Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 October 1999

45 articles found

Myanmar boosts troops along Thailand border

Myanmar boosts troops along Thailand border MAE HONG SON, Thailand (AFP): Myanmar troops are pouring into border regions opposite Thailand's northern Mae Hong Son province and may be preparing to attack refugee camps here, sources said on Sunday. Ethnic minority leaders and Thai intelligence sources said an attack may be planned to retaliate for the seizure earlier this month of Yangon's embassy in Bangkok by pro-democracy student gunmen.

Students get scholarships

Students get scholarships BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Some 65,090 children in the province, from elementary to high school level, will receive scholarships in the 1999/2000 school year from the social safety net fund. Head of the South Kalimantan Development Planning Board Ismet Ahmad, who is also coordinator of the provincial safety net fund, said on Saturday that a total of Rp 12.713 billion had been allocated for scholarships.

INDRA plans to revise its debt relief scheme

INDRA plans to revise its debt relief scheme JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Debt Restructuring Agency (INDRA) plans to once again revise its debt relief scheme in a bid to attract more participants, according to executive secretary of the private sector debt restructuring team Irzan Tanjung.

U.S. official wants swift repatriation of refugees

U.S. official wants swift repatriation of refugees JAKARTA (JP): The United States government urged Indonesia on Saturday to carry out a swift repatriation of East Timor refugees who wish to return to their homeland and immediately halt and disarm militias to ensure security in refugee camps.

Levi's music contest next month

Levi's music contest next month JAKARTA (JP): High school students from several major cities will once again compete in the 1999 Levi's Music Brawl contest for cash prizes totaling Rp 14.5 million, trophies and gifts from the sponsors. For the first time, well-known clothes producer PT Levi Strauss Indonesia is cooperating with the Rotaract Club Jakarta Metropolitan to organize its third music contest, which will be held at Bengkel Nightpark discotheque in South Jakarta on Nov. 27.

Qureshi wins Futures tourney

Qureshi wins Futures tourney JAKARTA (JP): Aisam Qureshi of Pakistan won the US$150,000 Indonesia Futures F5 tournament after defeating Danai Udomchoke of Thailand 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in the final on Sunday. In the semifinal, Qureshi ousted Sebastian Da Costa of Indonesia 6-4, 6-2 on Saturday. Qureshi, seeded fifth, put up a tough game against the second seed of Thailand. Although Qureshi lost 5-7 in the first set, he did not give way to Udomchoke a victory in the second and third sets.

Presidential candidates may have to present their causes

Presidential candidates may have to present their causes JAKARTA (JP): For the first time, an Indonesian candidate may have to publicly justify before the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) why he or she is eligible to become president. Calls for a debate, or at the very least some form of verbal presentation, for presidential candidates grew stronger among Assembly members on Sunday. However, there were Assembly members who could not work out the technical aspects of such a presentation.

The clock is ticking for RI's television industry

The clock is ticking for RI's television industry By Antariksawan Jusuf JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian television stations are biting their finger nails as their future remains uncertain. The legacy of Indonesia's former president Soeharto's 32 years in power could still wreak havoc on terrestrial broadcasters for a few years to come.

MPR undecided over presidential election procedures

MPR undecided over presidential election procedures JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) completed deliberation on procedures of presidential nomination and election on Sunday, but left three major issues unresolved.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Museums * Bayt Al-Qur'an Museum, at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta (Phone: 8416466), Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Adam Malik Museum, Jl. Diponegoro 29, Menteng, Central Jakarta (Phone: 337403), Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. * National Museum, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta: (Phone: 3811551), Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m.

Dipasena names underwriters

Dipasena names underwriters JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) announced on Friday the appointment of Credit Suisse First Boston and state owned PT Danareksa Sekuritas to lead manage the initial public offering (IPO) of PT Dipasena Citra Darmaja.

Nippon, Cosmo Oil tie up

Nippon, Cosmo Oil tie up TOKYO (AFP): Japan's top oil distributor Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corp. said Saturday it was considering a tie-up with the third largest distributor Cosmo Oil Co. Ltd. "We are considering a tie-up with Cosmo Oil as we are facing the severe management environment and feeling the necessity to make drastic measures to cut costs," Nippon Mitsubishi Oil said in a statement.

