Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 December 1999

53 articles found

Commission brushes aside criticism of rights inquiry

Commission brushes aside criticism of rights inquiry JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) dismissed protests that its members had violated the principle of presumption of innocence by naming military generals alleged to be responsible for rights abuses in East Timor.

Army streamlining almost complete: Maj. Gen. Agus

Army streamlining almost complete: Maj. Gen. Agus JAKARTA (JP): The abolishment of some military territorial commands (Kodam) has long been planned and is close to the final stages, chief of Wirabuana Military Command Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusumah said on Thursday.

Conversion Rates

Conversion RatesBank Indonesia's conversion rates on Dec. 16, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,046.00 7,116.00Australian dollar 1 4,488.30 4,536.45Austrian schilling 1 515.74 521.02Belgian franc 1 175.92 177.72Brunei dollar 1 4,200.80 4,245.06Canadian dollar 1 4,750.

Uneasy calm after looting of plantation

Uneasy calm after looting of plantation CILACAP, Central Java: The village of Cipari in Cilacap regency remained tense on Thursday following an overnight melee in which hundreds of people ran amok and looted PT Ciseru rubber plantation.Dozens of people were hurt and at least two cars burned.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for JakartaFriday Maghrib 6:06 p.m.Saturday Imsak 4:02 a.m.Subuh 4:12 a.m.

RI needs credit clearing body

RI needs credit clearing bodyBy C.J. de Koning JAKARTA (JP): When a client puts money in a bank in Indonesia, or anywhere else in the world, he or she expects the bank to act in an honest, trustworthy manner. The money must be secure and safely looked after.

Equal treatment for criminals

Equal treatment for criminals Whether or not he realized the impact of his statement that he would pardon former president Soeharto for his past wrongdoings, President Abdurrahman Wahid has made a mistake. To uphold the law there must be no discrimination.

Pertamina distributors ready for Y2K bug

Pertamina distributors ready for Y2K bug JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina announced on Thursday that it was ready to face the Year 2000 (Y2K) bug, saying all its operations, including refinery and fuel distribution, would run as usual when the country entered the next millennium.

From Schiphol to Jakarta in 380-HP truck

From Schiphol to Jakarta in 380-HP truck JAKARTA (JP): After 111 days spent thundering along busy highways and muddy roads; through lifeless deserts, dense forests and rivers, truckers Felix Huizinga and Henk Combe safely arrived in Jakarta on Dec. 4 from Amsterdam.

TNI, Police cadets told to uphold integrity

TNI, Police cadets told to uphold integrity JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid on Thursday told graduating Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police officers to uphold integrity and dignity as they entered a public life currently holding little esteem for the armed forces.

Allianz expects $6m income

Allianz expects $6m income JAKARTA (JP): Life insurance company PT Asuransi Allianz Life Indonesia disclosed on Thursday that its gross premium income for 1999 should rise 200 percent to Rp 42 billion (US$6 million) from Rp 14.1 billion last year.

Millennium bug scares away foreign tourists

Millennium bug scares away foreign tourists JAKARTA (JP): Numerous foreigners have canceled trips to Bali, Indonesia's most popular tourist destination, due to fears over the millennium bug, an executive with the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) said here on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses tell of the burning of Doulos complex

Eyewitnesses tell of the burning of Doulos complex JAKARTA (JP): The victims of an arson attack at the Doulos humanitarian foundation on Jl. Tugu in East Jakarta on Wednesday night were mostly students studying for their mid-semester theology examinations, witnesses said on Thursday.

Small parties unite to promote democracy

Small parties unite to promote democracy JAKARTA (JP): A group of small political parties and non- governmental organizations declared on Thursday a joint force to promote national unity and democracy.Called the Indonesian National Unity Forum (FNPI), the new organization will focus on educating...

Man hijacks a bus, robs passengers

Man hijacks a bus, robs passengers BOGOR (JP): An unidentified armed man hijacked a bus plying the Jakarta-Bandung route in the wee hours on Thursday and robbed the passengers of their valuables, before escaping at a rest area in Sentul, Bogor.

House welcomes SCB's withdrawal from Bank Bali

House welcomes SCB's withdrawal from Bank Bali JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives Commission IX covering finance and budget welcomed on Thursday Standard Chartered Bank's withdrawal from its plan to invest in Bank Bali, saying it would open up opportunities for other investors to enter the...

INRO to abolish working group

INRO to abolish working group KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) on Wednesday decided to discontinue a working group set up to chart the future of international cooperation in natural rubber, INRO acting executive director Gerard Loyen said.

