Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 October 1999

65 articles found

Asia expects foreign capital

Asia expects foreign capital SINGAPORE (DPA): Eighty percent of Asian chief executive officers believe the region's economic upswing will be sustained only with foreign capital inflows, a survey showed on Monday. The significant role of foreign infusions does not constitute a loss of control for East Asian nations, according to the findings unveiled at the World Economic Forum's summit in Singapore.

Japan's investors adopt wait-and-see attitude on Indonesia

Japan's investors adopt wait-and-see attitude on Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) president Ikuta Shoichi said on Monday that Japan was still optimistic about Indonesia's economic future but investors had adopted a wait-and-see attitude for the new government to be formed. Shoichi told reporters that national instability due to political uncertainty and corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) had affected the economic sector.

Thousands plunder disused sugar factory

Thousands plunder disused sugar factory PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Thousands of Banyumas residents have plundered the closed Kalibagor sugar factory, making off with hundreds of meters of railway tracks and other steel materials. Banyumas Police chief J.H. Hutauruk said the looting started on Saturday and that he assigned a battalion of mobile police to disperse looters. Hutauruk said about 200 tons of steel were stolen, including steel columns, sugar milling equipment and roof trusses.

Demos banned at HI's traffic circle

Demos banned at HI's traffic circle JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta administration and security authorities temporarily prohibited protests and rallies at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in the heart of the capital beginning on Monday. As the announcement was being made, some 2,000 supporters of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, a leading candidate in Wednesday's presidential election, gathered at the traffic circle.

MPR commission agrees to revoke E. Timor decree

MPR commission agrees to revoke E. Timor decree JAKARTA (JP): A commission from the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) agreed on Monday to allow East Timor to separate from Indonesia without any conditions. The Commission B for non-state policy guidelines accepted in a plenary session the draft decree proposed by a task force that acknowledges the Aug. 30 independence vote in East Timor.

Jakarta's Plaza de Mayo

Jakarta's Plaza de Mayo Doubtful as it may be that Jakarta's growing numbers of angry young people will readily obey the ban which the city's metropolitan police chief, Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman, issued on Sunday on holding public rallies at and around the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, there is little reason to mistrust the good intentions that apparently underlie the decision.

Bogor streetwalker wants fair treatment

Bogor streetwalker wants fair treatment BOGOR, West Java (JP): The Bogor administration apparently plays favorites. It arrests streetwalkers but has not touched prostitutes working out of nightspots. The accusation was made by a streetwalker being tried in court for disrupting public order. "The administration should have been just.

PDI-P executive plays down threats of revolution

PDI-P executive plays down threats of revolution JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) executive Theo Syafei calmed fears over threats by overzealous party members that it would mobilize a mass movement for a revolution if party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri was not elected as president. Theo said on Monday the statements should not be taken seriously and were pure rhetoric.

Insurance firms ready to meet 5% target

Insurance firms ready to meet 5% target JAKARTA (JP): A new solvency margin requirement recently introduced by the Ministry of Finance is unlikely to create difficulties for insurance companies, an industry figure said on Monday. Indonesian Insurance Council executive A.W. Ismed said most insurance companies were prepared to meet the target. "We're confident that life insurance companies will have no difficulty in achieving the 5 percent target next year," he said.

Istiqlal bomber receives 38-month jail term

Istiqlal bomber receives 38-month jail term JAKARTA (JP): Judges at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced on Monday the main defendant in last April's bomb blast at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque -- Surya Setiawan, alias Wawan -- to 38 months in jail.

Thai banks open to foreign investment

Thai banks open to foreign investment SINGAPORE (Reuters): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai on Monday threw open the doors of the Thai banking industry to foreign investment, urging more equity interest. "In Thailand there had been extensive overhaul of laws and regulations and it can be said there is now an open door for foreign participation in our banking sector," he said at a question and answer session at the East Asia Economic Summit.

