Archive: 6 February 1999
53 articles found
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Political parties rush to register for election
Political parties rush to register for election JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Justice opened on Friday the registration of prospective poll contestants, including the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) under Megawati Soekarnoputri and four other parties all claiming to be the Indonesian National Party (PNI).
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
IMF and govt to finalize new letter of intent
IMF and govt to finalize new letter of intent JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is finalizing an agreement with the Indonesian government on a new letter of intent to pave the way for the latest disbursement of the agency's bailout fund, IMF Asia Pacific director Hubert Neiss said here on Friday.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia lowers five year target for tourist arrivals
Indonesia lowers five year target for tourist arrivals JAKARTA (JP): The government has revised down its target for foreign tourist arrivals over the next five years due to the worsening political situation here. Director General of Tourism I Gde Ardhika said that based on the revised target, the number of foreign tourists coming into the country in the year 2003 should reach 6.9 million, a drastic drop from the initial target of 11 million.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
New paper hits streets of Padang
New paper hits streets of Padang PADANG, West Sumatra: A new daily newspaper, Padang Ekspres, launched its first edition on Friday in a ceremony attended by West Sumatra Governor Muchlis Ibrahim. The 16-page Ekspres, which is managed by the Jawa Pos newspaper group, is the fifth daily to operate out of the province, Antara said.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI receives US$2.4b loans from Japan
RI receives US$2.4b loans from Japan JAKARTA (JP): The Japanese government agreed on Friday to provide Indonesia with US$2.4 billion in loans to help finance the country's 1999/2000 budget deficit. Japan's vice finance minister for international affairs, Eisuke Sakakibara, said that a substantial part of the money would be released before the June general election.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asian currencies end mixed
Southeast Asian currencies end mixed SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies were mixed against the U.S. dollar in late trade on Friday, after a mid- session surge by the yen to 111.40 against the U.S. currency. "The dollar was falling until the market heard the Bank of Japan was making inquiries into the market and that was the end of that," as the dollar's slide halted, said a trader at a U.S. bank in Singapore. In late trading, the U.S.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 5, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 0 50,000 Alumindo Light Metal 250 0 250,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,525 -25 2,998,500 Anwar Sierad 75 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tabloid told to get license
Tabloid told to get license KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The provincial administration has asked the publisher of Wawasan, a weekly tabloid based in Kolaka, to cease publishing until it obtains a license, Antara said. In a letter to the tabloid, the head of the Southeast Sulawesi office of the Ministry of Information warned the publishers that it was illegal to operate without a license.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Live TV shows
Live TV shows JAKARTA (JP): Sports competitions to be broadcast live this weekend on local TVs (all times in West Indonesia Time): Saturday English soccer league: Nottingham Forest v Manchester United, SCTV at 10 p.m. Sunday Italian soccer league: Fiorentina vs AC Milan, RCTI at 8:30 p.m. English soccer league: Derby County v Everton, Indosiar at 10:30 p.m.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Meat imports from India
Meat imports from India Since the government announced its intention to import beef from India, sharp reactions have come from various sides. In the past week alone, scores of reports have appeared in the media. Views for and against the plan have been aired. The incident is reminiscent of the mad cow disease furor which shook Britain some time ago. Indonesia actually planned to import beef from India as early as 1992.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timor move not an instruction: Alatas
East Timor move not an instruction: Alatas JAKARTA (JP): The motion to grant East Timor independence was taken collectively during the Jan. 27 Cabinet meeting after President B.J. Habibie first aired the idea two days earlier, an official has said. "It was not an instruction, though," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission I for political and security affairs.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Churches admit mistakes over Soeharto
Churches admit mistakes over Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian churches on Thursday admitted to having played a part in maintaining Soeharto's oppressive New Order regime and vowed never to repeat the same mistake. Church leaders also pledged to become more actively involved in the build up to the June 7 general election.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Caption
Caption Correction: Budhy Tjahjati, deputy for international cooperation, is from the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) and not from Ministry of Foreign Affairs as stated in our caption on this page on Friday. We regret the error. -- Editor
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cool heads must prevail in East Timor: Bishop Belo
Cool heads must prevail in East Timor: Bishop Belo By Lourenco Vicente Martins DILI, East Timor (JP): With tension in East Timor escalating following the government's announcement that it is now prepared to let the territory go its own way, many people are turning to Dili Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo for comfort and guidance.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Special team to decide on import of Indian beef
