Archive: 26 August 1998
55 articles found
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Composers, artists get reminder of past sycophancy
Composers, artists get reminder of past sycophancy JAKARTA (JP): People now dare to face head-on the fact that former president Soeharto's grasp reached well beyond politics and business, even meddling in the arts. Some playwrights have complained about the oppression of fear of censure that hampered their development during his 32 years in power. It is known that Soeharto made use of dalang (puppet masters) to spread his political message through shadow plays.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
World economies rise and fall together
World economies rise and fall together A year ago, all the talk was of the growth and productivity gains to be made from globalization. What is being felt on the streets of Moscow and Indonesia (not to mention the Square Mile and Wall Street) is the downside of the one-world economy, writes Ben Laurance. LONDON: A year is a long time in economics.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Liquidity support to ailing banks rises to Rp 140.80 trillion
Liquidity support to ailing banks rises to Rp 140.80 trillion JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) liquidity support to ailing banks under the supervision of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) rose by Rp 5.26 trillion in the week ending Aug. 21. The central bank said in a statement yesterday that its net claim on IBRA as of Aug. 21 was Rp 140.80 trillion compared to Rp 135.58 trillion on Aug. 14. BI said that on Aug.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Group says graft probe needs free commission
Group says graft probe needs free commission JAKARTA (JP): Economists and government critics are banding together to advocate establishment of an independent commission to probe bureaucratic corruption, including allegations which surfaced recently involving World Bank loans. "We demand the government establish a national independent commission, such as the National Commission on Human Rights, to probe corruption cases," the group said in a statement sent to The Jakarta Post yesterday.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
World Bank pans govt subsidy program
World Bank pans govt subsidy program JAKARTA (JP): The government's huge subsidy commitments are unsustainable and could lead to economic disaster if the policy is not revised, a senior World Bank official warned yesterday. World Bank Indonesia director Dennis de Tray said the government must carefully set a clear focus in its fiscal program.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Child prostitutes in Central Java
Child prostitutes in Central Java PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Hundreds of child prostitutes are reportedly operating in Purwokerto, Cilacap and Purbalingga. Lt. Col. Robby Kaligis, chief of the Purbalingga police precinct, said here yesterday the local police had netted more than 20 child prostitutes this month alone. He said the underage prostitutes, locally known as ciblek, operate at entertainment spots and crossroads in the towns.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
PT Aneka Tambang to list shares on ASX
PT Aneka Tambang to list shares on ASX JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed general mining company PT Aneka Tambang is to list its shares on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) to gain more access to international investors, the company announced yesterday. The company said the secondary listing would ultimately serve to reduce its cost of capital by attracting a broader and more appropriate investor base.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Spotlight
Spotlight Photo A: Games Crowne Plaza PILLOW WAR: Crowne Plaza Jakarta's Communications Manager Chandrawati A. Hadisumarto (left) fights Director of Sales Intan T. Senduk in a pillow war to mark the start of traditional games held to celebrate the country's Independence Day. Photo B: ASEAN JP/leo COUNTDOWN 2000: Children from ASEAN countries highlight the launching of the ASEAN Countdown 2000 Clock at Taman Anggrek Mall, West Jakarta.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Astra makes headway in restructuring foreign debt
Astra makes headway in restructuring foreign debt JAKARTA (JP): The country's largest automaker, PT Astra International, announced yesterday that its foreign creditors had agreed to work with the company to restructure its mounting foreign debts. Company president Rini M. Soewandi said Astra would hold a meeting with its foreign creditors in Singapore in early October to discuss details of the debt restructuring plan.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
The ethnic Chinese's dilemma
The ethnic Chinese's dilemma By Beni Sindhunata This is the first of two articles on the issue related to ethnic Chinese in Indonesia. JAKARTA (JP): Three months after the outbreak of violent unrest in the middle of May, debates on the presence of ethnic Chinese in Indonesia are still going on, assuming greater transparency and permeating into various aspects of life.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
New regulation on presidency needed: Experts
