Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 December 1999

51 articles found

Another protected building destroyed

Another protected building destroyed JAKARTA (JP): The number of destroyed or damaged historical buildings in the capital is increasing. Another protected building, located on Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro, Central Jakarta, which once won a city administration award for its well-preserved architecture, was demolished over the course of last week. All that is left of the area, which used to be a residential one, are debris and bricks. The site has been encircled by a high white fence.

Marzuki defends decision naming Sinivasan a suspect

Marzuki defends decision naming Sinivasan a suspect JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman defended his decision to name Marimutu Sinivasan as a suspect in a Rp 9.6 trillion loan scandal, saying that reports submitted by State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi provided sufficient evidence to suspect the Texmaco boss.

E. Kalimantan projects secured

E. Kalimantan projects secured SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Police are ready to protect a number of key projects in the province following a recent outbreak of violence near coal producer PT Kaltim Prima Coal in Sangata, East Kutai. "We are ready to deploy more troops to help the police. But the police have said the situation has returned to normal," local military commander Col. Rudy Landung said on Saturday.

City police remain to have meny unsolved cases

City police remain to have meny unsolved cases JAKARTA (JP): The city police turns 50 on today, and it prefers to remain silent about a lot of things. There have been questions in the past which were either left unanswered or answered for the sake of the public's hungry demand for information. The brutal shootings of student protesters in several areas of the capital in the past two years by the security authorities, including members of the Jakarta Police, are still fresh in the public mind.

Swimming federation's new chief expected to raise much funds

Swimming federation's new chief expected to raise much funds JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) outgoing chairman, Rahardi Ramelan, has expressed hope that the new chairman of the organization will raise as much funds as possible to finance its athletes' development programs. "I hope the new chairman will be able to raise funds to finance development programs.

Message by the Ambassador

Message by the Ambassador We are approaching the end of a remarkable year, century, and millennium. It is time to look back and take stock of what has transpired for nations, peoples, individuals. It is also time to look ahead and think about the future. For Indonesia, 1999 was a momentous year. While the economic crisis continued, great hopes were attached to the political process. The June elections were a milestone event, the first democratic elections in the country in more than 40 years.

Corruption busting and law reform

Corruption busting and law reform By Donna K. Woodward MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's pledge to cleanse the bureaucracy of poisonous corruption seems sincere, concrete, and beyond intimidation. His administration began with a call for public officials to declare their wealth at the beginning and again at the end of their terms of service. A statement of assets is a constructive start.

Candra/Tony take men's GP doubles title

Candra/Tony take men's GP doubles title BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Agencies): Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan saved face for Indonesia by taking home the men's doubles title at the Grand Prix Finals on Sunday. Peter Gade-Christensen of Denmark claimed the best men's singles title and Ye Zhaoying of China was declared the best female shuttler. Overall, China took home two titles followed by Indonesia, South Korea and Denmark with one title each.

Rambo-style GAM

Rambo-style GAM Everybody who loves the Republic of Indonesia, be they in the government or in the private sector, becomes uneasy at the sight of separatists equipped with modern and conventional arms. They look like Rambo, and act as if they were in the land of cowboys. Take the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), for example. Its members show off in front of the cameras, carrying M-16, AK-47 and other heavy weapons. What are they after with these pictures?

Cipedak locals take over land at Matoa golf course

Cipedak locals take over land at Matoa golf course JAKARTA (JP): Scores of Cipedak residents in South Jakarta were forced on Sunday to take over a 12-hectare plot of land at the Motoa golf course in Ciganjur, saying the area had been illegally seized from them eight years ago.

Downer protests over Abdurrahman's remark

Downer protests over Abdurrahman's remark JAKARTA (JP): Australian foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer on Saturday lodged a verbal protest over a recent remark by Indonesian President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid labeling Prime Minister Howard's stand toward Indonesia as "childish". Indonesia's ambassador to Australia Arizal Effendi said in Canberra that Downer had contacted him by phone to express anger over Abdurrahman's statement.

