Archive: 4 October 1999
44 articles found
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar to revamp currency
Myanmar to revamp currency SINGAPORE (AFP): Myanmar is to revamp its beleaguered currency structure, including realigning the official exchange rate to better reflect the market, according to a senior junta minister. The review would also include the question of whether the kyats should be partially or fully convertible, Brigadier General David Abel told AFP as the currency slumped to new lows against the US dollar.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hyundai enters N. Korea
Hyundai enters N. Korea SEOUL (Reuters): North Korea has backed plans by South Korea's Hyundai Group to build a sprawling industrial complex in a rare sign of thawing relations between the rival nations. Hyundai Group chairman Chung Mong-hun told a news conference the group planned to build a 66 million square metre "special economic complex" in the coastal town of Haeju in communist North Korea.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
New legislators say credible government key to aid resumption
New legislators say credible government key to aid resumption JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed legislators said on Saturday that Indonesia must immediately create a new credible government in order for foreign donors to resume lending the badly needed aid. Theo F. Toemeon, a legislator representing the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), said a new credible government would restore confidence in the country.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Foreigners encouraged to buy IBRA assets
Foreigners encouraged to buy IBRA assets NEW YORK (Dow Jones): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) encourages foreigners to invest in its nonperforming assets, a senior government official said Friday.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting, Ceramics Exhibition, at the Indonesia National Gallery Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3813021, 3848791), until Oct. 20. * Fine Art Exhibition by Shawnee Puti, Jl. Kemang Timur XVII no. 111, South Jakarta, until Oct. 15. * Sculpture Exhibition by Ibnu, at Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, until Oct. 10. * Drawing Exhibition by Odji Lirungan, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bali pleads for Australian tourists
Bali pleads for Australian tourists PERTH, Australia (AFP): Tourist officials from the Indonesian island of Bali claimed Sunday Australians had nothing to fear on the holiday resort. Jonathon Harris, spokesman for a group seeking to stimulate the Bali tourist trade, said although news from Timor had been negative, Australians had no reason to fear for their safety.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Man shot dead, young girl wounded in Ambon clash
Man shot dead, young girl wounded in Ambon clash AMBON, Maluku (JP): A man was shot to dead and a young girl was severely wounded during the latest clash in the troubled city. The outbreak, allegedly involving security troops, occurred on Sunday in the Batumerah subdistrict. The victim, identified as James Lungan, 25, was shot just 500 meters from his house, witnesses said. He died on the spot. A nurse at Dr. Haulussy Hospital said an initial examination showed that Lungan died of bullet wounds.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Japan vows more help for newer ASEAN members
Japan vows more help for newer ASEAN members SINGAPORE (AFP): Japan on Saturday pledged to step up assistance to the newer ASEAN members to help boost their competitiveness as the Southeast Asian grouping pursues plans for a free trade area by 2018, officials said. ASEAN secretary-general Rodolfo Severino said the grouping's cooperation with Japan addressed the issue of helping Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam improve participation in the proposed ASEAN Free Trade Area.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
A suggestion for a national library
A suggestion for a national library From Media Indonesia In developed countries, libraries are open 24 hours a day so that those needing them can make use of library services at any time convenient to them. Although libraries are open 24 hours in developed countries, they are always full of visitors. In Indonesia, however, library hours may be the shortest in the world because some libraries in a number of universities, for example, are open only between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Peaceful sphere vital during Session: Betawi
Peaceful sphere vital during Session: Betawi JAKARTA (JP): About 1,000 members of Masyarakat Betawi (Native Jakartans) staged a peaceful rally in front of Hotel Indonesia on Sunday calling for peace and calm during the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). The protesters marched from the Semanggi cloverleaf to the Hotel Indonesia roundabout at about 3 p.m.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Water fee losses hurt city revenue
Water fee losses hurt city revenue BOGOR (JP): Many businessmen here have not obtained permits for using groundwater, causing revenue losses in fees collected by the administration, an official said on Saturday. "It's because they are reluctant to process the permit which has to be filed in Bandung," Hidayat Gandana, Bogor's Mining Agency chief said.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
