Archive: 11 March 1999
59 articles found
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
RP considers IT zone
RP considers IT zone MANILA (AP): The Philippine government is considering the establishment of a special economic zone, primarily for information technology companies, within a 64-hectare (158-acre) site at Fort Bonifacio, a former military camp near Manila's financial district of Makati. This was disclosed Wednesday by Rogelio Singson, chairman of the government's Bases Conversion Development Authority.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Salim UIC sale sparks more divestment fears
Salim UIC sale sparks more divestment fears SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesia's Salim group's stake sale in Singapore's United Industrial Corp Ltd (UIC) has sparked fears of more divestment by Indonesia's former number one tycoon, analysts said. The sale of UIC by the Salim group -- owned by Indonesian Liem Sioe Liong and son Anthony Salim -- had been widely expected after family fortunes turned with the fall of President Soeharto.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI forex reserves fall to $14.62 billion
RI forex reserves fall to $14.62 billion JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia announced on Tuesday its net international reserves decreased US$126.8 million to $14.62 billion as of March 5 from the Feb. 26 level of $14.75 billion. Gross foreign assets also dropped to Rp 24.15 billion from Rp 24.28 billion, the central bank said in its latest report. The decrease was mainly due to repayment of part of the government's foreign debt, it said.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Arts Exhibition: by Gde Sudarma, at The Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975963), March 13 to May 17. * Photo Exhibition: Lumiere, Amour, Creation, by Jacques Francois Xavier Guyot, at Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran (Phone: 0361 701010), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., until March 22.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
NU to hold its congress in November
NU to hold its congress in November SURABAYA (JP): The 30th national congress of the largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama will be held in Kediri, East Java in November for five days, an NU executive Said Aqil Siradj said Wednesday. "We haven't decided on the date yet as we are still discussing it with regional branches," he said.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Manila offers new pitch on U.S. deal
Manila offers new pitch on U.S. deal MANILA (DPA): The Philippine government said on Wednesday a controversial defense pact with the United States will improve the military's capability in protecting maritime resources and disaster relief missions.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Three alleged robbers shot dead
Three alleged robbers shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police shot dead on early Wednesday morning three men believed to be members of an armed robbery gang, who last carried out an attack on Saturday. The three dead suspects were identified as Ujang, 30, Rid, 35, and Arsin, 35, all from Subang, West Java, Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said. Lubis said the shootings took place from 3 a.m. and were prompted by the suspects' attempts to flee the arrest scenes.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rice steamers, heirloom 'kris' sent to the pawn shop
Rice steamers, heirloom 'kris' sent to the pawn shop By Gin Kurniawan and Berchman Heroe YOGYAKARTA (JP): Three middle-aged women walked down the steep hill in Rongkop district, Gunungkidul regency. They went to the roadside and waited for hours for the bus that would take them to Wonosari, the capital of the regency, 40 kilometers away. Their final destination: a state pawnshop. "May I help you to get things done fast, Ma'am?
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Vietnam gears up for 2003 SEAG bid
Vietnam gears up for 2003 SEAG bid HANOI, Vietnam (AP): Work on a new stadium near Hanoi is expected to start in the second quarter next year in preparation for Vietnam's bid to host the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2003, a government official said Wednesday. Dinh Can, of the National Sports and Physical Culture Committee, said his organization is working on a partial feasibility study for a 40,000- to 60,000-seat stadium as the first stage of a sports complex.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Restoring peace in East Timor
Restoring peace in East Timor It is vital to disarm groups whose murderous attacks inflame the passion for revenge, escalate violence and so jeopardize hopes of reconciliation among East Timorese. Without reconciliation there can be no peace. The problem of paramilitary groups, many armed by Indonesia, will have to be faced if it persists. (Australian foreign minister Alexander) Downer is right to rule out for the time being a UN peacekeeping force.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Independent Timor will honor oil treaty: Australia envoy
Independent Timor will honor oil treaty: Australia envoy CANBERRA (AP): An independent East Timor would probably seek to renegotiate aspects of the Timor Gap Treaty, but would honor the controversial agreement between Australia and Indonesia, Australia's ambassador to Jakarta said Wednesday. The treaty divides up the gas and oil rich area of the sea bed between Australia and Timor into three zones -- Australian, Indonesian and a joint cooperation zone.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Seven killed in Bogor collision
