Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 September 1998

46 articles found

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 15, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 325 50 523,500 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 125 -25 27,500 Aneka Tambang 1,250 -125 8,264,500 Anwar Sierad 75 0 2,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Clashes continue to rock cities around Indonesia

Clashes continue to rock cities around Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The South Sulawesi town of Pinrang was rocked by clashes on Tuesday, while Surabaya in East Java and Dili in East Timor witnessed sporadic outbreaks of looting. The North Sumatra capital of Medan also remained crippled due to an ongoing massive strike by public transportation drivers that started the day before.

Lee reveals story behind success

Lee reveals story behind success JAKARTA (JP): The article on this page is an extract from a memoirs of Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew that will come out on Sept. 16 to coincide with Lee's 75th birthday. The memoirs, entitled The Singapore Story: Moemoirs of Lee Kuan Yew, jointly published by Simon & Schuster Asia, Singapore Press Holdings and Times publishing, is the first of two volumes.

Most currencies in SE Asia gain footing

Most currencies in SE Asia gain footing SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Market speculation that Indonesia was on the verge of following Malaysia and introducing capital controls boosted the rupiah during Asian trading hours on Tuesday. Unconvinced by denials from President B.J. Habibie and Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin, market participants bought rupiah to close out short positions rather than run the risk of getting caught out by an unexpected announcement.

Amien visits Kontras' 'camp of concern' at LBH

Amien visits Kontras' 'camp of concern' at LBH JAKARTA (JP): Amien Rais visited on Tuesday the "camp of concern" set up by families of missing activists and the independent Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) on the grounds of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute office in Central Jakarta.

WB sets up team to address corruption in RI

WB sets up team to address corruption in RI JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank has set up two teams of experts consisting of its own staff and independent consultants to clean up corruption in Indonesia, especially that involving the bank's funds. World Bank country director for Indonesia Dennis de Tray said on Tuesday the teams were scheduled to come here this week and next week to help the Indonesian government shape new strategies to reduce corruption.

Players blamed for own goal in Tiger Cup match

Players blamed for own goal in Tiger Cup match JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesia Soccer Federation (PSSI) concluded on Tuesday that two national team defenders responsible for a deliberate own goal in a crucial Tiger Cup match against Thailand recently had defied their coach's instructions.

Monagro Kimia to export 40% of its production

Monagro Kimia to export 40% of its production JAKARTA (JP): Herbicide and pesticide producer PT Monagro Kimia announced on Tuesday that it planned to export 23 million liters, or 40 percent, of its production this year. The company's country sales manager, Tommy Sutomo, said this year's export volume would increase 25 percent from 18.5 million liters last year. "The export increase is due to the company's increased production capacity.

Pelindo cancels 13 projects linked to Soeharto's family

Pelindo cancels 13 projects linked to Soeharto's family JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned sea port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Pelindo) said on Tuesday it had canceled 13 projects and planned to review several others linked to companies headed by former president Soeharto's family and associates. "Thirteen projects were canceled and 11 projects are being reviewed, while two have been proposed to be canceled," it said in a statement.

PowerGas, Pertamina deal

PowerGas, Pertamina deal JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina signed on Tuesday in Singapore a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singapore's PowerGas, a subsidiary of Singapore Power, which will allow the latter to buy natural gas from the former's contractors.

Actions speak louder than words

Actions speak louder than words I am pleased that my article RI education system needs a revolution, published in two parts, Sept. 2 and Sept. 3, attracted some comments from readers (Freddy Kirana, Sept. 10, and S. Aungles, Sept. 12). It is a pity that S. Aungles only read one part of my article (Sept. 2) otherwise he would have saved himself the embarrassment of advocating misdirected nationalism or regionalism.

Rally participants face off with rivals

Rally participants face off with rivals TANGERANG (JP): More than 400 protesters demanding the resignation of Tangerang Mayor Djakaria Machmud were involved in a skirmish with supporters of Djakaria on Monday. The protesters, grouped in Forum Penyelamat Tangerang (Save Tangerang Forum) and Gedung Pemuda 52, arrived at the mayor's office at about 10 a.m. and immediately became involved in a quarrel with a rival group which was apparently waiting for them.

