Archive: 9 July 1998
47 articles found
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Observers look for new faces in Golkar race
Observers look for new faces in Golkar race JAKARTA (JP): While Golkar's extraordinary Congress will likely be dominated by familiar faces, demands for a new and younger figure to chair the ruling political organization's executive body were voiced yesterday. Political observer Muhammad A.S. Hikam said Golkar needed to introduce more credible and reputable candidates.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: 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. * Bali Padma Hotel, Legian (Phone: 0361-752111): - Pool Side: Batak Singers, Sunday, Wednesday. - Balinese Open Theater: Kecak Dance, Monday.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Merapi volcano alert issued
Merapi volcano alert issued YOGYAKARTA: An alert has been issued after increased volcanic activity was been recorded inside Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes which is located north of here, an official here said. Head of the Volcanic Technology Research and Development Station (BPPTK) of the Volcanology Directorate in Yogyakarta, Mas Atje Purbawinata, said that the station had increased the status from "Active Normal" to "Alert" on Friday.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jepara riot under investigation
Jepara riot under investigation PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Central Java deputy police chief Brig. Gen. Anshadi Mbai said here yesterday that an investigation was being conducted to find the mastermind behind the unrest which hit Jepara on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Anshadi said dozens of buildings were damaged and three cars were set alight when a crowd of about 4,000 ran amok. He said there was no looting during the unrest.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Harmoko installs new assembly members
Harmoko installs new assembly members JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Harmoko swore in 27 new members yesterday, 24 of whom represent the dominant political group Golkar. Some of the new appointments are politicians and public figures known to be close to President B.J. Habibie, including his aide, political scientist Dewi Fortuna Anwar, and cabinet ministers Theo L. Sambuaga, Adi Sasono and Agung Laksono.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bulog needs $2.7b to import foodstuffs
Bulog needs $2.7b to import foodstuffs JAKARTA (JP): The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) has announced it will need about US$2.7 billion in soft credit from Bank Indonesia to import essential commodities in the current 1998/1999 fiscal year. The agency plans to import 1 million tons of sugar, 700,000 tons of soybeans, 4.25 million tons of wheat and 3.1 million tons of rice, agency chairman Beddu Amang said Tuesday.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asia to speed up securitiztion process
Southeast Asia to speed up securitiztion process By Lynn Adler NEW YORK (Reuters): Southeast Asia and securitization will be intertwined in 1999, experts predict. Unable to access or afford other traditional funds, cash- strapped companies and government agencies there are feverishly crafting deals and meeting with rating agencies in attempts to securitize assets -- many for the first time. So far in 1998, the volume of new securitized deals has not kept pace with grandiose market expectations.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir's new book launched
Mahathir's new book launched KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's new book on Malaysian politics and economics has been launched by former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in London, according to news reports. The Way Forward, containing five essays, was written before the current economic downturn that is threatening to push the Southeast Asian nation into recession. Mahathir was not present at the event. Both leaders are known for tough and often controversial policies.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Good prospects in forestry sector
Good prospects in forestry sector From Bisnis Indonesia With reference to the editorial in Bisnis Indonesia of June 30, 1998, titled A matter of confidence, allow me to express the following opinion.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
HK investors look at Bank Tiara shares
HK investors look at Bank Tiara shares JAKARTA (JP): Several investors from Hong Kong have shown an interest in buying a stake in the financially troubled Bank Tiara, the bank's president said yesterday. Eksir Mahfujana said the investors were attracted to the publicly listed Bank Tiara because of its good track record before the crisis and because it was considered to have better prospects than the other five troubled banks taken over by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI's records on child rights below average
RI's records on child rights below average JAKARTA (JP): A United Nations report yesterday ranked Indonesia's record on the rights of children and female adolescents as below average for the East/South Asia and Pacific region.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
KL drops beer cash after protest
KL drops beer cash after protest KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Predominantly Moslem Malaysia, bowing to pressures from Moslem-led groups, has dropped Danish brewery Carlsberg as a major sponsor of the Commonwealth Games starting in Kuala Lumpur in September. Government officials and sources at Carlsberg's Malaysian unit said yesterday the sponsorship has been terminated following a Malaysian cabinet decision.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
25 suspected criminals netted in street operations
