Archive: 28 December 1999
41 articles found
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Businesses told to pay THR
Businesses told to pay THR TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang administration has threatened to prosecute any businesspeople who refuse to pay holiday bonuses (THR) to their workers, an official said on Monday. "It's against the law to avoid paying bonuses," the head of the Ministry of Manpower's Tangerang office, Apon Suryana, said. Apon was referring to Ministry of Manpower Regulation No. 4/1994, which regulates a Rp 100,000 (US$ 14.30) fine or three months imprisonment for any violations.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI forex reserves rise
RI forex reserves rise JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's net foreign exchange reserves rose by US$76 million to $16.7 billion as of Dec. 23 from $16.6 billion a week earlier. Bank Indonesia said in its weekly report on Monday that the increase was due to foreign debt disbursement and higher revenues from oil exports. The country's net international reserves are well above the target agreed to with the International Monetary Fund of $14 billion.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
19 killed in fresh clash in Ambon
19 killed in fresh clash in Ambon JAKARTA (JP): Sectarian violence struck Ambon again resulting in the death of at least 19 people, prompting the Indonesia Communion of Churches (PGI) to demand international peacekeepers in riot-torn Maluku province if security forces refuse to be held accountable for the escalating violence.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police to protect bank rush
Police to protect bank rush PEKANBARU, Riau: Police personnel have been deployed to safeguard private banks in a move anticipating a rush of people wanting to withdraw their money due to fear of computer problems resulting from the millennium changeover widely known as the Y2K bug. "Since last week, we have been observing an increase in the number of people wanting to withdraw their money from banks.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Who's to blame for the East Timor debacle
Who's to blame for the East Timor debacle By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): Some things just bring out the worst in us and in the case of East Timor, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Just as most eagerly blame the evils of the New Order on one man, Soeharto, responsibility for East Timor's tumultuous saga of the past 12 months has been heaped on his successor B.J. Habibie.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Security of New Year's parties guaranteed
Security of New Year's parties guaranteed JAKARTA (JP): The city administration guaranteed the security of hotels, cafes, cinemas, restaurants and other recreational places holding parties to celebrate New Year's Eve, an official said on Monday. Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi said the guarantee was given in regard to a series of threats from certain groups who have demanded the total closure of nightspots during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Reforming TNI
Reforming TNI The way the Indonesian Military (TNI) is going on about defending its territorial function shows that it, or more precisely the Army, is reluctant to give up the power and privileges it has enjoyed all these years. Yet, its argument to keep the elaborate Army command structures, which provided it with power and comprehensive control over the country all the way from the top down to villages, contradicts its own promise of pursuing internal reform and keeping out of politics.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
JSX halts firms' trading
JSX halts firms' trading JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended trading in shares of PT Multipolar, PT Miwon Indonesia and PT Bukaka Teknik Utama in late trade on Monday. The action was taken after prices of the companies exceeded the maximum level, the JSX said in a statement. The stock exchange operator said trading of Multipolar shares would resume on Tuesday, but those of PT Miwon and Bukaka would remain suspended until their respective management explained the rise. (hen)
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Military admits 'routine meetings' with militias
Military admits 'routine meetings' with militias JAKARTA (JP): An army general admitted on Monday that military officers in East Timor regularly met with prointegration militias accused of violence and destruction in the territory following the Aug. 30 self-determination ballot. Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri, former chief of the Udayana Military Command, said, however, that the meetings were aimed only "to maintain peace and order" in the territory.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
The dear cost of disregarding English
The dear cost of disregarding English By Raphael Lengesa Nombo YOGYAKARTA (JP): Two recent articles on teaching English were interesting -- those by Iwan Jazadi titled Rigid curriculum complicates RI's English teaching and Complications in English teaching: Ideological issues, which appeared in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 respectively.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Officer thwarts daring daylight armed robbery
Officer thwarts daring daylight armed robbery JAKARTA (JP): A police corporal posted at the Prima Express Bank branch office in Tebet, South Jakarta, managed to foil an attempted robbery by an armed man in the parking lot of the bank's premises on Monday afternoon. The unknown robber escaped empty-handed with the help of his friend, who was waiting with a motorcycle near the scene.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Our commitment to reform
Our commitment to reform As we see, the calls for reform within the Indonesian Military (TNI) and elsewhere have caused varying reactions. But in a climate that is loaded with different emotions, prejudices and antagonism, those differences, too, are often colored by emotion. We should be reminded that such demands for democratic change, for a restoration of the supremacy of the law, for the respect of human rights as well as for social, political and economic justice are aimed not at TNI alone.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Once bustling Kramat Tunggak now forsaken
Once bustling Kramat Tunggak now forsaken JAKARTA (JP): Not much is going on at Kramat Tunggak, formerly the city oldest's red-light district, in North Jakarta. Quiet has descended on the 10.4-hectare complex, located close to the busy Tanjung Priok seaport. Garbage was strewn around the site on Monday, giving the impression that the complex, home to 221 brothels, was abandoned by its former residents of prostitutes and their pimps.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government expects 6 million tourists in year 2000
Government expects 6 million tourists in year 2000 JAKARTA (JP): The government is upbeat that Indonesia's tourism industry will grow robustly next year following an improvement on both the political and economic fronts. State Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Djaelani Hidayat predicted on Monday that foreign tourist arrivals would grow by five percent next year to reach from between 5.2 million to six million people, up from only 3.93 million this year.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Documentary 3:00 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Ramadhan Program 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Talk Show 8:00 Music 9:00 World News 9:35 Koran Recital 10:00 Ramadhan Program 12:00 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Children's Program 5:00 Ramadhan Program 6:00 City News 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama TPI 5:30 a.m.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Is U.S. legal system unjust?
