Archive: 16 March 1999
58 articles found
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank staff protest, owners mull suit
Bank staff protest, owners mull suit JAKARTA (JP): Scattered protests by bank employees greeted the weekend closure of 38 private banks here on Monday as owners of the closed banks mulled whether to sue the government over the move. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended trading on the closed banks, while the Federation of Domestic Private Banks demanded the government take concrete measures to reactivate the real sector to expedite economic recovery.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Another body found in shattered Ambon
Another body found in shattered Ambon JAKARTA (JP): One body was found on Monday as security personnel stepped up their search for weapons in the riot-torn Maluku capital of Ambon, church sources and witnesses said. Semmy Waileruni, the coordinator of a team of lawyers from the Maluku Protestant Church, told The Jakarta Post by phone from Ambon the headless corpse was found by residents in the Amahusu area on Monday morning.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt submits bill on construction services to House
Govt submits bill on construction services to House JAKARTA (JP): The government submitted on Monday the bill on construction services to the House of Representatives, which is expected to give more leverage to local construction firms. Minister of Public Works Rachmadi B. Sumadhijo said on Monday the bill would provide legal clarity to the construction industry, which contributes about 65 percent of investment value to national development.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wanted gang suspect shot dead
Wanted gang suspect shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Tangerang detectives shot dead a suspected member of a notorious gang of robbers at the latter's hideout in Lampung in southern Sumatra, early Monday. Police said the suspect Nesin, 30, who, according to the Tangerang Police records, had been involved in a series of crimes in the city since 1992, died of two bullet wounds, one to his leg and another to his chest. "He was shot because he put the officers lives in danger," Lt. Col.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Provinces demand bigger share of revenue
Provinces demand bigger share of revenue JAKARTA (JP): The governments of provinces richly endowed with natural resources have demanded bigger cuts of the revenues generated by their natural wealth, saying the present revenue- sharing is iniquitous and in favor of the central government in Jakarta.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Promodes opens retail operation despite crisis
Promodes opens retail operation despite crisis JAKARTA (JP): France's Promodes Group will push forward with expansion plans in the country despite the ongoing economic and political crises, its country representative said on Monday. Jean-Luc Montembault said it would open its third US$5 million hypermarket retail operation in Jakarta at the end of July.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Universal's credit to farmers
Universal's credit to farmers JAKARTA (JP): Bank Universal, the banking arm of the widely diversified business group Astra, agreed on Monday to channel Rp 115.36 billion (US$13.4 million) in credit to the Karya Mukti cooperative in Muara Bungo, Jambi, to support the development of oil palm smallholdings of its members.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on March 15, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Prosecutors warned in bizarre case turn
Prosecutors warned in bizarre case turn JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi warned Ujungpandang prosecutors on Monday of stirring the public's anger by demanding the release of Golkar legislator Nurdin Halid, who is on trial for corruption. Although it is the presiding judge who will hand down a verdict in the case, Muladi said the prosecutors would be held accountable by the people.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Local communities vital for wetland conservation
Local communities vital for wetland conservation By Stevie Emilia BOGOR, West Java (JP): Only a few people know that the rice they eat, the freshwater they drink or wood they use to build houses originate from the wetlands. Wetlands have been described as "the landscape's kidney" for their water purifying role and "biological supermarkets" for their provision of abundant natural resources. Indonesia is distinguished as the country with the biggest wetland area in Asia.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
FedEx wins five awards
FedEx wins five awards JAKARTA (JP): International air express company Federal Express (FedEx) announced on Monday that it had won five awards out of 37 categories in the 13th Asian Freight Industry Awards (AFIA) 1999. The company said it won the Best Global Air Cargo Carrier, the Best All Cargo Airline, the Best Logistic Operator, the Best Warehouses Operator and the Best Air Cargo Carrier for North America awards at a ceremony held in Hong Kong on Friday.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Financial chaos threat to world economy: Megawati
Financial chaos threat to world economy: Megawati SINGAPORE (AP): Financial chaos of developing nations threatens the world economy with contagion, without international trade and investment standards, Indonesian politician Megawati Sukarnoputri said on Monday. "To prevent a repeat of the Indonesian experience, I feel it is important that the leaders of the world immediately establish global standards and regulations to govern international trade and investment," Megawati said in an address.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