MPR members unhappy with acting speakers
MPR members unhappy with acting speakers JAKARTA (JP): Members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) blamed the two acting speakers on Sunday for the long and sometimes trivial debates during the plenary session of the Assembly. Members said Soejitno Hardjosoediro of the interest group and Izul Islam of the United Development Party (PPP), both of whom had been appointed on Friday to preside over the session until a speaker of the Assembly was elected on Sunday, were indecisive.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Shaman' lands hundreds in hospital
'Shaman' lands hundreds in hospital BENGKULU: Some 300 elementary school children in the Rejang Lebong subdistrict have been hospitalized in recent weeks after having their tonsils taken out by a "fraud" shaman. Rejang Lebong subprecinct Police Chief Lt. Col. Djauhari Soeleiman said five suspects have been identified in the case. "The five suspects are still at large," he said on Saturday as quoted by Antara.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Central Java firms halt Australian imports
Central Java firms halt Australian imports JAKARTA (JP): The Central Java chapter of the Indonesian Textile Association (API) has decided to replace its Australian cotton imports with goods from Turkey, China, Pakistan and Africa in anticipation of a possible disruption in cotton supplies from the neighboring country.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tanah Abang locals praise, caution African neighbors
Tanah Abang locals praise, caution African neighbors JAKARTA (JP): Residents in the Tanah Abang area in Central Jakarta have mixed opinions on the mushrooming number of Africans residing in and running businesses in the heavily populated area. Interviewed on Saturday, some of the people -- especially garment traders, hoteliers and restaurateurs -- were highly enthusiastic about their new neighbors.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fixed exchange rate system still an option: PDI-P
Fixed exchange rate system still an option: PDI-P JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia may have to reemploy a fixed exchange rate system if its currency continues to be treated "unfairly", according to a legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan). Theo F. Teomeon, who is also a currency expert, said on the weekend that such a measure would be an option if creating a new credible government and upholding the supremacy of the law fail to strengthen the rupiah.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Committee member claims kidnap threat
Committee member claims kidnap threat SIGLI, Aceh: A member of the Independent Committee for Violence in Aceh, Nurtini, claimed on Saturday that security forces had threatened to kidnap her because of her activities. She claimed she had filed a report to police, however Pidie district Police chief Lt. Col. Endang Emiqail Bagus denied that he had received any such report.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
MPR forms 10 factions amid arguments, protests
MPR forms 10 factions amid arguments, protests JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) decided on Sunday at a plenary session, dogged by hiccups of protests and interruptions, to approve ten factions at the highest legislative body. Soejitno Hardjosoediro, who chaired the session, banged his gavel to confirm the decision amid interruptions by members who came up with different interpretations of the requirements for forming a faction.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Justice for East Timor
Justice for East Timor The expected arrival of United Nations investigators in East Timor this week to look into allegations of severe human rights abuses in the territory, particularly shortly before and in the wake of the Aug. 30 self-determination ballot, is easily the most serious blow to Indonesia's international reputation to date. It also has the potential of bringing the most far-reaching consequences, whose impact on the country are difficult to foresee.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bomb thrown at Cambodian ed's car
Bomb thrown at Cambodian ed's car PHNM PENH (DPA): The editor of a suspended Cambodian newspaper said on Saturday that a failed bomb attack on his car was meant to silence him. "I think this is a political attack," Lim Rattana, editor of the Khmer-language Ronakrath (Republican News) said in an interview on Saturday. No one was injured when two men on a motorcycle threw a bomb at the car of Lim Rattana.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Saudi unhindered to join WTO
Saudi unhindered to join WTO DUBAI (Reuters): Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister Osama al- Faqih said in remarks published on Sunday there were no obstacles preventing the kingdom joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) although membership talks were tough. The Arabic daily al-Hayat said the minister denied there were any obstacles when asked by the newspaper and said that "joining demands the completion of the current negotiations".
