Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 April 1999

50 articles found

Government's oil reforms attract foreign investors

Government's oil reforms attract foreign investors JAKARTA (JP): The government's recent moves to reform the country's oil and gas policy is attracting foreign investors looking for investment opportunities in the country, a seminar organizer said on Tuesday.

UN presence in E. Timor a must

UN presence in E. Timor a must By Budiawan Purwadi and Marcelino Ximenes Magno SINGAPORE (JP): Some analysts argue that Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao's call on his supporters "to take arms against the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) and pro-Indonesian forces in East Timor" should be understood as an act of self-defense against the aggression of ABRI-armed East Timorese civilians.

Police claim Ciamis killings have black magic link

Police claim Ciamis killings have black magic link JAKARTA (JP): Police alleged here on Tuesday that 18 people believed murdered in a killing spree in the West Java regency of Ciamis were involved in black magic. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar announced a preliminary investigation showed motivation for the acts was driven by personal vengeance of several people against the victims' dabbling in black magic.

Istiqlal bombing condemned

Istiqlal bombing condemned JAKARTA (JP): Political and religious leaders expressed outrage on Tuesday over the bombing of the Istiqlal Grand Mosque the day before, while President B.J. Habibie condemned the brutal act as an attempt to foil the June 7 general election. The President speculated the blast was aimed at provoking Muslims into acts of violence against followers of other religions, in a bid to create chaos throughout the country.

Indonesia adopts law on forex movement

Indonesia adopts law on forex movement JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives passed on Tuesday a bill that empowers Bank Indonesia to track the flow of foreign exchange in and out of the country. The bill requires individuals and legal entities to inform Bank Indonesia, or other parties appointed by the central bank, of the transfer of stipulated foreign exchange or rupiah currency amounts in and out of the country.

Taiwan tanker to ship RI LNG

Taiwan tanker to ship RI LNG TAIPEI (Dow Jones): The first liquefied natural gas tanker partly owned by Taiwan's state-owned Chinese Petroleum Corp will begin operations in early 2000, an official with Chinese Petroleum's press coordination department said Tuesday. The tanker will transport LNG to Taiwan from Indonesia, which provides the island with 60 percent of its LNG.

Exhibitions celebrate Kartini Day

Exhibitions celebrate Kartini Day JAKARTA (JP): A number of art exhibitions have been organized in the city to celebrate Kartini Day. Wisma Mitra Budaya, Jl. Tanjung 34, Central Jakarta, is displaying the works of Kartika Affandi, Farida Srihadi and Nunung WS in Discourse on the Frame, the Making and Unmaking of Indonesian Women Artists, until April 25. Galeri Milenium, Golden Plaza Building, Jl.

Blink and you'll miss Kartini Day in Jakarta

Blink and you'll miss Kartini Day in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Most Jakartans this year are apparently not concerned about Kartini Day, which commemorates the empowerment of Indonesian women and falls on Wednesday. Many schools in the capital have no special events to mark the day, while some women even questioned the purpose of celebrating the day. A female ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver, Nolia, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday she did not know who Kartini was.

Military must be neutral for peace solution in E. Timor

Military must be neutral for peace solution in E. Timor Recent bloody clashes in East Timor have again jolted the nation, already shaken by a seemingly endless spate of religious and ethnic conflicts. Dr. Franz Magnis-Suseno, a Jesuit priest who teaches social philosophy at Driyarkara School of Philosophy and the University of Indonesia, thinks the military should take a neutral stance in East Timor.

Students attack Caltex housing complex in Riau

Students attack Caltex housing complex in Riau JAKARTA (JP): Security forces fired warning shots to disperse 1,500 students who attacked on Tuesday a housing complex belonging to PT Caltex Indonesia oil company in Rumbai, 10 kilometers north of the Riau capital, Pekanbaru. Spokesman for Caltex Indonesia Renville Almatsier, said the students, from Riau University and the Institute for Islamic Studies, also set 29 cars on fire, vandalized a bar in the complex and stoned office windows.

Aceh's early heroines ignored by history books

Aceh's early heroines ignored by history books By Danny L. Yatim JAKARTA (JP): On April 21, Indonesians celebrate Kartini Day in memory of Raden Ajeng Kartini (1879-1904), the pioneer of education for Javanese women. Javanese women in Kartini's time, especially those of nobility, were secluded in their homes after puberty until the day they married. But Kartini had different ideas.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibitions * Exhibition on Earth Day, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until April 23 to May 1. * Technology Display, at CCCL, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 24-25. Seminars * Student's Economics Seminar at CCCL - French Cultural Center, 5 p.m., April 22. * Environment Seminar, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, May 1. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend.

