Archive: 1 April 1999
53 articles found
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Singapore's top general meets Habibie
Singapore's top general meets Habibie JAKARTA (JP): Regular joint military exercises between Indonesian and Singapore will continue as scheduled despite economic difficulties faced by the two countries, Singaporean armed forces chief Lt. Gen. Bey Soo Chiang said on Wednesday. The joint exercises are strong proof of the good relations between the two countries, Bey said.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
More people die from diarrhea
More people die from diarrhea KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Six more people have died of diarrhea-related conditions in remote villages affected by flooding in the province, bringing the death toll to 16 since contaminated water supplies became prevalent early this month. A staffer at the South Central Timor health office, Otniel Nomeni, told Antara on Wednesday the latest fatalities were from Tuakole village.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt to scrap draconian subversion law
Govt to scrap draconian subversion law JAKARTA (JP): The government moved on Wednesday to discard the infamous 1963 Subversion Law, but proposed its replacement with inclusion of six new articles on "crimes against the state" in the Criminal Code. Minister of Justice Muladi told a House of Representatives plenary session the additional articles would accommodate elements of the law "which are still relevant".
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Basic education for children
Basic education for children I arrived at a big television station in Jakarta holding a copy of a videotape, which contains a documentary showing the results of the implementation of basic education in Brazil. All the way to that important television station I was looking at the people, especially the young people on the streets, thinking ahead to the future, how people could be better with more basic education, such as respecting each other, the differences of race, religion and behavior.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Scholarships for Bandung students
Scholarships for Bandung students BANDUNG: Telecommunications company PT Nynex Indonesia has awarded US$25,000 in scholarships to Bandung Institute of Technology and the Institute of Telecommunications Technology. The vice president of Asia/Pacific Bell Atlantic, John Lack, on behalf of PT Nynex Indonesia, said in the award ceremony last week that the scholarship fund "demonstrates a clear commitment from Bell Atlantic Foundation to assist local communities".
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Three killed in raging river
Three killed in raging river SEMARANG: Three villagers drowned in the raging Elo river in Magelang regency, some 60 kilometers south of here, on Tuesday. Rescue workers found the bodies of Suyanti, 18, Rudi Prabowo, 17, and Kohar, 40, all from Mungkid village, in the river's estuary. Witnesses said they slipped into the river while walking along its bank. The river overflowed following hours of heavy rain which drenched parts of the province.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fresh violence rocks Maluku
Fresh violence rocks Maluku JAKARTA (JP): Fresh communal violence erupted on Wednesday in the Southeast Maluku town of Tual, where at least seven people were wounded by bullets, arrows and machetes. Roy Taha, a Muslim resident, told The Jakarta Post by phone from Tual, some 540 kilometers southeast of the provincial capital of Ambon, that the clashes started before dawn and forced thousands of residents to flee to a number of nearby military installations. "The clashes broke out at 4 a.m.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta condominium market remains bleak: Consultant
Jakarta condominium market remains bleak: Consultant JAKARTA (JP): Sales in Jakarta's condominium market are projected to remain stagnant over the next six months due to expected political and social tension ahead of the general and presidential elections. Property consultant Procon Indah, in association with Jones Lang LaSalle, said on Wednesday that in the long term, consumers purchasing power must first be restored for condominium sales to improve.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Goro indictments to be heard soon
Goro indictments to be heard soon JAKARTA (JP): The indictments of the former chief of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), Beddu Amang, and a senior executive at wholesaler PT Goro Batara Sakti, Ricardo Gelael, will be heard at the South Jakarta District Court on Monday next week, a judge said on Wednesday. Judge Samsoeddin A.B. said the indictment of businessman Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, would be heard the following week.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian bond spreads flat
Asian bond spreads flat HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Spreads on benchmark Asian bonds are mostly flat on Wednesday from a week ago, with traders reporting little activity ahead of a long holiday weekend in several major trading centers. And although Standard & Poor's Corp. cut Indonesia's debt rating Tuesday to SD, signifying selective default, the market was left mostly unmoved, even when the ratings agency reversed its move the next day and restored Indonesia's previous triple-C- plus rating.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI team optimistic about Davis Cup
