Archive: 2 October 1999
51 articles found
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
The students' voice
The students' voice From Rakyat Merdeka Gen. Wiranto apparently has difficulty in giving a reason why students hold demonstrations, most recently on rejecting the state security bill, other than accusing them that their demonstrations are not purely motivated since they are guided by other sides and financed by certain groups.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
New edition of 'Merdeka' daily
New edition of 'Merdeka' daily JAKARTA (JP): One of the pioneers in Indonesian newspapers, the Merdeka daily, reappeared again on Friday after a six-month hiatus. The daily, first published in 1945, appeared in a 12-page edition under a new masthead. "However, the spirit is still the same," Merdeka manager Dodie Hermawan said on Friday. Dodie said some Rp 4 billion (US$470,588) was injected into the paper for its return. Merdeka daily was established by the late B.M.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur heads race for MPR top job
Gus Dur heads race for MPR top job JAKARTA (JP): Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid was tipped by major parties on Friday to take the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker post. Zarkasih Nur of the United Development Party (PPP) said after the swearing in ceremony of MPR members that Muslim-based parties grouped in the "axis force" had given a green light to the nomination of Abdurrahman, also known as Gus Dur.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
From E. Timor to Aceh
From E. Timor to Aceh Indonesia's modern history closed an unhappy, if not tragic, chapter this week with the ending of its often brutal 24-year rule in East Timor. Any claim to the territory, legitimate or otherwise, ended with the hand over of security arrangements in East Timor from the Indonesian Military (TNI) to The International Force for East Timor (Interfet).
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jockeying for power sacrifices reform
Jockeying for power sacrifices reform "Prepare to bid farewell to reform if all presidential aspirants continue to jostle for power," political researcher Muhammad A.S. Hikam said in an interview with The Jakarta Post. Question: Fifty-one members of the National Awakening Party (PKB) who became members of the People's Consultative Assembly have declared under a bai'at on Wednesday to vote for Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Aussie miners return to East Kalimantan
Aussie miners return to East Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Australian mining staff, who evacuated the province of East Kalimantan two weeks ago amid rising anti- Australia sentiments, have been returning to the province after being assured of their safety, several coal mining companies said on Friday. Coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, which pulled out all its Australian staff and their dependants from the province on Sept.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Let Indonesians choose a ruler
Let Indonesians choose a ruler By Nova Poerwadi JAKARTA (JP): Donna K. Woodward commented that it would be a pity if presidential frontrunner Megawati Soekarnoputri were "mistaken for a reform leader" (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 28, 1999). Woodward based her comment on the Sept. 20 edition of Newsweek, where Megawati blasts incumbent B.J. Habibie for not being far-sighted enough in dealing with the self-determination ballot in East Timor.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN, Australia and NZ consider free trade area
ASEAN, Australia and NZ consider free trade area SINGAPORE (AP): Economic ministers from Southeast Asian nations and counterparts from Australia and New Zealand said Friday they will consider establishing a free trade area for the entire region by 2010. The ministers recognized the "significant potential" of area economies "to create synergy through strengthened trade and investment linkages," the ministers said in a joint statement.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Robinson set to head probe on East Timor
Robinson set to head probe on East Timor UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): Mary Robinson, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was appointed on Thursday to investigate atrocities in East Timor and said she would have specialists on the ground sometime next week. Secretary-General Kofi Annan formally gave Robinson the responsibility on Thursday after the 53-nation Human Rights Commission voted for the inquiry in Geneva on Monday despite objections from Indonesia which has rejected the probe.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia Muda goes down to Bima Sakti in thriller
Indonesia Muda goes down to Bima Sakti in thriller By Ivy Susanti SURABAYA (JP): Bima Sakti Nikko Steel of the Eastern division beat Indonesia Muda (IM) Texmaco of the Western division by a narrow margin 62-60 on the third day of the A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League's third series at the Pacific basketball stadium on Friday. Earlier, Cahaya Lestari Surabaya of the Eastern division won easily over Western division's underdog Siliwangi 81-54 before the home crowd.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina told to take action against corruption
Pertamina told to take action against corruption JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina should take firm action against 159 of its contractors and suppliers allegedly involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism, the secretary-general of the Ministry of Mines and Energy said on Friday. "The public has been waiting for concrete progress in the legal resolution of these issues," Djoko Darmono told Antara.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government critics among new MPR members
Government critics among new MPR members JAKARTA (JP): The newly inaugurated People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) promises to be a rambunctious body which includes some of the harshest government critics from the past few years. Names like Amien Rais and Permadi Satrio Wiwoho are among those included in the illustrious list of Assembly members. Once known for their unwavering opposition, they are now in a position to show what they can do to help the country.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta could learn from Manila: Envoy
