Archive: 7 September 1998
50 articles found
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto urged to help poor people
Soeharto urged to help poor people JAKARTA (JP): Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung has urged former president Soeharto to direct the Dakab Foundation to hand over its funds to the government to help low-income families weather the crisis. Akbar, who had previously demanded that the money be given to Golkar since the foundation's mission was to finance the political grouping's activities, said on Saturday Golkar could find its own financial sources.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Freeport denies ignoring local people
Freeport denies ignoring local people JAKARTA (JP): American mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia has denied an Antara report that the company had failed to improve the lot of the local community in Irian Jaya in the more than 25 years it has been there. In a statement made available to the news agency on Friday, Freeport said the company had allocated Rp 35 billion (US$3.18 million) this year for the local community's development.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Think nationally!
Think nationally! "The momentum is still on the side of the reform movement," Adam Schwarz said in The Jakarta Post (Sept. 3). I agree with him, the gate has not yet been closed for all of us to march forward to turn this nation into a civil society. The road, or channel, to achieve this goal is, in my opinion, through what many people now are talking about, i.e. national reconciliation. Now is the time for us to do some soul-searching, as a nation and as individuals.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Reconciliation at last?
Reconciliation at last? Though much belated, the government's agreement to form a national reconciliation team consisting of representatives of the government, the National Commission on Human Rights, non- governmental organizations and the public at large can only be welcomed.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian hotel industry slumps as crisis continues
Indonesian hotel industry slumps as crisis continues By Devi M. Asmarani JAKARTA (JP): Over three decades of rapid economic growth had fostered Indonesia's hotel industry, but recent economic and political blows are now threatening high-flying investment in star-rated hotels. Posh hotels, especially those built more recently, have found themselves head over heels in debt since the rupiah sank in value by 80 percent against the U.S. dollar, while their market shares are getting ever smaller.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
16 still being questioned over rice delivery orders
16 still being questioned over rice delivery orders JAKARTA (JP): Police are still questioning 16 people, including an official of the city's logistics agency (Dolog Jaya), for their alleged role in the illegal transaction and possession of rice delivery orders, an official said on Sunday. Not revealing the identities of the suspects, city police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang said the 16 people were apprehended on Friday night at the Dolog Jaya office on Jl.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah assigned B-3 rating
Rupiah assigned B-3 rating NEW YORK (Dow Jones): Moody's Investors Service said it assigned a B3 issuer rating to rupiah obligations of Indonesia. Issuer ratings are used to provide an opinion about the debt- service capacity of a government that may have no outstanding long-term general obligation debt, Moody's said.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
New team gets cautious welcome
New team gets cautious welcome JAKARTA (JP): Observers were cautious over the weekend about the establishment of the National Reconciliation Team -- intended to avert national disintegration -- and suggested that President B.J. Habibie concentrate on immediate problems rather than on such an "outdated" concept. Habibie's economic advisor, Frans Seda, former cabinet minister H.M. Sanusi and human rights activist Sandyawan Sumardi all suggested that a "more realistic" agenda be adopted, instead.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
More counters for phone bills
More counters for phone bills JAKARTA (JP): East Jakarta residents will no longer have to join the long queues at local major post offices to pay their telephone bills. The management of the East Jakarta post office have provided 58 post offices and a number of mobile units in a bid to help accommodate the mayoralty's more than 80,000 phone customers.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Middle class families 'should help the poor'
Middle class families 'should help the poor' JAKARTA (JP): Sociologist Paulus Wirutomo urged middle class families to help the poor in order to minimize social instability as the crisis thrusts millions of Indonesians below the poverty line. The University of Indonesia political science professor told a seminar on Saturday that more and more people were finding it difficult to feed themselves, a situation which could make it easy for certain groups to incite poor communities to riot.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Kabut di Rumah Betang, by Melki Lesmana, at Galeri Cipta III, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Sept. 7. * 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., Sept. 7-16. * Painting Exhibition: by A. Sibarani and Tarigan, Galeri Cipta II, Jl. Cikini Raya No.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt bank probe on credits 'may send wrong signal'