RI team optimistic about Davis Cup JAKARTA (JP): The country's Davis Cup squad, despite its inexperience, is confident of its chances against the Philippines in the Group II Asia Oceania zone semifinal this weekend. Suwandi, who will likely play first singles, said his absence from international tournaments in recent years would not be a hindrance. "I've been absent for two years but I don't have any problem with my fighting spirit.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
IRRI boosts rice output
IRRI boosts rice output MANILA (AFP): The declining productivity of Asia's intensively irrigated rice fields could be reversed by using new nutrient management techniques, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said Wednesday. IRRI said its "site-specific integrated, nutrient management approach", applied in 207 farms in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, had increased rice yields in many of the areas.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
BII issues rights shares
BII issues rights shares JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Internasional Indonesia has gained approval from its shareholders to issue up to 62.1 million rights shares to raise funds for financing its recapitalization program. The bank announced on Wednesday it expected to raise about Rp 7.76 trillion (about US$914 million) from the sale of the series B shares, to be priced at Rp 125 apiece.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI futures exchange legally well prepared
RI futures exchange legally well prepared JAKARTA (JP): Preparations to put the country's long-awaited commodities futures exchange into operation are nearing completion as the necessary legal infrastructure has been put in place. Arifin Lumban Gaol, chairman of the Indonesian Commodities Exchange Agency (Bapebti), said here on Wednesday that President B.J. Habibie had issued Government Regulation No. 9/1999, which sets the operational guidelines for the exchange, as mandated by law No. 32/1997.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
YLKI chief welcomes new consumers bill
YLKI chief welcomes new consumers bill JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) hailed the endorsement of the Consumers Bill by legislators and urged the speedy issuance of government regulations to support its implementation. Tini Hadad, the foundation chairwoman, said in a statement on Wednesday that "after fighting (alone) for 18 years, the time has come for the YLKI to say 'welcome'" to the bill endorsed on Tuesday.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
GSM-XL, BCA in cooperation
GSM-XL, BCA in cooperation JAKARTA (JP): Cellular phone operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama, the operator of GSM-XL, announced on Wednesday that Pro-XL prepaid card subscribers now could refill their cards at Bank Central Asia's (BCA) 1,800 automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout the country. The company's sales and marketing director, Kusnadi Sukarja, said the new service would be effective beginning April 5.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police separate from Armed Forces today
Police separate from Armed Forces today JAKARTA (JP): The structural separation of the National Police from the Armed Forces (ABRI) will mark the police's first step to become a more independent force, Minister of Defense and Security/ABRI Commander Gen. Wiranto said on Wednesday. In a speech marking the separation, relayed live on television and radio, Wiranto said the separation was an important part of wide-ranging reforms planned under ABRI's new sociopolitical paradigm.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Protesting students appeal court ruling
Protesting students appeal court ruling JAKARTA (JP): One hundred and ten students who were pronounced guilty of conducting an illegal rally announced on Wednesday they would appeal the Central Jakarta District Court's ruling. Each were ordered to pay a Rp 2,250 fine as punishment. The students, grouped under the Student Action Front for Reform and Democracy (Famred), said they would file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Trisakti students injured in clash with riot troops
Trisakti students injured in clash with riot troops JAKARTA (JP): Nine students from Trisakti University and a university security guard were badly wounded by riot troops in a clash in a street rally held on Wednesday in front of the Ministry of Defense and Security in Central Jakarta. Two of the wounded students were women. The university security officer, Riswadi, was assigned to help supervise the students' protest.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Proper placement of flags urged
Proper placement of flags urged TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Regency has made an urgent plea to the local municipality office to issue guidelines on the posting of stickers, posters, banners and flags of political parties contesting the June elections, an official said on Wednesday. Regency spokesman Slamet Putranto told reporters that guidelines were badly needed in his area to help curb the ongoing "war of attributes" of the 48 political parties in the area.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Good faith missing in campaign rift
Good faith missing in campaign rift Should Cabinet ministers be involved in election campaigns? This question has turned into a battle between President B.J. Habibie and the General Elections Commission (KPU). Political scientist J. Soedjati Djiwandono sees it as an indication of the unwillingness of the government to conduct total reform.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta is unprepared for New Year festival