Special team to decide on import of Indian beef JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Agriculture Soleh Solahuddin said on Friday that a decision on whether to import beef and buffalo meat from India would hinge on the report of a fact-finding team which will be sent to India later this month. Soleh said the team would leave for India on Feb. 15 and would visit sites in Maharastra and the neighboring states.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
E-commerce development hampered by cultural barriers
E-commerce development hampered by cultural barriers By Teddy Setiawan Wijaya JAKARTA (JP): Online shopping is booming in developed countries. In the United States, sales tripled last Christmas and more new consumers came online than most cyber retailers expected. Comparing the situation in the U.S. with Indonesia is like comparing a tiger with a kitten. In fact, we are still far behind even when compared to Singapore and Malaysia, our country's closest neighbors.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Five-man gang robs businessman's house
Five-man gang robs businessman's house JAKARTA (JP): A group of at least five robbers burgled the Central Jakarta house of a businessman early on Friday, making off with a stash of money and goods including Rp 36.5 million and US$50,000 in cash. Central Jakarta police detective chief Maj. Budiono Sandi identified the home owner as Ferry Imransyah, 30, a resident of Bendungan Jati in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fact-finding team formed as more bodies discovered
Fact-finding team formed as more bodies discovered JAKARTA (JP): A military police fact-finding team has been formed by the Armed Forces (ABRI) in Aceh province to probe the violence in East Aceh following the discovery of more bodies. Chief of Lilawangsa Military District Col. Johnny Wahab said Friday if it turned out that military men were involved, "They will be punished in line with the law." "We are still searching for the killers," he said, adding the team started work Friday.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
RP inflation rises 11.6%
RP inflation rises 11.6% MANILA (AFP): Philippine consumer prices rose 11.6 percent year-on in January, the National Statistics Office said Friday. Analysts said the figure was "higher-than-expected" and triggered an initial sell-off at the Philippine Stock Exchange. "The market reacted with a sell-off," said Mayenne Katimbang of Magnum International Securities, adding that the market was able to recover by mid-morning.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
House slams Lippo Bank recapitalization
House slams Lippo Bank recapitalization JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives has demanded the government either revoke, postpone, or revise the decree which includes two privately owned banks in the first group of banks to be recapitalized by the government.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Circuit breakers' luring investors
'Circuit breakers' luring investors By C.J. de Koning LONDON (JP): Foreign equity investors and foreign lenders to countries like Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Russia and more recently Brazil have recently been withdrawing their funds individually and collectively on an unprecedented scale.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Plan to privatize seaport operator opposed
Plan to privatize seaport operator opposed JAKARTA (JP): Three business associations called on the government on Friday to cancel plans to privatize seaport operator PT Pelindo II and its affiliates. The Indonesian Importers Association, the Federation of Indonesian Exporters and the Indonesian Textile Association stated that the privatization of Pelindo would benefit only investors while burdening port users with higher tariffs.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hospital service suffering
Hospital service suffering When my elder son received a minor head injury, we were referred to the International Bintaro Hospital (RSIB) for a CT- Scan by the pediatrician. Before going to the hospital on Saturday morning (Jan. 30, 1999), I called its information desk to see whether they accepted Amex cards for payment. Unfortunately, my phone call was transferred several times, before being answered by a lady. Strangely, she did not give any firm answer, but hung the phone up.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Yunus unafraid of abuse of press freedom
Yunus unafraid of abuse of press freedom JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus does not share the fears of some of his colleagues about the behavior of the Indonesian press in acting on their newfound freedom. "Some people are concerned about press freedom. I'm not one of them," Yunus, whose job includes overseeing the broadcast and print media, was quoted by Antara as saying on Friday. He was speaking after signing a cooperation agreement with National Police chief Gen.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
BNN joins recapitalization
BNN joins recapitalization JAKARTA (JP): Bank Nusa Nasional, a banking unit of the Bakrie Group, announced on Friday it was ready to join the government's recapitalization program to improve its capital base. BNN said the majority shareholder agreed to inject fresh capital to make the bank eligible to join the recapitalization plan to boost its capital adequacy ratio -- the ratio between equity capital and assets -- to 4 percent.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt decision on labor export criticized
Govt decision on labor export criticized JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives has criticized the government's decision to temporarily stop labor exports to Saudi Arabia, saying this policy was not helpful for the national employment program at a time of alarming levels of unemployment. Ismoe Handoko, a legislator of the ruling Golkar faction in the Commission in charge of labor, among other things, said Friday the decision, announced unexpectedly on Feb.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
World-class European musicians to perform in Indonesia for free
World-class European musicians to perform in Indonesia for free JAKARTA (JP): It is superb and authentic, and it is brought to you live by top musicians from six European countries. And best of all, it is free. World renowned music ensembles from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, France and Finland are in Indonesia for a series of free concerts which will last until April 2. The European Union Music Festival is presenting Music of the 20th Century.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Flabby' Thai army trims surplus
