Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 October 1999

57 articles found

S'pore warns against ASEAN protectionism

S'pore warns against ASEAN protectionism SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore urged fellow Southeast Asian nations Thursday to step up economic reforms despite the easing of a severe crisis, warning that a slide into protectionism would be ineffective and costly. As signs of resistance to short-term tariff reduction emerged in the region, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong stressed the need for more aggressive liberalization efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Tough job for the Assembly

Tough job for the Assembly Friday marks another milestone in the history of the 54-year- old Indonesian republic. On this day the second democratically elected People's Consultative Assembly convenes. Its members include all members of the House of Representatives. The first democratic Assembly this country established was in the wake of the 1955 general election, the first and only fair general election here until last June. The nation's journey toward democracy has been a long and rough ride.

Dietary, lifestyle factors affect hypertension levels

Dietary, lifestyle factors affect hypertension levels By Grace Segran DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Did you know that what you eat and what you do play a major role in determining whether you get hypertension or not?

People still accept power

People still accept power I would like to react to the letter from Amir Sidharta Megawati will never be queen (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 29, 1999), as a reaction to my letter Megawati, best choice for president (Sept. 28, 1999). In the first paragraph he mentions the fact that Megawati is the people's choice and it "should be taken into consideration". I find this a very strange statement. In true democracy, it is imperative that the people's choice is respected and carried out.

IMF softens its position toward Bank Bali scandal

IMF softens its position toward Bank Bali scandal WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The International Monetary Fund has softened its stance toward Indonesia slightly in relation to its demands for a resolution to the Bank Bali scandal, Indonesia's Deputy Central Bank Governor Miranda Gultom said Wednesday.

Tommy's verdict set on Oct. 14

Tommy's verdict set on Oct. 14 JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court will resume its trial of the controversial land exchange deal between wholesale firm Goro and State Logistic Agency (Bulog) in mid-October, court officials said on Wednesday. Judge R. Soenarto, who is presiding over the trial against defendant Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, said he would read the judges' verdict on Oct. 14. Also on Oct.

Mahathir commits contempt of court: Lim

Mahathir commits contempt of court: Lim KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian opposition leader Lim Kit Siang called Thursday for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to be investigated for contempt of court over comments on the Anwar Ibrahim trial. Statements by Mahathir in New York "undermine the administration of justice and seriously prejudice a fair trial for Anwar Ibrahim", Lim said in a statement.

Australia warned of further repercussions

Australia warned of further repercussions SINGAPORE (AFP): Indonesia's Trade and Industry Minister Rahardi Ramelan has accused Australia of mixing politics with trade and warned that Jakarta might expand a campaign to cut its commodity imports from Australia. He charged on the sidelines of Southeast Asian trade ministers' talks which opened here Thursday that Australian unions which staged a boycott of Indonesian cargo over the East Timor crisis sparked off the trade problem.

Embattled Baramuli says he has done nothing wrong

Embattled Baramuli says he has done nothing wrong JAKARTA (JP): Former Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) chairman Arnold A. Baramuli appeared confident on Thursday after being questioned as a witness in the US$70 million Bank Bali scandal. "I will never be declared a suspect," he said after being questioned at National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta.

Aussie arrested for abusing UNAMET visa

Aussie arrested for abusing UNAMET visa TIMIKA, Irian Jaya (JP): An Australian man has been arrested by local police for illegally entering Irian Jaya using a UNAMET- visa. Police said on Thursday that Saul Francis Dalton, a 26-year- old rural development technician from New South Wales, was arrested last Saturday. He is now in house arrest at Serayu Hotel in Timika.

Factions dispute timetable for General Session

Factions dispute timetable for General Session JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia looks certain to elect a president this month, but the exact timing of the election remains a source of contention among factions of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). On the eve of the start of the Assembly's General Session, two different timetables for the General Session have been put forward for the consideration of the 700-member Assembly.

Prospects of Habibie's presidential candidacy dim

Prospects of Habibie's presidential candidacy dim JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie's hope of renomination took another set back on Thursday when his leading supporter, Akbar Tandjung, conceded that support, outside of the Golkar Party, was dimming.

