Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 November 1999

64 articles found

Fishermen burn foreign boat

Fishermen burn foreign boat WEST ACEH, Aceh: Dozens of local fishermen raided and burned on Tuesday a foreign boat for allegedly fishing illegally in the Teunom waters, about 200 kilometers southeast of Aceh capital's Banda Aceh. Armed with sharp weapons, the angry fishermen captured 17 people aboard the wooden boat before setting it ablaze. The foreigners were then searched and brought to the local police precinct in Meulaboh, about 45 kilometers away from the shore.

The task of publicizing graphic art

The task of publicizing graphic art By Chandra Johan JAKARTA (JP): Graphic art, or the use of a printing technique to produce art in multiple copies, has yet to gain the popularity of painting. Awareness of the art among the public remains limited, and there are few collectors. Many art observers contend that it is time to increase the number of exhibitions of graphic art -- including shows spanning the country -- to fuel the development of the art.

KL exports cars to Australia

KL exports cars to Australia KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. or Proton, a Malaysian domestic carmaker, said Wednesday it expects annual sales of about 350 million ringgit from its newly-launched flagship export model. The group said the model, called Satria GTi, has entered the list of top performing cars in Australia and the UK, the two countries where the car was launched about one month ago.

Govt seek tax incentives to woo investors

Govt seek tax incentives to woo investors JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Investment and State Enterprise Development Laksamana Sukardi proposed on Wednesday various incentives, including an income tax holiday and an offer of permanent residency for foreigners in an attempt to bolster investment. Speaking during a hearing with the House of Representatives, Laksamana said to revitalize the real sector, the government must review various incentives and abolish disincentives.

Analysts skeptical on SE Asia high-tech plan

Analysts skeptical on SE Asia high-tech plan MANILA (Reuters): Southeast Asia will pledge this weekend to make the region "IT-friendly" and use the Internet to boost trade and prosperity, senior officials said on Wednesday. But analysts who look at information technology (IT) industries have yet to be convinced the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) can deliver anything but fine words from their summit on Nov. 28.

Lingering piracy

Lingering piracy The interception of a pirated ship, Alondra Rainbow, by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard after it was spotted on the west coast by a Dornier aircraft is indeed a remarkable achievement. It is a demonstration of the state of alertness which made it possible for the Navy to guess correctly that the ship had been pirated when it saw that it had been painted afresh, obviously to obliterate its having been registered earlier as MV Mega Rama.

UI students give deadline for govt to resolve Aceh problems

UI students give deadline for govt to resolve Aceh problems JAKARTA (JP): One hundred and fifty students from the University of Indonesia rallied at the House of Representatives on Wednesday to demand that President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri resign if they fail to resolve the dispute in Aceh within three months.

Authorities call for street cafe tax

Authorities call for street cafe tax JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso requested on Wednesday that owners of street cafes, which have the local name kafe tenda, pay tax to the administration. "I've observed that many of the cafes have a lot of customers," Sutiyoso said, after bestowing certificates to the city's 92 best tax payers from hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers.

Australia 'not duped' by Jakarta over E. Timor

Australia 'not duped' by Jakarta over E. Timor CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on Wednesday rejected news reports that his government had been duped by assurances Indonesia was acting in good faith in East Timor. "They of course gave us constant assurances (but) we were constantly unconvinced," Downer said in a statement. The weekly news magazine, the Bulletin, said that Indonesian security forces under Gen.

Civil servants deserve better pay

Civil servants deserve better pay We definitely agree that there is an urgent need to substantially raise the salaries of civil servants as well as military and police personnel -- a salary raise that not only compensates for inflation, but one that truly improves their welfare and wellbeing. Establishing a clean, efficient and effective government is one of the main tasks of Gus Dur's (President Abdurrahman Wahid's) government, and to accomplish that task he must rely on the bureaucracy.

Indonesian capital market ready to tackle millennium bug

Indonesian capital market ready to tackle millennium bug JAKARTA (JP): The country's capital market and its supporting institutions are all prepared for the millennium bug, according to the Capital Market Y2K Implementation Committee.

Chemical industry has bright future: Kalla

Chemical industry has bright future: Kalla SANUR, Bali (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Yusuf Kalla said on Wednesday the future of the chemical industry remained bullish despite the closure of some chemical-based companies in the last two years. Speaking at the opening of the 29th ASEAN Chemical Industries Conference, the minister said with abundant sources of raw materials and huge market potentials, the local chemical industry still had bright prospects.

