Archive: 4 November 1999
54 articles found
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
MUI upset over widespread prostitution
MUI upset over widespread prostitution SEMARANG: The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) chapter in Central Java expressed concern on Wednesday over the emergence of widespread prostitution on the streets of almost every regency and mayoralty in the province. "The saddest thing is that all of them are practicing their trade quite openly on the street, without any shame at all," sighed Sahal Mahfud, MUI chairman in Central Java.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
New forum maintains PKB, PDI-P alliance
New forum maintains PKB, PDI-P alliance SURABAYA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) are maintaining their close ties through a forum which is aimed at providing political education for their supporters. Officials of the two party chapters declared the foundation of the National Forum recently.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Entering a new phase
Entering a new phase Relations between the Indonesian government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have entered a new phase. After having been frozen since last Sept. 15, ties between the two were restored on Tuesday. The IMF suspended disbursement of aid on the consideration that the Indonesian government was not serious enough in its efforts to resolve the Bank Bali case. However, one more test lies in front of us.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
New ministers commend role of public criticism
New ministers commend role of public criticism JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie assured government critics on Wednesday that the new Cabinet would be receptive to their concerns and that it would try its best to accommodate the public's aspirations.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Reorganization within agencies
Reorganization within agencies I subscribe to President Abdurrahman Wahid's decision to drastically abolish the Ministry of Information. However, it is necessary to consider continued employment for the laid-off personnel. The ministry could be made into an official information institute of the state. The institute would be entrusted with managing the dissemination of information from government agencies, including state radio RRI and state television TVRI.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
RP denies drill aimed at China
RP denies drill aimed at China MANILA (AFP): Planned joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States are not aimed at China, presidential spokesman Fernando Barican said here on Wednesday in response to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
S'pore dollar suffers as RI cash heads home
S'pore dollar suffers as RI cash heads home SINGAPORE (Reuters): The Singapore dollar was pressured on Wednesday by market talk that Indonesian businessmen were starting to wind up their "safe-haven" Singapore dollar accounts and repatriate cash. Analysts said this was being spurred by Indonesia's more stable political backdrop since Abdurrahman Wahid was voted president and initial social unrest proved short-lived.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Nov. 3, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
IMF programs 'need reviewing'
IMF programs 'need reviewing' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid wants to revise the country's economic programs with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to emphasize the development of agriculture and small businesses, said visiting IMF Asia Pacific director Hubert Neiss. He said the President wanted to carry out economic policies tailored to specific conditions in Indonesia.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
PABBSI gets Rp 124m from state firms
PABBSI gets Rp 124m from state firms JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) secretary-general, Djoko Pramono, announced on Wednesday that a surprise transfer into the organization's bank account of Rp 124 million (US$18,370) would enable its athletes to compete in the 2000 Olympics qualifying round. "I was really surprised. After I checked with other officials and the bank, (I found out that) the fund came from the state enterprises on Oct.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Participants reliant on cultivation project
Participants reliant on cultivation project JAKARTA (JP): Unemployed residents participating in the city's idle land cultivation project urged the city administration on Wednesday to continue the project until the economic crisis is over. They said in separate interviews that the cultivation project, which was designated as a temporary measure to curb the increasing rate of the city's unemployed following the onset of the crisis in 1997, was apparently their permanent job.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mustofa, Hasyim tipped to take on top NU job
Mustofa, Hasyim tipped to take on top NU job YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chapter here tipped Mustofa Bisri and Hasyim Muzadi on Wednesday as the leading candidates to take over from Abdurrahman Wahid as chairman of the country's largest Muslim organization. Mustofa, better known as Gus Mus, is an influential Muslim cleric from Rembang in Central Java. He is also a poet and author. Hasyim chairs the NU's East Java chapter.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ramadan to start Dec. 9: Government
Ramadan to start Dec. 9: Government JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Wednesday here that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan will this year begin on Thursday, Dec. 9.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Trauma center' set up for East Timorese children
'Trauma center' set up for East Timorese children JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission for Children's Protection has set up a rehabilitation center to help East Timorese children suffering from trauma in the East Nusa Tenggara camps. Called the "trauma center", the new non-governmental organization will employ scores of psychiatrists and psychologists to help the children overcome traumatic experiences which resulted from rampaging violence and sexual abuse following the announcement on Sept.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Governor should resign, says legislator
