Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 October 1999

67 articles found

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 20, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 500 25 60,000 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 7,000 Alter Abadi 325 0 525,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,175 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 425 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,500 -25 16,416,500 Anwar Sierad 250 25 1,312,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Palm oil prices ends down

Palm oil prices ends down KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil prices fell back to end lower on Wednesday after rising earlier on the back of a stronger Indonesian rupiah against the dollar. "Selling returned in the afternoon due to the bearish sentiment," said a trader who expects prices to remain weak in the immediate trend. "The Indonesian currency was just a temporary factor, that's why the market went up earlier," the trader said.

Election result causes anger across nation

Election result causes anger across nation JAKARTA (JP): Outbursts of anger dominated the country's major cities on Wednesday following Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) leader Megawati Soekarnoputri's presidential election defeat against long-time prominent Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid.

10 Indonesians arrested in HK for ship piracy

10 Indonesians arrested in HK for ship piracy JAKARTA (JP): Chinese coastal security authorities confirmed on Wednesday that they had arrested 10 suspected Indonesian pirates who allegedly took over a Thai tanker last June, Antara reported. The men were arrested while sailing the stolen Thai tanker into Chinese territorial waters off southeastern coastal Guangdong province in June. The Siam Xanxai tanker had been carrying 2,000 tons of diesel fuel from Singapore to Thailand, Antara said.

Indonesian psychology

Indonesian psychology Donna K. Woodward, as expected, rather than arguing against my valid points, made a blanket statement that my (and, implicitly, the Indonesian people's) character is emotional and less than logical. As someone who has the audacity to hold such an unpopular view regarding Indonesian politics, Woodward is apparently not equipped with adequate and valid data. Hence she is not prepared to solidly argue both my and Nova Poerwadi's rebuttals.

Indochinese heads meet in secret

Indochinese heads meet in secret VIENTIANE, Laos (AP): Amid a heavy police presence in the Laotian capital, the leaders of the three Indochinese countries -- Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam -- held a rare summit meeting on Wednesday under tight security. Laotian Prime Minister Sisavat Keobounphanh, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai met at the Laotian Communist Party's central headquarters.

What kind of leader does RI need?

What kind of leader does RI need? By Santo Koesoebjono WASSENAAR, The Netherlands (JP): Since May 1998, the country has been embarking on the era of political reformasi (reform). What the people have witnessed so far, however, is a continuing power struggle among the political elite. No basic reform has been made, let alone any improvement to people's living conditions.

BPI acquires Philippine bank

BPI acquires Philippine bank MANILA (AFP): Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Wednesday won a three-way takeover battle for Far East Bank and Trust Co., the country's fifth largest lender, firing up the consolidation of the financial sector. The Far East board was in a special meeting Wednesday to decide whether to merge or swap shares with BPI, the country's third largest bank, officials from both banks said.

Rescue goes on after capsize

Rescue goes on after capsize JAKARTA (JP): Rescue workers are still searching for hundreds of passengers who were on board the KM Bimas Raya II ferry which sank in the waters of Habe off Merauke regency, Irian Jaya on Monday evening, Antara reported on Wednesday. An official of PT Bimas Raya, the owner of the ship, said in Merauke on Tuesday evening that only 26 of some 300 passengers traveling on the ferry were found.

Fickle fortunes of B.J. Habibie's rise and fall

Fickle fortunes of B.J. Habibie's rise and fall JAKARTA (JP): B.J. Habibie's unexpected rise to Indonesia's presidency in 1998 came largely because the lady of fortune was on his side, at least for most of the time. But luck ran out on him when the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) rejected his report accounting for his 512 days in office on Wednesday -- essentially a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

Manunggal operates Hercules

Manunggal operates Hercules JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Private air carrier PT Manunggal Air Service will start operating three Hercules aircraft to support air transportation in the province. Company director Widodo said recently the C-60 aircraft would be very useful to help solve the province's transportation problems.

Thursday's MPR Schedule

Thursday's MPR Schedule 9 a.m. Administrative examination of vice presidential candidates; Vice presidential election; Swearing in ceremony of elected vice president; Closing ceremony of MPR General Session with address from MPR speaker For more details on the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly visit www.thejakartapost.com.