'Flabby' Thai army trims surplus BANGKOK (Reuters): Thailand's army chief said on Friday that due to impending budget cuts the once powerful but now flabby army had begun trimming surplus manpower. Army commander-in-chief Gen. Surayudh Julanond said voluntary retirement schemes had been offered to senior officers with the rank of general or colonel and without specific duties. "I am fully aware that the scheme to reduce the surplus of officers will demoralize personnel and discourage them.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Village election stirs unrest
Village election stirs unrest PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Hundreds of Tanggisan villagers in Mrebet district went on a rampage on Thursday, vandalizing seven houses and public buildings in anger over a village chief election. At least five hectares of crops of corn, soybean and bananas were also destroyed. Purbalingga Police chief Lt. Col. Ipong Supomo confirmed the tension continued on Friday. Dozens of people are being questioned. The violence was a spillover from dissatisfaction over the Dec.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Northwest, MAS sign accord
Northwest, MAS sign accord MINNEAPOLIS (AFP): Northwest Airlines and Malaysia Airlines on Thursday announced a marketing alliance that will enable them to coordinate schedules and reservations between their two flight networks. Northwest also said it plans to inaugurate service to Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 25, operating flights three times a week from Detroit via Osaka and becoming the only U.S. airline to serve Malaysia.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
ANZ to boost stake in Panin to over 24%
ANZ to boost stake in Panin to over 24% JAKARTA (JP): Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) plans to boost its stake in publicly listed Panin Bank to 24.4 percent, from 4.9 percent at present, in a bid to strengthen its presence in the Indonesia's banking sector, the bank's executive said here on Friday. Ian Colley, one of ANZ's senior executives, said the bank would buy the additional stocks from institutional foreign investors.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Boat people face deportation
Boat people face deportation SURABAYA: The Navy will escort a wooden boat carrying 57 passengers from Gongxi province in China back into international waters as soon as the vessel has been repaired, Antara reported on Friday. "There is no reason to take them to court because they were not carrying anything illegal," Lt. Col. Ditya Sudarsono, spokesman for the East Armada Command, said.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Don't surrender East Timor
Don't surrender East Timor From Merdeka I felt saddened and angered upon hearing the foreign minister's explanation of the East Timor issue on Jan. 27. It was shocking, and in my opinion even amoral, to put forward the option of getting rid of East Timor. It is taboo even to think about this alternative.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ex-village head jailed for scam
Ex-village head jailed for scam TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang District Court has sentenced a former head of Cibogo village in Serpong to four years in jail and fined him Rp 30 million for illegally selling a 46,000-square-meter plot of land belonging to the village. The court also ordered the defendant, Mudin Marjuki, 57, to pay compensation amounting to Rp 504 million after pronouncing him guilty of violating Article 1 of Law No. 3/1971 on corruption.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Westwood out, Norquist leads Malaysian Open
Westwood out, Norquist leads Malaysian Open KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): U.S. player Gerry Norquist fired a second successive 67 to lead the Malaysian Open by five shots on Friday as world number six Lee Westwood sensationally missed the cut. England's Westwood joined fellow European favorite Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland in packing his bags after shooting four over, one too many to qualify for the final 36 holes.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 Morning News 7:00 Children's Program 7:30 TV Series 8:00 Music 8:30 Tour and Travel 9:00 TV Drama 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ridding the country of hoodlums takes time: Criminologists
Ridding the country of hoodlums takes time: Criminologists JAKARTA (JP): Two leading criminologists said on Friday that getting rid of hoodlums, especially in public places like bus terminals and traditional markets, was impossible at the moment as long as people had no respect for security officers.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Manpower office inundated by people seeking work
Manpower office inundated by people seeking work TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang office of the Ministry of Manpower has been swarmed by scores of people seeking jobs as the number of dismissed workers continues to rise because of the severe impact of the prolonged economic crisis, an official said on Friday. At least 6,000 people have visited the manpower office in search of job opportunities since the end of the Idul Fitri holiday last month, Farid Appandi, the office's deputy head, said.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ambon still tense amid rumors of fresh unrest
Ambon still tense amid rumors of fresh unrest AMBON, Maluku (JP): The capital of Maluku province was still tense on Friday as rumors of fresh attacks against residents circulated throughout the city. "These kind of rumors are used to provoke unrest. It is clear that some people are not satisfied and they want to incite further unrest," Maluku Police chief Col. Karyono said.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Everybody's duty
