Archive: 18 June 1998
52 articles found
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Books on Betawi arts
Books on Betawi arts JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is to launch three books on Betawi (native Jakartan) arts and artists, Azhari Baedlawie, head of the city culture office, said on Tuesday. Azhari said the books would be launched by Governor Sutiyoso in conjunction with the opening of an exhibition of Nina Sapoetra paintings at Cempaka Hotel in Central Jakarta on Friday night. The three books, written by culture reporters in cooperation with the city culture office, are entitled H.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
A democratic multiparty system
A democratic multiparty system By Mulyana W. Kusumah JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is witnessing the blooming of new political parties, a phenomenon virtually beyond any political prediction a short time ago. Aside from the Democratic People's Party (which was banned by the government) and the Indonesian Democratic Union Party, set up in 1996, some 20 new political parties have now made the light of day.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Irian separatists kill three settlers
Irian separatists kill three settlers JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Separatist guerrillas killed three transmigrants yesterday who were on their way home from work at a nearby palm oil plantation. The three men -- Nurcholis, Saidi and Suparman -- all in their 20s, were on their way home to Arso I village when they were attacked by separatists, according to Lt. Col. Koesmayadi of the 172 military resort which oversees Jayapura. He said the victims were shot at close range and then beaten with machetes.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Krakatau Steel agreement canceled
Krakatau Steel agreement canceled JAKARTA (JP): The government and Dutch firm Ispat N.V. have canceled a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the purchase of a 49 percent stake in state-owned P.T. Krakatau Steel, an official of the State Enterprises Management Agency said yesterday. The assistant of the agency's communications division chief, Sofyan Djalil, told reporters that the widely criticized MOU was no longer in effect starting yesterday.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt calls off drug 'self-dispensing' policy
Govt calls off drug 'self-dispensing' policy JAKARTA (JP): Pharmacists welcomed yesterday the government's decision to call off its plan to allow general practitioners to dispense generic drugs directly to patients. The plan, first announced last week, sparked strong opposition from distributors whose role would be severely reduced in Indonesia's complex drug distribution network.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah falls to near 17,000 against dollar
Rupiah falls to near 17,000 against dollar JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah continued its free fall yesterday, almost touching its historic low of 17,000 against the U.S. dollar, because of rising dollar demand and persistent worries about political unrest. The stock market capitalized on the rupiah's plunge, closing almost 5 percent higher on arbitrage trading in several dual- listed stocks.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Suparma's sales up 76%
Suparma's sales up 76% JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed paper and carton manufacturer PT Suparma said yesterday it booked sales of Rp 91 billion (US$6 million) in the first quarter of this year, up 76 percent compared to the same period last year. The Surabaya-based company said the sharp rise was due to a surge in exports, which jumped 172 percent year-on-year. It predicts sales will rise 59 percent to Rp 270 billion this year from Rp 170 billion last year.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ambiguous system
Ambiguous system After the whirlwind of reform, which grew into an national tornado that toppled Soeharto as head of state and replaced the government with a reform administration, one would expect that fresh air would be blowing in all directions. However, as I walk around, I still have to breath in a rather fishy smell of ambiguity.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cibinong's exports rises
Cibinong's exports rises JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Semen Cibinong said yesterday that its exports in the first five months of this year had increased while its domestic sales dropped 33 percent. The company said its exports of cement and clinker from January through May were 505,000 metric tons, compared to 89,000 tons in the whole of 1997.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI to quit tin group
RI to quit tin group JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will quit the Association of Tin Producing Countries (ATCP) in August because it regards the group as ineffective, president of publicly listed PT Tambang Timah Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas announced yesterday. "The association's mission is to stabilize prices but it has failed to do the job," Erry said. Indonesia is one of the world's biggest tin producers.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Public donations to city centers decrease sharply due to troubles
Public donations to city centers decrease sharply due to troubles JAKARTA (JP): The country's acute economic problems and seemingly never-ending protests have affected almost all activities, including social service centers. Catering to the city's needy -- such as abandoned babies, orphans, senior citizens and the mentally ill -- the centers have said they are facing their worst financial difficulties in decades.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bogor farmers rally for more compensation
Bogor farmers rally for more compensation BOGOR (JP): More than 200 farmers of Rancamaya village here went to the local mayoralty office and legislative council yesterday to make fresh demands about their former land, now the site of a luxury housing complex. The dispute between farmers and developers over the 257 hectares had been settled with the help of the National Commission on Human Rights in 1993.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
New MPI must be fully independent: Minister