High hopes for Abdurrahman to restore stability in RI

High hopes for Abdurrahman to restore stability in RI HONG KONG (Agencies): The democratic election of new Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid generated praise around the world on Wednesday, mixed with hope that the frail leader can usher in a new era of stability in the country. Wahid, a 59-year-old Muslim intellectual, emerged from weeks of political uncertainty to grab a stunning victory in Wednesday's presidential election vote and became the country's fourth president.

PDI-P supporters upset over Megawati's defeat

PDI-P supporters upset over Megawati's defeat JAKARTA (JP): The unexpected defeat of Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), in Wednesday's presidential election sparked widespread anger from thousands of loyal party supporters. Thousands of other disappointed Megawati supporters in big cities across the country also expressed their frustration following the surprising outcome of the presidential election.

Freeport says Indonesia will honor contracts

Freeport says Indonesia will honor contracts DENVER (Dow Jones): Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) Chief Executive James Moffett sought to dispel concerns about Indonesian political uncertainty late Tuesday, hours before Indonesia's presidential-election results were known. Indonesia "will honor these contracts" with Freeport-McMoran, regardless of leadership outcomes, he said in a presentation at the Mining Investment Forum '99 in Denver, sponsored by the Denver Gold Group.

For the love of Indonesia

For the love of Indonesia Several weeks before the Aug. 30 ballot in East Timor took place, the pro-Indonesia militias made it quite clear that they would rather die than be separated from their "beloved" Indonesia. The militias also promised that "fire and blood" would shower East Timor if the outcome of the ballot was not in their favor. And indeed, they kept their promise.

Memorable nightlife lures tourists to paradise island

Memorable nightlife lures tourists to paradise island DENPASAR, Bali (JP): It's Friday evening, the lights are on and everyone turns up the music for a memorable night in Bali. The paradise island of Bali offers a large variety of night entertainment for those who can afford to stay up late. For tourists who want to start their night cruising early, they can pick up a sunset package. To enjoy the sunset, you must head out to the beaches on Bali's southwest coast.

E. Timor: Another Western conspiracy?

E. Timor: Another Western conspiracy? By T.M. Callahan JAKARTA (JP): If you agree with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir's remarks in the Oct. 14 issue of The Straits Times, Singapore's most widely circulated daily, then the West is squarely to blame for the current crisis in East Timor. According to Mahathir, the issue was handled poorly and much more could have been done to avoid the post-referendum turmoil and the acute sense of abasement felt by many Indonesians.

Governor plans to celebrate Gus Dur's win

Governor plans to celebrate Gus Dur's win JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso warmly welcomed on Wednesday noted Muslim figure Abdurrahman Wahid as the country's new President for the next five years, saying he planned to hold a mass gathering to celebrate the smooth and safe process of the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). "The gathering may be held at City Hall or at the National Monument (Monas) park as soon as the Assembly is over," Sutiyoso said.

Legislators, political observers split over Gus Dur's victory

Legislators, political observers split over Gus Dur's victory JAKARTA (JP): Legislators and political observers lauded the democratic process at work in the election of Abdurrahman Wahid as president on Wednesday, but several expressed regret at the loss of highly favored Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Governor breaks for live TV show

Governor breaks for live TV show JAKARTA (JP): Millions of the country's citizens were glued to their televisions on Wednesday to watch the live broadcast of the nail-biting presidential election. East Java Governor Imam Utomo went so far as to temporarily suspend a meeting with his staff. He allowed all employees in his office to take several hours to witness the excitement of the neck-and-neck race for the presidency. The same scene was repeated in other government offices.

Bus on fire on Jagorawi toll road

Bus on fire on Jagorawi toll road BOGOR (JP): A Tunggal Daya bus plying the Jakarta-Sukabumi route caught fire following an engine explosion on the Jagorawi toll road in Ciawi, here on Tuesday. All of the 70 passengers managed to escape from the burning bus. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the fire. The incident occurred at about 10 a.m. when sparks began appearing in the engine located at the front of the bus.