New regulation on presidency needed: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Four constitutional law experts have called for clear regulation of the presidential institution in order to prevent a concentration of power in the hands of the executive branch of the government in the future.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to redefine its roles in economy
Govt urged to redefine its roles in economy JAKARTA (JP): Following the worse crisis in three decades, the government's role in the country's economy should now be redefined, economists have suggested. Muhammad Chatib Bisri, a doctoral candidate at the Australian National University, said here yesterday that the government should now act as an institution which facilitates the smooth operation of market mechanisms.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Capital market aids residents
Capital market aids residents JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Society of Indonesia has donated food and used clothing to 7,000 needy residents of five subdistricts in the city in conjunction with the 21st anniversary of the capital market's reactivation. The donation was handed over by Jusuf Anwar, chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam), to residents of Kalibaru, Kampung Tengah, Cilincing, Cengkareng Timur and Kedaung subdistricts Saturday.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
More major bank restructuring planned
More major bank restructuring planned JAKARTA (JP): The government plans another series of major bank restructuring measures later this year when all banks have to meet the new minimum 4 percent capital adequacy ratio requirement (CAR), Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto said yesterday.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
House approves 100% airfare increase: INACA
House approves 100% airfare increase: INACA JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives has approved a government proposal to increase domestic airfares by 100 percent to compensate for the continued fall of the rupiah against the U.S dollar, the Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) said yesterday. INACA secretary-general Benny Rungkat said the House has given approval for a 40 percent increase on Sept. 1, and a second increase of 60 percent in December.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore-Taiwan satellite ready
S'pore-Taiwan satellite ready SINGAPORE (DPA): A major telecommunications satellite run jointly by Singapore and Taiwan -- the first satellite for both parties -- was set to be launched from South America today, officials said. The US$240 million satellite, dubbed ST-1, would be one of the most powerful telecommunications satellites in use in Asia.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
15 laid-off workers injured in attempted protest march
15 laid-off workers injured in attempted protest march JAKARTA (JP): Riot police injured at least 15 people yesterday when they blocked hundreds of laid-off workers attempting to march to the Jakarta International Labor Organization (ILO) office to seek help over their dismissal. The workers were former employees of PT Tyfountex, an export- oriented textile producer based in Kartosuro, Central Java. The incident took place at about 10 a.m.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rubber prices rise after intervention
Rubber prices rise after intervention SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): Rubber prices rose in Tokyo yesterday after the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) bought rubber on the open market for a sixth day in a bid to stop sliding prices. Natural rubber prices have fallen nearly 40 percent in the past year as industrial production, along with car and tire sales, slowed in Asia.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chinese-Indonesian women seek Canadian husbands
Chinese-Indonesian women seek Canadian husbands By Greg Heakes VANCOUVER (AFP): A number of Indonesian-Chinese women are offering themselves to Canadian men as mail-order brides in an attempt to escape mob violence in their homeland.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bakin under fire over statement on rapes
Bakin under fire over statement on rapes JAKARTA (JP): Scholars and observers strongly criticized the head of the State Intelligence Coordinating Board (Bakin) Lt. Gen. (ret) Moetojib yesterday for his remark that reports of gang rapes during the May riots had been exaggerated to undermine the government. They said Moetojib had been "careless" in his statement and had apparently failed to learn from a similar blunder committed last week by his colleague, National Police chief Lt. Gen.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
PDI congress
PDI congress Contrary to what the government has repeatedly announced, that is, that it will not interfere with the Indonesian Democratic Party's internal affairs and will leave the settlement of the party's prolonged conflict to its members; it ultimately issued a permit for Soerjadi to hold a congress in Palu this week. Not only that, Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid on behalf of President B.J. Habibie was scheduled to open the controversial event.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Prabowo's dismissal