Rates for tax payment, valid from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24

Rates for tax payment, valid from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 7,780.00 Austrian schilling 1 601.06 Australian dollar 1 5,035.99 Belgian franc 1 205.03 Canadian dollar 1 5,250.73 Swiss franc 1 5,190.13 Deutschemark 1 4,230.79 Danish krone 1 1,132.54 French franc 1 1,260.88 Poundsterling 1 12,856.45 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,001.35 Italian lira 100 427.15 Japanese yen 100 7,246.65 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,047.37 Dutch guilder 1 3,753.19 New Zealand dollar 1 3,955.35 Norwegian krone 1 1,011.62...

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 18, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,175 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 50 18,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,500 0 2,464,500 Anwar Sierad 225 0 25,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

City administration to establish homepage

City administration to establish homepage JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta administration intends to set up a homepage, giving members of the public, most of whom are reluctant to get in touch with city officials and employees, a chance to obtain more information about programs the administration runs, an official said on Saturday.

Mass rallies fan out across the country

Mass rallies fan out across the country JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta and several other major cities across the country played host to mass street rallies airing various grievances on Monday. No clashes were reported as of last night. The rallies, mostly staged by university students, included one objecting to the almost daily student demonstrations in Jakarta and several showing support for Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Habibie's comedy act?

Habibie's comedy act? From Neraca The media reported that President Habibie ordered the law enforcing apparatus to investigate the Bank Bali scandal thoroughly. Thumbs up for his stance! The police then started their investigation and detained a number of civilians. I am unsure as to whether the duty of a president is complete with the issuance of an order. Is there a need for the president to know whether his order has been executed or not?

Problem PDI-P legislators replaced

Problem PDI-P legislators replaced JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) revoked on Monday the membership of six Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) legislators and appointed six replacements from the same party. KPU chief spokesman Djoeharmansyah told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the memberships were revoked because their appointments violated a commission regulation and had sparked protests from the regencies which the legislators represented.

Bali's turtle slaughtered as illicit trade continues

Bali's turtle slaughtered as illicit trade continues JAKARTA (JP): An environmental group claimed the illicit trade in endangered turtles remained robust despite numerous laws which have been passed to fight the trade and protect turtles. The government recently issued Regulation No. 7/1999, which is meant to protect all turtle species. While Law No.

Favorite Aspac beats IM Texmaco 72-44

Favorite Aspac beats IM Texmaco 72-44 BANDUNG (JP): Favorite champion Aspac of Jakarta faced no difficulties in overwhelming Indonesia Muda (IM) Texmaco 72-44 in the first day of the fourth series of the 1999 A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League here on Monday. Separately, Citra Satria Pelita defeated underdog Siliwangi 88-64 in the second match at the Padjadjaran basketball stadium here. Citra Satria Pelita will meet IM Texmaco in Wednesday's first match.

President Habibie faces 'political trial' at MPR

President Habibie faces 'political trial' at MPR JAKARTA (JP): History repeats in itself. More than three decades ago the New Order regime under Soeharto gained the legitimacy to resume power after bringing founding president Sukarno before the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly in 1967 to account for the abortive coup attempt blamed on the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party.

Indocement Cirebon wins fourth HBIX Cup

Indocement Cirebon wins fourth HBIX Cup YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indocement Cirebon surprisingly won the fourth Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX Cup after defeating Gelora Dewata of Bali 2-1 at Mandala Krida Stadium on Sunday. Defending champion and host PSIM had to be satisfied with coming third after winning 3-2 against fifth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) runner-up Persebaya Surabaya.

IMF believes RI will stick to reform plan

IMF believes RI will stick to reform plan SINGAPORE (Agencies): The International Monetary Fund believes Indonesia will continue with its economic reform policies regardless of who wins the presidential contest on Wednesday. IMF First Managing Director Stanley Fischer said talks in Jakarta with the present government of B.J. Habibie, opposition parties and academics on the country's reform agenda didn't throw up "major differences" on economic policy.