Seven killed in Bogor collision BOGOR (JP): Seven people on board an overloaded angkot (public minivan) were killed and four others severely injured when a speeding intercity bus collided with the vehicle at the Sukasari intersection in the wee hours of Wednesday. Four of the victims died instantly, while the other three died later at the Indonesian Red Cross hospital. The victims included the driver of the angkot. The driver of the bus, identified as Tatang, fled the scene.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
BMG predicts a 'wet' dry season
BMG predicts a 'wet' dry season JAKARTA (JP): While some areas in Indonesia may suffer from drought, good harvests can be expected as most parts of the country will see enough rain during this year's regular 'dry' season, the state-run Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG)'s predicts.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie 'responsible' for Soeharto probe
Habibie 'responsible' for Soeharto probe JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie must give an accountability report to the People's Consultative Assembly's General Session in October and be held responsible for the outcome of an investigation into former president Soeharto's alleged wealth, a minister has said.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ford Motor set to return to Indonesia, official says
Ford Motor set to return to Indonesia, official says SINGAPORE (Reuters): Ford Motor Company is on its way back to Indonesia after shifting its US$100 million project to the Philippines on protest to its national car policy, a company executive said on Wednesday. "With the changes going on in Indonesia, and the fact that the national car program is no longer (there), Ford will return to Indonesia," Gerald Kania, director of Asia Pacific operations, told reporters.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang has fewer haj pilgrims
Tangerang has fewer haj pilgrims TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang regent Agus Djunara said on Wednesday that the number of Muslims from Tangerang performing the haj reached only 351 this year, substantially lower than the 3,000 haj pilgrims last year. "The sharp drop is caused mainly by the plunge of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar during the current economic crisis," Agus said during a meeting with this year's pilgrims.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Polls may rival cheating of the past: Observer
Polls may rival cheating of the past: Observer JAKARTA (JP): This year's general election will greatly resemble those in the past in terms of cheating attributable to political groups defending the status quo, an observer predicts. And to make things worse, there are lots of technical shortcomings ranging from the government's make-shift preparations for the elections to the limited monitoring by independent watchdogs, which all open up opportunities for cheats.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Election committee holds first session
Election committee holds first session JAKARTA (JP): The first plenary session of the new National Election Committee on Wednesday continued to midnight, but the 53 members had yet to decide on the chairman and two deputies.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI economic recovery shaky: WB
RI economic recovery shaky: WB JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank predicted on Wednesday that Indonesia's economy would shrink a minor 1 percent in the 1999/2000 fiscal year before returning to modest growth of 3 percent in the following year, but only if the government sticks to its reform program.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rats attack South Kalimantan
Rats attack South Kalimantan BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Thousands of hectares of ricefields set to be harvested in Benua Lima here have been attacked by rats, Antara reported Wednesday. "In this village alone more than 100 hectares have been affected," Syarkawi, a farmer in Bangkal village of Hulu Sungai Tengah regency said. Benua Lima is in the north of the province. Syarkawi said in one night the pests, numbering hundreds, attacked plants over some 170 square meters in one location alone.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Deserted Ambon homes targeted for phone abuse
Deserted Ambon homes targeted for phone abuse JAKARTA (JP): Many Ambon residents whose properties were burned or damaged in the two months of unrest in the Maluku capital now find themselves with the additional burden of hefty phone bills from misuse by others. Fitri, whose house in the Silale area was burned down by rioters in January, was shocked when state-owned telecommunications firm PT Telkom billed her for Rp 8 million (US$888) instead of the usual Rp 200,000 the previous month.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Telkom strives to improve service
Telkom strives to improve service TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang office of state telecommunications operator PT Telkom is striving to improve its service by furthering its cooperation with various partners, an official said on Wednesday. Abdul Haris, head of Telkom's office here, said that the company was cooperating closely with several banks to enable customers to pay their telephone bills through the banks.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Residents attack police officers during drug raid
Residents attack police officers during drug raid JAKARTA (JP): Four detectives from the City police narcotics unit were wounded by residents of Tanah Abang during a raid on a suspected drug dealer's house on Jl. Baturaja in Central Jakarta in the early hours of Wednesday. One of the injured officers, a second sergeant, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Soekanto Police Hospital in East Jakarta. The three other officers were treated for light wounds at the city police health clinic.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Mar. 10 , 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 300 0 50,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,425 -50 2,070,500 Anwar Sierad 75 0 2,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia shrimp exports drop 11 percent in 1998
