Archive: 12 September 1998
51 articles found
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Petroz buys RI gas assets
Petroz buys RI gas assets BRISBANE (Dow Jones): Petroz NL, an Australian oil and gas producer, Friday said it has bought Apache Corp.'s 39 percent stake in an Indonesian gas field. Petroz has acquired an interest in the Bentu and Korinci-Baru areas in Sumatra, Indonesia, which is its first foray into exploration and production operations in the country. Fellow Australian oil and gas company, Santos Ltd. is the other shareholder, with 61.1 percent, and the operator of the gas field.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Armed Forces 'big family' told to preserve unity
Armed Forces 'big family' told to preserve unity JAKARTA (JP): The chief patron of the Armed Forces "Big Family" (KBA), Gen. Wiranto, called on the military and its related organizations to preserve unity on Friday. Speaking to reporters after addressing the opening ceremony of a two-day KBA meeting, he said a close relationship between military organizations should be maintained in this era of reform. "The Armed Forces (ABRI) and KBA have such a historically close relationship.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Wild' billboards to be taken down
'Wild' billboards to be taken down JAKARTA (JP): The City Revenue Agency plans to take down all unlicensed advertisement billboards and banners in and around the capital beginning on Monday, an official has said. "A total of 408 unlicensed (street) advertisements will be taken down in our operation beginning Sept. 14," the agency's head, Wahab Rachmatsjah, said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Friday.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI needs Rp 330b to help school children
RI needs Rp 330b to help school children By Joko Sarwono BOGOR, West Java (JP): Indonesia needs a staggering Rp 330 billion ($29 million) to prevent around eight million children from dropping out of school, a senior official of the National Development Planning Board has said. Hidayat Syarief, the board's deputy for human resources, told The Jakarta Post that with the economic crisis biting deeper, millions of parents could barely afford to send their children to primary or junior high schools.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
PDAM Jaya sued over cooperation project
PDAM Jaya sued over cooperation project JAKARTA (JP): Seventeen lawyers filed a lawsuit against city governor Sutiyoso, the city-owned water management firm PDAM Jaya and nine other parties over a cooperative agreement on water management at Central Jakarta District Court on Friday. The lawyers, who said they were members of the Association of Indonesian Reform Era Lawyers, asked the court to revoke the agreement between PDAM Jaya and two foreign companies -- Britain's Thames Water Overseas Ltd.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local celebrities enjoy robust business in sidewalk cafes
Local celebrities enjoy robust business in sidewalk cafes Text and photos by Arief Suhardiman JAKARTA (JP): "Can I take a picture with you?" a child asked Kiki Fatmala, an Indonesian starlet who owns a sidewalk cafe in the National Monument (Monas) area of Central Jakarta. The camera flashed and the child smiled broadly. She was delighted to get the chance to pose with the star of Si Manis Jembatan Ancol (The Sweet Ghost of Ancol Bridge), a TV comedy series loaded with mysticism.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Local market jittery over new riot fears
Local market jittery over new riot fears JAKARTA (JP): High anxiety reigned in the local financial market on Friday due to rumblings of renewed rioting and weak regional sentiment. Currency dealers said the rupiah dived to an intraday low of 12,000 against the U.S. dollar, but managed to gain a footing in late trading to end the day at 11,650 from its 11,950 opening. The Indonesian currency gained ground in the afternoon after offshore operators sold their dollar holdings.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Student groups want ABRI to quit politics
Student groups want ABRI to quit politics YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) must quit politics or democracy will never develop, 18 student groups declared here on Friday. They demanded in a demonstration the abolition of the Armed Forces' dual function -- a 40-year-old concept that justifies the Indonesian military's role in politics in addition to its defending the country.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Paku Alam VIII dies at 88
Paku Alam VIII dies at 88 JAKARTA (JP): Sri Paku Alam VIII, Yogyakarta's traditional monarch and acting governor, died of old age at Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta on Friday. He was 88. Paku Alam died shortly after 5 p.m. He had been in intensive care for two weeks receiving treatment for heart and kidney failure. "He (Paku Alam) was unable to recover because of his old age," Antara quoted Ferianto, an on-duty physician at the hospital, as saying.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
PM Mahathir denounced as Anwar leaves home
PM Mahathir denounced as Anwar leaves home KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): To cries of "Down with Mahathir!", Malaysia's sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday addressed several thousand cheering supporters outside a mosque in the heart of the capital. Anwar, under threat of arrest, ventured from his neighborhood for the first time since his dismissal last week and prayed in a packed mosque in the capital.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Art summit offers respite from crisis
Art summit offers respite from crisis JAKARTA (JP): Forget the crisis. Forget the weakening rupiah and the soaring prices of rice and other basic commodities. The time is approaching to indulge yourself with prime performing arts. Sixteen quality local and international groups are in town to perform at the second art summit with the theme: Enlightment in the Crisis.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to expand subsidized-rice scheme for the poor
Govt to expand subsidized-rice scheme for the poor JAKARTA (JP): The government is to expand its scheme to provide the poor with heavily-subsidized rice to cover at least 7.5 million families from next month and will work to ensure the price of the commodity falls, according to the latest agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Son back Soeharto denial of foreign riches