Governor should resign, says legislator AMBON, Maluku: The Maluku provincial legislative council has the right to ask the governor to step down if the latter fails to admit responsibility for the prolonged communal unrest in the province, a legislator said on Wednesday. Zeth Christian Sahetapy of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) said here that the governor must be accountable for the continuous communal clashes.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
A curse on the presidency
A curse on the presidency The use of the word curse might sound a little too extreme, but in my limited knowledge of the English language, I could not find a better word which might soften the meaning. Let us talk about our first president, Sukarno, more popularly known as Bung Karno, who was not only admired and adored domestically, but internationally as well. He was a great politician and freedom fighter.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * 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. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan - Yayasan Ratna Warta, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Museum of Bali, Jl.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian currency markets make slight gains in thin trade
Asian currency markets make slight gains in thin trade HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian currency markets remained rangebound, with Japan on holiday and traders elsewhere now scaling back their exposure ahead of the year's end. In North Asia both the Korean won and the new Taiwan dollar made moderate advances, their gains limited by government action to preserve exchange rate competitiveness.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bhinneka beats Panasia in last match
Bhinneka beats Panasia in last match SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Host Bhinneka Sritex managed to equal Bandung Panasia Indosyntec in the fifth serie of the 1999 A Mild Kobatama national basketball league after defeating on Monday evening Bima Sakti Nikko Steel of Malang, East Java, 74- 56. Bhinneka had led the game since the first half which ended 39- 22 for the host. Bima Sakti seemed to have less motivation in their final match in the serie.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
UN panel delays approval of East Timor probe
UN panel delays approval of East Timor probe UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): After discussions, meetings and memos, a key United Nations body put off until Nov. 15 approval of a crucial probe into alleged atrocities in East Timor. None of the experts appointed by Mary Robinson, the top UN Human Rights official, will go to the territory until the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the parent body of the 53- nation Geneva-based UN Commission on Human Rights, endorses the inquiry.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Insensible figure
Insensible figure Starting from Nov. 1, 1999, East Timor has had no more Indonesian Military (TNI) or Police troops. It means that Indonesia is no longer involved with East Timor. There is one thing though that needs clarification. The Western media says that when that country was governed by Indonesia, some 200,000 East Timorese were killed. It also averred that in present day East Timor, some 800,000 people need protection from the United Nations. I think those figures do not make sense.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
CPO contaminated in Deli Tama tanks
CPO contaminated in Deli Tama tanks JAKARTA (JP): Palm oil producers and traders in North Sumatra have urged the government to act firmly and quickly to stem fallout from the rejection of 19,000 metric tons of Indonesian crude palm oil (CPO) at Rotterdam Port last month due to diesel oil contamination.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Local elections to be held before June 10
Local elections to be held before June 10 JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the General Elections Commission (KPU) Rudini inaugurated on Wednesday 51 members of the Local Elections Committee (PPL) who will organize elections simultaneously in the newly established provinces and regencies before June 10.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
A local drop of Balinese cheer
A local drop of Balinese cheer By Debe Campbell DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The Balinese have brewed wine from rice and palm juice for centuries, but recently grapes have entered the recipe in a big way. Increasing duties and taxes on imported wine have pushed it off many a wine-lover's table. Even if they do pop for a bottle, swillers often find the wine was transported under improper conditions and has oxidized or is ruined.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar, Thailand wrangle intensifies
Myanmar, Thailand wrangle intensifies MAE SOT, Thailand (AP): Myanmar troops threatened on Wednesday to shoot a batch of migrants sent back home by Thai authorities at the start of a planned mass repatriation of illegal workers, Thai officials said. Thai authorities then brought the 200 Myanmar migrants to another point on the Moei river border between the two countries that was not being manned by Yangon's troops and sent them into Myanmar.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
First Cabinet meeting a larning experience
First Cabinet meeting a larning experience JAKARTA (JP): The first Cabinet plenary session on Wednesday was a learning experience for all in attendance, not only because of the numerous new faces but also because many present were former political rivals. Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri was hesitant to enter the meeting hall, eventually opting to wait for President Abdurrahman Wahid and enter the venue with him.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso to propose 37% hike in revised budget
Sutiyoso to propose 37% hike in revised budget JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso will soon submit to the City Council a review of the 1999/2000 budget worth Rp 3.7 trillion (US$544 million), a 37 percent increase from the current budget of Rp 2.7 trillion, a senior official said on Wednesday. "The proposal will be submitted on Friday," a city administration official, who requested anonymity, said.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
House promises Bank Bali investigation