Govt bank probe on credits 'may send wrong signal' JAKARTA (JP): The government's hastiness in trying to recover massive liquidity support given to ailing banks may send out a wrong signal about efforts to rehabilitate the troubled industry, an expert has warned.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hardship forces many to reduce food consumption
Hardship forces many to reduce food consumption By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Hardship incurred during the prolonged economic crisis has forced many residents of the Greater Jakarta area, especially those living in underdeveloped subdistricts, to reduce their daily food intake. People caught between the pincers of falling income and rising prices have been left with no choice but to eat less in order to make what little money have last just that bit longer.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Hamengkubuwono X to send team to talks
Hamengkubuwono X to send team to talks YOGYAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta's Sultan Hamengkubuwono X is to set up a small team to represent the sultanate palace in talks with the government aimed at drafting a presidential decree covering gubernatorial succession in the special province. President B.J.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Big Ecstasy factory uncovered
Big Ecstasy factory uncovered JAKARTA (JP): The National Police have uncovered a large Ecstasy producing factory on Jl. Muhtar Raya in Ciledug, Tangerang, an official said on Friday. Maj. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, the chief detective in the National Police, said the discovery was the largest this year. "In one production cycle the factory had the capacity to make six gallons of psychotropic substance which is enough for about 800,000 ecstasy pills," he said.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four arrested for extortion
Four arrested for extortion JAKARTA (JP): Four men were arrested on Thursday for allegedly pretending to be Marine officers and extorting money from a businessman in Muara Baru, Cilincing, North Jakarta. Marine Corps spokesman Maj. Ibrahim identified the four only as AD (42), HA (33), NM (39) and US (28). "They were arrested while extorting money from a businessman called Aping. One of the four contacted Aping and told him that he was from the Pembaharuan Bangsa foundation on Jl.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Silver Town' sees silver lining slip away
'Silver Town' sees silver lining slip away By Gin Kurniawan YOGYAKARTA (JP): A former seat of the ancient Mataram Kingdom, Kotagede to the southeast of downtown Yogyakarta is dubbed "Silver Town" because the majority of its residents are silversmiths. True to its nickname, Kotagede offers a host of silverware, from jewelry of rings, delicate filigree necklaces, earrings and bracelets, to household appliances and ornaments.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Australia ready for food mission
Australia ready for food mission SYDNEY (AFP): Australian officials flew to Seoul on Sunday for talks with China, Japan and South Korea amid reports that Canberra is readying its armed forces to mount a rescue mission in Indonesia. A defense department spokesman said a request from Jakarta for help with massive food shortages was possible and it was monitoring the flying hours of its Hercules transport aircraft, sea-time of its ships and crew leave.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia eying four Asiad golds from badminton
Indonesia eying four Asiad golds from badminton JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is setting its sights on winning four gold medals from its shuttlers in the upcoming Asian Games in Bangkok in December, despite its disappointing result in the just-concluded Asian Championships. Head coach Christian Hadinata predicted on Sunday the top honors would come from the men's team, the men's doubles, the women's singles and the mixed doubles.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bapepam to issue rules to help firms restructure
Bapepam to issue rules to help firms restructure YOGYAKARTA (JP): The capital market watchdog, Bapepam, is to soon issue new rules on the revaluation of assets, mergers and acquisitions, and income tax on debt write-offs. Bapepam chairman Jusuf Anwar said here on Saturday that the new rules were designed to help listed firms restructure themselves to avoid being delisted from the local stock exchanges.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia must stop its politics of hatred
Indonesia must stop its politics of hatred By Sri Pamoedjo Rahardjo JAKARTA (JP): Lessons learned from 53 years of independence in Indonesia are characterized by only two long-term serving leaders. Both leaders allowed the growth of a personality cult, with some degree of vindictiveness toward those who opposed them. In turn, the opposition cannot let go of past experiences and maintains a cycle of revenge. What conclusions can we draw from the evolution of Indonesian politics?
