Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 October 1999

50 articles found

Kite festival in Karawaci

Kite festival in Karawaci TANGERANG (JP): A colorful kite festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday in front of the flower market on Jl. Gajah Mada in Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang. As of Friday, 400 kite fliers had registered for the event. Open to public, there are three different registration fees for the two-day event: Rp 30,000 per person which includes a kite and a T-shirt; Rp 20,000 which includes a kite; and Rp 10,000 for those who want to fly their own kites.

Rewards offered for return of missing historical items

Rewards offered for return of missing historical items JAKARTA (JP): An executive pledged on Friday to completely revitalize a preserved historical building and offer rewards totaling Rp 1 billion (US$129,870) for those who return missing items from the 80-year-old structure.

Paiton Energy to file arbitration suit to counter PLN lawsuit

Paiton Energy to file arbitration suit to counter PLN lawsuit JAKARTA (JP): Independent power producer PT Paiton Energy said on Friday it would file an arbitration lawsuit to counter state electricity PT PLN's legal measure to nullify their power purchase contract. "The action this week by PLN to sue Paiton Energy in the Indonesian courts has forced Paiton Energy to send a notice of arbitration to PLN.

Road rage

Road rage I was interested in Mr. Michael Upton's article in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 22, 1999, headlined Police methods -- a taxing experience. He told the facts that must be faced by almost every Jakartan in renewing vehicle registration documents and driving licenses. Of course, one may avoid the bother if one does not mind paying extra money to the "consultants" or the "broker" who exist because of the irresponsible system created and adopted to meet the situation.

Pertiwi rating reaffirmed

Pertiwi rating reaffirmed JAKARTA (JP): Local ratings agency Pefindo reaffirmed on Friday its rating of publicly listed PT Duta Pertiwi's bonds I, II and III at idBB+. Pefindo said that the rating reflected Duta's strong market position, sustained quality and product diversity. It said it also took into account the company's commitment to continue serving its financial obligations.

Two matters concerning E. Timor

Two matters concerning E. Timor From Rakyat Merdeka The 1999 Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) should divide the East Timor problem into two. First, the initial policy of President B.J. Habibie and second, the result of that policy, the Aug. 30, 1999 referendum. First, President Habibie's policy on East Timor is an internal matter which should have been rejected because: * He made an agreement with a foreign body without allowing it to be ratified first.

Indonesia sends team to Informatics Olympiad

Indonesia sends team to Informatics Olympiad JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Education and Culture has picked four high school students to participate in the International Olympiad in Informatics in Antalya, Turkey from Oct. 9 to Oct. 16.

Gus Dur briefs Muslim scholars on candidacy

Gus Dur briefs Muslim scholars on candidacy JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid briefed 13 Muslim scholars from Central and East Java on his presidential nomination on Friday night, but there was no final decision on whether the scholars would support his bid to the government's top post. "They were glad to hear my explanations. But they decided to withhold their decision until one day before the Oct.

Pefindo lowers PLN rating

Pefindo lowers PLN rating JAKARTA (JP): Local ratings agency Pefindo downgraded on Friday its ratings for state electricity and gas company PLN's bonds V and VI to idB from idBB. Pefindo said in a statement that the downgrade reflected the increase in the company's dependence on government subsidies to support its operational activities and in servicing financial obligations.

Capital awaits arrival of PDI-P supporters

Capital awaits arrival of PDI-P supporters JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) from East Java and Central Java are set to flock to the city to support their chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri's presidential bid. A party official from East Java, Sutoyo, said in Surabaya on Friday that about 5,000 supporters of the party would leave for Jakarta on Oct. 18.

Gradual closure of garbage dump urged

Gradual closure of garbage dump urged JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Farid A. Moeloek suggested on Friday that the operation of the controversial Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi be phased out gradually in order to take into account the interests of local scavengers. Moeloek said an immediate closure would not be a wise decision, because scavengers and their families were wholly dependent on incomes derived from trash taken from the 65-hectare site.

Government proposes food safety regulation

Government proposes food safety regulation JAKARTA (JP): Interim State Minister of Food and Horticulture Farid A. Moeloek signed on Friday the draft of a government regulation on food safety, quality and nutrition. However, the minister failed to mention when the draft would be submitted for the president's approval, citing the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) which will elect a president on Oct. 20 as the reason.

Next president must have 'vision of national unity'

Next president must have 'vision of national unity' JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will pose an additional test to presidential candidates to gauge whether they have the vision to maintain the nation's unity. "This additional requirement is quite urgent since we have just lost East Timor and are facing the threat of disintegration.

