Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 October 1999

71 articles found

Reforming Indonesia's civil-military relations

Reforming Indonesia's civil-military relations The following is an excerpt from a paper submitted to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) by political science lecturers at the University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University, including F.

Oldest legislator thanks surgeons

Oldest legislator thanks surgeons JAKARTA (JP): The oldest House of Representatives legislator, Abdul Madjid, disclosed the reason why he was prepared to take the provisional speakership.His daughter Ratna Riantiarno, a noted stage actress, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that her 82-year-old...

Establishing a tradition of democracy

Establishing a tradition of democracyBy Bramantyo Prijosusilo YOGYAKARTA (JP): To date, not one incident of state brutality which spilled citizens' blood has been brought to justice in a manner that satisfies the people's sense of right and wrong or fairness.

AlamKulKul reopens in Bali

AlamKulKul reopens in Bali JAKARTA (JP): Local resort hotel group AlamResorts Indonesia will reopen on Oct. 25 its hotel resort property, the AlamKulKul, in Kuta Beach, Bali, following seven months of reconstruction work.Group owner Feisol Hashim said on Tuesday he had spent about US$1.

Rendra to stage 'Kereta Kencana'

Rendra to stage 'Kereta Kencana' JAKARTA (JP): Veteran playwright and poet W.S.Rendra is to stage his recycled work Kereta Kencana(the Golden Chariot) at the Jakarta Playhouse, starting tonight, Oct.20, to Oct.24.

Interfet and Indonesia to discuss Montael shooting

Interfet and Indonesia to discuss Montael shooting JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the International Force for East Timor (Interfet) Maj. Gen. Peter Cosgrove will meet with the Udayana Regional Military commander later this week to discuss the fatal Oct. 10 shooting in Montael, Antara reported.

British Airways, Swiss Air stop Indonesian services

British Airways, Swiss Air stop Indonesian services JAKARTA (JP): Swiss Air and British Airways said on Tuesday they would suspend their Indonesian flights beginning from November due to a continued drop in revenue.

Nine infants die of malnutrition

Nine infants die of malnutrition BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: Nine infants from eight villages in Banjarnegara regency have died of malnutrition over the past five months, regent Nurachmad said on Monday.

East Timor's independence endorsed

East Timor's independence endorsed JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) approved on Tuesday to relinquish East Timor after 23 years under the Republic of Indonesia.Assembly commission B completed their deliberations of a draft decree repealing the 1978 decree which incorporated...

New WTO rules might derail Vietnam-U.S. trade deal

New WTO rules might derail Vietnam-U.S. trade deal HANOI (Reuters): The possible adoption of tighter global trading rules over the next few years might scuttle a delayed trade pact between Vietnam and the United States if it remains stalled for much longer, sources close to the deal said.

MPR endorses election of president, VP by vote

MPR endorses election of president, VP by vote JAKARTA (JP): For the first time in its 54-year history, the country will have its president and vice president elected by vote this year.The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) unanimously endorsed on Tuesday a decree stipulating that a presidential...

Heat to be turned up on rising terrorism

Heat to be turned up on rising terrorism UNITED NATIONS (AP): The UN Security Council is focusing the spotlight on the increase in global terrorism, with a fresh call for international cooperation to prevent terrorist acts and to bring perpetrators to justice.

On freedom of the press

On freedom of the press The freedom granted to the press is President Habibie's main achievement. Uncensored news reporting and the emergence of many new publications are an indication of an adequate freedom of the press during his tenure.

Asia 'progressing' in gas development

Asia 'progressing' in gas development SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asia is progressing well in developing its gas resources, despite last year's economic crisis, the head of Unocal Corp said in an interview."The economic downturn stopped things for a while, but things are definitely happening and it will...

West Sumatra gold mining

West Sumatra gold mining JAKARTA (JP): Four mining companies which commenced explorations in West Sumatra in 1997 were yet to report any significant discoveries, head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Mines and Energy Syamsurizal Syafei told Antara on Tuesday"Heavy rain in the past...

Astra introduces new logo

Astra introduces new logo JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Astra International has launched a new corporate logo symbolizing its developing business strategy, which is focussing on achieving full customer satisfaction.Astra's president Rini M.S.

Thou shalt not betray voters

Thou shalt not betray voters On Wednesday, our democratically elected People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), our top legislature, meets to elect the fourth president of the republic.To date, it is the only second democratic legislative body we have had.

Wednesday's MPR Schedule

Wednesday's MPR Schedule 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Nomination of presidential candidates 10.30 a.m. Administrative examination of presidential candidates; Candidates present their visions to MPR; Presidential election 7 p.m.