Dollar income

Dollar income I would like to share my ideas with other colleagues who are undergoing overseas training or presently working with foreign companies (PMA) and multinational companies (MNC). In order to anticipate globalization and to meet the rising standard of living, you are entitled to receive all pay and benefits in US dollars instead of rupiah.

The lot of RI women in eyes of their peers

The lot of RI women in eyes of their peers JAKARTA (JP): While many Indonesian women celebrate Kartini Day by wearing the traditional Javanese outfit kebaya, as Raden Ajeng Kartini used to wear, one group of female university students have another idea. They are marking the 120th anniversary of Kartini's birthday by displaying photographic works on the various aspects of life of Indonesian girls and women.

KPU chairman cites reports of election foiling attempts

KPU chairman cites reports of election foiling attempts JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the General Elections Commission (KPU) Rudini said he had received reports about the existence of small groups who were threatening rural people not to participate in the June 7 general election. He did not identify the groups accused of attempting to foil the elections.

Australia raises East Timor stakes

Australia raises East Timor stakes By Sid Astbury SYDNEY (DPA): Australian Prime Minister John Howard visits Bali for talks on East Timor next week in the knowledge that both he and President B.J. Habibie would like the former Portuguese colony to stay a part of Indonesia -- albeit with a level of autonomy not accorded other troubled provinces like Aceh and Irian Jaya. Howard's reasons for favoring integration are characteristically pragmatic.

Two people killed, 35 injured in Aceh protest

Two people killed, 35 injured in Aceh protest JAKARTA (JP): At least one student and a member of the Police Mobile Brigade were killed, with 35 students injured in two separate clashes between pro-referendum supporters and security personnel in Aceh on Monday and Tuesday.

ADB warns RI over optimism on inflation

ADB warns RI over optimism on inflation JAKARTA (JP): A senior economist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warned Indonesia on Tuesday the negative inflation rate posted in March did not signal a deflationary economy. Sultan Hafeez Rahman said the central bank should keep the focus of its monetary policy on inflation, as prices might increase again in the run up to the June general election.

Govt to launch warehouse receipt system

Govt to launch warehouse receipt system JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon introduce the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) in several provinces to help local farmers gain access to financial institutions.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on April 20, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Singapore exports slip, but recovery on track

Singapore exports slip, but recovery on track SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore posted disappointing export data on Tuesday, with non-oil exports slipping 0.7 percent in March year-on-year, but analysts said the overall trend pointed to a gradual recovery. The fall in non-oil exports to S$8.35 billion (US$4.84 billion) was worse than market expectations but represented an improvement over the past few months, economists and the Trade Development Board (TDB) said.

Pelti to invite foreign coaches

Pelti to invite foreign coaches JAKARTA (JP): With a sports science and technology approach to improving national coaches' skills, the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) will invite a foreign expert to hold two- month-long coaching clinics and workshops. Association deputy secretary-general Benny Mailili said on Tuesday that Pelti would request either Austrian Gebhard Gritsch or American Doug McCurdy.

Asian bonds rally as investors return

Asian bonds rally as investors return HONG KONG (Bloomberg): Asian bonds rallied against U.S. Treasury bonds during the past week as investors sought to buy more of the region's high yielding bonds amid improving perceptions of Asia's credit risks. The yield premium for South Korea's benchmark 10-year global bonds due 2008 declined 25 basis points since last Monday to about 215 basis points today.

E. Kalimantan government wants to buy KPC's shares

E. Kalimantan government wants to buy KPC's shares JAKARTA (JP): The East Kalimantan administration is interested in buying shares in the planned divestment of the country's largest coal mining company, PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), a top official said on Tuesday. The director general of mining at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Rozik Boedioro Soetjipto, said the provincial administration recently sent his office a letter notifying it of its interest.

Akbar to seek leave of absence to campaign for Golkar party

Akbar to seek leave of absence to campaign for Golkar party JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung will ask President B.J. Habibie for a leave of absence so he can focus on campaigning for Golkar Party ahead of the June 7 elections. Akbar said he made the decision to allay fears he would misuse state facilities while campaigning for Golkar, a practice common in past elections.

PDI Perjuangan's communication posts to be regulated: Official

PDI Perjuangan's communication posts to be regulated: Official JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to regulate the installation of communication posts affiliated with political parties as many of them are set up in prohibited zones, an official said on Tuesday. Toha Reno, head of the public facility orderliness section of the city public order office, said systematic establishment of the posts was needed because many of the installations were erected in the city's green belt area.