Son back Soeharto denial of foreign riches JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Bambang Trihatmodjo has come to the defense of his father, challenging critics of former president Soeharto to support their allegations of wrongdoings with hard evidence. "My father has publicly said that he does not have accounts or savings abroad.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ex-prisoners help young vendors
Ex-prisoners help young vendors JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen former political prisoners jailed during the New Order regime launched a program on Thursday aimed at helping 200 children and adolescents working as street vendors in the city. The program, sponsored by the ex-prisoners' cooperative, was inaugurated by South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko on behalf of Minister of Social Services Justika Sjarifuddin on Thursday.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
IMF errors may cost lives: Social thinker
IMF errors may cost lives: Social thinker BUENOS AIRES (Reuters): Social thinker Alvin Toffler warns Latin American nations that free markets are not the gospel truth and that International Monetary Fund medicine can costs lives.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Night spots in Pondok Aren closed
Night spots in Pondok Aren closed TANGERANG (JP): Fourteen night spots in Pondok Aren believed to be used for sex transactions were sealed on Thursday night by a joint military, police and public order office team. The establishments, which include the Zodiac discotheque and several dimly lit food stalls, had been the object of repeated complaints from local residents. "Their existence really disturbed our peaceful community," said one villager.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Governor urges rectors to help control students
Governor urges rectors to help control students JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso called on officials of both state and private universities on Thursday night to urge their students to refrain from participating in demonstrations. Sutiyoso, however, told reporters on Friday that the call did not mean that students would be prohibited from staging protests. "I just asked them to control their students from being easily provoked so as not to lead them into riots," he said.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI to be 'firm' in facing protests
ABRI to be 'firm' in facing protests JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto warned on Friday the military would take repressive measures against street demonstrations which foment public disorder. "This is our stance..., of course with an apology to all, again with apologies...
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three Pakistanis to be deported
Three Pakistanis to be deported JAKARTA (JP): Three Pakistanis are facing deportation by the Central Jakarta immigration office for entering the capital without proper papers, immigration director for the office of control and supervision Zaiman Nurmatias said on Friday. The three were identified as Muzaffar Ahmed Khan (holder of passport No. E.569449), Rana Muhammad Ateeq (No. E.080873) and Sohail Akhtar (No. E.659297). "They were arrested at the Central Jakarta immigration office on Sept.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Parents of hurt students ponder children's bravery
Parents of hurt students ponder children's bravery JAKARTA (JP): For parents, witnessing their wounded children lying in pain is surely a saddening moment. But their emotions must be mixed when their loved ones are wounded in a daring protest, demanding equality for all.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pontianak antilooting task forces dissolved
Pontianak antilooting task forces dissolved JAKARTA (JP): The leaders of Madurese and Dayak ethnic groups in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, agreed on Friday to dissolve their respective antilooting task forces just a few days after their establishment because their presence had frightened people and worsened the situation in the city recently hit by looting and vandalism. Pontianak military commander Col.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Combating the corrupt elite
Combating the corrupt elite By Teten Masuki JAKARTA (JP): The hurly-burly of the student-led movement against collusion, corruption and nepotism seems to have been sidelined. Now topping the nation's agenda is the establishment of new political parties, the amendment of laws on general elections and political parties and the distribution of essential foodstuffs.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stargazing compensates for questionable cuisine
Stargazing compensates for questionable cuisine By Bruce Emond JAKARTA (JP): Few and far between they may be, but the capital's open spaces are fast becoming a living testament of sorts to Desy Ratnasari's soulful Tenda Biru (Blue Tent). Not just blue, mind you, but a rainbow of hues, from fiercely patriotic red and white to the rest of the kaleidoscope, is staking out territory in upmarket sidewalk cafes.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Black magic' killings in Madura
'Black magic' killings in Madura SURABAYA: The killings of people accused of having black magic powers may not be what they seem, according to Brawijaya Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Subroto. As quoted by Antara on Friday, he said the cited reasons for the murders of people possessing such powers were "only excuses" and that the real motives would likely be personal reasons. A number of people have been killed in the Sampang and Pamekasan regencies on Madura island east of Surabaya.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies sidelined as focus shifts
SE Asian currencies sidelined as focus shifts SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Singapore dollar moved in line with the sharp fluctuations of the yen against the U.S. dollar Friday, as the greenback swung in a five-yen range in intraday trading. The other, largely illiquid Southeast Asian currencies have been relegated to the sidelines while traders focus on major currencies, dealers said.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Sept. 11, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gulf's Natuna production
