Archive: 3 July 1998
43 articles found
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI's sociopolitical role should be regulated: Analyst
ABRI's sociopolitical role should be regulated: Analyst JAKARTA (JP): A military observer suggested yesterday that the Armed Forces' (ABRI) controversial sociopolitical role be regulated in a decree of the People's Consultative Assembly, the country's highest law-making body. Addressing a seminar on the ruling Golkar's existence in the reform era, Harsudiono Hartas said the regulation would serve as proof that sovereignty lies with the people.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Funds released for gifted students
Funds released for gifted students JAKARTA: Aetna Life Indonesia is providing a scholarship program called "Aetna Siswa" to help top ranking university students cope with the rising cost of studying. The program kicks off with scholarships to 30 students from three universities in Java. Aetna will provide a total of Rp 100 million to the selected students during the course of their studies.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Maxus delays 20% oil output
Maxus delays 20% oil output SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): To help meet Indonesia's pledge to cut crude oil production by 100,000 barrels a day, Maxus Southeast Sumatra Inc has delayed indefinitely a potential 20 percent increase in its gross production to 180,000 barrels per day (bpd), a Jakarta-based company official told Dow Jones Newswires yesterday.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Navy targets illegal fishing
Navy targets illegal fishing PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The commander of the Western Fleet, Vice Adm Mudjito, said that ships under his command have so far apprehended 168 domestic and foreign fishing vessels this year. The vessels were detained for a range of offenses which included a lack of the proper permits and documentation, the violation of fishing zones, and the use of prohibited fishing gear.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Workers demand minister to quit
Workers demand minister to quit JAKARTA (JP): Three hundred workers dismissed or laid-off from 22 companies in the Greater Jakarta area demonstrated again yesterday, demanding that Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris step down for failing to help them. The workers, grouped in the Greater Jakarta Workers' Coalition (KBJ), went to the Ministry of Manpower to voice their demands after Fahmi broke his promise to call in the workers' employers for tripartite negotiations on the dismissals.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie to chair Golkar's board of patrons meeting
Habibie to chair Golkar's board of patrons meeting JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie, in his capacity as the executive chairman of Golkar's board of patrons, will chair a board meeting this evening at the political organization's headquarters on Jl. Teuku Umar, Central Jakarta, Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said yesterday. Former president Soeharto, the chief patron of the board, will, however, not be present.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
17 bodies still missing off Lombok
17 bodies still missing off Lombok LOMBOK TIMUR, West Nusa Tenggara: Search and rescue teams as of yesterday morning had recovered 25 bodies from the ill-fated Bahana Nusantara ferry which sank in the Alas Straits on June 25. Antara reported from Kayangan harbor that the last body recovered was found in the morning by a local fisherman. The ferry sank while on a routine trip from Poto Tano harbor on Sumbawa island to Kayangan on Lombok.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia 'still attractive'
Malaysia 'still attractive' KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday that his country remains attractive to "serious investors", even if international fund managers appear to be giving it a miss. A large amount of capital continued to be injected in the country's manufacturing sector, although Malaysia has not been spared from the current economic turmoil hitting the region, he said.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
40 ABRI personnel questioned in missing activists probe
40 ABRI personnel questioned in missing activists probe SURABAYA (JP): Armed Forces (ABRI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Syamsul Ma'arif said here yesterday that the National Military Police had questioned 40 ABRI members for their alleged involvement in the abduction of activists. Syamsul, however, did not mention the names, ranks or units of the alleged suspects.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Leasing Batam Island
