pieces
Riot victims find it hard to pick up the pieces JAKARTA (JP): Rikwan, 57, spends all his days at home in a housing complex in Jelambar, West Jakarta. He rarely plays with his seven new birds, including a bulbul and a starling, a gift from his lovely wife, who thought the gesture may appease the man, who was badly affected by last month's riots. His wife keeps him company every day, trying to keep him busy and help him forget the recent past.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Morocco plays favored Norway to stunning draw
Morocco plays favored Norway to stunning draw MONTPELLIER (Agencies): Morocco showed it will be a force to be reckoned with in France by holding favored Norway to a 2-2 draw in their first Group A match here Wednesday. The red-and-green shirts went a long way toward proving the prophecy of World Cup organizer Michel Platini that African teams would have powerful impact on this World Cup by forcing the Scandinavians to an unexpectedly difficult game.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI seeks rice as stocks fall
RI seeks rice as stocks fall BANGKOK (Reuters): New demand from Indonesia has boosted trade in the Southeast Asian grains and oilseed market this week, traders said yesterday. But enthusiasm has been sporadically dampened by concerns about currency volatility as the battered yen dragged other regionals down with it, they said. Indonesia's Salim Group was seeking 100,000-200,000 metric tons of rice from Thailand as the country's rice stocks were running low, trade sources said.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police shoot alleged drug dealer in Depok
Police shoot alleged drug dealer in Depok JAKARTA (JP): Police shot an alleged drug dealer, who was a former member of the City Police Mobile Brigade squad, for resisting arrest in Depok yesterday. The suspect, identified as Teguh, 27, was shot in the left leg. He was later taken to the police's violent crime section for questioning. The incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. on Jl. Leli I in Depok I. The area is believed to be a drug dealing center.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
History in the making: June 12, 100 years ago
History in the making: June 12, 100 years ago With most of the Philippines already under Filipino control in 1893 (except for the city of Manila), Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo felt that it was imperative to establish a Philippine government to formally institute Filipino sovereignty. On the advice of Ambrosio R. Bautista, Aguinaldo inaugurated "a dictatorial government" on May 24, 1898, setting forth June 12 of that year as the date of Philippine Independence.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Our foreign private loans problem
Our foreign private loans problem Neither Ginandjar Kartasasmita nor Radius Prawiro -- the two economists appointed, first by the previous regime's Seventh Development Cabinet and then by the present Reform Development Cabinet, to tackle Indonesia's private offshore debt problem -- could hide the relieve they felt (over the rescheduling arrangement reached with foreign lenders). To (business expert) A.A. Baramuli, though, things looked different.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local cement demands drops 30%
Local cement demands drops 30% JAKARTA (JP): Domestic demand for cement has sunk by 30 percent since the beginning of this year due to the deepening economic crisis, state-run PT Semen Gresik president Urip Timuryono said yesterday. Urip said the crisis was causing the reduction or cancellation of most construction projects. Semen Gresik's sales this year have also fallen by 20 percent. "The utilization of our plants is about 70 percent to 75 percent of capacity.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI firm hold chunk of Peregrine assets
RI firm hold chunk of Peregrine assets HONG KONG (Reuters): Most of the assets of Peregrine Fixed Income Ltd are in the hands of parties whose credit worthiness is suspect, Price Waterhouse partners and liquidators of the Peregrine Investments Holdings Ltd unit said.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah touches 15,000 against dollar
Rupiah touches 15,000 against dollar JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah sank again yesterday, breaking the 15,000 level against the U.S. dollar in moderate trading before rebounding slightly in the afternoon to end the trading day at 13,750. The rupiah's close yesterday was 6 percent lower than Wednesday's close at 12,900. Currency dealers attributed the rupiah's free fall to weak regional markets, persistent political problems at home and a sudden rising demand for dollars by domestic commercial banks.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government to probe use of refoirestation funds
Government to probe use of refoirestation funds JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said yesterday the use of the reforestation funds to finance businesses owned by former president Soeharto's family and cronies was being investigated. He said his office and the Ministry of Finance were working together to ascertain whether there was malfeasance in the use of Rp 1.2 trillion (US$90 million) of the reforestation funds prior to this April.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina to open tender
