Archive: 5 August 1998
51 articles found
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina clarifies Ginandjar trip bill
Pertamina clarifies Ginandjar trip bill JAKARTA (JP): Cash payments were not part of the assistance provided by state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina to Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita during recent overseas trips, company president Soegianto said yesterday. Pertamina's assistance was limited to reserving hotel accommodation and transportation services when Ginandjar visited the U.S.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies trail the yen's rise
SE Asian currencies trail the yen's rise SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies faithfully trailed the yen higher as the Japanese currency rose against the U.S. dollar during Asian trading hours yesterday. The yen dropped past 146 to the dollar before rebounding later to 144/145 in late trade.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Utut loses to woman GM at MK Cafe Cup opener
Utut loses to woman GM at MK Cafe Cup opener JAKARTA (JP): Grand Master (GM) Natalia Zukhova of Ukraine dealt Indonesia's top chess player GM Utut Adianto an early blow at the MK Cafe Cup in Koszalin, Poland, with an upset win Monday. Playing white pieces, Zukhova methodically employed a Queen Gambit opening and forced Utut to admit defeat after 48 moves lasting four hours and 10 minutes. "I don't know why I played so badly with Zukhova.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah strengthens but stocks lose gains
Rupiah strengthens but stocks lose gains JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah gained ground yesterday, breaking the 13,000 level against the U.S. dollar in mild dealing, but stock prices fell almost 3 percent due to profit taking on big cap stocks, dealers and stockbrokers said. Currency dealers said the improvement in the Japanese yen to 144.80 against the dollar after a seven-week low Monday helped boost other regional currencies, including the rupiah.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Arts Exhibition by Agung Kurniawan at Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Aug. 10. * Painting Exhibition: Kriyono's Cynorure by Kriyono, at Galeri Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 7990008), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Aug. 9. * Drawings Exhibition by Cary Venselaar, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Aug. 4, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus Correction: The story on Ayu, the dying hydrocephalic baby girl, which appeared on this page in yesterday's paper should have been headlined Hydrocephalic kids wait for God's mercy at Sayap Ibu orphanage, instead of "at RSCM". We apologize for any inconvenience. -- Editor
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Inflation the worst problem of the economic crisis
Inflation the worst problem of the economic crisis News of the recent pledges of US$6 billion and $7.9 billion in fresh aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and members of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) respectively failed to substantially strengthen the rupiah. Economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati from the University of Indonesia discusses why and looks to the future for the economy. Question: Why has the rupiah remained weak to this day?
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Net international reserves down slightly
Net international reserves down slightly JAKARTA (JP): The government's servicing of its offshore debts caused Bank Indonesia's net international reserves (NIR) to decline by US$20.3 million to $14.19 billion as of July 31, from $14.22 billion the previous week. The central bank said yesterday that the reserve level remained above the $13.4 billion minimum level allowed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two men caught with illegal guns
Two men caught with illegal guns JAKARTA (JP): Two men have been detained for recent firearms offenses, the police have announced. The first suspect, Edi Suhendar, 32, was caught red-handed in a room at Hotel Sofyan in Tebet, South Jakarta, last Friday while trying to sell a 38-mm Colt and six bullets for Rp 15 million (US$1,150) to a plainclothes officer, city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said Monday.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
BI to absorb Rp 13t through SBI auction
BI to absorb Rp 13t through SBI auction JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia is tightening the money supply by offering Rp 13 trillion (US$1.01 billion) in one-month promissory notes (SBIs) for auction today. A state bank's head of treasury division predicted yesterday that the central bank would most likely absorb less than its target as much of the excess rupiah funds had not yet entered into the banking system.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina denies charges PSCs marking up costs
Pertamina denies charges PSCs marking up costs JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina has dismissed charges that production sharing contractors (PSC) are guilty of substantially marking up the cost of oil and gas exploration and production in order to boost their earnings. The head of the company's directorate responsible for foreign contractors, Gatot K.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Postage increase
Postage increase The cost of sending letters, etc. through the mail has increased tremendously. To send a letter (regular) to Europe, which previously cost Rp 1,500, now costs Rp 12,000. Of course this is no surprise, as the dollar has also increased five or sixfold. It is uncertain whether the price increase, which was implemented just recently, is a result of the government's consideration to delay the increase in the interest of the public, or if it reflects general government inefficiency.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Spotlight
Spotlight Photo A: Ciputra Hotel Ciputra Jakarta FIRST GUEST: Michael De Alwis from Sri Lanka (center) is the first to check in at Hotel Ciputra Jakarta on Happy Day. The event, part of Let's Go Indonesia campaign, was aimed at promoting tourism in the country. The guest was welcome by the hotel's general manager Emmanuel Guillard (second left), director of sales Kun Rahadian (left), public relations manager Harti Hadisoemo (second right) and front office manager Lenny Moniaga (right).