New MPI must be fully independent: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution met with the Indonesian Forestry Society for Reform (MPI Reformasi), a grouping established by businesspeople in the forestry sector to replace the old MPI, an organization once controlled by Soeharto's old crony Mohamad "Bob" Hasan.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Letter to the U.S. President
Letter to the U.S. President Mr. President, We, members of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby convey our warm greetings to you, Mr. President, and hope that you will always be in a position to fulfill your tasks. We also hope that the future will see increasingly closer relations between the House and the U.S. Government. We were extremely startled to hear that there are indications that the aid of the U.S.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mega 'too busy' for Habibie invitation
Mega 'too busy' for Habibie invitation JAKARTA (JP): Opposition figure Megawati Soekarnoputri has declined several recent invitations to meet President B.J. Habibie, Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said yesterday. The President had invited Megawati in her capacity as one of the country's most prominent leaders and a daughter of the country's first president, Sukarno, Akbar added. Habibie wished to meet with the late Sukarno's children as he has known them personally for a long time.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Yogyakarta PDI chapter deserts Soerjadi camp
Yogyakarta PDI chapter deserts Soerjadi camp YOGYAKARTA (JP): Soerjadi, the government-backed chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), effectively lost all support in Yogyakarta yesterday as branch members jumped ship and said they would now support Megawati Soekarnoputri. D. Mugiyono, chairman of the PDI branch in Yogyakarta, announced that he and 14 other leading members had resigned, thus effectively wiping out Soerjadi's support here.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 17, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 450 0 0 AHAP Insurance 575 0 0 Alter Abadi 550 50 505,500 Alumindo Light Metal 325 25 13,500 Alumindo Perkasa 200 0 1,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 11,500 Aneka Tambang 1,475 50 3,165,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 92,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Former Kemayoran residents left in limbo
Former Kemayoran residents left in limbo JAKARTA (JP): Former Kemayoran district residents who were displaced for a controversial development project are asking councilors to force the developer to realize its plan and pay higher compensation, or give them their land back. About 40,000 people have been affected for development of a new satellite city on 454 hectares of the former Kemayoran airport in Central Jakarta.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thai, RI bandits collect 'tax' from Malaysians
Thai, RI bandits collect 'tax' from Malaysians KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Thai and Indonesian bandits using speedboats and armed with M-16 automatic rifles are preying on Malaysian fishermen to collect "taxes" for straying into international waters to fish in the Straits of Malacca, a report said yesterday. Police have warned local fishermen to stay within Malaysian waters after several were recently kidnapped and held until ransoms were paid to the bandits, the Star newspaper said.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sultan of Yogya, a feudalistic figure who opposes feudalism
Sultan of Yogya, a feudalistic figure who opposes feudalism By Sutan Malekewi YOGYAKARTA (JP): "If the sultan is indeed a reformist, he must quit from Golkar," an artist shouted spiritedly. The challenge was voiced when Yogyakartan artists got together at the Keraton Yogyakarta compound to make a statement on May 18, three days before Soeharto stepped down as president.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Inhutani III to enter oil palm sector
Inhutani III to enter oil palm sector JAKARTA (JP): State timber company PT Inhutani III said yesterday that it planned to develop 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantation in its concession areas. Inhutani III president Soeyoto Wongsoredjo said that the company was still looking for private partners to enter into joint ventures to develop the plantations. "Many private investors have asked to be our partners, but none have so far met our requirements," Soeyoto said in a news conference.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police College schedules new postgraduate classes
Police College schedules new postgraduate classes JAKARTA (JP): The Police College (PTIK) will introduce a new postgraduate degree course next year and will welcome applications from non-police students, an official said yesterday. PTIK governor Maj. Gen. Ahwil Lutan told The Jakarta Post that the new course would offer classes in three major subjects -- police law, police administration and police technology.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pakistan off ASEAN guest list
Pakistan off ASEAN guest list MANILA (Reuters): The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has decided not to invite Pakistan to a ministerial conference in Manila next month, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon said yesterday. Siazon, who chairs the regional security meeting, said Pakistan's nuclear rival and ARF member India and several other ARF members were against the idea of inviting Pakistan, even as a guest at an informal dinner.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
OPEC basket price $10.47
OPEC basket price $10.47 LONDON (Reuters): The price of OPEC's basket of seven crudes edged up to US$10.47 a barrel yesterday from $10.11, 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, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Citra Marga rating cut
Citra Marga rating cut TOKYO (Dow Jones): Japan Credit Rating Agency said yesterday it has downgraded the preliminary long-debt rating on PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada to C from B. The preliminary rating on bonds to be offered by the Indonesian issuer remains under its credit monitor, JCR said.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ghalib vows to continue alleged corruption probe