Pertamina to open tender SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian state oil company Pertamina will issue a tender for its July crude and products imports, a company official said yesterday. But he was uncertain when the tender would be issued and what volumes Pertamina was looking to buy. He said it would be a tender open to all traders and producers. Indonesia currently imports around 200,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) of crude oil through two affiliates Perta and Indoil.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Over 100 housing costumers protest BII's interest rates
Over 100 housing costumers protest BII's interest rates JAKARTA (JP): More than 100 customers of Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) protested yesterday an increase in their home loan interest rate, while separately more than 200 people insisted a developer return their down payments. The customers of the privately owned BII, demonstrating at the bank's head office on Jl. MH. Thamrin in Central Jakarta, urged the bank to lower the interest rate for its home loan scheme.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Celebrating Philippine independence
Celebrating Philippine independence June 12, 1998, marks the centenary of the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain, perhaps the most awaited event in Philippine historiography since the end of American colonial rule in 1946.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Eritrea attacks on new front: Ethiopian claim
Eritrea attacks on new front: Ethiopian claim ADDIS ABABA (Reuters): Ethiopia said yesterday that Eritrea had launched a new attack at the eastern end of their border, close to the Red Sea port of Assab. Ethiopian government spokeswoman Selome Taddesse told Reuters that Eritrean forces had attacked Ethiopian positions early yesterday, but that further details were not immediately available.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
PAL flight attendants threaten to join strike
PAL flight attendants threaten to join strike MANILA (AP): Flight attendants and ground crew of troubled Philippine Airlines threatened yesterday to join a strike by about 600 pilots if the company institutes layoffs in a move to cut costs. "We are going all the way with the pilots," said Roberto Anduiza, president of the 2,100-strong Flight Attendants and Stewardesses Association of the Philippines.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Annan welcomes release of East Timor prisoners
Annan welcomes release of East Timor prisoners UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed news Wednesday that President B.J. Habibie had signed a decree for the release of 15 East Timorese political prisoners and said he hoped this would lead to the freeing of all others.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asian currencies perk up
Southeast Asian currencies perk up SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies recovered from morning lows in afternoon trading yesterday as the Japanese yen touched, but failed to break through, the key psychological level of 142 to the U.S. dollar.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Residents protest waste pollution
Residents protest waste pollution MEDAN, North Sumatra: Over 200 residents of Bedagai village, Tanjung Beringin subdistrict in Deli Serdang regency staged a protest in front of the provincial legislature here yesterday against a tapioca factory which they said was dumping industrial waste into the Sei Bedagai River. A delegation representing the residents met provincial legislators and pointed out that many people suffered from skin diseases due to the river pollution.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sick yen piles on torment for Asia
Sick yen piles on torment for Asia SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asia's markets took another dive yesterday, as nerves over the weak yen and its impact on regional economies swept trading floors for the second straight day. The dollar rose above 142 yen in late Tokyo trade, as dealers reacted to signs that the world's leading economies were not about to intervene on the Japanese currency's behalf. It later fell back to around 141.30/40.
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film 3:05 Music Lessons: Musik Angklung 3:30 Village Program 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Performance: Cakrawala Budaya 5:00 Music: Paket 27 5:30 Education Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 My Country: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Cultural Program: Kronik Budaya 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Cultural Program: Kronik Budaya 8:30 Talk Show: Dialog 9:00 World News 9:35...
Fri, 12 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
AMT escapes RI crisis
AMT escapes RI crisis SINGAPORE (Reuters): Electronics contract manufacturer PT Astra Microtronics Technology (AMT) has escaped Indonesia's economic crisis and expects sales to rise more than 10 percent this year, a senior official said yesterday. "Annual sales last year were in the US$90 million range. This year, it was projected to be $105-108 million," chief operating officer Michael McKerreghan told Reuters in an interview.