Archive: 12 March 1999
50 articles found
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
A theater of the absurd
A theater of the absurd Up until last week, very few Indonesians realized that the law on freedom of expression, endorsed by the House of Representatives and passed into law in October 1998, is as defective as a three dollar bill. And once again it took the actions of a few students to bring the truth to light. Tragically, the realization led to bloody clashes between students and security officers.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Menjaring Waktu, by Iskandar Syah, at Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Phone: 5201266), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until March 23. * Painting Exhibition: Bali-Lombok, at the Two Ends of the Rainbow, by Roger Von Gunten and Rosa Velasco (Mexican), at La Casa de Mexico, Jl. Panglima Polim III No. 13, South Jakarta, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., until March 16.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian monies come under selling pressure
SE Asian monies come under selling pressure SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The U.S. dollar's break below Y120 in New York dealing failed to lend any support to Southeast Asia's currencies, most of which saw more selling pressure during Asian trading hours on Thursday. Traders and analysts cited a number of forces driving the rupiah's slide, as the U.S. dollar extended its run above Rp 9,000 for a second day, briefly trading to an intraday high of Rp 9,550.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
What causes ethnic violence?
What causes ethnic violence? The foreign media and the Indonesian government seem to have the same misconceptions about the causes of recent ethnic violence in Ambon, Maluku, and several other islands. The International Herald Tribune, quoting European and American wire services, has reported on "religious riots", and the Indonesian government has sent in additional troops. Religious leaders have called for calm.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Military takes control in Ambon
Military takes control in Ambon JAKARTA (JP): The military took over riot control in Ambon from police on Thursday as sporadic clashes in the city continued, witnesses and a senior police officer said. Lt. Col. Riswadi, head of the Maluku Police's command post, told The Jakarta Post by phone from Ambon that Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto ordered the transfer of authority to cope with the continuing clashes.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on March 11, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Factions supports bill to ease up Pertamina's grip
Factions supports bill to ease up Pertamina's grip JAKARTA (JP): Most factions in the House of Representatives expressed support on Thursday for the government's proposed oil and gas bill, which would end state oil and gas company Pertamina's three-decade long monopoly of the country's oil and gas sector. However, they warned the government against liberalizing the sector too quickly, fearing such a move could lead to foreign companies dominating the country's oil and gas sector.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Middlemen' cheated villagers out of electricity supply
'Middlemen' cheated villagers out of electricity supply BOGOR (JP): Many villagers in the Bogor area attempting to get an electricity supply to their homes have been cheated by middlemen, an executive of the state electricity firm PT PLN said on Thursday.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Twelve racers compete in Formula Asia in Sentul
Twelve racers compete in Formula Asia in Sentul JAKARTA (JP): Twelve drivers will compete in the first leg of the Gudang Garam Formula Asia auto racing national championship to be held at the Sentul circuit, near Bogor, March 13-14. The circuit's spokeswoman Lola said on Wednesday that the 12 local drivers have participated in a number of Formula Asia races in Indonesia.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
A new cafe at Metropolitan II
A new cafe at Metropolitan II JAKARTA (JP): Mata Bar and Cafe, a new cafe on the 16th floor of Wisma Metropolitan II on Jl. Sudirman in South Jakarta is scheduled to start operations on Friday. The grand opening of the cafe will be held at 7 p.m. in a ceremony to be attended by several high-ranking officials, including State Minister of Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng, Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture Marzuki Usman and Governor Sutiyoso.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
FedEx pledges to maintain services in Indonesia
FedEx pledges to maintain services in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): International courier company Federal Express (FedEx) said on Thursday it had no plans to reduce its five-day-a-week direct flights to Indonesia despite the country's gloomy economic outlook. Harsha E. Joesoef, president of FedEx's Indonesian affiliate PT Repex Perdana International, said the company would maintain its flights in order to take advantage of the growing exports from the country.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Taking Soeharto to court
Taking Soeharto to court Former president Soeharto has once again come under the spotlight of public attention. Legislators in the House of Representatives' Commission I have urged the attorney general to step up the questioning of Pak Harto to the level of a formal investigation, and even asked that the step be taken this very week. The presence of the former head of state in court to account for his past policies would certainly have major implications.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt predicts budget deficit of Rp 500b this fiscal year
