Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 August 1998

62 articles found

Six arrested for raping teenage girl

Six arrested for raping teenage girl JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested six men allegedly involved in the raping of a 15-year-old girl Saturday evening at a boarding house on Jl. Wijaya I, Kebayoran, South Jakarta. Three of the suspects -- Alung, Kaka and Budi -- admitted to having sexually abused the teenager, South Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Satrya Hari Prasetya said yesterday. "The remaining three are still denying any role in the rape," he added.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Thundercats 3:05 College Program: Kuliah UT 3:30 Science Film 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 TV Series: The Man from Uncle 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Documentary: 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 Koran Recital 8:30 Religious Teachings:...

Kids' festival hoping to raise interest in arts

Kids' festival hoping to raise interest in arts JAKARTA (JP): Parents often scare the living daylights out of their children with reproving ghost stories. Children, too, have their own frightening stories in return, be they about drugs, cosmetics, education or conveniences of life.

Police detain alleged killer of Kramat Jati resident

Police detain alleged killer of Kramat Jati resident JAKARTA (JP): Police have detained one of two alleged killers of a 61-year-old man, who was found beaten to death in his home at Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, last month. East Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Syahrir Kuba said yesterday that Rusdi, 23, was apprehended at his rented house located near the scene of the crime on Jl. Batu Sari.

Life insurance in for mixed bag this year

Life insurance in for mixed bag this year JAKARTA (JP): An upsurge in holders cashing in their life insurance policies this year will be offset by a surge in incoming policy holders, a major industry player said yesterday. The head of the Indonesian Insurance Council's life division, Sujono Soepeno, predicted life insurers would pay a cash surrender value of Rp 1.07 trillion (US$82.3 million) this year, double the Rp 535.08 billion paid out in 1997.

W. Nusa Tenggara wins school games

W. Nusa Tenggara wins school games JAKARTA (JP): Host West Nusa Tenggara emerged as the overall winner in the Arafura School Games which concluded on Tuesday evening. The team collected 19 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals after four days of competition which brought together 456 students from 10 provinces and Australia's Northern Territory. The hosts wrested the Minister of Education and Culture Trophy from defending champions South Sulawesi, who finished fifth.

Govt denies pulling plug on TV show

Govt denies pulling plug on TV show JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus denied yesterday speculation that he ordered the private Indosiar TV station to abruptly halt a political talk show on freedom of expression on Monday night. "No one from my ministry made any call to Indosiar," Yunus told reporters shortly before attending a Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office. "Just ask the station.

INRO efforts fail to lift rubber prices

INRO efforts fail to lift rubber prices SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): The International Natural Rubber Organization, a cartel comprising producers and consumers, was buying rubber yesterday on the open market for a third day, yet failing to lift prices. Rubber for January delivery on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange fell 1.1 yen, or 1 percent, to 103.1 yen a kilogram. Natural rubber prices have slumped 30 percent in the past year as industrial production and car sales in Asia slow.

ABRI apology for Aceh atrocities 'not enough'

ABRI apology for Aceh atrocities 'not enough' JAKARTA (JP): Rights activists greeted Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto's apology for years of atrocities committed by the military in Aceh, but said the gesture was not enough to heal the wounds of the people affected. They urged ABRI and President B.J.

Govt starts debt payment deferrals: Minister

Govt starts debt payment deferrals: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia began deferring payments of its sovereign debt this month in line with agreements made with the country's major international lenders, a senior minister said yesterday. Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita added that Indonesia may defer more sovereign debt payments for the 1999/2000 fiscal year if the economic situation demanded it.

Subaquatic body to issue licenses

Subaquatic body to issue licenses JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Subaquatic Sport Association (Porlasi) plans to hand over international certificates to 100 local scuba divers on Aug. 20. Chairman of the association Djoko Pramono said yesterday that the certificates would be the first CMAS (world diving association) recognized licenses to be issued by the association. "This is part of our efforts to help national scuba divers match their foreign counterparts in international events.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 12, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 3,500 Alter Abadi 375 0 7,500 Alumindo Light Metal 300 -50 265,000 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 500 Aneka Tambang 2,150 75 19,582,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.

Red Cross symbol widely abused here

Red Cross symbol widely abused here JAKARTA (JP): The emblem of the Red Cross, an internationally recognized symbol of neutrality, has been widely abused in Indonesia by certain parties as a protective shield, according to local Red Cross officials. The International Committee of the Red Cross' (ICRC) office here and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) called on the government yesterday to do more to regulate the use of the symbol in the country.