Leasing Batam Island The concept of leasing Batam Island to safe economy as appeared on page 4 of The Jakarta Post on June 20 could possibly be the most innovative suggestion in healing our economic woes ever tabled. Before we howl "neo-colonialism", consider the possibilities in financial terms. The article mentioned a sum of money between 50 and 100 billion U.S. dollars is needed in foreign exchange to stabilize our economy and as a foundation upon which to build a prosperous future.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
KKN in state enterprises
KKN in state enterprises From Bisnis Indonesia With reference to a report in Bisnis Indonesia, June 20, on supplies of goods and services undertaken by state enterprises (BUMNs), I am of the opinion that not all BUMNs are ready to receive complaints from the community as regards mark-up practices in the supply of goods, work contracts, etc. It will be better if BUMNs/government banks/agencies are open to criticism and provide a special post office box for complaints lodged by the public.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gigi releases latest album 'Kilas Balik'
Gigi releases latest album 'Kilas Balik' By Helly Minarti JAKARTA (JP): A vocalist and three musicians went up to a villa in the Puncak, West Java, and locked themselves in for three days. The result? Kilas Balik (Flashback), the fifth album released by the pop group Gigi, which hit the shops last month. It is the creation of vocalist Armand Maulana, guitarist Dewa Budjana, drummer Budhy Haryono and bass player Opet Alatas.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ship captain drowns
Ship captain drowns JAKARTA (JP): The captain of a fishing ship, Sarip, 45, drowned some 60 nautical miles from Sunda Kelapa Port in North Jakarta early Wednesday after jumping into the sea to avoid attack by pirates. Sugeng, a captain of another vessel operating nearby, said yesterday that Sarip's body was found several hours later in the area where the incident occurred.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chuan sees more economic hurdles ahead
Chuan sees more economic hurdles ahead BANGKOK (Reuters): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said yesterday his battered country still faced economic hurdles one year after the float of its currency, a move that sparked its worst economic crisis in decades. Chuan told Reuters in an interview the currency was now at a more realistic level than it had been earlier this year. It hit a historic low of 56.90 baht to the U.S. dollar in January.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rethinking our development strategy
Rethinking our development strategy The national economy is sliding ever deeper into an abyss filled with difficulties. It is proving very difficult to turn the tide or control the pace of the fall. All this is happening because those who have the power to do so are not united in their resolve to overcome the difficulties.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto 'using wealth as shield'
Soeharto 'using wealth as shield' NEW YORK (Reuters): Former Indonesian president Soeharto has been maneuvering to reestablish a political power-base to shield his family's substantial financial fortune from scrutiny by future governments, the New York Times said yesterday. Quoting Clinton administration officials and Western diplomats, the Times said there is no direct evidence that the Soeharto family has tried to bribe political or military leaders.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stirling mulls Indonesia Camar oil field plans
Stirling mulls Indonesia Camar oil field plans SYDNEY (Reuters): Oil and gas group Stirling Resources NL said yesterday funds from its recently announced rights issue would go to fund development of its Camar oil field interests in Indonesia. "The main amount of money will be spent in Indonesia," managing director Dennis Morton told a media briefing. Stirling has set a non-renounceable 1-for-1 rights issue at five cents a share with one free attaching option for every two new shares applied for.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Semen Gresik deal to be completed by weekend: Official
Semen Gresik deal to be completed by weekend: Official JAKARTA (JP): Negotiations on the sale of parts of the government's 65 percent stake in cement producer PT Semen Gresik to two foreign firms are expected to be completed this weekend, an official said. Herwidayatmo, a deputy to the State Minister for the Empowerment of State Enterprises, said on Wednesday night that the government basically agreed with the offers made by Cemex CA of Mexico and Holderbank Financiere Glarus of Switzerland.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian women and western partners
Asian women and western partners After reading the letter written to Kompas by Hertien K. Surtikanti that was reprinted in The Jakarta Post on June 29, I am, as an Indonesian married to an expatriate, very angry with what has been written. "On average Asian women especially Indonesians are proud and stuck up if they work for or have a personal relationship with a Western man. These women see things from the exterior only." How many, especially Indonesian, women has she made this assumption from?
