Archive: 23 July 1998
52 articles found
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crisis hits hard for child workers, street children
Crisis hits hard for child workers, street children The following article by Popon Anarita Okol is published in conjunction with National Children's Day, which falls today. BANDUNG (JP): Now a year old, the economic crisis has crumbled Indonesia's economic pillars. In its trail, the crisis creates an increasing number of poor in urban and rural areas due to widespread unemployment and sharp price hikes.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Suu Kyi seeks ASEAN support
Suu Kyi seeks ASEAN support BANGKOK (DPA): Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has appealed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to support her party's call for the reconvening of the country's parliament by Aug. 21, a news report said yesterday.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Telkom to go ahead with plan on new tariffs
Telkom to go ahead with plan on new tariffs JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telephone monopoly PT Telkom is to go ahead with its plan to restructure local call tariffs within Greater Jakarta, the government said yesterday. If implemented, Telkom would apply a long-distance call rate of Rp 950 (7 U.S. cents) per minute for all local calls over a distance of more than 30 kilometers.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Women invited to offer prayers
Women invited to offer prayers JAKARTA (JP): Women of all creeds are invited to a gathering tonight to offer prayers for an end to the country's violence. The interfaith congregation of women is organized by women's rights activists and will be held at the Nyi Ageng Serang Women's Building (Gedung Wanita), Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C 22, Kuningan, South Jakarta. The event will start at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
France donates solar generators
France donates solar generators MAMUJU, South Sulawesi: The French government has donated two solar power generators to two transmigration sites in Mamuju district, South Sulawesi province. The head of the provincial transmigration office, Daeng Masinara, said here yesterday that at least 300 families from each transmigration site stood to benefit from the contribution. "Each of them can produce 100 watts of electricity.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Trade financing for Indonesia
Trade financing for Indonesia TOKYO (Nikkei): The Ministry of International Trade and Industry has started applying stricter criteria in providing trade insurance for projects in Indonesian, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported Wednesday quoting ministry sources. MITI has reduced the number of Indonesian banks that are qualified to extend debt guarantees for local projects that receive trade insurance to 33 from 42.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Megawati to defy anniversary ban
Megawati to defy anniversary ban JAKARTA (JP): A defiant Megawati Soekarnoputri pledged yesterday to defy a police ban and continue with a planned second anniversary commemoration of the bloody attack on her faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). She condemned the ban as proof of the disparity between regulations and the reality of their implementation. "We are still trying to get the (police) permission (for the commemoration) up until today.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto's new house 'built without permits'
Soeharto's new house 'built without permits' JAKARTA (JP): A controversial house belonging to former president Soeharto in Purna Bhakti Museum complex in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, was reportedly built without any permits, a City Hall official said yesterday. The official, who asked not to be named, said the city planning agency had never received any permit applications for the construction of the house.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Formal training for midwives
Formal training for midwives BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The local Family Planning Board over the next few months plans to provide formal training to 102 midwives in the province with the aim of lowering the birth mortality rate. The spokesman for the office, Mardhani Zainuddin, said the high mortality rate had much to do with the conditions in which mothers gave birth. A recent survey showed that there were between 45 to 50 maternity deaths out of every 1,000.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Is a federal system suitable for Indonesia?
Is a federal system suitable for Indonesia? By J. Soedjati Djiwandono JAKARTA (JP): Injustice was rampant under the New Order regime for more than three decades. Not only at the individual and collective levels in the form of an ever-widening disparity between the rich few and poor majority, but also at the regional level between the capital and the provinces and between Java and the outer islands. The root of all these forms of injustice was the increasingly dominant power of the state.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on July 22, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN to seek changes in Japan
ASEAN to seek changes in Japan MANILA (Agencies): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will call on Japan to urgently reform its banking system, cut taxes and push through a fiscal stimulus package, according to a draft statement prepared for a meeting of foreign ministers next week.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Utut keeps on winning in Biel
Utut keeps on winning in Biel JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grand Master Utut Adianto maintained his winning form on the second day of the Biel Master chess tournament in Switzerland on Tuesday. Utut used the full advantage of playing white to beat host player International Master Hans Juerg Kaenel after 32 moves of the two-hour game. The Indonesian exploited the Queen Gambit opening to wear out his opponent's patience.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Antam's new refinery method
Antam's new refinery method JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed state mining company Aneka Tambang is trying a new method of gold smelting and refining at its Logam Mulia smelter and refinery to improve efficiency, the company said.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
E. Java military encourages people to confront rioters