Jakarta is unprepared for New Year festival By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Local authorities, hoteliers, entertainment park operators, and publishers in the capital are yet to make any special arrangements to usher in the next millennium. Interviewed separately by The Jakarta Post on Tuesday and Wednesday, they said they were currently focusing their activities on politics, particularly the June general election.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Power elite and little people
Power elite and little people From Pikiran Rakyat It is certain that political campaigns will precede the June general election. I appeal to the little people like myself not to overact during the campaigns by behaving recklessly. Such actions will trigger physical clashes and end in accidents. Remember that it is we, the little people, who will be the victims. Also remember to refuse to be pitted against each other by the political elite.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nokia opens new sales center
Nokia opens new sales center JAKARTA (JP): Nokia Mobile Phones Indonesia, a subsidiary of Finnish mobile phone producer Nokia, opened on Wednesday its new Nokia Professional Center outlet in Plaza Indonesia. The general manager of Nokia Mobile Phones Indonesia, Alexander Lambeek, said the new outlet, its seventh such outlet in the country, was facilitated by PT Bimasakti Usindo Persada, also known as Graha Nokia, a Nokia distributor.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
NATO propaganda
NATO propaganda I am very sad and disappointed that my favorite newspaper in the last four years, The Jakarta Post, is giving in under pressure from NATO propaganda. In the March 31 issue of the Post, on the front page you have featured a strange title to a compilation of Reuters and other agencies news: Serbs attack Pristina and Kosovo valley.
Thu, 01 Apr 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), until May 17. * Sculptures Exhibition: The Mythology of Wood, by I Made Sutedja, in Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., until April 16. Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, Nusa Dua (Phone: 0361 771210): - Budaya Cultural Theatre: Ramayana Balet, Tuesday, 8 p.m., Legong Dance, Friday, 8 p.m.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
KPU urged to revise campaign code of conduct
KPU urged to revise campaign code of conduct JAKARTA (JP): Observers urged the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Wednesday to revise its election campaign Code of Conduct, which allows rallies in public places without limiting the number of participants. "It's not too late for the KPU to ban rallies to avoid violence among party followers.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Car exports surge as local makers look overseas
Car exports surge as local makers look overseas JAKARTA (JP): Vehicle exports may jump to 15,000 cars this year, from 8,000 cars in 1998, as most car makers opt for an overseas market to avoid the domestic slump, a senior automotive analyst has said. Suhari Sargo said most car makers were focusing on foreign markets as political uncertainty would likely continue to drag down domestic sales.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Freeport's expansion plan gets govt approval
Freeport's expansion plan gets govt approval JAKARTA (JP): The government has officially approved PT Freeport Indonesia's plan to increase its ore output to 300,000 tons per day (tpd) from the current 160,000 tpd, an official at the Ministry of Mines and Energy said on Wednesday. Director General of Mining Rozik B. Soetjipto, said the approval was awarded to the company in a letter issued by his office dated March 12 this year, but the approval was effective today.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Alleged instigator of Bogor brawl surrenders
Alleged instigator of Bogor brawl surrenders BOGOR (JP): One of three people suspected of causing last Friday's street brawl, which led to 14 students drowning in Cisadane River, gave himself up to local police on Tuesday. Head of the Bogor Police detectives, Capt. Wahyu Hadiningrat, said on Wednesday that Ismail, a student counselor of Jakarta's SPM Adhitama maritime high school, surrendered to the police. He was accompanied by school staff member Tugirin.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hamzah may quit Cabinet to campaign for PPP
Hamzah may quit Cabinet to campaign for PPP JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Investment Hamzah Haz said on Wednesday he was prepared to resign if the General Elections Commission's (KPU) controversial ruling to bar Cabinet ministers from campaigning prevails. Hamzah said as chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) his involvement is necessary during the campaign period scheduled from May 19 through June 4.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
No paper
No paper In observance of Good Friday, The Jakarta Post will not be published tomorrow. The Post will appear again on Saturday. -- Publisher
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
A German journey through advertising
A German journey through advertising By Kafil Yamin BANDUNG (JP): Good advertisements can succeed in creating an enduring "product image". The man in the street may feel he is a real gentleman not because his Gudang Garam cigarettes have great flavor, but because the product's advertisement proclaims they are the rokoknya lelaki (the man's cigarette).