Is U.S. legal system unjust? I note with concern that your Dec. 21, 1999 front page carried an article that under duress from the U.S. government, Indonesia has been forced to suspend all corruption investigations involving the state electricity company PLN and its contracted power station suppliers. According to the Asian Wall Street Journal of Dec. 21, 1999, the U.S. ambassador sees this as progress. Are we now to understand that it is official U.S. policy to encourage state corruption?
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Military kills three GAM members in clash
Military kills three GAM members in clash BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): At least three alleged members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group were shot dead while attempting to ambush an Indonesian Military (TNI) convoy in the remote village of Uleerubek in North Aceh on Tuesday, a military source has said. Chief of North Aceh Military Command Lt. Col. Suyatno confirmed the exchange of fire and said that one GAM member managed to escape.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Exhibit shows the phenomena of the urban painters
Exhibit shows the phenomena of the urban painters By Chandra Johan JAKARTA (JP): Galeri Milenium in Jakarta organized a painting exhibition recently titled Urban Community Phenomena. Participated in by 15 painters, the works on display certainly varied widely. With such a too-wide and floating theme, the exhibition was only felt as a change of title, without attempting to show an urban paradigm, whether in the manifestation of the creations or in the artists' behavior.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Newly opened Retro promises modern music
Newly opened Retro promises modern music By Emma Cameron JAKARTA (JP): A new bar opened on Dec. 17 in Central Jakarta with promises of modern music from New York, Tokyo and London. Retro, located at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Jl. Gatot Subroto aims to bring Progressive, Trance, Euro House and Acid Jazz music to a dance scene dominated by R & B. "We will play a little bit of R & B but totally at the beginning of the night" said Andrew Santoso, Marketing Director and partner in the venture.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Disarm GAM
Disarm GAM From Rakyat Merdeka It is correct for many circles, including the political elite, religious leaders and social figures to perceive or even propose that the Acehnese separatists who joined the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) must be disarmed. If the Aceh issue is not dealt with quickly, more and more people will become victims.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Dec. 27, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 27, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,075 -75 867,000 Alakasa Industrindo 700 0 0 Alter Abadi 425 0 60,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,225 0 281,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 0 5,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,400 0 2,529,000 Anwar Sierad 325 -25 389,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
President appeals for national brotherhood
President appeals for national brotherhood JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid appealed in a Christmas message on Monday to people of all faiths in Indonesia to foster a stronger sense of brotherhood and unite to overcome the tough challenges facing the nation.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Missing ferry skipper summoned
Missing ferry skipper summoned MANILA (AFP): Maritime investigators summoned on Monday the disappeared captain of a passenger ferry which sank in central Philippine waters, as another survivor was found four days after the tragedy, officials and state television said. The military had set the official tally from the sinking of the MV Asia-South Korea at 42 dead and 700 rescued, said Maj. Gen. Santos Gabison, who is in charge of the rescue efforts.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's stance on drug trafficking
Gus Dur's stance on drug trafficking From Suara Karya President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, is apparently extremely serious about fighting the problem of narcotics and prohibited drugs. This was evident from his statement that he agreed drug traffickers should receive capital punishment because the problem of drugs has penetrated deep into the life of the nation. I think the President's stance has its reasons and deserves to receive support from us all.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asia hope for new economic miracle in the 21st century
Asia hope for new economic miracle in the 21st century By P. Parameswaran SINGAPORE (AFP): "The next century will be the Asian century" -- that proud boast by Asian leaders is no longer heard, but analysts say steady reform and restructuring following a financial crisis could well lay the ground for another, more sustainable regional economic miracle.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Students, activists against fuel hike
Students, activists against fuel hike YOGYAKARTA: The government's plan to hike electricity and fuel prices was met with a protest by students and members of the Democratic People's Party (PRD), who rallied at the boulevard of Gadjah Mada University on Monday. During the demonstration, the protesters distributed pamphlets and called for a nationwide strike against the plan.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Will Asian strongmen survive in the next millennium?
