Archive: 22 August 1998
53 articles found
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Warung' contest serves up food for all tastes
'Warung' contest serves up food for all tastes By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Food vendors and warung (roadside food stalls) are a dime a dozen on this city's streets but imagine them littering a part of Jakarta Hilton International's compound in Central Jakarta? With a food vendors' contest currently underway, various warung from the streets of North, South, Central, West and East Jakarta have been put up in the hotel's compound, right behind the Tomat At The Pizzeria restaurant.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sultan named sole candidate for governor
Sultan named sole candidate for governor YOGYAKARTA (JP): After weeks of debate the provincial legislature here took a vote yesterday evening and decided to put forward the name of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X as the sole candidate for governor. Sri Sultan defeated rival Alfian Darmawan, the chairman of the Yogyakarta chapter of the United Development Party, and must now gain the approval of the central government. How the votes were placed in the 45-member legislature was not immediately known.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Miners want out of Nabire
Miners want out of Nabire JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Fearing reprisals after a clash with locals, about 15,000 migrant gold miners have asked the local government of Nabire for assistance to flee the region. Antara reported that the conflict took place in Topo district on Monday, Aug. 10, between native miners from Biak and Dani, and those from Sangir, Maluku. In the fight, one Biak miner, one Dani, one tribesman from Nabire and nine miners from Sangir were killed.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah steady despite govt's bank suspensions
Rupiah steady despite govt's bank suspensions JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah remained steady yesterday but share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) tumbled 2.7 percent following the government's latest move to restructure the country's shattered banking system. Currency dealers and stock brokers said the persistent volatility in the regional market, especially the weakening Japanese yen, also adversely affected domestic market sentiment.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Plans for commodities futures exchange continue
Plans for commodities futures exchange continue JAKARTA (JP): The government is going ahead with its plan to establish a commodities futures exchange next year despite the deepening economic crisis. Arifin Lumban Gaol, the chairman of the Indonesian Commodities Exchange Agency (Bapebti), said the government was currently preparing a legal infrastructure for the exchange. "The futures trading is expected to be realized before 2000.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two-tier forex trading proposed to stabilize rupiah
Two-tier forex trading proposed to stabilize rupiah JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has called on the government to adopt a two-tier foreign exchange trading system to prevent a further drop in the value of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar. LIPI's economist Wijaya Adi said here yesterday that the two- tier trading system, under which a lower exchange rate would be offered to importers, was essential to stabilize the Indonesian currency.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Megawati 'not behind scheme to disrupt Soerjadi congress'
Megawati 'not behind scheme to disrupt Soerjadi congress' JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri, the ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), has not instructed her supporters to disrupt the party congress planned by her rival Soerjadi in Palu, Central Sulawesi, from Aug. 25-29, a close aide said. Economist Kwik Kian Gie said on Thursday that it was the policy of Megawati's camp never to resort to violence.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Monas to get new management for efficiency
Monas to get new management for efficiency JAKARTA (JP): The city plans to place the National Monument and its surrounding environs under an integrated management, dissolving the current office overseeing the monument in the process, Governor Sutiyoso said yesterday. Giving no indication when the plan would be implemented, Sutiyoso said the monument, locally called by its abbreviation Monas, would be managed by the Central Jakarta Mayoralty.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sectoral trade unions attempt to topple executive board
Sectoral trade unions attempt to topple executive board JAKARTA (JP): Trade unions in all industrial sectors broke ranks and withdrew from the Federation of All Indonesian Workers Union (FPSPSI) yesterday in a bid to topple the federation's central executive board. Officials representing the 13 sectoral trade unions said in a joint declaration they were withdrawing their membership from the labor federation, and formed a new 13-member presidium to prepare an extraordinary congress.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt called on to respect Irianese
Govt called on to respect Irianese JAKARTA (JP): A recently released Irianese political prisoner has appealed to the government and the Armed Forces (ABRI) to lift the province's status as a military operation zone, investigate human rights violations and release all political prisoners as part of moves to bring about a reconciliation in the troubled province.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang workers vow to stay on strike
Tangerang workers vow to stay on strike JAKARTA (JP): About 100 striking employees of plastic wares producer PT Wingoh Albindo of Tangerang took their demand for a wage increase to the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute yesterday after their firm's executives denied them a hearing. On strike for the past three days, they visited the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute office on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, to seek legal advice.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) August 21, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 7,500 Alter Abadi 225 -25 554,000 Alumindo Light Metal 300 0 225,000 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 175 0 252,500 Aneka Tambang 1,925 -150 30,252,000 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Familiar Davis Cup team announced for China tie
Familiar Davis Cup team announced for China tie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia refused to gamble yesterday when it reappointed Andrian Raturandang, Febi Widhiyanto, Sulistyo Wibowo and Bonit Wiryawan for the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group I second playoff match against China next month.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Alms collection substantially drops
Alms collection substantially drops JAKARTA (JP): The value of Islamic alms given this year is expected to drop substantially as a result of the prolonged economic crisis, according to an executive from the Jakarta office of Bazis, the board which oversees collection of the charitable donations. Abdul Shomad Muin, who heads the office, said yesterday that alms collected so far this year had not yet exceeded Rp 1 billion (US$86,206).
