Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 August 1998

58 articles found

Honorary council to probe Prabowo

Honorary council to probe Prabowo JAKARTA (JP): Former Army Special Force (Kopassus) commanders Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto and Maj. Gen. Muchdi Purwopranjono will be questioned by an Officers Honorary Council investigating the alleged involvement of members of the unit in the abduction of political activists. Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto revealed that Col.

Hydrocepalic kids wait for God's mercy at RSCM

Hydrocepalic kids wait for God's mercy at RSCM By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): She was born at 12:55 p.m. on Dec. 12, 1995. According to available documents issued by Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, where she was born, her mother was Nyonya (Mrs.) Riska of Cempaka Batu in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. Her father, Arif, was also recorded to have the same address. Their profession was unknown. Doctor Yudiyanto of the hospital, who helped with the birth, recorded that the girl was born with a harelip.

PDI security guards queried as witnesses

PDI security guards queried as witnesses JAKARTA (JP): City police summoned six security guards of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) camp loyal to Megawati Soekarnoputri yesterday in their capacity as witnesses to the bloody attack on the party's headquarters on July 27, 1996. Trakelin Brahmana, lawyer for the men, identified them as Bambang Setiabudi, Soni Chandra, Thomas Resmon, Didik Budiharto, Naman bin M. Nur and Anton Sogo Hayono.

Exporters spared selling dollars to BI

Exporters spared selling dollars to BI JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia will not require the country's exporters to sell their U.S. dollar revenue to the central bank in an effort to bolster the beleaguered rupiah, its director said yesterday. Dono Iskandar, speaking following the launching of the Indonesian Debt Restructuring Agency (INDRA), said use of such a requirement would only deplete foreign investors' confidence in the country.

Four men wanted over armed heist still at large

Four men wanted over armed heist still at large TANGERANG (JP): Police were continuing efforts to track down four armed men driving a metallic gray Kijang van as of late yesterday for their role in a daylight robbery that seriously wounded three people. "We have put our officers on alert and coordinated a pursuit together with other police precincts," Tangerang Police Chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto told The Jakarta Post last night.

Honorary Council or trial?

Honorary Council or trial? Despite lingering skepticism, the formation of an Honorary Military Council, as announced by Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto yesterday, could mark an important phase in the ongoing investigation of the alleged involvement of Indonesian military personnel in the abductions and torture of political activists in the months preceding the downfall of president Soeharto in May.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) Aug. 3, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 -25 7,500 AHAP Insurance 575 0 0 Alter Abadi 525 0 527,500 Alumindo Light Metal 325 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 175 -25 432,000 Aneka Tambang 2,450 -100 4,099,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 25,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

INDRA caps debt conversion rate at Rp 13,233 per dollar

INDRA caps debt conversion rate at Rp 13,233 per dollar JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Debt Restructuring Agency (INDRA) has capped the rupiah exchange rate for the country's corporate debtors participating in the government-sponsored foreign debt restructuring program at 13,233 against the U.S. dollar.

UI wins English debating contest

UI wins English debating contest JAKARTA (JP): A three-person team from the University of Indonesia (UI) defended the United Nations' role just as effectively as it argued for the Armed Forces to leave the political stage on its way to winning the first Indonesian Varsities English Debate competition yesterday.

KL, Singapore ties turn sour

KL, Singapore ties turn sour KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A row between Malaysia and Singapore over the shift of a joint customs and immigration post turned uglier yesterday with more Malaysian officials joining in a tirade against its neighbor to the south. Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat accused Singapore's media of launching a "hate campaign" while Education Minister Najib Abdul Razak described Singapore as "arrogant," newspapers reported yesterday.

Untangling reasons behind riots

Untangling reasons behind riots By Dennis M. Storm JAKARTA (JP): In his article Ethnic Chinese at fault for riots, July 30, Masli Arman worked diligently to show the Chinese were to blame for the riots that decimated their community. His position is not only unjust but indicates a complete disregard for the situation facing Indonesia as a nation. Arman appears to have opted for the Pauline Hanson approach to problem solving.

Racial ill-will

Racial ill-will I think it is important for Indonesia to understand how and why the appalling riots of mid-May came to pass. And an informed debate on the subject is welcome. Masli Arman's contribution, Ethnic Chinese at fault for riots, July 30, however, is most unwelcome, as it is a distorted and incoherent effusion that offers nothing but a window into the prejudiced and chaotic mind of the author. It is hard to know where to start in refuting Mr.

