Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 October 1999

53 articles found

Four arrested from car theft

Four arrested from car theft JAKARTA (JP): City Police detectives have arrested four of 10 members of a car theft syndicate operating across Java and Sulawesi, following two grueling months of investigation, City Police chief of detectives said on Monday. Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo identified two of the four as 30- year-old Rachmad Lasimpala, alias Rudi, and 27-year-old Victor Theo Mangkey, both businessmen living on Jl. Cempaka Putih Tengah in Central Jakarta.

Import duty on IT goods lowered

Import duty on IT goods lowered JAKARTA (JP): Import duty on electronic goods and information technology based office equipment has been lowered from 10 percent to 5 percent, while that for electric devices has been dropped from 5 percent to zero, Hadiyanto head of the law and public relations bureau at the finance ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Honda Thai production to double this year

Honda Thai production to double this year TOKYO (Dow Jones): As a sign of the improving economic situation in Thailand, Honda Motor Co. expects to double its Thai production this year, an executive for the Japanese automaker said Monday. In an interview with Dow Jones Newswires, Satoshi Toshida, president and director of Asian Honda Motor Co., said the company now expects to produce about 32,000 vehicles in 1999 using one shift and some overtime, up from a little over 15,000 last year.

Observers call on Cabinet members to disclose wealth

Observers call on Cabinet members to disclose wealth JAKARTA (JP): Observers said here on Monday members of the Cabinet which is expected to be announced on Tuesday should publicly disclose their assets before and after their appointments. Hermawan Sulistyo of the National Institute of Science said Cabinet members, President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri should also be willing to be audited.

President to meet Xanana

President to meet Xanana JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has planned to hold a meeting next month with East Timor independence leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, possibly in Brunei or another neutral Southeast Asian country, his aide said on Monday. Muladi, the state secretary in the former government of B.J. Habibie, said the meeting would take place during the President's lengthy working visits to nine Asian capitals.

Chinese-Indonesians expect return of overseas funds

Chinese-Indonesians expect return of overseas funds JAKARTA (JP): The Chinese-Indonesian Association (INTI) has appealed to wealthy Chinese businesspeople to bring back home the billions of dollars they have deposited overseas. INTI chairman Eddie Lembong said on Monday that the election of new President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri would provide social and political stability in the country. "I'm certain that the money will return home ...

Museums to arrange performances, exhibitions to entice visitors

Museums to arrange performances, exhibitions to entice visitors JAKARTA (JP): City-owned museums are organizing a series of exhibitions and art performances in a bid to attract new visitors and share information about the country's history and heritage, museum executives said on Monday. "For years, museums have only been visited by student groups and tourists. It means that museums are not popular among the people," director of the Art and Ceramic Museum, Abdulrachman, said at his office on Jl.

The 'Bagito' show insult

The 'Bagito' show insult I was deeply shocked and disappointed to watch on Oct. 23, 1999 the Bagito show, which was broadcast on Indosiar. In their performance, the Bagito members blatantly insulted President Abdurrahman Wahid (or Gus Dur) by imitating the way Gus Dur behaves in the context of his poor health. The depiction was not humane and it happened when all people want human rights earnestly respected. Basically, we all wish to be blessed with good health.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 25, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

PAL readmitted to IATA

PAL readmitted to IATA MANILA (AP): Philippine Airlines said Monday it has been readmitted to the International Air Transport Association after settling its debts with the airline industry body. PAL was suspended from the IATA's clearing house in September 1998 after it failed to pay debts of US$32 million to other airlines. At that time, debt-laden PAL was on the brink of bankruptcy and struggling to get its creditors, owed $2.2 billion, to accept a recovery plan.

House to decide on PwC report

House to decide on PwC report JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) appointed its legal and banking commissions to decide whether to publish the full PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report on its audit of the transactions relating to the Bank Bali scandal.