Petronas enters Gabon

Petronas enters Gabon KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia's state-owned Petronas oil firm has entered into a venture with an Italian oil and gas company, ENI, to explore three areas off the west coast of the African nation of Gabon, a Petronas statement said Thursday.

Pelni, PT KAI struggle against ticket scalpers

Pelni, PT KAI struggle against ticket scalpers JAKARTA (JP): In anticipation of rampant scalping during Christmas, New Year and the post-fasting Idul Fitri holiday, state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and state shipping company PT Pelni are making necessary preparations to curb the...

Gelora Senayan pledges transparent accountability

Gelora Senayan pledges transparent accountability JAKARTA (JP): The Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS) pledged for transparency on Thursday in the public accountability report of its funding to the National Sports Council (KONI).

District court dismisses Paiton arbitration claims

District court dismisses Paiton arbitration claims JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta district court ruled on Thursday that it had jurisdiction to examine the legality of the power purchase agreement (PPA) between state electricity company PT PLN and independent power producer PT Paiton Energy.

The issue of pardoning Soeharto

The issue of pardoning Soeharto President Abdurrahman Wahid has introduced his idea to pardon former president Soeharto, a statement that has sparked controversy in the community. Many parties have voiced their disagreement to this idea.

JSX sets deadline for Semen Cibinong

JSX sets deadline for Semen Cibinong JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) warned cement maker PT Semen Cibinong on Thursday to disclose the status of its undisclosed US$250 million fund by Friday or risk being delisted.

Japan raises aid for Timor

Japan raises aid for Timor TOKYO (AP): Japan said Thursday it will contribute US$100 million to an international aid package designed to help East Timor recover from the brutal end of Indonesian rule.The funds are part of a three-year, $307 million aid package that international donors are...

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 16, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,125 -25 14,500 Alakasa Industrindo 700 0 0 Alter Abadi 425 0 141,500 Alumindo Light Metal...

Most Asian currencies gain ground on foreign buying

Most Asian currencies gain ground on foreign buying HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The South Korean won rose sharply Thursday after a sovereign credit rating upgrade released a wave of won buying that swept aside government efforts to hold the currency down.

Malaysia's ruling party may fire election 'turncoats'

Malaysia's ruling party may fire election 'turncoats' KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's ruling party is considering sacking large numbers of "turncoat" members who worked for the opposition during last month's elections, reports said on Thursday.

Inflation on the up as Asia gets back on its feet

Inflation on the up as Asia gets back on its feet SINGAPORE (Reuters): Inflation in Asia is on the up as regional economies recover from the financial crisis but its tone is relatively muted, posing no significant threat for now, according to a Reuters poll released on Thursday.

Sutiyoso announces closure of nightspots during Ramadhan

Sutiyoso announces closure of nightspots during Ramadhan JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso announced on Thursday evening that all discotheques, night clubs, billiard centers and sauna parlors must close during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan until seven days after the post-fasting Idul Fitri...

Maestro eyes larger market

Maestro eyes larger market JAKARTA (JP): MasterCard International predicts its Maestro debit cardholders in Indonesia to increase from eight million this year to 11 million next year, Jeff Portelli, the company's vice president for product delivery in Asia Pacific, said on Thursday.

Investors urged to be 'flexible' over contracts

Investors urged to be 'flexible' over contracts JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the government would honor all mining contracts awarded by previous governments, but called on foreign investors to be "flexible".

National team reaches final

National team reaches final JAKARTA (JP): The National Bermuda Bowl team and the Pattimura Bridge Club reached the eight-session final of the Bermuda Bowl and Venice Cup bridge simulation match at the Senayan Bridge Center on Thursday.

Feminists voice concern over abusive husbands

Feminists voice concern over abusive husbands JAKARTA (JP): A group of feminists renewed their concern on Thursday that women were vulnerable to violence perpetrated by their husbands or partners while at home.

Govt rejects Aceh referendum

Govt rejects Aceh referendum JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Law and Legislation Affairs Yuzril Ihza Mahendra said on Thursday the government would not offer a referendum in seeking solution to the Aceh problem.

Six arrested over rehab center fire

Six arrested over rehab center fire JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested six suspects, including a university student, in connection with the arson attack on a Christian-owned complex housing a school of theology and drug rehabilitation and psychiatric centers in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

Antismoking campaigners face reignited fight over tar, nicotine

Antismoking campaigners face reignited fight over tar, nicotine JAKARTA (JP): Health activists will have to stifle that breath of relief. They may soon have to start their antismoking campaigns all over again.Only two months after being signed by then president B.J.