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta happy with no-street campaigns
Jakarta happy with no-street campaigns JAKARTA (JP): The city administration and all provincial chapters of political parties contesting the June general election here praised the General Elections Commission's (KPU) ruling banning campaign rallies in the streets. Governor Sutiyoso told reporters on Tuesday he was happy with KPU's decision as it would limit the possibility of clashes between party supporters during the street rallies. "It (the ruling) is very good, indeed.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Carter meets local poll watchdogs
Carter meets local poll watchdogs JAKARTA (JP): Former United States president Jimmy Carter met with leading poll watchers here on Wednesday to discuss plans to monitor the June 7 election process, a national poll monitor coordinator said. "Carter will lead a group of international poll monitoring observers consisting of 70 representatives from various countries to assure democratic, free and fair elections," Todung Mulya Lubis, a poll monitoring coordinator, said Wednesday.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Notice
Notice We do not carry a stocks table and rupiah conversion rates on this page because the local financial markets were shut down on Wednesday for end of 1998/1999 fiscal year account-squaring. -- Editor
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Grosbeak pays $215m for Pelindo stake
Grosbeak pays $215m for Pelindo stake JAKARTA (JP): The government has sold 51 percent of newly established container port operator PT Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) to Grosbeak Pte Ltd, a unit of Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa, for US$215 million in cash. The government announced on Wednesday that it would grant Grosbeak a 20-year concession period to operate two container terminals at Tanjung Priok Port, the country's largest and busiest seaport.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Retailers suffer Rp 40b losses due to shoplifting
Retailers suffer Rp 40b losses due to shoplifting JAKARTA (JP): Shoplifting caused Rp 40 billion (US$4.6 million) in losses to 342 retailers across the country last year, the Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo) revealed on Wednesday as it urged law enforcers to crack down on the crime. Association executive director Kustarjono Prodjolalito told a news gathering the amount was part of Rp 100 billion in total losses, which also included employee theft and rejected items.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
20 infants die of malnutrition
20 infants die of malnutrition PADANG, West Sumatra: At least 20 infants aged under five have died of malnutrition in the past three months, an irony to the fact that the province has long enjoyed a surplus in rice output. Inspector General of Development Fuad Rasyid told local officials during his recent visit here that he could hardly believe the high death toll of malnourished children, second only to West Java. "Being a West Sumatra native, I'm very concerned about this contradiction.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Photo Exhibition: Metis, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until April 10. Film * French Film, at CCCL - French Cultural Center: La Voie est Libre, until April 2. Chacun cherce son chat, until April 5. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - The Tavern Pub: Streamline Band, Monday to Friday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting and Art Works Auction at the Balindo exhibition hall, Menara Citibank Pondok Indah, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah Kav. IIBA, South Jakarta, April 3 to April 4. * Photo Exhibition: Revolution, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), daily except Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., until April 11. * Charity Photo Exhibition: A Glance at Indonesia by Paco Corral, at the Gran Melia Hotel, Jl. H.R.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Persebaya pledges to play hard against PSMS in 1st semifinal
Persebaya pledges to play hard against PSMS in 1st semifinal JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Persebaya Surabaya and home favorite Persija Jakarta will play aggressively in the soccer league (Ligina) semifinals on Thursday at the Senayan main stadium. Persebaya, which aims to break the jinx of winning the title once every decade, will face the 1995 champion PSMS Medan in the first match. Persija, hoping to win its first title in the league, will then face underdog PSIS.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Some Sambas refugees seek 'special places'
Some Sambas refugees seek 'special places' JAKARTA (JP): A senior ulema urged the government on Wednesday to not only attend to the physical needs of about 21,000 Madurese refugees from Sambas in West Kalimantan, but to also facilitate their necessary romantic activities. H.A. Malik, chairman of the West Kalimantan chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), said he has received several complaints from married refugees who say they feel restricted.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia picked as feature nation for PATA event