Organda asks 50% fare hike during holiday exodus

Organda asks 50% fare hike during holiday exodus JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Public Land Transportation Owners (Organda) has asked the city administration to lobby the central government for a 50 percent increase in bus fares during the post-fasting month Idul Fitri celebrations, chairman Aip Syarifuddin said on Wednesday.

Irwansyah survives test in Hong Kong

Irwansyah survives test in Hong Kong JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's singles competitor Irwansyah reached the quarterfinals of the US$30,000 Hong Kong Open badminton championships after crushing Malaysian Ramesh Nathan 15-7, 15-9. Irwansyah is scheduled to face Cai Yun of China, who upset top seeded Rio Suryana, an Indonesian playing for Australia. Earlier Tuesday, Rio met little resistance from Wai Tsz-kit of Hong Kong, China, by securing a top 16 berth at 15-5 and 15-2.

HK beats Singapore as Asian banking center

HK beats Singapore as Asian banking center SINGAPORE (DPA): Hong Kong edged out Singapore as the most attractive location in the Asia Pacific for international banks to set up regional processing centers, a management consulting firm's report showed on Wednesday. "Singapore and Hong Kong are by far the best," said Roman Scott, vice-president of Asia-Pacific financial services for Gemini Consulting.

Life of Riley

Life of Riley It seems ironic that we have international companies coming to Indonesia and their expat employees lead luxurious lives. This colonial mentality causes a huge rift between the local and expat employees and does not mirror the President's plea for simpler lifestyles. In some companies, expat staff lead a much more luxurious life than their Indonesian managers. Is this appropriate? Foreign companies should be more sensitive and more sensible during the current situation.

City administration, council agree on 'becak' prohibition

City administration, council agree on 'becak' prohibition JAKARTA (JP): The city administration and the city council agreed on Wednesday to uphold bylaw 11/1988 which bans the use of becak (pedicabs) on the city's streets.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Nov. 24, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

IBRA to revise Bank Bali management contract

IBRA to revise Bank Bali management contract JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) have agreed to revise their management contract for Bank Bali, including the removal of a penalty clause.

Myanmar reopens Thai border

Myanmar reopens Thai border MAE SOT, Thailand (Reuters): Myanmar reopened its border with Thailand on Wednesday, nearly eight weeks after closing it to trade following an attack on its embassy in Bangkok by armed dissidents. The reopening of the 2,400 km border came a day after Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan went to Yangon for talks with top officials of Myanmar's ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

Nonmilitary courts for rights abusers: Marzuki

Nonmilitary courts for rights abusers: Marzuki JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights Marzuki Darusman said on Wednesday that he would propose to the government that military personnel who were allegedly involved in past rights abuses be tried in nonmilitary courts. Marzuki, who is also the Attorney General, made the statement on the heels of objections from Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto and the Indonesian Military (TNI).

Reviving the bond market

Reviving the bond market The government seems confident macroeconomic and political conditions next year will augur well for reopening the secondary bond market, which has been lifeless since late-1997 when the rupiah crashed and inflation spiraled out of control. Central bank deputy governor Miranda Gultom confirmed on Monday Bank Indonesia would begin allowing in February state and private banks to trade treasury bonds which were issued this year to finance the banks' recapitalization.

Police send Zarina back to prison

Police send Zarina back to prison JAKARTA (JP): The city police detectives decided on Wednesday to send 'Ecstasy Queen' Zarina Mirafsur to the Tangerang Women's Prison. At 11.10 p.m. on Wednesday night, officers obtained Zarina's signature on the letter needed to transfer her to the prison. Maj.

Female body parts found on track

Female body parts found on track JAKARTA (JP): The partial remains of a woman were found near Kota Railway Station in West Jakarta by commuters and railway personnel on Wednesday morning A forensic expert from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Zulhasmar Syamsu, disclosed the remains consisted of the lower abdomen and legs, a small part of the backbone, and internal organs including the uterus, intestines, kidneys, spleen and liver. The body was unclothed.

Maid falls to death in S'pore

Maid falls to death in S'pore SINGAPORE (Reuters): The eight-story fall to her death of a maid who had been cleaning windows, the sixth such accident in Singapore this year, prompted a government call on Wednesday for worker safety. The Indonesian maid, who was cleaning the windows of a private apartment, fell to her death on Monday.