RI-Aussie friendship

RI-Aussie friendship I have been following the news in the Australian media concerning events that have taken place in East Timor recently. I am concerned about the suffering of the Timorese people, and as an Australian, I am pleased that my government has sent soldiers to keep the peace and...

Most Asian stock markets close lower

Most Asian stock markets close lower HONG KONG (AP): Most Asian stock markets closed lower Tuesday as investors waited nervously for the release of U.S. inflation data later in the day.Bucking the trend was the Jakarta Stock Exchange, where the key index surged 5.5 percent on expectations that B.J.

Bandung student dies of overdose

Bandung student dies of overdose BANDUNG: A university student was found dead on Monday of a suspected overdose of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine).Mohammad Zeni Zaelani, 23, was found inside the house of an elderly woman on Jl. Kiaracondong at 11:30 a.m. He was foaming at the mouth.

Assembly rejects Habibie's speech

Assembly rejects Habibie's speech JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) rejected on Wednesday an accountability report by outgoing President B.J. Habibie of his controversial 512-day tenure.

How the Seats Stack Up

How the Seats Stack Up FACTION DPR ADDITIONS FROM TOTAL REGIONAL REPR. United Development 58 12 70 United Ummat Sovereignty 9 0 9 Indonesian Nationhood 12 2 14 Love the Nation Democratic Party 5 0 5 Interest Groups 0 65+8 73 National Awakening Party 51 6 57 Golkar Party of Reform 120 62 182 Reform...

CBD office workers ready with contingency plans

CBD office workers ready with contingency plans JAKARTA (JP): Management and employees of offices located along trouble spots for street rallies on Jl. Sudirman and Jl. M.H. Thamrin in Central and South Jakarta are bracing for the worst-case scenario after the presidential election on Wednesday.

Two armed civilians shot dead in Aceh

Two armed civilians shot dead in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Two alleged rebels were shot dead by security personnel conducting a routine operation near the northern Aceh town of Lhokseumawe on Monday night.The alleged rebels, identified as Zulkifli, 25, and Saiful, 31, were residents of Tanah Luas district...

NU leaders accept Gus Dur's presidential bid

NU leaders accept Gus Dur's presidential bid JAKARTA (JP): Influential Muslim leaders signaled their approval of Abdurrahman Wahid's presidential candidacy on Tuesday, although they fell short of openly supporting his bid for the country's top post.

The quest for legitimacy

The quest for legitimacyBy Sidesh Kaul JAKARTA (JP): While President B.J. Habibie was presenting his accountability speech and defending his 16-month rule inside the Indonesian legislature, the country was once again in the grip of a fresh wave of student-led protests.

Autonomy promised for Aceh and Irian Jaya

Autonomy promised for Aceh and Irian Jaya JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to quell secessionist sentiments, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) ruled on Tuesday that the new government must confer special autonomy status on the oil and gas-rich Aceh province and the mineral-rich Irian Jaya province.

ADB pledges to help E. Timor

ADB pledges to help E. Timor MANILA (AP): The Asian Development Bank pledged Tuesday to help the UN and the World Bank in rebuilding East Timor, which was ravaged by violence after voting to break free from Indonesia.

Jakarta could declare state of civil emergency

Jakarta could declare state of civil emergency JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso hinted on Tuesday that the city administration could declare a state of emergency under civilian rule if conditions in the capital following the presidential election on Wednesday and the vice presidential election on...

Habibie fever overwhelms Parepare locals

Habibie fever overwhelms Parepare localsBy Jupriadi PAREPARE, South Sulawesi: With the presidential election imminent, the small town of Parepare is at the height of Habibie fever.Nowhere else in the archipelago could you find 10,400 of the staunchest supporters of President B.J. Habibie.

Bali: The exotic island made to order

Bali: The exotic island made to orderBy Michael Hitchcock AN ARTICLE in a lifestyle magazine neatly summed up the mix of attractions that makes Bali an irresistible destination: "guests" (never tourists) stay in a "traditional Balinese house" (in reality, a luxurious villa with ensuite bathrooms,...

Children die from malnutrition in C. Java

Children die from malnutrition in C. Java JAKARTA (JP): Four children recently died of malnutrition in Pekalongan regency, Central Java, regent Harsono said.The deaths prompted the local government to order village officials to improve health services in their respective villages.

Ballboys protest at tourney over their unpaid allowances

Ballboys protest at tourney over their unpaid allowances JAKARTA (JP): Protests overshadowed the second day of the Indonesia Women's Circuit C4 on Tuesday when several ballboys and umpires demanded their allowances from tournaments last week.