House promises Bank Bali investigation JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives special investigation committee said on Wednesday it would push ahead with its own investigations to unravel the high-profile Bank Bali scandal despite publication of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit. Head of House Commission IX for finance and banking Sukowalujo Mintohardjo said on Wednesday the committee would ensure that the case would be fully and satisfactorily resolved according to the laws.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto Investigation II
Soeharto Investigation II The government's decision to reopen the corruption investigation against former president Soeharto, while laudable, has led to concerns about whether it can succeed where the previous administration failed. The last investigation, aside from its many shortcomings, including a lack of political will to try Soeharto, virtually exhausted all legal channels to build any convincing case of corruption against the former tyrant.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
S'pore comments on ASEAN rejection
S'pore comments on ASEAN rejection SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Premier Goh Chok Tong considers it natural for East Timor to prefer joining a South Pacific grouping instead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Goh was commenting on statements by some East Timorese leaders that they did not want the territory -- which voted in August for independence from Indonesia -- to join ASEAN.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ibis hotels to hold chess meet
Ibis hotels to hold chess meet JAKARTA (JP): Five Ibis hotels and Hotel Arcadia here will hold chess tournaments for students from Nov. 20 to Nov. 28, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. The five Ibis hotels are Ibis Kemayoran, Ibis Slipi, Ibis Tamarin, Ibis Mangga Dua and Ibis Cikarang. Agustina Endrayanti told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday for the Ibis hotels here and Hotel Arcadia, the number of participants are limited to 30 people for each hotel.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cheap sidewalk eateries serve sex on the side
Cheap sidewalk eateries serve sex on the side By Putu Wirata DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Until a few months ago, residents and visitors in Denpasar rarely saw pretty young women at small warung (street stalls), which sell cups of coffee, snacks and meals on the city's main streets and in traditional markets.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fortune-tellers deported to China
Fortune-tellers deported to China JAKARTA (JP): The Directorate General for Immigration deported on Wednesday three Chinese nationals for breaching immigration rules, an immigration official said. The three, identified as Huang Tuan Zhang, 24, Guo Ya Ren, 25, and Huang Wen Tao, 33, were apprehended last Friday at the Trans Mangga Dua Hotel in West Jakarta.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
ICRC steps up probe into Irian Jaya case
ICRC steps up probe into Irian Jaya case JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stepped up its probe into the alleged involvement of the ICRC in the 1996 massacre in Mapnduma, Jaya Wijaya regency.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Former Astra owners ponder stake buyback
Former Astra owners ponder stake buyback JAKARTA (JP): The Soeryadjaya family, the founder and former owner of publicly listed PT Astra International, is expressing strong interest in buying back their stake in the auto giant. Edward Soeryadjaya, the eldest son of Williem Soeryadjaya, said his family were very interested in buying back the automotive company's shares, but was still indecisive whether they had the capability to realize the plan.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
TNI to end security approach in Aceh: Widodo
TNI to end security approach in Aceh: Widodo JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. said the military would no longer resort to its repressive security approach in handling tensions in restive Aceh. He added that President Abdurrahman Wahid had ordered all combat troops, including those from the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) and Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), to be withdrawn from the province.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 03, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 325 0 0 Alter Abadi 350 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,300 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 425 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,450 0 5,094,000 Anwar Sierad 275 25 351,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
HCB sues state company
HCB sues state company JAKARTA (JP): The Hongkong Chinese Bank (HCB) has filed at the Commercial Court a bankruptcy claim against state-owned ship builder PT Dok & Perkapalan Kodja Bahari for allegedly failing to pay US$3.5 million in promissory notes, according to a court document. Court document No. 081/pailit/1999 outlined the plaintiff's claims that the defendant had failed to provide an acceptable debt restructuring proposal to the plaintiff.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Woman judges set to be mandatory in rape cases
Woman judges set to be mandatory in rape cases JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to issue a regulation requiring at least one of the three judges presiding over rape trials be a woman. State Minister of the Empowerment of Women Khofifah Indar Parawansa said here on Wednesday she presented her proposal to concerned ministers and received their support.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Astra Agro's profits fall
Astra Agro's profits fall JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed plantation company Astra Agro Lestari recorded a consolidated net income of Rp 121.1 billion (US$17.3 million) in the third quarter which ended in September, a 19.6 percent drop from Rp 150.6 billion in the corresponding period last year. The company said on Wednesday the drop was partly attributed to the decline in the price of crude palm oil (CPO) and the increase in production costs during the period.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Administration denies bribing Bekasi councilors
Administration denies bribing Bekasi councilors JAKARTA (JP): The city administration denied on Wednesday it bribed Bekasi councilors Rp 1 million (US$147) each to retract their demand for the closure of the 108-hectare Bantar Gebang dump site in Bekasi. City Secretary Fauzi Bowo said the administration had not given any money to the 17 Bekasi councilors, who are members of a feasibility study team on garbage management.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