PAL cancels Taiwan flights

PAL cancels Taiwan flights MANILA (AFP): Philippine Airlines (PAL) canceled all flights to Taiwan from Friday due to a "still unresolved" aviation dispute, as Manila and Taipei both edged closer to scrapping direct air links. "As of 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) today, Philippine Airlines was forced to cancel its Manila-Taipei and Taipei-Manila services tomorrow ...

Novanto to remain KONI treasurer despite scandal

Novanto to remain KONI treasurer despite scandal JAKARTA (JP): Setya Novanto will remain in his post as National Sports Council (KONI) treasurer despite being detained by police on Wednesday. KONI secretary-general Rudolf S. Warouw said that although the police detained Novanto to further investigate his involvement in the US$70 million Bank Bali scandal, he would maintain his position in the council. "We can't just judge someone.

Bantar Gebang dump to close in December

Bantar Gebang dump to close in December JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta and Bekasi administrations agreed on Thursday to begin closing the Bantar Gebang garbage dump, long condemned as a health and environmental hazard, in December. "We have agreed to gradually close the Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi," deputy governor Budihardjo Sukmadi said after a meeting between officials of the Jakarta administration, led by Governor Sutiyoso, Bekasi councilors and Bekasi Mayor Nonon Sonthanie at City Hall.

Telkomsel raises tariff

Telkomsel raises tariff JAKARTA (JP): Operator of GSM cellular service Telkomsel announced on Thursday it would raise the call usage tariff for its prepaid product, simPATI, between one percent and 33 percent. The company said that the raise, however, will only affect local and domestic long distance (SLJJ) calls while the tariff for international calls will remain the same.

Bank Duta to transmit loans to village cooperatives

Bank Duta to transmit loans to village cooperatives JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Duta will assist the government in channeling Rp 20 billion (around US$2.35 million) in subsidized loans to village cooperatives. Bank president Suwarsono said here on Thursday Bank Duta would cooperate with PT Pos Indonesia and the Confederation of Primary Cooperative Associations (Inkud) in the disbursement of the loans.

Sweep nets 13 for visa overstays

Sweep nets 13 for visa overstays JAKARTA (JP): A drug raid carried out on Thursday by the mayoralty office and city police failed to net any drugs, but led to the detainment of 13 African nationals who had overstayed their visas. During the raid, 23 foreigners were detained, including one Indonesian national who was apprehended for allegedly helping to hide a wanted foreigner.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 6:45 Pancasila Sanctity Day Commemoration (live) 9:00 Talk Show 9:50 General Session of MPR (live) 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Student's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Arabic Lessons 5:00 Student's Quiz 5:30 TV Drama 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Pancasila Sanctity Day Commemoration (rerun) 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Performance 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Businessman robbed in Denpasar

Businessman robbed in Denpasar DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Four unidentified men robbed a businessman of more than Rp 180 million in a daylight robbery on Thursday. Local police spokesman Maj. Y. Suyatmo said Bambang Abdi, owner of Palapa Mulya car shop, had received Rp 185 million from a buyer for a secondhand Mercedes Benz sedan. Bambang put Rp 182.5 million in a bag and the remainder of the money was with the buyer after they left in the car from a branch of Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Suyatmo said.

'No firearms' for officers assigned to secure MPR

'No firearms' for officers assigned to secure MPR JAKARTA (JP): No firearms should be carried by the police and Indonesian Military (TNI) officers, safeguarding the inner and outer areas of the People's Legislative Assembly (MPR)/House of Representatives (DPR) complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, during the MPR General Session, a National Police spokesman said. Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar said on Thursday that the officers will only be furnished with anti-riot equipment.

DCR only issues local ratings

DCR only issues local ratings With respect to the article Bhakti set to issue Rp 200b in bonds (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 28, 1999), we would like to make a correction on the rating assigned by PT Kasnic Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Indonesia.