Presidential race stirs housemaid

Presidential race stirs housemaid JAKARTA (JP): While politicians are negotiating, and to some extent fighting, over the next president at the People's Consultative Assembly, ordinary people are feeling the excitement.A housemaid of former Cabinet minister Siswono Yudohusodo is one of them.

Three drown in Talang River

Three drown in Talang River SEMARANG: Three fishermen from Gayamsari district drowned when the level of Talang River rose suddenly on Monday afternoon.Witnesses identified the three locals as Widodo, 27, Arif, 19, and Sugiarto, 17.They said a sudden torrent of river water swept the three away.

Survey says Reebok producers improve conditions

Survey says Reebok producers improve conditions STOUGHTON, Mass. (Reuters): Athletic shoemaker Reebok International Ltd., said Monday two factories in Indonesia had improved conditions for their workers after a company-sponsored probe revealed labor shortcomings.

New State Policy Guidelines approved

New State Policy Guidelines approved JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) approved on Tuesday the State Policy Guidelines for the period 1999 to 2004, with a focus on developing the supremacy of law, good governance and lifting the country from the economic crisis.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung:Exhibitions * Cartoon Exhibition: Kartun untuk Demokrasi, at Taman Budaya Bandung (Dago Tea House), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Oct. 29. * Photo Exhibition by Wim Wenders, at Galeri Soemardja, Art and Design Faculty of ITB, Jl. Ganesha 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 20.

PSSI plans to host Asia Cup soccer prequalifying round

PSSI plans to host Asia Cup soccer prequalifying round JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta is scheduled to host the prequalifying round of the Asia Cup next month if the political situation allows the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to stage the tournament.

The joy of shopping amid busy sessions

The joy of shopping amid busy sessions JAKARTA (JP): What is Jakarta's newest shopping spot? Surprisingly, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building, where one can indulge in a bit of window shopping during breaks in the lengthy deliberations of the General Session.

Who will it be?

Who will it be? On Thursday morning, one of these three people will find themselves as Indonesia's fourth president.B.J. Habibie Nominated by : Golkar Party of Reform factionLast Position: incumbent President Close friends describe Habibie as being rational, astute in business and humble.

Conversion Rates

Conversion RatesBank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 19, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,749.00 7,827.00Australian dollar 1 4,998.11 5,052.33Austrian schilling 1 608.93 615.62Belgian franc 1 207.71 209.99Brunei dollar 1 4,619.92 4,669.21Canadian dollar 1 5,186.

1945 Constitution amendments approved

1945 Constitution amendments approved JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) agreed on Thursday to amend 10 articles in the 1945 Constitution to curtail powers of the president.The most noteworthy amendment, and also the main demand of the country's reform movement, is a limit on...

Don't let Australia have its way

Don't let Australia have its wayFrom Rakyat MerdekaThe incident in Matoaen village on the East Nusa Tenggara-East Timor border on Oct. 10, 1999, reflects the excessive and arbitrary stance of the Australian troops who are part of the Interfet multinational forces in East Timor.

Indonesians unwilling to resolve differences

Indonesians unwilling to resolve differences Indonesia has lurched into democracy with all the confusion entailed. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono writes about a few valuable lessons to be learned from the experience.

Physical health vital

Physical health vitalFrom RepublikaAccording to Mrs. Sri Hardani Amir Machmud, wife of former chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly the late Amir Machmud, Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, does not meet the requirement of being physically healthy, which is set for a presidential...

Eight more killed in Ambon

Eight more killed in Ambon AMBON, Maluku: Residents in Air Selobar, Pohon Mangga district in Ambon demanded that the marine troops quit the clash-torn city soon for several violations.Local figures Karim Kahayaan and Mohdar Mukadar asked Lt.

Forex reserves rise slightly

Forex reserves rise slightly JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's net foreign exchange reserves rose by US$51.90 million to $16.10 billion as of Oct. 15, from $16.04 billion in the previous week, Bank Indonesia (BI) said on Tuesday.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Talk Show 8:55 Newsbreak 9:00 General Session of MPR (live) 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Indonesian Lessons 5:00 Students' Quiz 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 7:00 Evening News 7:30 General...

Do MPR members have weak legs?

Do MPR members have weak legs?By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): I understand more clearly now than ever the meaning of the Dutch proverb which says Het zijn sterke benen die de weelde kunnen dragen. "It is only strong legs that can bear the weight of luxuries.

PDI-P officials deny revolution calls

PDI-P officials deny revolution calls JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) denied on Tuesday they were urging party supporters to wage a revolution if PDI Perjuangan chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri failed to win the presidency.