Will Asian strongmen survive in the next millennium? Lee Hsien Loong SINGAPORE (DPA): Where have all the Asian strongmen gone? In fact, some are still around and kicking at the dawn of a next millennium, and the shadows of others continue to haunt the approaching "Asian century" despite signs of growing democratization in the region.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
S. Korea leads Asia in mergers
S. Korea leads Asia in mergers SINGAPORE (DPA): South Korea led Asia in merger and acquisitions during 1999 with more than US$19.4 billion worth of announced deals followed by China and Hong Kong, findings showed on Monday. The preliminary results compiled by Thomson Financial Securities Data said South Korea was spurred on by the restructuring of its family-owned conglomerates, or chaebols. Market share amounted to 23.1 per cent with 237 deals.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
New sensation of being hopeful
New sensation of being hopeful This is the first of two articles by noted talk show host Wimar Witoelar on the feelings of Indonesians ahead of the New Year. JAKARTA (JP): Are Indonesians still too euphoric? Are the people's expectations currently too high?
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Kashmiris urge plane hijackers to free hostages
Kashmiris urge plane hijackers to free hostages SRINAGAR, India (Reuters): Some residents in the troubled north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir urged the hijackers of an Indian Airlines plane on Monday to release the hostages unconditionally, saying hijacking violated the tenets of Islam. "If our boys have done it (hijacking), they have done wrong, that too in the holy month of Ramadhan.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Philips to boost Asian sales
Philips to boost Asian sales SINGAPORE (AFP): Philips Consumer Electronics aims to increase its market share in Asia Pacific by investing heavily in its brand image and introducing new products faster in the region. Frans van Houten, managing director of Philips in Singapore, said in an interview with the Business Times published Monday that the company was planning to increase its share to about 10 to 15 percent from below 10 percent level currently.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Holidaymakers warned of 'deadly' roads
Holidaymakers warned of 'deadly' roads SEMARANG (JP): Holiday revelers bound for hometowns in Central Java for Idul Fitri are being cautioned about at least 11 accident-prone areas in the province. Governor Mardiyanto said on Monday he had been informed that a number of road sections in the province were dangerous because of sharp bends, makeshift markets and floods.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timorese urged to decide on nationality
East Timorese urged to decide on nationality JAKARTA (JP): The government has urged East Timorese refugees to choose whether they want to be repatriated or remain in Indonesia, hoping to settle the aggravating issue before the new fiscal year starts on April 1, 2000. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication Basri Hasanuddin told reporters on Monday that the government would issue a regulation instructing refugees to declare their choice of nationality.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Movie scene 1999: A Year of experiments and scare fare
Movie scene 1999: A Year of experiments and scare fare By Tam Notosusanto JAKARTA (JP): Moviegoing in Jakarta is essentially about two things: good movie weeks and bad movie weeks. When you are lucky, you can go from one critically acclaimed film to the next, watching one award-winning picture after another. But at other times, all that is offered is either a schlocky horror show, an awful slapstick piece or a mind-numbing action flick that is high in body count but low in cinematic nutrition.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
From authoritarianism to democracy
From authoritarianism to democracy The following is the second of a two part article, an excerpt from an address by State Minister of Investment/State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi before an international conference transition and globalization. The conference was hosted by the Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand on Dec 18. BANGKOK (JP): A final problem in Indonesia's transition process is our deeply rooted culture of corruption.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Four questioned over an armed robbery in Cilandak
Four questioned over an armed robbery in Cilandak JAKARTA (JP): Cilandak Police detectives are questioning four witnesses in connection with an early Monday morning robbery in which five suspected robbers got away with one kilogram of gold bars and jewelry, Rp 15 million (US$2,150) and $1,000 in cash from a shop-house on Jl. Fatmawati in South Jakarta, the subprecinct chief said. Maj.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government mulls reviewing visa on arrival facility
Government mulls reviewing visa on arrival facility JAKARTA (JP): The government is considering a review of its visa on arrival facility, currently provided to nationals of 48 countries. Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto said on Monday the government found severe "negative effects" from the facility, which entitles nationals of the designated countries to remain in Indonesia for 60 days without obtaining a visa before their visit.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ashtech to invest in cacao plant
Ashtech to invest in cacao plant JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian Ashtech Holdings SDN BHD and local cocoa producer PT Arasma Mulia agreed here on Monday to jointly set up a US$4.5 million cacao processing plant in Central Sulawesi. Ashtech president Ahmad Shaharudin Bin Adul Latif said the Malaysian company would provide the financing and marketing for the processing plant and while its local partner would be responsible for the cacao procurement.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Angry workers burn cars in Tangerang
Angry workers burn cars in Tangerang JAKARTA (JP): Some 400 workers of a ceramic producer, PT Satya Karya Keramindo Indah, ran amok on Monday after the company failed to meet their demand for their annual bonus worth three times their basic monthly salary. The employees burned at least two cars at the factory's compound, damaged a security post and shattered glass windows of the plant located at the Lyman Industrial Zone on Jl. Raya Serang, 25 kilometers from Sentul village in Balaraja.
Tue, 28 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Retail, hotel sectors to lead property recovery: Consultant
Retail, hotel sectors to lead property recovery: Consultant JAKARTA (JP): The retail space and hotel subsectors are expected to lead the recovery of the property sector next year, followed by the industrial and office subsectors, according property consultant PT Colliers Jardine Indonesia. The company's senior manager for property, tourism and hospitality, Djoko Sarwono, told a news conference on Monday that the retail space subsector had been more dynamic compared to other subsectors.