Indonesia shrimp exports drop 11 percent in 1998 JAKARTA (JP): Foreign exchange earnings from shrimp exports increased by 11 percent to US$1.5 billion last year from $1.35 billion in 1997, an executive said here on Wednesday. Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Shrimp Feedmeal Producers Johannes Kitono said that in terms of volume Indonesian shrimp exports increased by 3.8 percent to 108,000 metric tons in 1998 from 103,950 tons in 1997.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Peace mission in Ambon
Peace mission in Ambon The decision by Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto to send a high-powered delegation to Ambon must come as a relief to many that someone in the government is finally doing something, instead of simply trying to talk their way out of this national catastrophe.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on March 10, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDI Perjuangan debates poll tactics
PDI Perjuangan debates poll tactics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) executives regrouped in Bogor, West Java on Wednesday to discuss strategies to win the upcoming general election. Speaking at the opening of the three-day meeting, the first since the party qualified for the June 7 polls, PDI for Struggle chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri asked party executives at all levels to educate voters across the country with the technical aspect of elections.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
One died of anthrax
One died of anthrax MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: At least one person has died and around 200 have been treated for anthrax, Antara reported Wednesday. The report said the residents of Kota Reo in Reok district, Manggarai regency, complained of red spots after consuming contaminated water buffalo meat. Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus antracis, is infectious and contracted by exposure to infected animals. Manggarai police chief Lt. Col.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Green Expo to be held in Bogor
Green Expo to be held in Bogor BOGOR (JP): The Agronomy Students Association from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture is scheduled to hold a Green Expo here from March 10 to March 21. The exhibition will consist of various activities, ranging from the sale of various goods, agricultural information and seminars on agribusiness and agribusiness investment opportunities.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bayer plans rights shares
Bayer plans rights shares JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Bayer Indonesia plans a rights issue before the end of June to improve its financial structure. In anticipation of the limited public offering, the company's shareholders approved a proposal on Wednesday to double its authorized capital to Rp 64 billion (about US$7.1 million), the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bogor mayor's tenure extended
Bogor mayor's tenure extended BOGOR (JP): Bogor Mayor Eddy Gunardi's tenure, which was scheduled to end on March 7, was extended until further notice by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the absence of suitable candidates to replace him, an official said. "Information about the extension of the mayor's tenure was passed on to the mayoralty through the West Java governor's letter dated March 6," the mayoralty's spokesman Hari Harsono said. Hari said a new mayor was to be elected on Feb.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tragedy in Ambon
Tragedy in Ambon From Republika The bloody tragedy at dawn in Ambon on March 1 has borne witness to the arbitrariness of members of the security forces. We do not know what their motives were and what their punishment will be. If the crimes had been committed by the civilian community against security forces, in less than a week the punishment would have been known. Open slaughter under the guise of religion happened. We were only spectators who did not do much about it.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tambang Timah to buy 30% stake in Prima Coal
Tambang Timah to buy 30% stake in Prima Coal JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed state tin company PT Tambang Timah said on Wednesday it planned to buy a 30 percent stake in the country's largest coal mining company, PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC). The president of Timah, Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, said the company was currently negotiating the proposed purchase and conducting a due diligence with Kaltim Prima, owned by British Petroleum and Australian mining company Rio Tinto.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police hold off PSSI soccer playoff permit
Police hold off PSSI soccer playoff permit JAKARTA (JP): The National Police are recommending postponement of the Indonesian soccer league playoffs until after the June 7 general election. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar said on Wednesday thorough consideration of the security situation and Jakarta as the venue was made before issuing the recommendation.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta images win jurors over in world photo contest