Jakarta could learn from Manila: Envoy By Ida Indawati Khouw MANILA (JP): Jakarta was once proud of its high-rise buildings, better infrastructure and other modern facilities in comparison with Metro Manila. But, that once proud feeling is being challenged as the Philippine capital is gearing up to become a "real Metro" Manila.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Put sports on the MPR agenda: Siregar
Put sports on the MPR agenda: Siregar JAKARTA (JP): Sports observer Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar expressed his hope the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) would issue a statement during its General Session expressing its commitment to developing sports in the country. "It's important that the MPR declares that sports is important and has a major role in developing the people of Indonesia.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Experts split on ways to run the presidential election
Experts split on ways to run the presidential election JAKARTA (JP): As factions within the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) debate the General Session timetable, political analysts are also disputing whether the president should be elected before or after the State Guidelines are formulated and endorsed. "The Assembly should elect a new president immediately, instead of discussing the State Guidelines," Hendrajit of the Indonesian Institute for Strategic Studies said on Friday.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Residents hit by water shortage
Residents hit by water shortage BOGOR (JP): Residents of Galuga village in Cibungbulang district have been hit by a clean water shortage due to contamination of artesian wells by garbage dumps. "We demand the administration take action on this matter as the water has turned dark and cannot be used for daily needs such as cooking or even bathing," Cicih, a 34-year-old housewife, said.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
NISP revises share value
NISP revises share value JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed PT Bank NISP approved on Friday the management's proposal to increase the nominal value of the bank's shares from Rp 100 (about US$1.20 cents) to Rp 250. The bank said the decision to change the nominal value of its shares was made after the management of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) rejected the bank's plan to cut the par value of its shares to Rp 100.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI crude prices surge
RI crude prices surge TOKYO (Dow Jones): Unofficial prices for Indonesian crude grades for September have risen sharply from official August levels, in line with a surge in the Persian Gulf grades, according to industry calculations released late Thursday. Indonesian price rises in September ranged from US$2.20 a barrel to $2.47/bbl. Sumatra Light Crude, or Minas, for September is unofficially set at $21.80/bbl, up $2.25 from its August Indonesian crude price of $19.55/bbl.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cooperatives' shares in firms managed by PT PNM
Cooperatives' shares in firms managed by PT PNM JAKARTA (JP): PT PNM Asset Management, a subsidiary of the newly established state financing company PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), will manage cooperatives' stocks in publicly listed companies. The president of PNM, B.S Kusumuljono said here on Friday that the company would, in the first stage, manage the shares held by 10 cooperatives.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: 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. * Drawing Exhibition by Odji Lirungan, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
New bosses at Astra Graphia
New bosses at Astra Graphia JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed PT Astra Graphia have endorsed the appointment of three directors and two commissioners, the company announced on Friday. Lukito Dewandaya, former director of the company, was appointed as the president while another former director Hertanto Mangkusasono was promoted to vice president.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Interpol fugitive deported to Austria
Interpol fugitive deported to Austria JAKARTA (JP): The government has deported an Austria national listed as wanted by Interpol after being arrested here for violating immigration regulations, an official said on Friday. Zaiman Nurmatias, the director of immigration supervision and control, said that Mounir Tijani Bouslama, holding canceled Austrian passport number C 07284251, was deported to his home country on Wednesday.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jail sentences handed down for Ramayana store bombing
Jail sentences handed down for Ramayana store bombing JAKARTA (JP): A Central Jakarta District Court judge sentenced on Friday the two main defendants in the January bombing of the Ramayana department store on Jl. Sabang in Central Jakarta to jail sentences of one year and six months each.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
MPR agrees to move forward elections
MPR agrees to move forward elections JAKARTA (JP): Members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) agreed on Friday to accelerate the presidential elections, but adjourned the General Assembly after failing to reach a consensus on the exact dates of the crucial schedule. Assembly members were in apparent agreement that a president must be elected in the coming weeks.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI must retain East Timor
RI must retain East Timor Habibie's bungling in the case of East Timor has left the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and Indonesia no other legitimate way out of the issue than the one explained below. 1. Based on reasoning, once the MPR, thus the Indonesian nation, has decided that a certain territory is part of Indonesia and its people are Indonesians, it should stand forever, at least until the time Indonesia as a state is no longer existing.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Assembly to have nine political groupings
