Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 March 1999

52 articles found

Astra CMG plans expansion

Astra CMG plans expansion JAKARTA (JP): Astra CMG Life, a joint venture life insurance company owned by the Astra Group and Colonial Limited of Australia operating in Asia as CMG, will go ahead with its expansion plan despite the country's economic crisis, the company has said.

SG downgrades RI growth

SG downgrades RI growth SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): SG Securities, despite seeing "glimmers of hope" in Indonesia, has abandoned its earlier forecast that the country's economy could grow this year.In a new report made available Thursday to Dow Jones Newswires, the Singapore-based economic research team...

Kudos to Garuda

Kudos to Garuda On Friday, Jan. 15, 1999, I was on Garuda flight GA 323 from Surabaya to Jakarta that departed at 6 p.m. from Surabaya.I had an executive-class ticket, therefore, prior to boarding the flight, I had taken advantage of the hospitality in the Garuda lounge.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Mar. 17 , 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 200 0 500 Alumindo Light Metal 350 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 125 0...

Japan's Asia import rises

Japan's Asia import rises TOKYO (AFP): Japan's imports from Asia rose in February for the first time in 14 months, the finance ministry said Thursday, offering a glimmer of recovery in the crisis-struck region.Japan's trade surplus with its Asian neighbors fell 57.3 percent to 208.

Sutiyoso saked to fulfill promise on neutrality

Sutiyoso saked to fulfill promise on neutrality JAKARTA (JP): Representatives from two political parties asked Governor Sutiyoso to carry out his promise to take over the 18 city-owned buildings currently occupied by the three political parties which existed during the Soeharto regime.

Golkar offers stability, Marzuki says

Golkar offers stability, Marzuki says JAKARTA (JP): Ruling Golkar claims it is the only party capable of maintaining political stability when a new government is formed after the general election.Golkar deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that unlike other parties,...

Madurese flee villages in West Kalimantan

Madurese flee villages in West Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Some 1,200 migrant Madurese in West Kalimantan's Pemangkat subdistrict of Sambas regency have fled their villages to avoid more clashes with locals, Antara reported on Thursday.Quoting West Kalimantan Police chief Col.

Asian markets urge private sector to increase disclosures

Asian markets urge private sector to increase disclosures HANOI (Agencies): Southeast Asia and its regional partners called on the international private sector Thursday to step up financial disclosure, which they said was crucial to avert future economic shocks.

Thailand risks remain until economy recovers

Thailand risks remain until economy recoversBy David Brunnstrom BANGKOK (Reuters): Markets have applauded Thailand's long- awaited passage of bankruptcy and foreclosure legislation but the mood could unravel unless tangible signs of economic improvement emerge soon, analysts say.

5 ministers barred from campaigning

5 ministers barred from campaigning JAKARTA (JP): Five members of the 37-strong Cabinet are prohibited from campaigning during the June 7 general election, Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus said on Wednesday.

Politicians' earnestness

Politicians' earnestnessFrom RepublikaTo Indonesians, who have just embarked on a reform drive, the problems they are now encountering are indeed tough and serious. Besides, our people also have to confront major challenges.

Mahathir fears assassination

Mahathir fears assassination KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said political opposition against him had turned into a national security problem and that even his own life is threatened, the national news agency Bernama reported on Thursday.

Legislators seek probe on bad debts

Legislators seek probe on bad debts JAKARTA (JP): The monetary authority must take to court the management of state banks suspected of violating banking rules and bad debtors who inflicted huge losses on state banks, a legislator from the ruling Golkar said on Wednesday.

BI provides bank profiles

BI provides bank profiles JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia has provided profiles of the 38 closed banks, seven nationalized and nine recapitalized banks on its Internet homepage.Data provided on the homepage -- www.bi.go.

Pelita draws with PSM, PSIS wins

Pelita draws with PSM, PSIS wins JAKARTA (JP): Pelita Bakrie played out a 1-1 draw with PSM Ujungpandang in an aggressive match in Group II of the fifth Indonesian soccer league (Ligina) playoffs at the Senayan main stadium on Thursday.

Small textile companies told to tie up with big producers

Small textile companies told to tie up with big producers JAKARTA (JP): The government is encouraging small textile- related producers, including cooperatives, to work with major producers in fulfilling their export quotas.