Further efforts needed to strengthen future RI-China ties

Further efforts needed to strengthen future RI-China tiesBy Desra Percaya This is the first of two articles exploring the significance of President Abdurrahman Wahid's (Gus Dur) visit to China. LONDON (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's visit to China on Dec. 1 to Dec.

Miners buried alive in Pongkor

Miners buried alive in Pongkor BOGOR (JP): One person died and at least 20 others were buried alive under thick mud when a landslide struck on Wednesday afternoon the Pongkor gold mine here.The victims were allegedly illegal gold miners who had been operating in the area for some time.

Young filmmakers celebrate Women's Day

Young filmmakers celebrate Women's DayBy Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): Gender issues play a very significant role in nurturing democracy in Indonesia. Women have eloquently voiced their rights for equality in every aspects of the nation's life.

Attack on Doulos complex condemned

Attack on Doulos complex condemned JAKARTA (JP): Government officials, legislators and religious leaders on Thursday condemned the violent burning and attack on the Christian-run Doulos complex in Cipayung, East Jakarta, but asked people to calm down and not to be easily provoked by the appalling...

Billiard center owners in Bogor plead for leniency

Billiard center owners in Bogor plead for leniency BOGOR (JP): Thirteen billiard center owners here requested on Thursday that the administration allow them to operate from noon until a few minutes before the breaking of the fast during the Ramadhan fasting month.

IBRA plans legal action against 2 Tirtamas firms

IBRA plans legal action against 2 Tirtamas firms JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is considering legal action against two indebted companies from the Tirtamas Group which have failed to cooperate with efforts to settle their debts with the agency, an IBRA executive said.

Susi urges PBSI to court young talent

Susi urges PBSI to court young talent JAKARTA (JP): Former badminton queen Susi Susanti has urged the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) to seek younger talented players, especially women, and not to pigeonhole them in one event during their early years of national training.

S. Korea's KIA reenters Indonesian car market

S. Korea's KIA reenters Indonesian car market JAKARTA (JP): South Korea's Kia Motors is reentering the Indonesian car market through a new joint venture called PT KIA Mobil Indonesia.KIA Mobil president commissioner AM Hendropriyono said on Thursday that the company was entering the already crowded...

Problem lies with Jakarta

Problem lies with Jakarta It is quite interesting to observe the phenomenon that came to the surface following the Acehnese demand for a referendum. As usual, if there is a problem, Jakarta only comments on it and talks too much without finding any solution.

RP navy officers shot dead

RP navy officers shot dead ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): Two navy officers who failed to abide by camp regulations were shot dead by a policeman guarding the military's headquarters in the southern Philippines, officials said on Thursday.The slain officers were identified as Lt.

Govt to introduce fuel coupons for buses

Govt to introduce fuel coupons for buses JAKARTA (JP): The government may introduce fuel coupons for public buses to spare the operators, and therefore the public, from the planned increase in fuel prices next year.

U.S. and China sew up embassy damages deal

U.S. and China sew up embassy damages deal BEIJING (Reuters): The United States and China said on Thursday they reached a compensation agreement on NATO's bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in another step towards healing a rift that plunged relations into crisis.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 17, 1999

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 17, 1999Exhibitions * Handicraft Exhibition: Cinderamata Nusantara, at Galeri Kampoeng Seni, in Metropolitan Mal, Bekasi, until Jan. 7. Dances and music performance, every Monday, Thursday, at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Deadline nears for dispensing aid

Deadline nears for dispensing aid WAMENA, Irian Jaya: Hundreds of millions of rupiah in scholarships and educational assistance for Jayawijaya might go down the drain if the regency fails to disburse it in the next three days.

Jakarta to have new monitoring councils

Jakarta to have new monitoring councils JAKARTA (JP): In order to monitor development programs in lower-level administrations, the city administration is planning to establish councils in the city's five mayoralties and 265 subdistricts, a city councilor said on Wednesday.

Irian provincial council visits House to demand independence

Irian provincial council visits House to demand independence JAKARTA (JP): A delegation of community leaders and provincial council members from Irian Jaya met with the House of Representatives to deliver seven demands, culminating in independence for Indonesia's eastern most province.

GM to make Daewoo its production base in Asia

GM to make Daewoo its production base in Asia SEOUL (AP): General Motors Corp. wants to take over South Korea's ailing Daewoo Motor Co. as part of its global strategy to make it a long-term small-car production base in Asia, a Seoul official said Thursday.