Archive: 22 April 1999
51 articles found
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Deputy governor candidate endorsed despite PPP boycott
Deputy governor candidate endorsed despite PPP boycott JAKARTA (JP): A City Council special plenary session endorsed Fauzie Alvi Yasin on Wednesday as the sole candidate for the post of deputy governor of economic and financial affairs, despite a boycott by members of the United Development Party faction.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Iridium users can access local GSM network
Iridium users can access local GSM network JAKARTA (JP): Iridium satellite mobile phone users visiting the country can now access the local global system of mobile (GSM) network of PT Excelcomindo Pratama and save up to 75 percent on their telephone costs, an executive of Excelcomindo said on Wednesday. Customer service and corporate affairs director Rudiantara said Iridium users here would pay US$1.5 per minute for roaming Excelcomindo's GSM network, a fraction of the regular cost.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
44,000 lose jobs in Central Java
44,000 lose jobs in Central Java SEMARANG: Central Java companies totaling 276 organizations had by the beginning of this month dismissed 44,155 employees due to a halt in production blamed on the protracted economic and monetary crisis, Antara reported. "The number is increasing," said the head of the provincial manpower office Andi Usman on Wednesday. Last December, the figure was only 22,000.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
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.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso to hike parking fees by 400% to 800%
Sutiyoso to hike parking fees by 400% to 800% JAKARTA (JP): Despite strong opposition from city councilors, Governor Sutiyoso insisted on Wednesday on raising administration-set parking fees of Rp 300 by between 400 percent and 800 percent in a bid to help increase city revenue. Sutiyoso said fees for on-street parking would be raised by 400 percent and fees for off-street parking would increase 800 percent.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Food supply for elections 'sufficient'
Food supply for elections 'sufficient' JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin said on Wednesday the food supply ahead of and during the upcoming June 7 general election would be adequate to meet demand. Saefuddin said rice stocks held by the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) were sufficient to meet demand during the campaign and election periods. "Our rice harvest in the recent harvest season was also very good.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Killings may involve security
Killings may involve security BANDUNG: West Java Police chief Maj. Gen. Chaerudin Ismail alleged on Wednesday the recent killings of at least 18 people in Ciamis regency might have involved members of the security forces, given the fear of locals to cooperate in the investigation. "We have encountered some difficulties in the field to thoroughly investigate the case. Locals, including members of victims' families, refused to testify," he said.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Project monitoring -- a sequel
Project monitoring -- a sequel I am responding to the ideas on monitoring and the notion of "earned value" put forward by Mr. Giammalvo (Your Letters, April 18, 1999), in connection with project management problems in Indonesia. In the sphere of projects implemented through the government, such as World Bank-funded projects, independent inspection would be an important step to get value for money.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
KONI upset with poor preparation for SEA Games
KONI upset with poor preparation for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has expressed concern over the poor training preparation of some sports organizations competing in the coming 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August. Moch. Hindarto, an official in charge of athletes' development, said the hockey, rowing and sepak takraw sports bodies had not yet sent their key players to start the centralized training program for the games.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rp 300t in bonds to be issued in four stages
Rp 300t in bonds to be issued in four stages JAKARTA (JP): The estimated Rp 300 trillion (US$35 billion) worth of bonds for financing the country's bank recapitalization program will be issued in four stages and will carry both floating and fixed interest rates, a central bank executive said on Wednesday. Bank Indonesia (BI) director Miranda Gultom said gradual issuance of the bonds was necessary to minimize the burden on the state budget and lessen their impact on monetary stability.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hooliganism a failure in education
Hooliganism a failure in education By A. Chaedar Alwasilah BANDUNG (JP): What are the most significant characteristics of Indonesian soccer? Violence, brawls and brutality perhaps.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on April 21, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bambang rejects demand to bail out ailing debtors
Bambang rejects demand to bail out ailing debtors JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto has rejected the proposal to swap bad debts of ailing corporate borrowers into government equity, according to a senior official. The source, who asked for anonymity, said here on Wednesday the minister insisted that government equity participation would only be optional for corporate debtors with positive cash flow.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nyoman's Mother Earth bleeds for Indonesia
Nyoman's Mother Earth bleeds for Indonesia By Putu Wirata DENPASAR (JP): "Mother Earth is smeared with blood and violence, what generation will be born from her womb?" asks prominent Indonesian installation artist Nyoman Erawan. Erawan, 41, raises the question in an exhibition at the Komaneka Fine Art Gallery, from April 3 to May 3, featuring 40 paintings depicting destruction, damage and death.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie visits Istiqlal, assesses damage