Manokwari hit by earthquake

Manokwari hit by earthquake MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale shook the area surrounding Cendrawasih Bay here on Sunday afternoon. Antara reported that the quake's epicenter was believed to be 135 kilometers south of Manokwari and some 33 kilometers below sea level. The brief earthquake brought panic to the small town. However there were no reports of casualties or severe damage to buildings.

Limit president's term of office

Limit president's term of office Among the subjects being discussed by the ad hoc committee of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is amending the 1945 Constitution, including in regard to the president's term of office. From newspapers and other media I have become aware that there is a growing movement for a president's term to be limited to a maximum of two five-year terms. It is indeed a better idea than what is currently stipulated in our Constitution.

U.S. court issues verdict on Enim oil field dispute

U.S. court issues verdict on Enim oil field dispute WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): A California jury has handed down an $11.7 million verdict against Triton Energy Ltd. in connection with a nine-year-old dispute over the Enim oil field in Indonesia, according to a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. According to a Friday item from Federal Filings Business News, Triton failed to disclose the date of the verdict in the filing, but said it plans to appeal.

Fire claims 11 lives

Fire claims 11 lives WAMENA, Irian Jaya: Eleven people died and two others suffered serious burn injuries when a fire razed a house in Wagawaga village, Jayawijaya regency. Jumati, Jayawijaya's Assistant of Regional Administration Secretary, told Antara that the fire started when one of the victims knocked over an oil lamp in the Dani ethnic traditional house which was constructed of wood and tall grass. Out of the 13 people in the house, only two survived.

Foreign exhibitors shun RI

Foreign exhibitors shun RI JAKARTA (JP): Foreign exhibition organizers are reluctant to hold exhibitions in Indonesia due to uncertainty about the country's situation, Herman Wiriadipoera head of the Association of Indonesian Exhibitor Companies (ASPERAPI) said on Saturday.

Why Habibie must go

Why Habibie must go The past week certainly was a busy one for President B.J. Habibie. Looking after the routine daily affairs of state and government alone would be exhausting enough to sap the energy of any person in this time of crisis. But not for our spirited incumbent chief executive.

Foreign airlines see improvement in RI flights

Foreign airlines see improvement in RI flights JAKARTA (JP): Several foreign airlines have reported a turnaround in their business in Indonesia and expected the revival will continue in line with signs of the country's economic recovery. An executive at Japan Airlines said the business turnaround was seen in the improving load factor of some major airlines serving the country.

Portable CD-Writer, a perfect accessory

Portable CD-Writer, a perfect accessory By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): I've always recommended reformatting the entire hard disk and reinstalling everything -- Windows, antivirus utilities, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, etc. -- when your system has become so messy that it has slowed down considerably.

Quality is more important

Quality is more important I refer to the article in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 8, 1999 titled Drug rehab center turns away addicts. The title was inaccurate and misleading. Therefore, we need to clarify the state of affairs. It is true that the facility for drug addicts can only take 40 patients. In fact, that is how it was planned. We believe more in quality rather than quantity.

Three window washers killed as platform falls

Three window washers killed as platform falls JAKARTA (JP): Two of three window washers died instantly, and one died on his way to the hospital, when the scaffold they were using to wash windows on the sixth floor of the Tira building in Setiabudhi, South Jakarta, crashed to the ground, late Friday night, a city police spokesman said. Lt. Col.

RP upbeat on Taiwanese investments despite despute

RP upbeat on Taiwanese investments despite despute MANILA (AFP): Philippine officials are optimistic of attracting more Taiwanese investment despite concerns in the private sector about the cancellation of direct flights from Taiwan. Taiwanese investors scouting for opportunities in the Philippines have to go through a third country since Manila banned direct flights from Taiwan on Oct. 1 amid a row over alleged breaches of an air agreement.