Cilacap to have toll road

Cilacap to have toll road CILACAP, Central Java (JP): The Cilacap administration plans to build a 80-km toll road connecting the Central and West Java provinces. Cilacap Regent Herry Tabri said on Wednesday that a qualified investor had agreed to support the Rp 800 billion (about US$114 million) project. He declined to reveal whether the support came from a local or foreign investor. He said the final design was still on the drawing board, but that the toll road project would begin in 2000.

NU congress displays signs of renewal

NU congress displays signs of renewal By Ridwan M. Sijabat KEDIRI, East Java (JP): As proceedings of the 30th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) reach their halfway point, all signs point to a political reawakening of the organization from its 25-year lethargy.

Al-Sabah renamed OCA president

Al-Sabah renamed OCA president KUWAIT CITY (Xinhua): Kuwait Olympic Committee Chairman Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah was elected on Tuesday evening president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for the third consecutive term.

Tear gas canisters flare in police car

Tear gas canisters flare in police car JAKARTA (JP): A city police patrol sedan car hit a toll road median during heavy rain on Wednesday afternoon, overturning three times before landing upside down on Jl. M.T. Haryono, East Jakarta. Following the accident, tear gas canisters in the car exploded, injuring at least eight people who gathered around the vehicle after it came to a stop outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy.

Why do people choose teaching?

Why do people choose teaching? By Otong Setiawan Djuharie BANDUNG (JP): There are many reasons that lead people to choose the teaching profession. Some people choose teaching because they enjoy being with young people and watching them grow. Others need to be around young people to let their students grow on behalf of themselves. For some individuals, teaching is a family tradition, a craft that one naturally masters and a world that surrounds one from childhood.

Sports heroes of the century

Sports heroes of the century After following the distressful news reports over the past week on the turmoil and rage in different parts of the country and the threats to our unitary state, a short spell of relief arose in reading the more peaceful news in other sections of the newspaper. Reading the Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999, edition of The Jakarta Post is a case in point. The sports page carried among other thing the AP news report Awards honor sport heroes of the century. Vienna, Austria, on Nov.

Citibank lures more clients

Citibank lures more clients JAKARTA (JP): Citibank relaunched its unsecured credit card to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the improving economy, M Triwardhany, the company's vice president for business card products, said on Wednesday. "We believe that the improving economy in the near future will increase Indonesians' purchasing power," she said during a media conference.

Malaysian king meets China PM

Malaysian king meets China PM KUALA LUMPUR (Xinhua): Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah thanked China on Wednesday for the assistance given to Malaysia in overcoming its economic difficulties. The assistance was valuable to Malaysia, the king told visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji here during his audience with the latter.

Japanese still find Bali their paradise gained

Japanese still find Bali their paradise gained By Hendra Lesmana DENPASAR, Bali (ANTARA): Despite an ongoing crisis and a shocking riot recently, Bali remains one of the most popular tourist destinations for the Japanese. Although the news about East Timor refugees and the Oct. 21 riot here were widely broadcast by the Japanese media, the number of travelers to Bali remained high.

Alleged police raid sparked by patrol car impoundment

Alleged police raid sparked by patrol car impoundment BOGOR (JP): Dozens of angry local police officers allegedly raided the Bogor Military Police headquarters here following a military street operation which led to the impounding of a police patrol car. No fatalities or injuries were reported in an incident, which both the police and the military police later denied as happening.

Southeast Asia to expand ties with regional giants

Southeast Asia to expand ties with regional giants MANILA (Reuters): Senior Southeast Asian officials began preparatory meetings on Wednesday for a weekend summit of its leaders which will bring the region closer to economic powerhouses Japan, China and South Korea.

Said, Hasyim favorite in battle for NU's top post

Said, Hasyim favorite in battle for NU's top post KEDIRI, East Java (JP): Said Aqiel Siradj and Hasyim Muzadi remained the two hottest candidates to take the Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) chairmanship in Thursday's scheduled election. Another popular contender, Mustofa Bisri, indicated on Wednesday that he would reject the nomination. However, some question whether his statement is a concession of defeat or a tactic to quietly gain more support.

Estrada plans Cabinet revamp

Estrada plans Cabinet revamp MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Joseph Estrada said on Wednesday he had asked his ministers and top advisers to submit "courtesy resignations" to clear the way for a government shake- up. Estrada gave the strongest signal yet of his plans to drop some of his advisers in the face of growing criticism from media and opposition groups of supposed government indecisiveness.

Malay students learn lessons from RI protesters

Malay students learn lessons from RI protesters By John Aglionby JAKARTA (DPA): If Southeast Asia's recent political history is anything to go by, Malaysia's students should be up in arms, protesting against the deviousness and chicanery of Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. With only six days to go until a general election, Asia's longest-serving elected leader is showing increasing desperation to cling on to power.