Students protest tuition fee hike

Students protest tuition fee hike BOGOR (JP): Hundreds of senior economics and technical high school students grouped under the New Technology Vocational School Foundation protested here yesterday over the tuition fee hike from Rp 30,000 (US$2.25) per month to Rp 35,000. During the demonstration at the foundation's compound on Jl. Semeru the students threw paper and deflated the tires of a car belonging to one of their teachers.

Federal system best way to end separatism issue

Federal system best way to end separatism issue In recent weeks the nation has seen the awakening of separatist aspirations in a number of locations, including in Irian Jaya. Catholic priest-cum-novelist-cum-architect-cum-social worker Y.B. Mangunwijaya believes that creating a United States of Indonesia is the answer to these problems. YOGYAKARTA (JP): Papua New Guinea patriots have openly demanded freedom. The demand was made without fear in the center of Jakarta.

INDRA, new law 'enough to settle debt hangover'

INDRA, new law 'enough to settle debt hangover' JAKARTA (JP): The establishment of the Indonesian Debt Restructuring Agency (INDRA) and the passage of the bankruptcy law should be enough to contain problems caused by the nations vast private sector debt, experts said. But they warned the fashions in which INDRA ran its affairs and the bankruptcy law was administered would determine the success of government efforts to deal with the corporate debt problem.

RI's crude prices rise

RI's crude prices rise TOKYO (Dow Jones): Unofficial prices for Indonesian crude grades for July have risen moderately above official June levels, according to industry calculations released late last week. For most grades, price increases ranged from US$0.15 to $0.64 a barrel. Indonesia's state-owned oil company Pertamina has yet to approve the calculations as official Indonesian Crude Price figures.

Three testify in Tanah Tinggi bomb case

Three testify in Tanah Tinggi bomb case JAKARTA (JP): Three prosecution witnesses took the stand at the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday in the trial of Agus Priyono for possessing explosive devices which blew up at a low- cost apartment in Tanah Tinggi, Central Jakarta, on Jan. 18. The witnesses -- Sunardi, Toni Ali and Narso, all residents of the apartment complex -- said they were not acquainted with Agus prior to his detention.

Decision on Megawati's suits to be made soon

Decision on Megawati's suits to be made soon JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court has made deliberation of the lawsuit filed against the government by opposition leader Megawati Soekarnoputri a priority and will soon announce its decision, Chief Justice Sarwata said here yesterday. Sarwata said the significance of the case was highlighted by the fact that it had evolved into a national issue and attracted great public attention. "God willing, it will be decided shortly.

Two securities companies suspended for low capital

Two securities companies suspended for low capital JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has temporarily suspended the trading activities of two securities firms because of their poor capital reserves. The stock market operator said in a statement yesterday that the net adjusted working capital of PT Transpacific Securindo and PT Monas Buana Securities was lower than the minimum requirement of Rp 200 million. "The capital base of the two companies is negative," the statement said.

House backs govt plan to review oil contract

House backs govt plan to review oil contract JAKARTA (JP): Legislators have thrown their weight behind the government's move to review former president Soeharto's decision allowing state oil and gas company Pertamina to develop the Coastal Plains Pekanbaru (CPP) oil field in Riau after PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia's contract expires in 2001.

Asian palm oil markets seen mixed, trade cautious

Asian palm oil markets seen mixed, trade cautious KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Asian palm oil markets are likely to be mixed this week as ample supply could weigh on Indonesian prices, regional traders said. Other markets may firm on the back of more Indian buying and weak currencies, they said. "The market was active in the morning on Friday but became quiet in the afternoon.

Burson-Marsteller approval

Burson-Marsteller approval JAKARTA (JP): International communications firm Burson- Marsteller said yesterday it had received a green light from the Ministry of Justice to operate in the country under the name of PT Burson-Marsteller Indonesia. The company's Asia-Pacific president and chief executive officer, Ferdinand de Bakker, said the approval made the company the first global public relations management firm to operate in Indonesia.

Govt, public responsible for rampant child abuse

Govt, public responsible for rampant child abuse JAKARTA (JP): Activists blasted the government and the general public alike yesterday for their poor attitude toward the nation's children, as indicated by the absence of a comprehensive law to protect their rights. Indonesia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, but this has failed to prevent the rapid growth in numbers of child prostitutes, working children and children living on the streets.