Habibie visits Istiqlal, assesses damage JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie made an impromptu visit on Wednesday to Istiqlal Grand Mosque, which was damaged by a bomb blast two days ago. Accompanied by Minister of Religious Affairs Malik Fadjar, Minister of Cooperatives Adi Sasono and Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djayusman, Habibie observed the damage to the ground floor of the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. rubber producers want INRO to survive
U.S. rubber producers want INRO to survive KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): U.S. rubber manufacturers want the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) to survive and hold out hope it can weather Malaysia's withdrawal, an industry official said on Wednesday. "We have voiced our support for INRO. We are optimistic that if all parties work together, the pact will function," said Donald Shea, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Student tried for torturing soldiers
Student tried for torturing soldiers JAKARTA (JP): Annas Alamudi, a student from the University of Indonesia, was indicted at the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday on charges of torturing and attempting to kill eight soldiers in a student demonstration last year. Prosecutor M. Purba said in his indictment that Annas, 22, drove his VW Safari car at high speed through a cordon of troops on Jl. Imam Bonjol in Central Jakarta on Nov. 11. "The car hit several soldiers.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Concrete formula sought for revenue-sharing
Concrete formula sought for revenue-sharing JAKARTA (JP): A noted economist on Wednesday urged the government to formulate a clear-cut formula for the sharing of revenue with the provinces to quell the growing restlessness in several areas over what locals consider economic injustice.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI progressing on debt: Deutsche Bank
RI progressing on debt: Deutsche Bank FRANKFURT (Agencies): One of Indonesia's leading creditors, Deutsche Bank AG, praised Indonesia for taking major steps to speed up its debt restructuring. Wolfgang Wendt, head of sovereign debt rescheduling at Germany's largest bank, said on Tuesday Indonesia had faced "immense" difficulties in overcoming its financial market crisis.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Politics and the judiciary in Malaysia
Politics and the judiciary in Malaysia Politics at the highest national level have never been far from the judicial scene and will not go away even if an appeal by (former Malaysian deputy prime minister) Anwar (Ibrahim) is rejected. Indeed, despite the prospect of a long prison term, Anwar is already indicating an intention to return to politics on his release.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Four people killed in latest violence in Central Maluku
Four people killed in latest violence in Central Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): Fresh outbreaks of violence on Tuesday left at least four people dead and a number of houses burned in the Banda Islands of Central Maluku, 300 kilometers southeast of here, reports and sources said on Wednesday. Second class Sgt. Ranguli, speaking from the island's capital of Neira, confirmed that four people were killed in the violence, one on the island of Hatta and another three on the island of Walang.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Domestic car sales up slightly in March
Domestic car sales up slightly in March JAKARTA (JP): Domestic sales of four-wheeled vehicles rose 3.5 percent in March to 3,448 units from 3,332 units the previous month, according to the latest report issued by the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries. March sales of passenger cars rose to 438 units from 323 in February, while commercial car sales increased to 3,101 units from 3,009 in February.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 21, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 0 32,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 100 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 475 50 221,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,475 -25 2,338,500 Anwar Sierad 75 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Residents decry gas station
Residents decry gas station JAKARTA (JP): Residents in a densely populated area in Bintara Jaya subdistrict in Bekasi are calling for the closure of a liquefied petroleum gas station, claiming it was established through collusion between its owners and city officials. Local community figure Ateh H.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Women's Day marked by demo
Women's Day marked by demo SURABAYA: Hundreds of students celebrated Kartini Day (Indonesia's Women Day) on Wednesday by staging a demonstration outside the governor's office protesting violence against women. The students, mostly women, came from various universities including the Teachers' Training Institute and Airlangga University.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
I am not a 'dalang'
I am not a 'dalang' I am writing in response to Putu Wirata's article "Wayang shows art in new light" of March 26. The March 13, 1999, premier of Wayang Listrik-Tirtha Amertha featured for SD Dyatmika's Third Annual Benefit was considered a continuation of collaborative work between Shadow Light Productions of the United States and Sanggar Seni Cudamani, a performing arts troupe from Bali.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bakery employee dies in fire