25 suspected criminals netted in street operations JAKARTA (JP): The police have netted at least 25 suspected criminals, including Armed Forces (ABRI) members, in a series of operations held over the past week here. The suspects had five guns, 15 sharp weapons and 30 vehicles in their possession. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Human rights body beefs up legal status
Human rights body beefs up legal status JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights is working to strengthen its status to be a more independent and authoritative institution, its chairman said yesterday. Marzuki Darusman said the commission was negotiating with the government and the House of Representatives to make a law on the institution and its authority in promoting the implementation of human rights in the country.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt should sell all its assets: Kadin
Govt should sell all its assets: Kadin JAKARTA (JP): The government should sell all its stakes in state-owned companies to foreign investors to gain more funds to restore the country's economy, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) suggests. The chamber's chairman, Aburizal Bakrie, told members of the House of Representatives yesterday that the government now needed more funds than ever to fuel and stimulate economic activities.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian banks to take over debtor property assets
Indonesian banks to take over debtor property assets JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian banks will soon become the reluctant owners of trillions of rupiah worth of property assets, as defaulting borrowers sidestep their obligations and forego their ownership responsibilities, a property consultant says. According to the Bank Advisory experts from Jones Lang Wootton (JLW), the property sector has US$7 billion in outstanding debts to Indonesian banks, according to central bank data.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Violence erupts in KL over water
Violence erupts in KL over water KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Two people were injured when a squabble over collecting water erupted into a fight between residents, some of them armed with knives and machetes, a newspaper reported yesterday. With severe water rationing in effect for nearly 2 million people in Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs, residents line up with pails and plastic containers several times a week to draw supplies from huge tankers deployed by city authorities. Disputes have become common.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
INRO keeps eye on weak world rubber prices
INRO keeps eye on weak world rubber prices KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) said yesterday it has a fund of 90-100 million ringgit ($21.6 million-$24 million) for immediate use to defend weak prices. "INRO has a usable fund of 90-100 million ringgit for immediate use for buffer stock manager purchases," Ng Kok Tee, INRO's senior buffer stock officer, told Reuters in an interview. It could call up additional funds if required, Ng said.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on July 8, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
KKN beast still wagging its tail
KKN beast still wagging its tail The hectic chase, not without much fanfare, alas, of people from the former administration era, will be like a bicycle trip into the jungles of the Amazon. It will be, at least as I see it, a long hazardous venture which probably is more easily started than concluded if it ever will be crowned with tangible, long lasting satisfactory results, and finally silence the cries for justice.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ginandjar to meet Greenspan
Ginandjar to meet Greenspan WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Indonesia's senior economics minister, is tentatively scheduled to meet with U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan as well as other officials when he travels to Washington today and tomorrow, Indonesian embassy officials said. Ginandjar also is expected to meet with U.S.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 8, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 0 0 AHAP Insurance 575 0 0 Alter Abadi 475 0 145,000 Alumindo Light Metal 325 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 225 0 25,500 Aneka Tambang 1,950 -100 32,599,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Akbar ready for top Golkar post
Akbar ready for top Golkar post JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said on the eve of Golkar's extraordinary congress that he was ready to join the race for the chairmanship of the ruling political organization. "I'll do my best should Golkar members give me their trust to lead the organization for the next five year term," he told reporters here yesterday ahead of the three day congress which begins today.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Islanders refuse to be resettled
Islanders refuse to be resettled UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Hundreds of inhabitants of Laelae Island staged a demonstration at the provincial council compound to protest against the Ujungpandang mayoralty's plan to move them off the island and develop it into a tourist area. The demonstrators, including children, youths and the elderly, demanded that Mayor Malik B. Masry end his plan to move them to another island and cancel the planned development of the island for tourism.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crude prices move up
