Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 December 1999

55 articles found

Airport, airlines ready for Y2K bug

Airport, airlines ready for Y2K bug JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of domestic and foreign visitors are expected to flock to the tourist island of Bali for the numerous millennial events scheduled for Dec. 31. But taking a flight to Bali or anywhere else in the world on that night might seem a risky venture because of possible computer failures due to the millennium, or Y2K, bug.

GAM prohibits hoisting of separatist flag in Aceh

GAM prohibits hoisting of separatist flag in Aceh PIDIE (JP): Teuku Abdullah Syafei, a commander of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), in an apparent attempt to placate fears of unrest has forbidden the hoisting of the separatist flag on Saturday except for at regional GAM headquarters.

President issues `written statement'

President issues `written statement' JAKARTA (JP): A press statement attributed to President "Abdurrachman" Wahid was distributed by the office of Gen. Wiranto, the coordinating minister for political affairs and security, on Wednesday. No one at the State Secretariat was able to confirm the unsigned statement, while officials traveling with the President on a visit to Beijing also had no explanation. Maj. Gen.

Food supply for holidays sufficient, says official

Food supply for holidays sufficient, says official JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta has a sufficient supply of basic commodities for the upcoming Christmas, New Year's and Idul Fitri celebrations, a city official said on Wednesday. "It has become usual that demand for basic commodities increases by between 10 and 39 percent during the holidays.

The winners of the Panasonic Awards l999

The winners of the Panasonic Awards l999 JAKARTA (JP): The Panasonic Awards 1999 were presented on Wednesday night to honor the best programs and individual achievements for local television productions. This year's life achievement award was presented to Kris Biantoro.

U.S. investors maintain `wait and see' stance

U.S. investors maintain `wait and see' stance JAKARTA (JP): U.S. investors are continuing to hold off on new investment in Indonesia despite signs of improvement in the country's economy and social conditions, an American trade official said here on Wednesday. U.S. commercial attache Richard Rothman said American businesspeople needed more time to learn about the economic progress made before becoming involved in new businesses. "The image of Indonesia is improving. However, the U.S.

S'pore govt evicts sultan's kin

S'pore govt evicts sultan's kin SINGAPORE (AP): The descendants of Singapore's last sultan were gone from their palace on Wednesday, routed to make room for a Malay cultural center. Several policemen looked on as the main entrance to the dilapidated, two-story building was sealed. Banners warning "State Land: No Trespassing" went up across the 1.2 hectares of grounds.

Tosari named new deputy speaker

Tosari named new deputy speaker JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) deputy chairman Tosari Wijaya has been chosen to replace his party chief Hamzah Haz as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, House Speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Wednesday. "Tosari will be installed in a plenary session on Dec. 6," Akbar said. Tosari, 59, is believed to have edged out PPP secretary general Ali Marwan Hanan to take over Hamzah's seat during a meeting of the PPP Faction in the House.

Import from Australia resumes

Import from Australia resumes CILACAP, Central Java (JP): Imports of live cows from Australia to Central Java have returned to normal after being stopped in September, a port official said. Head of the legal and information division of Tanjung Intan Port in Cilacap, Susiana, said on Tuesday the shipments of Australian cows through the port resumed since early October. "We unloaded some 1,052 cows from Australian ships in October," she told The Jakarta Post.

C. Java grooms 18 karatekas for PON

C. Java grooms 18 karatekas for PON SEMARANG (JP): The chairman of the Central Java chapter of the Indonesian Karate-do Federation (FORKI), Bibit Waluyo, said on Wednesday the province was training 18 karatekas to compete in the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya next year. "The Central Java Sports Council has targeted two gold medals in the quadrennial event, but we aim to win four," he said.

Steps to gain a clean judiciary

Steps to gain a clean judiciary One of the issues scheduled for discussion at the fifth National Workshop on Human Rights, which opens on Thursday in Jakarta, is the role of the judiciary in a market economy. Professor of law Charles Himawan, also a member of the National Commission on Human Rights, shares his views on the matter.