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government assures WB over its fight against corruption
Government assures WB over its fight against corruption JAKARTA (JP): The government reiterated to the World Bank yesterday its commitment to root out corruption, collusion and nepotistic practices in the country.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Graft surely occurs
Graft surely occurs The controversy over the amount of World Bank loans to Indonesia that has been embezzled by officials should not divert attention from the core of the matter: corruption is pervasive in this country, especially within the government, which for a long time was perceived to be among the most corrupt in the world.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: A Part of Indonesian Historical Journey, at Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7194278), Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., until Aug. 24. * Painting Exhibition: Laga Lukis dan Amal Patra 13 1998, at Jl. Ampera Raya 25, South Jakarta (Phone: 78832989), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Sept. 5.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
1,000 evicted people to hold rally
1,000 evicted people to hold rally JAKARTA (JP): Some 1,000 evicted people from Greater Jakarta plan to hold a massive rally in Central Jakarta's Kemayoran tomorrow morning, the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute said yesterday. In a statement made available to The Jakarta Post, Dewi Novirianti and Amir Hamzah of the institute said the rally participants will first hold a flag-hoisting ceremony at 9 a.m. to commemorate the country's Aug.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Interest rates for Aug. 24/Aug. 30
Interest rates for Aug. 24/Aug. 30 Time deposit Maximum rate (%) Maximum rate (%) Rupiah U.S. dollar --------------------------------------------------- 1-month 62 15 3-month 55 14 6-month 45 14 12-month 44 14 24-month 28 18 Maximum overnight rate for rupiah : 71 percent Maximum overnight rate for U.S. dollars: 14 percent
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Interest rates
Interest rates In recent months, Bank Indonesia has been offering rates of between 50 percent and 70 percent for depositing rupiah with it, in an attempt to underpin the value of the local currency. But short-term foreign currency funds have still fled, and much of what remains is locked into fixed assets for the long term. The foreign exchange market is currently quiet, with state banks acting as net sellers of dollars pushing the rupiah gradually firmer.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cheap rice for 23,285 families
Cheap rice for 23,285 families JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has registered 23,285 families living in poverty to be included in the central government's crash program on the sale of cheap rice, deputy governor of social welfare Djailani said yesterday. Djailani said the sale of rice at Rp 1,000 per kilogram was expected to be realized later this month. The market price of the staple food averages Rp 3,500 per kilogram at present.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
APEC business council moves to draw capital back
APEC business council moves to draw capital back KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The APEC Business Advisory Council will push for the use of Asian sovereign collateralized bond obligations as a means to attract private capital back to the crisis-struck region, a report said yesterday. Council chief Shafiq Sit Abdullah was cited by the Business Times newspaper as saying the proposal would be discussed at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit here later this year.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Junior volleyball c'ships to begin
Junior volleyball c'ships to begin JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Association will hold its national junior championships from Aug. 24 to Aug. 30 at the Senayan Volleyball Hall. Committee chairman Doddy Gautama said yesterday that eight provincial teams -- those of East Java, West Java, Central Java, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lampung, North Sulawesi and North Sumatra -- would participate in the annual event's boys' competition.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
A baffling decision
A baffling decision Once again the Supreme Court has presented us with a paradox to challenge our sense of justice. In settling an appeal filed by (ousted Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) leader) Megawati Soekarnoputri in her case against her political rival Soerjadi and the government, the Supreme Court pronounced a double ruling. It allowed Megawati to pursue her lawsuit against Soerjadi but prohibited her from proceeding against the government.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI introduces new concept of its societal role
ABRI introduces new concept of its societal role JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) headquaters unveiled yesterday its new concept in which it pledged to take a backseat in the country's political affairs and work to support a civilian leadership. Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto elaborated on the new concept at a media conference held at ABRI's Cilangkap headquarters in East Jakarta yesterday.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mayor called on to resign
Mayor called on to resign TEGAL, Central Java: Taking their lead from students, councilors and town hall officials here held a demonstration demanding Tegal Mayor HM Zakir resign. The councilors organized the demonstration after their demands to the mayor and the central government fell on deaf ears. Councilor Syarif H. Fawi expressed his disappointment that the people's demands had gone unheeded.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Moral movements' lack political clout: Experts
'Moral movements' lack political clout: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Political scientists maintain that the advent of "moral movements" in the sociopolitical arena are unlikely to have much impact as they lack the clout and bargaining power of formalized political parties. "Moral movements do not possess real political power until they become political parties," said Arbi Sanit of the University of Indonesia.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S. groups join up to send medical supplies
