Archive: 2 January 1999
46 articles found
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto's family owns 4.3m hectares of forest
Soeharto's family owns 4.3m hectares of forest JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said on Thursday former president Soeharto's family controls at least 4.3 million hectares of forest concessions in the country. Muslimin said in reference to his office's findings the 4.3 million hectares of forest were owned by the Soeharto family through their stakes in 65 timber companies.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
43 political prisoners freed, 26 rehabilitated
43 political prisoners freed, 26 rehabilitated JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi on Thursday presented the most precious New Year gift -- the freedom and rehabilitation of political prisoners. The government freed 43 more political prisoners on the last day of 1998 and rehabilitated the name and professions of 26 others who were released recently. Muladi said the release was stipulated in three presidential decrees effective on Dec. 31.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies flat
SE Asian currencies flat SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Singapore dollar was flat against the U.S. dollar early Thursday in Southeast Asian currency markets. Domestic markets elsewhere in the region, in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, were closed for holidays ahead of the New Year. Singapore-based brokers report minimal volumes in any of the regional currencies. At 0120 GMT (8:20 p.m. Wednesday EST) the U.S. dollar was quoted at S$1.6592, compared with S$1.6586 late Wednesday.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Prosecuting former president Soeharto
Prosecuting former president Soeharto From Media Indonesia The demands of some people that the government should prosecute former president Soeharto for his actions which have caused losses to the nation and the state, are, in my opinion, unrealistic. The reason is that the majority of the Reform Order personnel are those who were raised by Soeharto. I think it is better to wait until after the general election, when a new Cabinet will have been formed.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Village head gets jail time for scam
Village head gets jail time for scam BOGOR (JP): The Bogor District Court has sentenced E. Herdian, 51, head of Baranangsiang village, to four months in jail for issuing a fake land document permitting the sale of a 1,182- square-meter plot on Jl. Bina Marga. Presiding judge Martini said in her verdict on Wednesday that his offense violated Article 266 of the Criminal Code on land certificate falsification.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Pontianak airport upgraded
Pontianak airport upgraded JAKARTA (JP): The West Kalimantan provincial administration is upgrading Pontianak's Supadio Airport into an international gateway linking it to towns in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines, Antara reported on Thursday. Governor Aspar Aswin told the West Kalimantan legislative council in Pontianak that the landing strip of the airport was extended to 2,250 meters, sufficient for Boeing 737s, in 1997.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Batam tourist mark nears 1m
Batam tourist mark nears 1m BATAM, Riau: Tourist arrivals on Batam, one of the country's major gateways, have not been adversely affected by the turmoil in the last few months, with numbers for 1998 set to hit the one million mark. Data from the Batam statistics office shows 992,226 tourists visited in the first 11 months of last year. The island lies a few kilometers south of Singapore. The number is an increase of 3.15 percent from last year.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan firm to take back waste
Taiwan firm to take back waste SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Reuters): The Cambodian government said on Friday a Taiwanese firm will take back 3,000 tons of mercury-laced industrial waste dumped in southern Cambodia but compensation still had to be agreed. Minister of State for Information Khieu Kanharith told Reuters the government no longer planned to sue Taiwanese petrochemical giant Formosa Plastics over the waste but would be discussing a compensation payment with the firm.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
S&P keeps rating despite KL loan
S&P keeps rating despite KL loan KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Standard and Poor's will not immediately revise its poor rating on Malaysia despite news the country has secured a $1.35-billion loan from 12 foreign banks, officials at the international ratings agency said on Thursday. S&P officials in Singapore said there was no immediate need to revise its "BBB minus" for Malaysia's key long-term foreign currency rating. "We have taken into consideration some of the funding needs of Malaysia.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
NGOs decry drills in park