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
RI needs to formulate a long-term strategy
RI needs to formulate a long-term strategy Although the government appears to have fought the current crisis tooth and nail, it does not seem to have abated. Jusuf Wanandi, chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, talks of pitfalls lying ahead. JAKARTA (JP): Despite some relief from the World Bank and donor governments in the form of financial assistance and aid programs, Indonesia remains in a severe crisis.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
An Indonesian lesson for Malaysia
An Indonesian lesson for Malaysia When Amien Rais was forced to resign as chairman of the council of experts in the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI), Anwar Ibrahim, who at the time was Malaysia's deputy prime minister, sent him a telephone message of sympathy.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Reformation of ABRI
Reformation of ABRI From Jawa Pos Every time a criminal act or a human rights violation is committed by members of the Armed Forces (ABRI), it says that it concerns certain "individuals". ABRI has hardly ever displayed a noble spirit by admitting openly that the act was in fact ABRI's official "policy". Various bloody cases in this country show factually that deviations do exist and that ABRI's level of morality is very low.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Soeharto must be held liable for wrongdoing'
'Soeharto must be held liable for wrongdoing' JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto must be held accountable for any mismanagement of financial and economic policies during his tenure, a constitutional law expert has said. Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the University of Indonesia's School of Law said here on Saturday that Soeharto's resignation on May 21 did not automatically absolve him of any misconduct he might have committed during his 32-year rule.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Azwar prepared to quit as PSSI chairman
Azwar prepared to quit as PSSI chairman JAKARTA (JP): All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) chairman Azwar Anas took the blame on Sunday for Indonesia's farcical defeat to Thailand in their Tiger Cup group match, saying he was prepared to step down on account of it. Azwar made his comments on welcoming the national soccer team back from the tournament in Vietnam, in which it finished third after beating Thailand on penalties in the third-place playoff.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pakistan exports sugar to RI
Pakistan exports sugar to RI KARACHI (AFP): Pakistan will bid for the export of about 200,000 metric tons of sugar to Indonesia this month, industry sources said Sunday. The Indonesian State Logistic Agency (INLA) has informed Pakistan it will float an international tender for the purchase of 200,000 tons of white sugar this month, a mill owner told AFP.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Farmers face harvest failure
Farmers face harvest failure JAKARTA (JP): Farmers in Tangerang are facing failed harvests as a result of a jump in the population of snails and rats in their paddy fields in the city's coastal districts. "Snails and rats eat young rice stalks," Jalirun, a farmer, was quoted by Antara as saying on Saturday.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Building autonomy in Indonesia's state universities
Building autonomy in Indonesia's state universities By Iwan Pranoto BANDUNG (JP): Universities are not merely buildings, but ideas and cultures remaking themselves. A university is not a place where professors just lecture on their subjects and present their thoughts, it is a place where learning and criticizing new ideas is actively encouraged. It is about finding alternatives.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN backs Thai bid for WTO
ASEAN backs Thai bid for WTO BANGKOK (DPA): The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed to support Thai Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panichpakdi's bid to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), reports said Saturday. ASEAN's endorsement of Supachai's candidacy was agreed at a recent meeting of senior officials in Vietnam and will be formally announced next week in Singapore, a Thai foreign ministry spokesman said.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Philippines imports sugar
Philippines imports sugar GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines (AFP): Some 46,000 metric tons of imported sugar are to arrive in the Philippines in November as part of government efforts to avert a looming shortage, President Joseph Estrada said Sunday. Estrada said the government had authorized the import of the sugar last month as depleted stocks will only last until October or November. "By that time, the 46,000 tons imported will be arriving," he told news conference here.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Action demanded against perpetrators of atrocities
Action demanded against perpetrators of atrocities JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) has urged the government to take legal action against all Armed Forces personnel involved in atrocities in Aceh during the military operations there. On Sunday Antara quoted a statement by an ICMI executive regarding Armed Forces (ABRI) members involved in murders, abductions and other violent acts in Aceh during the operations from 1989 to 1998.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Megawati states readiness to fight general election
Megawati states readiness to fight general election JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri, the ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), stated on Sunday that she was ready to stand in the upcoming general election and urged all party members to get ready to join the polls.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto says on TV he has 'not one cent' abroad
Soeharto says on TV he has 'not one cent' abroad JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto denied allegations on Sunday night that he has a personal fortune worth trillions of rupiah stashed both overseas and at home. Soeharto said that many people had fueled allegations that he had US$100 billion overseas and Rp 200 trillion (US$18 billion) at home. He said he faced the rumors calmly because they were not true.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Moslems demand fresh probe into Priok case
Moslems demand fresh probe into Priok case JAKARTA (JP): Moslem preachers and thousands of followers demanded on Sunday a fresh investigation into the 1984 killing of Moslems in Tanjung Priok, and that the military leaders at the time -- including former vice president Try Sutrisno and former Armed Forces commander L.B. (Benny) Moerdani -- be held accountable.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mining firms 'misperceived by public'
Mining firms 'misperceived by public' By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Mining Association has expressed concern over the spate of criticism currently leveled against the country's mining industry, saying much of the criticism is due to public misperceptions. Association vice president M.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Restructuring RI companies to create value
Restructuring RI companies to create value By Bernd Waltermann JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's executives and policymakers face difficult challenges in every dimension -- to simultaneously restructure the financial sector, reinvent the structure and practices of corporate enterprises and redefine government agencies and their policies.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:35 TV Series: The Big Valley 3:05 Management Program: Kiat Manajemen 3:30 TV Drama: Pintu Keluar 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Kita 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:30 Education Quiz: Tangkas Cermat 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports: Monitor Olah Raga 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Teen Quiz: Gita Remaja 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Variety Show 8:30 Religious Teachings: Hindu 9:00...