Rice production said to exceed target this year

Rice production said to exceed target this year JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Agriculture Soleh Solahuddin estimated on Tuesday that Indonesia's unhusked rice production this planting year would be 48.35 million metric tons, 4.5 percent higher than the government's initial target. Soleh attributed the better-than-expected predicted harvest to the government's enhanced efforts to extend rice planting areas and increased productivity. "I guarantee that we will have a good harvest in February.

Stop screening film on 1965 coup: LBH

Stop screening film on 1965 coup: LBH YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Legal Aid Office here has urged Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus to stop requiring television stations to screen the film G-30 S/PKI on the September 1965 attempted coup before the facts concerning the event were clarified. The LBH said in a recent statement that so far there were indications that the film, which all television stations are required to screen on the evening of Sept.

Preferential treatment in bank merger?

Preferential treatment in bank merger? There are two reasons why Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia (Bank Exim) can be regarded as privileged. First, despite its financial difficulties, the bank has been granted additional capital to the tune of Rp 20 trillion in Bank Indonesia liquidity support. Second, Bank Exim is being lined up to become the parent bank in the planned merger of four state banks -- BBD, Bapindo, BDN and Bank Exim. The new bank will be known as Bank Mandiri.

Caltex seeks House' support for oil contract extension

Caltex seeks House' support for oil contract extension JAKARTA (JP): PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the country's largest private oil firm, sought support from the House of Representatives on Tuesday for its bid to extend its production sharing contract on the Coastal Plain Pakanbaru (CPP) oil block in Riau.

Free medical services available for the poor

Free medical services available for the poor JAKARTA (JP): Free maternity services and additional nutrition for babies are among facilities for the poor that are being funded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Minister of Health Farid A. Moeloek said on Tuesday. He was addressing a hearing with House Commission VI for health, social welfare, population and women's issues.

BP MPR to be clean of ministers

BP MPR to be clean of ministers JAKARTA (JP): Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung confirmed on Tuesday that a number of cabinet ministers from the ruling political organization would be removed from the Working Committee of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Akbar, however, said the ministers would retain their positions in Golkar's faction in the Assembly.

Davomas wants debt payment halted

Davomas wants debt payment halted JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cocoa producer PT Davomas Abadi is to ask Central Jakarta Commercial Court to suspend the payment of its US$3 million debt to American Express Bank. Lawyers representing the company, Hotman Paris Hutapea of Makarim and Taira and Denny Kailimang of Kailimang, said on Tuesday that their clients would file for a suspension of payment within the next two days.

'Wanita Indonesia' sued by ex-reporters

'Wanita Indonesia' sued by ex-reporters JAKARTA (JP): Seven former journalists of Wanita Indonesia tabloid have filed a lawsuit against the publication at the East Jakarta District Court for keeping their names in the masthead after their dismissal. The plaintiffs asked the court to order PT Citra Media Persada, the tabloid's publisher owned by former president Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti "Tutut" Hardijanti Rukmana, and the company's business manager, M.

Stocks tumble almost 9 percent, rupiah firm

Stocks tumble almost 9 percent, rupiah firm JAKARTA (JP): The country's rattled stock market took another big hit on Tuesday sinking almost 9 percent, while the rupiah closed slightly firmer against the U.S. dollar, stock analysts and dealers said. Stockbrokers and analysts said that swirling market speculation that the government would introduce a Malaysian-style capital control system had triggered massive selling by both foreign and local investors in the hard pressed stock market.

Delay of seat belt ruling applauded

Delay of seat belt ruling applauded JAKARTA (JP): The central government's decision to postpone the implementation of the regulation compelling people to wear seat belts in the front seats of vehicles has received a warm welcome from the public.

Rice importers to be named Thursday

Rice importers to be named Thursday JAKARTA (JP): The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) said on Tuesday that the winners of the agency's tender to import 600,000 metric tons of rice from China, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar would be announced on Thursday. The chairman of the agency's foreign procurement department Mohamad Ismet said that only nine companies managed to pass the second stage of the tender on Tuesday, in which bidders put forward their prices and shipment proposals.

Ministers in MPR

Ministers in MPR In this current age of reform, politicians are judged by their sensitivity toward efforts to introduce a greater degree of democracy in the country. In relation to this, there have recently been calls for a more democratic system within the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the country's highest constitutional body.