U.S. groups join up to send medical supplies WASHINGTON (JP): A group of American business and nonprofit organizations is sending US$1.7 million in medical supplies to Indonesia to help the crisis-stricken country. Mark Schlansky, a Boeing executive and the chairman of Uplift International, said the group had identified certain essential materials, such as insulin, antibiotics, analgesics and syringes, in short supply at Indonesian hospitals.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Potent time bomb discovered at Wisma BNI tower
Potent time bomb discovered at Wisma BNI tower JAKARTA (JP): An explosive device was found on the ground floor of the 50 story Wisma BNI 46 tower, the country's tallest building, on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta in the early hours of yesterday morning, an official said. The detachment commander of the National Police bomb squad, Col. Jacky Uly, said the explosive device was neat and sophisticated and equipped with a timer. "Security guards found the device this morning.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia needs free flow of information: Lev
Indonesia needs free flow of information: Lev JAKARTA (JP): So great is the social and political uncertainty in Indonesia at present, said political scientist Daniel S. Lev of the University of Washington, Seattle, there was only a small political opening for people to continue to push for reform and improvement. In such a situation, priorities must be set.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Debate winners head to KL
Debate winners head to KL JAKARTA: British Airways will fly winners of the 1998 Indonesian Varsities English Debate to the ASEAN Inter- Universities Debating Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday. British Embassy Charge d'Affaires Quinton Quayle hosted a party on Thursday for the winners. The acting British Airways country manager, Jonathan Cowley, presented tickets to team members Achmad Nurhoeri, Aryanti R., Permata Harahap and coach Rully Manurung.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Are we ready for IFL teaching?
Are we ready for IFL teaching? By A. Chaedar Alwasilah JAKARTA (JP): The number of foreigners learning Bahasa Indonesia as a foreign language (IFL) has increased significantly over the years. As it is also widely taught in other countries, like Australia, many teachers are delighted about the creation of a lucrative profession -- teaching IFL overseas.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Busang still draws investors, says minister
Busang still draws investors, says minister JAKARTA (JP): Many foreign investors are reportedly interested in the scandal-plagued Busang mine in East Kalimantan despite a definitive study stating it is devoid of commercial gold deposits.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four banks announce merger plan
Four banks announce merger plan JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Mashill will merge with Bank Jaya International, Bank Artamedia and Bank Ciputra to strengthen their capital structure. The medium size banks announced yesterday they had agreed in principle to merge through a share swap, which will be based on an adjusted equity value.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Traders protest over kiosk demolition plan
Traders protest over kiosk demolition plan TANGERANG (JP): Traders from Cikokol market here have strongly protested the mayoralty's plan to demolish their kiosks to make way for the construction of an underpass. Carrying banners, posters and red and white flags, a 200- strong delegation went to the mayoralty office on Thursday to voice their complaints. They demanded that the mayoralty provide them with replacement stalls in a different location before construction work on the project begins.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Supriati eying bronze in Asian Games 10,000m
Supriati eying bronze in Asian Games 10,000m JAKARTA (JP): The nation's top female distance runner, Supriati Sutono, set yesterday a realistic target of winning a bronze in the 10,000 meters in her Asian Games debut in December. Supriati, who chalked up meet record times in sweeping three golds in the 19th Southeast Asian Games here last year, said she preferred not to shoot for overly lofty goals because of the stiff opposition from the continent's best runners.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar tightens tourist visa rules
Myanmar tightens tourist visa rules BANGKOK (AP): Myanmar's embassy in Bangkok has increased the waiting period for tourists to receive visas from about one hour to at least a week, applicants said yesterday. Tourists applying for visas were told that since Aug. 13 the process would take at least a week, and that on the seventh day applicants must return for an interview.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Appeal to Megawati, Gus Dur, Amien
Appeal to Megawati, Gus Dur, Amien As a layman in politics, I have been following media reports on your (Megawati Soekarnoputri, Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur, and Amien Rais) political activities. In my observation, what you have done is in line with popular aspirations, particularly those of the little people. In other words, your activities conform with the demand for total reform.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Team finds skeletons in 'killing field'
Team finds skeletons in 'killing field' By Pandaya PIDIE, Aceh (JP): A team from the National Commission on Human Rights discovered skeletons from an area adjacent to what locals call the "killing field", the first indication of atrocities committed by the military in Aceh over the past nine years. The remains were recovered on Kuala Tari peninsula and in the yard of a mansion in Gleumpang Tiga subdistrict believed to have been used by the military as a "concentration camp" from 1990 until Aug.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta facing air pollution fears