Govt predicts budget deficit of Rp 500b this fiscal year JAKARTA (JP): The government expects a budget deficit of Rp 500 billion (about US$58 million) for the 1998/1999 fiscal year ending on March 31, Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto said here on Thursday. Bambang said that actual revenues were expected to be around Rp 215.1 trillion, 18.5 percent lower than budgeted, while actual spending was estimated at Rp 215.6 trillion, 18.3 percent lower than planned.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fishermen riot in Cilacap
Fishermen riot in Cilacap CILACAP, Central Java: A riot erupted late Wednesday involving at least 200 fishermen in the Adipala district, who claimed waste from a plant contaminated the nearby river, destroying thousands of fish. A number of buildings on factory grounds of the state-run mining company PT Aneka Tambang were destroyed. Dozens of pipes, roof tiles and diesel machines were damaged. Cilacap Police chief Lt. Col.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
ICW links Soeharto to city water deal
ICW links Soeharto to city water deal JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) urged the government on Thursday to investigate former president Soeharto for alleged involvement in a Jakarta tap water deal which reportedly caused the state Rp 4.98 trillion (US$554 million) in losses.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Amien Rais: A new political paradigm for Indonesia's future
Amien Rais: A new political paradigm for Indonesia's future By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): It is refreshing to hear Amien Rais speak frankly about critical matters facing Indonesia. Not only is he direct in explaining the issues, he also brings coherency to the topics. This shows that he has given a lot of thought to Indonesia's future development. He definitely must give more consideration to Indonesia's future economic reforms and policies.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 11, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 -50 500 Alumindo Light Metal 300 0 5,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,450 25 1,673,000 Anwar Sierad 75 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Singapore court rejects Bank Bali unit loan case
Singapore court rejects Bank Bali unit loan case SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore's highest court has in effect dismissed a suit over a loan default filed against an Indonesian businessman currently living in Singapore, saying that Singapore isn't the place the case should be heard. The Singapore Court of Appeals issued a "stay," halting proceedings in the case in which nine Hong Kong-based creditors -- mostly Hong Kong units of Indonesian banks -- had sued Bambang Sutrisno.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Alatas defends RI's policy on East Timor
Alatas defends RI's policy on East Timor By Imanuddin NEW YORK (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas defended here on Wednesday Indonesia's rejection of a referendum as a means to settle the East Timor problem.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Lawyers call for halt of Soeharto probe
Lawyers call for halt of Soeharto probe JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers for former president Soeharto on Thursday demanded at the Attorney General's Office that the inquiry into the veteran former ruler be stopped while hundreds of pro-Soeharto protesters demonstrated outside. Lawyers Muhammad Assegaf, Denny Kailimang, Syamsul Hadi, Juan Felix Tampubolon, Indriyanto Seno Adji, Victor Sulaiman Siregar and Aibrah Said delivered a "Letter of Legal Opinion" to demand that Attorney General A.M.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt to ease entry of foreign observers
Govt to ease entry of foreign observers JAKARTA (JP): The government pledged on Thursday to ease immigration procedures for foreigners who will watch over the June 7 general election, but warned them against favoring an individual party or presidential candidate. Minister of Justice Muladi said after a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Stapleton Roy that foreign poll observers deserved the special treatment because of their pivotal role during the multiparty elections.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Village office burned in Bali
Village office burned in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: The office of Lembongan village in Klungkung regency in Bali, around 20 kilometers southeast of Denpasar, was set on fire early Thursday by unidentified people. Klungkung regent Tjokorda Ngurah was quoted by Antara as saying that the culprits could have been parties who were dissatisfied with the re-election of the village head, I Nyoman Embon. "Dissatisfied residents should express what they want through legal channels," he said. No one was hurt.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie dismisses concern over poll clashes
Habibie dismisses concern over poll clashes JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie dismissed on Thursday fears the number of parties set to contest the polls and the limited time available for preparations would trigger conflict and political instability. "We must let go of the past paradigm and perception that the presence of many political parties poses a barrier or a threat," he said after inaugurating members of the General Election Committee (KPU) at Merdeka Palace.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie must visit Ambon, says scholar Nurcholish