Students step up street rallies despite warning

Students step up street rallies despite warning JAKARTA (JP): Ignoring a recent strong warning from the Armed Forces (ABRI), students in various cities held several rallies on Tuesday, including one near the presidential palace. A group of Moslem students protested near Merdeka Palace to demand the release of Moslem political prisoners, but they were pushed away by security personnel.

Questioning of Dolog chief Zamawi continues

Questioning of Dolog chief Zamawi continues JAKARTA (JP): The city police continued questioning the city's logistics agency (Dolog Jaya) head, Ahmad Zawawi, on Tuesday after the latter vomited and requested an adjournment in Monday's session. Zawawi has formally been named the main suspect in illegal rice transactions and rice exports.

Placer Dome eyes RI project

Placer Dome eyes RI project SYDNEY (Dow Jones): Masmindo Mining Corp, an Australian gold exploration company said Tuesday that it has reached a preliminary agreement for Canada's Placer Dome Inc (PDG) to incrementally acquire up to 75 percent of its Awak Mas gold project in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Masmindo, formerly known as Lone Star Exploration NL, is 77 percent owned by South Africa's JCI Ltd.

A thought for the May rape victims

A thought for the May rape victims By Lynda Kurnia Wardhani JAKARTA (JP): The damnable, shameful and barbaric actions of a group of people on May 13 and May 14 in Indonesia's capital and other cities resulted not only in material losses due to looting and arson but, more seriously, they also caused terrible pain and trauma for some very unfortunate women.

State pawnshop firm facing cash shortage

State pawnshop firm facing cash shortage JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned pawnshop company Perum Pegadaian has revealed it is facing a cash shortage which has forced over 270,000 people in the Greater Jakarta area to wait for loans they are due in exchange for pawned goods. "We have no more cash and will only be able to issue new credit if our customers first redeem their belongings," the head of the company's Jakarta's office, Ketut Sethyon, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

WWF upbeat on future of Lorentz National Park

WWF upbeat on future of Lorentz National Park JAKARTA (JP): The World Wild Fund (WWF) expressed on Tuesday its confidence that the government would not exploit the Lorentz National Park in Irian Jaya, which is rich in gold and copper deposits in addition to biodiversity. Frank Momberg, a WWF executive, said the government had shown its strong commitment to conserving the 2.5-million-hectare park. The commitment was reflected in existing rulings on the park, he said.

APEC grapples with environment sectors

APEC grapples with environment sectors KUANTAN, Malaysia (AFP): With only a couple of months to go before its next summit, APEC is finding the energy and environment sectors the hardest nuts to crack in the group's quest for early liberalization in nine targeted areas. "Some more work on energy and environment needs to be carried out before we have a complete package," said Abdul Razak Ramli, the Malaysian chairman of a three-day meeting of senior APEC officials ending here Tuesday.

Trisakti students launch reform tour

Trisakti students launch reform tour JAKARTA (JP): Forty Trisakti University students have begun a reform tour to 25 universities throughout the country to reignite the reform movement, for which four of their colleagues were killed last May. The tour kicked off on Tuesday with Trisakti rector Thoby Mutis speaking to a gathering at the university's campus in West Jakarta. Thoby urged students to unite and create a coordinated strategy to be implemented throughout the country.

On Viagra

On Viagra Regarding your article printed on Sunday Sept. 13 Team to decide on Viagra by November I ought to correct some miscommunication between your correspondent (by phone) and me. When I was asked about a study on Viagra I answered that I indeed had sub-coordinated the Viagra study here in Indonesia with two urologists as principal investigators in Jakarta and Surabaya. The result of this multicentered, multinational clinical trial will be revealed some time in November 1998.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Silverhawks 3:05 TV Series: Daktari 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Teen Program: Remaja Indonesia 5:00 Teen Drama: Surat Kaleng 5:30 Documentary Film 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama: Rindu Kasih 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Wealthy Family: Hot Water Utility 8:30 News: Laporan Peristiwa 9:00 World News 9:35 Traditional Drama: Si Pali 10:30 Late News 10:40...