Jakarta facing air pollution fears JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta's air quality, which has been getting poorer over the last few years due mainly to vehicular emission, will continue worsening if inhabitants fail to keep emissions at the lowest level, an official said yesterday. Rafdjon Rax, head of the city laboratory for environment and urban affairs studies, said vehicular emission, especially from cars using leaded fuel, had a major impact on air quality.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Paper recycling workshop fails to attrack attention
Paper recycling workshop fails to attrack attention By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Children's favorite uses for a sheet of paper include drawing, to write on or for folding into a paper aircraft. Bored with these activities, they often just scrunch it up and throw it away, unaware they could use the paper once again after it is recycled.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Muhammadiyah to question Amien over party founding
Muhammadiyah to question Amien over party founding JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of Indonesia's second largest Islamic organization Muhammadiyah will convene today to question chairman Amien Rais over his reported plan to resign in order to lead the National Mandate Party (PAN). Deputy chairman Syafi'i Ma'arif said in Yogyakarta Thursday that Amien had always insisted on the separation of Muhammadiyah from politics, including in PAN whose establishment will be formally declared tomorrow.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three fires raze homes, businesses
Three fires raze homes, businesses JAKARTA (JP): At least three fires were recorded in the capital yesterday, causing millions of rupiah in material losses. No fatalities, however, were reported. The biggest of the three gutted at least 60 semipermanent houses in the closely packed Kenari subdistrict of Senen, Central Jakarta, yesterday morning, leaving 487 people homeless. Saman, an eyewitness, said the fire started at about 9 a.m.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Military launches produce stalls
Military launches produce stalls JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Command's cooperatives have launched the operation of 15 produce stalls with the aim of providing essential commodities at reasonable prices for the needy, the command's spokesman Lt. Col. DJ. Nachrowi said yesterday. Nachrowi announced that the 15 stalls, which are located on the capital's outskirts, sell rice, sugar, cooking oil and wheat flour at government-set prices. Some of the stalls started operating early this month.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Aug. 21, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Studio Masak caters to building chefs
Studio Masak caters to building chefs By Izabel Deuff JAKARTA (JP): Love comes from the stomach, so locals say. You may take the one you love to eat out at a posh restaurant to show your love, but that's not what the adage really means. Serve the dishes that you make yourself and in return you will get love. This philosophy to get one's attention and affection through good food is not taught at the Hilton's Cooking Class.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia quit INRO
Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia quit INRO SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): The world's top three rubber producers -- Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia -- said they will pull out of the International Natural Rubber Organization and set up a rival group that aims to cut production 20 percent below world demand.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
NLD vows to convene Myanmar parliament
NLD vows to convene Myanmar parliament YANGON (AFP): Myanmar's main opposition said yesterday it would form a new government by convening the parliament elected in 1990 but never allowed to sit as a major dissident group urged a national uprising against the junta. "The National League for Democracy (NLD) will be convening a parliament soon," the leading opposition party of Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi said in a statement.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tourist industry offers discointed travel packages
Tourist industry offers discointed travel packages JAKARTA (JP): The country's tourist industry is offering discounted travel packages through next month to foreign visitors in a continuing effort to turn around declining arrivals. The offer is part of the industry's campaign during the period dubbed Magic Month -- beginning Aug. 10 and lasting through Sept. 24 -- to restore the battered tourist sector.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia renews call for EAEC formation
Malaysia renews call for EAEC formation KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has renewed its call for the formation of an East Asian Economic Caucus (EAEC) to represent regional interests, a report said yesterday. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was "ahead of his time when he proposed the setting up of the East Asian Economic Caucus," Education Minister Najib Tun Razak was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Street brawl in Bali broken up
Street brawl in Bali broken up NEGARA, Bali (JP): Dozens of youths from the villages of Banjar Tengah and Loloan in Negara, some 90 kilometers east of Denpasar, clashed in a massive street fight early Thursday. No fatalities were reported, though a number of flower pots were overturned and a supermarket's front glass window was shattered. Police dispersed the scuffle peacefully soon after arriving on the scene. No arrests were reported. Artawirata Dewa Putu, a resident of Jl.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
WB report on graft
WB report on graft I am responding to The Jakarta Post article Govt doubts WB report on graft of Aug. 20. Having been in Indonesia for going on six years, and having worked on a variety of projects, I will state that my experiences would support closer to the 30 percent figure put forth by Dr. Jeffrey A.
Sat, 22 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt nationalizes BCA, Danamon
Govt nationalizes BCA, Danamon JAKARTA (JP): The government decided yesterday to nationalize the country's largest private bank, Bank Central Asia (BCA), in a move to convince the public that it is serious about restructuring the beleaguered banking sector. Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto announced that the government would also take over the ownership of Bank Danamon, Bank Tiara Asia and Bank PDFCI.