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Village heads start rolling under public pressure in W. Java
Village heads start rolling under public pressure in W. Java By Kafil Yamin BANDUNG (JP): The reform movement in West Java villages is quite intense. The fanfare is more colorful, but with a simpler goal: a change in village heads. Perhaps because of such simplicity, the villagers struggle outweighs their well-educated compatriots in success.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Consumer group gives partial nod to lottery
Consumer group gives partial nod to lottery JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation gave a qualified endorsement yesterday to a planned lottery to collect funds for sports development. Chairwoman Tini Hadad, speaking after a hearing with officials National Sports Council, said the foundation principally accepted the proposal but demanded a guarantee the fund-raising program would not burden the public.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mivan leaves partnership with Summarecon
Mivan leaves partnership with Summarecon JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed property company PT Summarecon Agung said yesterday a foreign contractor, Mivan Ltd., had reneged on their business contract after the British company left the country in mid-May, leaving behind a long trail of debts.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian crude prices steady
Asian crude prices steady SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asia's crude prices were stable in thin trading yesterday, with some sellers watching Indonesia's potential purchases for September before offering their cargoes on the spot market, traders said. "Indonesia is in the process of buying September barrels, and talking to some traders, so no one wants to show their cargoes until they know exactly what Indonesia buys," said one trader.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fixing misperceptions about the mass rapes
Fixing misperceptions about the mass rapes By Saparinah Sadli JAKARTA (JP): Reactions in the mass media casting doubt on the truth of mass rapes during the May riots have taken the discussion to a level that is bound to have a negative social impact. The opinions suggest a systematic effort and vested political interest behind the widespread media coverage of the rapes, targeted at tarnishing the image of Indonesia abroad.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore delivers aid to Indonesia despite tension
S'pore delivers aid to Indonesia despite tension SINGAPORE (Agencies): Despite delivery of the first batch of Singapore's humanitarian aid for Indonesia, tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors appear to be strained. The tiny city-state promised S$12 million (US$7 million) in rice and medicine for its large neighbor earlier this month, as food shortages and staggering economic difficulties shake the world's fourth most populous nation.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S. firm takes Indonesian govt to international court
U.S. firm takes Indonesian govt to international court JAKARTA (JP): American giant power company Florida Power and Lights has filed arbitration proceedings against the Indonesian government in Geneva, Switzerland, for postponing its subsidiary's $1 billion power project in West Java, it was disclosed yesterday. The president of Karaha Bodas Company LCC, which is partly owned by Florida Power, Robert D.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
100 to compete in bowling meet
100 to compete in bowling meet JAKARTA (JP): One hundred youths from across the country are expected to pit their bowling skills in the first round of the Brunswick Indonesian Bowling Circuit at the Mega Mall Bowling Center in Pluit, North Jakarta, from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30. Poppy Tambis of the organizing committee said yesterday the competition would serve as a means to select the country's future bowlers and to promote the sport.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Clutching at straws
Clutching at straws Among the proposals Indonesia has so far been toying with in its desperate effort to stabilize and strengthen the rupiah, the one made by business leader Aburizal Bakrie to President B.J. Habibie last Friday on the compulsory surrender of export earnings by exporters to the central bank is the most insensible.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
U.S. sets duties on mushroom
U.S. sets duties on mushroom WASHINGTON (Reuters): The U.S. Commerce Department has recommended imposing anti-dumping duties on preserved mushroom imports from Chile, China, India and Indonesia, a spokesman said on Monday. In a preliminary ruling, the department said it found evidence of dumping by the four nations, and set anti-dumping duty margins ranging from 2.75 percent to as high as 243.87 percent. The Commerce Department will issue its final rulings for Chile on Oct.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local human resources still lacking
Local human resources still lacking JAKARTA (JP): The start of the free trade era in 2003 is just around the corner, but Indonesia's human resources are still ill- prepared for it, Minister of Education and Culture Juwono Sudarsono lamented yesterday.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Team formed to find bodies
Team formed to find bodies BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Lampung Police Chief Col. Gendro Budi Santoso said here yesterday that a fact-finding team had been formed to investigate reports of 14 dead bodies sighted in the Umpu River in Blambangan Umpu district, North Lampung. "This case has risen to become a national case. So in order for it not to become confusing and to dig up the truth, the Lampung Police has formed a fact-finding team," he said as quoted by Antara.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Another activist tells story of abduction