Aceh belongs to 'Indonesia Raya'

Aceh belongs to 'Indonesia Raya' Observing the present situation which has been developing in Aceh, we have every reason to be concerned about the existence of the unitary state. Many people have predicted violence or perhaps war will break out. So, let us all pray to God that it will not materialize. Because Aceh is intrinsically part of the Indonesian unitary state. War is surely not the best way to solve the problem. To serve the purpose, all violence must be halted.

Robber dies in jail

Robber dies in jail BANDUNG: A prisoner was found dead in his cell with severe wounds on his body at Sukamiskin Penitentiary at dawn on Saturday. The prisoner, identified as Sartono Darkim, was serving a five year sentence for a robbery when he was found dead with wounds believed to have been caused by blunt objects. The victim's fellow inmates refused to comment on the death of Sartono, who was sentenced last year, Antara reported.

Astra Graphia arranges debt restructure

Astra Graphia arranges debt restructure CIPANAS, West Java (JP): Publicly listed information technology company PT Astra Graphia has secured an approval from creditors to restructure debts amounting to US$82.26 million, a company executive said on Friday. Corporate Secretary Handoyo Gunawan said here the debt restructuring agreement was signed late last month. "The loans, with an initial maturity on Feb.

President asked to identify corrupt ministers

President asked to identify corrupt ministers YOGYAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais aired yet another criticism to President Abdurrahman Wahid on Sunday, lashing out at his refusal to identify three ministers allegedly involved in graft.

Student suspected in murder case

Student suspected in murder case JAKARTA (JP): Police have said a student of Pangudi Rahayu technical vocational high school may soon be declared the prime suspect in the murder of a student from Budi Murni 4 vocational high school (STM) in the East Jakarta subdistrict of Cipayung on Thursday. Cipayung Police chief Capt. Ngatemin M.S.

Mobs damage poultry farm, bus

Mobs damage poultry farm, bus JAKARTA (JP): Angry residents at two different locations damaged a poultry farm and a bus in the latest incidents in Greater Jakarta of people taking the law into their own hands. About 200 residents of Ciledug subdistrict, Tangerang, destroyed a poultry farm on Jl. Lima Rajaya in Ciledug on Friday afternoon after repeated warnings to the farm's owners to stop disposing the chickens' waste in the area.

HIV cases rife in East Java

HIV cases rife in East Java SURABAYA: Eighty two people in East Java have been infected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) in the past year, Deputy Governor for People's Welfare Imam Soepardi said on Saturday. "Of the HIV carriers, 10 of them have died from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and another 18 have been diagnosed as having full-blown AIDS," Imam said as quoted by Antara.

Demonstrators neglect ethics

Demonstrators neglect ethics From Media Indonesia It was an unexpected sight to see hundreds of Acehnese students and community members in Jakarta going to the legislative building. It saddened us. While they demanded a referendum for Aceh, the younger ones among them showed arrogance in making pledges and trying to behave like democrats. The action was followed by throwing water bottles at House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

Learn computer-aided design, manufacturing with 'Catia'

Learn computer-aided design, manufacturing with 'Catia' By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Each time we hear the term computer-aided design mentioned, we'd immediately think of AutoCAD. Architects, interior designers and hordes of other engineers use AutoCAD in their work. In the world of computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CADAM/CAE), however, Catia is the most widely used tool. Catia is a product of Dassault Systemes, a subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, the French aircraft maker.

Texmaco Group grapples with alleged loan scam

Texmaco Group grapples with alleged loan scam JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's widely-diversified textile conglomerate Texmaco Group has steadily shown impressive performance, weathering well the country's worst economic crisis in three decades. But the revelation last week of its alleged massive loan scandal involving former president Soeharto is confronting the group with its most severe crisis.