Prabowo's dismissal Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, the central figure in the drama and tragedy of the abduction of political activists, has had his active service in the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) terminated. In plain terminology -- in contrast to the elaborate jargon that is commonly used by the military -- it may be said that Prabowo was discharged. At the same time, Maj. Gen. Muchdi and Col. Chairawan were released of all structural duties within ABRI.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Seven drown, 12 missing after packed boat capsizes
Seven drown, 12 missing after packed boat capsizes JAKARTA (JP): Seven people drowned and 12 others are missing after a motorized boat overloaded with wedding guests capsized Monday afternoon in the Thousand Islands chain in North Jakarta. Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto said yesterday there were 30 passengers and three crew members on the Krisna-1, which set sail from Lancang Island for Cituis port in Paku Haji, Tangerang.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah extends gains as stocks continue to fall
Rupiah extends gains as stocks continue to fall JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian rupiah extended gains yesterday amid optimism about the country's efforts to clean up its banks, while local stock prices continued to fall, tracking a regional weakness. Currency dealers said that unlike in recent months, the foreign exchange market was no longer jittery in the face of rumors or even threats of unrest, such as that posed by the current Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) congress in Palu.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Aug. 23, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
KONI picks 122 athletes for Asian Games training
KONI picks 122 athletes for Asian Games training JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) named yesterday 122 athletes from 20 sports who will start centralized training Sept. 1 for the 13th Asian Games.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Real or perceived threat?
Real or perceived threat? One of the latest buzzwords in Indonesian politics is "disintegration". Senior government and military officials have been raising the alarm lately about the possibility of Indonesia breaking apart the same way that the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia collapsed. They base their argument on recent developments. There is the growing demand for independence in East Timor, Irian Jaya and to a lesser extent Aceh.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to totally liberalize power sector in 5 years
Govt to totally liberalize power sector in 5 years JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to liberalize the power sector over the next five years to allow independent power producers (IPPs) to directly sell power to the public in competition with state electricity company PLN.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Troubles in Aceh, Irian 'not due to separatism'
Troubles in Aceh, Irian 'not due to separatism' JAKARTA (JP): Former governors of Aceh and Irian Jaya said yesterday that discriminatory development policies and economic injustices, rather than separatism, were the cause of many social, political and security problems in the two hotspot regions.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sukarno aide wants his good name back
Sukarno aide wants his good name back YOGYAKARTA (JP): An adjutant of first president Sukarno who was incarcerated for over a decade as a political prisoner is demanding that his good name be restored. Soekardjo Wilardjit, 71, told reporters at the Legal Aid Institute office here yesterday that he was imprisoned without trial between 1966 and 1978 and has since been denied his rights as a retired lieutenant in the Armed Forces.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
RP seeks to ease fear of U.S. attack
RP seeks to ease fear of U.S. attack MANILA (DPA): National security officials sought yesterday to ease the fears of some Philippine politicians that the United States might attack suspected terrorist bases in the Philippines. "Bombing us is very remote," said National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre. "The United States will not do that. We are allies." Several lawmakers have expressed fears of a U.S.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government should give incentives to farmers
Government should give incentives to farmers The food situation appears to be deteriorating even further, with increasing reports of farmers invading plantations and golf courses all over Java to grow their own food. At the same time, the number of poor has increased manifold. In an interview with The Jakarta Post, H.S. Dillon, a Cornell-trained agricultural economist and executive director of the Center for Agricultural Policy Analysis, provides an insight into the forces shaping these events.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Disappointing promise
Disappointing promise In December 1997, I paid a deposit to Daksa Group for land in Kota Kembang housing complex, Melati sector, block F2 No. 24, Depok, West Java. Eight months have elapsed and construction of the house is still not completed. No reason has been given by the developer about problems that have arisen in this regard. I have tried to contact the developer several times by phone and mail but to no avail.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies up but pressed by falling yen
