Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 October 1999

57 articles found

'Hijackers' of passenger ship set free in Ujungpandang

'Hijackers' of passenger ship set free in Ujungpandang UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): A group of hijackers were let off lightly, following their hijacking of the Bukit Siguntang passenger ship on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when the ship, which was carrying 900 passengers, left Ambon's Yos Sudarso Harbor for Ujungpandang. The hijackers, believed to number over 100 people, began their takeover about 30 minutes after the ship left the harbor.

IBRA says it has recovered Rp 2.7t in loans

IBRA says it has recovered Rp 2.7t in loans JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) announced on Wednesday that it had recovered some Rp 2.7 trillion in loans including bad debts owed by debtors of banks which have been closed down, nationalized banks, and privatized banks. "By the end of September 1999, IBRA had recovered some Rp 2.7 trillion from a loan collection effort," agency deputy chairman Eko S. Budianto said in a press release.

Cabinet rules out breaking diplomatic ties with Australia

Cabinet rules out breaking diplomatic ties with Australia JAKARTA (JP): The government ruled out on Wednesday the possibility of severing diplomatic ties with Australia, despite the tense relationship between the two countries and the perceived inappropriate behavior of the Australia-led International Force For East Timor (Interfet). Prior to attending a Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office, Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen.

Manokwari police chief replaced

Manokwari police chief replaced MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: Manokwari Police chief Lt. Col. R.E. Hutabarat was replaced by Lt. Col. Agung Sabar Santoso in a ceremony on Wednesday. The ceremony which was closed to journalists, was presided over by Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. Hotman Siagian. The 'secret' replacement of Hutabarat was believed to be linked to the shooting to death of a local resident when police were handling a riot on Sept. 25. Brig. Gen. Abraham O.

Experts urge government to involve locals

Experts urge government to involve locals JAKARTA (JP): Tourism experts and executives of tourism- related businesses called on the new government on Wednesday to involve local communities in developing the country's tourism. Koesnady Hardjasoemantri, a lecturer at the Yogyakarta-based Gadjahmada University, said the government should, for example, involve the local communities to draft a policy to develop the local tourism potential.

Hopes about TNI

Hopes about TNI It cannot be denied that the Indonesian Military' (TNI's) dwifungsi (dual function) has traumatized people in our society and aroused the antipathy of many. Those people resent the fact that so many strategic positions in our society are occupied by members of the military and police, whose actual job is to protect the country's security.

Government blamed for Indonesia's poor performance in sports events

Government blamed for Indonesia's poor performance in sports events JAKARTA (JP): The government's lack of commitment to support sports in the country has been blamed as the main reason for Indonesia's poor performance in international events in the last few years.

Language problem forces court to adjourn drug trial

Language problem forces court to adjourn drug trial JAKARTA (JP): Lack of a translator forced judges at the West Jakarta District Court on Wednesday to adjourn for a second time the preliminary hearing of two Ghanaians arrested for drug possession in June. Presiding judge A.L. Rungngu said at the opening of the hearing that prosecutor Baza Telambanua should inform the Ghanaian envoy in writing that M.

Cultural capitalism in the Balinese tourist trade

Cultural capitalism in the Balinese tourist trade By Degung Santikarma DENPASAR, Bali (JP): For the million-plus travelers who visit Bali each year, the "enchanted isle" seems to offer a respite from the routines and responsibilities that rule modern life. Fleeing from the stress of the contemporary world, they come to Bali searching for something authentically different from their own everyday reality.

Habibie's account to MPR may skirt sensitive issues

Habibie's account to MPR may skirt sensitive issues JAKARTA (JP): Three of President B.J. Habibie's most sensitive problems -- the alleged corruption by Soeharto, the Bank Bali scandal and the East Timor issue -- looks set to be sidelined in his upcoming accountability speech to the nation's highest institution. A six-hour Cabinet meeting at the Bina Graha presidential office took place on Wednesday to discuss the President's accountability speech.

Political disillusionment shadows presidential election

Political disillusionment shadows presidential election A continuing coalition of the "axis force" and the Golkar Party will have dire consequences for the nation, warned Goenawan Mohamad, former chief editor of Tempo magazine, in an interview with The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. Question: How do you see the emergence of Amien Rais as leader of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)?