Malaysia, Singapore still on track to resolve rail dispute

Malaysia, Singapore still on track to resolve rail dispute By Valerie Lee SINGAPORE (Reuters): One Malaysian minister called it a "goodwill train", while analysts joked about bilateral ties not being derailed.

New Order regime may make comeback: Analysts

New Order regime may make comeback: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): Political observers are warning of a resurrection of the New Order regime, saying it retains the political and economic clout to harness power in the coming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the general election.

Relief for flood victims promised

Relief for flood victims promised JAKARTA (JP): The flood that hit the East Kalimantan capital of Samarinda began to subside in some areas yesterday as the government promised to dispatch 100 tons of rice for evacuees finding it difficult to obtain food. Muddy water, which flowed through the burst Benanga dam in Lempake village on Friday, still covered the city's drainage system, but no longer inundated some residential areas and offices.

E. Java govt may ax Tommy's projects

E. Java govt may ax Tommy's projects JAKARTA (JP): The East Java provincial administration looks set to terminate the contract with a company partly owned by a son of former president Soeharto to develop a drinking water plant in Umbulan due its failure to complete the project.

Govt cooking oil policy criticized

Govt cooking oil policy criticized JAKARTA (JP): The current uncertainty in cooking oil prices is the result of misdirected government market interventions and has not been caused by the poor distribution system for the commodity, a senior agriculture analyst has said.

Two dailies hit the presses

Two dailies hit the presses PEKANBARU, Riau: Two new provincial newspapers are set to be launched here soon after their publishing licenses were recently approved by the Ministry of Information. Sijori and Utusan are expected to join the ranks of the four dailies already in circulation in the province by the commemoration of independence on Aug. 17. Sijori will be based on Batam island and Utusan in Pekanbaru.

Golf balls no longer a nuisance

Golf balls no longer a nuisance With reference to your Aug. 2, 1998 edition in which you published a letter to the editor by Oberlin S. from Yogyakarta regarding the golf course of the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, I would like to make the following statement: I find it rather astonishing that The Jakarta Post copies a letter from another newspaper (Kompas) containing outdated and inaccurate information.

Shooting quartet aiming at tryout

Shooting quartet aiming at tryout JAKARTA (JP): National shooting quartet of Sylvia Lumi Silimang, Supadmi, Rini Dwi K and Tintin will take an early Asian Games tests when they compete in the event's warm-up competition this week in Bangkok. The training director of the Indonesian team for the Asiad, Muhammad Hindarto, said yesterday the Indonesian Target Shooting and Hunting Association had taken the initiative to send the women's quartet.

Logical flaws in perceiving minority ethnic issues

Logical flaws in perceiving minority ethnic issues By Inghie Kwik JAKARTA (JP): Although I am generally not as predisposed as my father (economist Kwik Kian Gie) to write newspaper articles, this time I feel compelled to respond to the utterly insensitive and narrow-minded piece Ethnic Chinese at fault for riots, written by Masli Arman, July 30.

Young swimmers get their big day

Young swimmers get their big day JAKARTA (JP): Five hundred junior swimmers are expected to turn up for the 14th Governor Cup at the Jaya Ancol pool in North Jakarta from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16. The Indonesian Swimming Association's Jakarta branch said yesterday that 17 clubs across the city had confirmed their participation in the annual event. The participants will split into four age groups -- under 10 years old, 11-12, 13-15 and over 15.

Chinese 'an integral part of the nation'

Chinese 'an integral part of the nation' JAKARTA (JP): Leading opposition figure Amien Rais, noting it is a historical fact Chinese-Indonesians have dominated the commercial sector, has said this does not lessen the reality that they are also an integral part of the nation. Speaking at a luncheon organized by the Indonesian Executive Circle here yesterday, Amien said there was no reason why Indonesians of Chinese descent should not be treated fairly and equally.

Taiwan's 'Go South' policy questioned

Taiwan's 'Go South' policy questioned TAIPEI (Dow Jones): Recent outrage over anti-Chinese atrocities in Indonesia has reinforced the criticism of the Taiwan government's longstanding policy of pushing local companies to invest more in Southeast Asia.

