Archive: 29 December 1999
45 articles found
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government to review rice import tariffs regularly
Government to review rice import tariffs regularly JAKARTA (JP): The government will review rice import tariffs once every six months to protect local farmers from stiff international competition, Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Prakosa said on Tuesday. He said a tariff team at the finance ministry would regularly review rice duties based on rice production and prices both in the domestic and international markets. In addition, the level of the rupiah's exchange rate against the U.S.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Auditing the supervisor
Auditing the supervisor Bank Indonesia, which is among the institutions assigned to supervise all banks in Indonesia, is now in the spotlight because it is being audited by the Supreme Audit Agency. In mid-January 2000 the results will be made public through the House of Representatives. Many are hopeful yet worried about the results of the monetary authority. The bank has so far had extraordinary power over the flow of funds; its executives determine policies on allocating credit and liquidity.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
The new sensation of being hopeful
The new sensation of being hopeful This is the second of two articles by noted talk show host Wimar Witoelar on the feelings of Indonesians ahead of the New Year. JAKARTA (JP): What about President Abdurrahman Wahid himself? Is he performing up to expectations? Many say he should not travel abroad so much. There is even a joke that Gus Dur, as the President is often called, will not travel to Aceh unless it becomes an independent country, because then he can travel abroad to visit Aceh.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Heavy rain causes floods in Sumatra
Heavy rain causes floods in Sumatra BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Heavy rainfalls in the past week have flooded hundreds of houses in Tulang Bawang regency in Central Lampung and paralyzed the eastern route of the Trans Sumatra highway. Recent reports said that the floods, which overflowed from Way Kalimiring and Way Terusan rivers, reached a height between 1.5 meters and 2 meters. There were no signs of abatement after the floods peaked on Monday.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Chess body to recruit young players to boost dream team
Chess body to recruit young players to boost dream team JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed chairman of the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) Bambang N. Rachmadi said on Tuesday the association aims to boost its dream team performances in the future by staging more tournaments in the country.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Art market 1999: A year filled with auctions
Art market 1999: A year filled with auctions JAKARTA (JP): 1999 was filled with art auctions. While international auction houses Christie's, Sotheby's and Glerum held auctions of Southeast Asian paintings, a large portion of which were Indonesian works, in Singapore, there were also a number of local art auctions. Many political parties raised money by auctioning works of art. In addition, local auction houses also started to hold auctions this year.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Eight BAKN staff die in freak train accident
Eight BAKN staff die in freak train accident JAKARTA (JP): Eight people died and dozens suffered severe injuries when an intercity train crashed into a government bus of the State Employees Administration Agency (BAKN) in Depok, some 20 kilometers south of Jakarta on Tuesday evening.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tourism firms deplore review of visa facility
Tourism firms deplore review of visa facility JAKARTA (JP): Executives of tourism-related companies expressed concern on Tuesday over the government's plan to scrap its visa on arrival facility currently given to nationals of 48 countries. The tourism executives said that the lifting of the facility would bring another blow to the already battered tourism industry.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Japan lends $1.3b to RP
Japan lends $1.3b to RP TOKYO (Reuters): Japan on Tuesday extended a record 135.74 billion yen (US$1.33 billion) loan package to the Philippines. The overseas development aid (ODA) package by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation aims to help speed up the country's recovery from the crippling 1997 Asian currency crisis. It focuses on supporting small- and medium-sized businesses, and social and infrastructure development, the bank said.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government vows to punish chicken importers over 'halal' issue
Government vows to punish chicken importers over 'halal' issue JAKARTA (JP): The government will take stern measures against any company which imports chicken not slaughtered according to Islamic law, Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Prakosa said on Tuesday. "The government will revoke import licenses of firms that import chicken without labeling the products with halal (edible) certification," Prakosa told a crowd of some 100 people grouped in the Muslim Workers Union (PPMI) at his office.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rebels must be firmly dealt with