Insiders suspected of leaking plans on raids: Mayor

Insiders suspected of leaking plans on raids: Mayor JAKARTA (JP): Officials in command of fighting drugs in Jakarta said on Wednesday they suspected an inside leak after a second raid came up empty-handed for contraband or suspects. "Most foreign guests at the hotels that we inspected this morning had already checked out when we arrived. Perhaps someone who knew about the plans warned them," Central Jakarta Mayor Andi S. Abdullah said after a raid on Wednesday also met with failure.

PDI-P acknowledges bargaining with Golkar

PDI-P acknowledges bargaining with Golkar JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) acknowledged trading concessions with Golkar Party to secure Akbar Tandjung's overwhelming win in the secret ballot for House speaker in the early hours of Wednesday. The concessions, PDI Perjuangan executives said, were given in return for Golkar's support of their party chairwoman, Megawati Soekarnoputri, in the Oct. 20 presidential election.

Rats, water wreaking havoc on crops in Tangerang

Rats, water wreaking havoc on crops in Tangerang TANGERANG (JP): Rats and water shortages have struck some 2,900 hectares of rice fields, forcing farmers to have an early harvest, an official said on Tuesday. Tangerang Agriculture Agency chief Yodhi Rosidi said about 10 districts were suffering from water shortages as a result of overburdened rice plantation. "Many farmers in these districts are in bad need of water supply.

Gang leader shot to death in Bogor

Gang leader shot to death in Bogor BOGOR (JP): Alleged robbery gang leader, Nipan bin Anang, 50, was shot to death for resisting arrest during a raid at his hiding place in Cibadung village of the Gunung Sindur subdistrict, police said on Tuesday. "He attacked the officer with a machete. Warning shots were fired but he did not stop and eventually the officer aimed at his body," First Lt. Santun Marpaung said. "Nipan reportedly died from three gun shot wounds," he added.

Council to establish team to study PDAM water deal

Council to establish team to study PDAM water deal JAKARTA (JP): The City Council agreed on Wednesday to establish a new team to conduct an in-depth study into the water deal between city-owned water firm PDAM Jaya and its two foreign partners. Council speaker Edy Waluyo said the team, replacing the previous one, would consist of newly elected councilors from Commission A for administrative affairs, Commission C for city revenue and Commission D for development affairs, he said.

Subsidies touted as key to keep wheels turning

Subsidies touted as key to keep wheels turning JAKARTA (JP): City Council Speaker Edy Waluyo urged the city administration on Wednesday to keep its promise to issue a ruling granting subsidies to bus firms in a bid to avoid a mass strike by drivers and owners. "We'll ask the governor soon to issue the ruling on bus firm subsidies," Edy said.

MPR working committee delays first session

MPR working committee delays first session JAKARTA (JP): The first session of the People's Consultative Assembly's working committee was pushed back from Wednesday to Thursday morning. Fatigue was suspected to be the cause of the postponement. Assembly members, who are also House of Representatives legislators, were kept awake into the early hours of Wednesday morning electing a House speaker.

Sembiring wins pro-am in Jagorawi

Sembiring wins pro-am in Jagorawi JAKARTA (JP): Edi Sembiring won the 1999 JJGF Epson Cup Golf Open pro-am on Wednesday on the old course of the Jagorawi Golf Course and Country Club in Cibinong, Bogor. In a fax made available to The Jakarta Post, it was reported that Edi won the Rp 150 million (US$19,230) event by carding a three-under par 69. Edi and teammates Katsuzawa, Arikawa and Nakai also were named the best group with a best score of each individual of 56.

Tanri urges next government to continue privatization

Tanri urges next government to continue privatization JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng has urged the country's next government to continue his state enterprise reforms to help drive the recovery of the crisis-hit economy. Tanri said on Wednesday the reform programs were designed to introduce corporate governance in order to boost the competitiveness of the country's state enterprises.

Aussie defers finance forum over East Timor

Aussie defers finance forum over East Timor DARWIN, Australia (Reuters): Ongoing strife in East Timor has led to the postponement of an East Asian investment conference in Australia, which has seen its relations with Asian neighbors deteriorate over its military role in the crisis. The Northern Territory/Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines- East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Finance and Investment Conference had been set for Oct. 27-28 in the northern Australian city of Darwin.