DHL's Asian revenues rise
DHL's Asian revenues rise JAKARTA (JP): International courier company DHL Worldwide Express announced on Monday that in spite of the economic crisis in Asia, the company recorded an increase of 15 percent in revenues from deliveries of samples, prototypes, spare parts and finished goods from Asia to the United States last year. "A sustained export performance from Asian countries has contributed to our strong result.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bees kill one kid, injure 2 others
Bees kill one kid, injure 2 others BAJAWA, East Nusa Tenggara: A child died while two others are under intensive treatment after being stung by bees last Thursday in Bajawa, Flores. Riki Dhori, 6, died two hours after being stung by a swarm of bees. Two of his friends, Oris Boko, 8, and Fulgensius Lado, 5, are being treated at the Bajawa Hospital, Pos Kupang reported Monday. The parents of the deceased said they were building a hut on their plot at the time of the incident.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ariawest's access lines up
Ariawest's access lines up JAKARTA (JP): PT Ariawest International, a joint operations partner of state telecommunications operator PT Telkom announced on Monday that a survey done by an independent appraiser revealed that the company has built 354,879 access line units in West Java. Company president John Vondras said the realization had exceeded the company's construction target of 290,000 units as of the end of March.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Restoration begins for riot-hit areas
Restoration begins for riot-hit areas JAKARTA (JP): Work to rebuild riot-hit cities such as Ambon in Maluku and Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara has begun and is expected to be completed within four months, officials say. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Haryono Suyono said the projects made use of social safety net funds at the disposal of some government offices. He did not give details of the budget available.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
3,000 under-fives suffering from malnutrition in Jakarta
3,000 under-fives suffering from malnutrition in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): At least 3,000 cases of malnutrition in children under five years old in the city have been detected during the current economic crisis, which first hit the country in 1997, an official said on Monday. The head of community health development of the city health agency, M. Husni Thamrin, said that at least 58 of the malnourished children were presently in the hospital due to complications resulting from lack of food.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Parents of dead students decry lax Semanggi probe
Parents of dead students decry lax Semanggi probe JAKARTA (JP): Parents of two students shot dead in a street rally against the government at Semanggi cloverleaf on Nov. 13, demanded the government continue investigating the tragedy, in which 14 people, mostly students, were killed. The parents of Sigit Prasetyo and Bernardus R. Norman visited the National Commission on Human Rights on Monday, asking for help to push the government to continue an inquiry into the tragedy.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Legislators open debate on clean governance bill
Legislators open debate on clean governance bill JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives kicked off on Monday its deliberation of the clean governance bill which, if passed, will have the power to force all state officials to declare their assets. The bill will also enable members of the public to provide and gain access to information on state administration. The bill was submitted to the House on Feb.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Oil price hike a new headache for Asia
Oil price hike a new headache for Asia SINGAPORE (Reuters): If global oil exporters get their way, net importer Asia will feel the bite of the highest crude prices in more than 15 months, analysts said on Monday. "For the oil importing countries of Asia, a sharp rise in the oil prices would be a significant setback for economic recovery," John Russel, managing director of Bangkok-based Petroleum Economics Ltd said.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Infrastructure development
Infrastructure development PT Krone Indonesia started producing components and systems for the development of telecommunications infrastructure in Indonesia in 1993 at its factory in Kota Bukit Indah, Purwakarta, West Java. The products are based on Krone's world famous quick connection technology LSA-Plus for copper wires.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Investors waiting for legitimate government
Investors waiting for legitimate government The economic crisis and political upheavals over the past year and a half have driven investors out of Indonesia. Economist Kwik Kian Gie questions whether investors will return to the country after the general election scheduled for June 7. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is expected soon to have a new government which surely will introduce policy changes.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Reconciliation in Ambon
Reconciliation in Ambon It is time the people of Ambon and surroundings start working side-by-side to restore peace. People outside Ambon should stop yelling slogans to incite island residents to continue fighting their own brothers and sisters. People living in Ambon should be able to restrain themselves. We must give the security apparatus a chance to restore law and order in the area. Those who violate the law must be punished; this must include misbehaving members of the security forces.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Community chiefs seek stronger bargaining stand