A tale of Atma Jaya student's suffering

A tale of Atma Jaya student's suffering By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Most people go through their entire lives with an understanding that bullets normally either cripple or kill their targets. However obvious in language or attitude this seems, most have no way of knowing first hand how a single bullet can alter a person's life for good.

Two neighbors at odds

Two neighbors at odds I read with keen interest Sukawarsini Djelantik's article on the Australian media as well as Dewi Anggraeni's analysis of the lack of mutual understanding between the Australian and Indonesian peoples (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 7). These pieces are exemplary attempts to create a political environment conducive to improving the two countries' relations.

Closer presidential race to weigh on JSX

Closer presidential race to weigh on JSX JAKARTA (JP): Tightening competition around the country's presidential race will be a major influence on trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) this week, according to equity analysts. They said over the weekend that a change in the political map of the presidential battle caused by a sudden turnaround by one of the major parties would directly weigh on market sentiment.

Ethnic music gives new perspective to foreigners

Ethnic music gives new perspective to foreigners By Rita A. Widiadana CANDI DASA, Karangasem, Bali (JP): In modern countries like Australia and New Zealand, traditional music still has a place.

Golkar sticks with Habibie

Golkar sticks with Habibie JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar executive meeting which begins on Monday will likely retain the nomination of incumbent B.J. Habibie as its presidential candidate, senior party officials said. Golkar deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman told The Jakarta Post on Sunday that for the moment the party would have to retain the beleaguered President "as a matter of organizational principal".

Foreign firms still barred from fixed line telecom service

Foreign firms still barred from fixed line telecom service By Christiani S.A. Tumelap JAKARTA (JP): Foreign companies will still be barred from directly providing fixed line telecommunications service in Indonesia until the monopoly is lifted in 2010, according to the newly launched Indonesian telecommunications blueprint. Until then, foreign players may only enter fixed line service by becoming strategic partners of state domestic telecommunications provider PT Telkom.

Another dubious distinction

Another dubious distinction From Panji Masyarakat The protracted economic crisis and the happenings in East Timor have left us saddened and needing to take a deep breath. The behavior of some leaders and members of the political elite has worsened the country's dire situation. Our list of dubious distinctions is growing, from "world champion in corruption" to "an uncivilized country". The people have long since seen injustice and disorder in the management by the state but have remained silent.

Fund raised for victims

Fund raised for victims AMBON, Maluku: Some Rp 7 billion in donations and assistance has been raised for the Maluku administration to fund various rehabilitation and reconciliation programs in Ambon following widespread riots in the city since the beginning of the year. "The aid was raised by a special committee through a social gathering recently," Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina said on Sunday.

PNG to buy RI asphalt

PNG to buy RI asphalt JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Papua New Guinea will import asphalt from Indonesia through the state oil and gas company Pertamina's units in Jayapura. The head of the Jayapura unit of Pertamina R.A. Hadipurwanto said here Friday that the neighboring country would import the asphalt through several local companies including Hebou Construction, Shorncliffe Bitumen and Civil Engineering Construction and Papindo Trading Company Ltd.

Religious instruction relevant: Minister

Religious instruction relevant: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Religion class in schools remains relevant to the life of today's students due to their need to maintain moral values, Minister of Education and Culture, Juwono Sudarsono says. "At least religion class is one of the compulsory classes for students to graduate in, apart from the Indonesian language," Juwono told reporters after signing a joint agreement with Minister of Religious Affairs Malik Fajar on Friday.

Unidentified bodies buried in Bogor

Unidentified bodies buried in Bogor BOGOR (JP): After being stored and unclaimed for three weeks in the local Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Hospital's morgue, five unidentified bodies were buried at Blender Public Cemetery in Kebon Pedes on Sunday. Two morgue attendants, Yusuf and Suwitno, said the Rp 70,000 burial fees for each of the adult remains were covered by the hospital.

'Barongsai' awes Passer Baroe festival visitors

'Barongsai' awes Passer Baroe festival visitors JAKARTA (JP): Pasar Baru shopping complex in Central Jakarta turned into a venue for the Barongsai Chinese lion dance during its three-day shopping and cultural festival over the weekend. At least five groups from several districts of the capital displayed their talent in front of thousands of visitors starting on Friday.