Mahathir called for Anwar trial

Mahathir called for Anwar trial KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been subpoenaed along with the country's top prosecutor to testify in the sodomy trial of former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, the official Bernama news agency said Wednesday. Karpal Singh said Mahathir and attorney general Mohtar Abdullah were subpoenaed to appear as witnesses for the defense. Mohtar is leading the prosecution team.

'Golkar, TNI' deliver crucial votes

'Golkar, TNI' deliver crucial votes JAKARTA (JP): Anti-Megawati Soekarnoputri sentiment, rather than definitive support for Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, may have been the deciding factor in the distribution of votes, which eventually landed Abdurrahman with the nation's top job. A.M.

Humpus signs debt restructuring deal

Humpus signs debt restructuring deal JAKARTA (JP): The Humpuss Group signed on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) on the restructuring of about US$330 million in debts. The head of the agency, Glenn Yusuf said the restructured debts comprised $307 million, Rp 167 billion and M$12 million owed by eight Humpuss Group companies.

Gus Dur: A controversial, visionary leader

Gus Dur: A controversial, visionary leader JAKARTA (JP): Muslim scholar Abdurrahman Wahid, Indonesia's newly elected president, has always been a controversial political figure. His rise to power against all odds attests to his substantial staying power.

Gen. Wiranto's neutrality

Gen. Wiranto's neutrality It is very regrettable that our political party leaders have failed to take the necessary actions to reduce the tensions at the lower levels of society. We fear that these tensions could influence proceedings inside the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) conference halls and thereby depreciate democracy's values. The end result of such a drift would mean a depreciation of the stature of the office of the presidency as well.

Boy dies after fall from train

Boy dies after fall from train BOGOR (JP): A junior high school student, Faisal Yusuf, died after falling from a train heading for Bogor on Monday. Faisal, 13, boarded the train from Citayam in Depok by climbing onto the wagon's roof. "He was trying to get down when the train was approaching the Bojong Gede station," his friend Dina Nurdiana, who boarded the same train, said. "But as he made his way down, the speeding train made a sharp turn and he lost his grip on the window.

Austrian suspect arrested

Austrian suspect arrested BOGOR (JP): Immigration officials have arrested an Austrian national, Maunis Bauslama, who is wanted by Interpol for his alleged involvement in a banking crime, an official said on Monday. Bogor immigration office head Amirul said officials identified Bauslama, 49, while processing his temporary stay permit at a local immigration office here.

One killed in toll road car crash

One killed in toll road car crash BOGOR (JP): Yusuf, 35, died instantly on Wednesday after being hit by a speeding car driven by Ahmad Dewanto, 27, who was allegedly under the influence of illegal drugs, on the Jagorawi toll road. Yusuf, a resident of Cimaphar subdistrict, was cutting the grass beside the toll road when the incident happened. "We have checked the driver, Ahmad.

Are we too thin-skinned to take criticism?

Are we too thin-skinned to take criticism? By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE (JP): Indonesia-Australia relations have dived, once again. We all know that a strain in a friendship means that both sides have grievances, and those involved are usually too uptight to hear each other out. Instead, they continue to heap insults on each other, making any rapprochement increasingly difficult.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Oct. 21, 1999

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Oct. 21, 1999 Exhibition * Painting Exhibition: Magic and Modernism, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Nov. 30. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan - Yayasan Ratna Warta, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Museum of Bali, Jl.

Newmont sets targets for new copper mining project

Newmont sets targets for new copper mining project JAKARTA (JP): PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara's new US$1.85 billion copper mining project in West Nusa Tenggara is set to produce 2,100 tons of gold and copper concentrate per day beginning next year. NTT spokeswoman Iradati Fuad said that when the processing plant was operating at its installed capacity of 160,000 tons of ore per day, the mine would produce 246,000 tons of copper concentrate and 564 ounces of gold concentrate annually.

Three blasts stun demonstrators

Three blasts stun demonstrators JAKARTA (JP): Three strong blasts shocked thousands of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) staging a mass rally on major streets of Jakarta on Wednesday. Police put the number of injured victims at at least 30 people. Some sufferer serious burns. The first blast took place at 11:30 a.m.