Rebels must be firmly dealt with In the mid-1950s political strife broke out almost all across Indonesia. This was not a separatist rebellion as the outer provinces had no intention of separating from the Republic of Indonesia, which was proclaimed in 1945. The outer regions were angry because they thought the central government relied too heavily on the Indonesian Communist Party under the chairmanship of D.N. Aidit.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Capital ready to face the millennium bug
Capital ready to face the millennium bug JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Development Affairs Budihardjo Sukmadi said on Monday the city administration was ready for the millennium bug. "The city administration, especially public service sectors such as the traffic light system and city-owned Bank DKI, is Y2K compliant," Budihardjo said at City Hall. It is feared the millennium, or Y2K bug will strike computer systems when the year turns over to 2000.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Militia leader admits role in East Timor mayhem
Militia leader admits role in East Timor mayhem JAKARTA (JP): The leader of the prointegration militias in East Timor conceded on Tuesday that his people were involved in the campaign of terror and destruction in the territory following the Aug. 30 self-determination ballot. "Those who were involved in the violence were the people who had gone all out to defend the red-and-white flag.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI doubles win at Copenhagen Masters
RI doubles win at Copenhagen Masters JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia shone in the men's doubles at the Copenhagen Masters badminton invitational on Monday, while men's singles Irwansyah lost twice in round-robin play. Indonesia's new partnership of Ricky Subagja and Denny Kantono worked hard in overcoming the Danish duo of Michael Sogaard and Jim Laugesen 15-12, 5-15, 15-13. While juniors Santoso Sugiharjo and Ade Lukas crushed Martin Lundgaard Hansen and Lars Paaske of Denmark 15-8, 15-4.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police seize fake Philips products
Police seize fake Philips products JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives have apprehended two men for illegally selling electrical appliances under the Philips brand name. City police chief of detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo said on Tuesday officers confiscated 2,450 faked Ecotone lightbulbs and 8,000 counterfeited irons from the suspects, identified as Edi Sutanto and Frans. Among the items seized were equipment used to print packages and labels for the goods.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Three women held for drug dealing
Three women held for drug dealing JAKARTA (JP): An undercover police officer arrested three women after they attempted to sell putaw (low-grade heroin) and shabu-shabu (crystal metamphetamine) to him. Central Jakarta Police detectives chief Maj. Budiono Sandi identified the three suspects as Indah, 20, Yanti, 36, and Suliyanti, 39. He said the 85 grams of heroin and 0.1 gram of crystal methamphetamine were hidden in Yanti's underwear during the transaction on Monday evening at Hotel Karya on Jl.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
'TVRI' staff may boycott Gus Dur
'TVRI' staff may boycott Gus Dur MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Some 300 employees of the state-run television station TVRI here threatened on Tuesday not to cover the visit of President Abdurrahman Wahid on Dec. 30 if the station failed to raise their holiday bonuses. Spokesman for the protesters, Zaldi Yusuf, said that the state employees each received Rp 30,000 (US$4.20) for an Idul Fitri bonus, which is far below the one month salary stipulated by the Ministry of Manpower.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Youth leaders pledge to uphold unitary state
Youth leaders pledge to uphold unitary state JAKARTA (JP): Youth figures representing various organizations declared their commitment on Tuesday to maintain the unitary Republic of Indonesia. A joint statement was issued in response to rising calls for independence and a federal state for the country, Syaifullah Yusuf, who chairs Anshor, the youth wing of the Nahdlatul Ulama Muslim organization, said.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ministers told to quit military
Ministers told to quit military JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives' Commission I on Defense, Security, Information and Foreign and Legal affairs urged President Abdurrahman Wahid on Tuesday to order four ministers to give up their military careers. "We want President Abdurrahman to confirm the retirement of the Cabinet ministers from the military this week," the commission's chairman Yasril Ananta Burhanuddin said in a year- end statement to the House.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Blanco's remains cremated in ritual
Blanco's remains cremated in ritual UBUD, Bali: The late Spanish-Indonesian painter, Don Antonio Maria Blanco, who died on Dec. 10, was cremated in a traditional Hindu ritual of ngaben in Sayan village here on Tuesday. The ritual was held by the Ubud royal family and attended by hundreds of residents from two villages. Tjokorda Gde Putra Sukawati, the son of the last Ubud King, led the procession.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia, Portugal officially restore diplomatic ties