Standard and Poor's sees signs of strain in financial systems

Standard and Poor's sees signs of strain in financial systems HONG KONG (AFP): Global credit rating agency Standard and Poor's warned Tuesday of weaknesses in the financial systems of 16 economies, with up to 70 percent of China's assets at risk. The New York-based credit assessor included seven Asian economies -- China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan -- among the 16 which revealed signs of deteriorating credit quality.

Habibie sets up team to probe Soeharto's wealth

Habibie sets up team to probe Soeharto's wealth JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie ordered on Tuesday a special team to "directly examine" former president Soeharto over his recent statement that he did not have "a single cent" of savings overseas, as widely alleged. Supreme Advisory Council chairman A.A.

Pawn shop's cash drained

Pawn shop's cash drained MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): A pawn shop in Sikka regency here has been running short of cash due to stiff demand for funds by people unable to get bank loans. The head of the Sikka branch of state-run Perum Pegadaian, Herman Harnon, said the shop had been experiencing the problem since August. The shop has been overrun every day, he said without disclosing the total value of items pawned or the amount of money borrowed. He said most people were pawning jewelry.

OPEC chief says more production cuts possible

OPEC chief says more production cuts possible SINGAPORE (AFP): OPEC President Obaid Saif Al-Nasseri, lamenting that Asia's economic crisis was beginning to ravage oil-producing nations, warned here Tuesday that the grouping may recommend further production cuts to stabilize world oil prices.

Unpaid wages prompt strike

Unpaid wages prompt strike BANYUMAS, Central Java (JP): Thousands of workers involved in government-sponsored labor-intensive projects have been on strike for a week here because they have yet to be paid their promised wages in rice. As of Tuesday, many projects, such as water work repairs around Manis market in West Purwokerto, remained dormant, causing heavy traffic congestion.

Growing tolerance in Vietnam: Envoy

Growing tolerance in Vietnam: Envoy HANOI (Reuters): Vietnam is becoming more tolerant of political dissent but should allow greater individual freedom, especially for the country's clergy and trade unions, the U.S. Ambassador to Hanoi Pete Peterson said. Peterson said Hanoi should be congratulated for releasing 5,219 inmates, including top dissidents and Buddhist monks, in an amnesty that marked communist Vietnam's anniversary of independence on Sept. 2.

Political sculptures removed from temple

Political sculptures removed from temple BANGKOK (AP): Limestone sculptures of leading Thai politicians have been removed from a Buddhist temple in Bangkok after complaints from supporters of some of the politicians, the temple's abbot said on Tuesday. "For the sake of the temple's peace, I ordered the removal of the three figures. We as Buddhist monks do not wish to be at the center of political arguments," Phra Sophon Dharmmawongse, the abbot of Wat In temple, said.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali's bank notes conversion rates on Sept. 15, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

World-class entertainment coming to Cities of Heroes

World-class entertainment coming to Cities of Heroes By Sirikit Syah SURABAYA (JP): People in Surabaya will experience a slice of cultural life in October. World-class performances will be staged and quality films will be shown to entertain audiences, whose cultural entertainment needs have been neglected.

Asian stock markets close mixed as RI shares slump

Asian stock markets close mixed as RI shares slump HONG KONG (AP): Asian stock markets closed mixed Tuesday, with the key index in Jakarta slumping 8.9 percent on speculation that Indonesia plans to implement Malaysian-style currency controls. The Jakarta Stock Exchange's Composite Index fell 28.442 points, closing at a new five-year low of 292.153. Central bank Governor Sjahril Sabirin and President B.J.

Government tells bankers to pay up or else

Government tells bankers to pay up or else JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib warned yesterday that the owners of commercial banks who had received massive government support credits could face prosecution if they failed to pay back all their loans by Monday. "If they miss the deadline, we will investigate them on charges of corruption," Ghalib was quoted by Antara as saying. He did not name the delinquent bank owners.

Garuda drops Paris-Bali

Garuda drops Paris-Bali PARIS (Reuters): Indonesian flag carrier Garuda will drop its twice-weekly flights between Paris, Jakarta and Bali in late October, Garuda ticket agents in the French capital said on Tuesday. The ticket agents could give no reason for the decision but the French financial daily Les Echos said the decision was due to the collapse of the rupiah currency.