NGOs decry drills in park SURABAYA: The East Java branch of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) has condemned planned military exercises in the Pulau Sempu nature reserve as environmentally disruptive. The second infantry division of the Army Strategic Command based in Singosari, Malang regency, has announced the plan. Similar regrets were expressed by the Surabaya Legal Aid Office and the Care for Indonesia non-governmental organization, Antara reported Wednesday.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
AIDS spouses to have counseling
AIDS spouses to have counseling SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore is to make it mandatory for spouses of people with AIDS to undergo counseling, health minister Yeo Cheow Tong was reported on Friday as saying. The move was aimed at overcoming the problem of people with AIDS not wanting their families to be informed of their condition.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
People easily outraged
People easily outraged From Neraca We have, of late, been often startled by street brawls not involving secondary school students anymore but adult citizens. One example is a brawl between Rawajati and Pengadegan residents in the Casablanca area, Jakarta. The cause was simple: firecrackers. Outside the capital things are not better. In Surakarta recently, motorcyclists transformed a number of streets into a race course. Riots broke out. A police station was destroyed.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Saturday Maghrib 6:13 p.m. Sunday Imsak 4:09 a.m. Subuh 4.19 a.m.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Inflation rate surged to 77.63 percent last year
Inflation rate surged to 77.63 percent last year JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia recorded an inflation rate of 1.42 percent in December from 0.08 percent in November, sending the 1998 full-year inflation rate to 77.63 percent, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) announced Thursday. The inflation rate in 1998 was still lower than the 80 percent targeted by the government but it was far higher than the 11.05 percent recorded in 1997.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
New Year's Eve passes without major incident
New Year's Eve passes without major incident JAKARTA (JP): Despite dense crowds of thousands of revelers, New Year Eve's celebrations in the capital proceeded peacefully, upset only by minor disturbances. According to the city authorities, an hour before the passing of 1998 on Thursday about 100 residents in Karang Anyar subdistrict in Central Jakarta set fire to three shacks reputed to be brothels.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Exports estimated to rise by mere 1 percent this year
Exports estimated to rise by mere 1 percent this year JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Rahardi Ramelan predicts another difficult year for the country's exporters, choked by Indonesia's debt quandary and the gloomy world economic outlook. He said on Thursday that exports were projected to grow a mere 1 percent to US$43.4 billion this year. "There are two sides of the coin when it comes to making a plan.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government plans to privatize 25 state firms
Government plans to privatize 25 state firms By Reiner S. JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to privatize 25 state-owned companies in the 1999/2000 fiscal year to help finance the country's escape from the 17-month old economic crisis, according to the blueprint document for the restructuring of the 144 state- owned companies.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
22 foreigners netted in New Year's raids
22 foreigners netted in New Year's raids JAKARTA (JP): Immigration officers arrested 22 foreigners in a series of raids on immigration violators in the Tanah Abang area and on Jl. Jaksa in Central Jakarta on Friday. Otong Hasan, an official of the directorate general of immigration, said the foreigners had violated immigration rules, including overstaying their visas and working illegally in the city. He said the raids were conducted by two teams involving 50 officers.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Toll revenue falls 7% in 1998
Toll revenue falls 7% in 1998 JAKARTA (JP): State-owned toll operator PT Jasa Marga is estimating an almost 7 percent decline in toll revenue in 1998 in the wake of the country's acute monetary crisis. Revenue is predicted to fall to Rp 676.2 billion (US$84.02 million) from Rp 727 billion in 1997. Company president Wiyoga Adiwasito told a year-end news conference on Wednesday that the financial crisis had caused a sharp decline in the number of vehicles using toll roads.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Crisis is biting deep
Crisis is biting deep JAKARTA (JP): The following are accompanying tables for our Front Page story on the result of a survey about people's spending behavior during the current economic crisis. The survey was conducted before the Christmas holiday involving 1,250 people in five cities: Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar and Medan. 1. How do you plan to mark the coming festivities?