Assembly to have nine political groupings JAKARTA (JP): The newly established People's Consultative Assembly will involve at least nine political groupings, with six minor parties agreeing to coalesce into one faction. Six parties which met the electoral threshold of 10 seats in the House of Representatives confirmed on Friday they would avoid coalitions and form their own factions.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Woman wounded by high school student
Woman wounded by high school student JAKARTA (JP): A 33-year-old woman was severely wounded in the forehead and right elbow on Monday after being struck with a machete by a senior high school student. In a report to the police, Eng Sian, a widowed mother of one, revealed that Komara, alias Kokom, 17, became angry after she refused his demand for money. The assault took place at Eng Sian's apartment in Asparindo building at Kawi-Kawi Atas in Central Jakarta.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies stronger in late trading
Asian currencies stronger in late trading SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were sharply stronger in late trading Friday, as U.S. dollar and yen-denominated investment flows seeped back into the region.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Abortion rate on the rise
Abortion rate on the rise SURABAYA, East Java: The number of abortions in the country continues to climb steadily, currently reaching an alarming rate of one million per year. Sexologist Wimpie Pangkahila of the School of Medicine at Bali's Udayana University said here on Friday that the rise in abortions was due to increased promiscuity. "Freer sexual practices which began in the 1980s have not only led to a rise in sexually transmitted diseases but also abortions," he said as quoted by Antara.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Consumer price index fell 0.68 percent in September
Consumer price index fell 0.68 percent in September JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's consumer price index continued to decline in September, falling by 0.68 percent thanks in large part to a drop in food prices, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Friday. BPS chief Sugito Suwito said September's deflation, the seventh consecutive month of falling prices, sent the annualized inflation level to 1.25 percent.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
World community wants facts not excuses
World community wants facts not excuses By Raphael Lengesa Nombo YOGYAKARTA (JP): The arguments raised by Aleksius Jemadu in Can Australia sever ties with RI? (The Post, Sept. 20) have a bias which might have been born out of blind, narrow nationalism. In actual fact, it is rational for people of his caliber and intellectual background to see things in reality, considering the prevailing situation in East Timor.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI wrestlers set for SEA C'ships
RI wrestlers set for SEA C'ships JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Wrestling Association (PGSI) plans to send seven athletes to compete in the second Southeast Asian Championships in Kuala Lumpur from Nov. 18 to Nov. 21. The event will also serve as a substitute for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August which did not feature wrestling.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Neighbor accused of molesting girl
Neighbor accused of molesting girl JAKARTA (JP): An East Jakarta housewife has filed a police report accusing her neighbor of sodomizing her six-year-old daughter, a close friend of the woman's family said. According to Basuki, the Utan Kayu woman became aware of the molestation after her daughter complained of soreness on Friday morning.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stop all kinds of violence
Stop all kinds of violence We, teachers, parents of students and alumni of the Bandung Institute of Technology have observed that the incidents of Trisakti, Semanggi I, Semanggi II and Lampung University have claimed a great number of victims, with many dead and many others injured. It is estimated that during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), demonstrations by students and other members of the community will take place.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Pasar Baru a return to elegant times past
Pasar Baru a return to elegant times past By Ida Indawati Khouw Once called Passer Baroe, the Pasar Baru shopping complex remains a nostalgic mirror into the past. Some of the old shops are still standing, kept by the descendants of the first owners from bygone eras. This is the ninth article in The Jakarta Post series on historical buildings, featured in Saturday editions.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
New Assembly members sworn in
New Assembly members sworn in JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly, bearing the task of setting the nation on the course of democracy, solemnly began its General Session on Friday amid tight security. Hundreds of military and police personnel were stationed around the Assembly building as members of the country's highest law-making body took the oath of office. The stately ceremony was unmarred by incident, except for a scattering of boos aimed at President B.J.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 1, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,176.00 8,258.00 Australian dollar 1 5,329.93 5,389.17 Austrian schilling 1 635.17 642.14 Belgian franc 1 216.66 219.04 Brunei dollar 1 4.816.78 4,867.96 Canadian dollar 1 5,569.86 5,628.41 Swiss franc 1 5,468.16 5,525.96 Deutschemark 1 4,468.83 4,517.88 Danish krone 1 1,175.46 1,188.10 Euro 1 8,740.14 8,836.06 French franc 1 1,332.42 1,347.04 Poundsterling 1 13,478.14 13,621.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank Bali suspects to be freed in 20 days: Police
Bank Bali suspects to be freed in 20 days: Police JAKARTA (JP): Five suspects detained in the Rp 546 billion Bank Bali scandal will be freed no later than 20 days from their arrest on Wednesday, an officer said on Friday. "Detainment of suspects can be renewed every 20 days. Maximum (detainment) is 60 days. But the five Bank Bali men detained here should be released within 20 days... even earlier," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar said.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Vaile: Australia not planning countermeasures tin RI row