Jakarta images win jurors over in world photo contest By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): As could have been predicted, Indonesia, which in 1998 became one of the world's trouble spots, captured the attention of the 13 judges at the 42nd annual World Press Photo competition. For the first time ever, three scenes from Indonesia received awards in the world-class contest, which offered 59 prizes in 18 categories.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Students on trial urged to respect court, obey law
Students on trial urged to respect court, obey law JAKARTA (JP): Legal practitioners have asked students on trial to respect the court and obey existing laws. Contacted by The Jakarta Post separately on Wednesday, lawyers Todung Mulya Lubis, Frans Hendra Winarta and Judge Paiman Martoredjo at the Central Jakarta District Court urged the student defendants to express their dissatisfaction in an acceptable, professional and respectful way.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
A banker's nightmare
A banker's nightmare Of late, national banks have come into the public spotlight, because of the inconsistent regulations and announcements of the government. For example, it was announced that national banks which belong to the C-category and could not possibly fulfill the four percent capital adequacy ratio (CAR) would be summarily liquidated on Feb. 27, 1999, and there were about 50 banks on the list.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
The worth of the remains
The worth of the remains SEOUL (Reuters): South Korean police said they arrested a man who later confessed to stealing the remains of the late father of the Lotte Group chairman and ransoming them for about $650,000. The suspect, identified only as "Lim", was arrested in the city of Taejon, about 120 km (75 miles) south of Seoul. "We arrested Lim as a suspect and he has confessed to the crime," said a Taejon police spokesman.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ganesha ITB ad. star
Ganesha ITB ad. star From Media Indonesia As an alumnus of Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) with two children now studying at the same campus, I felt concern when I read the advertorial on page 3 of Media Indonesia (March 4, 1999) because ITB, which is the pride of my family, has simply become "a star" for the advertisements of the Texmaco Group.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
INRO blames lack of fund for its failure
INRO blames lack of fund for its failure KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) blamed a lack of funds on Wednesday for its inability to intervene in the markets to stabilize flagging prices. In a statement, the Kuala Lumpur-based INRO noted speculation over its fate following the withdrawal of two major rubber producers, Malaysia and Thailand, from the body.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * The World Press Photo, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until March 12. Film * French Film, at CCCL - French Cultural Center: Le Bonheur est dans Le Pre, directed by Etienne Chatillez, until March 12. Performances * The European Union Music Festival March 14: Quatuor Ysae (French), at Novotel Hotel, Jl. Ngagel 173-175 (Phone: 031 5682301), 7:30 p.m.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stolen cars displayed at city police headquarters
Stolen cars displayed at city police headquarters JAKARTA (JP): City police are inviting residents who are recent victims of car thefts to examine 21 vehicles displayed at police headquarters on Jl. Sudirman in South Jakarta. Chief of the city police detective unit Col. Alex Bambang Riatmojo said on Tuesday that the stolen cars were recovered from 11 criminals during the last two weeks.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. and IMF working on new credit plan to fend off crisis
U.S. and IMF working on new credit plan to fend off crisis WASHINGTON (Reuters): The United States and the International Monetary Fund said on Monday they were still hammering out the details of a new kind of international loan program to help embattled countries fend off economic turmoil. The new approach, proposed last year by U.S. President Bill Clinton, aims to provide "precautionary financing" to countries before they get into economic trouble.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ambon rocked again, seven killed
Ambon rocked again, seven killed JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of military personnel opened fire on clashing Muslims and Christians in the devastated Maluku capital of Ambon, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens more. Witnesses and hospital staff spoke of ugly scenes when renewed violence, involving thousands of people armed with crude weapons, erupted almost simultaneously at six different sites in and around Ambon on Wednesday afternoon.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah, baht take a fall as other Asian currencies mixed
Rupiah, baht take a fall as other Asian currencies mixed SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Choppy trading in the yen continued to set the tone for dealing in Asia's regional foreign exchange markets Wednesday, leaving Southeast Asian currencies mixed at the end of local hours. The Singapore dollar finished almost flat on the day, while the Philippine peso edged a touch higher.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Don't talk so much, Wiranto tells Ghalib
Don't talk so much, Wiranto tells Ghalib JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto on Wednesday loudly asked Attorney General Lt. Gen. Andi M. Ghalib to stop talking to journalists when the latter was responding to questions about the progress of investigations into former president Soeharto.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
APEC finance ministers to meet in Malaysia
