Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 February 1999

57 articles found

Indonesia luring U.S. investors to return

Indonesia luring U.S. investors to returnBy Imanuddin WASHINGTON (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Rahardi Ramelan has invited American businesspeople to return to Indonesia and put in more investment.

Makeup of election body revealed

Makeup of election body revealed JAKARTA (JP): The government's five seats on the soon-to-be- established National Election Committee will represent the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General, according to Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid...

Legislators hail bill on regional autonomy

Legislators hail bill on regional autonomy JAKARTA (JP): The government submitted to the House of Representatives on Wednesday the bill on regional autonomy which legislators have hailed as an answer to long-standing grievances over centralization.

Crisis puts brakes on minivan drivers' earnings

Crisis puts brakes on minivan drivers' earningsBy Joko Sarwono BOGOR (JP): Public minivan drivers are hard pressed to make a living on the roads in the crisis, often taking home only enough money to put a bowl of rice on the family dinner table.

RI to import fertilizers to increase local supply

RI to import fertilizers to increase local supply JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia plans to import 316,000 tons of fertilizers until April in order to fulfill the gaps in supply in the domestic market, Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Adi Sasono said on Wednesday.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Feb. 10, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,475.00 8,575.00 8,475.00 8,625.00Australian dollar 1 5,429.10 5,568.75 5,335.00 5,635.00Austrian schilling 1 692.73 707.87 - -Belgian franc 1 236.

Singapore paper rebuts Habibie

Singapore paper rebuts Habibie SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore's New Paper took Indonesian President B.J. Habibie to task on Wednesday for reportedly saying ethnic Malays could not be military officers in the city-state.

One killed in WWII explosion

One killed in WWII explosion JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: One resident of Argapura subdistrict died and five others were seriously injured when one of several World War II bombs they had collected in the area exploded on Tuesday morning, Antara said on Wednesday.Jayapura Police Chief Lt. Col. J.

Police shoot dead three men caught extorting money

Police shoot dead three men caught extorting money JAKARTA (JP): Three men were shot dead after allegedly being caught red-handed extorting money from a motorist at the Cawang interchange in East Jakarta late Tuesday night and another was lynched by angry residents for reportedly attempting to rob...

Dewi Sukarno irked by magazine photos

Dewi Sukarno irked by magazine photos JAKARTA (JP): A widow of Indonesia's first president Sukarno, Ratnasari Dewi, lodged a complaint on Tuesday with the Jakarta Police against a tourism monthly for allegedly using copyrighted pictures without permission.Arriving at police headquarters on Jl.

UN investigative team visits Baucau detention center

UN investigative team visits Baucau detention center JAKARTA (JP): Members of the United Nations investigative team called the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on Wednesday visited the Baucau detention center in East Timor.

Civil servants left with no uniforms

Civil servants left with no uniforms BOGOR (JP): Several Bogor mayoralty civil servants are complaining they have not received their designated uniforms since 1994.Prominent among their concerns is the fate of the budget allotment for the uniforms, which they say mayoralty officials always claim to...

Explosion rocks Kelapa Gading mall, frightens shoppers

Explosion rocks Kelapa Gading mall, frightens shoppers JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of shoppers were startled by an explosion in the parking lot of Kelapa Gading shopping center in North Jakarta on Tuesday evening.As of Wednesday, police said they still had no idea about what caused the explosion.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Film * French Film, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639): Beaumarchais L'Insolent, directed by Edouard Molinaro, Feb. 13. Le Roi de Aulnes, directed by Volker Schlvndorff, Feb. 15 to Feb.

Increased telephone rates

Increased telephone ratesFrom Media IndonesiaThe increase in local telephone rates based on the pulse (ticking of the meter) has become a huge burden to the community.PT Telkom's newly introduced rates are illogical and suffocating.

Despite coach's disappointment, archers to start training soon

Despite coach's disappointment, archers to start training soon JAKARTA (JP): National archers are expected to arrive here for their long-term training camp on Feb. 20, the Indonesian Archery Association's athletes development deputy, Andi Suhendro, said on Wednesday."We hope they will arrive on Feb.

Fulfilling the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize

Fulfilling the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize First of all, I would like to congratulate President Habibie on his wise decision to possibly allow an independent East Timor. This decision might help solve a problem which has troubled Indonesia for many years.

Appreciation for BTN

Appreciation for BTN Eight years ago I bought a house in Reni Jaya Lama under a scheme introduced by the State Savings Bank (BTN). I paid the full price but did not receive the land title with the purchase. It was explained that this was an administrative procedure that would take some time.

Noodle summit to cook up agenda for the next century

Noodle summit to cook up agenda for the next century The world's major instant noodle manufacturers are gearing up to face the demands of a new millennium with the opening on Thursday of the Second World Ramen Summit in Denpasar, Bali.