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt puts sports on back burner, minister says
Govt puts sports on back burner, minister says JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono concedes the government's attention to national sports is lacking and much needs to be done to polish the professionalism of coaches and athletes. During an evaluation of the past year in national sports held on Thursday, Agung said politics and the economic crisis were the government's priorities.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Robberies and looting on roads
Robberies and looting on roads From Bisnis Indonesia It is very saddening to learn from the newspapers that robberies and looting often take place on the roads along the north coastal area of Java, which results in scarce supplies of the basic food stuffs in the capital city. I wonder when the people will enjoy an atmosphere of safety in this country? Also, a feeling of insecurity is gripping those who plan to visit their hometowns and meet their families during the Idul Fitri holidays.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Vehicle maintenance losses reach Rp 7b
Vehicle maintenance losses reach Rp 7b JAKARTA (JP): Total loss of funds allocated by the city for the maintenance of official vehicles in the first eight months of this fiscal year was Rp 7 billion (US$933,333), not Rp 16 billion as earlier estimated, an official said. City secretary Fauzi Bowo said on Tuesday the Rp 7 billion loss was calculated for the maintenance of 6,851 vehicles reported in the budget calculation at the local inspectorate office.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hundreds evacuated in Poso
Hundreds evacuated in Poso JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of people in Poso, Central Sulawesi, whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed in rioting that has gone on since last Friday, have been evacuated to the local sports center. Antara reported from Poso on Thursday that most of the evacuees at the sports center were from the subdistricts of Sayo, Lombogia and Kasintuwu.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Banyuwangi blaze rages in market
Banyuwangi blaze rages in market BANYUWANGI, East Java: Dozens of kiosks in the traditional market in Kalibaru district, about 60 kilometers to the west of Banyuwangi town, were razed on Wednesday night. Many others also sustained damage. Antara quoted witnesses on Thursday as saying a short circuit was believed to have caused the 5:30 p.m. blaze. Strong winds fanned its spread. "There was a sound of an explosion during the fire," Achmad, a resident, said.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
It's spend, spend and spend (almost) as usual
It's spend, spend and spend (almost) as usual Religious traditions do not die even in times of acute economic crisis. As Christians marked Christmas, and Muslims will be observing Idul Fitri this month, we asked respondents in this survey how they planned to celebrate these festivities when the going is rough for just about everybody.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Abuse of power 'not a crime'
Abuse of power 'not a crime' By Adi Andojo Soetjipto JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office, under Indonesia's current legal system, will find it difficult to prove that former president Soeharto committed corruption or abused his power during his presidency. The abuse of power, an sich, is not a criminal act. It is an administrative measure that can only be corrected by an administrative procedure.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
1999, a perilous year for the local bourse
1999, a perilous year for the local bourse By Aloysius Unditu JAKARTA (JP): The country's financial market has gone through its worst doldrums year in decades with both the rupiah and local stock prices losing much of their value. Nevertheless, both the rupiah and stock prices have rebounded to some extent, shaking off some of the worst damage. The rupiah bounced back to 8,000 against the U.S. dollar from a historic low of 17,000 in January, 1998 and 15,250 in July, 1998.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir lashes out at foreigners
Mahathir lashes out at foreigners KUALA LUMPUR (AP): While exhorting Malaysians to cherish peace and unity in his annual New Year's message, Malaysia's prime minister once again lashed out against Western powers that he said were out to destroy his nation. "Their leaders, media, traders, international agencies, rating agencies and banks will resort to whatever means to achieve the objective," Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said in a speech late on Thursday.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
New Year's Eve gala undampened by crisis
New Year's Eve gala undampened by crisis JAKARTA (JP): Though many cities celebrated New Year's Eve modestly due to the prolonged economic crisis, customary live and loud music, fireworks and entertainment still highlighted the revelry in many areas. Heavy rain in some places accompanied solemn prayers and the reading of messages of peace in some cities, but failed to dampen the high-spirited celebrations in others, Antara reported.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings: Hikmah Pagi 6:00 Morning News 6:30 News: Nuansa Reformasi 7:00 Children's Program: Lagu Anak Nusantara 7:30 Cartoon 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:00 TV Drama 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt may cut CPO export tax to 40% in January
Govt may cut CPO export tax to 40% in January JAKARTA (JP): The government will slash the export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) from 60 percent to no lower than 40 percent by the end of January, Industry and Trade Minister Rahardi Ramelan said on Thursday. Rahardi said his ministry had determined the new export taxes for CPO and its byproducts and would soon recommend that the Finance Ministry initiate the tax cut after the Muslim Idul Fitri holiday, which will fall on Jan. 19 and 20.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
What's wrong with the nation?: Habibie
What's wrong with the nation?: Habibie JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie bade farewell to 1998 as he called on the nation to reflect on the tumult and violence of 1998, and to welcome 1999 with a sense of hope. "What is wrong with this nation?" Habibie asked in a speech broadcast nationwide on Thursday. "Why have we suddenly become so intimate with violence? Ours is supposed to be a civilized nation with great respect for ethics and morality.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Flood kills 8, injures 13
Flood kills 8, injures 13 JAKARTA (JP): Eight people died and 13 were injured when a flash flood hit a gold mining area in Bengkulu province, on the western island of Sumatra, Antara reported Friday. Villagers of Ketenong Satu discovered the bodies of seven gold panners and one of their children on Wednesday and the body of of another small child the next day beside a swollen river, the news agency reported.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Between hope and fear
Between hope and fear At least three major events await Indonesians in the coming year -- the general election, the general session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the formation of a new government. Given the condition which the nation is in at the moment, the general election will constitute a critical point. Our ability to cross it will greatly help to determine the nation's future and solve the problems we are at present facing, whether political, economic, legal or cultural.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Teaching of English
Teaching of English I was pleased to see the teaching of English in Indonesian schools, particularly the communicative approach, get such a good airing in Setiono's piece Flawed system in English teaching in the Dec. 28 edition of The Jakarta Post. I would like, however, as a proponent of the value of the communicative approach provided that it is used properly, to counter a number of the assertions made by Pak Setiono.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Student brawls
Student brawls From Kompas On Nov. 18, a student brawl erupted on Jl. Kramat Raya. Student brawls are a common occurrence, but on that day, the incident made me think about what was actually happening. Especially since fights have recently spread to citizens, too (Manggarai, Tanah Abang). On that day, I clearly saw how the high school students really wanted to harm their foes, and without regard for other people in the street, thus causing huge traffic jams.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
What safety net?