Bakery employee dies in fire TANGERANG (JP): A bakery shop employee in Duta Garden housing complex here was killed when fire engulfed the shop on Tuesday night. Witnesses said Gunawan, 23, was trapped when the fire broke out at about 7:30 p.m. in the building in Benda district. He was unable to escape because the blaze quickly spread through the building. Burns covered his entire body. Tangerang Fire Department deployed two fire engines several minutes later, but the shop was razed.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
KPU registers fifty percent of eligible voters for poll
KPU registers fifty percent of eligible voters for poll JAKARTA (JP): Entering the third week of voter registration, the General Elections Commission (KPU) has registered 50 percent of the 130 million eligible voters. Commission chairman Rudini said as of Tuesday, nine provinces had registered at least 70 percent of voters in each of the regions. Registration is to end on May 4.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
GM opens dealer in Riau
GM opens dealer in Riau JAKARTA (JP): PT General Motors Indonesia (GM Indonesia), the maker of Opel vehicles, announced the opening of PT Vinsa Indo Sejahtera, a new Opel dealer in Pekanbaru, Riau. GM Indonesia president William S. Botwick said on Tuesday the opening of a new dealer reflected Opel's commitment to expand and strengthen its dealership network, while other vehicle- manufacturers had closed their operations and showrooms due to the impact of the country's economic crisis.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
WB to approve social safety net loan soon
WB to approve social safety net loan soon JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank is set to approve the delayed US$600 million social safety net adjustment loan on May 18, just weeks before the June 7 general election. The bank said in a statement distributed to journalists at its office on Wednesday that the timing of the approval was driven by the fact that all key decisions on the design and budget of the social safety net program had been made by mid-April.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies ease back on flat stock prices
SE Asian currencies ease back on flat stock prices SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies eased back against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday as a fall in the yen and profit-taking on local equities dampened sentiment towards regional foreign exchange markets. The sole exception to the general trend was the South Korean won, which ended fractionally higher against the U.S. dollar, despite dwindling fund inflows into the local stock market.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank Universal puts up capital
Bank Universal puts up capital JAKARTA (JP): Bank Universal announced on Wednesday that its majority shareholders, PT Astra International, has transferred Rp 477 billion (US$54.8 million) to the escrow account for the government-sponsored bank recapitalization program. Universal's president Stephen Z.Satyahadi said the transfer represented 20 percent of the total fund needed by the bank to achieve the minimum capital adequacy ratio of 4 percent, as required by Bank Indonesia.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia's status upgraded
Malaysia's status upgraded KUALA LUMPUR (AP): International credit-rating agency Moody's Investors Service upgraded Malaysia's classification to "stable" today, indicating that the Southeast Asian nation was a good site for investors who wanted to buy bonds. The upgrade follows a slew of optimistic forecasts about the Malaysian economy, which last year sank to its worst recession in more than one decade.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy bill provides for regional initiative
Autonomy bill provides for regional initiative JAKARTA (JP): The passage of the regional autonomy bill by the House of Representatives on Wednesday will not only allow a greater say for regional administrations and legislatures in managing their affairs, but also leaves room for creativity and responsibility.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Smoking in malls
Smoking in malls Over the weekend of April 17 and April 18, we happened to visit three malls in Jakarta -- Plaza Indonesia, Senayan Mall and Pondok Indah Mall While the quality, selection and prices of the goods and services offered rivaled malls in the U.S., Singapore or any other world-class city, there was one glaring difference that significantly lowered the overall mall experience.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bayu Buana fights Nikko bankruptcy claim
Bayu Buana fights Nikko bankruptcy claim JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed travel company PT Bayu Buana disputed on Wednesday a bankruptcy petition filed by PT Nikko Securities Indonesia (NSI). Bayu Buana attorney Herfian of Lontoh and Kailimang law firm termed untrue Nikko's claim that his client defaulted on payment of Rp 7.5 billion in commercial notes. He told the court during the case's first hearing that all the payments on the debt were rescheduled in February this year.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mega says no to presidential debate
Mega says no to presidential debate JAKARTA (JP): Popular politician Megawati Soekarnoputri has turned down an invitation to participate in a presidential debate, saying the event was a breach of oriental culture. The chief and presidential candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) also cited the lack of a law that regulated such a debate, according to student organizers of the April 27 event.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police seek key suspect of bank robbery, bombing
Police seek key suspect of bank robbery, bombing JAKARTA (JP): Police are tracing the whereabouts of a forty- year-old man believed to be the mastermind behind the Hayam Wuruk Plaza explosion and the armed robbery attempt at the nearby Bank Central Asia (BCA) branch in West Jakarta last Thursday, police chief said on Wednesday. Maj. Gen.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timor peace pact signed