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI markets strengthen on regional rally
RI markets strengthen on regional rally JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian financial markets strengthened yesterday, boosted by high expectations across the region over a new Japanese economic stimulus package designed to lift the regional market. The regional market "celebrated" yesterday the anniversary of the start of the Asian financial crisis sparked by a de facto devaluation of the Thai baht. Currency dealers said the rupiah strengthened to 14,575 against the U.S.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Merpati to lease two routes
Merpati to lease two routes JAKARTA (JP): State-owned airline Merpati Nusantara Airlines plans to lease its Denpasar-Perth and Denpasar-Melbourne routes to Orient Thai of Thailand. Merpati spokesman Tondo Widodo said here yesterday Merpati could no longer serve the two routes because it had returned the Airbus-310 jets it used for the destinations to its lessors. The Thai airline, under a wet-lease agreement to be signed soon, will serve the routes with Tristar L-1011 planes.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian shares rally on Japan clean-up plan
Asian shares rally on Japan clean-up plan SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian markets marked the first anniversary of the start of the regional financial crisis with strong rallies yesterday as Japan approved a key plan aimed at cleaning up its debt-ridden banking system. A senior party official said the plan, which involves setting up a "bridge bank" system to wind up failed banks, had been approved at a meeting between ruling party and government officials.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Regent named as suspect
Regent named as suspect UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Chief of the provincial prosecutor's office Gagoek Soebagyanto announced yesterday that Maros regent Nasrun Amrullah was officially declared a suspect in an Rp 1.4 billion corruption case last Monday. Gagoek explained that the regent was suspected of involvement in the dubious acquisition of land for the construction of his new office and of siphoning of development funds earmarked for projects in his area.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cadres call for organizational reform in Golkar
Cadres call for organizational reform in Golkar JAKARTA (JP): Cadres of the ruling Golkar called on the political organization yesterday to comply with the reform spirit and free itself of external interference. The Golkar cadres, grouped under a breakaway coalition of members of three Golkar elements -- business wing Kosgoro, labor wing SOKSI and social group MKGR -- raised their demand at the end of a one-day seminar on Golkar's future status.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on July 2, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
OPEC oil price rise to $11.8
OPEC oil price rise to $11.8 LONDON (Reuters): The price of OPEC's basket of seven crudes rose to $11.80 a barrel on Wednesday from $11.70 on Tuesday, the OPEC news agency said quoting the OPEC Secretariat. The basket comprises Algeria's Saharan Blend, Indonesia's Minas, Nigeria's Bonny Light, Saudi Arabia's Arabian Light, Dubai of the UAE, Venezuela's Tia Juana and Mexico's Isthmus.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Military police take over murder case
Military police take over murder case JAKARTA (JP): The man suspected of murdering and mutilating his own girlfriend, Air Force First Sgt. Uki Wardana, 24, was transferred to Jakarta Military Police Headquarters on Tuesday night, an official said yesterday. The case is now being handled by the military police, East Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Syahrir Kuba told The Jakarta Post.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Palm oil steady in Europe
Palm oil steady in Europe LONDON (Reuters): Crude palm oil prices were steady at the opening of the European vegetable oil market yesterday. Sellers were offering forward positions at the start of business with gains of around US$15 over their last offers on Tuesday. Afloat crude palm oil was offered at $640, June at $645 while July and August/September were sellers at $650 a ton c.i.f. Europe.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Australian tourist arrivals increased 41% in 1997
Australian tourist arrivals increased 41% in 1997 JAKARTA (JP): The number of Australians visiting Indonesia increased 41.7 percent last year to 539,156 from 380,475 in 1996, according to the 1997 Statistical Report on Visitors to Indonesia. The report, jointly prepared by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Central Board of Statistics, said that the number of Australians who went to Bali grew 32.7 percent while those going to other destinations surged 353 percent.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso orders immediate crackdown on pedicabs
Sutiyoso orders immediate crackdown on pedicabs JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso, who last Thursday announced he was allowing becak (pedicabs) back on the capital's streets, urged city authorities yesterday to help eliminate the man- powered vehicles. "I hope a crackdown will be held as soon as possible," Sutiyoso told reporters, giving no specific dates. The mechanism to eliminate pedicabs was totally up to the city's five mayors, said the governor.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian 'sinetron'
Indonesian 'sinetron' "A house, a wife and a singing bird" and "a mobile phone, Mercedes Benz and a luxurious house". When I was working with USIS in the late fifties in Surabaya, East Java, I was part of a team in the cinematography section showing films in various towns. The two films I liked best were Tanglewood Story and "A house, a wife and a singing bird" starring Bambang Hermanto as a Yogya peasant.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Balai Pustaka not to raise book prices, says official