PSSI to introduce quarterfinals to Ligina
PSSI to introduce quarterfinals to Ligina JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has approved the staging of quarterfinals matches for the first time in the history of the Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina). However, PSSI official in charge of competition and tournaments, Ismet Djalis Tahir, told a media briefing after the managers' meeting on Wednesday that the association had yet to set a date for the quarterfinals.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. says trade plan won't hurt forests
U.S. says trade plan won't hurt forests WASHINGTON (Reuters): A controversial U.S. proposal to slash tariffs worldwide on paper, wooden furniture and other forest products would have little impact on the environment, the White House said on Tuesday in a study playing down the threat of deforestation. But the study, by the office of the U.S.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Chinese tycoons ready to bring back US$5b-$10b
Chinese tycoons ready to bring back US$5b-$10b JAKARTA (JP): Chinese-Indonesian tycoons are preparing to repatriate between US$5 billion and $10 billion in funds they sent out of the country amid the economic and political turmoil of the past two years, a noted businessman said on Wednesday.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Manila to end SGS contract
Manila to end SGS contract MANILA (DPA): The Philippines might cancel its import monitoring contract with Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) due to the firm's failure to curb rampant smuggling, President Joseph Estrada said Wednesday. "We are paying them billions of pesos but they have not been able to stop smuggling," Estrada told Manila radio station DZRH. "That's why we are studying if we can drop their services.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Toyota-Astra launches new car
Toyota-Astra launches new car JAKARTA (JP): PT Toyota-Astra Motor announced on Wednesday the launch of its new Camry sedan into the local market. The company said on Wednesday the new car comes in two models, the 2,200cc engine capacity Camry GLX with four cylinders and 16 valves DOHC system and the 3,000cc engine capacity Camry Grande with six cylinders and 24 valves DOHC system.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police open investigation of Depok church burning
Police open investigation of Depok church burning JAKARTA (JP): The police have questioned seven witnesses in the burning of a Protestant church on Tuesday in Beji, Depok, south of Jakarta, city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said. "The witnesses include security guards, residents and the church officials," Noegroho said on Wednesday. "I have ordered the Depok Police to tighten security by conducting a sweep for sharp weapons and firearms.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
TNI feared to hamper investigation into Aceh rights abuses
TNI feared to hamper investigation into Aceh rights abuses Though thousands of internal refugees have returned home, sporadic violence and disappearances continue in Aceh amid mounting calls for a referendum. Saifuddin Bantasyam, executive director of a non-governmental organization focusing on human rights -- Forum Peduli HAM in Banda Aceh -- shared the hopes of the Acehnese in a long-distance interview with The Jakarta Post.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indosat reports Rp 1.19t net income in third quarter
Indosat reports Rp 1.19t net income in third quarter JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosat announced on Wednesday an unaudited consolidated net income of Rp 1.19 trillion (US$170 million) for the first nine months of the year ending Sept. 30. The publicly listed international telecommunications provider said the net profit figure represented a 36.5 percent increase over the corresponding period in 1998.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Dining at The Restaurant on the Island of Paradise
Dining at The Restaurant on the Island of Paradise DENPASAR, Bali (JP): One would not associate Bali with Fine Dining, which requires strict adherence to dress codes, settings and venues. So it is a pleasant surprise to find that fine dining does exist on this island, but with a difference to the norm. From the vast number of restaurants to be found in Bali, these are a few of the ones suggested for a Fine Dining experience.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Lottery ticket vendor killed
Lottery ticket vendor killed JAKARTA (JP): A vendor of lottery tickets was allegedly killed on Friday night by a friend following a dispute a day earlier over an amount of money lent to the suspected killer, the victim's friends said on Wednesday. Iwan Lubis, 32, was found dead with slash wounds to his neck outside a military post under the Juanda flyover, near the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Anwar claims chief made up evidence
Anwar claims chief made up evidence KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Sacked deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday a former Malaysian police chief had given false evidence against him because he bore a grudge over the loss of a lucrative post-retirement job with a gambling firm. Hanif Omar, the then-Inspector General of Police, had earlier told Anwar's sodomy trial of a conversation with the politician back in 1993.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ininvex '99 eyes 30,000 visitors
Ininvex '99 eyes 30,000 visitors JAKARTA (JP): A major exhibition promoting investment in Indonesia to be held in Singapore next month is expected to draw some 30,000 visitors, including 6,000 prospective foreign investors and buyers, the organizers said on Wednesday. The International Indonesian Investment Exhibition '99 (Ininvex '99) at the Raffles City Convention Center in Singapore on Dec. 12-15 is aimed at reversing the decline in foreign investment in the last two years. Andi M.
Thu, 04 Nov 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian stocks mixed as investors take profit
Asian stocks mixed as investors take profit HONG KONG (AP): Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday, as investors sold off shares following recent rallies in some markets and looked for bargains in others. The region's biggest market, Tokyo, was closed for a holiday. Hong Kong prices finished lower, giving up early gains as investors decided a recent rally had run its course and started selling.