Aceh hotels booked solid

Aceh hotels booked solid BANDA ACEH: Local and foreign journalists have been flocking to Aceh, causing many hotels and inns here to be fully booked in the run-up to the separatist Free Aceh Movement's (GAM) 23rd anniversary on Saturday. An employee of Sultan Hotel, Laura, said here on Wednesday that only five rooms were occupied by non-media guests out of its total capacity of 40 rooms.

Indonesians off to poor start in Badminton GP

Indonesians off to poor start in Badminton GP JAKARTA (Agencies): Indonesian shuttlers performed poorly on Wednesday's opening day of round robin matches in the Grand Prix Finals in Bandar Seri Begawan. Men's singles Taufik Hidayat, third seeded here, unexpectedly was upset by Malaysian Wong Choon Han 12-15, 15-13, 15-9. Taufik defeated Wong twice in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei.

Taylor's presence felt as his troupe takes the stage

Taylor's presence felt as his troupe takes the stage By Emma Cameron JAKARTA (JP): Paul Taylor is a voyeur. He likes to watch people and steal their movements. Paul Taylor is a patriot, and he is concerned he not be pegged as an elitist. When the manager of the Paul Taylor Dance Company called him a "benevolent dictator" he was probably more accurate than he realized.

Govt credibility in the balance

Govt credibility in the balance The continuing problems in Aceh and Ambon are beginning to negatively affect the climate of hope and confidence that arose after Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, and Megawati Soekarnoputri came to power as President and Vice President, respectively. All the trust and goodwill which Gus Dur has won on his trips abroad will not be able to withstand the erosive tide that will certainly come unless the problems in Aceh and Maluku are resolved.

Military alerted to pen sniffers

Military alerted to pen sniffers SURABAYA: Brawijaya Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sudi Silalahi called on military and police to be on the lookout for shiny pens which are believed to be used as a means to get high. "Internally, we are calling on everyone to watch out for this pen," he said as quoted by Antara here on Wednesday.

Humpus to sign debt restructuring deal

Humpus to sign debt restructuring deal JAKARTA (JP): The Humpuss Group expects to sign a debt restructuring agreement by mid December with the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), according to a Humpuss senior official. Mansur Ahmad, a director at the Humpuss Group, said on Wednesday the restructuring scheme would involve debt rescheduling, asset settlement and cash settlement. He said the loan maturity would be extended to between 10 years and five years.

KONI, IPSI cancel pencak silat c'ships

KONI, IPSI cancel pencak silat c'ships JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) and the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) canceled the pencak silat national championships here due to plans by some parties to hoist the independent West Papua Morning Star flag on Wednesday. The championships will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2000 National Games.

KL palm oil ends mixed

KL palm oil ends mixed KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Selling which emerged in late afternoon trade erased most of the earlier gains on the Malaysian palm oil market, taking prices to a mixed close. The market rose earlier on technical buying after the third month February contract rose above 1,250 ringgit a ton, but lack of follow-through and poor leads saw prices ease off, traders said. The contract surged to a high of 1,272 ringgit but closed at 1,247 ringgit ($328.15) a ton, up two from Tuesday.

Gunarsa: A guardian of Balinese art and tradition

Gunarsa: A guardian of Balinese art and tradition By Mehru Jaffer KLUNGKUNG, Bali (JP): It could only have happened in Bali. One little knock at the entrance of a temple to find the gods giving the devotees much more than asked for. In this case the temple is the Fine Arts Museum in Bali's princely town of Klungkung and the gift, Nyoman Gunarsa himself.

38 chess players compete in first series of Master Circuit

38 chess players compete in first series of Master Circuit JAKARTA (JP): Thirty eight chess masters competed in the first series of the McDonalds Chess Master Circuit, which kicked off on Wednesday at the Utut Adianto Chess School in Bekasi. The organizing committee chairman, Eka Putra Wirya, said during the opening ceremony that all international and national masters were given equal chances to compete in the Rp 8 million (US$1,081) competition, which will use the Swiss system.

Mar'ie appointed as new Red Cross chief

Mar'ie appointed as new Red Cross chief JAKARTA (JP): Former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad was named the new chief of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) replacing former president Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, the organization said on Wednesday. PMI said in a statement made available to the media that Mar'ie was elected through a vote on Tuesday night.