Another activist tells story of abduction JAKARTA (JP): While investigations seem to be focussing on the involvement of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) in the abduction of activists, witnesses maintain that other military units were also involved in various abductions. Hendrik Sirait, one of the released abducted activists, claims he was abducted by intelligence officers from the Jakarta Military Command in Central Jakarta on Aug. 1, 1996.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Journalists union vows to uphold independent stance
Journalists union vows to uphold independent stance JAKARTA (JP): The government-sanctioned Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) pledged yesterday to strengthen its independence by distancing itself from the government and the dominant political organization Golkar. Association secretary-general Parni Hadi said the organization, at its next congress in November, would replace executives who also hold positions in Golkar.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
11 prisoners flee, officers questioned
11 prisoners flee, officers questioned BOGOR (JP): Bogor Police Internal Affairs is questioning six personnel from Citeureup precinct, including its chief, following the escape of 11 suspects from the police station in the wee hours of last Saturday. Bogor Police chief Lt. Col. Ferial Manaf told the media yesterday that five of the officers were on duty when the incident happened. "The other one is the Citeureup Police chief, Second Lt.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
DKP opens probe on officers' role in abductions
DKP opens probe on officers' role in abductions JAKARTA (JP): The Officers Honor Council began its investigation yesterday into the allegedly involvement of officers and soldiers of the Army's special force (Kopassus) in the abductions and torture of political activists. The first hearing of the seven-member council, led by Army Chief Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, was held at the Army headquarters on Jl. Veteran in Central Jakarta.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI to remain in E. Timor
ABRI to remain in E. Timor DILI, East Timor: Despite a recent troop withdrawal, the rotation of military units for duties in East Timor will continue, a local military official said. "The activities are for humanitarian purposes such as in the fields of health and counseling to encourage people to build a better future," the chief of staff of the Dili military command, Lt. Col. Supadi, said here yesterday. A total of 398 combat troops were pulled out from the province on July 28.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Palm oil mostly lower in thin European trading
Palm oil mostly lower in thin European trading LONDON (Reuters): Palm oil prices were mostly lower at midday yesterday following the easier close in Chicago overnight and in Malaysia. Talk that India may tender later this week gave the market some support, but movements in either direction were limited.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
PDI to hold congress in Palu this month
PDI to hold congress in Palu this month JAKARTA (JP): The executive board of the government-backed Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) announced yesterday it would hold its congress in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu from Aug. 26 through Aug. 30. The secretary of the congress' steering committee, Andi Chairul Muis Manggabarani, said in Palu yesterday the committee had invited President B.J. Habibie to officially open the gathering.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Habibie alerts public to divisive rumors
Habibie alerts public to divisive rumors JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie, denouncing irresponsible people bent on splintering the nation through spreading vicious rumors, has alerted the general public to be wary. Although Habibie said yesterday people should not be easily incited by the rumors, he acknowledged many had been influenced by information obtained from the Internet or received from unclear sources without first verifying its accuracy.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia cautions S'pore not to take it for granted
Malaysia cautions S'pore not to take it for granted JOHOR BARU, Malaysia (AP): Amid a worsening row with neighboring Singapore, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad cautioned the tiny city-state yesterday not to take peace-loving Malaysia for granted. "We feel saddened when there is tension between Singapore and Malaysia," Mahathir said in a speech in Johor Baru, which is separated from Singapore by a thin strip of water. "We try our best to be cordial.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Minister warns about threat from 'La Nina'
Minister warns about threat from 'La Nina' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Communications Giri Suseno warned the nation yesterday about the threat of floods, violent tropical storms and landslides brought about by the arrival of the La Nina weather phenomenon. The minister urged the people to take measures to anticipate possible disasters starting from this month. He said the unpredictable weather patterns could last until the first quarter of next year.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to probe CPO smuggling
Govt to probe CPO smuggling JAKARTA (JP): The government pledged yesterday to investigate the alleged smuggling of crude palm oil (CPO) and its byproducts out of Indonesia in a bid to secure sufficient domestic supply, Minister of Industry and Trade Rahardi Ramelan said yesterday. "We will take various steps (to probe the smuggling), and we will cooperate with the security apparatus and customs office," Rahardi said after accompanying President B.J.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt simplifies procedures to run tourist business
Govt simplifies procedures to run tourist business JAKARTA (JP): The government has simplified bureaucratic procedures to start tourism-related businesses as part of its efforts to put the wounded sector on the mend. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Marzuki Usman said yesterday he had signed a ministerial decree giving autonomy to regional offices of the ministry to issue permits for business operations in tourism.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta told to tighten neighborhood security