SE Asian currencies up but pressed by falling yen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies were generally higher after overnight trading against the U.S. dollar compared with levels seen late Monday in Asia, but they faced renewed pressure from a weakening yen early yesterday. "The currencies are, as usual, tracking the movement of the dollar/yen," one trader at a U.S. bank said.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Coffee climbs 1 percent
Coffee climbs 1 percent LONDON (Bloomberg): Coffee gained as much as 1 percent yesterday to its highest in more than two weeks as Indonesian and Ugandan traders withheld beans, hoping to boost prices. Indonesian and Ugandan growers are holding on to supplies on expectations demand from roasters will boost prices ahead of the peak winter season that begins September, traders said. Indonesia is the world's biggest grower of bitter-flavored robusta coffee and the third-largest producer overall.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
PDI congress opens in chaos, 17 hurt
PDI congress opens in chaos, 17 hurt PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Violent clashes erupted at the opening of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) congress here yesterday when hundreds of loyalists of ousted leader Megawati Soekarnoputri tried to force their way into the venue tightly guarded by security men from the government-backed party faction. When Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid opened the gathering at the haj dormitory on Jl. Supratman, the clash intensified.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Cirata hydro completed
Cirata hydro completed JAKARTA (JP): Austrian power generating equipment manufacturers Elin and Voest Alpine MCE, a subsidiary of the VA TECH group, has completed the installment of hydroelectric equipment at the giant Cirata hydropower plant in West Java. The manager of PT Elin Indonesia's power plant division, G. Enzenhofer, said yesterday the companies handed over the power plant to state electricity company PLN last April.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economists meet to discuss economic reconstruction
Economists meet to discuss economic reconstruction JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Economists Association (ISEI) will discuss the country's economic reconstruction in its ninth plenary session opening at the NAM Center in the Kemayoran area here today. The two-day session will bring together ISEI executives from its 41 branch offices nationwide, as well as academicians, those interested in economic issues and practitioners from the government and private sector, the group announced yesterday.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Will the WB be persecuted?
Will the WB be persecuted? It is widely reported in the world press that Indonesian officials are believed to have siphoned off more than 20 percent of money earmarked for World Bank projects. It is an entrenched culture of corruption -- the August 1997 report says so.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Unocal's RI oil discovery
Unocal's RI oil discovery EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Dow Jones): Unocal Corp. (UCL) said Monday the test of a second interval in the West Seno No. 2 deep-water discovery well offshore Indonesia flowed at a daily rate of 10,069 barrels of 39-degree API gravity oil and 9.5 million cubic feet of natural gas. In total, the West Seno No.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Private firm eyes Kramat Tunggak
Private firm eyes Kramat Tunggak JAKARTA (JP): Private company PT Nuansa Jasa Realtindo has plans to build a shopping complex where the popular Kramat Tunggak red-light district now stands in North Jakarta, one of the firm's executives said yesterday. The company's director, Muhizar Chaidir, said the company would start with the construction of shop-houses early next year.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
CityView eyes Indonesia
CityView eyes Indonesia NEW YORK (Dow Jones): CityView Energy Corp. is negotiating with the Indonesian government to acquire "proven undervalued" projects and support services at a substantial discount. In a press release yesterday, CityView said it learned of the opportunities through the relationships it has established in Indonesia. CityView is an oil and gas company.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Preventive diplomacy in Asia-Pasific
Preventive diplomacy in Asia-Pasific By Hasjim Djalal The following article is based on a paper presented to the International Symposium on Preventive Diplomacy in the Asia- Pacific region, jointly organized in Beijing from July 20 to July 21, 1998 by the Japan Forum on International Relations and the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations. The views expressed in the article are personal. This is the first of two articles.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Silverhawks 3:05 Film: Daktari 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Teen Program: Remaja Indonesia 5:00 Science and Technology 5:30 Educational Quiz: Tangkas Cermat 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama: Menjalin 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Health News: Lintas Kesehatan 8:30 News: Laporan Peristiwa 9:00 World News 9:35 TV Drama: Menyusuri Bayangan Diri 11:05 Late...