Foundation offers better way of living

Foundation offers better way of living CIKADU, Banten, West Java (JP): There's nothing more important than living healthy. Everyone has the right to have access to clean water and enjoy a healthy life. In many cases, many people do not know how to live healthily. That's where outsiders can offer help and support, just as the South Bantenese Development Foundation does here.

Belo rejects plan to replace Australia as Interfet leader

Belo rejects plan to replace Australia as Interfet leader JAKARTA (JP): Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo rejected on Sunday a plan to replace Australia's leadership in the UN- mandated International Force in East Timor (Interfet) with Malaysia, considering the neighboring country's poor human rights record and its close ties with Indonesia, Antara reported on Monday. "Malaysia still has problems with (former economic minister) Anwar Ibrahim.

Journalists irked by tardy texts

Journalists irked by tardy texts JAKARTA (JP): The much-criticized bureaucratic protocol in the past is still very much alive, at least according to journalists. Members of the media upset by the fact that until Monday afternoon palace officials were still unable to provide copies of President B.J. Habibie's speech in his own defense, one day after the event took place. It was the second time that the journalists were angered by the late distribution of copies of presidential speech.

W. Java women's softball team to play in tourney

W. Java women's softball team to play in tourney JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Baseball and Softball Association (Perbasasi) has selected the West Java women's softball team to represent the country in the Asia Softball Championships in Shanghai, China, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7. One of the coaches of the West Java team, Wawan, said in Bandung on Monday that the championships would provide an opportunity for a tryout with other teams. "West Java is certainly proud to be chosen for the Asian meet.

Business community plans mass strike on Tuesday

Business community plans mass strike on Tuesday JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Indonesian business community threatened to stage a one-day strike on Tuesday if President B.J. Habibie and Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Wiranto continued their bids for the presidency and vice presidency, respectively. National Mandate Party (PAN) member Bara Hasibuan said on Monday intellectuals and professionals across the city were expected to join the strike.

Megawati tells MPR to heed voters

Megawati tells MPR to heed voters JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri appealed on Monday to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to heed the aspirations of the people when it elects Indonesia's next president on Wednesday. "The nation's political elite must put the interest of the people first," she said in a limited interview with Indonesian journalists. "After all, who holds the sovereignty?

Antigraft groups say show habibie the door

Antigraft groups say show habibie the door JAKARTA (JP): Major anticorruption groups are urging the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) not to reelect President B.J. Habibie on Wednesday in order to jump start the prolonged campaign to root out rampant corruption in the country. "The first step to root out corruption and abuse of power is to vote Habibie out of power," said Albert Hasibuan of the prestigious Gempita anticorruption movement.

Reconciliation: The key to healing wounds in East Timor

Reconciliation: The key to healing wounds in East Timor By Yuri O. Thamrin JAKARTA (JP): In a recent article published on Oct. 4 in Newsweek, Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo argued that the world has a moral obligation to defend the East Timorese from the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe inflicted by Indonesia. "The world owes my people", declared Bishop Belo. Belo's article is thought provoking. He put his point across loud and clear, in an elegant and articulate manner.

Wiranto declines Habibie's VP offer

Wiranto declines Habibie's VP offer JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie's presidential bid suffered a major blow on Monday when his handpicked running mate, Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Wiranto, in a nationally televised statement, said he would not enter the electoral fray. However, Wiranto snuck in a provision at the very end of his statement that he could reconsider "if the people really need it".

Tuesday's MPR Schedule

Tuesday's MPR Schedule 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Commission reports: Each commission allotted 30 minutes 2 p.m. Final overview of commission reports: Each faction allotted 20 minutes; Endorsement of MPR decrees 7 p.m. Preparations for presidential & vice presidential nominations 8 p.m. Formal submission of presidential candidates to the MPR

Two veeps

Two veeps From Suara Karya Presidential candidates have been a daily subject in the media of late. It is interesting to note that as for the vice presidency, some political circles want to see two veeps instead of one in the next government. The idea seems acceptable, but what is the law which supports this? As far as I know the president is assisted by one vice president, as mentioned in Article 4, Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution.