Habibie must visit Ambon, says scholar Nurcholish JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie must visit the destroyed Ambon capital of Maluku as the disorder has degenerated into a national-scale problem, renowned scholar Nurcholish Madjid said on Thursday. "Habibie has to show his good will and put an end to the people's misery," Nurcholish told The Jakarta Post. "He could go to other places... so why not to Ambon? Horrible things have happened.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI's GDP may shrink 4.1% in 1999: Poll
RI's GDP may shrink 4.1% in 1999: Poll JAKARTA (Reuters): Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to shrink a further 4.13 percent this year after plunging 13.68 percent in 1998, according to a Reuters poll of 10 research houses. But its economy is forecast to recover in 2000, growing about 1.78 percent, according to the average forecast for that year.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian economic view brighter: Poll
Asian economic view brighter: Poll SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian countries appear to be hauling themselves out of their economic slump but progress is patchy, a Reuters poll of more than 100 research units shows. The survey, which excluded Japan, showed that on the whole expectations had turned a bit more bullish. Economic forecasts for this year were improved for nine out of 13 countries, compared with data from a similar poll in December.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank Bali responds
Bank Bali responds I would like to thank Mr. Rahul Kapur for his valuable input concerning the Bali Dolar (Dollar episode, The Jakarta Post, Feb. 20, 1999). Please accept our apologies for all the inconvenience you have experienced. The problem arose purely as a result of misunderstanding. However, the case has been settled by paying the balance of US$100 in banknotes to Mr. Rahul Kapur, and the remaining $90 in rupiah. We hope Mr. Rahul is satisfied with the settlement.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Dragon dance and lion dance
Dragon dance and lion dance Being an ethnic Chinese who has been deprived of my cultural link to my ancestors for the last three decades, I am indebted to Mr. Edi Petebang who has boldly pulled off the shroud covering the cultural heritage of the Chinese Indonesians (The Jakarta Post, March 6, 1999, "Banned dragon dance reappears amid changing political climate"). Let me point out the discrepancies between the dragon dance and barongsai. Barongsai is what we call the lion dance.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Raising funds to send the classics on tour
Raising funds to send the classics on tour By Lena Rosenthal JAKARTA (JP): Classical music, universally appreciated for its beauty and earning considerable recognition around the world, surprisingly does not have a large appreciative audience in Indonesia.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Bajaj' passenger wounds driver
'Bajaj' passenger wounds driver JAKARTA (JP): A bajaj (three-wheeled motorized pedicab) driver suffered thigh and severe hand wounds after a passenger slashed him with a sharp weapon in a fare dispute in Cempaka Baru, Central Jakarta, early on Thursday. Local police identified the driver as Ahmad Jaelani, 25, a resident of Jl. Haji Ung in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, who became involved in an altercation with Noval Ashar, 27, of Jl. Sumur Batu Raya in Cempaka Baru.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bullets found in Bagansiapiapi
Bullets found in Bagansiapiapi PEKANBARU, Riau: Ten thousand bullets have been found by a construction worker in Bagansiapi-api in the Bengkalis region here, Antara reported Thursday. Spokesman for the Riau Police, Maj. S. Pandiangan said here that the worker had been digging a hole one meter deep for a building foundation when the bullets were found. The finding has also been reported to the local military command.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
New smoking regulations to be enacted this month
New smoking regulations to be enacted this month JAKARTA (JP): The government's new regulation on smoking is in its final draft, the director general of food and drug supervision at the Ministry of Health, Sampurno, said on Thursday. He said that the regulation, expected to be enacted later this month, would cover, among other things, increasing the number of smoke-free areas in the country and guidelines for the placement of more effective warning labels on cigarette packages.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir chases votes in Sabah
Mahathir chases votes in Sabah KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criss-crossed the remote eastern state of Sabah on Thursday in an 11th-hour bid to win his first electoral test since sacking his former deputy. Mahathir traveled more than 400 kilometers by helicopter north of Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, to meet voters. But he had to cancel a similar journey to the east due to bad weather.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Singapore downplays Indonesia allegations
Singapore downplays Indonesia allegations By Raj Rajendran SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore likes to punch above its weight in world affairs, but for now the city state is avoiding a scuffle with its huge, restive neighbor, Indonesia. Stung by Indonesian accusations that it is a racist speck on the map -- extraordinary slurs by Southeast Asia's polite standards -- Singapore has turned the other cheek. Indonesian President B.J.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Commodity exchange firm accused of fraud
Commodity exchange firm accused of fraud JAKARTA (JP): A group of 10 people, who claim they were cheated by a local commodity exchange firm, visited city council on Thursday to lodge a complaint. Spokesperson Sucipto said he and his friends and a great number of other people, had lost billions of rupiah after being deceived by Central Jakarta firm PT Satria Nugraha Sejati (SNS).