252 patients flee, costing Tangerang hospital Rp 600m

252 patients flee, costing Tangerang hospital Rp 600m TANGERANG (JP): At least 252 Tangerang General Hospital patients have fled from their beds without paying medical bills costing the state hospital Rp 600 million in lost revenue, a hospital executive said yesterday. The hospital director, Syartil Arfan, told The Jakarta Post from his office that three of the patients who absconded had even left their babies behind.

'Ojek' driver murderer gets nine years in jail

'Ojek' driver murderer gets nine years in jail BOGOR (JP): A 22-year-old man was sentenced to nine years in jail by the Bogor District Court yesterday for killing an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver on March 19. Presiding judge Martini said Alimudin stabbed Dedi Suryana to death near a bamboo forest at Pabuaran village in Cigudeg district here before stealing the victim's motorcycle. "Alimudin wanted a motorcycle and asked his father to buy one.

Students preserve snapshot of protests for posterity

Students preserve snapshot of protests for posterity JAKARTA (JP): As was the case on almost every other day that month, the hot afternoon of May 8 saw thousands of student protesters crammed onto their university campuses with riot police milling around outside. Sari, a photographer of the University of Indonesia's student magazine Bergerak!, found herself in this situation at Gunadarma University in Depok, West Java.

Moslems face 'threat of disintegration'

Moslems face 'threat of disintegration' YOGYAKARTA (JP): Scholar Nurcholish Madjid has voiced alarm at the threat of disintegration among Moslems in tandem with the proliferation of new political parties claiming to be Islamic. "I suspected this (development) early on, and hoped it would not happen. Now, what I was afraid of has become a reality, and I am really concerned," he said on the sidelines of a seminar on the platform for reform at the Gadjah Mada University here yesterday.

RI has weak president, troubled economy: Expert

RI has weak president, troubled economy: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has a weak president, a tarnished military and a troubled economy -- but such a sorry state of affairs actually provides a window of opportunity to prevent the rise of yet another strongman ruler who causes people suffering, a political scientist has concluded.

Abortions for rape victims spark controversy

Abortions for rape victims spark controversy By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Before taking up their profession, doctors are required to recite an oath, a part of which reads: "I will respect human life from its conception." However none of them ever thought they would have to treat a 16-year-old girl gang raped in the May riots and left pregnant by her ordeal.

Demos and responsibility

Demos and responsibility I'm sure that many parties support and agree with the editorial in Media Indonesia of July 30, 1998 titled Regulating freedom. The concept of responsibility is integrated in freedom, including the freedom of expression. This responsibility refers to oneself, other people and one's community. In this regard, allow me to suggest that the discussion on the government regulation to replace Law (Perpu) No.

ARCO focus on RI exploration

ARCO focus on RI exploration HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Atlantic Richfield Co. of the U.S. (ARCO) will not renew its remaining exploration lease offshore Myanmar, set to expire in October, the company said in a statement. ARCO Executive Vice President Ken Thompson said in the statement that the decision was made in light of new investment priorities resulting from the recent acquisition of Union Texas Petroleum Holdings Inc. (UTH) and a partnership with Triton Energy Ltd.

Trisakti defendants get prison terms

Trisakti defendants get prison terms JAKARTA (JP): The military tribunal convened over the Trisakti incident sentenced two police officers yesterday to 10 months and 4 months in jail respectively for ordering their men to shoot into a crowd of demonstrating students last May. The two officers, First Lt. Agus Tri Heryanto, 29, and Second Lt. Pariyo, 38, from the city police mobile brigade unit, were also ordered to pay Rp 5,000 (40 U.S. cents) each to help cover trial expenses.

Blind cancel surgery over rising costs

Blind cancel surgery over rising costs JAKARTA (JP): The sharply rising cost of eye transplants has prompted many blind people who were intending to undergo surgery to cancel the operations, Iding Kusnadi, the secretary of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Eye Bank, said yesterday. Iding said that as a result of the economic crisis the transplant cost almost doubled from Rp 3 million (US$230) to Rp 5 million.

Riot victims set ultimatum for insurance firms

Riot victims set ultimatum for insurance firms JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Retail Merchants Association (Aprindo) demanded yesterday that insurance companies immediately pay compensation for their damaged retail outlets or be prepared to suffer a tarnishing of their image. The chairman of the association's supervisory council, Steve Sondakh, said the insurance companies should compensate within "a certain time", or their names and the amount of the claims they owed would be made public.