Rice aid sent to riot-hit Tual

Rice aid sent to riot-hit Tual AMBON, Maluku: The provincial logistics office is sending 100 metric tons of rice to Tual in Southeast Maluku, which recently was hit by religious clashes that killed more than 100 people, Antara reported on Tuesday. The rice aid was sent on Monday and was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. Governor Saleh Latuconsina has asked another ship carrying rice from Surabaya, East Java, which had reached Tual but could not unload because of security problems, to return.

Peace pledge may be signed in Dili, Gen. Wiranto says

Peace pledge may be signed in Dili, Gen. Wiranto says DILI, East Timor (JP): After arriving here on Tuesday, Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto proposed the signing of a pledge of peace by warring proindependence and pro-Indonesian groups. The truce will be signed on Wednesday if conflicting parties agree, Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Syamsul Ma'arif said after Wiranto's arrival.

RI forex reserves slide to US$15.86b

RI forex reserves slide to US$15.86b JAKARTA (JP): Net foreign exchange reserves declined to US$15.86 billion on April 15 from $15.93 billion on April 7, Bank Indonesia (BI) announced in a weekly report. The central bank said repayment of foreign loans contributed to the slight fall in net foreign exchange reserves. Nevertheless, BI said the level was still above the International Monetary Fund (IMF) adjusted net international reserves of $11.3 billion. Gross forex reserves also declined to $25.

RI's Olympic soccer team beats Cambodia

RI's Olympic soccer team beats Cambodia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's pre-Olympics soccer team overwhelmed the Cambodian national team, with a definitive victory of 4-0 in the second of two friendly matches held at the Senayan Stadium on Tuesday. Indonesia produced two goals from penalty kicks in the 12th and 56th minutes by midfielders Haryanto Prasetyo and Uston Nawawi respectively. A tricky short pass from Haryanto enabled midfielder Imran Nahumaruri to net the ball in the 49th minute.

Music video clips exploit women

Music video clips exploit women From Media Indonesia A few years ago, our government strongly prohibited cengeng (overly emotional) songs on television for fear of their bad influence on children, who memorized the words very easily. More recently, many video clips (especially of dangdut music) are appearing on television in great numbers. These clips openly exploit the female body wearing shorts, mini skirts, tight outfits and performing erotic dances.

IBRA expects to assume Rp 220t in NPLs

IBRA expects to assume Rp 220t in NPLs JAKARTA (JP): The asset management unit of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is expected to receive Rp 220 trillion (US$25.3 billion) in nonperforming bank loans (NPLs) by the end of this month, a senior official at the agency said on Tuesday. Head of IBRA's loan resolution department Irwan Siregar said that 70 percent of the loans were categorized as corporate loans with individual loan sizes of more than Rp 5 billion.

Tap water pipeline to Marunda installed

Tap water pipeline to Marunda installed JAKARTA (JP): PT Thames Pam Jaya (TPJ), a foreign partner of city-owned water company PDAM Jaya, completed the installation of a 5.17-kilometer pipeline to Marunda subdistrict, North Jakarta, to supply tap water to 600 local families. Nani Sariati of TPJ said on Monday the installation of the Rp 1 billion pipeline project was financed by British tap water company Thames Water as part of its social role in the country.

Brothers questioned for killing nephew

Brothers questioned for killing nephew TANGERANG (JP): Police continued their questioning on Tuesday of two brothers for allegedly killing their five-year-old nephew in Jatiuwung. The two suspects, identified as Lulut Hartopo, 29, and his younger brother Lego Junardo, 24, were believed to have choked their nephew Kondang to death in an attempt to discharge the devil, which was believed to have entered Kondang's body. Chief of Tangerang Police detective Capt.

Rates for tax payment, valid from April 19 to April 25

Rates for tax payment, valid from April 19 to April 25 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 8,575.00 Austrian schilling 1 664.42 Australian dollar 1 5,440.84 Belgian franc 1 226.64 Canadian dollar 1 5,741.16 Swiss franc 1 5,709.05 Deutschemark 1 4,673.79 Danish krone 1 1,245.37 French franc 1 1,393.78 Poundsterling 1 13,773.17 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,106.58 Italian lira 100 472.18 Japanese yen 100 7,125.64 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,256.58 Dutch guilder 1 4,148.77 New Zealand dollar 1 4,627.93 Norwegian krone 1 1,110.03...

