Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 September 1998

58 articles found

Freeport has new GM

Freeport has new GM JAKARTA (JP): Giant gold and copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia has appointed Hermani Soeprapto to the position of executive vice president and general manager with the responsibility of overseeing the company's operations starting from Oct. 1. "In naming Hermani as General Manager for Freeport Indonesia, the company has taken an historic step forward in our ongoing Indonesianization program," company president Adrianto Machribie said in a statement on Monday.

Art summit schedule fo performances

Art summit schedule fo performances Sept. 21-22: Music, Alvin Lucier (USA), Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (GKJ), Jl. Pos No. 2, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3441892). Sept. 25-26: Theater, The Wedding on the Field, Yukio Waguri (Japan), Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3154087). Sept. 26-27: Music, Tony Prabowo (Indonesia), GKJ. Sept. 29-30: Theater, Suku Naga (Dragon Tribe), Bengkel Teater Rendra (Indonesia), TIM. Oct. 1-2: Ballet, Also Egmont, Bitte.

'Sold' W. Java women reunited with families

'Sold' W. Java women reunited with families BANDUNG (JP): The West Java police headquarters was full of crying women on Monday, who arrived from Tanjung Balai Karimun in Riau, Sumatra. The 113 young women, many of them teenagers, were part of an unidentified number of youngsters who had sought work in the tourist destination only to be ensnared by prostitution. Relatives came to the headquarters inquiring after missing family members and showing photographs.

Bank guard killed in robbery attempt

Bank guard killed in robbery attempt JAKARTA (JP): A security guard of Bank Internasional Indonesia's (BII) Mampang Prapatan branch in South Jakarta was found dead on Sunday morning with his legs and hands bound together. The victim, Susanto Sarwin, 32, was discovered in the office's restroom at 8 a.m. South Jakarta police sent the body to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital for a postmortem examination soon after they arrived on the scene.

RI needs some form of capital control: Minister

RI needs some form of capital control: Minister JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Investment Hamzah Haz said on Monday that a "limited" foreign exchange control was still needed to ensure that foreign exchange earnings from exports were not deposited in overseas banks. Although copying the Malaysian style capital control would be harmful to the Indonesian economy, a "kind of instrument" which could encourage exporters to keep their export receipts at local banks was still necessary, Hamzah said.

Are we on the road to recovery?

Are we on the road to recovery? By Sri Pamoedjo Rahardjo JAKARTA (JP): The drastic downturn in the Indonesian economy has confounded many experts. Conflicting ideas on how to overcome the problem have in fact confused the public. While the economy has shown favorable net exports in its balance of payments, the country is still not able to attract foreign investors. Most of them opt to stay on the sidelines awaiting clearer signals about the administration's economic policies.

Malaysian people confused over poitical conflict

Malaysian people confused over poitical conflict KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Residents of Malaysia's capital expressed a mixture of indifference and confusion on Monday as protesters vented their anger over the arrest of former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim by taking to the streets.

Two more demonstrations held at House complex

Two more demonstrations held at House complex JAKARTA (JP): Around 1,500 students, housewives, youngsters and jobless people rallied in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) in two separate demonstrations here on Monday. The protesters called for national reconciliation and a reduction in the price of staple foods. Unlike in previous rallies, they stopped passing motorists on the nearby toll road and demanded money and food.

Asian stock markets dip on blend of local, global edginess

Asian stock markets dip on blend of local, global edginess TOKYO (AFP): Asian stock markets dipped Monday on Tokyo's fall to a near 13-year low and in anticipation of a sell-off on Wall Street over the impending release of US President Bill Clinton's video-taped testimony in the White House sex scandal. A faltering Japanese political deal to fix the banking sector and chaos in Malaysia following the arrest of sacked deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim cast a shadow on regional bourses.

Thousands threatened by food shortages in Aceh

Thousands threatened by food shortages in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): As many as 62,000 residents of the isolated island of Simeulue in Aceh have been reportedly facing food shortages after its three ferries were removed on Sept. 15 from service there. "If the sea traffic is not restored within five days, some Simeuleu residents will starve," said Raswandi Mariadi, a representative of Simeulue's regent, as reported by Antara in the island's capital of Sinabang on Monday.