Taxi driver killed by passenger

Taxi driver killed by passenger JAKARTA (JP): Police believe a middle-aged taxi driver was killed by a passenger who refused to pay a Rp 30,000 (US$3.75) fare, which was still registered on the meter. The victim, Iwan Suharto, 50, was found with stab wounds to the abdomen. His body was found on the ground just 30 meters from his taxi by residents of Kampung Cibedekan, Bekasi.

Banten's Tanjungjaya village prepares self-reliance

Banten's Tanjungjaya village prepares self-reliance By I. Christianto The Jakarta Post, in cooperation with Banten West Java Tourism Development Corporation, is presenting weekly issues on the Banten region. This week's issue is on community development.

Children suffer in Aceh's many years of unrest

Children suffer in Aceh's many years of unrest By Tarmilin Usman ACEH (JP): Since Darwisah, 14, was a small girl, she nurtured an ambition to be a midwife. She hoped she would be able to financially support her poor parents through the career. But as a sixth-grader in elementary school, Darwisah has to be content with only the dream to become a midwife. It will be very difficult, if not impossible, for her to realize her ambition as she is now facing a great challenge for her future.

Robbery victim found dead

Robbery victim found dead TANGERANG (JP): The body of Udin, 30, a driver of a palm oil truck container who was robbed on Saturday along the Jakarta- Merak toll road, was found at an irrigation area in Ampel Kampong of Gembong village here on Sunday morning, police said. Udin's body was found by neighborhood chief Juha. "His hands and feet were bound by plastic rope and the eyes and mouth were sealed with tape. His body was full of stab wounds," Balaraja Police detective chief Second Lt.

Value of non-oil and gas exports expected to drop 15%

Value of non-oil and gas exports expected to drop 15% JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Exporters (GPEI) has estimated a 15 percent drop in the value of the country's non-oil and gas exports this year due a deterioration in the country's key economic indicators. "In terms of volume, the drop in country's non-oil and gas exports could reach 50 percent in 1999," the association said in an assessment report.

PwC audit reports on Pertamina area unfair: Martiono

PwC audit reports on Pertamina area unfair: Martiono JAKARTA (JP): The audit reports on Pertamina conducted by independent auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are unfair, the president of the state-owned oil and gas company, Martiono Hadianto, said on Monday. Martiono said the inefficiency reports were unfair because PwC used the world's major multinational oil and gas companies as the appraisal benchmark in its audit.

KONI hopes for sports-committed govt

KONI hopes for sports-committed govt JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) hopes the new government will commit to develop sports in the country because KONI has fallen short in fund-raising ideas to finance training for its athletes. KONI vice chairman Arie Sudewo and secretary-general Rudolf Warouw concurred on Monday that the organization must wait for the results of the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which will elect a president on Oct.

RI wrestlers set for SEA c'ships

RI wrestlers set for SEA c'ships JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Wrestling Association (PGSI) will send national wrestlers to the Southeast Asian (SEA) regional wrestling championships in Malaysia next month. PGSI's official in charge of athlete development Robby Nainggolan said on Monday the association would select a team from winners in the national wrestling championships in Medan, North Sumatra, in early October.

SIA-Australia deal

SIA-Australia deal SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore Airlines (SIA) Monday signed a marketing agreement with the Australian Tourist Commission to promote Australia in its Asian, European and African markets. The agreement covers a series of consumer and trade programs to be undertaken by the two organizations, the airline said in a statement.

For consideration of the MPR/DPR

For consideration of the MPR/DPR I hereby wish to put forward some observations which may be used by members of the People's Consultative Assembly/House of People's Representatives (MPR/DPR): 1. In the run up to the election of the new president of the Republic of Indonesia, I have noticed that there are two opposite camps of more or less equal size, namely the supporters of President Habibie and those of Ms. Megawati, who may well not only quarrel with each other but also kill each other. 2.