Community chiefs seek stronger bargaining stand JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of community representatives from across the archipelago have descended on the heart of the capital for a week-long gathering, slated to end Sunday. Informal leaders from Aceh, Kampung Naga in West Java, Irian Jaya -- referred to as West Papua by its representatives -- Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, Riau and Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi were among those who addressed talks on community rights.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian students primed for leadership
Asian students primed for leadership By Lena Rosenthal JAKARTA (JP): Not much time has passed since we witnessed the impact of student demonstrators on national political developments. Without their vigilant efforts to voice the people's aspirations, many of the rapid changes that occurred last May would not have been possible. Now more than ever Asia needs the help of its students in times of rapid political and economical developments.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Riau declaration of independence canceled
Riau declaration of independence canceled JAKARTA (JP): A group of scholars and students canceled their planned declaration of an independent state in Riau on Monday, but pressed on with their demand for a fairer division of income derived from oil exploitation in the Sumatra province.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Germany Advertisement Photograph in 1925- 1988, at Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesha 10, until March 27. * Photo Exhibition: Herve Dangla and Francois Sevreau, at Bandung Institute of Technology, Architecture Department, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 19 to April 3. Performances * European Union Music Festival, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 Bandung (Phone: 022 4212417), 8 p.m.: Quatuor Ysaye (French), March 17.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI men's double win All England title
RI men's double win All England title BIRMINGHAM, England (Agencies): Indonesia's men's doubles Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya won the All England badminton title in defeating Lee Dong-soo and Yoo Yong-sun of South Korea in straight set 15-7, 15-5 on Sunday. The Indonesian men were no match against the South Koreans where they practically dominated the field throughout the two sets.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Over 1,000 babies malnourished
Over 1,000 babies malnourished PURWAKARTA, West Java: At least 1,164 infants here are believed to be suffering from malnutrition, head of the district health office, Sam Soemadipradja, said Monday. "If their weight keeps on dropping, it means that they are malnourished," Soemadipradja said, as quoted by Antara. He noted 192 of the above infants were severely malnourished.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Two people die of cholera
Two people die of cholera UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Two have died of cholera and 567 others have been affected in Takalar regency, 70 kilometers south of Ujungpandang. The director of the Pattalassang General Hospital, Rivai Ibrahim, told The Jakarta Post Monday that the epidemic began on Feb. 24 but has only more recently become known after the provincial health agency announced its findings of affected residents.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Big chances in telecom industry
Big chances in telecom industry The Ministry of Communications' Post and Telecommunication's Director General Sasmito Dirdjo supports the notion that telecommunications is one of the industry survivors in Indonesia's crisis. Telecommunications, he said, were once considered a secondary need but are now a vital one. Another reason for their weathering the crisis is that most of the biggest telecommunications' companies are strong state-owned companies.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank Bali's properties foreclosed
Bank Bali's properties foreclosed JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta district court has ordered a foreclosure on two properties owned by Bank Bali located on Jalan Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta, and in the Bintaro Jaya residential area, southwest of here. The foreclosure was issued by Presiding Judge Djalius Amin at the request of Mrs.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso promises overhaul of parking agency revenue
Sutiyoso promises overhaul of parking agency revenue JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso promised on Monday to make a significant revision in the parking agency's revenue in the draft city budget for the 1999/2000 fiscal year. One of the major changes is the revocation of the initial plan of the city administration to help subsidize the agency to the tune of Rp 3.2 billion during the corresponding period, he told reporters following stern criticisms from the councilors concerning the subsidy plan.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
BPS closure hits bankruptcy claim against Semen Cibinong
BPS closure hits bankruptcy claim against Semen Cibinong JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta Commercial Court postponed on Monday the first hearing of a bankruptcy claim filed by Bank Papan Sejahtera (BPS) against PT Semen Cibinong due to the uncertainty over the legal status of the newly-closed bank. "I will consult with the central bank and an expert familiar with bank closures about Bank Papan's legal status. We have to continue this hearing tomorrow (Mar.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Separatism on the rise?