E. Java military encourages people to confront rioters JAKARTA (JP): Military officials, attempting to assuage fears stirred up by rumors of renewed rioting likely in East and Central Java, have given people the go-ahead to defend themselves against rioters. East Java military chief Maj. Gen. Djoko Subroto said people in the province, including Chinese-Indonesians, should join forces in fighting rioters attempting to disrupt security and political stability.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Minimum capital for securities firms raised
Minimum capital for securities firms raised JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) plans to increase the minimum net-adjusted working capital of the country's securities companies to Rp 5 billion (US$357,000) from Rp 500 million at present. The capital market watchdog's chairman, Jusuf Anwar, said the increase in the net-adjusted working capital was necessary to boost their financing capacity and credibility.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Freeport's exploration costs
Freeport's exploration costs NEW ORLEANS (Reuters): Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. [FCX.N] said Tuesday its share of second-quarter exploration expenses was $4.9 million, spent primarily in P.T. Freeport Indonesia Co.'s and P.T. IRJA Eastern Minerals Corp.'s exploration areas. Costs in these areas are shared 60 percent by Freeport Copper and 40 percent by Rio Tinto Plc, Freeport pointed out.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Motorists urged not to pay to park at 133 sites
Motorists urged not to pay to park at 133 sites JAKARTA (JP): The city's parking management agency has urged motorists not to pay parking fees at 133 spots in the city, including a number of malls, hospitals and buildings. Head of the agency's program supervision unit, Bob Asa Hutagalung, said that all licenses to collect parking fees had expired on May 23 and that many site managers had yet to apply to renew them. "So don't pay the parking fees at the 133 locations.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Farmers complain about beating
Farmers complain about beating JAKARTA (JP): Farmers from Cimacan village, Cianjur, complained yesterday about alleged police brutality toward five of their colleagues when they entered Cibodas Golf Course to reclaim their land on Tuesday. The five were reportedly beaten and kicked by police officers in a bid to force the farmers out of the golf course complex, said Amir, one of the farmers' representatives who went to the National Commission on Human Rights to present their complaint.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 22, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 0 AHAP Insurance 575 0 0 Alter Abadi 550 25 100,000 Alumindo Light Metal 325 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 225 0 500 Aneka Tambang 2,750 0 45,360,000 Anwar Sierad 125 0 152,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah steady but stocks down on profit taking
Rupiah steady but stocks down on profit taking JAKARTA (JP): The fluctuating rupiah held steady yesterday, but stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange continued to decline on profit taking and regional weaknesses. The rupiah traded at around 14,000 against the U.S. dollar throughout the day on a quiet market. The currency ended the day's trading at 14,000/200, unmoved from Tuesday's close of 14,000. A dealer with a local private bank said the rupiah was supported by President B.J.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
New faces at DPA
New faces at DPA From Kompas Observing how circumstances are evolving in our beloved country, we may say that it seems it is still quite long before its "illness" is cured. All efforts and attempts already made still cannot bring the situation back to normal, like it was before the onset of this economic/monetary crisis. Nevertheless, the new members of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) for the 1998-2003 term, sworn in on June 13, 1998, may contribute ideas to help solve the crisis.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Computalog enters Indonesia
Computalog enters Indonesia CALGARY (Dow Jones): Computalog Ltd. (CLTDF) said it has entered into arrangements to deliver wireline logging services and wireline products to new markets in Indonesia and Mexico. In a news release, the company said the company said it has also closed the sale of two cased hole wireline logging units complete with CS400(R)C data acquisition systems to PT. Elnusa, an affiliate of Pertamina.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local airlines delay plan to raise fares
Local airlines delay plan to raise fares JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's airlines have decided to delay their plan to increase domestic fares after the House of Representatives raised opposition to the move. The decision was taken at a hearing between the Indonesian National Air Carriers Associations (INACA) and House Commission IV for transportation yesterday.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four men detained over recent shrimp theft
Four men detained over recent shrimp theft TANGERANG (JP): After questioning 80 villagers, police have finally detained four men for their alleged role in last week's theft of shrimp by a mob in Tangerang, an official said yesterday. Newly-installed Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto Iskandar said all of the suspects were residents of villages near the ponds from which 1.5 tons of shrimp were looted by 2,000 people in Teluknaga district on July 13.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man's body found in Grogol
Man's body found in Grogol JAKARTA (JP): A 26-year-old man was found dead at the roadside on Jl. Susilo I in Grogol subdistrict, West Jakarta, yesterday morning. The man was identified as Andi Gunawan, a resident of Jl. Permata Pamulang I in Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex, Tangerang. Bruises were found on his head, back and arms. A relative of the victim said that Andi was picked up from his aunt's house by one of his friends early yesterday morning. The two then went for a ride, he said.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Thundercats 3:05 Teen Program: Setitik Bakti Pramuka 3:30 Science Film 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Children's Program: Aku Anak Indonesia 5:25 Documentary Film: Anak Seribu Pulau 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...