Amran wants to teach basketball to juniors

Amran wants to teach basketball to juniors JAKARTA (JP): The year 1999 might be considered a special one for Amran A. Sinta, after he managed to take his team, Mahaka Satria Muda (SM), to the top of the 1999 A Mild Kobatama national basketball league on Sunday. The 27-year-old father of two could not hide his joy and awe after the referee blew the final whistle and the score board displayed the 57-46 victory for his side.

Drugs, corruption equally bad

Drugs, corruption equally bad From Rakyat Merdeka The rampant abuse of drugs in a number of regions has received a serious response from various circles: the security forces, relevant government agencies and mass movements launched by neighborhood communities. Many things have been done to put a stop drug abuse: Posters have been stuck up everywhere, banners put up in many places, appeals made and even houses of alleged drug traffickers set on fire.

Traditional 'Sesaji Labuhan' ceremony a sea of mysteries

Traditional 'Sesaji Labuhan' ceremony a sea of mysteries Text and photos by Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): The quiet waves of the Indian Ocean suddenly surge ferociously. Every object on the coast of Parangkusumo, Parangtritis, Yogyakarta, is swept away. However, the violent waves in the afternoon do not deter several hundred people from fighting for the Sesaji Labuhan.

Walubi rejects rival organization

Walubi rejects rival organization JAKARTA (JP): A representative of the Indonesian Buddhist Community (Walubi) has renounced the formation of a rival organization, The Grand Conference of Indonesian Sangha (KASI), saying that the newly formed association had little backing from Buddhists here. Oka Diputra, who chairs Walubi, told journalists on Saturday that the new Buddhist organization had no authority to make dharmas (codes) nor could it issue rulings.

289 prisoners flee Kuta jail in biggest jailbreak

289 prisoners flee Kuta jail in biggest jailbreak DENPASAR, Bali (JP): A total of 289 prisoners at the Krobokan Penitentiary here, about five kilometers north of Kuta, went into a rage on Sunday afternoon, setting fire to the jail's registration office on their way to one of the largest escapes in decades. As of 8:30 p.m. local time, police managed to recapture 104 of the escapees, who were wandering within a three-kilometer-to-five-kilometer radius of the prison, which houses 329 inmates.

Establishment of special drug court needed: Lawyer

Establishment of special drug court needed: Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Noted lawyer Henry Yosodiningrat proposed on Saturday the establishment of a special drug court to try all cases of drug abuse and trafficking. "There have been infractions in drug trials as prosecutors have failed to ask for and judges have failed to hand down proper sentences," Henry said while addressing a discussion on the prevention and the rehabilitation of drug victims at the South Jakarta mayoralty's auditorium.

Mahaka Satria Muda wins 1st Kobatama title

Mahaka Satria Muda wins 1st Kobatama title JAKARTA (JP): A free throw from Amran A. Sinta in the remaining 11 seconds resulted in Mahaka Satria Muda (SM) claiming victory in the 1999 A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League's final on Sunday. Home favorite SM crushed the hope of Surakarta-based Bhinneka Sritex 57-46 to win the league for the first time since Kobatama was staged in 1994. Bhinneka was the 1997 finalist and finished fifth in the following year when SM was the bottom finisher.

New water pipeline for Tangerang

New water pipeline for Tangerang TANGERANG (JP): City-owned tap water company PDAM Tangerang is set to improve its service by opening a new pipeline which is to serve the Pondok Aren, Pamulang and Ciputat areas. Scheduled to begin next year, the Rp 300 billion pipeline project is expected to reach up to 30,000 tap water customers, PDAM Tangerang director Dadan Hendra Sambas said on Saturday.

Anti-drug mob destroy playhouses

Anti-drug mob destroy playhouses JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of residents of Cikini in Central Jakarta ran amok and vandalized at least four buildings located behind the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center (Planetarium TIM) on Sunday morning. The locals suspected the center's playhouses had been used by the occupants for drug transactions. Most of the playhouses are used as theaters by different play groups.