Ambon refugees stranded in Taliabu

Ambon refugees stranded in Taliabu JAKARTA (JP): More than 100 people fleeing sectarian violence in the Maluku capital of Ambon have been stranded in West Taliabu district, North Maluku regency, for more than a week after their boat developed engine trouble.

Antique artworks to go on the block

Antique artworks to go on the block JAKARTA (JP): Art collector J. Roy Tobing and the Tobas Group will auction off some of his best pieces at an exhibition scheduled for March 20 through March 21 at Hilton Hotel, Central Jakarta.

Minimum wages set for Mideast domestics

Minimum wages set for Mideast domestics JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Manpower announced on Wednesday minimum wages for Indonesian workers employed as domestic helpers abroad.The regulation, which follows an agreement between the Association of Indonesian Labor Exporters and its foreign partners,...

Red Cross appeals for urban poor

Red Cross appeals for urban poor JAKARTA: The International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies called Tuesday for international societies to assist the urban poor in Indonesia, Antara reported.

Indonesia wields influence in Moro conflict resolution

Indonesia wields influence in Moro conflict resolutionBy Dino Patti Djalal The following article is based on a paper presented at the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific preventive diplomacy workshop in Bangkok on Feb. 28, 1999. This is the first of two articles.

Three killed in separate incidents in E. Jakarta

Three killed in separate incidents in E. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A technical high school student was stabbed to death on Wednesday, while two other men were also killed on Thursday in separate incidents, all in Duren Sawit district, East Jakarta, a police officer said.City police spokesman Lt. Col.

Gus Dur to lead religious leaders in Ambon visit

Gus Dur to lead religious leaders in Ambon visit JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Islamic organization and several other religious leaders will visit the ravaged Maluku capital of Ambon to try to rebuild inter-religious harmony in the region.

60,000 children unable to attend school: Official

60,000 children unable to attend school: Official JAKARTA (JP): At least 60,000 children aged between seven and 15 are too poor to attend school in the capital, an official said on Thursday.Bahar Laut of the city's social and political affairs directorate, told The Jakarta Post that the children,...

U.S. investors to keep close eye on RI polls

U.S. investors to keep close eye on RI pollsBy Yenni Djahidin WASHINGTON (JP): Among foreign groups and individuals planning to monitor Indonesia's first multiparty elections in June are American business leaders with interests in Indonesia.

ASEAN-China forum forges new ties

ASEAN-China forum forges new ties KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Senior ASEAN and Chinese officials announced plans on Thursday to bolster ties through a range of economic, science and technology projects.The announcement came at the end of a two-day meeting here of the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation...

KPU passes controversial internal campaign ruling

KPU passes controversial internal campaign ruling JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU), which is in charge of preparing the June 7 poll, decided on Wednesday to allow its 53 members and the National Elections Committee (PPI) to be both party activists and legislators.

Golkar loses 19% of members in Jakarta

Golkar loses 19% of members in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The ruling Golkar has lost some 19 percent of its 1.6 million members in the capital, party secretary Fatommy Asaari said on Tuesday.According to Fatommy, many of the 300,000 ex-Golkar members had joined other parties contesting the June 7...

Banking reform

Banking reform The liquidation of 38 commercial banks was announced as an initial measure to save the national banking industry. As banks serve as the main pillars of economic activities, local banks must first be subjected to revamping before the real sector can be revived.

RI net forex reserves fall again

RI net forex reserves fall again JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's net foreign exchange reserves dropped to US$14.4 billion in the week ending on March 15 from $14.62 billion the previous week, Bank Indonesia announced on Wednesday.

Questions on bank recapitalization

Questions on bank recapitalization In many instances our present Cabinet is as obstinate as its predecessors in the old New Order regime. There has been practically no sign of change in either manner or attitude in the way the Cabinet manages state affairs, despite the demands for reform.

Gulf, Talisman test wells

Gulf, Talisman test wells DENVER (Dow Jones): Gulf Indonesia Resources Ltd and its partners reported positive results from the Corridor Production Sharing Contract area in south Sumatra, Indonesia.In a news release, the company said the Suban 3 delineation well, a 2.

Cheap tires for minivan drivers

Cheap tires for minivan drivers BOGOR (JP): The Organization of Land Transportation Company Owners (Organda) here has sold cheap tires to thousands of minivans drivers since November in a bid to ease financial stress caused by skyrocketing prices of automobile spare parts.Local office head, A.