Habibie says he wants to establish NGO

Habibie says he wants to establish NGO JAKARTA (JP): "We will have a Subuh (morning prayer) at Istiqlal Mosque," Abdurrahman "Timmy" Habibie whispered to a family friend when he saw his elder brother B.J. Habibie leading by 150 points during the course of the accountability vote at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Tuesday at midnight.

Putu's works confined to Bali culture

Putu's works confined to Bali culture By Ahmad Solikhan. YOGYAKARTA (JP): Balinese artist Putu Sutawijaya proves that pebbles too can make beautiful music. The demonstration of this unusual fact was given by 25 students of the Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) in Yogyakarta. Sitting cross-legged and bare chested, the students stroked and shook the pebbles they held in both hands, producing musical sounds to the accompaniment of a Balinese dance.

RI strong team for Asia Cup

RI strong team for Asia Cup JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will field its strongest players in the US$100,000 JVC Asia Cup men's team championships at the Phan Ding Phung Indoor Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City next month.

ACES starts service in April

ACES starts service in April BANGKOK (Dow Jones): Thailand's Jasmine International PCL said Wednesday the Asia Cellular Satellite System, or ACES, will be ready to offer cellular services in 23 countries across the Asia Pacific region by April 2000. Jasmine, which has a stake in ACES, said in a statement that the system's Garuda satellite will enter orbit in October this year.

Heads of state honor Nyerere

Heads of state honor Nyerere DAR ES SALAAM (AFP): At least 14 heads of state and representatives from some 60 countries will start arriving on Wednesday to attend the funeral of Tanzania's former president Julius Nyerere, the prime minister said. "The country will witness the biggest number of foreign delegates with no precedent in its history," Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye told a news conference here late on Tuesday.

Singapore Power says deal with Pertamina continues

Singapore Power says deal with Pertamina continues SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore Power Ltd. Chairman Ho Kwon Ping Wednesday said the Indonesian presidential elections wouldn't have an impact on Singapore Power's Sumatra natural gas deal with Indonesia state-owned gas and oil company Pertamina. "We have been dealing (with Pertamina) totally above board," Ho said. "The gas deal can withstand any scrutiny.

Akbar, Marzuki under siege over Habibie's fall

Akbar, Marzuki under siege over Habibie's fall JAKARTA (JP): Supporters of B.J. Habibie within the Golkar party accused on Wednesday party leader Akbar Tandjung and his outspoken deputy Marzuki Darusman of masterminding the former president's downfall. Such was the antipathy that a mob tried to jostle Akbar as he was entering the plenary hall of the People's Consultative Assembly on Wednesday morning.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 20, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Funds parked in safe havens await political stability

Funds parked in safe havens await political stability SINGAPORE (Reuters): Billions of dollars Indonesian businessmen sent to safe foreign havens during the country's political and economic crises are unlikely to flow back in significant amounts immediately after the presidential election. The money could make a significant difference in Indonesia's efforts to recover from economic difficulties that began in 1997.

Jostling for positions on Cabinet begins

Jostling for positions on Cabinet begins JAKARTA (JP): Only hours after Abdurrahman Wahid was elected the country's fourth president, politicians in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) were urging him to form a "power- sharing" Cabinet which could accommodate all sides with a strong economic lineup. Mohammad Hidayat, a close advisor to Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung, said the President should select the best people from major political parties.

The tasks ahead

The tasks ahead Indonesia democratically elected a president for the first time in more than half a century on Wednesday, amid doubts of the country's immediate future and fears that the road of transition to democracy would prove to be a long and arduous one. In a tension-laden vote count in the country's highest legislative body, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Assembly named Abdurrahman Wahid, chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Muslim organization, Indonesia's fourth president.

Rupiah, stocks give up gains on Megawati's loss in election

Rupiah, stocks give up gains on Megawati's loss in election JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah and stocks rallied in morning trade on Wednesday following the withdrawal of incumbent B.J. Habibie from the presidential race, but gave up most of their gains later in the day after Abdurrahman Wahid was elected President.