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Export promotion helps small firms
Export promotion helps small firms JAKARTA (JP): An export promotion drive introduced recently by the National Agency for Export Development in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program has helped at least 100 small and medium-scale companies. NAFED's chief Gusmardi Bustami said here on Thursday that many of the companies, mostly handicraft producers, have won orders to sell their products overseas.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Beating of students
Beating of students From Merdeka We wish to express our deep concern over the violent act committed by the security apparatus against our fellow students in Jakarta (March 4), making a number of students victims. This arbitrary act by the security apparatus has only served to prove to us that the Armed Forces (ABRI) still cannot assume the position of a neutral party.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
ARCO says RI to remain leading LNG supplier
ARCO says RI to remain leading LNG supplier SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia will remain well placed as the leading liquefied natural gas supplier in Asia-Pacific when the region emerges from the economic crisis, Herb Vogel, a senior official with ARCO Indonesia Inc., told Dow Jones Newswires.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie's nomination could backfire on Golkar: Experts
Habibie's nomination could backfire on Golkar: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party's decision to name B.J. Habibie as a prospective presidential candidate is likely to backfire for the country and its own political fortunes, observers concluded on Thursday. Gadjah Mada University political scientist Riswandha Imawan said Habibie's nomination would cost Golkar -- newly relaunched as a party from its former status as functional group -- its painstaking efforts to make amends for past faults.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Corruption-free government key to recovery: Economist
Corruption-free government key to recovery: Economist JAKARTA (JP): A new and clean government resulting from the general election in June, the first since long-reigning president Soeharto stepped down last May, is the key to Indonesia's economic recovery, an economist has said.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
PKB, PDI Perjuangan 'coalition possible'
PKB, PDI Perjuangan 'coalition possible' JAKARTA (JP): Political observer Nurcholish Madjid said on Wednesday a coalition of "anti-status quo" parties comprising Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Abdurrahman Wahid's National Awakening Party (PKB) was possible.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
PLN tower project under attack
PLN tower project under attack TANGERANG (JP): Members of 20 families from Cibogo Kulon village in the Kelapa Dua area here have demanded state-owned electricity firm PT PLN immediately cancel its plan to build a 150-kilovolt electricity tower in their neighborhood. Speaking to the media on Thursday, senior resident Lusiana said villagers were concerned the tower would pose a health risk and lower land values. She charged PLN never requested permission to build the tower.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
North Aceh students demand referendum demands
North Aceh students demand referendum demands JAKARTA (JP): About 2,000 students in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, marched to the regional council demanding a referendum to determine whether the province wished to remain in Indonesia or break away. A local correspondent reported that banners were installed around the council emphasizing the importance of a referendum to settle problems in the troubled province.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt set to close 31 banks tomorrow
Govt set to close 31 banks tomorrow JAKARTA (JP): The government is expected Saturday to close down 31 insolvent banks and to take over at least 11 others under a massive multi-billion dollar restructuring program. A government source familiar with the bank clean-up process said that the number was much larger than the 17 originally recommended for closure by the monetary authorities.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Parties demand officials stay neutral in polls
Parties demand officials stay neutral in polls JAKARTA (JP): Political parties eligible to contest the June 7 general election have demanded that the city administration proves its neutrality during the upcoming campaign period as promised by Governor Sutiyoso. Representatives of 47 out of the 48 poll contestants said on Wednesday night that the administration's neutrality was badly needed to help create peaceful campaign conditions.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Female candidate for Mataram mayor
Female candidate for Mataram mayor MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Baiq Diyah Ratu Ganefi, 37, is the first known female candidate for mayor in West Nusa Tenggara. Antara reported Thursday she was running for the mayor's position in Mataram, for the period of 1999 to 2004. Baiq Diyah, a lawyer, said she was both surprised and proud on becoming a candidate, adding she had no idea who had proposed her name.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Two armed robbers apprehended
Two armed robbers apprehended JAKARTA (JP): Two street criminals armed with sharp weapons were apprehended by passers-by at different locations in the capital on Wednesday thanks to the alerting screams of the victims. Another crook managed to escape from the crowd. The incidents took place at Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta and Jl. Mangga Besar in the Taman Sari area of West Jakarta respectively, city police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said on Thursday.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Supersemar anniversary passes unnoticed
Supersemar anniversary passes unnoticed JAKARTA (JP): "Do you know what's not reported at all in the newspapers today?" a senior journalist here quizzed his colleagues on Thursday, March 11. "Supersemar!" he replied in the absence of response. He was referring to the historic executive order signed by founding president Sukarno on March 11, 1966, in which he ordered the then commander of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command Lt. Gen.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Chaos threatens June 7 polls
Chaos threatens June 7 polls By Hermawan Sulistyo JAKARTA (JP): The potential for further riots and other social disturbances, complicated by the current cloud of political uncertainty, has made some observers doubt whether the general election, scheduled for June 7, can in fact be held. The elections are not only threatened by direct political causes, such as party affiliations, but also social turmoil and the aspirations of the people.
Fri, 12 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Haj visas possible for green passport-holders: Ambassador
Haj visas possible for green passport-holders: Ambassador JAKARTA (JP): Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdullah Abdurrahman Alim said on Wednesday that with the approval of the Indonesian government his embassy would grant visas to Indonesian haj pilgrims using ordinary green passports rather than the special haj passport. Speaking to reporters after meeting with President B.J.