Crude prices move up SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian crude prices moved up yesterday, supported by expectations of higher utility demand, as the hot weather prompts increased use of air-conditioners, traders said. Traders said heavy sweet Indonesian Minas and Widuri crudes have started trading at premiums of 25-30 U.S. cents per barrel to the official ICP. This is higher than the ICP plus 15 cents traded for July Minas cargoes.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Labor export becomes favored alternative
Labor export becomes favored alternative JAKARTA (JP): The government regards labor export as a favored alternative to help ease rising unemployment in the country, Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris said yesterday. According to Fahmi, the government will continue sending workers overseas to help solve the unemployment problem in the country which has been compounded by the economic crisis. Unemployment is now said to have reached 15.4 million.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four arrested for robbery
Four arrested for robbery BEKASI (JP): The police have arrested four members of a gang of six people they suspect robbed a yarn factory run by PT Daido Cahaya Utama in the Bantar Gebang area on June 29. The robbers escaped with a truck of yarn worth Rp 150 million ($10,500). Bekasi police chief Lt. Col. Adjie Rustam Ramdja was quoted by Antara yesterday as saying the four suspects were arrested in different places this week.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Building to be sold
Building to be sold According to media reports, the Timor Building, which is owned by PT Timor Putra Nasional (PT TPN) and located on Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, will be sold to a state-owned enterprise by its owner Hutomo Mandala Putra (Tommy Soeharto) because Presidential Decree No. 25/1995 prohibits any private buildings from being constructed in the area. Tommy Soeharto has met Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso to discuss this matter and the governor has promised to help Tommy find a buyer.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
PLN considers rescheduling Paiton projects
PLN considers rescheduling Paiton projects JAKARTA (JP): The government-sponsored committee in charge of restructuring the state electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) is considering rescheduling two giant power plant projects in Probolinggo, East Java. PLN president Djiteng Marsudi said yesterday the company needed to reschedule the projects, Paiton I and Paiton II, to ease its financial burdens and address an increasing power glut on the Java-Bali power grid.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Report bad schools' to govt
'Report bad schools' to govt JAKARTA (JP): A deputy governor called yesterday on parents, whose children attend state junior or senior high schools here to report illegal charges or fees that are set higher than the maximum official rate. Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani told media the complaints could be addressed to the specially designed PO Box 0008, Jakarta 10900, following which a team would conduct a thorough investigation into the reports.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government forms team to help assaulted women in May riots
Government forms team to help assaulted women in May riots JAKARTA (JP): The government has set up a special team to help women who were sexually assaulted during the May riots, Minister of Women's Affairs Tutty Alawiyah said here yesterday. Briefing journalists after attending a limited coordinating meeting with President B.J. Habibie at Bina Graha presidential office, Tutty said the team would work closely with all related parties, including non-governmental organizations (NGO's).
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
City to be pedicab-free again by end of July
City to be pedicab-free again by end of July JAKARTA (JP): Public order officers and members of the security forces will take to the streets next week to crack down on pedicabs to ensure the city is becak-free once again by the end of the month, officials said yesterday. Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi has told the city's five mayors to cleanse the capital of the three- wheeled pedicabs from next Tuesday.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Muhammadiyah looks to establish party
Muhammadiyah looks to establish party SEMARANG (JP): Amien Rais, chairman of the Muhammadiyah Moslem organization, has said he will ask his deputy, Syafii Maarif, to head a political party after it was evident that there was an enormous desire from members of the organization to establish one. Amien said after closing a leadership meeting here late Tuesday that the creation of a new political party would be discussed further at the organization's plenary meeting in Jakarta next week.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
CPO prices show little change in London
CPO prices show little change in London LONDON (Reuters): Crude palm oil (CPO) prices were little changed at midday yesterday on the European vegetable oil market, traders said. Only Aug/Sep CPO was offered at US$670 a ton cif., $2.50 under Tuesday's closing price.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kubota boosts RI production
Kubota boosts RI production TOKYO (Nikkei): Kubota Corp plans to double its production of all-purpose engines in Indonesia by transferring one of its production lines in Japan to its subsidiary, P.T. Kubota Indonesia, in Semarang, The Nikkei Industrial Daily reported in its yesterday edition. With transfer of the line, scheduled to begin operation in April 1999, the unit will also produce vertical diesel engines of up to 40 horsepower.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
New Order still alive and kicking