Sutiyoso denies renewing permits for gas stations

Sutiyoso denies renewing permits for gas stations JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is promising to put a stop to the issuance of permits for the operation of gas stations located in the greenbelt, Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday. "We won't extend the permits anymore. Let the permits end." He said the sites of the gas stations would be returned to use as green areas in the capital.

Govt to free 80 political prisoners

Govt to free 80 political prisoners JAKARTA (JP): Newly elected President Abdurrahman Wahid, in his first move to promote national reconciliation, is considering the release of 80 political prisoners, including chairman of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) Budiman Sudjatmiko. Outgoing State Secretary/Minister of Justice Muladi said on Monday that the clemency would be granted to the political prisoners, mostly East Timorese, immediately after approval from the House of Representatives.

Security guard killed on duty

Security guard killed on duty JAKARTA (JP): A middle-aged security officer was killed on Saturday night during a fight near a public telephone booth at the Cililitan bus terminal in East Jakarta, a police official said on Monday. Quoting witnesses at the scene, police said that Freddy Gony, 50, was attacked by four men while he was on duty at a shopping compound on Jl. Dewi Sartika in East Jakarta, some 300 meters from the bus terminal.

Lufthansa adds RI flight

Lufthansa adds RI flight JAKARTA (JP): German-based Lufthansa said on Monday it would add an extra weekly flight to its Jakarta and Frankfurt route as part of its winter timetable commencing Oct. 31, 1999, until March 25, 2000. Lufthansa general manager for Indonesia Carlos M. Heinemann said the new flight would operate every Wednesday in addition to the weekly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday schedules, making a total of five Lufthansa flights per week.

No ties with Israel, Gus Dur tells Arab envoys

No ties with Israel, Gus Dur tells Arab envoys JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid assured Arab nations on Monday that Indonesia would not open diplomatic ties with Israel until Palestinians gained independence in their homeland. Palestine Ambassador Ribhi Y. Awad told reporters he received assurances from the new President that there would be no immediate change in Indonesia's foreign policy toward Israel.

Death of mangrove forests imperials Mentawai Islands

Death of mangrove forests imperials Mentawai Islands By I Made Tinggal Karyawan MENTAWAI, West Sumatra (Antara): About 32,000 hectares of mangrove forests on Mentawai island, located around 90 kms to the east of West Sumatra's capital Padang, is severely damaged, posing serious threats to sea biota living in its ecosystem. The destruction of mangrove forests is also feared to affect surfing locations, one of the islands' many attractions.

TNI's role in RI power struggles

TNI's role in RI power struggles By Riza Sihbudi JAKARTA (JP): After the fall of president Sukarno in 1966, Indonesia's political life was dominated by the military under the dwifungsi (dual function) doctrine. The doctrine permits the Armed Forces (ABRI), now the Indonesian Military (TNI), to be active in social and political affairs as well as security and defense.

To the President

To the President We, the Indonesian Alliance of Women and National Partnership, would like to congratulate Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, for his election as president and Megawati for her election as vice president. This fact reflects the triumph of Amien Rais, who nominated Gus Dur as a presidential candidate.

'Jamu' workers protest in Semarang

'Jamu' workers protest in Semarang SEMARANG: About 200 employees of traditional herbal medicine company Jamu Sido Muncul staged a protest here on Monday to demand fair treatment. "We stage a peaceful protest here. We just want to be treated fairly ... with a proper chance to pray and enjoy our normal rights," the workers said. During the protest, scores of security personnel guarded the company's compound.

Governor told to stop rampant gambling or quit

Governor told to stop rampant gambling or quit JAKARTA (JP): Four party factions at the City Council urged Governor Sutiyoso on Monday to immediately stop the proliferation of toto gelap (togel) gambling in the city and halt rampant drug abuse -- or give up his job. "If the governor cannot handle the gambling and drug trafficking in the city, he should resign," councilor Posman Siahaan of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP) said. Seconding the statement were Tb.