Ghalib vows to continue alleged corruption probe JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed Attorney General Lt. Gen. Muhammad Ghalib pledged yesterday to continue the probe into corruption during the rule of former president Soeharto. "I will continue with what has been started," Ghalib told reporters shortly after being sworn in at the State Palace. Ghalib was referring to a probe into Soeharto's wealth and other government corruption launched by his predecessor, Soedjono C. Atmonegoro.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
YPF Indonesia joins Kodeco's Madura oil block
YPF Indonesia joins Kodeco's Madura oil block JAKARTA (JP): Oil and gas company Kodeco Energy Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of South Korea's Kodeco Group, has sold half of its 50 percent stake in the Western Madura offshore block to YPF Indonesia, a subsidiary of Argentina's YPF S.A. Kodeco's chief operating officer (CEO), Gye-Wol Choi, and YPF Indonesia's managing director, C.W. Murray, signed the acquisition deal here yesterday.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hopewell reviews RI options
Hopewell reviews RI options HONG KONG (Reuters): Hong Kong's Hopewell Holdings Ltd is reviewing the near and long-term outlook for its Indonesian investments, a spokeswoman for the company said yesterday. "Hopewell is considering all its options because of the political and economic situation in Indonesia," the spokeswoman said, but would not confirm Jakarta press reports saying the project was to be delayed or possibly terminated.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Poster Exhibition: World Cup '98, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., June 22 through July 13. Performance * Musical Drama: Ayub by Frateran Senior High School, at CCF, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., June 19. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - The Tavern Pub: Dewata Band, Monday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., X-Men Band, Sunday 9 p.m.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
More land for settlers
More land for settlers JAKARTA: The government has succumbed to a demand by settlers from Palas, Lampung Selatan regency, to give them land which they claimed should have been given to them as far back as in 1971. The settlers agreed to the government's offer of plots at a different settlement in the same province, Antara reported. The agreement was reached after 51 representatives of the settlers met with Minister of Transmigration A.M. Hendropriyono at his office yesterday.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Official says no ifs about Indonesia competing in Asiad
Official says no ifs about Indonesia competing in Asiad JAKARTA (JP): Cash-strapped Indonesia must take part in the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok next December at all costs, a sports official said yesterday. The Indonesian Sports Council's deputy chairman, Arie Sudewo, stressed the country's participation in the continental event would contribute to upholding Asian solidarity.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina strikes deals to import crude oil, fuel
Pertamina strikes deals to import crude oil, fuel JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina announced yesterday that it has struck deals to import crude oil and fuel, ending speculation that it was unable to do so because of a poor international network and cash flow problems. "I can confirm that deals have already been signed, but I don't have the figures," company processing director Samto Utomo told reporters.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's economy heading for stagnation, says Miranda
Indonesia's economy heading for stagnation, says Miranda JAKARTA (JP): Current indicators show that Indonesia's economy is deteriorating into stagnation which, coupled with current political uncertainty, will limit the economic tools available to lift the country out of the economic crisis, Bank Indonesia director Miranda Gultom said yesterday.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Wiranto rejects backing for him to lead the nation
Wiranto rejects backing for him to lead the nation JOMBANG, East Java (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto yesterday gently declined some highly influential East Javan religious teachers' support for him to lead the nation. Attending a celebration commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Bahrul Ulm Islamic boarding school here, Wiranto dismissed speculation that he had ambitions to one day become the head of state.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economist calls on govt to nationalize Soeharto's wealth
Economist calls on govt to nationalize Soeharto's wealth JAKARTA (JP): Economist Mohammad Sadli called on the government yesterday to take over all the assets and corporate stocks belonging to former president Soeharto and his family to help ease the country's economic crisis.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
105 confined female workers escape from labor supply firm
105 confined female workers escape from labor supply firm JAKARTA (JP): One hundred and five female workers revealed yesterday that they were tortured and raped while being locked up for between six and eight months by a manpower placement company at its shelter in Cilincing, North Jakarta.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan's woes mean a fresh blow to Asia
Japan's woes mean a fresh blow to Asia MANILA (Reuters): Japan's recession means it will take even longer than expected for the rest of Asia to pull out of its year-old financial crisis, the chief economist of the Manila- based Asian Development Bank said yesterday. "The picture is grimmer than we expected," Jungsoo Lee told Reuters in an interview. "I had said (before Japan's problems, there would be a recovery) within two to three years.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hindoro's death investigated
Hindoro's death investigated JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives have started questioning a number of witnesses to the Tuesday incident which lead to the death of Hindoro Budianto, 52, a suspect in a multi-billion rupiah bank fraud, an officer said yesterday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the results of the probe into the death of the former chief commissioner of privately run Bank Perniagaan would be revealed in due course.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police autonomy calls receive strong support