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Typhoon hits school in Bogor
Typhoon hits school in Bogor BOGOR (JP): An elementary school in Kalong village of Leuwiliang subdistrict collapsed after a storm struck here last week, forcing some 320 pupils to take turns learning at school. "The school building, built in 1974, was old and fragile. That's why the walls and roofs collapsed easily from the effects of the strong wind," Nurhayati, the principal of Kalong elementary school, said on Saturday.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timor refugees reflect on terrible past
East Timor refugees reflect on terrible past KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): For many who lived and worked in East Timor, the results of the Aug. 30 self-determination ballot brought new hope of an independent homeland. But for thousands of forgotten others, it has meant an end to the life they had known and a search for a new home.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
A strong statement
A strong statement On Sept. 30, 1999, all newspapers reported the visit of several leaders of Muslim-based political parties to the private residence of President Habibie. These leaders, among others, were Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, Amien Rais, Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Hamzah Has, and they were present to convey three messages. The first message conveyed was to persuade President Habibie to reconsider his candidacy in the next presidential election for the good of the nation.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
C. Java deputy governor dies
C. Java deputy governor dies SEMARANG, Central Java: Central Java Deputy Governor I Hartono died in hospital early on Sunday, just one hour after being admitted. No immediate cause was given for his death. Antara reported that Hartono was admitted to Elizabeth Hospital at around 1 a.m. However, two days earlier he had returned to work after taking a leave of absence due to health reasons. He was buried later in the day in Dayung village, Sukorejo district.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Yogyakarta to raise bus fares
Yogyakarta to raise bus fares YOGYAKARTA: Bus fares are expected to rise between 20 to 50 percent in the coming weeks. Head of the Yogyakarta Traffic Bureau, Moenadji, said on Saturday that the administration was awaiting the provincial Council to approve the hike. The administration proposed that bus fares be raised from Rp 500 to Rp 600, while student fares from Rp 150 to Rp 300.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Japan preparing second phase of Asia assistance plan
Japan preparing second phase of Asia assistance plan SINGAPORE (Reuters): Japan is preparing a second phase of its Asian assistance plan that would offer technical and developmental aid, a senior trade ministry official said on Saturday. Hisamitsu Arai, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) vice minister for international affairs, told Reuters the time was ripe for a "second stage" of the $30 billion Miyazawa plan.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Amien Rais elected new chairman of MPR
Amien Rais elected new chairman of MPR JAKARTA (JP): Reform movement figure Amien Rais survived a close race for the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairmanship on Sunday. In a vote which might serve as a rehearsal for the presidential election in three weeks, National Mandate Party (PAN) Amien earned 305 votes to beat his major rival Matori Abdul Djalil, the National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman, by 26 votes.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. to help the Philippines upgrade military
U.S. to help the Philippines upgrade military MANILA (Agencies): The United States and the Philippines announced a joint program on Sunday to begin modernizing Manila's aging military forces in a sign of improving defense ties between the two countries. U.S.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Favorite team tops the standings in Kobatama
Favorite team tops the standings in Kobatama SURABAYA (JP): Western division favorite Aspac taught a good lesson to Bhinneka Sritex of the eastern division by defeating the eastern favorite 75-62 in the fifth day of the third series A Mild Kobatama national basketball league at the Pacific basketball stadium on Sunday. In the second game, Citra Satria Pelita (CSP) of the western division disgraced Pacific Bank Swadesi 52-43 in front of its home crowd. It was CSP's first victory in this series.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
'No trace of arsenic poisoning' in Anwar
'No trace of arsenic poisoning' in Anwar KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Three week after he was hospitalized, clinical tests have so far shown that jailed former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was not poisoned with arsenic, a minister said on Sunday, claiming the allegations were a pre-election ploy.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Locals protest Tangerang Court
Locals protest Tangerang Court TANGERANG (JP): A group from the Tangerang People's Communication Forum for Human Rights (Formatan HAM) staged a protest in front of the Tangerang District Court on Saturday, demanding the proper prosecution for a case involving a labor activist. The group said Marzuki, 45, a former employee of PT Kencana Indah Garmenindo, had legally won a dispute over the company's decision to expel him due to his involvement in establishing a labor union two years ago.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
PAL shifts focus to ship maintenance