New hotels mushroom in Bali despite economic crisis

New hotels mushroom in Bali despite economic crisis By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR (JP): Despite an economic crisis, businesspeople are still eager to invest their money in Bali's hotel and tourism industry. In the past five months, there have been soft openings for at least three new hotels, two boutique hotels, the Nusa Lembongan Resort on Nusa Lembongan island, the Balangan in Jimbaran and the three-star Alam Kulkul Resort in Kuta.

U.S. govt pushes ADB lending program

U.S. govt pushes ADB lending program HONG KONG (Dow Jones): During the Asian financial crisis, multilateral institutions offered bail-out money with conditions to ensure economic reforms were being adopted by some countries. Now, the U.S. wants to see results before the lending is made, and it sees an opportunity to do so with Asia's poorest countries.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 6, 1999: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Students deserve peace prize

Students deserve peace prize By Olle Tornquist OSLO, Norway: The crisis in East Timor and Indonesia has again become acute. What went wrong? Is there any solution? What are the forces at play and how can they be influenced? Those of us who live in small countries must be able to act through the United Nations. Its lack of alternative plans -- against the possibility of militia attacks -- was inconceivable.

Five Indonesian players advance in Futures tournament

Five Indonesian players advance in Futures tournament JAKARTA (JP): Five Indonesian men's singles players cruised on Wednesday into the second round of the Indonesia Futures F5 tournament at the Danamon tennis complex in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. Sebastian Da Costa from East Timor crushed wild card Edy Kusdaryanto 6-4, 6-3. Da Costa will meet eighth seeded Tetsuya Chaen of Japan, who had to fight hard to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 over Vaclac Duda of the Czech Republic.

National accreditation body seeks global recognition

National accreditation body seeks global recognition JAKARTA (JP): The National Accreditation Committee (KAN) is seeking global recognition by joining mutual recognition arrangements (MRA) with international accreditation bodies, its chairman said on Wednesday. Currently evaluating KAN to join MRA is the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC), from which the committee expects its first international evaluation in February.

Residents complain over flood

Residents complain over flood JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Kapuk subdistrict in West Jakarta called on city authorities on Wednesday to immediately solve the high level of sea water which has flooded their area for years. Locals said the constant presence of sea water had damaged buildings and produced an unpleasant odor in the neighborhood. The situation becomes the worst during the rainy season, they said. The sea level in some parts of the area is higher than the ground, the people added.

Association reluctant to ban Australian sugar

Association reluctant to ban Australian sugar JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Sugar Association (AGI) said on Wedneday it opposed a plan to stop imports of raw sugar from Australia. "A boycott is a political decision, while our activities are purely based on business," the association's chairman Faruk Bakrie told The Jakarta Post. He said that the association had no authority to ban its members from halting their imports in retaliation of anti- Indonesia sentiments in Australia. Sahat M.

Human rights meeting set to probe abuse claims

Human rights meeting set to probe abuse claims JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights will convene a meeting of leading rights activists and forensic experts on Thursday to draw up the composition of a fact-finding team to investigate the alleged human rights abuses in East Timor following the Aug. 30 ballot. Rights body chairman Marzuki Darusman told reporters on Wednesday that the lineup of the fact-finding team was expected to be announced on Friday.

KL may revise merger plan

KL may revise merger plan KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia may revise its program of forced bank mergers following difficulties in uniting banks and finance companies into six large groups, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Wednesday. "The government is not going to force this down their throats," he told a news conference on his return from visits to the United States, Britain and Zimbabwe.

Indofood to sell Bogasari mill to strategic buyers

Indofood to sell Bogasari mill to strategic buyers JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of giant instant noodlemaker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur approved on Wednesday a management proposal to spin off its flour mill division PT Bogasari Flour Mills into four separate companies. Company president Eva Riyanti Hutapea said the shareholder's approval would lead to the transfer of the Bogasari assets to Purply Holding BV, a Dutch-based holding company wholly owned by Indofood.

Drug dealers busted in Bogor

Drug dealers busted in Bogor BOGOR (JP): Local police detectives here on Wednesday arrested a 30-year-old man believed to have been a popular drug dealer among teenagers in Bogor. Bogor Police chief Col. Hari Setyabudhi said the suspect, Rudi Atmanegara, was netted around midday near the Gramedia bookstore, one of the town's most popular youth hangouts. "The suspect was apprehended with 40 grams of Shabu-Shabu (crystal metamphetamine) and 34 grams of Putaw (low-grade heroin).