Two arrested for extortion

Two arrested for extortion JAKARTA (JP): Two high school students were arrested on Saturday for allegedly extorting money from Metromini bus passengers in the Pasar Minggu area, a South Jakarta Police spokesman said. The head of the Pasar Minggu police station, Capt. Arief S., said the two, identified only as Gun and Rus, were arrested by a plainclothes officer while they were extorting money from five junior high school students on the bus plying the Ragunan-Blok M route.

Alleged Nigerian drug dealer shot dead

Alleged Nigerian drug dealer shot dead JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives shot dead an alleged Nigerian heroin dealer after he resisted arrest and attempted to snatch a policeman's gun in a hotel on Jl. Pramuka in Central Jakarta on Monday. The city police detective chief Col. Gories Mere told reporters that the victim identified as March Adam Combelig was shot three times in the leg and later died at the scene.

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 Sept. 21 to Sept.

Former president's wealth

Former president's wealth From Republika Reporters asked Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib a barrage of questions in connection with the statement made by former president Soeharto to the effect that he did not have even a cent in a savings account or other assets abroad. In reply, Mr. Ghalib said among other things: "... Mr. Soeharto is a former president. The public must place high confidence in him... If Mr.

Poor say rice prices are still out of reach

Poor say rice prices are still out of reach JAKARTA (JP): Although the government is heavily subsidizing rice for the poor, many still find themselves unable to buy large quantities of the staple food due to a lack of cash. Poor families residing in Sukatani village in Cisoka subdistrict are among those who say they can no longer afford to purchase the government-subsidized rice, even though the price is three to four times lower than in the market.

Mari'e joins team advising Habibie

Mari'e joins team advising Habibie JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of finance Mar'ie Muhammad has accepted an offer by President B.J. Habibie to become a presidential economic advisor, a minister said on Monday.

Investigation team confirms rapes during riots

Investigation team confirms rapes during riots JAKARTA (JP): The government-sponsored fact-finding team investigating the May riots asserted on Monday that, despite some officials' denials, sexual assaults and rapes did take place in the unrest in Jakarta and other cities which also left 1,200 people dead and led to the downfall of former president Soeharto.

Questioning the rationale of South-South cooperation

Questioning the rationale of South-South cooperation By Darmansjah Djumala JAKARTA (JP): The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), acknowledging the rapid changes in the international economic environment, characterized by globalization and trade liberalization, has recognized the necessity to establish a strong platform for negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Group of Seven (G-7) industrial nations. The conclusion was reached during the movement's 12th summit in Durban on Sept.

Seamen protest union executives

Seamen protest union executives JAKARTA: About 20 seamen demonstrated at the Ministry of Manpower on Monday, demanding their association's executives stand down. The seamen urged Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris to help them handle numerous problems in their organization. Henky Ticonuwu, representing the protesters, said the association's current executives should be replaced because their appointment did not comply with the conditions required by their organization's statutes.

Megawati 'just needs new name' for her PDI

Megawati 'just needs new name' for her PDI JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri, the ousted leader of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), simply needs to register her camp under a new name to move into contention for next year's general election, Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said on Monday. National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi had said on Sunday he would not issue a permit to Megawati's camp to hold its three- day national congress -- planned to open on Oct.

Playwright to meet police summons

Playwright to meet police summons JAKARTA (JP): Playwright Ratna Sarumpaet is scheduled to be questioned by city police detectives on Tuesday morning as a witness in an alleged defamation of President B.J. Habibie, her lawyer said. Speaking to the media on Monday after meeting with the city's senior police officers, Johnson Panjaitan from the Association of Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights (PBHI) said that Ratna had been summoned for questioning at 10 a.m on Tuesday.

Army raises profile of human rights training

Army raises profile of human rights training BANDUNG (JP): The Army is committed to creating soldiers who base their intelligence, integrity and loyalty to the nation on moral standings, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiwoyo said on Monday. "We have therefore revised the (education and training) curriculum, including upgrading the importance and hours dedicated to the teaching of human rights.