Frenzied emotions rule flicks around town

Frenzied emotions rule flicks around town JAKARTA (JP): Jeff Bridges is paranoid in Washington, D.C., while Anthony Hopkins goes ape in the jungles of Rwanda. It's possible to go berserk just about anywhere in the world. Here's the lineup of movies currently playing at the local theaters, with reviews and grades by Nan T. Achnas, Rayya Makarim and Tam Notosusanto. Arlington Road; Thriller; starring Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack and Hope Davis. Directed by Mark Pellington.

RI seas prone to accidents

RI seas prone to accidents SEMARANG: Being an archipelagic country, Indonesian waters are prone to ship accidents, Minister of Communications Giri Suseno said here on Friday. "In a bid to curb the number of sea accidents, we have conducted policies on management, maintenance and development of navigational facilities," Giri said on the sidelines of the launching of the KN Altair and KN Antares ships.

Two arrested for drug possession

Two arrested for drug possession BANDUNG: The police arrested two people on Friday on charges of allegedly cultivating a marijuana plantation and possessing Ecstasy pills. Police seized from the suspects, who were identified as Dadang Hasib, 36, and Adang, 52, 100 marijuana plants and 200 Ecstasy pills. City police chief Lt. Col. Edmond Ilyas said the arrest was made following reports from locals who suspected there was a plantation.

Auction to be held at philately event

Auction to be held at philately event JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Philatelist Association is to hold a one-day festival on Saturday at its headquarters on Jl. Pos 2 in Central Jakarta. Organizers Sri Utami and Riyanto said on Thursday that a wide range of stamps and other postal items would be auctioned. "No less than 300 lots of stamps and other philately objects worth some Rp 100 million (US$13,160) will be put up for auction," the organizers said in a statement.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 8, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 0 0 Alter Abadi 300 0 33,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 0 1,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,525 0 1,554,000 Anwar Sierad 225 0 125,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Flour makers should get SNIs

Flour makers should get SNIs JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry and Trade will require all flour producers to obtain Indonesian National Standard (SNI) quality certificates in order to protect consumers, the ministry's senior official said here on Friday. Teddy Setiadi, the director general of domestic trade, said that his office was still waiting for an approval from the National Standardization Board (BSN) to impose the quality standard requirement.

Police seize 12m fake pills in one-day raid

Police seize 12m fake pills in one-day raid JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives seized 12 million fake pills of least nine different brands from a warehouse on Jl. M. Saari, Sunter subdistrict, North Jakarta, on Friday afternoon. Chief of detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo said 40-year- old Jufri Tumatuali was the lone suspect arrested in the one-day raid. Most of the pills carried the brands of antihistamine Dextamine and pain reliever Ponstan.

Baby gear thief gets 7 months

Baby gear thief gets 7 months JAKARTA (JP): A judge at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced defendant Kurnia Julfon, 34, to seven months in jail on Friday after he was found guilty of stealing a bag containing baby gear and Rp 70,000 (US$9) at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in July. In Friday's trial, prosecutor Samadi Budisyam demanded the court sentence the defendant to nine months in prison.

House of Representatives divides deputies' tasks

House of Representatives divides deputies' tasks JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) on Friday got down to work dividing supervision responsibilities for the legislative bodies' five deputy speakers. The division of responsibility is aimed at enhancing the work of the House in tackling the national issues which will arise during its coming five-year tenure. Newly elected House Speaker Akbar Tandjung said he and his deputies have agreed to hold consultations every second Tuesday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Church Services * Church of Christ Worship Service in English, in the dining room, Graha Purna Wira Polri, Jl. Darmawangsa III no. 2, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Sunday, 5 p.m. Further information contact Donald L. Goodman 336244. * Young Adults Weekend Service at Nilakandi Room, Wisma Dharmala Sakti, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Kav 32, Central Jakarta, organized by GBI Bethany English Service, on Saturday, 5 p.m. Further information contact Ariawan 5806193.

Alatas calls for cool heads in Indonesia-Australia ties

Alatas calls for cool heads in Indonesia-Australia ties JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas warned on Friday that ties between Indonesia and Australia were at historic lows and urged both sides to refrain from further aggravating the situation. "Relations between Indonesia and Australia are at their lowest ebb in the history of the two countries. "Both sides should cool down and attempt to reduce the heated atmosphere. Let the situation settle," he said.