Free Papua Movement enters a new era

Free Papua Movement enters a new era By Ikrar Nusa Bhakti This is the second of two articles on the history of Irian Jaya and the current aspirations of the Irianese. JAKARTA (JP): Military personnel and civilian officials have created an unfavorable image among Irianese people toward the Indonesian government. Both groups have behaved toward the Irianese in a way akin to conquerors might treat their conquered or winners the losers.

Malaysia precariously balanced after rate cuts

Malaysia precariously balanced after rate cuts By Jalil Hamid KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia has taken a high stakes gamble over the economy, pushing down interest rates in line with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's strategy for spurring growth, but risking a still weaker currency. In a major policy reversal that marked a blow to Mahathir's deputy Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's central bank last Friday eased its tight monetary policy by lowering a key interest rate.

Student stabbed in the rear

Student stabbed in the rear JAKARTA (JP): An 18-year-old student of a technical high school in Mangga Besar, West Jakarta, was stabbed in the backside with a sickle in a student brawl at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta yesterday afternoon. The STM 13 student, identified as Sigit Warsono, was rushed by an officer of Menteng Police subprecinct to the intensive care unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital with the sickle protruding from his backside.

Thai doctors treat Myanmar's deaf

Thai doctors treat Myanmar's deaf YANGON (AP): A visiting team of 14 Thai doctors has performed more than a hundred operations and treated more than a thousand people afflicted with hearing problems in Myanmar, a government press release said yesterday. The team, led by Dr. Soonthorn Antarasena of Rajathevi Hospital in Bangkok, visited Myanmar as volunteers to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Rates for Tax Payment

Rates for Tax Payment JAKARTA (JP): The new official conversion rates as the basis for payment of import duty, value-added tax on goods and services, sales tax on luxury goods, export tax and income tax, valid from Aug. 3 to Aug. 9: U.S.

Soeyono may countersue Syarwan over July 27 riots

Soeyono may countersue Syarwan over July 27 riots JAKARTA (JP): The secretary-general of the Ministry of Defense and Security, Lt. Gen. Soeyono, retaliated yesterday to Minister of Home Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid's plan to sue him over his recent press statement by threatening to file a counter lawsuit. "I think I will countersue if he sues me over my press statement," Soeyono said at the defense ministry on Jl. Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta. "I was the 'victim' of the July 27 riots.

Museum highlights struggle to boost rice production

Museum highlights struggle to boost rice production By Ruth Youngblood LOS BANOS, Philippines (DPA): Visitors at the world's only rice museum stroll under towering plants, gamely till fields with a water buffalo, and solemnly inspect an ancient infant burial jar stocked with grains.

Biscuit workers go on protest

Biscuit workers go on protest TANGERANG (JP): About 3,100 workers from the biscuit manufacturing PT Mayora Group staged a protest demanding a 15 percent wage increase at the firm's complex on Jl. Telesonic in Jatiuwung district here. They also demanded that the firm provide them with meal and transportation allowances. Most of the workers sat along the road leading to the complex, while others unfurled banners and posters under the watchful eye of security officers.

Employees tell Yunus to resign

Employees tell Yunus to resign JAKARTA (JP): Around 1,000 Ministry of Information employees staged a demonstration yesterday to protest against stricter working hours imposed by Minister Muhammad Yunus. Protesters loudly took exception to the imposition of disciplinary measures against employees who arrive at work after 8:15 a.m. and claimed their superiors were not censured for similar late arrival. The ministry's working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jakarta market loses ground on regional slide

Jakarta market loses ground on regional slide JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah weakened to 13,200 against the U.S. dollar yesterday and stock prices dropped 1.3 percent on regional weaknesses, dealers and stockbrokers said. Currency dealers said the rupiah was hovering above the 13,000 level in quiet trading as investors saw no fresh incentives in the market after Indonesia's donors pledged US$7.9 billion in aid to the country last week.

Try to be fair for once

Try to be fair for once I am still wondering why I missed such an irresponsible article as that written by Mr. Masli Arman. Usually I scrutinize all such articles. The article in question seems to have been prejudiced and not representative of the real Indonesian mentality. Indonesians are proud to be known as tolerant, polite and friendly people. Reaction to the article, put into words by Rudi Gunawan, Rochili S. and Stephen Leibovic in The Jakarta Post on Saturday, Aug.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Aug. 3, 1998 Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Eggs thrown at RI's liaison office in Taipei

Eggs thrown at RI's liaison office in Taipei TAIPEI (Agencies): Hundreds of demonstrators hurled eggs at Indonesia's representative office in Taipei yesterday to protest the alleged rape of ethnic Chinese women during the Jakarta riots in May. They burned incense sticks and set up an altar to mourn the ethnic Chinese killed during the May riots.