PAL shifts focus to ship maintenance JAKARTA (JP): In anticipation of a further downturn in orders for new ships, state-owned shipbuilding company PT PAL has announced that it will focus its operations on general engineering and maintenance activities. The company's president, Adwin H. Suryohadiprodjo, said in Surabaya on Friday that orders for new ships would continue to decline next year. Adwin estimated the contracts for new ships would fall this year by about 40 percent.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Thailand seeks to redefine ASEAN's role
Thailand seeks to redefine ASEAN's role By Karl Malakunas BANGKOK: When one of Australia's most senior defense officers flew through Asia last month in a bid to round up troops for the multinational peace keeping force in East Timor, history suggested his plea would be ignored.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
There's hope in new legislators
There's hope in new legislators Doubts and hopes of all Indonesians on whether badly needed changes for the better will occur colored Friday's installment of the new legislators. Politics lecturer Riswandha Imawan comments on the issue in an interview with The Jakarta Post. Question: How would you judge the ability and composition of the new legislators? Answer: Some are, indeed, figures who have changed clothes; old figures who switched parties.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Leaving councilors refuse to return loaned items
Leaving councilors refuse to return loaned items TANGERANG (JP): Former Tangerang Council legislators are presenting a series of problems to the local administration, a municipality spokesman said on Friday. At least 11 of them are refusing to return official cars lent to them as legislators during their two-year term. Furniture, including dining tables, chairs and cupboards, have been reported as missing from their official residences at the Bumi Berhias housing complex in Jatiuwung district.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Axis force mulls coalition with Golkar Party
Axis force mulls coalition with Golkar Party JAKARTA (JP): The alliance of the Muslim-based parties widely known as the "axis force" opens up the possibility of a coalition with the Golkar Party, said an axis force figure Hamzah Haz. Speaking on the sidelines of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) session on Sunday, Hamzah said efforts should be made to promote common interests between the two political groupings.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
AFC accepts playoff format for added 2002 W. Cup berth
AFC accepts playoff format for added 2002 W. Cup berth LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Reuters): The Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) grudgingly accepted a playoff format for an added berth in the 2002 World Cup on Saturday, but remained at odds with FIFA, the sports world governing body. The AFC accepted a compromise proposal that will have it meet Europe in a playoff for a fifth qualifying spot.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. warns Indonesia on E. Timor refugees
U.S. warns Indonesia on E. Timor refugees MANILA (Reuters): The United States intensified pressure on Indonesia on Sunday to help thousands of East Timorese return safely from camps in West Timor where their leaders say they are terrorised by pro-Jakarta militias. U.S. Defence Secretary William Cohen said it was vital the refugees be allowed home.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
One more dead after protest
One more dead after protest BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: After fighting for her life for six days at the Advent Hospital, Saydatul Fitria died on Sunday, raising the number of deaths from last week's bloody student demonstration to two. An English major at Lampung University, Fitria was pronounced dead on Sunday morning due to severe head injuries. Fitria is the second victim of the demonstration, following the death of M.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Interfet called to disclose identities of those arrested
Interfet called to disclose identities of those arrested JAKARTA (JP): The commander of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) has challenged the International Force for East Timor (Interfet) to reveal the identity of the Indonesian elite force members allegedly captured working with East Timor militias. "Interfet should transparently provide the identities of East Timorese arrested by them, whom they allege are Kopassus members.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Manggarai residents promise to keep peace
Manggarai residents promise to keep peace JAKARTA (JP): Two quarreling groups of residents in Manggarai subdistrict, South Jakarta, pledged on Sunday to stop their prolonged feud which claimed three lives last year. Witnessed by Tebet district head Rama Parjawinata and Tebet Police chief Maj. Asli Manau, the residents issued a joint "peace-deal" statement in a gathering at the Manggarai Selatan soccer field.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
MPR sessions 'to dictate' Jakarta stock trading
MPR sessions 'to dictate' Jakarta stock trading JAKARTA (JP): Experts agree trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) this week will very much depend on the course of the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Stock analysts said there could be a correction to the index, which gained over 9 percent last week, if the session did not proceed smoothly.
Mon, 04 Oct 1999, 00:00 WIB
Reflections on Australia-Indonesia ties
Reflections on Australia-Indonesia ties By S. Wiryono CANBERRA (JP): As Australia's former prime minister, Malcolm Fraser, once remarked, "life was not meant to be easy". That is surely true for career diplomats such as myself, whose main task in life is to represent their country to the rest of the world. Since no country on earth is totally free of unhappy incidents or episodes in its present or past, this is not always a comfortable position to be in.