ASSAB opens RI venture

ASSAB opens RI venture JAKARTA (JP): Swedish steel tool distributor ASSAB Pacific Pte. Ltd. inaugurated on Friday its joint venture with publicly listed local partner PT Tira Austenite. Cameron MacLean, the president of new joint venture PT ASSAB Austenite Indonesia, said the company was established to ensure that Indonesian manufacturers would have full access to Swedish- made steel and professional services provided by them.

Memories all that remain of Dutch villa

Memories all that remain of Dutch villa By Ida Indawati Khouw A number of mansions and villas with spacious gardens belonging to affluent Dutch nationals had been built in Batavia since the 17th century. One of these buildings was located in what is now the Kapuk area in West Jakarta. Sadly, the villa -- like so many others -- has been torn down. All it left behind were a few poignant memories for some locals. And some hair-raising stories.

Da Costa Indonesia's sole remaining hope at Futures

Da Costa Indonesia's sole remaining hope at Futures JAKARTA (JP): Sebastian Da Costa was on Friday the only national player to survive the Indonesia Futures F5 at the Danamon tennis complex in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. Da Costa, an East Timorese, reached the semifinals after top seeded Jan Hermansson of Sweden was forced to retire due to the heat. The Indonesian was leading at that stage 4-6, 7-5, 1-0. Da Costa will face fifth seeded Aisam Qureshi of Pakistan in Saturday's semis.

Agum announces names of new PSSI officials

Agum announces names of new PSSI officials JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI), Agum Gumelar, announced on Friday the names of new officials of the federation for the 1999/2003 term. Agum replaced Nugraha Besoes, former secretary-general, with Tri Goestoro after being pressured into finding a replacement at the national congress last month. "I picked Tri because he has proper managerial skills and experience and he has good prospects in the organization.

Military systems

Military systems If I am not mistaken, the visiting U.S. defense secretary said: "If the military remains in power in Indonesia, diplomatic sanctions and an economic embargo will be slapped on Indonesia". His statement was reported during the Sept. 29 SCTV private television evening news broadcast. There may well be a basic difference concerning the "military" in the United States and in Indonesia. In the U.S., the military constitutes troops as a real part of a hierarchical command system.

'Indonesia needs to learn a lot about human rights'

'Indonesia needs to learn a lot about human rights' The call by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan for intervention in the face of gross human rights violations has sparked a controversy. International legal expert from Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta Sugeng Istanto discusses the issue with The Jakarta Post. Question: How do you view the Secretary-General's appeal regarding intervention in strife torn regions even with the approval of the concerned government?

Education for a civil society

Education for a civil society By Mark Heyward BOGOR, West Java (JP): A panel discussion to mark World Teachers' Day in Jakarta centered on a challenging theme: Teachers as a force for social change. What kind of social change are we talking about? One significant change required not only here in Indonesia but globally is the development of a civil society.

Official takes blame for death of dolphins

Official takes blame for death of dolphins SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Ministry of Forestry's Directorate General for Protection and Conservation of Nature admitted responsibility for allowing PT Solo Citra Perkasa to capture and breed dolphins which were found dead recently. Director General A. Manan Siregar said on Thursday that his staff were ignorant in issuing a permit to the private company.

Comedian Bondan makes money from mockery

Comedian Bondan makes money from mockery By Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): No performing arts director has been as shrewd as Bondan Nusantara in cashing in on public scorn for the country's leaders amid the terrible economic crisis.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 8, 1999: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 9:30 TV Series: The Saint 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 English Lessons 5:00 Cultural Program 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Quiz 11:00 Film 12:30 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

RI to equal China's population

RI to equal China's population BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Indonesia is closing in on India and China in terms of population growth, State Minister of Population/Chairman of the National Family Planning Board (BKKBN) Ida Bagus Oka said here on Friday. Oka said if Indonesia fails to apply strict birth control, its population will tie with those of China and India, the world's most populated countries, in 2020. "We can restrict each family to having only one child.

RI's GSM credit suspended

RI's GSM credit suspended WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended Indonesia's US$400 million credit line for the purchase of U.S. commodities, a USDA aide said Thursday. According to the latest figures from USDA, Indonesia was allocated $400 million in fiscal 1999 for the purchase of cotton, oilseeds, wheat, frozen or chilled meat and numerous other commodities.

No more cement for Australia

No more cement for Australia CILACAP, Central Java (JP): The Cilacap unit of publicly listed Semen Cibinong has temporarily halted exports to Australia due to trade union boycotts in the neighboring country. Anwar Sanusi, a spokesman for the company, said the company's exports to Australia had been disrupted by the boycotts. Australian unions last month refused to load and unload goods destined for and originating in Indonesia in protest against Indonesia's handling of the East Timor situation.