Petroz, Santos find RI gas

Petroz, Santos find RI gas MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): Australian oil and gas company Petroz NL. Thursday said it has discovered a new pool of natural gas in the Segat gas field in central Sumatra, Indonesia. The Segat-3 exploration well encountered the gas 545 meters underground, and initial tests flowed gas at a maximum rate of 10.43 million cubic feet a day, Petroz said in a statement. Thorough testing of the well will continue for another four days.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Oct. 1, 1999

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Oct. 1, 1999 Exhibitions * Painting, Ceramics Exhibition, at the Indonesia National Gallery Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3813021, 3848791), until Oct. 20. * Fine Art Exhibition by Shawnee Puti, Jl. Kemang Timur XVII no. 111, South Jakarta, until Oct. 15. * Sculpture Exhibition by Ibnu, at Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, Oct. 2-10.

Five killed in Timika clash

Five killed in Timika clash TIMIKA, Irian Jaya (JP): Five people were killed in a clash between native Irianese and migrants in the Irian Jaya regency of Timika, an officer said on Thursday. Sgt. Stefanus of the Timika Police told The Jakarta Post the number of casualties could rise once the police completed their investigation. Stefanus also said the police had yet to determine the cause of the clash. "What we have now is just a provisional report.

Wiranto gets thumbs down for his VP nomination: Experts

Wiranto gets thumbs down for his VP nomination: Experts By Novan Imam Santosa JAKARTA (JP): Observers gave a thumbs down to Golkar's nomination of Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto as a vice presidential candidate, saying he would be more of a liability than an advantage to his running mate.

ASEAN's deal to lower import taxes welcomed

ASEAN's deal to lower import taxes welcomed SINGAPORE (AP): Economic ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations said Thursday they welcomed agreements to lower import taxes within the region and make it more attractive to outside investors. "ASEAN has started the process of opening up its closed or restricted industries and sectors for investments," the ministers from the 10-member organization said in a statement.

Tourists warned off live volcano

Tourists warned off live volcano MANILA (AFP): Tourists were warned off the crater of Taal volcano near here on Thursday amid signs of possible eruption, a senior Philippine volcanologist said. "We may have a sudden explosion and that's the reason why we're saying the main crater lake is off-limits," said Raymundo Punongbayan, head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Merpati expects to earn Rp 900b in income this year

Merpati expects to earn Rp 900b in income this year JAKARTA (JP): State-owned airline Merpati Nusantara is expecting robust growth in operational income this year on the back of a sharp increase in the airline's load factor, a company executive said here on Thursday. Merpati president Wahyu Hidayat said operational income was expected to reach Rp 900 billion (about US$105.88 million) this year, far higher than last year's Rp 400 billion.

Israeli, ministers meeting rapped

Israeli, ministers meeting rapped KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's foreign minister came under fire on Thursday from the Islamic opposition party for a meeting he held with the Israeli foreign minister at the United Nations.

Good analysis

Good analysis I read with keen interest the two feature articles by Dr. Thee Kian Wie titled Why the West grew rich as the rest grew poor, which appeared in The Jakarta Post edition of Sept. 21, 1999 and Sept. 22, 1999. The critical review and analysis of David Landes' latest book, The wealth and poverty of nations -- Why some are so rich and some so poor, deserve congratulations and a pat on the back. I was highly impressed with the analysis, particularly when Dr.

WCs built for destitute residents

WCs built for destitute residents BOGOR (JP): At least 719 destitute families in Bogor lack toilets in their dwellings, Bogor health agency chief Aisjah Wan Granie said on Thursday. "To help ease their problems, the administration is building 599 toilets for them, slated to be completed in December," Aisjah said at the opening of a sanitation improvement program in Genteng village, south of here.

The role of intercultural literacy

The role of intercultural literacy By Mark Heyward BOGOR, West Java (JP): It is sad to see expatriates living and working in this country who are not only illiterate in Bahasa Indonesia but are also illiterate in terms of the broader competencies, understandings, attitudes and identities necessary for effective engagement in Indonesian society.