President asked to state govt human rights agenda

President asked to state govt human rights agenda JAKARTA (JP): The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) has called on newly elected President Abdurrahman Wahid to explain his government's human rights agenda. Kontras deputy coordinator Ori Rahman said many human rights abuses committed by the New Order government should be resolved by the new administration.

Revival in tourism looms after election outcome

Revival in tourism looms after election outcome JAKARTA (JP): The election of President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri has brought new hope for a revival of the country's ailing tourism, executives of tourism related businesses said on Monday.

RI to get windfall profit from oil exports

RI to get windfall profit from oil exports JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to windfall profit from oil and gas exports this fiscal year due to a sharp increase in oil prices. Pertamina president Martiono Hadianto said on Monday that receipts from oil and gas exports could reach Rp 44 trillion (about US$6.7 billion) during the fiscal year ending in March 2000. Martiono's forecast is double the Rp 22 trillion projected for the 1999/2000 fiscal year.

Servant empties foreigner's house

Servant empties foreigner's house BOGOR (JP): Bogor City Police detectives have apprehended a 17-year-old servant who is believed to have stolen electronic goods from the house of his employer in North Bogor. Deputy chief Maj. Weri Sudjatmiko said on Monday the suspect, Asep Saepuloh, stole the goods in stages while his employer, William S. Brown, an Australian national traveled to the resort island of Bali.

Fresh unrest in Maluku

Fresh unrest in Maluku AMBON, Maluku: Four people were injured and several houses damaged when fresh unrest broke out in the West Seram district of Central Maluku on Monday. The victims were wounded during an exchange of stones by the disputing parties. The fray reportedly involved two warring groups known locally as the red camp and the white camp. The cause of this latest incident remains unclear.

Asian currencies fail to build on early strength

Asian currencies fail to build on early strength HONG KONG (Dow Jones): After strengthening moderately in early dealing, Asian currencies tracked sideways for the remainder of local hours Monday. Dealers described trading activity as unusually quiet. With Indonesian markets on hold awaiting the appointment of a new cabinet, possibly as early as Tuesday, and domestic markets in Thailand closed for a public holiday, interest in Southeast Asian foreign exchange markets was minimal.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 25, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 325 -25 25,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 425 0 10,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,500 0 2,184,500 Anwar Sierad 250 25 151,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Daewoo's creditors to get debt collateral

Daewoo's creditors to get debt collateral SEOUL (AFP): Foreign creditor banks will get US$830 million in debt collateral set aside by South Korea's crumbling Daewoo Group, receiving priority over local counterparts, officials said Monday. The government-controlled corporate restructuring committee said local creditors had decided to pass on to their foreign counterparts 10 percent of the 10-trillion-won (US$8.3 billion) collateral provided by Daewoo.

Capital returns to normal as threat of protests ends

Capital returns to normal as threat of protests ends JAKARTA (JP): The hustle and bustle of everyday life returned to the city on Monday as the tension of the recently completed 21-day General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly abated. The usual traffic jams and crowded public buses of the capital made a reappearance as residents once again felt it safe to venture from their homes.

Cabinet set to be named on Tuesday

Cabinet set to be named on Tuesday JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is expected to announce the lineup of his Cabinet on Tuesday, six days after his election to the nation's helm. Close aide Alwi Shihab, who is expected to be named foreign minister, confirmed to reporters that the President, who is better known as Gus Dur, would make his announcement at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. Palace staff members said the announcement could be earlier in the day.

Rates for tax payment, valid from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31

Rates for tax payment, valid from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 6,900.00 Austrian schilling 1 538.89 Australian dollar 1 4,440.15 Belgian franc 1 183.82 Canadian dollar 1 4,619.40 Swiss franc 1 4,657.13 Deutschemark 1 3,793.29 Danish krone 1 1,002.40 French franc 1 1,130.47 Poundsterling 1 11,478.84 Hong Kong dollar 1 888.10 Italian lira 100 382.97 Japanese yen 100 6,483.13 Malaysian ringgit 1 1,815.79 Dutch guilder 1 3,364.98 New Zealand dollar 1 3,507.27 Norwegian krone 1 895.32 Swedish...