Foreign workers nabbed in Maluku

Foreign workers nabbed in Maluku AMBON, Maluku: At least 3,749 Thai, Taiwanese and Chinese nationals employed by five fishery companies in Southeast Maluku are being investigated by the local manpower office for not having work permits, a violation of Law No 3/1958.

Bali to host 9-ball and snooker c'ships

Bali to host 9-ball and snooker c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Bali will host the Nine Ball and Snooker Championships in Denpasar later this month as a warm up for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bandar Seri Begawan in August.

Meet dream child from Soppeng

Meet dream child from Soppeng JAKARTA (JP): Dian Mayestika Putri, 5, has no ordinary eating and sleeping disorder. The little girl living in Soppeng, South Sulawesi, won't eat and sleep until her dream to meet a government official comes true.

SE Asian currencies mixed against dollar

SE Asian currencies mixed against dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies were mixed against the U.S. dollar in late trading on Wednesday, following the U.S. currency's surge against the yen mid-session.Traders said a large Japanese trust company aggressively bought U.S.

Malaysian judge issues gag order in Anwar trial

Malaysian judge issues gag order in Anwar trial KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The judge in the criminal trial of Malaysia's sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday ordered the media not to report court testimony by Anwar about the prime minister and the former police chief.

BI forex reserves drop to $15.09b

BI forex reserves drop to $15.09b JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia announced on Wednesday the country's net foreign exchange reserves declined by US$5.5 million after the repayment of government overseas loans.

U.S. wields tariffs at Indian, RI mushrooms

U.S. wields tariffs at Indian, RI mushrooms WASHINGTON (AFP): The U.S. government is about to impose punitive duties on imports of preserved mushrooms from India, Indonesia and China, according to Commerce Department documents released here.

PBB calls for united Islamic political parties

PBB calls for united Islamic political parties JAKARTA (JP): The Crescent Star Party (PBB) has called on other Islamic political parties to band together, hold a joint election campaign and form a united faction in the legislature after the June 7 elections.

Xanana moved from jail to house arrest

Xanana moved from jail to house arrest JAKARTA (JP): East Timor rebel leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao was moved on Wednesday from the Cipinang Prison to a special detention house in Central Jakarta amid renewed efforts to seek a peaceful solution for the troubled province.

Bank Bira in category B

Bank Bira in category B JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Bira has announced its listing in the "B category" by Bank Indonesia, making it eligible to join the government's recapitalization program."Bank Bira is currently working on a business plan for the recapitalization program," the bank said...

Noodles, an important staple of Asian kitchens

Noodles, an important staple of Asian kitchensBy Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): I am called mien in China, mie in Indonesia, ramen in Japan and in Thailand I have made grown-ups cry. Can you guess what I am?If a noodle could speak this is probably how it would introduce itself, in a teasing, swaggering...

Indonesia is like a corporation

Indonesia is like a corporation I am writing in reply to a letter in The Jakarta Post, Feb. 2, 1999 by Mr. Amir Sidharta who laments the fact that Indonesia was perceived as a large corporation. This description is more accurate than Mr. Amir thinks.

Slamet Abdul Sjukur to stage latest composition in Bandung

Slamet Abdul Sjukur to stage latest composition in Bandung JAKARTA (JP): Noted composer Slamet Abdul Sjukur will present his latest piece, Wangi (Good Scent), specially created for his performance at the French Cultural Center (CCF) in Bandung on Thursday as part of the European Union Music...

Over 310 missing after ship sinks in South China Sea

Over 310 missing after ship sinks in South China Sea JAKARTA (JP): At least 319 people are still missing after a ship sank on Sunday night in the South China Sea near Tambeland Island off of West Kalimantan, a local news report said on Wednesday.

ABRI reiterates its neutrality in polls

ABRI reiterates its neutrality in polls JAKARTA (JP): Amid continued opposition to the Armed Forces (ABRI) sociopolitical role, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo H.S. made a fresh promise on Wednesday that the military would not meddle in the forthcoming general election.

Nusamba to sell stake in Tugu Pratama

Nusamba to sell stake in Tugu Pratama JAKARTA (JP): Widely-diversified business group PT Nusantara Ampera Bhakti (Nusamba), which is controlled by former president Soeharto's foundations and golfing partner Mohammad "Bob" Hasan, has put its 35 percent stake in the country's largest insurance...

Singapore gives air quality monitor

Singapore gives air quality monitor DENPASAR, Bali: Singapore has donated an air quality monitoring machine (AQMM) to Bali's provincial government in an effort to help correct the impression among prospective foreign tourists that Bali was also affected by the smog generated by recent forest fires...

Many major roads in disrepair

Many major roads in disrepair JAKARTA (JP): About 600,000 square meters or 29 percent of the 20.56 million square meters of the city's thoroughfares are in disrepair, head of the city public works office Soeharto says.He said repair work was hindered by a lack of funds.