Asia prepares for possible run on banks

Asia prepares for possible run on banks SINGAPORE (AFP): Asian central banks are backing up their calls for calm over the year 2000 Y2K computer problem by ensuring their economies have enough currency to cope with a possible run on banks ahead of the new year, officials said. Among economies that have already printed or will print money to cope with the computer bug are Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines, officials said.

Certified mail: Be sure your e-mail arrives

Certified mail: Be sure your e-mail arrives By Lim Tri Santosa BANDUNG (JP): E-mail has arrived. In just a few years, it has become the preferred means of business communication. But despite the near ubiquity of E-mail, most people do not entrust sensitive business documents to it. The preferred means of transport for such documents is usually certified or overnight mail. Too much can go awry with E-mail, such as messages being lost, missent or, most ominously, being intercepted.

Govt to revise tax laws

Govt to revise tax laws JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to revise the country's six tax laws in order to simplify tax collection and increase tax coverage, according to a senior official at the directorate general of taxation. The director for Value Added Tax, Sjarifuddin Alsah, said here on Friday that the drafts on the proposed changes to the tax laws would be prepared by his office and the Tax Dispute Settlement Agency (BPSP).

Protesters burn effigy of Interfet commander

Protesters burn effigy of Interfet commander JAKARTA (JP): There were a series of rallies over the weekend in which people protested a variety of issues. Most of the groups held their protests at the increasingly popular traffic circle in front of Hotel Indonesia. The Central Jakarta hotel is accommodating some of the newly elected legislators. On Sunday, the rallies were mostly held by supporters and opponents of the nomination of B.J. Habibie as the country's next president.

Glodok market to be rebuilt in December

Glodok market to be rebuilt in December JAKARTA (JP): The construction of the popular Glodok electronics market in West Jakarta, which was burnt to the ground during last year's May riots, is expected to start in December this year, a company executive said on Saturday. Ivo Edwin Aryanto, spokesman for the city-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya, said the market would be developed into a seven-story building from the original five-story building.

RI maid acquitted of complicity

RI maid acquitted of complicity SINGAPORE (DPA): An Indonesian maid who claimed she felt compelled to obey her Singapore employer's instructions to help him commit suicide has been acquitted, a report said on Sunday. Deputy public prosecutor Ne Cheng Thiam told the district court on Saturday he was withdrawing the charge of abetting a suicide after considering the facts of the case and taking into account a psychiatrist's report, The Sunday Times reported.

No vendors at Mall

No vendors at Mall BANDUNG: Business around Cibadak Mall here was still far from normal on Sunday following a brawl which broke out between merchants and nearby residents late on Friday. The over 300 vendors, usually situated around the mall, were nowhere to be seen following a pledge by administration officials to clear the area of sidewalk hawkers. The melee erupted when a pedicab driver struck a vendor's cart which was parked at the side of the road.

Truck hijacked on Cipaku toll road

Truck hijacked on Cipaku toll road BOGOR (JP): Three men hijacked a truck carrying 53 loudspeakers and 6.34 tons of fertilizer at the Cipaku tollgate in Tangerang on Thursday, police said over the weekend. Bogor Police chief Lt. Col. Ade Husen said on Friday his men were tracing the whereabouts of the hijackers and that they had arrested Roni Kristian, an alleged fence for the stolen goods.

State cars kept by councilors

State cars kept by councilors BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Councillors at the Bengkulu City Council apparently don't know the meaning of state owned property. At least that's the impression many get when they "refuse" to return official automobiles despite the end of the their term in office. Local Council speaker Djali Affandi lamented on Saturday that many former councillors had neglected to return their official automobiles despite previous notification.

Indonesia policeman dies in clash with UN force

Indonesia policeman dies in clash with UN force JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian policeman was killed and two others injured on Sunday afternoon when soldiers from the International Force for East Timor (Interfet) shot at a border post, the Indonesian Military (TNI) said. The incident occurred when a company of Interfet soldiers and five tanks approached the border of East Nusa Tenggara in the Montael area.