Tangerang troops deployed for MPR

Tangerang troops deployed for MPR TANGERANG (JP): Seven companies numbering about 700 personnel from Tangerang-based joint-forces security troops will be deployed to help safeguard the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto said on Thursday that the troops would be stationed at gateways to Jakarta, such as Bitung, Kebon Nanas, Batu Ceper, Ciledug, Serpong and the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Rima Melati new cafe in town

Rima Melati new cafe in town JAKARTA (JP): Movie actress Rima Melati has joined the growing trend of artist restaurateurs by opening Colours, the new cafe in the basement of Menara Thamrin (Thamrin Tower) on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta. Jakartans will recognize the place, formerly known as Pete's Tavern Pub, which operated from 1984. "We changed the name and layout of the building to attract young people to visit our restaurant.

Teater Shakespeare returns to TIM

Teater Shakespeare returns to TIM JAKARTA (JP): Teater Shakespeare, which won praise for its previous two plays, returns to the stage with Tidak Ada Jalan Keluar (No Way Out) at Taman Ismail Marzuki cultural center here from Oct. 8 and Oct. 10. Founded in 1992 by students and alumni of the Jakarta Arts Institute, the group is scheduled to perform the play in Bandung from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15.

S'pore tourist arrivals up

S'pore tourist arrivals up SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Tourist arrivals to Singapore posted double-digit growth for the third consecutive month, rising 10.5 percent in August to 629,910 visitors from the same month last year, according to figures released by the Singapore Tourism Board Thursday. Arrivals from Asia grew 11.1 percent in August, while arrivals from Europe rose 8.7 percent and arrivals from the Americas climbed 12.6 percent.

A second chance for EU films

A second chance for EU films JAKARTA (JP): Film lovers disheartened by last week's cancellation of the European Union Film Festival have been able to take heart from a belated chance to enjoy the quality movies. The British Council, French Cultural Center, Goethe Institute and embassies of Belgium and Italy decided to show some of the films before they were returned to their distributors. They are to be screened at the British Council, S. Widjojo Center, Jl. Jend.

Correct my books, Pramoedya urges

Correct my books, Pramoedya urges JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's most internationally acclaimed writer has, in an unusual request to readers, invited his compatriots to inform him of any mistakes they may find in his latest books. "It is my hope that all elements of society will correct the less accurate data or facts in my books. This is for the interest of all of us (as a nation)," Pramoedya Ananta Toer said at a book launching at Teater Utan Kayu on Wednesday.

No decision on planned merger of Telkom, Indosat

No decision on planned merger of Telkom, Indosat JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng said Thursday that the government had not yet made up its mind on the proposal to merge state domestic telecommunications operator PT Telkom and state international telecommunications provider PT Indosat into one business entity. Tanri said that Telkom would make a presentation to the government on Monday on its merger proposal.

INRO decides to wind up after three members quit

INRO decides to wind up after three members quit KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Members of the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO), the world's last commodity agreement with economic influence, decided Thursday to wind up the body following the withdrawal of three exporting members.

U.S. firms win RI suit

U.S. firms win RI suit DES MOINES, Iowa (Dow Jones): Two indirect units of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.'s, Himpurna California Energy Ltd. and Patuha Power Ltd., received interim awards in arbitration lawsuits against the Republic of Indonesia. In a press release Wednesday, MidAmerican said an international arbitration panel decided on the awards.

Automated ticketing system

Automated ticketing system JAKARTA (JP): National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will use an automated ticketing system for all reservations for the airline's flights starting Oct. 1. Garuda's spokesperson Pujobroto said that the automated ticketing system would help travel agents to process and confirm reservations faster and more accurately. "In the future, we're going to make the automated system a prerequisite for all travel agents who sell Garuda's tickets," he said.

Bambang replaces Tugiyo in Asia Cup qualifier

Bambang replaces Tugiyo in Asia Cup qualifier JAKARTA (JP): The 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games soccer team striker, Bambang Pamungkas, will replace Tugiyo in the national team for the pre Asia Cup. Coach Nandar Iskandar said on Wednesday that Tugiyo had to resign as a result of an injury during a tryout match in Manado, North Sulawesi.

A political comedy of errors

A political comedy of errors What we are currently seeing on Indonesia's political stage is a play about democracy performed by political actors who have lost their sense of logic. Observe Megawati Soekarnoputri, whose party won the most votes in the June general election, yet is acting like a loser. The consequence is that she is in danger of being left behind. Golkar's B.J.