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
On riot mastermind
On riot mastermind My congratulations to Mr. Robin Peter Holman for his analysis on this subject under the title Why look for masterminds? in Your Letters on Sept. 1, 1998. What he wrote is exactly on many Indonesians' minds, but the people never ventured to speak out, bulldozed by outcries from the victims. But why has the government agreed to an investigation into the mastermind? This attitude is a time-honored Indonesian strategy to accommodate opposing opinions, so as to deflect a conflict.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chandra wins Formula Asia national c'ships
Chandra wins Formula Asia national c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Veteran driver Chandra Alim edged Fino Saksono in the fourth and final leg of the Formula Asia autoracing championship on Sunday to overtake his perennial rival in the standings and emerge the overall winner. Chandra, of the Green Sands & Shell team, set the pace from the flag-off to clock 19 minutes 14.874 seconds for the 12 laps.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Dollar liquidity crisis
Dollar liquidity crisis Please allow me to take the liberty to comment on A way out of the liquidity crisis by Mr. C.J. de Koning which appeared in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25. In the article the author reduces the current crisis to a simple problem of U.S. dollar liquidity. It is almost tempting to agree with that conclusion, however if one digs deeper it becomes plain that U.S.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore shaken by Malaysian capital policy
S'pore shaken by Malaysian capital policy SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has been badly shaken by drastic capital controls imposed in neighboring Malaysia and is anxiously tracking the political crisis triggered by the sacking of deputy premier and finance minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bangkok stresses city will be ready to host Asiad
Bangkok stresses city will be ready to host Asiad By Mick Elmore BANGKOK (DPA): Bangkok's planned eight-year march to prepare to host the 13th Asian Games in December turned into a sprint last year when organizers admitted little had been accomplished in the first six years and time was running out. But now the planners insist everything will be ready in time. The 13th Asian Games from Dec. 6 to Dec.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ships suspected of exporting rice held
Ships suspected of exporting rice held CILACAP, Central Java (JP): Two ships carrying 70 and 80 metric tons of rice were impounded on Saturday morning at the Tanjung Emas harbor in Semarang on suspicion they were about to export rice. Central Java Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi said the crew claimed the ships, which were not identified, were heading for Kalimantan and were carrying ocean fishing equipment.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bulog to honor deals despite end of monopolies
Bulog to honor deals despite end of monopolies JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Rahardi Ramelan said on Saturday the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) had completely stopped importing sugar, soybeans and wheat following a recent removal of the government's subsidies on the commodities. Rahardi, also Bulog's acting chairman, said the agency nonetheless would honor all its existing import contracts despite the removal of its import monopoly.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Bangladeshis jailed for fraud
Bangladeshis jailed for fraud JAMBI: Jambi District Court on Saturday sentenced four Bangladeshi nationals to six months in jail for illegally obtaining Indonesian citizenship. The four, identified as Rezal, 24, Kemal, 23, Hasyim, 30 and Musa, 28, were also found guilty of having entered Indonesian territory without the necessary documents such as legal entry permits and passports.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Burglar arrested for stealing TV
Burglar arrested for stealing TV JAKARTA (JP): A construction worker was arrested on Saturday for breaking into a house belonging to one of The Jakarta Post's photographers in Sunter, North Jakarta, on the previous day. The suspect, identified as Wantu, was believed to be familiar with the house because he helped to build it two years ago. The photographer, I.G.G.P. Bayu Ismoyo, said Wantu only stole a 14-inch color television set.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japati charges
Japati charges From Kompas In my telephone May bill there are charges listed for the use of Japati service amounting to Rp 4,950. As I have never used this service, I feel burdened by the charge. There is no mention of Japati in my June bill. However, my July bill greatly shocked me because there is a charge for Japati which amounts to Rp 17,500. The officer in charge explained to me that I was charged for the Japati service for taking part in TV quizzes.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police question eight people over Bekasi incident
Police question eight people over Bekasi incident JAKARTA (JP): Bekasi Police have questioned at least eight people following the death of a resident of Kampung Jati, Tambun subdistrict, on Friday. Bekasi Police chief Lt. Col. Adjie Rustam Ramdja said on Sunday the eight people included the widow of the 28-year-old victim, Muryanto, whose body was found floating in the Kali Malang river on Friday morning.
Mon, 07 Sep 1998, 00:00 WIB
Recession fears likely to affect local stocks
Recession fears likely to affect local stocks JAKARTA (JP): Trading in the country's ailing stock market is expected to further send stock prices down this week as fears of a lingering global recession and reports of escalating riots at home continue to kill market sentiment. Securities analysts said on Friday that most investors feared Russia's economic downturn, which has impacted some countries in Latin America, would further weaken Asian economies.