Indonesia, Portugal officially restore diplomatic ties JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Portugal officially reestablished diplomatic ties on Tuesday after a break of almost 24 years. The resumption of ties, broken off after the integration of East Timor as Indonesia's 27th province, was officially confirmed after representatives from the two countries signed a joint statement at the United Nations in New York.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Warehouses gutted as fishermen run amok
Warehouses gutted as fishermen run amok MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Approximately 1,000 rampaging fishermen looted and burned down two warehouses in the port of Gabion Belawan, 25 kilometers from Medan, on Tuesday. No fatalities were reported in the incident, which occurred at about midday, but dozens of injuries were reported.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian models enter cyberworld
Indonesian models enter cyberworld By Agni Amorita JAKARTA (JP): Watch out! After the millennium bug, there will be another attack on your Net. But this is not as scary as the bug because the latter comprises beautiful faces of Indonesian models at www.modelatnet.com designed by PT Sarana Model Netrada, which you will be able to visit after Jan. 1, 2000. Over 100 portfolios from five leading modeling agencies will be available for surfing.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Court declares PSM bankrupt for failure to repay debt
Court declares PSM bankrupt for failure to repay debt JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court declared publicly listed finance company PT Putra Surya Multidana (PSM) bankrupt on Tuesday for its failure to repay US$1 million in matured debt to New York-based Phoenix Global Investment Corp. "We hereby declare PT Putra Surya Multidana bankrupt as compliant to Law No. 4/1998 on Bankruptcy," presiding judge Sihol Sitompul said reading the verdict.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 390 (Phone: 022 2500303): - SOB Fun Pub, at 9 p.m. to 12 p.m.: Duff's Band, Monday, Spielen Accid Jazz, Tuesday. El Paso, Wednesday, Juz Kruzin, Thursday, Annova Juice, Friday, Freedom, Saturday. A Vonture, Sunday. * Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 431631): - TD Bar, at 9 p.m.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
'No political motives' in Malang killings
'No political motives' in Malang killings SURABAYA, East Java (JP): Chief of Brawijaya Military Command Maj. Gen. Sudi Silalahi denied on Wednesday there were political motives behind the recent killing spree in Malang, East Java. "They were spontaneous actions, and we have not yet found any indications of political motives," Silalahi said.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
China to give RI $4.6m
China to give RI $4.6m JAKARTA (JP): The Chinese government agreed here on Tuesday to provide Indonesia US$4.6 million in grant to help displaced residents from the troubled provinces of Aceh and Ambon and former East Timor. The Chinese ambassador, Chen Shiqiu, and the director general of foreign economic relations, Johan Syahperi, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the two governments. China also agreed to extend $300 million in export credit to finance imports from the country.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police free two Doulos suspects
Police free two Doulos suspects JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said on Tuesday that two of the 11 suspects being questioned over the Christian-run Doulos Foundation burning incident have been released due to lack of evidence. "They have been freed as there was very little evidence against them," Noegroho told reporters. He, however, did not give any names.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Banten province?
Banten province? From Rakyat Merdeka There are intensified demands in the Banten community to separate from West Java province. The people of the regency have become more aggressive in stating their aims; the Forum of the Bantenese Students Movement (Forban) warned the government, during a demonstration held at the House of Representatives on Dec. 7, 1999, that "Banten must be made a province in the year 2000 at the latest" (Rakyat Merdeka, Dec.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 28, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,075 0 66,000 Alakasa Industrindo 700 0 0 Alter Abadi 425 0 130,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 -25 74,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 0 40,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,400 0 510,000 Anwar Sierad 325 0 92,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Christmas, Ramadhan full of blessing
Christmas, Ramadhan full of blessing The destruction of the Doulos Christian Center on Dec. 15 by 300 neighbors is a tragedy for all Indonesians of every faith. This arson and knifing attack was indeed a hateful and unjustifiable act. Amien Rais was 100 percent correct when he stated: "The attackers have no religious morals." There can be no justification for such a crime.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nurcholish warns of the dangers of 'mob politics'
Nurcholish warns of the dangers of 'mob politics' JAKARTA (JP): While the nation can be thankful for the democratic election of President Abdurrahman Wahid, it must be wary of mob politics, noted Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid said on Monday. "If we heard rumors about money politics during the General Assembly of the People's Consultative Assembly, now 'mob politics' is mushrooming. It's a defect in our democracy," Nurcholish, better known as Cak Nur, said during a dialog.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank Mandiri gets Rp 75t