Vaile: Australia not planning countermeasures tin RI row SINGAPORE (AFP): Australia said Friday that it would keep up exports of major commodities to Indonesia and not impose countermeasures amid a row between the two countries over troubled East Timor. "In terms of trade, we're not planning any, in terms of interrupting our trade with Indonesia," Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile said when asked about the possibility of Australia imposing its own embargo on Indonesia.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Drought blight for paddy fields
Drought blight for paddy fields PURWOKERTO, Central Java: About 700 hectares of rice fields in Wangon district here have been hit by water shortages due to the prolonged dry season. "How can we water the paddy fields? ... We do not have enough water even to take a bath," Santaraja, a resident, said. Residents can only shower at 5 a.m. or at about 10 p.m. "That's because we have to wait for the water to surface from the well." He added that local wells could only supply water for 10 people.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Putra Surya trading suspended
Putra Surya trading suspended JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended on Friday the share trading of finance company PT Putra Surya Multidana (PSM) for alleged malfeasance committed by the company's former president. "JSX has to suspend the company share trading because something substantial which may greatly affect the company's well-being has occurred," the JSX said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mahakam gets 5-star award
Mahakam gets 5-star award JAKARTA (JP): The Gran Mahakam hotel in South Jakarta has received a five star certificate from the Jakarta regional office of Tourism, Art and Culture. The certificate was handed over by the head of the regional office Tjetjep Suparman, to Gran Mahakam's general manager Franck Lafourcade on Sept. 29.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Lawyer questions missing held drugs
Lawyer questions missing held drugs JAKARTA (JP): A lawyer questioned on Thursday the disappearance of 200 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal metamphetamine) said to be seized from his client. Lawyer Sammy Titaley from Hotma Sitompul and Partners Law Firm said that he had asked several related parties at the Central Jakarta District Court about the missing 200 grams of the drug but still had been given no adequate answers. "I asked prosecutor P.D.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie takes jeers in stride
Habibie takes jeers in stride JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie brushed off the jeering by several members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Friday by calling it a sign of democracy at work. It was a double insult for Habibie as he entered the Assembly hall for Friday's induction ceremony as an overwhelming majority of members for the first time in three decades refused to even stand up for the President.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 1, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 500 125 2,500 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 25 383,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,400 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,475 25 8,483,500 Anwar Sierad 200 25 327,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Council rejects call to hire ex-councilors
Council rejects call to hire ex-councilors JAKARTA (JP): City councilors rejected on Friday a plan to hire former councilors to assist the City Council's five commissions, and instead requested the help of independent experts to provide the council with alternative solutions to city problems. "We'll reject them. The former councilors will only continue covering mistakes made during their terms in office," Chudlary Safi'i Hazami of the United Development Party (PPP) said.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Threats close Sigli govt offices
Threats close Sigli govt offices SIGLI, Aceh: Most government offices in Pidie regency were closed on Friday following a reported threat by separatist guerrillas to shut down offices on Oct. 1. Almost all 95 offices in the regency were closed and civil servants who did show up wore plainclothes. "We choose to observe the situation carefully," said a civil servant who asked for anonymity. It was unclear whether civil servants would return to work on Monday. (51/edt)
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian students in Australia should continue studying
Indonesian students in Australia should continue studying JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Juwono Sudarsono urged Indonesian students in Australia to continue their studies and not to become distracted by the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries. "Don't let the worsening relations between the two countries as a result of the East Timor situation disturb your studies," Juwono said on Friday.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hermes to be replaced with Rp 100m replica
Hermes to be replaced with Rp 100m replica JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has finally approved a plan to replace the statue of the Greek god Hermes with a replica estimated to cost just under Rp 100 million (US$12,000), a city official said on Friday. Head of the city museum and restoration agency Robert Silalahi said the replica would be crafted by sculptors from Yogyakarta and the Bandung Institute of Technology in West Java.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
IMF 'not softening' on Bank Bali scandal
IMF 'not softening' on Bank Bali scandal JAKARTA (JP): Opposition politician Laksamana Sukardi dismissed reports on Friday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was softening its stance toward Indonesia over its demand for a satisfactory resolution of the Bank Bali scandal. "It's not true. I have just come back from Washington after attending the (IMF and World Bank) annual meetings and I met with Hubert Neiss and Fischer.
Sat, 02 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Petronas-Premier Oil's deal
Petronas-Premier Oil's deal LONDON (Reuters): British oil exploration and production group Premier Oil Plc on Friday said it was selling a 25 percent stake in the company to state controlled Malaysian oil group Petronas for 101.2 million pounds (US$166.6 million) via an issue of new shares. It said the aim was to make itself into a primary Asian investment vehicle for upstream investment by Petronas and U.S. based Amerada Hess, its other 25 percent shareholder.