Police autonomy calls receive strong support JAKARTA (JP): Calls for the police to be separated from the ranks of the Armed Forces received strong support yesterday as retired generals and observers stressed the need to have an independent and credible police force. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 33rd annual class of the Police College, Tubagus Ronny Niti Bagaskara, said such a separation was necessary so that no other institution could influence the police in its investigations.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
No unloading at Tanjung Perak
No unloading at Tanjung Perak SURABAYA: Loading and unloading activities at Tanjung Perak Port have been at a standstill for last three days because of strikes by some 6,000 dock workers demanding higher wages. The port administration had agreed to a 31 percent increase in their daily wages from Rp 7,116, but the dock workers insisted on an increase to Rp 15,000 a day, Antara reported. Yesterday, the dock workers marched to the East Java Legislative Council building to press their demand. R.M.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie says he now puts people's welfare first
Habibie says he now puts people's welfare first JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has confessed that as state minister of research and technology he was obsessed with the development of technology in Indonesia but now as president he is more concerned about ensuring people's basic welfare.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Leave U.S. financial aid for NGOs alone
Leave U.S. financial aid for NGOs alone Concerns have been raised that U.S. aid for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) might have been used to disrupt stability in Indonesia. Kastorius Sinaga, a social sciences lecturer at the University of Indonesia, discusses the issue. Question: Is it possible for NGOs to use foreign aid to finance their antigovernment activities? Sinaga: No. Even though some U.S.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Aid to NGOs in Indonesia
Aid to NGOs in Indonesia The news report that Surya daily quoted from The New York Times May 20, 1998, which was later denied by Indonesia's non- governmental organizations (NGOs), represented by the Indonesian Environmental Forum and the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation, and also by Amien Rais, is not completely wrong. In the present era of reform, it is regrettable if only parties considering themselves disadvantaged by this news voice their denial.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Religious leaders slam 'racial' riots
Religious leaders slam 'racial' riots JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of all the country's major religions have condemned the "racial" riots in Jakarta last month that left more than 1,000 people dead and called for an independent team to investigate what they termed "despicable and barbaric acts".
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Work stops on Rp 2.3b house
Work stops on Rp 2.3b house BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Construction on the Rp 2.3 billion official residence of the Bandar Lampung mayor has been put on hold because of the economic crisis, Antara reported. "We've completed 80 percent of the construction but the city administration decided to halt the project because the provision of basic needs must now take priority," Mayor Suharto said after leading the commemoration to mark the town's 316th anniversary.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Painting Exhibition: Patterning in Contemporary Art - Layers of Meaning, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until June 26. 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.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF pressed to review its Asian strategy
IMF pressed to review its Asian strategy HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asia's economies are choking on the harsh medicine ordered by the International Monetary Fund. As a result, more and more economists are saying it's time to rewrite the IMF prescriptions of high rates and anemic government spending, which is spawning a new debate on how to rescue Asia. The high rates were intended to stabilize battered currencies and economies.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Has the Javan tiger become another dodo?
Has the Javan tiger become another dodo? By Widyarto SURABAYA (JP): Some regard the Javan tiger as an extinct species, while others contradict this assumption. Ironically, while the argument over the existence of the Javan tiger has yet to be resolved, its last habitat, in Meru Betiri National Park, East Java, is being threatened. The 56,000-hectare national park is now subject to a 1,000,025-hectare area planned for a gold mining project.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sudwikatmono, Bambang resign from Tri Polyta
Sudwikatmono, Bambang resign from Tri Polyta JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto's second son Bambang Trihatmodjo and cousin Sudwikatmono resigned yesterday from publicly listed petrochemical firm PT Tri Polyta Indonesia amid growing public demands for an investigation into the family's wealth. Bambang resigned as chief commissioner and Sudwikatmono resigned as president director at the company's shareholders meeting.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Governor solicits public criticism
Governor solicits public criticism JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso opened the door yesterday for all Jakartans to provide criticism and input to assist city officials in stamping out malfeasance. "I open wide the opportunity for the people. Don't be afraid to inform us whenever there are malfeasance practices by our officials." Information and criticism could be sent by mail to the administration, he said.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on June 17, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 18 Jun 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ratna to stage 'Marsinah Menggugat'
Ratna to stage 'Marsinah Menggugat' JAKARTA (JP): Playwright Ratna Sarumpaet plans to stage Marsinah Menggugat (Marsinah Accuses) at Universitas Nasional, South Jakarta tomorrow at 8 p.m. According to a 1995 government decree, no permits are needed to stage art performances, but Marsinah Menggugat was banned late last year in Surabaya, Lampung and Bandung.