Archive: 26 April 1999
34 articles found
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wiranto strong presidential candidate: Golkar
Wiranto strong presidential candidate: Golkar JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto may be one of the country's strongest presidential candidates, Golkar deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman said on Saturday.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Compliant judiciary and other causes of Asia's economic crisis
Compliant judiciary and other causes of Asia's economic crisis By Christopher Lingle UBUD, Bali (JP): Amid the uproar over the sentencing of former deputy prime minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, did someone say, "compliant judiciary"? Observers, ranging from President Joseph Estrada of the Philippines to various bar associations and human rights groups, have expressed concern that the judgment was tainted by political influence.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nigerian jailed for possessing heroin
Nigerian jailed for possessing heroin JAKARTA (JP): A Nigerian man was sentenced by the Central Jakarta District Court to two years in jail for possessing 100 grams of heroin. Presiding Judge I. Made Karna also fined the defendant, Frens Ubuka Unaife, Rp 25 million (US$2,890) for violating Article 78 (II) of Law No. 22/1997 on possession of narcotics. The article carries a jail sentence of between two years and 12 years, and a fine between Rp 25 million and Rp 750 million.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Foreign radio stations remain favored alternative
Foreign radio stations remain favored alternative By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): Amid the new era of journalistic freedom in Indonesia, overseas radio stations are competing to cooperate with local stations to relay their programs. Some overseas radio stations now have their programs aired by local stations. BBC, for example, collaborates with Jakarta-based Elshinta, which relays the British station's news broadcasts three times daily.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Astra Life to boost sales
Astra Life to boost sales JAKARTA (JP): Joint venture PT Astra CMG Life (AL) is to recruit up to 1,000 new sales agents in a bid to take a bigger share of the country's life insurance market. Company president Steve Heald said on Saturday an aggressive marketing strategy, including fielding a significant number of sales agents, was needed to benefit from the country's growing life insurance market.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Poetry Exhibition: Adam Mickiewicz (1798-1855), a Polish poet, at Faculty of Letters of the University of Indonesia, Gedung 9, Depok, April 26. * Painting Exhibition: Suara Memanggil by Yulianto,, at German Technical Cooperation, Menara Cakrawala, 8th floor, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 9, Central Jakarta, until April 28. * Women's Art Exhibition: Ekspresi Emansipasi Wanita Dalam Lukisan, at Menara Matahari - Lippo Life, Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, 10 a.m.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Developing democracy through radio stations
Developing democracy through radio stations JAKARTA (JP): Radio broadcast technology may have evolved significantly since Italian Guglielmo Marconi invented the radio, but the main philosophy of radio as a communications tool remains the same: conveying information. It is believed that radio function as a tool for propaganda and education. Compared to print media or television, radio is a more effective means of communication due to its practicality.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Xanana cautious over new deal
Xanana cautious over new deal JAKARTA (JP): Jailed East Timorese leader Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao has responded cautiously to the agreement between Indonesia and Portugal on the autonomy package for the troubled territory. Xanana's lawyer Hendardi said his client was circumspect about Friday's agreement resulting from the United Nations-sponsored tripartite dialog in New York, because he had yet to receive details.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Japan to offer $1b loan to RI with IMF
Japan to offer $1b loan to RI with IMF TOKYO (Dow Jones): Japan has decided to extend a US$1 billion loan to Indonesia in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after severing cooperation with the World Bank, the Kyodo News service quoted government sources as saying Saturday. Japan initially planned to extend the loan to Indonesia in cooperation with the World Bank, the sources said.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tual calm after renewed clashes, military says
Tual calm after renewed clashes, military says JAKARTA (JP): The Southeast Maluku regency town of Tual was reportedly calm on Sunday, after a fatal outbreak of communal clashes that killed at least three people and injured about 10 others on Friday, Antara said. Speaking in Ambon, Maluku provincial military commander Col. Karel Ralahalu said he would soon dispatch a special team of peacemakers comprising middle-ranking officers to Tual to help locals resolve their disputes.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fear drives Chinese-Indonesian exodus