Books should be freed of value-added tax: Habibie

Books should be freed of value-added tax: Habibie JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie concurred on Monday that there should be a halt to the 10 percent tax on books, which publishers complain unnecessarily adds to book prices. "I quite agree that books should be freed of the value-added tax," he said at the opening of the 14th congress of the Association of Indonesian Publishers (IKAPI) at the State Palace.

Private firms to be allowed to import rice

Private firms to be allowed to import rice JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Food Affairs and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin said here on Monday that private companies would be allowed to import good quality rice and sell it directly to consumers to help boost supply on the domestic market. Saefuddin said that private sector imports would be restricted to first and second grade rice while the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) would continue to import lower grades.

House urge quick Soeharto inquiry

House urge quick Soeharto inquiry JAKARTA (JP): The government must move quickly to investigate Soeharto's wealth, allegedly stashed in bank accounts abroad, or face the possibility that it will lose the remainder of its battered credibility, legislators warned on Monday.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali's bank notes conversion rates on Sept. 21, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Last chance for RI swimmers

Last chance for RI swimmers JAKARTA (JP): National swimmers being groomed for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December will test the merits of their overseas training stint in a competition with second stringers which is supposed to be one-sided. The Asiad team's training director, Mochamad Hindarto, said on Monday that the eight swimmers must meet qualifying times set by the Indonesian Swimming Association during the national age group tournament scheduled for Oct. 26 to Oct.

Stocks tumble 5.5% to seven-year low

Stocks tumble 5.5% to seven-year low JAKARTA (JP): Shares prices on the tattered local stock market careened to a seven-year low on Monday on weak regional markets and political restlessness at home, stockbrokers and analysts said. But the rupiah closed slightly firmer at 11,050 against the U.S. dollar in the Jakarta spot market on Monday, compared to its close of 11,150 on Friday.

Forex controls would create new problems

Forex controls would create new problems Debate on the possible adoption of foreign exchange controls to stabilize the rupiah's exchange rate is heating up after Malaysia imposed such a system earlier this month. Economist Kwik Kian Gie discusses the possible impacts of the proposed plan.

Perhapi's annual meeting

Perhapi's annual meeting JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Mining Professionals (Perhapi) is to hold a its seventh annual meeting on Thursday and Friday to discuss the current state of the industry. The association said in a release on Monday that the meeting would be held at the headquarters of publicly listed general mining company PT Aneka Tambang.

Japan to give 1.3b yen in trade financing

Japan to give 1.3b yen in trade financing JAKARTA (JP): The government of Japan will provide Indonesia with 1.3 billion yen (US$9.74 million) in trade financing in addition to other financial aid it has already pledged to help the country, a senior Japanese official said here on Monday. Japan's minister of international trade and industry, Kaoru Yosano, said the new loan reflected his country's desire to help Indonesia survive its worst ever economic turmoil.

RP seek new carriers ahead of PAL closure

RP seek new carriers ahead of PAL closure MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government on Monday dangled new aviation franchises as it scrambled to avert economic disruptions threatened by the scheduled closure of the debt-ridden flag carrier. President Joseph Estrada's administration is "actively seeking the entry of new investments into domestic airline routes," be they "from existing players and/or from new ones," presidential spokesman Fernando Barican told reporters.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Fine Arts Exhibition: Perangkap Hedonisme, by Veri Apriyatno, at Barak Gallery, Jl. DR. Setiabudhi 238, Trapus, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Oct. 10. * Ethnic Art Work and Interior Exhibition at Preanger Aerowisata Bandung Hotel, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 431631), until Sept. 30. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Selasar Seni Sunaryo, by Sunaryo, at Contemporary Art Museum, Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur No. 100 Bandung (Phone: 022 2507939).

Regional monies mixed on upheaval

Regional monies mixed on upheaval SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies were mixed against the U.S. dollar in late trading Monday, as political strife and further economic potholes continue to undermine the region. The detainment of Malaysia's former Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim Sunday prompted investors to sell the Singapore dollar Monday, in anticipation of civil unrest in the neighboring country.

Earthquake jolts capital

Earthquake jolts capital JAKARTA (JP): An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale slightly jolted the capital in the early hours of Monday. No reports of casualties or panic were reported. Damage to buildings was also said to be minimal during the 90-second tremor that began at 4:25 a.m.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept.21, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 175 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 200 -25 9,500 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 125 25 94,500 Aneka Tambang 1,075 -175 8,989,500 Anwar Sierad 75 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.