Two militiamen killed in East Timor clashes

Two militiamen killed in East Timor clashes JAKARTA (JP): The Australian led multinational force in East Timor on Wednesday killed two militiamen in the first clashes since they began their mission in the territory. Maj. Gen. Peter Cosgrove, commander of the International Force for East Timor (Interfet), said in East Timor's capital of Dili that the militia fighters were shot dead when they ambushed an Interfet convoy near the town of Suai.

Surviving 'red' artists Soeromo, Djoko Pekik still active

Surviving 'red' artists Soeromo, Djoko Pekik still active By Ahmad Solikhan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Lekra (the People's Cultural Institute) was founded in 1954 by Yobar Ayub and was disbanded by the New Order regime in 1965 on suspicion of collaboration with communist leaders from China and East Germany. Its activists and members were jailed without trial. They endured untold physical and psychological torments, which continued long after they were eventually released.

Close New Order history book

Close New Order history book From Rakyat Merdeka We all hope for the birth of a new Indonesia that is just and democratic and capable of bringing prosperity to the people. Even after the fall of the New Order leadership, Indonesia's portrait has not changed very much. Based on these facts, it can be concluded that as long as the New Order chain is not broken, a new Indonesia will not emerge.

Australia and Indonesia: Mutual confusion

Australia and Indonesia: Mutual confusion By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE (JP): Picture the following events: Australia's media reported on atrocities in East Timor. Its prime minister pushed for a referendum. Very little moved. The United States stirred and suggested that the referendum was a good idea. The suggestion struck a responsive chord and Indonesia's President agreed to hold the referendum.

Search for balance among new powers

Search for balance among new powers The election of Amien Rais as the Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has been welcomed, yet critics say his National Mandate Party only won around seven percent of votes in the last election. Yogyakarta-based political lecturer Riswandha Imawan discusses the issue with The Jakarta Post. Question: Would you say Amien Rais now owes Golkar a favor given that the party was the likely largest contributor to his votes?

Aussie firms speed up Indonesian staff promotion

Aussie firms speed up Indonesian staff promotion JAKARTA (JP): Some Australian mining companies are speeding up the promotion of Indonesian staff to replace Australian executives in anticipation of worsening anti-Australian sentiments in the future, a mining analyst said.

Central bank forecasts 1999 inflation at 2%

Central bank forecasts 1999 inflation at 2% JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia is forecasting 2 percent inflation throughout 1999 if the domestic political situation improves following the Oct. 20 presidential election. "The board of governors believes pressure on prices will remain low and inflation could be checked at 2 percent in 1999," the central bank said in a statement on Wednesday. Bank Indonesia earlier forecast inflation for the year would be around 5 percent.

Locals protest MPR representatives

Locals protest MPR representatives PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: A mob of local residents vandalized the provincial legislature building on Wednesday to protest what they called the unfair composition of representatives to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Antara reported the mob stopped its rampage and dispersed after the legislators met their demand for changes to the lineup of the province's representatives to the Assembly.

Shuttler Johan top seed in German Open

Shuttler Johan top seed in German Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Johan Hadikusuma is the top seed in the German Open, while compatriot Ronny Agustinus has been seeded third for the US$50,000 tournament which will run from Wednesday to Sunday in Bremen, Germany. Johan, ranked 16th in the world, will face Juergen Koch of Germany in his opening match on Wednesday.

Reform faction backs Gus Dur for presidency

Reform faction backs Gus Dur for presidency JAKARTA (JP): The Reform faction of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the Justice Party (PK) officially made Abdurrahman Wahid their presidential candidate on Wednesday. The nomination by the faction, one of 11 in the People's Consultative Assembly, serves to reaffirm Abdurrahman's candidacy, which has been much lauded by the "axis force", of which the two parties are members. Reform faction chairman A.M.

Market signals for change

Market signals for change With only two weeks before Indonesia's presidential election, billed as the most democratic in the country since 1955, increasing numbers of businesspeople have become more outspoken about the qualities and characteristics expected in the new president and her or his administration. Many market players are even bolder in expressing their opinions, hoping that the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will seriously listen to the arguments that back up their aspirations.

East Timor and independence

East Timor and independence From Pikiran Rakyat Indonesia can be an independent state and survive as one because it has natural resources, which serve as a source of income to finance the needs of the state. We know that to establish a state the most important thing to have must be a source of income to finance the survival of the state.