RI, foreign banks to talk on debts

RI, foreign banks to talk on debts NEW YORK (Dow Jones): Indonesia and foreign banks will meet next week in London to negotiate the rescheduling of about US$4 billion in bank debt maturing between April 1, 1999, and Dec. 31, 2001.

11 arrested for alleged Rp 22.8b tax scam

11 arrested for alleged Rp 22.8b tax scam JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police detectives have arrested 11 people for alleged involvement in a Rp 22.8 billion (US$2.59 million) taxation scam at private company PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel), an officer said on Wednesday.

Action against provocateurs

Action against provocateursFrom DRThe recent escalation in intensity and frequency of social unrest in Maluku, West Kalimantan and some other places across the country may be the result of the government's lack of firmness and consistency in discovering and taking action against provocateurs.

E. Timor soldiers found dead

E. Timor soldiers found dead DILI, East Timor: The bodies of two Armed Forces members, who were kidnapped by an unidentified group of youths in Vemasse subdistrict in Baucau district on March 6, have been found, the military said.

Ghalib ignores impending sale of Soehartos' homes

Ghalib ignores impending sale of Soehartos' homes JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib played down on Wednesday media reports on the planned sales of three luxurious mansions in London owned by relatives of Soeharto, saying it was irrelevant to the government's investigation into the...

Edison investigating its Indonesian power project

Edison investigating its Indonesian power project NEW YORK (Dow Jones): Edison International has launched an internal investigation into its US$2.5 billion power-plant project in Indonesia, which has been plagued by charges of corruption and excessive electricity tariffs, according to people...

Debates on controversial oil and gas bill intensifies

Debates on controversial oil and gas bill intensifies JAKARTA (JP): Debates on the controversial oil and gas bill have intensified as Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto lobbies hard to win approval from the House of Representatives.

Dazing antigraft drive

Dazing antigraft drive Many people have grown more and more impatient in watching the authorities' slow steps toward clean governance. And people always get hurt because of the way the government stubbornly defends its failures.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on March 17, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,895.00 8,925.00 8,895.00 8,965.00Australian dollar 1 5,511.20 5,603.75 5,486.00 5,653.00Austrian schilling 1 705.56 716.90 - -Belgian franc 1 240.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Yayat. S, at Duta Fine Arts Foundation, Jl. Kemang Utara 55A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7990226), Tuesday to Saturday at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Monday at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until March 25.

Chicken as a crisis indicator

Chicken as a crisis indicatorBy Hermawan Sulistyo JAKARTA (JP): The country is still vulnerable to rioting and social unrest due to the worsening political economy.Besides political aspects, the deterioration of the economy since the middle of 1997 has provided conditions conducive to the...

China reassures stable yuan

China reassures stable yuan HANOI (AFP): China's central bank deputy governor on Thursday reassured his ASEAN counterparts and deputy finance ministers of China's commitment to maintaining a stable yuan.

RI bars Japanese scholar Kunio from entering

RI bars Japanese scholar Kunio from entering JAKARTA (JP): Renowned Japanese scholar Yoshihara Kunio has been refused entry into Indonesia.He was to enter the country on Sunday, an executive of the Jakarta office of the Kyoto University, Igarashi, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Privatization of state firms may yield only $381m

Privatization of state firms may yield only $381m JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is likely to raise only about US$381 million from its privatization measures in the 1998/1999 fiscal year ending March 31, a senior government official has said.

Police call on media to help fight gambling

Police call on media to help fight gambling JAKARTA (JP): A senior police officer urged local media to assist the police in efforts to abolish the mushrooming number of gambling dens in the capital instead of assisting the operators in spreading the social disease.

Crisis-hit Asia has surplus

Crisis-hit Asia has surplus LONDON (Dow Jones): The five countries worst affected by the Asian financial crisis had a combined trade surplus of US$85 billion in 1998 compared with a combined trade deficit of $15 billion the previous year, a World Trade Organization official said on Wednesday.

Oil sails higher as OPEC squeezes Asian supplies

Oil sails higher as OPEC squeezes Asian supplies SINGAPORE (Reuters): Oil prices climbed to fresh highs in Asia on Thursday as concrete evidence emerged that oil producers were implementing plans to cut world supplies by two million barrels per day, traders said.

Student activists open cafe on double-decker in city

Student activists open cafe on double-decker in cityBy Andreas Baenziger JAKARTA: The waiter, Roland, was the man who organized the student demonstrations in Indonesia's capital Jakarta nearly a year ago which triggered the events leading to the overthrow of the dictator Soeharto.