U.S wants TNI under civilian control

U.S wants TNI under civilian control JAKARTA (JP): The United States wants to see the Indonesian Military (TNI) under the control of a civilian government, visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen said on Thursday. "We hope that the military would, in fact, be subordinate and subject to the governance and rule of civilian officers," Cohen told a media conference at the end of a one-day visit devoted mainly to East Timor and Indonesia's process of democratization.

Timor criminals must be tried at home: Rights body

Timor criminals must be tried at home: Rights body JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights here on Thursday defended the government's rejection of an international tribunal on alleged rights abuses in East Timor as a soon to be established national tribunal would be sufficient.

Winds of change sweep the Assembly

Winds of change sweep the Assembly JAKARTA (JP): Hope is high that the seeds of democracy, sowed during the June general election, will bear fruit when the 700 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) legislators begin their terms on Friday. A number of people blacklisted during the New Order regime for their stiff opposition to the rule of Soeharto will be among those sworn in to the new Assembly, which will hold its General Session.

Houses donated for refugees

Houses donated for refugees YOGYAKARTA: Local residents have collected funds to build 200 knocked-down bamboo houses to be donated to East Timorese refugees, Governor Hamengkubuwono X said on Thursday. "This is a contribution from the people of Yogyakarta for our brothers and sisters from East Timor who are currently suffering in a war zone," Hamengkubuwono told reporters. The provincial administration of Yogyakarta will organize and build the houses, which cost about Rp 2.5 million each. (44)

Mining firms suspend gold projects amid unrest

Mining firms suspend gold projects amid unrest JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed state-owned mining companies PT Tambang Timah and PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) said on Thursday they suspended gold mining projects amid political riots that have shaken several parts of the country. President of tin mining firm PT Tambang Timah Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said the company suspended its gold exploration projects in Aceh, East Kalimantan and West Kalimantan due to political unrest there.

Malaysian elections in 2000? Don't bet on it

Malaysian elections in 2000? Don't bet on it By Nelson Graves KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says he wants to wait until the sex trial of his former deputy Anwar Ibrahim is over before calling elections. Most expect the plodding trial to last at least until the end of the year. So polls in 2000? Perhaps not. "Mahathir has a knack of throwing red herrings," said a political analyst with a local think tank.

PAL not Y2K compliant

PAL not Y2K compliant MANILA (Reuters): Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, media giant ABS-CBN, and the government's Bureau of the Treasury and Bureau of Customs are not yet ready for the millennium bug, a government report said on Thursday. The Philippine Presidential Commission on Year 2000 Compliance published the report in two major dailies identifying a list of companies and government departments which had still not completed millennium bug preparations.

Panasia rebounds to beat Aspac 61-56

Panasia rebounds to beat Aspac 61-56 By Ivy Susanti SURABAYA (JP): Defending champion Panasia Indosyntec edged arch rival Aspac 61-56 on the second day of the third series in the 1999 A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League on Thursday evening. Eastern division champion Panasia was down 23-33 at the end of the first half, but rebounded in the final minute of the game to steal victory at the Pacific basketball stadium. The Bandung club is undefeated in five games.

BNI expects to sign recapitalization program

BNI expects to sign recapitalization program JAKARTA (JP): President of publicly listed Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Widigdo Sukarman said on Thursday the bank expected to sign its recapitalization program with the country's banking authorities sometime next week. He said the state bank was still finalizing its business plan with consulting firm Arthur Andersen.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 30, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 30, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 0 0 AHAP Insurance 550 25 2,500 Alakasa Industrindo 250 0 5,000 Alter Abadi 250 0 40,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,400 200 118,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 -100 2,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,450 -50 5,122,000 Anwar Sierad 175 25 272,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Rallies hit Jakarta ahead of MPR session

Rallies hit Jakarta ahead of MPR session JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta and several other big cities witnessed a more street protests on Thursday, ahead of the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). The rallies -- staged by students, activists, NGO members and political party supporters -- protested different issues, ranging from protests against the governments of the United States and Australia, President B.J.