Sultan may face gubernatorial race

Sultan may face gubernatorial race YOGYAKARTA: A second candidate is likely to be nominated here today for governor despite speculation Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X is likely to be elected by an overwhelming majority. Sources at the provincial legislator told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that the United Development Party (PPP) faction in the provincial legislature would nominate its branch chief, Alfian Dharmawan, as an alternative candidate.

KL's first airplane takes off

KL's first airplane takes off KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The first made-in-Malaysia aircraft took off from a Kuala Lumpur airport yesterday, the national news agency Bernama reported. The two-seat sports plane would be sold at about 80,000 ringgit (US$20,000), Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik said after he inaugurated the airplane. Work on Langkawi 1, designed from blueprints purchased from Zenith Air of Canada, started in 1996. It was a cooperative effort of private and public companies.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Arts Exhibition by Tanto and Kipli, at Galeripadi, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 329 (Phone: 022 2500578), until Aug. 23. * Photo Exhibition: Anonymous by Quail Rogers- Bloch, an American Photographer, at the Bandung Cultural Center Foundation, Jl. Naripan 7-9, until Aug. 5. * Painting Exhibition: Ragam Karya, by Roedyat Martadiradja, Tatang Ganar, Marilies Forster, Elly Roedyat, etc, in the Lobby, Jayakarta Hotel, Jl. Ir. H.

Poor urged to attend free schools

Poor urged to attend free schools JAKARTA (JP): A councilor and official urged teenagers of poor families in the capital yesterday to attend free-of-charge open junior high schools (SMP Terbuka). Instead of becoming drop-outs, the open schools would be the best option for the poor children to beat the monetary crisis, councilor Soeparmo, head of Commission E for social welfare affairs, said. "Please, don't quit school.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:35 Children's Film: The Big Valley 3:05 Documentary: Bogor Botanical Garden 3:30 Village Program 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Music: Lagu Pop Daerah 5:00 English Lessons 5:30 Documentary: Domba Berhias 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports: Monitor Olah Raga 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Music: Songs and Performances 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music: Songs and Performances (contd.) 8:30 Talk Show:...

Monthly inflation soars to 8.56 percent

Monthly inflation soars to 8.56 percent JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's July inflation rate soared to 8.56 percent from 4.64 percent in June as prices of basic commodities continued to soar, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) announced yesterday. The bureau said the January-to-July inflation figure rose to 59.1 percent, compared to 3.78 percent for the corresponding period in 1997. Inflation in the first four months of the current fiscal year which began in April was 25.16 percent.

The right to express oneself

The right to express oneself Ever since Mr. Masli Arman's article on ethnic Chinese appeared in this newspaper (July 30), it was obvious to me that a large number of critical letters would appear not long after. Ladies and gentlemen, whatever happened to the ideal of a free press? Whether or not we agree with Mr. Arman's views, I believe he has a right to his say.

Digging for diamonds in South Kalimantan

Digging for diamonds in South Kalimantan By Alex Abraham BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): Cempaka is a small town 38 kilometers out of Banjarmasin on the road to the coast of South Kalimantan. The town has neither famous landmarks nor any inspiring touristic monuments. The market place is not crowded with visitors. But this is the land that many adventurers come to in search of priceless treasures hidden under the ground.

Thailand, Malaysia ready to quit INRO over prices

Thailand, Malaysia ready to quit INRO over prices KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Thailand and Malaysia may realize their long frustrated goal of higher rubber prices by quitting the very organization which once embodied their hopes, dealers said yesterday. Malaysian Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said on Friday the cabinet had approved the country's withdrawal from the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO).

SEAG consortium in new financial pickle

SEAG consortium in new financial pickle JAKARTA (JP): The deficit-stricken 19th Southeast Asian Games underwriting consortium is reeling from another financial blow after the government slapped it with a Rp 200 million (US$15,270) bill for unpaid import taxes on purchases of sports equipment.