Indonesia needs a national unity govt

Indonesia needs a national unity govt By Omar Halim JAKARTA (JP): At the moment, Indonesia is at an extremely critical juncture. The process of reform, which was initiated by the people on the street, particularly the students, has been taking shape since mid-1998 when former president Soeharto stepped down. Much has been achieved since then.

PM Hun Sen unveils demining initiative at Queen Noor's visit

PM Hun Sen unveils demining initiative at Queen Noor's visit PHNOM PENH (AFP): Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday met with anti-landmine campaigner Queen Noor of Jordan, unveiling a radical plan to transform thousands of hardened soldiers into deminers. "The prime minister told Queen Noor that the government is planning to send demobilized soldiers to help in demining operations," said cabinet spokesman Eang Sophalette after the meeting.

Can Asia be spared another nuclear holocaust?

Can Asia be spared another nuclear holocaust? By Imron Cotan JAKARTA (JP): Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Pakistan and India were once considered the "threshold countries" which possessed the technical capabilities to become nuclear weapon states. Fortunately, after succumbing to regional and global pressures, Argentina and Brazil have both agreed to put aside their nuclear ambitions and have signed a number of regional and multilateral agreements to that effect.

Amien Rais' political acrobatics

Amien Rais' political acrobatics For all practical purposes, President Habibie delivered his accountability speech twice to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). It was only the President who spoke on Sunday. The people's representatives were not allowed to interrupt the President's speech and were not given the opportunity to question him afterwards because the entire allotted time was used by the President. This happened at the MPR under the leadership of the reformist Amien Rais.

Relations with Australia

Relations with Australia I refer to your article Alatas calls for cool heads in Indonesia-Australia ties on Oct. 9, 1999. We should break diplomatic relations with Australia. How can we just "cool down and attempt to reduce the heated atmosphere" as if nothing has happened. We should remember that many incidents have occurred. We have been humiliated, many soldiers have died and we have lost a province.

Moody's skeptical on Asia's growth outlook

Moody's skeptical on Asia's growth outlook SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Sovereign credit ratings in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia won't return to single-A status anytime soon given the weak prospects for sustainable economic growth, says ratings agency Moody's Investors Service. Moody's is "generally positive" with regard to sovereign credits in the region, but "remains skeptical in the medium term" about economic prospects in Asia, Moody's chief U.S. credit officer Kenneth Pinkes said Monday.

Privileges and benefits await president and vice president

Privileges and benefits await president and vice president JAKARTA (JP): When the country's new president is elected on Wednesday and the vice president a day later, what privileges and facilities await the country's top power holders? Under the 1993 decree of the finance ministry's Directorate General for Budgetary Affairs, the monthly salaries of the president and vice president are Rp 15 million (US$1,875) and Rp 10 million respectively. Their salaries are not everything. Law No.

KL Airport to go public

KL Airport to go public KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd will launch the sale of up to 49 percent of its shares to the public next week in the stock market's biggest offering in the last three years, officials and analysts said on Monday. Shares of the manager and operator of all airports in Malaysia are expected to be listed before the end of the year, company officials told reporters.

Singapore Airlines clarifies

Singapore Airlines clarifies I would like to thank Mr. Adrianus Hiyung Tjung for his letter headed Prompt service needed which appeared in this column of The Jakarta Post on Oct. 16, 1999. I am sorry Mr. Tjung had difficulties getting a seat on one our flights. I need however to clarify how the reservation system works. As he pointed out, we have seven flights a day on the Jakarta- Singapore route. We are usually able to accommodate requests for bookings.

Reporters mock passing 'President'

Reporters mock passing 'President' JAKARTA (JP): Freedom of speech is a symbol of democracy, but it takes a mature and educated public for it to work appropriately. Non-governmental organization activist Muke Mashud said recently she was saddened to see a crowd of reporters use freedom of speech to mock Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Gunungkidul hard hit by chronic water shortages

Gunungkidul hard hit by chronic water shortages Text and photos by Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): It's dusk in Pegunungan Seribu (Thousand Hills) in Gunungkidul regency. From the top of Planjan Hill, there is a beautiful lake of the same name. The scenery of blue water and leafless trees in the vicinity is simply breathtaking. But a closer look at the lake reveals something different. The lake has lost 70 percent of its water and is extremely dirty and stinky.