Jakarta told to tighten neighborhood security JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has called on Jakartans to celebrate the country's upcoming 53rd Independence Day as usual but to tighten security in their neighborhoods. Speaking to reporters at the City Hall after meeting with high ranking city officials, Sutiyoso said people should commemorate Aug. 17 by holding games and events like in the past.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI 'must trim political role', says Yudhoyono
ABRI 'must trim political role', says Yudhoyono JAKARTA (JP): Retired and serving senior ranking officers in the Armed Forces (ABRI) have acknowledged that the military must reduce its dominant role in politics in order to help promote democracy and the creation of a civil society. Armed Forces Chief of Socio-Political Affairs Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that ABRI should play a constructive role in efforts to create a climate conducive to the development of democracy.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man charged with helping kidnappers
Man charged with helping kidnappers SINGAPORE (DPA): A Singapore food-stall owner has been charged with receiving millions of dollars in ransom money from the family of an ethnic Chinese man kidnapped in Indonesia, reports said yesterday. Mohamed Arifin Yahia, 54, allegedly opened a Singapore bank account last June on the instruction of his cousin, 33-year-old sales manager Rodiaman Rachman, who lives in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man throws bombs at Sutiyoso's home
Man throws bombs at Sutiyoso's home JAKARTA (JP): An unidentified man lobbed two Molotov cocktails at the security post of the official residence of Governor Sutiyoso in Menteng, Central Jakarta, late Monday night, partially burning the brick structure. As of late yesterday, police were still searching for the man, believed to be in his 30s.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fears of political uncertainty keep exports subdued
Fears of political uncertainty keep exports subdued JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's political uncertainty continues to scare away foreign buyers of the country's major non-oil and gas export products, according to exporters. Exporters expressed concern yesterday over the fact since the rupiah's sharp plunge against the U.S. dollar should have boosted non-oil and gas exports.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Corruption trial opens in Central Jakarta court
Corruption trial opens in Central Jakarta court JAKARTA (JP): Two executives of state-owned construction company PT Hutama Karya were indicted at Central Jakarta District Court yesterday on charges of involvement in a Rp 1.5 trillion (US$115 million) corruption scandal in two toll road projects.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thailand looking to sell RI 100,000 tons of rice
Thailand looking to sell RI 100,000 tons of rice BANGKOK (Reuters): Thailand will pursue talks with Indonesia to sell only 100,000 tons of rice under its government-to- government deal and not 500,000 tons as requested by Indonesia, a senior commerce ministry official said yesterday. Pracha Charutrakulchai, head of Thailand's foreign trade department, told reporters that the government would suggest that Indonesia secure the remaining 400,000 tons from the private sector.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Taekwondo team off to S. Korea
Taekwondo team off to S. Korea JAKARTA (JP): Six taekwondo athletes are to undergo a training stint in South Korea for two months ahead of the 13th Asian Games in December.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Officers suspected of embezzlement
Officers suspected of embezzlement BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The head of the Lampung Police detectives unit, Lt. Col. Yoyon Prasetyo, yesterday confirmed that two police officers and the Barat village chief were under investigation for allegedly embezzling money seized from a robbery. Yoyon said the two police officers, identified only as Sgt. ZA of the Sumberjaya Police Precinct and Sgt. Bud of the Fajar Bulan police post, were under investigation and may be brought before a military tribunal.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore rubber futures fall
S'pore rubber futures fall SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore rubber futures softened further yesterday with players staying on the sidelines, traders said. Weakness in other Asian markets added more gloom in the already bearish market Singapore, traders said. "We may see more falls if nothing happens to help the pessimistic mood in the market," said one trader. At around 0945 GMT, RSS3 October supplies fell 2.75 cents to 64.00 U.S. cents a kg and November RSS3 eased half a cent to 66.75 U.S.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
PDI legislator pressured to quit
PDI legislator pressured to quit SEMARANG: About 2,000 supporters of Megawati Soekarnoputri gathered in front of the provincial legislature here yesterday to demand the senior Indonesia Democratic Party (PDI) member resign his seat. "Soemario has to resign, because almost all of the branch heads of Soerjadi's PDI faction in Central Java have already stepped down with some branches even disbanding themselves," Mardijo, a local pro-Megawati leader, said during the demonstration.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Residents cultivate empty land illegally
Residents cultivate empty land illegally JAKARTA (JP): About 100 city residents flocked to an empty plot of land on Jl. Pulo Mas Barat in East Jakarta to grow vegetables regardless of the absence of legal procedures on land utilization. Mukhlis Simanjuntak, one of the people, said they just wanted to cultivate the 3,000-square-meter plot, which is located near a luxury housing complex, to enable them get food supplies amid the monetary crisis.
Wed, 05 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 4, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 10,000 AHAP Insurance 575 0 0 Alter Abadi 500 -25 17,500 Alumindo Light Metal 375 50 118,500 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 175 0 17,500 Aneka Tambang 2,400 -50 9,087,500 Anwar Sierad 100 0 136,000 Apac Centertex Corp.