Separatism on the rise? With calls for independence echoing with increasing frequency across the country, it is only natural that the government reacts with unmistakable, if veiled, distaste to the growing demands for self-rule from thus far seemingly docile provinces.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Global system for mobile telephones
Global system for mobile telephones In its aim to become the largest integrated telecommunications service provider in Indonesia, Satelindo not only provides satellite services, but also a digital cellular system using Global System for mobile telecommunications (GSM) Technology, which offers subscribers total mobility. Since introducing the Satelindo GSM service in November 1994, the number of subscribers has been increasing rapidly.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
New team to draw up poll code of conduct
New team to draw up poll code of conduct JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) has set up a seven-member team, called the Team of Seven, to make a draft electoral code of conduct and stipulate internal rulings. Commission chairman Rudini said it selected seven names from the 53-member commission to form the small team on the issues. "This is led by Djuhad Mahja of the United Development Party (PPP)," he said after presiding over the commission's plenary session on Monday.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Professionalism, respect: Ericsson
Professionalism, respect: Ericsson Transfer of technology and being a technology trendsetter is a business commitment of PT Ericsson Indonesia, an international communications company. Thus it is quite natural if Ericsson dominates the market and mobile telecommunications network.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cash crisis 'lax' on environment
Cash crisis 'lax' on environment WASHINGTON (Reuters): The world financial crisis that has gutted the economies of countries such as Indonesia, Russia and Brazil is also hurting their environment, an environmental advocacy group said on Thursday. Friends of the Earth said the fallout from the crisis has led to lax environmental policies, increased logging and other harmful practices.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
PSSI to proceed with soccer playoffs in Jakarta
PSSI to proceed with soccer playoffs in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The National Police issued a permit at the eleventh hour on Monday to organizers of the Indonesian soccer league (Ligina) playoffs despite a strong fear of hooliganism. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Australian robbed in S. Jakarta
Australian robbed in S. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A 61-year-old Australian fell victim to a street crime in broad daylight when fixing a flat tire in a workshop on Jl. Adityawarman in South Jakarta on Sunday, a police officer said. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said on Monday that three robbers managed to make away with Rp 400,000 (US$42) in cash and a mobile phone from the victim, identified as Leonard John Wilde, a resident of Jl. Joko Sutono in Kebayoran Baru in South Jakarta.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
State companies banned from 'money politics'
State companies banned from 'money politics' JAKARTA (JP): The government has banned state enterprises from funding political parties, but conspicuously overlooked specifying punishment awaiting violators. In an instruction letter to all state-owned companies dated Feb. 26 but only released on Monday, State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng labeled as "money politics" financial assistance from the firms to a political party.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 15 , 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 500 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 200 -25 6,000 Alumindo Light Metal 325 25 32,000 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,450 0 1,631,500 Anwar Sierad 50 -25 10,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Muslim leader clarifies jihad call
Muslim leader clarifies jihad call JAKARTA (JP): Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid insisted on Monday jihad was not a call for war, but for struggle against carnal desires such as anger, brutality and violence. "The spirit of the call for jihad is not to harm others," said Abdurrahman in response to growing calls by Muslims for a jihad in Ambon, the riot-ravaged capital of Maluku.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fendi Hutani halts timber operations in East Timor
Fendi Hutani halts timber operations in East Timor JAKARTA (JP): PT Fendi Hutani Lestari, a timber estate firm linked to tycoon Mohamad "Bob" Hasan, has ceased operations in East Timor due to growing insecurity and political uncertainty in the province, an official said on Monday.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
NU and political party
NU and political party From Merdeka An ad in a newspaper in Jakarta said "a book is a drop of knowledge". Then it is very fortunate for anyone who possess the book Nahdlatul Ulama vis a vis negara (Nahdlatul Ulama vis a vis the state), written by Andree Feillard. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is one of the biggest social Islamic organizations besides Muhammadiyah and Al-Jam'iyatul Washliyah.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Vote on East Timor to be held in July