Hats off to Habibie!

Hats off to Habibie! From Suara Karya We listened to your televised statement on Oct. 20, 1999, in which you said that taking into account the situation as a whole, and for the sake of the nation and the country, you had chosen not to run for the presidency. We, the Barisan Nasional (Barnas = national front), an ethical movement institute representing the nation's aspirations, hereby state our appreciation and pride in your stance. May this benefit the unity of our nation and country.

WB must set priorities in Timor says adviser

WB must set priorities in Timor says adviser DARWIN, Australia (Reuters): A World Bank team which will soon begin assessing the damage done by pro-Indonesia militias in East Timor must set clear emergency priorities, the territory's former governor said on Monday. Mario Carrascalao, the Jakarta-appointed former East Timor governor now a key adviser to independence leader Xanana Gusmao, said the shattered territory would be in need of emergency aid for at least another year.

House establishes nine commissions

House establishes nine commissions JAKARTA (JP): Division of labor in the House of Representatives (DPR) was endorsed on Monday, with its 500 members grouped into nine commissions. In its maiden plenary session presided over by Speaker Akbar Tandjung, the House made the resumption of the investigation into the Bank Bali scandal top priority of its initial agenda, apart from its routine tasks.

Asian telcoms hit by 'revenue leakage'

Asian telcoms hit by 'revenue leakage' HONG KONG (Reuters): Telecommunications firms in some Asian countries lose a higher percentage of their revenue through fraud, billing errors and poor credit management than world-class operators, PricewaterhouseCoopers said.

Educational gains being made

Educational gains being made CIKADU, Banten, West Java (JP): Cikadu Kampong, Tanjungjaya village, Panimbang regency, Banten, West Java, now has two junior high schools. Seventy junior high school students are able to study close to home. The school principal, Agus Sumadiyono, said that the schools began operations at the start of the current educational year. "This is part of the programs conducted by the South Bantenese Development Foundation (SBDF).

Jakarta's poor people want peace from their new leaders

Jakarta's poor people want peace from their new leaders By John Gittings JAKARTA: In the muddy street of a city slum next to Jakarta harbor, people have no doubt what they want from Indonesia's new president. "We want prices to go down," says Rasdullah, a pedicab driver who has sent his family away from this desperately poor kampung (urban village) to the countryside because he cannot feed them.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 TV Series: Amazing 3:00 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Management Program 5:00 Documentary 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Series: Hotel 8:30 Music 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:30 Music 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Asia-Africa trade forum set up

Asia-Africa trade forum set up KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Executives from Africa and Asia were arriving in the Malaysian capital Monday for the launch of a new business forum aimed at dispelling Africa's image as a continent of corruption, conflicts and crises. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), joint organizer of the Africa-Asia Business Forum, says much of Africa is actually a good place to do business.

Makassar protesters raise Sulawesi separatist flag

Makassar protesters raise Sulawesi separatist flag MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Thousands of student protesters here forced Governor HZB Palaguna to witness on Monday the lowering of the red-and-white national flag and the hoisting of a green flag of an independent Sulawesi state during a rally at his office.

Hancock opens new office

Hancock opens new office JAKARTA (JP): American Consul General Robert A. Pollard opened the PT Bumiputera John Hancock life insurance sales and service center in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday. "Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia and has an excellent reputation for business and industry," David Cottrell, president director of the company, said at the opening ceremony.

Lawyers urge reopening of Soeharto's case

Lawyers urge reopening of Soeharto's case JAKARTA (JP): Two groups of lawyers demanded the South Jakarta District Court on Monday revoke a decree issued by the Attorney General's Office two weeks ago, which stopped of a year-long investigation into alleged corruption by former president Soeharto for lack of evidence.