West Papuans hoist Morning Star flag

West Papuans hoist Morning Star flag JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The Morning Star flag of West Papua, the locally preferred name for Irian Jaya, was hoisted in a ceremony attended by thousands of people who renewed their message to Jakarta of their demand for independence. The flag was also hoisted at many homes in Jayapura and other towns in the province, whose name Irian Jaya was coined by Indonesia's first president Sukarno after the territory became an Indonesian province in 1963.

C. Java qualifies 9 athletes for PON

C. Java qualifies 9 athletes for PON SEMARANG (JP): Nine of 16 pencak silat athletes from Central Java qualified for the 15th National Games (PON) next year in Surabaya. They qualified after competing in a prequalifying tournament in Jakarta. Central Java finished second in the tournament with six golds, two silvers and one bronze. The nine athletes are Haris Nugroho, Roni Saifullah, Florinsia Ina, Ariyani Saloka, Kasiatun, Imam Wibisono, Yulisa, Sigit Infantara and Indrianawati. (har)

Delphi Indonesia seeks to boost sales

Delphi Indonesia seeks to boost sales JAKARTA (JP): PT Delphi Automotive Systems Indonesia, a producer of wiring harness systems, opened a new US$12 million factory in Lippo Cikarang, Bekasi, on Wednesday which it expects to help in doubling its sales. "With the increased production capacity and marketing efforts, we're confident about our sales target," Delphi Indonesia president David Clary told The Jakarta Post.

East Kalimantan legislators join call for federalism

East Kalimantan legislators join call for federalism JAKARTA (JP): East Kalimantan provincial legislators went to the House of Representatives here on Wednesday to demand Indonesia become a federal state which would allow provinces more autonomy.

Jakartans told to work for religious harmony

Jakartans told to work for religious harmony JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman urged city residents on Wednesday to work together for religious harmony and not resort to violent means to end disputes. "Any religion should not be used as a reason for inciting chaos and destruction, anywhere in the capital or outside. "I urge all city residents to stop burning and hurting people in the name of religion.

Jeihan's works captivate Parisians

Jeihan's works captivate Parisians By Putu Wirata PARIS, France (JP): Noted Indonesian painter Jeihan Sukmantoro is currently delighting art lovers in the cultural capital of France, Paris, with 30 of his mysterious, yet enchanting, works. In cooperation with the Paris-based Lansberg art gallery, Jais Hadiana Dargawijaya, owner of the Darga Gallery in Denpasar, Bali, is holding a breakthrough solo exhibition by an Indonesian painter at the Lansberg Gallery, ending on Dec.31, l999.

Opposition vows to oust Hasina

Opposition vows to oust Hasina DHAKA (Reuters): Bangladesh opposition party leaders, who once had guns trained on each other, vowed on Wednesday to unite to drive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office and form a "national patriotic government". The opposition has enforced nearly 50 days of strikes since Hasina formed her 1996 government. About 25 people have died during the crippling strikes, which have hurt industry and cost the impoverished country hundreds of millions of dollars.

Most Asian currencies rebound

Most Asian currencies rebound HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian currencies strengthened Wednesday, recovering some of the ground lost in Tuesday's fall as short-term market players were forced to cut back their long positions in the U.S. dollar. In Southeast Asia the baht, rupiah, Singapore dollar and Philippine peso all ended Asian trading hours higher on the day. The rupiah closed slightly higher against the U.S.

Street vendors permitted

Street vendors permitted JAKARTA (JP): The controversy over the presence of street vendors in the city during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan has ended after Governor Sutiyoso declared on Tuesday that the city's streets would be open to seasonal small-scale traders. The governor said the city administration would allow street vendors to operate during Ramadhan if they consulted the offices of the five mayors concerning their trading plans.

