Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 October 1999

67 articles found

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock 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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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 speakerFor more details on the General Session of the People's...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ubud art village maintains its tranquility

Ubud art village maintains its tranquilityBy 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.

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.

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.

Political professionalism

Political professionalismFrom Rakyat MerdekaIn 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.

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...

Glass painting, Nagasepaha cultural heritage

Glass painting, Nagasepaha cultural heritageBy 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.

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.

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.

Many Balinese teenagers at a crossroads

Many Balinese teenagers at a crossroadsBy 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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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.

Conversion Rates

Conversion RatesBank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 20, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,035.00 7,105.00Australian dollar 1 4,555.16 4,604.04Austrian schilling 1 553.59 559.30Belgian franc 1 188.83 190.78Brunei dollar 1 4,211.31 4,255.77Canadian dollar 1 4,722.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Putu's works confined to Bali culture

Putu's works confined to Bali cultureBy 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.

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.