Vote on East Timor to be held in July JAKARTA (JP): A United Nations-organized ballot to determine if East Timorese want independence or to remain part of Indonesia will be held in July, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas announced on Monday. The direct ballot -- which he described as a direct consultation among the entire 800,000 population -- will be held in the territory. Overseas East Timorese will vote in their respective countries of residence, Alatas said.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Five hospitalized for fasting strike
Five hospitalized for fasting strike PALU, Central Sulawesi: A hunger strike by farmers and students at the provincial legislature here continued on Monday as five from 15 involved were rushed to hospital. Antara reported Monday that the five demonstrators had become unconscious after refusing food and drink for five days. They were Kisman Datuadam, 58, Haluan Tiang, 73, Robert Balia, 53, Evha, 24 and Karim Djamu, 25.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Overseas program loans 'off target'
Overseas program loans 'off target' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto said on Monday that realized overseas program loans in the 1998/1999 State Budget ending March 31 were expected to be only Rp 30.31 trillion (about US$35.5 billion), 59 percent off target due to difficulties in meeting lenders' requirements.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Opportunity for private sector in telecom
Opportunity for private sector in telecom The economic crisis has seriously impacted the business of members of the Indonesian Telecommunications Association (Apnatel). The depreciation of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar caused this because most components used in the telecommunications industry are imported and paid for in dollars. Many contracts Apnatel members have with state-owned PT Telkom and private company Telkomsel are not being renewed, causing the companies lost business.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Most Asian stock markets close higher
Most Asian stock markets close higher HONG KONG (AP): Most Asian stock markets closed higher on Monday, with the key index surging in Tokyo on reports that Nissan Motor Co. is about to forge an alliance with French carmaker Renault. Tokyo's benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 290.74 points, or 1.88 percent, to close at 15,779.60. On Friday, the average closed down 13.28 points, or 0.09 percent.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Philippine groups slam Myanmar
Philippine groups slam Myanmar MANILA (AFP): Philippine rights groups slammed Myanmar's junta on Monday for its "diplomatic offensive" to gather support for its inclusion in a dialogue between ASEAN and the European Union this month. Myanmar Foreign Minister Win Aung arrived here on Sunday for a three-day visit to rally support for the European Union to recognize the military junta, called the State Peace and Development Council.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gold design contest
Gold design contest JAKARTA (JP): Local gold jewelry designers are invited to take part in this year's Millennium Gold Design Competition organized by the World Gold Council (WGC). The competition, Gold for Eternity, is, for the first time, open to entries from 10 regions in Asia, including Indonesia. It will feature three different categories for which participants can enter their creative designs.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Farming project deviates from plan
Farming project deviates from plan TANGERANG (JP): An integrated farming project, designed to train farmers in how to run agricultural and fish farming businesses properly at Carenang village in Cisoka district here, is not running as well as expected.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Expats help starving infants
Expats help starving infants BOGOR (JP): The We Care Fund handed over five tons of rice and dozens of boxes of infant milk to needy residents of Mulyaharja village here on Saturday. Each of 509 families received 10 kilograms of rice, with 156 infants also getting three or four 300-gram boxes of powered milk each.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hun Sen meets Habibie
Hun Sen meets Habibie JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie praised visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday for the success of Cambodia's general election last July, and implied that Indonesia could learn from Cambodia when it holds its general election in June.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tommy denies car program fueled by graft
Tommy denies car program fueled by graft JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office questioned former president Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra for more than three hours on Monday over the defunct national car program. Hutomo denied allegations the widely criticized project was corrupt and designed to enrich the ruler's family.
Tue, 16 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB
Closure of Indonesian banks provokes sales of greenback
Closure of Indonesian banks provokes sales of greenback SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asia's foreign-exchange markets celebrated some rare good news by bidding up regional currencies against the U.S. dollar Monday. In Indonesia, Saturday's official announcement of 38 bank closures spurred a wave of dollar sales from onshore participants, which boosted the local currency to an intraday high more than 10 percent above the five-month low touched early Friday.