Boosting tourism

Boosting tourism Indonesia is making efforts to overcome the economic crisis and one of the ways is by boosting tourism. But without certain improvements, the effort will fail. It is not a safe place for tourism and I'm not talking about riots, burning or demonstrations. I'm a tourist in Indonesia and have been holidaying here for three weeks. I have taken taxis, bought things and done the usual things that a tourist does, paying mostly two or three times the price.

Rights body calls for policy review

Rights body calls for policy review JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights urged the government yesterday to find a fundamental solution to bring closure to numerous unresolved rights cases which cannot be tackled on a case-by-case basis.

RI to halve fuel imports

RI to halve fuel imports SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian state-oil monopoly Pertamina is expected to halve its September fuel oil imports to between 600,000-800,000 barrels, traders said yesterday. "Indonesia's September imports will be less than August, around 600,000-800,000 barrels, but it is still something," one regular supplier to the financially crippled country said.

Police asked to investigate bankers

Police asked to investigate bankers JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia has formally asked the police to investigate the management of nine banks closed down late last year on suspicion of violating banking laws, a Bank Indonesia director said here yesterday. Achjar Iljas did not name the banks, nine of 16 liquidated by the government last November, but confirmed that one of the violations was breaching the legal lending limit.

Electoral plan draws mixed reactions

Electoral plan draws mixed reactions JAKARTA (JP): Local and foreign experts have given mixed reactions to the proposed electoral system -- a combination of the current proportional representation system and a district one. Dwight Y. King, associate professor of political science at Northern Illinois University in the United States, hailed the proposed system as promising, saying: "It looks to me like the best world system and I'm very interested in thinking about its implications".

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibitions, in Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran (Phone: 0361 701010): Works of Norbert Ivanyi (Hungarian Painter), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Aug. 13. Images of Meditating Figures, by Jerry T, Aug. 17 to Sept. 17. * Painting Exhibition: Cakrawala Seni, Museum Puri Lukisan, Ubud (Phone: 0361-975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Sept. 8. * Painting Exhibition: Journeys, by I Made Sumadiyasa, Neka Museum, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975034, 975074), 9 a.m.

Independent BI 'must no longer act as govt cashier'

Independent BI 'must no longer act as govt cashier' JAKARTA (JP): A new central bank law should allow Bank Indonesia to focus its activities on stabilizing inflation and exchange rates and end its role as the government's cashier, experts have said. Former BI governor J.

Bogus doctor confirmed ill

Bogus doctor confirmed ill YOGYAKARTA: An examination by state-owned Sardjito Hospital experts has shown that Djarot Setiawan -- who forged his degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and taught in a respected university for five years -- is suffering from schizophrenia. "Sometimes he feels and acts like he is a rector and suddenly changes (and behaves) as if he were a student," psychiatrist Soewardi explained about the fake academic's condition.

Officials deny rumors of unrest

Officials deny rumors of unrest JAKARTA (JP): The country's leaders dismissed yesterday the rampant rumors of impending unrest this weekend ahead of the Aug. 17 Independence Day celebration. President B.J. Habibie, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Feisal Tanjung and National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi promoted a sense of calm and appealed to people not to be stirred by unfounded rumors.

Chuan orders probe into cable monopoly

Chuan orders probe into cable monopoly BANGKOK (AP): Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has ordered the Consumer Protection Board to investigate Thailand's sole cable television operator to see if its monopoly violates the constitution, The Nation newspaper reported yesterday. United Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) became the lone cable provider when International Broadcasting Corporation and United Television Corporation merged two months ago.

Mr. Clean's crusade

Mr. Clean's crusade The Indonesian Society for Transparency, which was launched here early this week, is not organizationally related to the well-known Transparency International, the Berlin-based anticorruption pressure group. But the society's mission and its work methods, as stated in its founding charter, will be very similar to the noble crusade which has been conducted since 1993 by Transparency International, well-known for its annual corruption score table of 53 countries.

Tanamur strikes deal to reopen later this week

Tanamur strikes deal to reopen later this week JAKARTA (JP): Diskotik Tanamur, the oldest discotheque in the country, will be allowed by to resume operations later this week after being closed since Saturday, a city administration official said yesterday. The discotheque on Jl. Tanah Abang Timur in Central Jakarta was temporarily closed following complaints from residents and motorists about congestion arising from cars parked along nearby streets.