New Order still alive and kicking Some policies instituted by the government recently are reminiscent of those of the New Order. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono zeros in on the issue. JAKARTA (JP): "'The New Order is dead. Long live the New Order'. Am I being too cynical?" That was the last line of an e-mail message I received the other day from a friend in London. I responded immediately, "No, I don't think you are being too cynical. The New Order is alive and well.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Flight attendants to get severance pay
Flight attendants to get severance pay JAKARTA (JP): Bouraq and Mandala airlines agreed yesterday to give severance pay to dozens of dismissed female flight attendants in line with legal requirements, the employees' lawyers said. Christina Rini Yuliarti from the Legal Aid Institute said Mandala Airlines agreed to pay severance pay to the 40 women at between Rp 6 million (US$410) and Rp 16 million each.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Alleged murderers of Japanese man nabbed
Alleged murderers of Japanese man nabbed JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested three of four men wanted in the murder of a Japanese national in a taxi robbery in January. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said Herman bin Murni, 29, Bakri bin Alyas, 31 and Dede Halimi Andika, 26, were arrested late Tuesday. He identified Dede as the owner of the taxi in which Yamamoto, 32, was stabbed to death and a colleague sustained minor injuries on the night of Jan. 23.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
S. Korea buys 500 tons of Indonesian tin
S. Korea buys 500 tons of Indonesian tin SEOUL (Reuter): South Korea's Supply Administration (SAROK) yesterday bought 500 metric tons of Indonesian tin from LG International Corp, a SAROK official said. The purchase was made at $130 a ton, CIF Pusan, over a monthly average cash price in August on the Kuala Lumpur Tin Market, the official at SAROK's stockpile division. The administration had asked suppliers at home and abroad for offers by Tuesday, he said.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Time for ASEAN to act on Burma
Time for ASEAN to act on Burma ASEAN will be unhappy if tension between Burma's dictators and its legally elected democratic government escalates into violence, says Domingo Siazon, the foreign minister of the Philippines. The region, he points out, is going through a spot of bother and the last thing it needs is political instability, which, like economic turmoil, has a knack of spreading.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
A matter of will
A matter of will Many people assumed that the economy would automatically recover as soon as the government of President B.J. Habibie won the approval of major aid donors for its handling of the economy. It is now clear they could not have been more wrong.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah sinks to 15,000 and stock prices slide
Rupiah sinks to 15,000 and stock prices slide JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah sank yesterday past the 15,000 level to the U.S. dollar, and stock prices dipped 2.3 percent over profit taking after a week of gains. Currency dealers and stockbrokers said the market lacked any incentives at a time of political infighting, violence in some parts of the country and continued economic turmoil.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Toyota sees exports rising
Toyota sees exports rising TOKYO (Reuters): Toyota Motor Corp said yesterday it expected exports from its plants in four Southeast Asian nations to rise to 36 billion yen in 1998 from 29 billion yen in 1997, with further growth to 80 billion yen expected by 2000.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sjafrie joins villagers in first corn harvest
Sjafrie joins villagers in first corn harvest BEKASI (JP): Outgoing Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin marked the first corn harvest of a farming project jointly sponsored by his personnel and farmers of Ragem Manunggal village in Setu district here yesterday morning. Appearing cheerful among villagers, a uniformed Sjafrie walked through the corn field accompanied by his wife Etty Sudiyati, his staff and farmers.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI's foreign debt soars to $138 billion
RI's foreign debt soars to $138 billion JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's foreign obligations rose by 4 percent to US$138 billion as of the end of March, up from $131.7 billion in February, the central bank reported yesterday. The rise was caused by a $6.8 billion increase in non-bank private sector overseas debt which came about as a result of more companies reporting their foreign borrowings to Bank Indonesia (BI), it said in a statement.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chase optimistic on RI debt exchange program
Chase optimistic on RI debt exchange program NEW YORK (Dow Jones): Chase Manhattan Bank Corp. will tender all Indonesian bank debt eligible for exchange for new loans as part of the country's sweeping debt restructuring program, the chief credit officer of the U.S. bank said Tuesday. "We will tender 100 percent of eligible debt," Robert Strong said in a telephone interview, underscoring Chase's commitment to the success of the exchange program.
Thu, 09 Jul 1998, 00:00 WIB
Prolong drought may hamper RI food supply: FAO
Prolong drought may hamper RI food supply: FAO JAKARTA (JP): The state of the food supply in Indonesia continues to deteriorate and could worsen further as the August rice harvest may fall below initial predictions, a United Nations agency said yesterday. A statement from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) received here yesterday said a combination of the prolonged drought and the intensification of the financial and economic crisis have exacerbated the situation.