MPR picks old-fashioned way of voting

MPR picks old-fashioned way of voting JAKARTA (JP): High-tech phobia is probably the most appropriate description for why hundreds of millions of rupiah worth of electronic voting panels have been shunned at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Ujungpandang reverts to Makassar

Ujungpandang reverts to Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): After struggling for 28 years, residents of the South Sulawesi capital of Ujungpandang can now once again proudly call themselves Makassarese.The official reversion in the name to Makassar was stipulated in Government Decree No.

WB urges tough measures for RI's quick recovery

WB urges tough measures for RI's quick recovery SINGAPORE (AFP): Indonesia needs stronger economic reforms even with the best government in place if it wishes to quickly recover from financial crisis, the World Bank senior vice- president said Tuesday.

Malaysian NGO journal faces printer obstacle

Malaysian NGO journal faces printer obstacle KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian rights group said on Tuesday it could not publish the latest issue of its magazine because printers had been pressured not to handle it.

Landslide kills two

Landslide kills two BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: Two people were killed and 23 houses were swept away in a landslide caused by heavy storms in Banyumas and Banjarnegara regencies on Sunday and Monday.The two fatalities, Darmi, 60, and her grandson Sutono, 8, were killed when the support poles of...

Gus Dur takes time-out for sleep

Gus Dur takes time-out for sleep JAKARTA (JP): The days and nights of the People's Consultative Assembly's (MPR) General Session have absorbed the energy of legislators, including noted Muslim leader and presidential candidate Abdurrahman Wahid.

RI goat meat in demand

RI goat meat in demand JAKARTA (JP): Traders in Malaysia and Singapore have expressed strong interest in importing goat and lamb meat from Indonesia, Director General for Farming Sofjan Sudradjat told Antara on Tuesday.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 19, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 35,000 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 325 25 277,000 Alumindo...

Asian bankers call for accelerated restructuring

Asian bankers call for accelerated restructuring SINGAPORE (AFP): Bank and financial restructuring efforts deemed crucial to the overall Asian recovery have barely begun and the region's governments are partly to blame, top bankers said Tuesday.

Stocks, rupiah close higher on Habibie's dimming hopes

Stocks, rupiah close higher on Habibie's dimming hopes JAKARTA (JP): Share prices and the rupiah gained ground on Tuesday in active trading following a decision by Armed Forces chief Gen. Wiranto's refusal to run as President B.J. Habibie's running mate in the elections this week.

Festival tells govt to care for culture

Festival tells govt to care for culture JAKARTA (JP): The month-long Nusantara Cultural Festival closed on Tuesday with an urgent message to the new president and government to pay serious attention to social and cultural issues.The venue for the closing of the festival -- held from Sept. 9 to Oct.

DPR receives PwC's full audit report

DPR receives PwC's full audit report JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Indonesian top lawmakers welcomed on Tuesday a decision by the Supreme Court to allow the release of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit report on the multibillion rupiah Bank Bali...

Military steps up patrols of key north coast artery

Military steps up patrols of key north coast artery SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): With mounting tension ahead of Wednesday's presidential election, Central Java Diponegoro Military commander Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo asked residents, particularly Megawati supporters, not to block the strategic North...

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Museum * Empu Tantular Museum, Jl. Taman Mayangkara No. 6, Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Church Services * Surabaya International Christian Fellowship: Protestant church service in English, at Hotel Shangri-La, Jl. May. Jend.

Street rallies continue ahead of crucial election

Street rallies continue ahead of crucial election JAKARTA (JP): Tension in the capital rose on Tuesday as mass rallies clogged major thoroughfares 24 hours ahead of the momentous presidential election.Although the capital has been free of clashes for the past four days, many Jakartans fear that...

KONI to offer help to sports organizations

KONI to offer help to sports organizations JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) research and development division is offering assistance to colleagues in sports organizations to improve national athletes' performances.

Mass media campaigns needed to combat smoking addiction

Mass media campaigns needed to combat smoking addiction JAKARTA (Antara): A young man fishes out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and, as a gesture of friendship, offers the "coffin nails" to everyone around him.This is a very common scene.

Campaign to help children launched

Campaign to help children launchedBy Tertiani Z.B. Simanjuntak JAKARTA (JP): The government launched on Tuesday a nationwide campaign to raise Rp 3 billion (US$400,000) to help some 30,000 undernourished children, most of them under two years old.

Thai and U.S. army exercises

Thai and U.S. army exercises BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand and the United States have begun military exercises near the border with Myanmar, close to where incursions by Myanmar troops took place, senior Thai army sources said on Tuesday.