KL minister slams Washington for 'hidden agenda'

KL minister slams Washington for 'hidden agenda' KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): A Malaysian minister slammed a U.S. move on Sunday to congratulate opposition parties after the recent elections here, claiming it proved the superpower had a hidden agenda in the country. The U.S. State Department has congratulated Malaysia on the results of its national elections, won overwhelmingly by the ruling National Front (BN) coalition, but also said the process was neither free nor fair.

TotalFina opens RI gas field

TotalFina opens RI gas field PARIS (AFP): TotalFina announced on Friday they had put the Peciko gas field off the east coast of Indonesia, eastern Kalimantan, into operation. The company said production should reach 22 million cubic meters a day by January, though it has started at half that. TotalFina has a 50 percent stake in the operation the production contract, which was shared with the Indonesian national company Pertamina and with Inpex of Japan.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Jakarta International Islamic Fair '99, at the east Senayan parking area, Central Jakarta until Dec. 12. Muslim fashion show, 10 a.m., Dec. 10-11. Dialog with artists, Dec. 10, Seminar Halal Sertifications, in Ball room Hilton Hotel, 9 a.m., Dec. 6. * Photo Exhibition: Mendongeng Dengan Foto by H. Boediardjo, at Galeri Foto Cahya, Plaza Menteng, 2nd floor, Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto 79, Menteng (Phone: 3907623), Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Dec.

Upside-down tactics

Upside-down tactics Over five decades of independence for Indonesia has meant not only freedom from foreign colonialism, but also ample time to learn how to confront Herculean problems and complications without losing our heads. Besides facing a devastating economic crisis, the threat of national disintegration, violation of human rights, the abuse of power and blatant disrespect for the law, this nation is also being plagued by the terror of drugs.

Fighting graft only possible by ending TNI's dual function

Fighting graft only possible by ending TNI's dual function By Dewi Anggraeni George Aditjondro of the University of Newcastle, known for his continuing research on the wealth of the former first family, teaches sociology of corruption and sociology of post-colonial liberalism movements. Recently he talked to The Jakarta Post on current efforts to eradicate corruption.

Mob burns police office

Mob burns police office JAMBI, Jambi: A local police office and the house of the police chief were destroyed and set on fire by angry local residents of Rantau Pandan village in the Bungo Tebu regency. Jambi Police spokesman Maj. Mawardi Ponda said over the weekend the residents burned the Rantau Pandan Police office and the official house of the police chief on Friday night following an inadvertent shooting which injured Jaka, 15, earlier that day.

Nokia: Professional services, innovative products

Nokia: Professional services, innovative products Several telecommunications equipment producers have launched great inventions in this era of information, where people need to be always accessible anywhere they are. Nokia has also come with its newest product, the Nokia 7110, which allows users to access the world's current most desirable objects: the Internet and mobile communications. In the Nokia 7110, the Internet meets the cellular network.

Aceh calm after GAM celebration

Aceh calm after GAM celebration BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The situation was generally calm in this restive province on Sunday following an overnight celebration of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) anniversary, except for police shooting of a young reveler in Pidie. Business activities returned to normal with markets and shops reopening and public transportation reoperating, reports said.

31 people killed in fresh clashes in C. Maluku

31 people killed in fresh clashes in C. Maluku JAKARTA (JP): At least 31 people have been killed in the latest series of sectarian clashes in the riot-torn province of Maluku, reports said on Sunday. The violence which involved Christians and Muslims, erupted late on Thursday in Taniwel on Seram island, central Maluku, Antara said. It said fighting between the two religious communities continued until Saturday.

Military rebuffs blame over rights violations

Military rebuffs blame over rights violations JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) maintained that it should not be held directly or even solely responsible for alleged human rights violations in the past as they may have been committed under different political circumstances. Newly appointed chief of TNI Territorial Affairs Lt. Gen.