RI racist laws need to be revoked

RI racist laws need to be revoked By Frans Tan Winarta JAKARTA (JP): When Indonesia proclaimed its independence on Aug. 17, 1945, through Sukarno and Hatta, it gained de facto and de jure recognition from the international community. In line with the spirit of the 19th century, the Indonesian founding fathers made Indonesia a state based on law and not based on power. The idea of a state based on law was introduced in Europe in the 17th century concomitant with the emergence of individualism.

Donations for poor students

Donations for poor students JAKARTA (JP): The parents and teachers association of Global Jaya School in Bintaro, South Jakarta, has collected Rp 38.3 million under a sponsor-a-child program to be donated to students from poor families. Ala Sulistyono, the program coordinator, said yesterday that the donation would be given to 14 elementary, junior and high schools located near Global Jaya. "The funds were collected from parents of students at the school.

The monk gets 'more freedom'

The monk gets 'more freedom' PHNOM PENH (Reuters): A Cambodian monk was expelled after he was caught sneaking out of his temple at night to indulge his secret passion -- karaoke singing. By day Kung Bunchhoeun, 22, wore the simple orange robes of a monk but at night he would don ordinary garb and slip out of his Phnom Penh temple to croon in nearby karaoke bars, the Koh Santipheap newspaper reported. He also occasionally went dancing, the paper said.

Court asked to drop all charges

Court asked to drop all charges JAKARTA (JP): A lawyer has asked the Central Jakarta District Court to free two executives of PT Hutama Karya who were indicted for involvement in a Rp 1.5 trillion (US$115 million) corruption scandal in two toll road projects.

Sports Council sticks to standards

Sports Council sticks to standards JAKARTA (JP): The national training director for the 13th Asian Games, Mochammad Hindarto, said yesterday that the National Sports Council would apply reasonable measures when selecting athletes for the event. Hindarto said that in measurable sports like track and field and swimming, the council had long used personal best time to assess an athlete's ability. International rankings commonly apply in sports such as boxing, tennis, soccer and volleyball.

Pedicab drivers stage protest

Pedicab drivers stage protest JAKARTA (JP): Around 200 becak (pedicab) drivers and owners came to the City Council yesterday to ask the councilors to help them in their campaign to stop the city administration from seizing their vehicles. They also insisted that the administration return becak already confiscated and allow them to operate in residential areas.

RI boxers eye future honors

RI boxers eye future honors JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has set its sights on winning gold medals in the boxing competitions at the 2002 Asian Games and the 2004 Olympics. The chairman of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association Sang Nyoman Suwisma said after a meeting with National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar that the association had pinned its hopes on junior boxers who are currently participating in a long- term training program.

Credit card default cases up

Credit card default cases up JAKARTA (JP): Credit card defaulting has increased substantially in the wake of the deepening economic turmoil, the Indonesian Credit Card Association has said. Association chairman Malik Habir said yesterday the extent of the defaulting -- payment delayed by more than 30 days -- had risen to 14 percent of the Rp 2.41 trillion (US$185 million) total outstanding volume from the 10 percent figure before the crisis.

RP plans first euro bond

RP plans first euro bond LONDON (Reuters): The Philippines is set to become the first Asian sovereign to issue bonds denominated in the future single European currency, the euro, after Finance Secretary Edgardo Espirito announced a mandate for the deal yesterday. Espirito said JP Morgan and Warburg Dillon Read had been appointed to lead manage a euro-denominated bond for launch in the Autumn.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Aug. 12, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Asian crisis hurting U.S.

Asian crisis hurting U.S. WASHINGTON (Reuters): U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, in a taped television interview aired yesterday, said the U.S. economy remained strong but that financial crises in Asia and in other markets was a growing threat. "This financial instability is significantly affecting the American economy," Rubin told ABC's "Good Morning America" in an interview taped last week.

Aceh prisoners to be released

Aceh prisoners to be released BANDA ACEH, Aceh: An official here revealed yesterday that 562 prisoners in the province will get remissions in conjunction with the Aug. 17 celebration of Indonesian independence. "The total number of convicts, including political prisoners, to receive remissions this year will be 562," said Tunggak Darmono, an official from the Aceh justice ministry office.

