Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 November 1999

64 articles found

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NU congress displays signs of renewal

NU congress displays signs of renewalBy 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.

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)...

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.

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 morningA forensic expert from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Zulhasmar Syamsu, disclosed the remains consisted of...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conversion Rates

Conversion RatesBank Indonesia's conversion rates on Nov. 24, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,064.00 7,136.00Australian dollar 1 4,492.70 4,542.06Austrian schilling 1 527.02 532.91Belgian franc 1 179.77 181.78Brunei dollar 1 4,230.19 4,275.67Canadian dollar 1 4,817.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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 task of publicizing graphic art

The task of publicizing graphic artBy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Travel agents look to calm after the storm

Travel agents look to calm after the stormBy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 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...

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.

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.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock 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...

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.

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.

Malay students learn lessons from RI protesters

Malay students learn lessons from RI protestersBy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Japanese still find Bali their paradise gained

Japanese still find Bali their paradise gainedBy 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.

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.