Everybody's duty It may seem strange to describe the neighborhoods disrupted by fighting around the Kampung Rambutan bus station on Wednesday as lucky, but that is exactly what they are. Although lives were lost, property destroyed and bus services brought to a complete standstill, the disruption caused was nothing compared to the carnage that might have been expected on the basis of recent experience in other parts of Indonesia.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Posyandu running out of infant food supplements
Posyandu running out of infant food supplements JAKARTA (JP): Volunteers at several state-sponsored Posyandu, the integrated health service posts for infants and pregnant women, here strongly urged the government on Friday to soon allocate money for their activities due to the serious shortage of baby food at the centers.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Two held for stealing car side mirrors
Two held for stealing car side mirrors JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested on Thursday two teenagers for allegedly attempting to steal side mirrors from a car at the Pacenongan intersection in Central Jakarta. Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis told reporters on Friday that the two, Asep Komarudin of Sawah Besar and Triyono, alias Botak, of Kemayoran, both aged 17, had three accomplices, who managed to escape.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hendrawan confident of success in Grand Prix Finals debut
Hendrawan confident of success in Grand Prix Finals debut JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top men's badminton singles player Hendrawan is upbeat about possible victory in his debut at the Grand Prix Finals later this month. The world number five said he was in top form, thanks to a two-month break from competition that allowed him to recover from illness. "I feel I'm physically much stronger than ever. I think the layoff is too long for me and I cannot wait for a return to court," he said.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ita's parents to sue scientist
Ita's parents to sue scientist JAKARTA (JP): Parents of Marthadinata, better known as Ita, the teenager slain by her neighbor last October, are filing suit again noted forensic expert Mun'im Idries for disclosing their daughter's autopsy results to the media.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * World Press Photo Exhibition, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5252321), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., until Feb. 11. * Painting Exhibition: Restrospektif Popo Iskandar, at Galeri Nasional, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3813021, 3848791), until Feb. 15. * Painting Exhibition: Narti, at World Trade Center, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Feb. 5, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Miyazawa aid pledge fails to cheer embattled market
Miyazawa aid pledge fails to cheer embattled market JAKARTA (JP): A bearish financial market persisted on Friday despite Japan's pledge to lend Indonesia US$2.4 billion from the Miyazawa Fund. Currency dealers said the commitment failed to lift market sentiment as a rise in demand for the greenback from local and offshore operators continued to pressure the local currency.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
No money, no 'arwana' research
No money, no 'arwana' research JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Lack of funding has prevented the Irian Jaya administration from launching a research program to confirm reports that rivers in Merauke regency are inhabited by the prized arwana fish, Antara said. Kisto Mintardjo, the head of the Fisheries Office, said reports from Merauke suggested that many rivers in the southern part of Irian Jaya, particularly in Merauke, could potentially have sizable populations of arwana.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
'RCTI' coverage
'RCTI' coverage RCTI's Seputar Indonesia news coverage on Feb. 1 has discredited the struggle of the little people for justice. The TV station has shifted the substance of the demand voiced by the little people, with suspicions toward us who accompanied the demonstrators at Bappenas, by saying that they were only used for the popularity of another group (meaning us). An evil accusation. The interviews broadcast and the themes of the interviews chosen were tendentious.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
TPJ gives aid to six orphanages
TPJ gives aid to six orphanages JAKARTA (JP): PT Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ), a partner of city- owned tap water company PDAM Jaya, handed over donations worth Rp 15 million on Friday to six orphanages in the capital. The donations, which were given in conjunction with the firm's first anniversary which fell on Feb. 1, was aimed at helping the orphanages pay tuition fees and buy school supplies, the company said in a statement.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timor status
East Timor status The year was 1978, the time 1 p.m., the location, Parliament House, Canberra. The then Australian prime minister, Malcolm Fraser, had just told me his government would recognize Indonesia's presence in East Timor from de facto to de jure status after bilateral talks between Indonesia and Australia on the seabed boundaries between Timor and Australia had been resumed.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Freeport told to double royalty for expansion go-ahead
Freeport told to double royalty for expansion go-ahead JAKARTA (JP): Permission for PT Freeport Indonesia to double daily ore production at its Irian Jaya copper and gold mining operation hinges on it agreeing to the doubling of its royalty payments, Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said on Friday. Kuntoro said the subsidiary of New Orleans-based Freeport- McMoran Copper and Gold paid the government royalties ranging from 1 percent to 3 percent, depending on the copper price.
Sat, 06 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB
Floods force hundreds to evacuate in S. Sulawesi
Floods force hundreds to evacuate in S. Sulawesi UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): One died in floods and hundreds of town residents were forced to evacuate to higher ground when floods and strong winds again hit Ujungpandang and other areas in South Sulawesi. Roads were inundated with up to one meter of water and traffic to the Hasanuddin airport was disrupted. The victim was a girl, identified as Nani, 9 in Cambah district in the worst hit Maros regency.