APEC finance ministers to meet in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Finance ministers from the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation countries will meet in Malaysia May 15-16 to review efforts to promote safe and sustainable capital flows. The meeting will be held on Langkawi island, in Northern Kedah state.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt to submit new letter of intent to IMF soon
Govt to submit new letter of intent to IMF soon JAKARTA (JP): The government will submit a new letter of intent to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) immediately after the announcement of bank closures on Saturday, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said on Wednesday. Ginandjar said that completing the new letter of intent on economic reform would pave the way for the disbursement of another US$1 billion from the IMF.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
SCB opens new banking center
SCB opens new banking center JAKARTA (JP): Standard Chartered Bank opened on Wednesday its second Automated Banking Center in the country in Pondok Indah Mall, South Jakarta. The center follows one opened in September in Kelapa Gading Mall, North Jakarta, the bank said in a statement. The center, known by its abbreviation ABC, offers a wide range of banking services, including ATM and phone banking.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir struggles in Sabah polls
Mahathir struggles in Sabah polls KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was set on Wednesday to make an 11th hour visit to Sabah state on Borneo island where he faces his first electoral test since firing his former deputy. Mahathir was to arrive late on Wednesday on his second trip in a week to the remote province, where voters go to the polls on Friday and Saturday to choose a new state assembly.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Unsolved cases
Unsolved cases There are so many unsolved cases in Indonesia, especially those which are linked to the former government. We have no doubt that Indonesia is a state based on law and justice, which is easier said than done. We often hear important government officers say that their actions are in accordance with the law and justice. But the reality is far from the truth. I hope that we have the same rights and are equal before law. Now we have a reform government.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Redefining religion at school
Redefining religion at school By A. Chaedar Alwasilah BANDUNG (JP): Idul Fitri, the Muslim day of festivities following the Ramadhan fasting month, was marked earlier this year by infighting in scattered areas which has continued. Recent clashes between believers of two major religions in Ambon, which have claimed lives and casualties, raises the question: What then is the impact of fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan on social life?
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
City, NSW govt to cooperate on $4b waste water system
City, NSW govt to cooperate on $4b waste water system JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will cooperate with the New South Wales state government in the construction and management of a large-scale waste water system worth about US$4 billion, an official said. Head of the Regional Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda) Prawoto S.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Five local paintings in international event
Five local paintings in international event JP/Aendra H. Medita BANDUNG (JP): Five paintings by local artists, which have been selected for an international competition in London in May, are on display at the Galeri Hidayat in Bandung until Saturday. The paintings, with the theme My Country in the Year 2000, are exhibited along with the works of 40 finalists of the competition sponsored by paint company Winsor & Newton.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
1,000 'becak' drivers rally at City Hall
1,000 'becak' drivers rally at City Hall JAKARTA (JP): About 1,000 pedicab (becak) drivers held a noisy protest in front of City Hall on Wednesday, demanding clarification of their legal status to operate the vehicles in the capital. Arriving in 300 pedicabs festooned with banners and the national flags, they appealed for an explanation from the city administration after several drivers were informed the three- wheeled pedicabs would be driven from the streets during March.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Golkar selects five names for presidency
Golkar selects five names for presidency JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party's three-day congress ended on Wednesday, naming five executives as presidential candidates, with incumbent President B.J. Habibie receiving the most support. Chairman Akbar Tandjung said that following a tough discussion in a plenary session, the congress finally decided on the five names with the most support. They were Habibie, Akbar, Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cook, Obasanjo meet in Nigeria
Cook, Obasanjo meet in Nigeria LAGOS, Abuja (AFP): British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook was on Wednesday expected to meet Nigeria's president-elect for talks focusing on Nigeria's reentry to the Commonwealth and Nigeria's future involvement in Sierra Leone. Cook was to meet retired general Olusegun Obasanjo at his farm at Otta, northeast of Lagos, on the second day of a two-day trip to Nigeria.
Thu, 11 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Thai rice exports to fall
Thai rice exports to fall BANGKOK (AP): Increased production from rival rice growing countries means Thailand's rice exports will fall in 1999, the manager of the Thai Rice Exporters Association said on Wednesday. Thai rice exports probably won't exceed 5.5 million tons in 1999, down from 6.3 million tons in 1998, said Somboon Pataichan, the association manager. Thailand is the world's largest rice exporter.