SilkAir gets Airbus plane

SilkAir gets Airbus plane SINGAPORE (DPA): Singapore's SilkAir has taken delivery of its first Airbus Industrie plane, and is set to become an all-Airbus operator, the aircraft maker said Monday. "Our (Boeing) 737s and Fokker 70s will be phased out slowly when the Airbuses are delivered," SilkAir spokeswoman Karen Loh confirmed. SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, has placed firm orders with Airbus for eight airbus jets, consisting of four A320s and four A319s.

Rendra's play postponed

Rendra's play postponed JAKARTA (JP): The Bengkel Teater group of legendary poet Rendra will stage performances of Suku Naga (Dragon Tribe) at Taman Ismail Marzuki art center, Central Jakarta, on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30 instead of on Sept. 22 and Sept. 23 as originally scheduled. The scheduling change was due to a last minute cancellation by Egyptian theater group El-Warsha to perform in Jakarta's Art Summit 1998.

Garuda books Rp 200b in profit, says Tanri

Garuda books Rp 200b in profit, says Tanri JAKARTA (JP): The country's flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia has booked Rp 200 billion rupiah (US$18.2 million) in profits as of August as a result of the airline's massive restructuring program, Minister of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng said on Monday.

Govt approves $7.14b in foreign investment

Govt approves $7.14b in foreign investment JAKARTA (JP): The government approved 344 foreign investment projects worth US$7.14 billion and 121 domestic investment project worth Rp 25.6 trillion (US$2.3 billion) in the April/August period of the 1998/1999 fiscal year.

Brunei looks into misuse of funds

Brunei looks into misuse of funds BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Brunei's government said on Monday that "large sums of money" had been misappropriated from a state investment agency to companies controlled by an estranged brother of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. A statement from the office of the prime minister indicated legal action would follow an investigation into the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA). Its former head Prince Jefri, 44, has fled the tiny oil-rich kingdom.

BI urged to end high rate policy, public SBI sales

BI urged to end high rate policy, public SBI sales JAKARTA (JP): The Federation of Private Domestic Banks (Perbanas) appealed to the central bank on Monday to review its high interest rate policy and stop selling its short-term promissory notes (SBI) to the public. Newly elected Perbanas chairwoman Gunarni Soeworo told a media luncheon that the interest rate policy had caused many members of the country's banking industry to fall into the red.

Disintegration of ASEAN envisaged

Disintegration of ASEAN envisaged BANGKOK (AP): Former Thai prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is in danger of falling apart because of the regional economic crisis and weak leadership. "If the present generation of leaders cannot help sustain the grouping's progress and unity, how will the new generation be able to forge unity?," Chavalit asked in an interview with The Nation newspaper published on Monday.

PEPABRI comments

PEPABRI comments On Sept. 14 the Jakarta Post reported ABRI ends obligation to pick Golkar in polls, the contents of which could lead to various interpretations in the community mainly in Armed Forces (ABRI) circles. In the interests of promoting democracy in the national press the DPP PEPABRI (the central board of the association of retired personnel and widows of the Indonesian Armed Forces) deems it necessary to give the following explanation: 1.

RI ready for Davis Cup tie

RI ready for Davis Cup tie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Davis Cup team arrived in Yan Ji, China, on Monday morning for its Group I Asia Oceania zone second playoff against the host country. The national team will field Adrian Raturandang and Febi Widhiyanto in the singles and a pairing of Sulistyo Wibowo and Bonit Wiryawan in the doubles for the crucial tie, to be played from Friday to Sunday. China have selected Zhang Yu, Wang Yu Wei, Zheng Yu Li and Li Si. The draw will take place on Thursday.

Anwar's arrest

Anwar's arrest The only unexpected thing about the arrest of ousted Malaysian deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was that it happened sooner than he had predicted. It was effected on Sunday evening, only hours after he had led tens of thousands of supporters through the streets of Kuala Lumpur demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Mia says she's ready to assume Susi's role as badminton queen

Mia says she's ready to assume Susi's role as badminton queen JAKARTA (JP): Olympic silver medalist Mia Audina said on Monday she was ready to win an Asian Games gold medal in the absence of the nation's badminton queen, her senior Susi Susanti. Susi is in the early months of pregnancy and so Indonesia's hopes to take the Asiad women's singles crown for the first time rest with second-best Mia. "I will be focusing on winning the Asiad gold medal.