Police have lead on bomb suspects

Police have lead on bomb suspects JAKARTA (JP): Police appear to be a long way from finding those responsible for Monday's bomb blast at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque, but said on Tuesday they had visual identifications of two men seen speeding from the scene. "Based on information from witnesses, police have identified the physical appearances of the suspects. We only need to further develop the identifications before making any arrests," city police chief Maj. Gen.

Open letter to Mr. President

Open letter to Mr. President This is the 387th day since my son Petrus Bima Anugerah was taken away by force. As his mother, I continue to believe that my son is still alive and somewhere in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. Therefore, I request your help to set my son free.

An act of terror

An act of terror As could have been expected, the public's condemnation of the bomb blast which damaged several offices on the ground floor of Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque on Tuesday was both immediate and unanimous. This is easy to understand: Much more than simply houses of worship, mosques, like churches and other religious sanctuaries, are inviolable retreats in the truest sense of the word.

Kalimantan to have railway by 2005

Kalimantan to have railway by 2005 BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Kalimantan will have a railway system by 2005 connecting not only major cities throughout the island's provinces, but also connecting the island to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines, Antara said on Tuesday.

A conspiracy?

A conspiracy? Not long ago President B.J. Habibie made an open statement to a forum of foreign journalists saying that upon his return from his inauguration as president he was startled to see a concentration of Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) troops surrounding his house. He immediately contacted Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander General Wiranto to promptly discharge the Kostrad commander Prabowo Subianto and withdraw the troops.

RI needs 3.1m tons of rice

RI needs 3.1m tons of rice TOKYO (DPA): Indonesia will need to import 3.1 million tons of rice within the next 12 months because of damage caused to its rice crop, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in a report released Tuesday. The report, based on a survey in March, said the rice harvest in Indonesia in 1999 is expected to be good because there has been plenty of rain, but because of an extended period of drought since 1997, the rice-planting areas will be reduced somewhat.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 Morning News 7:00 Children's Songs 7:30 Music 8:00 TV Series 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:35 Children's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Indonesian Lessons 5:00 Student's Quiz 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Music 8:30 News 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 TV Series 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

House to pass bill on regional autonomy

House to pass bill on regional autonomy JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives is expected on Wednesday to pass a bill which will provide more autonomy to regional administrations and legislatures from the central government. The new law will only take effect two years after the presidential endorsement, a period which the government and the House can use to review existing laws in line with the new law and draw up operational regulations.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * The Bali Starling Painting Exhibition, at the Oberoi Hotel, in Seminyak, until April 23. * Arts Exhibition: by Gde Sudarma, at The Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975963), until May 17. 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. - Raja's Table: Guitarist, Vocalist, Tuesday to Sunday, 8 p.m.

Third deficit in row for Thai budget on cards

Third deficit in row for Thai budget on cards BANGKOK (Reuters): The Thai cabinet on Tuesday gave initial approval of a budget for the year ending September 2000 which features record deficit spending designed to speed up economic recovery. The draft budget, expected to get parliamentary approval in the third quarter, would be the third straight annual deficit budget in a row for Thailand since it plunged into recession in mid-1997.

Policewomen hurt in accident

Policewomen hurt in accident JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Dozens of policewomen were injured when a bus they were riding in plunged into a ravine on Tuesday, Antara said. The 28 policewomen were on their way to Trikora Military Command Headquarters here after visiting Kusuma Trikora Heroes Cemetery in Abepura. Witnesses said the bus failed to climb a slope, tipped over and plunged into the ravine on the left hand side of the road. The bus driver also was injured.

Mob sets fire to church compound

Mob sets fire to church compound UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Tension gripped the South Sulawesi capital of Ujungpandang on Tuesday following overnight attacks against two Catholic and Protestant buildings. Some 6,000 police and military personnel were deployed in anticipation of "escalating retaliation for a bomb blast which damaged the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta," security authorities said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 20, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 -25 1,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 100 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 0 21,000 Alumindo Light Metal 425 -25 81,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 2,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,500 -75 4,342,000 Anwar Sierad 75 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Bukopin, BMI to fund plantation businesses

Bukopin, BMI to fund plantation businesses JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bukopin and Bank Muamalat Indonesia have agreed to focus their lending activities on financing the development of the country's forestry and plantation sector, Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said on Tuesday. Muslimin said that special financial institutions for forestry and plantation businesses were badly needed to overcome capital problems which have discouraged investment.

Share prices plunge as profit taking sweeps the market

Share prices plunge as profit taking sweeps the market JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) plunged on Tuesday in active trading, ending a week-long buying spree. Stockbrokers said most blue chip stocks fell sharply as jittery investors took profits amid fears of escalating political tension following the bomb blast at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Monday.