Merpati increases flights

Merpati increases flights JAKARTA (JP): State-owned air carrier Merpati Nusantara Airlines will increase its Jakarta-Pontianak flight from once to twice a week. Merpati's general manager of corporate affairs Imam Turidy said on Wednesday the airline has increased the flight frequency to meet rising passenger demand. He said the increase was also to anticipate the expected rise in passenger demand at the end of the year. The new schedule will be effective from Oct.

Journalists bet on Gus Dur win

Journalists bet on Gus Dur win JAKARTA (JP): Who says that journalists are objective? They were not when it came to the winner of the presidential race on Wednesday at the People's Consultative Assembly. Hundreds of journalists patiently waiting outside the Assembly's plenary hall as 691 members voted. But it all changed when officials of the Assembly secretariat general started reading the votes one by one.

IM Texmaco recovers to down Citra Satria Pelita 57-54

IM Texmaco recovers to down Citra Satria Pelita 57-54 BANDUNG (JP): Indonesia Muda (IM) Texmaco revived its hope for a place in the finals with a 57-54 defeat of Citra Satria Pelita (CSP) in third-day action of the fourth series of the 1999 A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League here on Wednesday. In the second match, Mahaka SM overwhelmed underdog Siliwangi 103-63.

PDI-P considers entering VP fray

PDI-P considers entering VP fray JAKARTA (JP): The General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly will end on Thursday with the vice presidential election, in which the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle could win a consolation pride. But hours after a bitter loss of Megawati Soekarnoputri in the contest for the country's top job to underrated Abdurrahman Wahid on Wednesday, PDI Perjuangan leaders had not yet named a candidate for the second highest post.

Ubud art village maintains its tranquility

Ubud art village maintains its tranquility By Putu Wirata DENPASAR, Bali (JP ): For visitors who want to hear the sound of crickets and frogs while they sleep, the art village of Ubud, 18 kilometers south of Denpasar, maybe the best place to stay. Each morning, hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists eagerly hunt for distinctive art pieces at rows of famous galleries and art shops along Jl. Raya Ubud.

Sports community hopes Gus Dur will back sports

Sports community hopes Gus Dur will back sports JAKARTA (JP): Sports officials and athletes are hopeful that newly elected President Abdurrahman Wahid, a former soccer columnist, will pay more attention to sports development than B.J. Habibie.

Not a UNAMET member

Not a UNAMET member The letter Relations with Australia by Vikrama Vardhana on Oct. 19, 1999 refers to an Australian detained in Irian Jaya as a member of UNAMET. The individual in question is not, and has never been, a member of UNAMET. As this allegation has been made elsewhere I thought it important to clarify the issue. JOHN MILNE Counselor (Public Affairs) Australian Embassy Jakarta

54,400 porn VCDs seized at port

54,400 porn VCDs seized at port JAKARTA (JP): Tanjung Priok Port Police arrested a 38-year-old Jakartan in possession of 54,400 pornographic video compact discs (VCDs) when she arrived at the port from Batam Island on Monday afternoon. Port police chief Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang identified the suspect as Yusnawati, who carried the materials on the Sinabung that docked at the port on Monday at 2 p.m. "You people should read the titles of the VCDs.

Political professionalism

Political professionalism From Rakyat Merdeka In political activities, the professionalism which must be displayed by political activists is not just the ability to speak or maneuver well, but also includes moral integrity and ethics as the manifestation of accountability to the people. Therefore, what happened in the 1999 polls and what is happening at the ongoing General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is a unit and cannot be broken down at will.

GUS DUR IT IS

GUS DUR IT IS JAKARTA (JP): Muslim scholar Abdurrahman Wahid took his oath of office as president on Wednesday, becoming Indonesia's fourth and only president to be elected democratically. Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, took the helm after beating Megawati Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in the election by People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) members.