BT expands into Indonesia

BT expands into Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): British Telecom (BT) has announced the expansion of its portfolio of telecommunications services in Asia with the launch of SatLink Asia, a transborder service now available in Indonesia and five other markets. SatLink Asia, developed by BT's satellite experts, is the first Pan-Asian satellite service offered by the company and will extend its coverage across the region and help it make an entry into key markets.

SE Asian currencies rebound in yen's wake

SE Asian currencies rebound in yen's wake SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The rebound of Japan's yen from Tuesday's eight-year low relieved the downward pressure on Southeast Asian currencies, which rallied across the board during Asian trading hours yesterday. After opening up sharply against the U.S.

Rupiah strengthens, share prices up after 10-day drop

Rupiah strengthens, share prices up after 10-day drop JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah strengthened yesterday to pass the 13,000 level against the U.S. dollar and stock prices perked up to register gains after 10 consecutive days of losses. Currency dealers said the rupiah was boosted by news of rescheduling of Indonesia's sovereign debts and a rebounding yen.

Utut draws with Hracek in latest cup match

Utut draws with Hracek in latest cup match JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top player Utut Adianto blew away his chance to score a win in the eighth round of the MK Cafe Cup in Koszalin, Poland on Tuesday and had to settle for a draw with Zbynek Hracek of the Czech Republic. The two Super Grand Masters agreed to an equal ending, to Utut's disappointment, after 66 moves of a game that lasted nearly six hours.

City told to get tougher on negligent developers

City told to get tougher on negligent developers JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor has urged the city administration to take stern measures against 11 delinquent developers for failing to fulfill their obligations to build or renovate several school buildings. Head of Commission E for social welfare affairs, Soeparmo, said Tuesday the developers had postponed the projects for years.

Yangon may free Indonesian activists soon

Yangon may free Indonesian activists soon JAKARTA (JP): The three Indonesian activists detained in Yangon are expected to be released soon because Myanmar authorities have found no direct link between them and local opposition groups, an Indonesian envoy said. "I'm sure they will be released soon because they have no direct link with the anti-government movement here," Indonesian Ambassador in Yangon Poerwanto Lenggono told The Jakarta Post by telephone from the Myanmar capital.

Govt raises haj pilgrimage price 300 percent for 1999

Govt raises haj pilgrimage price 300 percent for 1999 JAKARTA (JP): The government has set next year's haj pilgrimage fee at Rp 27.7 million, about three times higher than last year's price. Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus announced the new rate here yesterday following a four-hour Cabinet meeting on people's welfare. The main reason for the huge increase is the sharp depreciation of the rupiah.

DKP zeros in who gave Prabowo instructions

DKP zeros in who gave Prabowo instructions JAKARTA (JP): The Officers Honor Council (DKP) has shortened the list of who instructed then Army Special Force (Kopassus) chief Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto to take preemptive security measures to safeguard last March's presidential election, which led to abductions and torture of political activists. Council chairman Gen.

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: Cosindos Band, Monday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., X-Men Band, Sunday, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 12 p.m., Solo Pianist, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. * Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend.

Give exchange controls a chance

Give exchange controls a chance I was amazed at your dismissal of the concept of exchange control (Editorial Aug. 5: Clutching at straws).

Balloon flight continues

Balloon flight continues ST. LOUIS, Missouri (Reuters): U.S. adventurer Steve Fossett headed across the Indian Ocean yesterday, trying to find an altitude that would carry him neither too far north nor south to reach Australia in his bid to become the first to fly around the world nonstop in a balloon. At midnight EDT (11 p.m. Jakarta time) as he entered the sixth day of his journey, Fossett was 1,287 km southeast of Cape Town at 7,429 meters.

Soeharto's 'New Order' merely hibernating

Soeharto's 'New Order' merely hibernating Even though some government functionaries have been replaced, without a change in the system that (former president) Soeharto created, the old culture of corruption, collusion and nepotism is sure to reappear. Monitoring and activities by independent non-governmental organizations need to be institutionalized.

Strike forces Freeport to halt work for second day

Strike forces Freeport to halt work for second day TIMIKA, Irian Jaya (Bloomberg): Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc suspended operations for a second day yesterday at the world's largest copper and gold mine amid a wildcat strike by about 5,000 employees demanding higher wages.

Mark-up practice

Mark-up practice Several reports on alleged mark-up practices in the exploration and production (E&P) sector, and the result of a survey conducted by ReForm, a consultancy company led by Laksamana Sukardi, have prompted me to describe the general working mechanism of foreign companies and state oil company Pertamina in prospecting/producing crude oil.