Gus Dur gets green light from spiritual guru

Gus Dur gets green light from spiritual guru JAKARTA (JP): Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid said on Monday he had received the green light from his spiritual mentor to make an all-out bid in the presidential election on Wednesday. "I will not take myself out of the nomination process and I will remain in the race until the election is held," Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, said.

Cikadu cultivates a more trained community

Cikadu cultivates a more trained community CIKADU, Banten, West Java (JP): It has been three years since a group called the Group for Developing South Bantenese began a project to improve the living standards of the population in Cikadu Kampong, Tanjungjaya village, Pandeglang, West Java. At that time, the group's focus was to support local people living at a new location in the Kampong.

Asian monies give up early gains, end mixed against dollar

Asian monies give up early gains, end mixed against dollar HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Early gains in Asian currencies were whittled away late in regional trading hours to leave regional markets mixed on Monday. The Thai baht, the Singapore dollar, and the Indonesian rupiah all advanced strongly in early trading, only to succumb to profit-taking later in the day. The Philippine peso also slipped in late trading to end the session lower.

Hospital suffers insult to injury in recent violence

Hospital suffers insult to injury in recent violence JAKARTA (JP): Located close to the scene of clashes between troops and students last week, private Jakarta Hospital has spent hundreds of millions of rupiah on the free treatment of those injured in the conflicts. Interviewed by The Jakarta Post on Monday, executives of the hospital also said that a number of valuable paintings hanging on the walls had been stolen.

Landslide kills four in Bali

Landslide kills four in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: Two consecutive landslides at two separate locations in Karangasem regency here over the weekend killed four people, including four-year-old twin boys. "Heavy rain eroded the soil and caused the landslide," Karangasem Police chief Lt. Col. I.B. Wirama said on Monday. The first landslide occurred on Saturday night at Gesing village in Selat district.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 18, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

PBSI to reconsider Olympics target

PBSI to reconsider Olympics target JAKARTA (JP): Disappointing play by Indonesian shuttlers in the US$120,000 V6 Danish Open in Vejle, Denmark, last week has caused some worry at the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI). The PBSI official in charge of athlete development, Christian Hadinata, said on Monday that due to the poor results in Denmark, the association would have difficulty setting its targets for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Four local players make it to Circuit 4

Four local players make it to Circuit 4 JAKARTA (JP): Four Indonesian tennis players defeated compatriots to make it through to the third round on Monday of the qualifying round for the Indonesia Women's Circuit 4. Veteran Irawati Moerid Iskandar, quarterfinalist in last week's circuit tournament here, defeated newcomer Diana Julianto 6-2, 7-5 at the Danamon tennis complex in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

Goh sees silver lining in Asian crisis

Goh sees silver lining in Asian crisis SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Monday the Asian financial crisis that wreaked havoc on the region had proved to have a silver lining, pushing it in the direction of more open, less corrupt economies.

Bogus antimalarials sold in Cambodia

Bogus antimalarials sold in Cambodia PHNOM PENH (AP): Bogus malaria medication is being sold in Cambodia, threatening many of the 80,000 infected people here, health officials warned on Monday. Low-priced versions of antimalarial medicines Mefloquine and Artesunate were recently found to be fakes packaged in bottles nearly indistinguishable from those used for the real medicine, he said.

Bug diet worries experts

Bug diet worries experts BANGKOK (AFP): The growing popularity of insect eating in Thailand has begun to worry experts concerned about the possible impact on the environment. A two-year-old study has found that Thais, traditionally partial to ants, giant water beetles and grasshoppers, have recently added 11 other insect species to their diet, the Bangkok Post reported.