Midori Symphony Orchestra back on stage next week

Midori Symphony Orchestra back on stage next week JAKARTA (JP): In celebration of the 507th Spanish National Day, the embassy of Spain is to present the Midori Symphony Orchestra here on Oct. 14. Spanish cultural attache Miriam Padilla said yesterday the concert would feature national and international artists. The show, to take place at Grand Melia hotel starting from 7:30 p.m., would be the first Spanish classical music concert in Indonesia.

KONI hopes for financial assistance from new government

KONI hopes for financial assistance from new government JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) expects the new government to give financial support to boost sports development in the country, should its ambitious Golden Garuda project be included in the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN).

East Timor commission of inquiry announced

East Timor commission of inquiry announced JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights announced here on Friday its nine-member commission of inquiry into alleged human rights abuses in East Timor. Rights body chairman Marzuki Darusman, who is also a member of the East Timor commission, announced the lineup at a media conference. The commission includes rights body members Albert Hasibuan, Koesparmono Irsan, Asmara Nababan and H.S.

Council to probe police involvement in drug sales

Council to probe police involvement in drug sales JAKARTA (JP): The City Council's Commission E for social welfare affairs said on Friday it would invite Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajusman to clarify on Oct. 19 an allegation that police are involved in the resale of impounded drugs. Commission E secretary Ishak Iskandar said the clarification was needed to tackle the roots of the problem, which needed to be defined before the council could formulate plans to combat drug issues.

Depressed debt task force receives boost from debtors

Depressed debt task force receives boost from debtors JAKARTA (JP): Amid the frustratingly sluggish pace of restructuring the country's private overseas debt, local companies acknowledged on Friday the constructive role played by the Jakarta Initiative Task Force in kick starting deadlocked negotiations with foreign creditors. "We initially lacked confidence in the Jakarta Initiative...

Indonesia aims to stop rice imports in 2001: Minister

Indonesia aims to stop rice imports in 2001: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Agriculture Soleh Solahuddin said he was optimistic that Indonesia would no longer need to import rice by 2001, due to a continued increase in local rice production. The minister said that this year's rice imports would decline from 4.8 million tons in 1998 to 1.5 million tons. He said that next year's imports would be slightly below this year's level, but in 2001 Indonesia would be able to stop all rice imports.

Muladi confirms letter exonerating Prabowo

Muladi confirms letter exonerating Prabowo JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Muladi confirmed on Friday having sent a letter to the chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights asserting there was no evidence linking Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto to the May 1998 riots which devastated parts of Jakarta. This statement contradicted Muladi's denial on Thursday that he had sent such a letter to the commission. "Yes, there was indeed such a letter.

Sutiyoso approves bus firm subsidies

Sutiyoso approves bus firm subsidies JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday he had signed a decree which would grant subsidies to the city's bus firms, a move certain to head off a planned mass strike by bus drivers and owners. "I signed the letter of approval yesterday (Thursday). But, I will verify it again with my staff," Sutiyoso said. The governor did not specify the date the decree would become effective.

Four die in Ambon violence

Four die in Ambon violence AMBON, Maluku: Four people were shot dead and 75 others were wounded in a fresh communal clash in riot-torn Ambon, Maluku on Friday, hospital sources said. Staff of Dr. Haulusy General Hospital said three victims were admitted to the hospital. Another body was taken to the Protestant Church Hospital.

Motorist survives torture ordeal by toll road thieves

Motorist survives torture ordeal by toll road thieves JAKARTA (JP): Police intelligence officers of the Penjaringan precinct apologized to a man who suffered 45 minutes of torture at the hands of six toll road car thieves and who still managed to crawl 500 meters on his injured legs to reach the Gedong toll gate in North Jakarta on Thursday night. Chief of Penjaringan police intelligence unit Second Lt. Soetarmo identified the victim as 42-year-old Agus Trisulistyo Budi.

New councilors request brand new official cars

New councilors request brand new official cars TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang regency legislators installed a month ago have asked the local administration to give them new official cars, a regency spokesman said on Friday. The 20 councilors argued that they wanted Toyota Kijang vans to assist them in their daily activities serving people since the vehicle is considered "useful in any field".

Semen Gresik expects sales to increase

Semen Gresik expects sales to increase JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Gresik estimates total cement sales will increase to 12 million tons this year from 10.28 million tons in 1998. Company president Urip Timuryono said on Friday that five million tons of total sales would go to export markets. The company said total sales increased by 33 percent to 8.39 million tons in the January to August period.