Japan calls for ASEAN solidarity

Japan calls for ASEAN solidarity TOKYO (AFP): Japan called Wednesday for Southeast Asia to join hands with Tokyo at landmark global trade talks in Seattle, predicting tough negotiations ahead on farm trade, officials said. Foreign Minister Yohei Kono sent the message to seven Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members -- Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Myanmar.

Snatcher on bus gets 10 months

Snatcher on bus gets 10 months JAKARTA (JP): A judge at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced on Monday a 24-year-old man to 10 months in jail for a robbery at a bus last October. "The defendant, Azhari Akbar, robbed Liliyanti Widjaya, on Oct. 12, as she was sitting on the bus plying the Senen-Cimone route," said judge Chasiyani Tanjung.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 24, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,175 -25 968,000 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 550 -50 77,500 Alter Abadi 475 -25 2,045,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 -75 45,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 675 -100 1,541,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,350 -50 1,104,500 Anwar Sierad 300 -25 145,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Irianese firm opens PNG branch

Irianese firm opens PNG branch JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): PT Wuar Boo Mun, a local trading company, has opened a representative office in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, to benefit from growing business activities with the neighboring country. Company executive Pascahlis Fau'ubun said the branch was opened following the local administration's recent trade mission to the neighboring country's main cities of Port Moresby, Lae and Madang.

Surge in oil prices hurting Asian recovery

Surge in oil prices hurting Asian recovery SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Iraq's move to shut down its oil exports this week pushed crude prices to levels not seen since the Gulf War, which has industry analysts pondering just how high crude might go and the repercussions of crude's upward spiral this year. Iraq stopped its oil exports in a political move to show its anger over continued United Nations sanctions against it.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 TV Series: Drew Carey Show 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:00 Koran Recital 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:30 Music 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

TI still trying to get wild card for Satrio

TI still trying to get wild card for Satrio JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Taekwondo Association (TI) is still trying to land a wild card for national men's flyweight athlete Satrio Rahardani to compete in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

Palm oil industry needs Rp 20t in investments

Palm oil industry needs Rp 20t in investments JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will need Rp 20 trillion (US$2.8 billion) in new investments to fulfill a 10-year undertaking to become the world's largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer with a total annual output of 15 million tons, a business intelligence company said on Wednesday.

Four climbers found dead

Four climbers found dead PADANG, West Sumatra: Rescue workers declared on Wednesday the death of four students who, along with eight others, went missing on Mount Merapi recently. The death toll was raised after two more bodies were found on Tuesday night. The rescuers discovered Devi Ofira and Nova Trio Putri dead 125 meters apart on Hantu hill, where the bodies of Ryan and Wati were found on Sunday. The bodies of the two women were evacuated on Wednesday.

President rules out martial law in Aceh

President rules out martial law in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid on Wednesday rejected proposals to impose martial law in Aceh and asserted that a referendum in the restive province would not be about independence. Speaking at a press conference during a visit to Amman, Abdurrahman said: "There's no need for that. Martial law will create more problems so the best thing is to take care of the situation by maintaining peace like we are doing now".

Civilian security member accused of molesting minor

Civilian security member accused of molesting minor JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court opened on Wednesday a hearing concerning a civilian security member who allegedly forced a nine-year-old girl to perform oral sex last September. "Defendant Romin bin Jaya Kusuma has violated article 290 of the Criminal Code," said prosecutor Ramdhanu Dwiyantono in a hearing presided over by judge Hupojo. The article carries a maximum 12-year jail sentence.

Travel agents look to calm after the storm

Travel agents look to calm after the storm By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): One month after Oct. 21 riots in Bali, a day now known as Ash Thursday, the island's tourism industry has yet to recover. The riots have seriously affected tourism business on the island, including airlines, travel agents, hotels and other related-tourist industry.

Megawati meets E. Timorese refugees

Megawati meets E. Timorese refugees JAKARTA (JP): Holding back tears after receiving an emotional welcome, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri talked with East Timor refugees in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, to get firsthand information on their plight. Hordes of refugees surrounded the vice president when she arrived at a camp in the small border town in Belu district. Many not only shook her hand but readily kissed it as a sign of respect.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Nov. 25, 1999

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Nov. 25, 1999 Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: See and Visualise by Syarief Hidayat, Katharina Popp, Andrew Storey, at Bali Cliff Resort, Ungasan (Phone: 0361 771992), until Nov. 30. * Painting Exhibition: Magic and Modernism, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Nov. 30. * Sculpture Exhibition: Reflection by Nyoman Nuarta, at Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Pengosekan, Ubud, until Dec. 14.