Gulf's Natuna production JAKARTA (JP): Gulf Indonesia, a production sharing contractor of state oil and gas company Pertamina, will start production at its two oil fields in the Natuna island chain in the fourth quarter of the year. Pertamina's spokesman Ramli Djaafar said on Friday in a statement that the combined production test at the Jangkar -2X well streamed 7,855 barrels per day (bpd) of 45 degrees American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Seat belt and helmet
Seat belt and helmet As an Indonesian citizen, I find it very distressful that regulations are not strictly implemented. The government can mandate a law on seat belts but does nothing against motorcyclists who carry their innocent children without helmets. Do the parents have such little regard for their children, considering the danger that may be faced if an accident happens? We are also accustomed to seeing more than two people riding on a motorbike.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
South Kalimantan river basin critical
South Kalimantan river basin critical BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Most of the river basin and water catchment areas in South Kalimantan are in critical condition and will seriously hinder flood prevention. The head of the public works agency, Syarifuddin Baseri, said Friday in Banjarmasin that the situation was caused by forestry concession owners' inconsistent regreening efforts, and people's mining and agricultural activities.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Threats to stability
Threats to stability Fresh clashes between Indonesian riot police and student protesters in Jakarta invite comparison with the clashes that helped bring down former president Soeharto in May. Indeed, one student has termed this latest campaign as "round two" in the continuing struggle to rid Indonesia of a corrupt and undemocratic leadership. But this time there are fundamentally different considerations at work.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Freedom of expression' rule goes to House
'Freedom of expression' rule goes to House JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi said on Friday it would be "no problem" if legislators decided to reject a proposed government regulation placing restrictions on demonstrations in lieu of a law on freedom of expression "as long as the reasons were clear". Muladi was introducing government regulation No.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Essa Indah warned over alleged logging abuses
Essa Indah warned over alleged logging abuses JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution threatened on Friday to revoke PT Essa Indah Timber's logging rights to its forest concession in Bengkalis, Riau, for allegedly violating contract terms. Muslimin said he had received reports from legislators and locals that the concessionaire -- one of the country's largest -- had subcontracted its logging activities to other companies.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian soccer jolted by international game suspension
Indonesian soccer jolted by international game suspension JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Soccer Federation expressed shock on Friday at news of the country's suspension from international play because of a farcical game at the Tiger Cup in Vietnam last week. Newly appointed federation chairman Agum Gumelar said he would only respond to the punishment after receiving official notification from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which announced the penalty earlier in the day.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government to maintain current monetary policy
Government to maintain current monetary policy JAKARTA (JP): The government affirmed on Friday it would continue its high interest rate policy with the aim to ensure the quick reduction of inflation and the strengthening of the rupiah.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
AG vows to hunt state assets stashed abroad
AG vows to hunt state assets stashed abroad JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Andi Muhammad Ghalib pledged on Friday to hunt state assets which were allegedly stashed overseas during the 32-year rule of former president Soeharto. "We will consult with the foreign ministry to rescue the state assets stashed overseas," Ghalib told reporters after meeting Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia Grard Fonjallaz at his office in South Jakarta.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN will continue to promote peace
ASEAN will continue to promote peace JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will continue to promote international peace and security through regional cooperation in all fields, according to Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas. Speaking at a regional symposium on cooperative peace in Southeast Asia here on Monday, he stressed that regional organizations were more effective than military alliances in maintaining security and peace.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
MPR, don't waste time
MPR, don't waste time As a graduate of the constitutional law department, School of Law, University of Indonesia, Depok, Jakarta, I am surprised to find that there are so many draft decrees which the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Working Committee will discuss (Kompas Sept. 2, 1998). In this reform era, I believe we must return to the 1945 Constitution.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso to fire Dolog Jaya chief for mismanagement
Sutiyoso to fire Dolog Jaya chief for mismanagement JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday that the head of the city's logistics agency (Dolog Jaya), Ahmad Zawawi, would soon be relieved of his post to help speed up the police's investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal rice transactions.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 11, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 0 42,500 Alumindo Light Metal 175 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 7,500 Aneka Tambang 1,400 -50 8,041,500 Anwar Sierad 75 0 126,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI to send team to youth tourney