Bank Mandiri gets Rp 75t JAKARTA (JP): The government issued on Tuesday Rp 75 trillion (US$10.7 billion) worth of bonds to complete the recapitalization of state Bank Mandiri. The Ministry of Finance said in a statement this amount represented the second tranche of recapitalization funding injected into the country's largest bank. With the issuance of the second tranche of bonds, the government has completed the recapitalization of Bank Mandiri at a total cost of Rp 178 trillion.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Performance * Concert: Welcome in the Millenium Night, by Surabaya Symphony Orchestra, at Sheraton hotel, Jl. Embong Malang 25-31 (Phone: 031 5468000), Dec. 31. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Solo Pianist, Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Friday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Indonesian Lessons 5:00 Music 6:00 Sports 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Music 9:00 World News 9:35 Koran Recital 9:45 Documentary 10:00 Dialog 11:00 TV Series 12:30 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.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Student brawls continue to take their toll in 1999
Student brawls continue to take their toll in 1999 JAKARTA (JP): As in the past few years, fatal student brawls marred the capital in 1999. This year, the number of lives lost in street fights among rival school students have so far claimed 30, which is more than double from last year's figure of 14. Besides actively taking part in fights, some high school students are also involved in crimes, such as sexual harassment, bus hijacking, holdups and cases involving drugs.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Dec. 28, 1999: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Defensiveness is no defense
Defensiveness is no defense In today's Indonesia, which is moving rapidly to redress the long-standing problem of corruption and bring to justice those involved in human rights abuses, many find themselves in a state of bewilderment. Indeed, the reactions of people are a remarkable, unpredictable facet of the tumultuous situation. Look no further than the military leaders who have taken umbrage at being called to task for the abuses of the past.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ambon crippled by violence
Ambon crippled by violence AMBON, Maluku (JP): Ambon was totally crippled on Tuesday as it became a "war zone" after three days of fighting claimed 55 lives. Schools, offices and markets were closed, while many women and children, especially in families living in the eastern part of the city, have been evacuated by relatives to safer places.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
AEI backs Astra over withholding information
AEI backs Astra over withholding information JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Public Companies Association (AEI) has given moral support to the management of the country's largest automaker PT Astra International in sticking to the Indonesian capital market's rules on disclosure of information.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Multinationals keen on SE Asia but cite lack of skilled labor
Multinationals keen on SE Asia but cite lack of skilled labor SINGAPORE (DPA): Most multinational corporations regard Southeast Asia as significant for their future investment plans but retain misgivings about individual countries and an inadequate supply of skilled labor, results of a poll released Tuesday showed.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
City seeks damages from Jasa Marga
City seeks damages from Jasa Marga JAKARTA (JP): The City Council asked state-owned PT Jasa Marga toll road operator on Tuesday to pay compensation to the Jakarta administration for damages caused by the presence of its toll roads, particularly the elevated ones, in the capital.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sukarno's grave to be moved in 2000
Sukarno's grave to be moved in 2000 BOGOR (JP): The grave of Indonesia's first president Sukarno will be moved some time next year from its current place in Blitar, East Java, to Batutulis village here, his daughter Sukmawati Soekarnoputri said on Monday. "The family will move the grave next year because it was our father's will to be buried here," Sukmawati said on Monday evening.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
INDOSATnet targets 70,000 clients in 2000
INDOSATnet targets 70,000 clients in 2000 JAKARTA (JP): INDOSATnet, an Internet service provider (ISP) of state-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat, estimated on Tuesday robust growth in new client numbers in 2000 in line with the increase in Internet users in the country.
Wed, 29 Dec 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cengkareng toll road flood plays havoc with flights
Cengkareng toll road flood plays havoc with flights JAKARTA (JP): Flooding swamped sections of Cengkareng toll road in West Jakarta on Tuesday, leaving the route impassable to small vehicles and causing delays in departures from Soekarno- Hatta International Airport. Heavy rain that drenched the city since Monday evening and monsoon conditions in the Jakarta Bay are believed to have caused the flooding at KM 26 and KM 27, with water levels reaching about one meter on Tuesday morning.