Archive: 17 December 1999
53 articles found
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The Sun newspaper said UMNO's disciplinary and management committee reviewed allegations against more than 100 "traitors" -- including one who allegedly tried to sabotage Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's nomination papers.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Southeast Asian markets also saw a surge of activity, as foreign exchange traders piggybacked customer buying interest to bid both the Thai baht and the Indonesian rupiah around 1.5 percent higher against the dollar.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock 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 1,125 0 20,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 575 -25 13,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,400 0 2,262,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 55,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 assembling during a two-day meeting in Tokyo. Foreign Ministry official Shinichi Mizuta said Japan's new aid comes on top of a total of $194 million it has already pledged toward East Timor's reconstruction.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. "We need to have their report on where the fund is deposited and whether it has been used as a cash pledge for any of its loans," JSX director Harry Wiguna said.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Even general chairman of the Functional Group (Golkar) Party, Akbar Tandjung, has definitely expressed his disagreement with the President in this respect. Akbar would like to see Soeharto tried first in accordance with the prevailing legal process.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 court turned down Paiton's proposition that the court did not have the right to examine the case, and that international arbitration should settle the matter.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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).
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 ticket brokers' operations.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Petronas's wholly owned subsidiary, Petronas Carigali (Overseas) Sdn Bhd, signed a deal in Milan on Tuesday with EMI's subsidiary, Agip Gabon SA, to explore the three blocks of territory.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. INRO's governing council had agreed in September to set up the open-ended working group following the dissolution of the world rubber body.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 bank. Chairman of the commission Sukowalujo Mintorahardjo told reporters the British bank's decision would allow other investors to buy IBRA shares in the bank in open bidding after the rights issue.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 the public about politics through seminars, discussions and studies, the forum's executive secretary, Goenadi Malang Joedo, said.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Theology student Sariman, 31, died during the attack. His teacher mourned him as a "potential reverend".
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. PHRI deputy chairman Feisol Hashim said about 30 percent of hotel reservations for year-end holidays in the resort island had been canceled.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Allianz Life president Laurence Warburton said the company would continue to expand its products and services to attract new policy holders for continued improvement in income next year.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Abdurrahman told them to adjust themselves to the country's rapid changes and to brace for the barrage of denunciations which may be lodged against their institution.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The Dutch nationals started their 23,850 kilometer trip from the Aviation Museum at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands on Aug. 16, crossing dozens of countries, borders and check points with smiles and nightmares.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Pertamina president Martiono Hadianto assured the public that the millennium bug would not pose any problems to the company's fuel distribution lines.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. By letting a criminal go free, the President will create a condition in which similar crimes may be repeated in the future.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI needs credit clearing body
RI needs credit clearing body By 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. When a bank lends money to a client, this same trust is or should be the key to the bank's client relationship. Honesty toward the depositors and by the borrowers is the lubricating oil on which the financial system in any country operates.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 6:06 p.m. Saturday Imsak 4:02 a.m. Subuh 4:12 a.m.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The violence began after negotiations broke down on Tuesday between representatives of the company and residents over ownership of the rubber plantation.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Dec. 16, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Agus said after accompanying South Sulawesi community figures to a meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid that the plan was part of a review of the military's doctrine, the deliberation of which was still underway.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The Harum Sari bus, loaded with 41 people, had just left the Kampung Rambutan bus terminal in East Jakarta and was its way to Bandung on the Jagorawi toll road when the incident took place.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Lee Hun-jai, chairman of the government Financial Supervisory Commission, made the remarks, confirming that his office has received GM's preliminary proposal to purchase assets of Daewoo Motor.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The leader of the delegation Nataniel Kaiway said in a meeting with House leaders that the legislature should deliberate these demands with the government.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Head of the council's Commission A on government affairs Binsar Tambunan said the policy to establish councils at the mayoralty and subdistrict levels was stipulated in a law passed this year. "Law No.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The head of the national education office for Jayawijaya regency, George de Fretes, revealed on Thursday that Rp 250.46 million of total Rp 1.1 billion allocated for the regency had yet to be disbursed.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 17, 1999
Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Dec. 17, 1999 Exhibitions * 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. * Painting Exhibition: Happy People, by Bondan Suryaning Tias, Galeri Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 71790008), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Dec. 20. * Photo Exhibition: by Deniek G. Sukarya, Dandung B.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The agreement also covered compensation for damage to U.S. diplomatic missions in China during violent protests against the bombing.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told reporters he was still studying ways of protecting the poor from fuel price increases as the government tries to cut the huge subsidy bill in next year's budget.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Andrew Butikin, executive officer of the Naval Air Group, and Lt. Crisanto Beltran, commanding officer of a naval unit. Lt. Gen.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. No wonder the Acehnese have lost confidence in Jakarta. They think that there is no use waiting for a solution from the government.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 domestic car market with five new car models.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. "I think PBSI must look for younger talent, players who are about 14 years old, to be admitted to the Indonesian Badminton Center," she said on Thursday.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Hendro Santoso identified the two uncooperative companies as chemical firm PT Sumi Asih and commodity trading firm PT Tirtamas Comexindo.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Prices are pushing ahead in Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea with inflation forecasts showing the greatest upward differential between this year and next.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 incident. They also asked police to investigate the violent action by the mobs thoroughly and to arrest anyone involved in the case.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Young filmmakers celebrate Women's Day
Young filmmakers celebrate Women's Day By 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. In conjunction with National Women's Day, which falls on Dec. 22, l99, a number of young cinematographers have announced their own way of celebrating the event.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The fatality, identified as Aman, 35, was one of 40 traditional diggers who dug the walls of mud looking for gold.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Further efforts needed to strengthen future RI-China ties
Further efforts needed to strengthen future RI-China ties By 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. 3, 1999, ended with the issuance of a joint press communique.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Habibie, the new government of President Abdurrahman Wahid expressed agreement on Dec. 10 to review the country's first regulation on cigarette tar and nicotine levels. Under regulation No.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Police continued to guard the identities of the suspects and motives in Wednesday night's attack on the 2.7-hectare site owned by the Doulos Foundation. Another one of the people arrested was a company employee.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. "The government has to comply with the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN) which stipulates a special autonomy for the province. If Aceh has to hold a referendum, the People's Consultative Assembly decree on GBHN has to be revised.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. In its year-end report, the Mitra Perempuan women's crisis center revealed 113 cases of abuse against women in the capital, 60 percent of which took place inside the home.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. The national team defeated Dolphin BC 223-154 2/3 while Pattimura beat the Volta Manado team 249-175 in the five-session semifinals.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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". "(There is) no idea at all on the government's side to alter the contracts ...
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. Portelli told reporters that his company expected 1999's transaction value using Maestro debit cards to surge sevenfold from last year's US$1 billion.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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 celebration. The announcement was made in a meeting with some 200 owners and operators of nightspots at City Hall.
Fri, 17 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
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. "Our business is usually packed in the fasting month during daylight hours because people like to ngabuburit (local term for spending hours before the breaking of the fast).