RI to send team to youth tourney JAKARTA (JP): Four chess players who teamed up to win the 17th Merdeka Cup junior championship in Malaysia will represent Indonesia in the World Youth Chess Championship in Spain in October. An Indonesian Chess Association executive, Eka Putra Wirya, said on Friday that Tirta Chandra, Taufik Halay, Susanto Megaranto and Hastomo would form the backbone of the national team, with Erwin Juliano serving as a substitute. The world meet will take place from Oct.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Real estate complexes offer a home of one's own
Real estate complexes offer a home of one's own The monetary crisis has put paid to many dreams for the country's middle class and for those who had finally begun to carve out a better quality of life for themselves. It may be cold comfort for many to hear, as prices spiral out of control, rice becomes a luxury purchase and pink slips land with a sobering thud on desks, but the devastating crisis must and will eventually run its course.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
A worthwhile exhibition gets scant attention
A worthwhile exhibition gets scant attention By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): People are invited to discover Indonesia's rich heritage through an art exhibition at the National Museum called East Meets West. Organized jointly by the National Museum, United Nations Education and Culture Organization (UNESCO) and Lokaswara foundation, the event mainly aims to increase the awareness of Indonesians, youths in particular, on the country's centuries-old traditions.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Correcting history
Correcting history The police wasted no time in investigating a claim that former president Sukarno signed the Supersemar document almost at gunpoint. As we recall, Supersemar, the executive order signed on March 11, 1966, supposedly empowered Maj. Gen. Soeharto to take all necessary steps to restore peace and order in the country that was on the verge of collapsing.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chrisye wins 'MTV' Asia Viewer's Choice award
Chrisye wins 'MTV' Asia Viewer's Choice award JAKARTA (JP): Chrisye won the Asia Viewer's Choice award on Thursday at the MTV Asia's MTV Video Music Awards 1998 for his latest hit song, Kala Cinta Menggoda (Time When Love Disturbs). Viewers with satellite dishes and the installed MTV Asia channel can enjoy the announcement of winners at the awards show on Saturday at midday. Reruns will be aired on Sept. 13, 11 a.m., and Sept. 19 and Sept. 25 at 10 p.m.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Unocal to develop RI's first deepwater oil and gas field
Unocal to develop RI's first deepwater oil and gas field JAKARTA (JP): Unocal Indonesia Co, a unit of Unocal Corp, plans to develop the country's first deepwater oil and gas discovery off the coast of East Kalimantan by 2001. Company president Timothy C. Lauer said on Friday that the company would cooperate with state oil and gas company Pertamina to develop the technology for the development of the deepwater deposit.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Public accountants may audit BI
Public accountants may audit BI JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto gave the preliminary nod on Friday to allowing public accountants to audit Bank Indonesia in the effort to create a more transparent banking system. He cautioned, however, that an audit of the central bank would have to be conducted based on standards compatible with international accounting principles.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Indonesian Designers' Exhibition and Fashion Show: Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika, Senayan, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5747777), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Sept. 13. * Painting Exhibition: by Five Indonesian Painters, Gallery Room, at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Jl. Gatot Subroto kav. 2-3, Central Jakarta (5268833), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Sept.16. * Painting Exhibition: by Seventeen Painters from Malang, East Java, Galeri Cipta II, Jl. Cikini Raya No.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moslem scholars urged to help with crisis
Moslem scholars urged to help with crisis JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie called on Moslem scholars and scientists on Friday to work hand in hand to find ways to help the country combat poverty and social conflict. The Prophet Muhammad, the President said, had warned that hardships created by poverty could easily turn people into nonbelievers.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Fire destroys hundreds of shops in Senen
Fire destroys hundreds of shops in Senen JAKARTA (JP): A fire that started on Thursday night and burned for more than 15 hours has gutted hundreds of shops in the basement of the three-story Senen shopping center in Central Jakarta. At 3 p.m. on Friday, fire fighters equipped with oxygen masks were still struggling to find the source of the fire and extinguish it in the hazy, dark basement.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four hospitals to get free medical supplies
Four hospitals to get free medical supplies JAKARTA (JP): Four major state hospitals in the country are to get free medical supplies donated by private businesses in the United States, it was announced on Friday. The relief valued at US$1.73 million arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Friday morning in a special Federal Express cargo plane from the U.S. The airlift was organized by Uplift International, a U.S.- based non-profit organization.
Sat, 12 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
A fair general election essential
A fair general election essential The general election which will be held around the middle of May next year won't be like any other so far held in the country. It certainly won't be like any of the six we experienced under the New Order regime. The general election that will be held in 1999 must be one that conforms to the objectives and demands of the reform movement -- that is to say, it must be truly democratic, honest and fair.