The east in turmoil

The east in turmoil The turmoil that has erupted in South Sulawesi in eastern Indonesia to demand an independent state of Sulawesi is a reaction to the outcome of the recently concluded People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) session in Jakarta. The decisions which the MPR has taken is considered to ignore the aspirations of the people of the eastern parts of the country.

Mohamad 'Bob' Hasan still uncontested for PASI post

Mohamad 'Bob' Hasan still uncontested for PASI post JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Athletic Association (PASI) announced on Monday that its current chairman, Mohamad "Bob" Hasan, remained the sole candidate to chair the sports organization for the 1999-2003 term. PASI secretary-general Barmawi Chaidir said that PASI's 26 provincial chapters were yet to nominate other figures to lead the association.

S. Banten prepares for agribusiness

S. Banten prepares for agribusiness By I. Christianto The Jakarta Post, in cooperation with Banten West Java Tourism Development Corporation, is presenting weekly issues on the Banten region. This week's issue is on agriculture and education. CIKADU, Banten, West Java (JP): What can make people in a rural area more fortunate than improving their skills in environmentally healthy farming practices and other agricultural- related activities?

Security Council authorizes East Timor administration

Security Council authorizes East Timor administration JAKARTA (JP): The Security Council gave Secretary General Kofi Annan authority on Monday to set up a UN administration with extensive powers to rebuild East Timor and run it until independence. The UN Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) has a mandate to "establish an effective administration" in the territory, which was plunged into anarchy after voting against Indonesia's wide-ranging autonomy offer on Aug. 30.

Corpses found in rivers

Corpses found in rivers JAKARTA (JP): The body of a long-haired man recovered from the Kali Irigasi River, Tangerang, last Friday morning remains unidentified at the morgue at Tangerang General Hospital, a morgue official said on Monday. According to the city police, the corpse found wrapped in a plastic bag had been dead for at least 24 hours and was starting to decompose.

Alwi hopes to mend fences with Australia

Alwi hopes to mend fences with Australia JAKARTA (JP): Muslim scholar Alwi Shihab, who is widely tipped to be named the new foreign minister on Tuesday, said on Monday that he hoped for better ties with Australia under the new government of President Abdurrahman Wahid. "With the right approach, God willing, we will strengthen ties once again," Alwi, known as the President's right-hand man, said at the Presidential Palace.

Wiranto apologizes for bloodshed during MPR Session

Wiranto apologizes for bloodshed during MPR Session JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto apologized on Monday for casualties caused in the course of the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and the victims who have and are receiving treatment in hospital. "I sincerely apologize for those who are the victims in the course of the General Session.

Riot costs Surakarta Rp 12b

Riot costs Surakarta Rp 12b SURAKARTA, Central Java: Financial losses from the riot here last week are estimated at a minimum of Rp 12 billion, Mayor Imam Soetopo said on Monday. "The figure is an estimate of the cost of the City Hall which was burned down during the unrest. It excludes the loss from the other damaged buildings, such as the assistant governor's office and the BCA building," Imam told The Jakarta Post. The mayoralty's accounting office set the damage at Rp 14.38 billion.

Aceh policewomen to wear veils

Aceh policewomen to wear veils BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Aceh Police chief Brig. Gen. Bachrumsyah ordered local policewomen on Monday to wear veils to show the police's support for the Law on Aceh's Special Autonomy which was passed last month. The order was issued by Bachrumsyah during a ceremony at the provincial police headquarters, Antara news agency reported. The veils' are the same color as the brown police uniforms.

Jury still out on impact of Asian crisis on AIDS

Jury still out on impact of Asian crisis on AIDS KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Asia's economic crisis has hastened the spread of AIDS in Indonesia, but Thailand's social programs have helped prevent an extension of the fatal disease in that country, a World Bank official said on Monday.