Jurists urge legal reform in Indonesia

Jurists urge legal reform in Indonesia GENEVA (Agencies): The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) on Tuesday urged Indonesia to set up a new constitutional court and an independent inquiry into judicial corruption. In its 143-page report on a visit its team made to Indonesia in March and April this year, the ICJ found that "the judiciary remains an arm of executive government." The ICJ groups a maximum of 45 prominent jurists from around the world.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 01, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,200 0 696,000 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 700 0 0 Alter Abadi 425 0 132,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 0 261,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 550 -50 100,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,350 50 1,713,500 Anwar Sierad 275 25 209,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Nov. 01, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Aceh problem

Aceh problem As an Acehnese I am glad to hear that there are many comments coming from the Indonesian elite on what is called the "Acehnese problem". It is really a controversy, as half of them agree to have a referendum, and the other half disagree. In this reform era we are obliged to accept any difference of opinions. But, as regards the Aceh problem, it is more important to find the right solution than just make comments.

Talks on Lippo Life acquisition fail

Talks on Lippo Life acquisition fail JAKARTA (JP): Negotiations over the planned acquisition of publicly listed PT Asuransi Lippo Life by German insurance giant Allianz have failed to produce any agreement, a senior executive of the German company said here on Wednesday.

Socializing federal state

Socializing federal state From Pikiran Rakyat I was impressed by the article in Pikiran Rakyat on Nov. 10, 1999, entitled The Concept of a Federal State and Amien Rais' performance, and would like to add some comments. First of all, I am very sad to learn of the controversy surrounding whether we have to retain the existence of a unitary state or consider the establishment of a federal state.

Driver-turn-drug dealer on trial

Driver-turn-drug dealer on trial JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor at a district court here indicted on Tuesday 44-year-old driver Syarifuddin Amin for trafficking 10 kilograms of first-grade marijuana. "The defendant has violated article 82 of the 1997 Law on Psychotropic Substances," said prosecutor Samadi Budisyam at the Central Jakarta District Court. The article carries the death penalty and a maximum fine of Rp 1 billion (US$125,000). Samadi said the police raided Syarifuddin's house on Jl.

PT Inti Indorayon Utama likely to resume operations shortly

PT Inti Indorayon Utama likely to resume operations shortly JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed pulp and rayon fiber maker PT Inti Indorayon Utama is seeking government approval to resume operations which have been suspended for at least 15 months now over environmental and social disputes. The trustee of the company's shareholders, Palgunadi T.

Management of sports

Management of sports From Neraca I do not agree with the Indonesian Consumer Institute's approval for the gathering of funds for sport from the community, even if the management of the acquired funds is transparent. Sports need the support of the community because organizers of sporting events cannot rely on the government for funds all the time. But collection of funds by imposing compulsory contributions at toll gates, or when making IDs and drivers' licenses is no longer feasible.

Indonesia, China strive to improve relations

Indonesia, China strive to improve relations By Kornelius Purba BEIJING (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and Chinese President Jiang Zemin agreed on Wednesday not to let the strong bonds between the two nations be spoilt by incidental ethnic sentiments.

Portuguese escudo front-runner as Timor currency

Portuguese escudo front-runner as Timor currency DILI, East Timor (Reuters): The Portuguese escudo has strengthened its position as a contender to become the currency of an independent East Timor. Portugal's Banco Nacional Ultramarino this week became the first bank to open a branch in Dili since the territory was ravaged by pro-Indonesian militias in the wake of August's vote for independence.

Case dismissed against ex Bank Bali bosses

Case dismissed against ex Bank Bali bosses JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court decided on Wednesday to discontinue the hearing of the high-profile Bank Bali cessie contract case, saying that the prosecutors' indictment was unclear, vague and unacceptable. The judges also annulled the city arrest status of the four defendants -- former president Rudy Ramli, his two former deputies, Firman Soetjahya and Henri Kurniawan, and former bank director Rusli Suryadi.

Convicted Istiqlal bomber still in police custody

Convicted Istiqlal bomber still in police custody JAKARTA (JP): Surya Setiawan, alias Wawan, the man sentenced to three years and two months in prison for planting the bomb which exploded at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque on April 19, has yet to be transferred by the police to a public penitentiary. The 26-year-old man has instead been held in police custody at the Jakarta Police Headquarters in South Jakarta since the Central Jakarta District Court found him guilty on Oct. 18.

Food price increase brings November inflation to 0.25%

Food price increase brings November inflation to 0.25% JAKARTA (JP): The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.25 percent in November from the level the previous month, due particularly to increases in prices of food commodities, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said on Wednesday. BPS chief Sugito Suwito said year-on-year inflation for the period November 1998 to November 1999 was 1.58 percent. He said it brought cumulative inflation from January until November to 0.27 percent, compared to 75.