Translated books for the blind

Translated books for the blind JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of blind people involved with the Mitra Netra Foundation will soon enjoy new stories and gain more knowledge thanks to Citibank volunteers, who are to translate various English books into Indonesian and input dictionary data into computers to be converted to Braille letters.

Asian currencies stronger as local issues take center stage

Asian currencies stronger as local issues take center stage SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies are stronger against the U.S. dollar in choppy trading late Wednesday, as salient domestic issues take center stage in currency markets across the region. There was some early session liquidation of long U.S. dollar positions following the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee's decision to leave U.S. rates unchanged. But U.S.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999 Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Pengider Bhuana, The Colours of Life, Deja Vu Gallery, Jl. Dewi Sita, Ubud (Phone: 0361 978225), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Oct. 8. * Instalation Exhibition by Saijo Shun (Japanese), at Sika Contemporary Art Gallery, Jl.Raya Campuan, Ubud, 8 a.m to 8 p.m., until Oct. 17. Music and entertainment * Hard Rock Hotel, Jl.

Police raid nets biggest ganja haul in 15 years

Police raid nets biggest ganja haul in 15 years JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives of the Penjaringan police subprecinct in North Jakarta seized 929 kilograms of marijuana, worth about Rp 1.85 billion (US$238,200) from four of seven suspected drug dealers in a single raid early on Wednesday morning. North Jakarta Police Chief of Detectives Capt. Syafril Nursal identified the four suspects as Chaerudin, 23, Suhedi, 24, Ahai, 23, and Sultan, 35.

Hermawan questioned over Yun Hap's death

Hermawan questioned over Yun Hap's death JAKARTA (JP): City police summoned and questioned on Wednesday political observer Hermawan Sulistyo in connection with the fatal shooting on Sept. 24 of three persons in a crowd of protesters on Jl. Sudirman. Hermawan, a researcher from the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI), said the police interview was in regard to a public statement he had made, in which he claimed to be a eyewitness to the incident.

No time to celebrate

No time to celebrate Under normal circumstances I would have rushed to congratulate the newly elected members of the House of Representatives and People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR). My political intuition, however, tells me to wait a little longer until all the fog shrouding the political stage has cleared. For his election as chairman of the MPR, Amien Rais deserves a pat on his shoulder. But Golkar Party's support for him tasted like bitter wine.

Government pledges to announce Soeharto investigation

Government pledges to announce Soeharto investigation JAKARTA (JP): Monday. That is the latest in a line of promised dates for the long-awaited unveiling of the results of the investigation into former president Soeharto's alleged corruption. Attorney General Ismudjoko said here on Wednesday he would present the results to President B.J. Habibie on Monday. "Legal problems are always complicated, but I am scheduled to give my final report to the President on Monday ...

Irian seeks foreign funds

Irian seeks foreign funds JAYAPURA (JP): The provincial administration of Irian Jaya will seek foreign funds to finance the province's development projects, a local official said on Wednesday. FX Suryanto, a public relations officer at Irian Jaya's Governor's office, said that the provincial administration would cooperate with Jayapura-based PT Kqebs Krisnian Berkati (KKB) to seek foreign funds.

U.S. 'obsessed' over reporter: Mahathir

U.S. 'obsessed' over reporter: Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The United States is "obsessed" over the jailing of a Canadian journalist in Malaysia even though he was convicted of breaking the law, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday. He was referring to Murray Hiebert, Malaysia bureau chief for the Far Eastern Economic Review, who last month was sentenced to six weeks in jail for "scandalizing the court" in a January 1997 article.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 6, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 -25 57,000 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 0 0 Alter Abadi 325 50 527,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,525 100 16,132,000 Anwar Sierad 225 25 252,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Major rally held in support of Megawati

Major rally held in support of Megawati JAKARTA (JP): Some 1,500 members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) staged a raucous demonstration in front of Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta on Wednesday to pledge their support for party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. PDI Perjuangan chapter members from Jakarta, Depok and Demak, Central Java, took part in the loud but peaceful demonstration.

SCB bolsters S'pore team

SCB bolsters S'pore team SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Standard Chartered PLC announced Wednesday three new senior manager appointments to its Singapore team, to cope with the expansion of its Indonesian and Thailand businesses. Michael De Noma has been appointed as group head of banking. He will be responsible for the group's consumer banking activities in Southeast Asia, the Philippines and India.