Trading on JSX to slow down this week as year-eand nears

Trading on JSX to slow down this week as year-eand nears JAKARTA (JP): Trading activities on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) this week will start slowing down as the year-end approaches, according to stock analysts. They said demand on the JSX would be low as many fund managers would only take a sale position to wrap up for the year and calculate their annual performance.

Tire sales to jump by 40%

Tire sales to jump by 40% JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's total automotive tire sales will increase by about 40 percent to 7.8 million tires this year from 5.5 million last year, according a major tire producer's estimate. Kenzi Shoda, sales manager at PT Bridgestone Tire Indonesia, said here over the weekend that the higher sales were in line with the recovery in the country's car market. He estimated that an increase in domestic car sales would further increase tire sales next year.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Teen Program 4:00 News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Series 8:00 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Film 12:00 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Students' Program 5:00 City News 5:30 Music 6:00 TV Drama 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Culture Program 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

Garuda Indonesia pilots establish official association

Garuda Indonesia pilots establish official association JAKARTA (JP): The Communication Forum of Garuda Indonesia Pilots became an official association on Saturday, but it remains unclear whether it will act as a union or restrict its activities to developing the profession. Forum chairman Dani Gunadi said the new Garuda Pilot Association (APG) would emphasize developing the profession to enable its members to meet the challenges of global competition and the rapid advance of technology.

Habibie names friends for his new foundation

Habibie names friends for his new foundation JAKARTA (JP): Former president B.J. Habibie has named some of his close friends to the key posts in his new foundation, the Habibie Center, which could reclaim the heyday of the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) he founded in 1990. One of Habibie's colleagues, Marwah Daud Ibrahim, said on Saturday that the country's third president might stay out of ICMI and fully concentrate on the center instead.

Stop the tears in Ambon

Stop the tears in Ambon From Rakyat Merdeka In an interview in the morning news on RCTI on Nov. 29, 1999, head of the information center of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Maj. Gen. Sudrajat said the government had asked the TNI headquarters to intensify security measures in handling the riots in Ambon. In response, TNI conveyed to the government the proposal of TNI Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. that security should be handed over from the regional police chief to the military regional commander.

Rebels release hostage in RP

Rebels release hostage in RP ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Renegade Muslim rebels have released the last two of four people they abducted last week in the southern Philippines after relatives agreed to pay a 100,000 peso (US$2,500) ransom, the military said here on Sunday. Relatives of the two freed men, But-a Uda and Pek Sali, also promised to give the rebels M-16 rifles as part of the payment, the military said.

Bob Nasution reelected

Bob Nasution reelected YOGYAKARTA (JP): Bob RE Nasution was reelected as chairman of the Indonesia Motorsports Association (IMI) at the organization's national congress at the Hotel Melia Purosani on Saturday evening. Eight candidates were named in the election but the congress participants agreed that only Bob fulfilled the necessary requirements to chair IMI. Oky Harwanto and Helmy Sungkar, who were previously named as candidates to be Bob's successor, failed to contest the former attorney.

After the GAM anniversary

After the GAM anniversary Whatever happens in Aceh, it will not change Jakarta's determination to keep the resource-rich territory. Even so, Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid) obviously cannot afford to disregard the problems and must take some concrete action to calm the situation -- including by punishing those who are guilty of having committed abuses.

Indosat considers pulling out from 'TPI': Executive

Indosat considers pulling out from 'TPI': Executive JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed telecommunications company PT Indosat is considering withdrawing its investment in private television station TPI, a company executive has said. Indosat's director for corporate development Safwan Natanagara said the investment, which was in the form of convertible bonds, was no longer favorable due to TPI's plunging asset value.

Vietnam raises oil exports

Vietnam raises oil exports HANOI (DPA): Vietnam exported over US$1.81 billion worth of oil in the first 11 months of 1999 and is expected to reach 2 billion dollars by year end, official media reported Saturday. Vietnam's national oil equipment corporation, Petechim, said state-run oil concerns pumped 13.56 million tons of crude through November from its offshore oil blocks in the South China Sea, according to the Vietnam News.