Romo Mangun just wanted to be 'useful'

Romo Mangun just wanted to be 'useful' Father Yusuf Biljarta Mangunwijaya, more popularly known as Romo Mangun, who died in Jakarta on Wednesday, led an illustrious public life unequaled by few others. The Catholic priest was a prolific and acclaimed writer as well as a distinguished architect.

Romo Mangun dies of heart attack

Romo Mangun dies of heart attack JAKARTA (JP): Yusuf Bilyarta Mangunwijaya -- the writer, architect, social worker and Catholic priest popularly known as Romo Mangun -- died of a heart attack on Wednesday, shortly after addressing a seminar on the role of books in society's progress.He was 69.

11 protesters freed, 44 fined Rp 2,250 each

11 protesters freed, 44 fined Rp 2,250 each JAKARTA (JP): Under the watchful eyes of some 300 supporters of the defendants, the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday conducted a speedy trial for all 55 student protesters arrested for holding an illegal rally on Tuesday.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 10, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 0 45,000 Alumindo Light Metal 400 100 3,529,500...

Local retailers hope for recovery in five years

Local retailers hope for recovery in five years JAKARTA (JP): Local retailers, wilting from depressed market demand amid the country's worst economic recession in over 32 years, are expecting a strong turnaround in only five years.

Many civilians have firearms in troubled Aceh, military says

Many civilians have firearms in troubled Aceh, military says JAKARTA (JP): Many civilians in the troubled province of Aceh have armed themselves with various weapons including AK-47 rifles and guns, the military said on Wednesday.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Yanuar Ernawati at The Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975963), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Feb. 26. * Woodcarving Exhibition: The Legacy, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.

World devours oodles of noodles for convenient delicious meals

World devours oodles of noodles for convenient delicious meals Instant noodles span the culinary globe, bridging language and cultural differences to bring inexpensive, convenient, delicious and nutritious meals to billions of people.

Students brave the elements at run-down state schools

Students brave the elements at run-down state schools JAKARTA (JP): Studying is more than just a mental chore for 113,600 elementary school students.They also have to deal with leaking roofs, cracked walls and doors hanging off their hinges at their 284 aging state schools, a city education and...

Govt asked to focus on Bali tourism promotion

Govt asked to focus on Bali tourism promotion JAKARTA (JP): Legislators and tourist industry businesses suggested the government on Wednesday focuses its tourism promotion campaign on Bali, because the island is the only saleable tourism destination in the country.

Regent enters Bank NISP

Regent enters Bank NISP JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong-based investment firm Regent Pacific Private Equity has bought Rp 122 billion (US$14.02 million) in zero-coupon mandatory exchangeable notes from major shareholders of publicly listed Bank NISP.

Adi faults big business but insists he's no enemy

Adi faults big business but insists he's no enemy JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Adi Sasono on Wednesday blamed the domination of the economy by a handful of large businesses as the primary cause of the country's current misfortunes.

A license to kill

A license to kill The most controversial buzz phrase in Indonesia today is perhaps "shoot on sight". The order, given by Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto over the weekend to police nationwide, sounds lawless to law-abiding citizens.

Romo Mangun expressed fears for future in last interview

Romo Mangun expressed fears for future in last interview JAKARTA (JP): About two hours before he succumbed to a fatal heart attack on Wednesday, scholar Y.B. Mangunwijaya talked about the state of the country, particularly the propensity to choose violence in venting frustrations.

Rupiah gains ground but stocks keep on falling

Rupiah gains ground but stocks keep on falling JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah gained ground closing firmer on Wednesday at 8,650 against the U.S. dollar despite a fall in the Japanese yen and other regional currencies.

More Asia short-term aid seen from Miyazawa Plan

More Asia short-term aid seen from Miyazawa Plan TOKYO (Reuters): More short-term aid is in the pipeline under Japan's US$30 billion program for Asia, after billions of dollars were pledged in long-term financing since its introduction, monetary sources say.

Embarrassed by RI's arrogance

Embarrassed by RI's arrogance Jordan's King Hussein was one of the world's greatest leaders. More than that, he espoused truly human values at a time when men often act like animals. Every country showed its respect and admiration for the king, every country except Indonesia, which sent, as The...

Sympathy for animals

Sympathy for animals I was excited to read about "Friends of the zoo" in your letters section (Feb. 8, 1999) and to read about our school's contribution to the big cats.We tried to raise Rp 10 million, but were a bit short so we had to "bake sale" not to "book sale" ("bake sale" = the children bake...

Property agents go bust

Property agents go bust JAKARTA (JP): Many real estate agents have ceased their activities as the country's economic crisis bites deeper into the property industry, a real estate agent said.President of Indonesian Real Estate Brokerage Association Cynthia Sonneville estimated on Wednesday that...

Export goes down

Export goes down During the last two months, US182 million worth of export contracts have been canceled, and another $30 million worth is expected to experience the same fate. Cancellation occurred because of doubts among buyers on the situation in the country.