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bank employees mull rally in support of colleagues
Bank employees mull rally in support of colleagues JAKARTA (JP): A newly founded workers union threatened yesterday to stage "a massive but peaceful" rally soon unless the government settles the fate of 12,000 employees of three suspended private banks.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
WWF wants Kalimantan reserve protected
WWF wants Kalimantan reserve protected JAKARTA (JP): The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is urging the government to designate 400,000 hectares of pristine lowland tropical forest in East Kalimantan as a conservation area. The tract is located in Bulungan regency on the northeastern tip of the province, about 500 kilometers north of the capital Samarinda.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government honors Tong Djoe
Government honors Tong Djoe JAKARTA (JP): Foreign Minister Ali Alatas (right) yesterday presented the Jasa Pratama medal to business tycoon Tong Djoe (left) for meritorious service to the country, including help to normalize diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China. "Tong Djoe is an example of an Indonesia who, without thinking of rank or position, has contributed much to the nation," Alatas said during the presentation ceremony at the foreign ministry building here.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sympathizers defend sultan's candidacy
Sympathizers defend sultan's candidacy YOGYAKARTA: Hundreds of supporters of Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X are camped out at the local legislature and threatening to take matters into their own hands if the central government fails to immediately confirm him as governor. Present at the legislative council building since the weekend, the group said "the people" themselves would install Sri Sultan to replace the retired Paku Alam VIII today.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Baramuli's views on medals
Baramuli's views on medals When I read in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 21, page 2, Mr. Baramuli's statement saying: "Why must you make such a fuss about these medals. No one would buy them if they came up for sale," I felt hurt. The only interpretation I can make out of it is that the medals are just cheap things, and not worth any fuss or attention.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Museum head irked by poor generosity
Museum head irked by poor generosity JAMBI: The head of the Jambi Museum, Wijaya, complained yesterday that many people in the province were reluctant to donate historical items to his institution or place them in the collection for safekeeping. Wijaya said most owners regarded the antiques -- including ceramics, swords, ancient documents and statues -- as sacred artifacts which should not be given to others.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Investigator says Prabowo could be court-martialled
Investigator says Prabowo could be court-martialled JAKARTA (JP): National Military Police Corps Commander Maj. Gen. Syamsu Djalal said yesterday the Armed Forces' (ABRI) fact- finding team now had the evidence with which to press Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto with criminal charges for his alleged involvement in the abductions of political activists.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Artists and their conscience
Artists and their conscience From Kompas It is interesting to note that in our endless economic crisis, a number of personalities from the film, TV and music world have opened sidewalk food stalls in Jakarta. Cursorily seen, their action is praiseworthy because the actors and musicians are well-to-do and yet see no impediment in opening roadside eateries and even personally serve their customers.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on August 25, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 0 479,000 Alumindo Light Metal 300 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 175 0 147,000 Aneka Tambang 1,950 200 43,189,000 Anwar Sierad 75 -25 46,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sofjan to gather businessmen to help parties
Sofjan to gather businessmen to help parties JAKARTA (JP): A group of top businesspeople have abandoned Golkar and are studying the possibility of financially backing some of the country's newly emerging political parties. Noted businessman Sofjan Wanandi said yesterday he would no longer help Golkar as he had under former president Soeharto's New Order regime.
Wed, 26 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
WFP provides rice donation
WFP provides rice donation PALU, Central Sulawesi: The World Food Program (WFP) has donated 14,770 tons of rice to needy people in the province. Sukarno Tarakuku, an official of the provincial ministry of agriculture, told Antara yesterday the rice would be distributed to villagers early next month. He said Governor H.B. Paliudju would launch the initial distribution of the rice aid in a village in Donggala district.