Students demonstrate for lower prices

Students demonstrate for lower prices SEMARANG: More than 1,500 students of the Semarang Teachers Training Institute in the Central Java capital staged a demonstration on Monday, demanding the government lower prices of basic commodities. The students also urged the government to take action against hoarders of basic commodities and called on President B.J. Habibie to let his predecessor Soeharto be investigated. "Bring Soeharto and his cronies to court.

Malaysia hit by fresh unrest

Malaysia hit by fresh unrest KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian police and anti-government protesters clashed for the second straight day on Monday and authorities used a sweeping law to round up allies of sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim. Riot police repeatedly fired water cannon and tear gas at several thousand demonstrators who converged on a courthouse in the heart of the capital where they had expected Anwar to be arraigned. He was never produced in court.

APEC KL summit at risk: Australia deputy premier

APEC KL summit at risk: Australia deputy premier CANBERRA (Reuters): A meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders scheduled for Kuala Lumpur in mid-November will be in jeopardy if political protests in the Malaysian capital increase or grow more violent, Australia's deputy prime minister said on Monday.

City urged to revoke reservoir agreement

City urged to revoke reservoir agreement JAKARTA (JP): The City Council has urged the administration to revoke a cooperation agreement with private company PT Jaka Setia Sakti to develop an area surrounding the Ria Rio reservoir in Pulomas, East Jakarta, since the project had been neglected for six years.

Government to issue land control regulation: Minister

Government to issue land control regulation: Minister JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon issue a land control regulation in response to data indicating that significant portions of land under private sector management have remained idle, a senior minister said on Monday.

Legitimacy stems from good governance, opennes

Legitimacy stems from good governance, opennes By Meuthia Ganie Rochman JAKARTA (JP): Good governance, which has become a new approach in viewing development problems in developing countries since 1990, conceptually revises the relationship between the institution of state and the people, although the role of state is still crucial.

Grand Hyatt staff stage protest over service charge

Grand Hyatt staff stage protest over service charge JAKARTA (JP): At least 500 employees of the luxurious five- star Grand Hyatt Jakarta hotel staged a protest in the hotel's lobby on Monday afternoon to demand that money worth Rp 709 million (US$64,454) collected from the service charge be returned to them.

MPR committee deadlocked on leadership

MPR committee deadlocked on leadership JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ad Hoc Committee I ended a meeting on Monday in deadlock after the dominant Golkar's refusal to separate the Assembly's leadership from that of the House of Representatives (DPR) prevailed over the wishes of the other four factions. The stalemate became apparent early in the meeting and was still there after three sessions.

Govt vows to keep Telkom and Indosat monopolies

Govt vows to keep Telkom and Indosat monopolies JAKARTA (JP): The government has no plans to lift monopolies on the provision of telecommunications services in the country currently held by the publicly-listed state companies PT Indosat and PT Telkom ahead of schedule, a senior official has said. The director general of post and telecommunications at the Ministry of Communications, Sasmito Dirdjo, said on Monday that existing regulations relating to the monopoly rights would not be changed.

Six killed in accident

Six killed in accident SEMARANG: Six people were killed and two others injured in a bus collision in Ungaran, about 20 kilometers south of the provincial capital on Monday. Semarang police chief Lt. Col. Beno Kilapong said the accident occurred when a car and a minivan which wanted to turn right in Lemah Abang collided head-on with a passenger bus coming at high speed from the opposite direction.

Bank owners offer assets worth Rp 177t

Bank owners offer assets worth Rp 177t JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Attorney General Soehandjono said here on Monday that the former owners of nationalized and closed banks have offered assets worth Rp 177 trillion (US$16 billion) to repay their debts to Bank Indonesia (BI). Soehandjono said the value of pledged assets was higher than the Rp 128 trillion in liquidity support the banks received from BI, the central bank.