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Batam exempt from VAT, luxury taxes
Batam exempt from VAT, luxury taxes JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie will exempt Batam island in the Riau archipelago from value added and luxury taxes in a bid to boost investment in the special industrial zone, an official said yesterday. Ismeth Abdullah, head of Batam Development Authority, told journalists after reporting to President B.J. Habibie that the planned tax exemptions were intended to help turn Batam island into a more attractive industrial site for investors.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
PT CRC workers stage protest
PT CRC workers stage protest TANGERANG (JP): About 800 workers of pharmaceutical manufacturer PT Cisadane Raya Chemical (CRC) staged a protest at the firm's plant in Karawaci here Tuesday, demanding their employers recognize their newly founded union. The protesters, who gathered at the plant on Jl. Imam Bonjol from 8 a.m., also wanted the company's management to revoke its decision to suspend the union's chairman, Budi Purwanto.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Low demand forces many steel plants to stop production
Low demand forces many steel plants to stop production JAKARTA (JP): Low demand and higher production costs have forced many local steel-related companies out of business, an industry executive said yesterday. The chairman of the Federation of Indonesian Steel Industries (Gapbesi), Zainal Musa, said most steel factories were now producing at less than 50 percent of their normal capacity because most construction projects had been halted since the monetary crisis started last July.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Teater Koma to perform its new opera
Teater Koma to perform its new opera JAKARTA (JP): Teater Koma will present Opera Sembelit (Constipated Opera) at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (The Jakarta Playhouse), Central Jakarta, for two weeks beginning tonight. Directed by Nano and Syaeful Anwar, the opera is about a man who first discovers that when he goes to the toilet his feces resemble those of a goat and then later he suffers from constipation -- a problem that becomes a national epidemic. The performance begin nightly at 8 p.m.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Lottery to be revived to beat financial crisis
Lottery to be revived to beat financial crisis JAKARTA (JP): After a four-year lapse, the government plans to revive its lottery to raise money for sports development. Negotiations between the National Sports Council and the Ministry of Social Services are underway to finalize the arrangements of the scheme which is expected to begin in six months. A council executive, Dali Taher, told reporters yesterday that the program, called Sports Awareness Campaign, would last for 10 years.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Austrian duo to see RI in extreme way
Austrian duo to see RI in extreme way JAKARTA (JP): At 20 years old, Austrian duo of Klaus Wolfsberger and Alex Springenschmidt may have traveled most of the world to test their muscles and nerves in extreme sports but not yet in Indonesia. They have prepared themselves for 10 months for their journey to the archipelago, which so far has cost them US$20,000. If the plan goes as expected, they will enter Indonesia early next month by windsurfing across the Malacca strait.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tennis body gets Rp 13.2m
Tennis body gets Rp 13.2m JAKARTA (JP): National tennis team director Benny Mailili complained yesterday about the small amount of money he received from the National Sports Council to groom his athletes for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December. Benny said the assistance disbursed earlier this month was only Rp 13.2 million (US$920), well below the Indonesian Tennis Association's estimated quarterly spending of Rp 37.5 million.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Whereabout of missing activists still unknown
Whereabout of missing activists still unknown JAKARTA (JP): The military disclaimed yesterday any knowledge of the whereabouts of 12 political activists still missing, but said the number of its men suspected of involvement in the abductions and torture of activists had increased by one to 11. Head of the Armed Forces fact-finding team Maj. Gen. Syamsu Djalal said the team had questioned Col.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
GE to hold sourcing fair to seek more competitive local products
GE to hold sourcing fair to seek more competitive local products JAKARTA (JP): General Electric Indonesia, a subsidiary of the U.S. technology giant General Electric (GE), is seeking to source more products from the country as the monetary crisis has made local products more competitive, the company said yesterday. GE Indonesia president and chief representative Stuart L.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
A redundant love
A redundant love The majority of people seemed lost for words this week after the government's insensitive plan to fork out Rp 26.5 billion (US$1.7 million) on a retirement home for former president Soeharto became public knowledge. The plan was announced by Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung in the midst of an economic catastrophe. It is worth noting that the minister is President B.J. Habibie's most frequent spokesman.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI vessel rammed off Australia
RI vessel rammed off Australia CANBERRA (AP): An Indonesian fishing boat was rammed accidentally and sunk yesterday by an Australian navy patrol boat after being caught fishing illegally in Australia's northern waters. Five Indonesian crewmen and two members of a navy boarding party were rescued unharmed from the water by the HMAS Cessnock, a navy spokesman said.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: 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. to 1:30 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. - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), daily, 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. * Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Egypt-Indonesia ties go from strength to strength
Egypt-Indonesia ties go from strength to strength JAKARTA (JP): Most countries like to claim that the bedrock of their bilateral ties is people-to-people relationships. But few countries can claim to have forged the kind of bond which is evident between Indonesia and Egypt. The vast distance and geographic contrast between the two countries have not hampered the growth of compassion between the two nations.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Teachers protest at religion office
Teachers protest at religion office CILACAP, Central Java: One hundred and fifty high school religious studies teachers here staged a rally yesterday against the local religious affairs office to protest the imposition of illegal fees. They demanded the office chief, Suhardi, immediately cease the docking of their salary for unclear reasons. "The Ministry of Religious Affairs should free itself from corruption, collusion and nepotism...