Glass painting, Nagasepaha cultural heritage

Glass painting, Nagasepaha cultural heritage By Putu Wirata SINGARAJA, Bali (JP): The Nagasepaha village in Buleleng, north Bali, is not as fortunate as Ubud in the southern part of Bali, although the village is home to many talented glass- painting artists. In l927, a wayang puppet master, Jero Dalang Diah, was bold enough to create an experimental artwork -- painting wayang figures on glass, a rare painting medium in that period.

Interruptions a point of order

Interruptions a point of order JAKARTA (JP): Many will remember this year's General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for a newly established practice. Dozens, probably hundreds, of interruptions have been heard since the General Session began on Oct. 1. "Interruption are like a fever, they are contagious," a reporter said recently. Journalists followed in the footsteps of Assembly legislators in promoting the new habit.

Four RI women reach Circuit 2nd round

Four RI women reach Circuit 2nd round JAKARTA (JP): Four national players passed their first test in the US$10,000 Indonesia Women's Circuit 4 at the Danamon tennis complex in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday. Old hand Irawati Moerid Iskandar defeated Susanne Filipp of Austria 6-3, 6-3 to meet the junior, Mudarwati. Mudarwati overcame Lan Lan Tai of Chinese Taipei 6-1, 6-4.

Many Balinese teenagers at a crossroads

Many Balinese teenagers at a crossroads By Degung Santikarma DENPASAR, Bali (JP): As night falls on a village temple near Denpasar, a crowd has already gathered. Vendors push their carts along the cracked sidewalk, hawking everything from fried bananas to children's toys to the throngs streaming into the courtyard.

North Maluku now a province

North Maluku now a province AMBON, Maluku: Despite losing East Timor, the country still consists of 27 provinces after North Maluku was officially declared a new province on Tuesday. "Administratively the new province was set up on Oct. 12 when Decree No. 46/1999 was signed in Jakarta," Ternate deputy mayor Abdulrahman Kroy said. Local residents prayed in mosques and churches to welcome the founding of the province in a joyful atmosphere. "Unlike Ambon, Ternate is peaceful.

Bali Police hand over wanted suspect

Bali Police hand over wanted suspect DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Bali Police have handed over a suspected American drug criminal, who has resided in Bali for five years, to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers here on Tuesday. Bali Police narcotics unit chief Maj. Wayan Sewena escorted Michael David Belcher, 37, to a Continental Micronesia aircraft at Ngurah Rai International Airport where drug enforcement agents Larry Sprock, Michael Flenagan and Andy Jauch were waiting.

Presidential election puts a stop to trade

Presidential election puts a stop to trade JAKARTA (JP): The capital's major business and shopping centers were all but deserted on Wednesday, with many of Jakarta's residents electing to stay home and follow the thrilling live television broadcast of the presidential election. Employees who did turn up to work were glued to television sets as the count progressed.

Bogor successful tax collection

Bogor successful tax collection BOGOR (JP): Bogor regency has collected about 60 percent of the projected overall income from taxes of Rp 32 billion during the first semester of the 1999/2000 fiscal year, an official said on Tuesday.

BI governor urges continuance of financial reforms

BI governor urges continuance of financial reforms SINGAPORE (AFP): Indonesia's central bank governor said Wednesday that the incoming president had to push ahead with crucial financial reforms amid the arduous task of rehabilitating the crisis-struck economy. Bank Indonesia Governor Syahril Sabirin spoke to reporters here hours before Abdurrahman Wahid was elected as the country's new president.

Indonesianists give mixed views on Gus Dur's win

Indonesianists give mixed views on Gus Dur's win JAKARTA (JP): News of Abdurrahman Wahid's win in the presidential election met on Wednesday with mixed reactions among Indonesianists abroad with most expressing surprise and cautious optimism. "If you had asked me five or six years ago whether Abdurrahman would be a good president, I would have said yes. But after his stroke, he became hard to follow.

World welcomes MPR decree on East Timor

World welcomes MPR decree on East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The International community warmly welcomed the People's Consultative Assembly's (MPR) decision to endorse the result of the Aug. 30 self-determination ballot and relinquish East Timor after 23 years under the Republic of Indonesia. U.S. State Department spokesman James Foley said in New York on Tuesday that the MPR's approval would pave the way toward the process of independence for East Timor.