Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 November 1999

54 articles found

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.Antara reported that a meeting of officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs with representatives of major Islamic...

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.

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.

A local drop of Balinese cheer

A local drop of Balinese cheerBy 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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Nov. 3, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 6,696.00 6,764.00Australian dollar 1 4,300.17 4,347.22Austrian schilling 1 512.07 517.76Belgian franc 1 174.67 176.61Brunei dollar 1 4,003.59 4,046.66Canadian dollar 1 4,556.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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).

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.

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.

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...

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.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock 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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

Cheap sidewalk eateries serve sex on the side

Cheap sidewalk eateries serve sex on the sideBy 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...

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.

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).

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.

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.