Irianese urged to channel demand

Irianese urged to channel demand JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Governor Freddy Numberi urged people on Wednesday to channel their demand for independence through the Provincial Legislative Council instead of hoisting the West Papuan flag on Dec. 1. "They could write down their demand and submit it to the council. The legislators will deliver the demand to the central government," Freddy said. He warned that hoisting separatist flags would provoke fresh outbreaks of unrest in the province.

China deploys 100 more missiles, Taiwan confirms

China deploys 100 more missiles, Taiwan confirms TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan's Defense Minister Tang Fei confirmed on Wednesday reports that China was deploying nearly 100 of its newest short-range missile systems at a base across from the island. "The information we gathered is close to the reports," Tang told journalists. "The missiles are apparently aimed at us ... We are keeping a close eye on the development," he said.

DKB won't buy RI bank

DKB won't buy RI bank TOKYO (Dow Jones): Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank Ltd. said Wednesday it has decided to decline the offer by Daiwa Bank of a stake in Daiwa Bank's 85 percent-owned subsidiary in Indonesia, PT Daiwa Perdania Bank. Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank could not solve differences with Daiwa Bank over the terms of the deal, a Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank spokesman said, declining to elaborate further.

Local elections set for June 10, 2000: PPL

Local elections set for June 10, 2000: PPL JAKARTA (JP): The Local Election Committee (PPL) announced on Wednesday that elections in 32 regencies and mayoralties across the country's three new provinces would be held simultaneously on June 10 next year.

Japanese experts upbeat on RI's debt

Japanese experts upbeat on RI's debt JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's external debt will be manageable, even at a moderate economic growth rate of between 3 percent and 4 percent, as long as export growth occurs sufficiently faster than import growth, according to a proposal by five prominent Japanese economists. "In our view, Indonesia is not insolvent, and will remain solvent as long as the economy is well managed," stated the proposal publicized here late on Wednesday.

Problem of KKN

Problem of KKN Minister of Manpower Bomer Pasaribu's recent reaction to the public suspicion that he may be involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) reflects an interesting viewpoint. Mr. Bomer said that because the President recently gave him an official assignment, this is proof that he is not one of the three ministers being investigated for KKN. This viewpoint suggests that personal corruption is a matter to be divined from externalities. Instead, shouldn't Mr.

Opposition plans dirty tricks campaign: Mahathir

Opposition plans dirty tricks campaign: Mahathir JOHOR BARU, Malaysia (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, buoyed by pre-election praise from the visiting Chinese premier and soaring economic growth figures, accused on Wednesday a "desperate" opposition of planning a dirty tricks campaign.

Prosecutor says former bank directors guilty of transfer

Prosecutor says former bank directors guilty of transfer JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor said in a preliminary hearing on Wednesday that the four former executives of Bank Bali were guilty of authorizing the transfer of a cessie contract. The contract, totaling Rp 798,091,770,000, was transferred to private firm PT Era Giat Prima (EGP), although the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) later annulled the contract.

NU keeps Pancasila as its legal basis

NU keeps Pancasila as its legal basis KEDIRI, East Java (JP): After heated committee debates at the national congress, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) decided on Wednesday to retain Pancasila as its legal basis. Hafids Utsman, chairman of the congress' commission for organizational matters, claimed the final decision won support from a majority of commission members. "This decision is in line with the 1999 Political Parties and Mass Organizations Law.

Most Asian currencies flat as rampant won extends rise

Most Asian currencies flat as rampant won extends rise SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies again took a back seat to a rampant won in Asian trading Wednesday. The won extended its recent rises, jumping as much as 0.8 percent to its highest level since late June on more repatriation of funds from a capital raising in the U.S., and on foreign purchases of South Korean stocks due to the nation's strong economic outlook.

Forest guards held hostage

Forest guards held hostage SEMARANG: Four forest guards are being held hostage and a patrol car was vandalized when 200 residents of Karangbendum village in the Cilacap regency looted timber in a nearby forest. Chief of forest guards, Pamuji, said on Wednesday negotiations to ask for the release of his staff were underway. He said the mob was involved in a one-sided clash with 10 of his staff, who tried to prevent the residents from felling teakwood trees in the forest.