What safety net? The National Police's announcement before the New Year that the country's crime rate increased by 10 percent in 1998 was not as disturbing as learning the main cause for the upward trend: With poverty rapidly rising, more and more people are resorting to crime as a matter of survival. These past few weeks we have heard reports of highway holdups, targeting trucks carrying food supplies destined for urban centers. Some warehouses storing food stocks have been looted.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Body of slain serviceman found, ABRI says
Body of slain serviceman found, ABRI says JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces say an intensive sweep of East Aceh regency bore results on Thursday with the discovery of the body of one of eight servicemen reportedly attacked and kidnapped by residents near Lhok Nibung village. Second Private Tulus P. Sidabutar of the Bireuen 113 Infantry battalion was found dead with extensive head injuries. His body was discovered in the Arakundo River, East Aceh. Maj. Gen.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bus companies to get soft loans immediately
Bus companies to get soft loans immediately JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon disburse Rp 55.15 billion (US$7.35 million) in loans it pledged to 15 transportation companies in the capital, an executive of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) said on Thursday. Aip Syaifuddin, head of Organda's Jakarta office, said the loans, aimed at helping the ailing transportation sector, will be disbursed within the first two weeks of this month.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Home favorite wins marathon
Home favorite wins marathon HO CHI MINH CITY (AFP): Favorite Luu Van Hung narrowly won the Ho Chi Minh City marathon on Friday in a time of two hours 44 minutes and nine seconds. Hung, from Thanh Hoa province, finished 16 seconds ahead of Pham Quoc Quyen of Ho Chi Minh City with Nguyen Cong Nam from Ha Tay province a further 35 seconds back in third place. Cambodian Torithya was fourth in 2:52.40.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Donut employees bite back
Donut employees bite back SURABAYA: About 120 employees from 16 Dunkin' Donuts outlets here staged a peaceful strike on Wednesday demanding the resignation of personnel manager Herlawan W.D.P. According to one of the protesters, Dedi Susanto, they were dissatisfied with Herlawan, who allegedly dismissed 35 employees in the last eight months without clear reasons or proper compensation. Antara reported that dismissed workers were given between Rp 700,000 and Rp 740,000 in severance.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibition * Photo Exhibition: Dari Lengser Sampai Semanggi, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., until Jan. 14. Performances * Theater: Fragmen Semar Gugat, Teater Koma, at Teater Utan Kayu, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 7 p.m., Jan. 6. * Javanese Traditional Play: Wayang Orang Bharata, Aswatama Nglandak, at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Jl. Gedung Kesenian No.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt to provide 'Code of Ethics' for political parties
Govt to provide 'Code of Ethics' for political parties JAKARTA (JP): Respect other political parties. Don't threaten them, and respect all voters. Above all, avoid violence. These points are part of a Code of Ethics for political parties to be introduced soon by the government in a bid to ensure peace in the run-up to the June 7 general election. Disruption of peace is mainly expected to heighten during the campaign period.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
New Year's warmth hits Jakartans
New Year's warmth hits Jakartans JAKARTA (JP): The nightmares of 1998, the ailing economy and the gloomy expectations for 1999 did not stop Jakartans taking to major thoroughfares in the capital to celebrate New Year's Eve. A similar mood was also apparent in other big cities across the country, though celebrations varied.
Sat, 02 Jan 1999, 00:00 WIB
Defense calls for dropping of abduction charges
Defense calls for dropping of abduction charges JAKARTA (JP): Defense lawyers on Thursday called for the case against 11 Army Special Forces (Kopassus) soldiers accused of abducting activists to be dropped as prosecutors had failed to properly define the charges brought against them. Col.