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Encouraging news offers only short-lived boost: Analysts
Encouraging news offers only short-lived boost: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): The government's success in rescheduling most of its debt due this year and in landing multibillion dollar overseas funding are not enough to effect long-lasting confidence in the faltering economy, experts have said.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Volcano Merapi calms down
Volcano Merapi calms down YOGYAKARTA: Volcanologists are waiting until Monday before lowering the alert level for Mt. Merapi, despite only minor activity occurring in the past few days. The volcano is currently at its second highest level of alert after erupting nearly two weeks ago. "We cannot lower the alert status of this volcano based on observations that it has settled down," Ratdomopurbo of the Volcanology Directorate's research office here said.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kahfi clarifies Sutiyoso's trip to Philippines
Kahfi clarifies Sutiyoso's trip to Philippines JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi clarified yesterday that Governor Sutiyoso's mysterious trip to the Philippines was related to his job and not to attend a junior soccer game. Kahfi said that Sutiyoso was on a mission to restore the city's image overseas after Jakarta was hit by massive riots in May and to attract foreign investors to return to the city. "His trip has long been scheduled.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Painting Exhibition: Images of Meditating Figures, by Jerry T, in Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran, Bali (Phone: 0361 701010), Aug. 17 to Sept. 17. Music and entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua (Phone: 0361 771234): - Pasar Senggol at 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Legong Dance, Saturday, Arjuna Wiwaha Dance, Sunday, Balinese Dance Parade, Monday, Genjekan Dance, Tuesday, Jegog Dance, Wednesday, Ramayana Dance, Thursday, Janger Dance, Friday.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Broker absence hits Asian coffee trade
Broker absence hits Asian coffee trade SINGAPORE (Reuters): The absence of a strong middleman in the Indonesian coffee market is hampering trade flow and restricting exports, traders said yesterday. The coffee merchants, mostly ethnic Chinese, are no longer venturing into the hill country to source for coffee due to renewed tension in Indonesia where the Chinese are singled out for attack, they said.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tycoons support Habibie
Tycoons support Habibie JAKARTA (JP): The country's top conglomerates demonstrated their support for President B.J. Habibie yesterday and said they were encouraged by his commitment to protect all Indonesian citizens, including those of Chinese descent. Property tycoon Ciputra said they assured the president that in their view, Indonesia's future remained very promising despite the current turmoil, and promised they would do their utmost to help him rebuild the economy.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Almost 50,000 face famine in E. Nusa Tenggara
Almost 50,000 face famine in E. Nusa Tenggara JAKARTA (JP): At least 49,817 villagers living in several clusters of remote villages in East Nusa Tenggara are reportedly facing food shortages, a legacy of last year's prolonged drought. Forty-seven villages scattered across the regencies of Manggarai, Sumba Barat, Kupang, Kupang mayoralty, Alor, Ngada, Sumba Timur and Flores Timur have been affected over the past six months, Antara news agency reported Tuesday.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto wants payment of house money postponed
Soeharto wants payment of house money postponed JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto has asked the government to postpone payment of a Rp 26.6 billion housing allowance for him until the national economy recovers. "As the physical timing of the allowance is not yet suitable, please convey to President Habibie to find a more appropriate time, and just postpone it for a while," Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung quoted Soeharto as telling him.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Improved marine laws called for
Improved marine laws called for JAKARTA (JP): Experts have highlighted the need for better marine resource management to ensure optimum benefits for local people and reduce exploitation by "stronger parties". Cliff Marlessy of the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation (KEHATI) and Gayatri Lilley of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) agreed separately that applying "reform" in marine resource management should start with better laws governing the sector.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
On lawlessness
On lawlessness I am writing in response to an interview with Sofyan Wanandi of July 17, in which he warned that continuing lawlessness throughout the country would scare businesspeople away from Indonesia. He referred to the seizure of land owned by developers and other companies by people now claiming that the land had been purchased at unfair prices. He is correct that lawlessness will hurt Indonesia. But he seems to gloss over the fact that this particular complaint may have a basis.
Thu, 23 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economic recovery will begin in 2000: World Bank
Economic recovery will begin in 2000: World Bank JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian economy, currently at its most critical juncture in over 30 years, will likely make a slight recovery of 2 percent to 4 percent growth in the year 2000 after an estimated contraction of 10 percent to 15 percent in 1998 and 2 percent in 1999, the World Bank predicts.