Balai Pustaka not to raise book prices, says official JAKARTA (JP): Despite soaring paper prices, the state-owned publisher Balai Pustaka has no intention of increasing text book prices for the upcoming academic year, its top executive said yesterday. Balai Pustaka president director Wahyudi Ruwiyanto said a total of 10 million books for elementary and high schools will be sold for between Rp 5,000 and Rp 10,000 each.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Glodok computer vendors open new business
Glodok computer vendors open new business JAKARTA (JP): At least 200 computer vendors whose shops in Glodok, West Jakarta, were looted and burned during the mid-May riots are back in business, albeit with scant capital and stocks. For them, an immediate resurrection is more important to start recycling their cash flows than taking a wait-and-see attitude. "We can't just sit down and mourn our bad luck forever. We need money now.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rights activists blast bill on street protests
Rights activists blast bill on street protests JAKARTA (JP): Leading human rights campaigners have dismissed a bill on street protests as the government's bid to restrict citizens' rights to freely express ideas rather than a serious effort to respect freedom of expression. They insisted yesterday that the bill, which the government has yet to submit to the House of Representatives for deliberation, was a setback and against the burning spirit of political reform.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 2, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 425 -25 2,500 AHAP Insurance 575 0 0 Alter Abadi 475 -25 141,000 Alumindo Light Metal 325 -25 10,000 Alumindo Perkasa 200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 142,500 Aneka Tambang 1,675 100 14,976,500 Anwar Sierad 150 0 106,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Airlines owe $30m to Pertamina
Airlines owe $30m to Pertamina JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina's president Soegianto has said Pertamina is owed over US$30 million by the Garuda, Merpati and Sempati airlines for late payment of aviation fuel. He said Garuda owed Pertamina Rp 103 billion and $12.8 million for the purchase of aviation fuel. It also has to pay Rp 10.8 billion and $3 million in fines for delaying the payment.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Youths dispersed by security forces
Youths dispersed by security forces JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Security officers dispersed hundreds of youths staging a demonstration demanding independence for Irian Jaya at the provincial legislative building here yesterday morning. The demonstrators had been blockading the street in front of the legislative building since Wednesday morning. Tension mounted when the local military chief, Lt. Col. J.P. Silooy, and police chief, Lt. Col. M.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Language democratization a must
Language democratization a must By A. Chaedar Alwasilah JAKARTA (JP): Since Soeharto's downfall people have been noisily calling for democratization in all walks of life. Protesters now enjoy freedom of speech, which was absent for the last three decades in the country. There is at the moment a kind of euphoria that leads to communication chaos in our political and social discourse. Many now abuse the magic word "reformasi" as an excuse for protesting almost anything.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt allows direct overseas recruitment
Govt allows direct overseas recruitment JAKARTA (JP): Facing the explosive unemployment problem, the government has allowed foreign employers to directly recruit Indonesian workers, a breakthrough which local labor suppliers see as a threat to their business. Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris told journalists yesterday that to encourage citizens to seek employment overseas, the government would simplify bureaucratic procedures.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Entrepreneurs seek government safety guarantee
Entrepreneurs seek government safety guarantee JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie received a strong message from the business community yesterday that the government must ensure the safety of ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs and punish the perpetrators of the May riots if it wishes to see a full resumption of business activities.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hospital employees urge fair recruitment
Hospital employees urge fair recruitment BOGOR (JP): At least 100 employees of Bogor Mental Hospital demonstrated at the hospital compound Wednesday, protesting the management's recruitment scheme as unfair and welfare facilities as poor. The employees' spokesman, Riswar, said management had recruited seven new employees a couple of months ago without announcing any vacant positions before hand.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Number of poor people hits 79.4m
Number of poor people hits 79.4m JAKARTA (JP): The number of Indonesians living below the poverty line has soared to 79.4 million, about 40 percent of Indonesia's population, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said yesterday. BPS chief Suwito Sugito said that the figures would increase to 95.8 million, or about 48 percent of the total population of 202 million by the end of this year because no economic recovery was in sight.
Fri, 03 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Food for thought
Food for thought The government must be commended for launching the crash program this month to provide rice at a heavily subsidized price to millions of poor people who are most vulnerable to food shortages. The economic crisis, coming immediately after the prolonged drought last year, has increased the number of people in poverty to about 80 million. Of these, more than 40 million people, or 7.35 million families, are in dire need of a helping hand, or else they face starvation.