RI wins 1 silver, 2 bronzes at AUKO

RI wins 1 silver, 2 bronzes at AUKO JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia grabbed a silver medal and two bronzes during the first day of the Asian Union Karate Organization (AUKO) championships in Singapore on Wednesday. Antara reported the Indonesia women's kata team of Merani Mega, Fitria Mega and Trimurti Wulandara collected 41.5 points to win the silver medal. The Japanese team earned the gold with 42.8 points, while Malaysia finished third with a score of 41.1.

Clearance given to question generals over East Timor

Clearance given to question generals over East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. gave the green light on Wednesday to a government-sanctioned inquiry to question top generals about their alleged roles in the massive destruction of East Timor in September.

PT Kereta Api admits disservice to public

PT Kereta Api admits disservice to public JAKARTA (JP): State PT Kereta Api Indonesia, the sole train operator in the country, conceded on Wednesday that it failed in its service to the public by being late to supply commuters with monthly rail passes. Masjraul Hidayat, head of the firm's Jakarta office, explained that the delay was mainly due to the time needed for printing due to the new design of the passes.

Maluku clashes claim two lives

Maluku clashes claim two lives AMBON, Maluku (JP): Two people died and at least five houses were gutted when communal clashes broke out on Wednesday at noon in Ahuru, about four kilometers east of Ambon, the provincial capital of riot-torn Maluku. The two victims were rushed to Dr. Haulussy General Hospital in Ambon. The victims, identified as Rudi Sahertian, 30, and Makatita, 40, reportedly died from gunshot wounds.

Progress on Soeharto probe to be revealed soon: Marzuki

Progress on Soeharto probe to be revealed soon: Marzuki JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Wednesday his office would report the latest developments in the investigation of alleged corruption by former president Soeharto within three days. "Soeharto's case is not difficult and in a few days we will give a clear explanation of it," Marzuki said during a seminar here titled Indonesia's New Vision of a Pluralistic Society.

Rumors of renewed attacks on nightspots grip Puncak

Rumors of renewed attacks on nightspots grip Puncak BOGOR (JP): Tension prevailed in the mountain resort of Cipanas in Puncak here on Tuesday amid widespread rumors of mobs gathering to attack entertainment centers in the area following a mass gathering which declared war on vice. A joint security force from the local military, Cianjur Police and Bogor Police rushed to the area and tightly guarded a number of entertainment centers until the evening.

KONI to ban Olympic-qualified athletes from taking part in PON

KONI to ban Olympic-qualified athletes from taking part in PON JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) will issue notification letters to sports organizations to prevent their athletes who have qualified for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney from competing in the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya next July. KONI secretary-general Rudolf S Warouw told reporters on Wednesday that KONI would officially send notification letters to the organizations and hoped they would understand the matter.

IBRA sets deadline for Chandra Asri

IBRA sets deadline for Chandra Asri JAKARTA (JP): Deputy chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Eko S. Budianto said on Wednesday that the fate of the debt-ridden petrochemical company PT Chandra Asri would be decided by the Financial Sector Action Committee (FSAC) if a debt restructuring agreement could not be reached with the company's Japanese creditors by the end of this year. "The deadline is the end of December.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Sculpture Exhibition: Reflection by Nyoman Nuarta, at Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Pengosekan, Ubud, until Dec. 14. * Art Exhibition on Air: A helicopter flies Made Wianta's work Art and Peace, along the Southern coast of Bali from Klating Beach (Tabanan) to Tanah Lot, Kuta, Jimbaran bay, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and finally to Padang Galak beach just north of Sanur, at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., on Dec. 10.

City police increase patrols following spate of armed robberies

City police increase patrols following spate of armed robberies JAKARTA (JP): The city police have been intensifying their street patrols in the wake of a recent wave of robberies. According to Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis, the increasing number of robberies was baffling the capital's police. "We are doing our best to handle all of them, but the capital's residents must give us more time. We can't solve all of them," Zainuri said on Tuesday.