East Timor peace pact signed DILI, East Timor (JP): A pledge of peace was signed here on Wednesday between warring prointegration and proindependence groups. Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto and jailed independence leader Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao were among the signatories. In the emotional ceremony that is expected to end months of violence, the government was also represented by National Police Chief Gen. Roesmanhadi and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo HS.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Zawawi awaits release decision
Zawawi awaits release decision JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta District Court on Wednesday failed to decide on a petition for the release of former head of the Jakarta Logistics Agency (Dolog Jaya) Ahmad Zawawi from Salemba Penitentiary. Presiding judge Sartono told Zawawi -- charged with corruption in rice distribution -- that the panel of judges was still studying the request filed by the defendant's wife, superior and lawyers for him to be placed under city arrest. "We're still considering it.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Made Wianta: Nature as an installation
Made Wianta: Nature as an installation By Jean Couteau DENPASAR, Bali (JP): If you have been to Bali, you have probably been surprised by the way the local people sometimes treat their great trees, they dress them in colors, in honor of the spirit thought to dwell in it. Now imagine a forest, a valley, where the trees are all dressed in colors; this is the installation painter Made Wianta has just created in Apuan, his village of origin.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PBSI lets Susi and Sigit stay at center
PBSI lets Susi and Sigit stay at center JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will permit pregnant 1992 Olympic women's singles gold medalist Susi Susanti and suspended 1997 world champion men's doubles Sigit Budiarto to remain at the Indonesian Badminton Center.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
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.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Concert to kick off major fund-raising campaign
Concert to kick off major fund-raising campaign JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Committee for Humanitarian Programs (KKI) is scheduled to launch a major fund-raising campaign, titled We Care Indonesia, in Bogor on Saturday by staging one of the largest ever concerts by local musicians.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI rating kept by debt relief
RI rating kept by debt relief HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The possibility of Indonesia seeking more debt relief from international creditors is one factor keeping its sovereign rating at triple-C-plus, according to a report by ratings agency Standard & Poor's Corp.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Time to go for pro-Soeharto legislators
Time to go for pro-Soeharto legislators About half of our current legislators will be running for reelection. H.S. Dillon of the National Commission on Human Rights thinks it would be better for them to step down altogether. JAKARTA (JP): Many have asked me whether I was surprised that the House of Representatives (DPR) had failed to summon President B.J. Habibie for questioning, let alone impeach him. I have had to reveal to them that I was not surprised, just plain disappointed.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Garuda, Swissair sign maintenance deal
Garuda, Swissair sign maintenance deal JAKARTA (JP): Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia signed on Wednesday a three-year maintenance contract for Airbus A-330 component pooling with Swissair Technics. Garuda's executive vice president for engineering and maintenance Richard Budihadianto said the deal entailed Swissair supplying Garuda with high reliability A-330 components and guaranteed lead-time in the delivery, while Garuda would send unserviceable components to Swissair.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Local daily a victim of E. Timor conflict
Local daily a victim of E. Timor conflict By Ati Nurbaiti DILI, East Timor (JP): Trucks jam-packed with men wearing red and white bandannas passed a hotel here at noon on Saturday, some of them waving to a reporter on the hotel terrace. "Hey, where are you going?' asked the reporter, waving back. "Back home!" cried the men. Suddenly without warning, men jumped down from their trucks, in front of the reporter's office, adjacent to the hotel, brandishing an assortment of rifles and poles.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
IMF projects Indonesian economy to contract 4%
IMF projects Indonesian economy to contract 4% WASHINGTON (Agencies): Indonesia continues to lag behind other recovering Asian economies because of delays in IMF-managed stabilization programs and the persistence of "political and social tensions," the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday. The IMF said in its latest global economic outlook that Indonesia has to work harder at restructuring state-owned banks and resolving a huge amount of corporate debt.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Who's foiling the polls?
Who's foiling the polls? The question on everybody's mind today is whether the general election will take place as scheduled on June 7. Recent events have given people valid reason to worry that the polls, which all agree are crucial to put our crisis-ridden country back on its feet, will be postponed or even canceled. Just about every thing that has gone wrong with this country in recent months is viewed as having the potential to foil the elections.
Thu, 22 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Party chiefs tipped for House seats
Party chiefs tipped for House seats JAKARTA (JP): Some of the newly established parties contending the June 7 general election are fielding their party leaders as legislative candidates and focusing their attention on West Java, which has the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives (DPR) with 82.