Indonesia picked as feature nation for PATA event JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will be a feature country at the 1999 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart, to be held at the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center on April 13 to April 16. Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (BPPI) Pontjo Sutowo said on Wednesday that as a feature country Indonesia would act as a host for the event, even though the venue is in Singapore.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Electric 'wayang' performance
Electric 'wayang' performance This is a correction to "Wayang performance shows art in new light" (The Jakarta Post, March 26, 1999). The March 13 premiere of the performance Wayang listrik -- Tirtha Amertha (Electric Wayang -- Holy Water) was sponsored by the Dyatmika Sekar Bawana foundation. The Dyatmika Elementary School (SD) is not "particularly for expatriate children" but rather an Indonesian, bilingual school.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI's March oil prices surge
RI's March oil prices surge TOKYO (Dow Jones): Unofficial prices for Indonesian crude grades for March have all jumped from official February levels, according to industry calculations released late Tuesday. Price increases ranged from US$1.42 a barrel to $1.57/barrel. Indonesia's state-owned oil company Pertamina has yet to approve the calculations as official Indonesian Crude Price figures.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
KONI chairman names officials for 1999-2003
KONI chairman names officials for 1999-2003 JAKARTA (JP): The newly reappointed chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI), Wismoyo Arismunandar, announced at his office on Wednesday officials of KONI for the 1999/2003 period. Wismoyo was elected for a second term in the national congress here in February.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Student stabbed to death in brawl
Student stabbed to death in brawl JAKARTA (JP): A senior student of a Bekasi technical high school was stabbed to death on Monday, allegedly by students from another technical high school. Student from the two schools have been involved in brawls before. Police on Tuesday identified the victim as Asep bin Suhardi, 18, a student of private STM Kedung Waringin. "Asep died of multiple stab wounds, including severe wounds to the rear of his head," city police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Oil bill decried as only aiding foreigners
Oil bill decried as only aiding foreigners JAKARTA (JP): Economic consultancy firm Econit Advisory Group declared on Wednesday the proposed law on oil and gas would only benefit foreign companies and backtracked on established gains. Company director Arif Arryman said legislators would need much longer than a June deadline to study the "truth" of the proposed law to ensure the safeguarding of national interests. He feared many negative aspects could be passed over due to the tight schedule.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
S&P flip-flops on RI foreign currency rating downgrade
S&P flip-flops on RI foreign currency rating downgrade JAKARTA (JP): U.S. rating agency Standard and Poor's hurriedly restored Indonesia's long-term foreign currency rating on Wednesday, just one day after its downgrade was protested by the central bank. It announced it "reset" the rating from "Selective Default" (SD) to "Triple-C-Plus".
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies edge higher late
SE Asian currencies edge higher late SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies traded sideways within well established ranges on Wednesday, ending Asian hours mostly higher against the U.S. dollar. The Singapore dollar ended the day stronger, boosted by position adjustments ahead of the coming long weekend and by the late rise in the yen. The Thai baht also rose slightly, supported by tight liquidity in the offshore market, according to traders.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
The economic crisis revisited
The economic crisis revisited By Lance Castles YOGYAKARTA (JP): Reviews of the economic situation in Indonesia typically speak in terms of gloom, pessimism and crisis even though they should not necessarily do so. It seems the typical Jeremiah approach ignores at least three points. * Everyone seems to agree that if the economic crisis had not occurred, former president Soeharto would not have "stepped down". So at worst, it is in some sense a blessing in disguise.
Thu, 01 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN and EU agree on meeting
ASEAN and EU agree on meeting BANGKOK (AP): A meeting between senior officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union, postponed several times because of disagreements over whether Myanmar should attend, will be held in late May, EU representatives in Thailand said on Wednesday. The 13th meeting of the ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee had most recently been scheduled for Bangkok in late January.