Fear drives Chinese-Indonesian exodus Thousands of Indonesians, particularly those of Chinese origin, are leaving the country fearing violence related to the coming general election. Political analyst J Soedjati Djiwandono gives his own views on the exodus. JAKARTA (JP): Some political figures have expressed regrets over the rush overseas of Indonesians, particularly those of Chinese origin, apparently in anticipation of violence related to the coming general election.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Progress under distress
Progress under distress For the second year in a row this year, The Jakarta Post is celebrating its anniversary, April 25, modestly, without fanfare. For one thing there is the question of sensitivity and empathy for the lot of the millions of fellow countrymen and women whose lives have been severely affected by the current situation.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Greater regional autonomy
Greater regional autonomy A few days ago the House of Representatives resolved to pass a draft on regional administration. Since the draft came from the executive branch, it can be expected that it will soon become law. What this means is that we are poised to bestow our various regions with greater freedom to look after their own affairs by decentralizing the administration and granting them autonomy.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
New law to spur regional growth
New law to spur regional growth JAKARTA (JP): Analysts praised on Saturday the intergovernmental fiscal balance law as offering a greater chance for new economic growth centers to emerge outside Java, but they warned provinces of daunting tasks ahead. Analysts HS Dillon and Umar Juoro told The Jakarta Post the law would give provincial and district administrations bigger revenues and wider autonomy to develop themselves.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
42 people named suspects in Ciamis killing spree
42 people named suspects in Ciamis killing spree JAKARTA (JP): Police named on Saturday 42 people as suspects involved in the Ciamis killing spree in West Java, which has claimed at least 18 deaths. "The 42 suspects varied in their involvement in the killings. Some admit to being executioners, some are accomplices to the murders and some are the ones who hired the killers," Priangan Police chief Col. Bahrunsyah said on Saturday.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sleepy driver kills 2 bajaj drivers
Sleepy driver kills 2 bajaj drivers JAKARTA (JP): A sedan reportedly belonging to a police brigadier general crashed into a food stall and killed two bajaj (three-wheeled motorized pedicab) drivers on Jl. Martimbang in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Friday. The two victims were identified as Sanusi, 47, and Tarjo, 48. They died instantly at the scene. Two other pedicab drivers were wounded. They were identified as Syahroni, 37, and Muhidin, 33, and are being treated at Pertamina Hospital.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Administration asked to scrap ID charge
Administration asked to scrap ID charge JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has been urged to abolish the charge for ID cards, with some saying the revenue obtained from ID cards is insignificant. "The fee collection is useless as it amounts to only between Rp 1 billion and Rp 2 billion annually, and that too, after the agency goes through a lot of bureaucratic problems in its management," Sumarto, former head of the city population agency, said on Friday.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Did Telkom ring a wrong number?
Did Telkom ring a wrong number? By Christiani Tumelap BATAM, Riau (JP): Joint operation schemes (KSO) between state- owned telecommunications company PT Telkom and five partners have been under fire since the signing of the memorandums of understanding (MOU) in 1995. Much of the criticism has been leveled at the five partners: PT Pramindo Ikat Nusantara, PT Ariawest International, PT Mitra Global Telekomunikasi Indonesia (MGTI), PT Bukaka Singtel International and PT Cable & Wireless Mitratel.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PAN not adverse to election postponement
PAN not adverse to election postponement JAKARTA (JP): The National Mandate Party (PAN) accepts the possibility of a delay in the general election scheduled for June 7, should arrangements for the polls be incomplete. "PAN supports the idea to postpone the general election for three weeks at the longest if poll preparations are incomplete," chairman Amien Rais said in a meeting with supporters in North Jakarta on Sunday.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
21 arrested for involvement in Hayam Wuruk Plaza blast
21 arrested for involvement in Hayam Wuruk Plaza blast JAKARTA (JP): Police apprehended on early Sunday three men for their alleged involvement in the April 15 bomb blast at Hayam Wuruk Plaza and in the foiled armed robbery at a nearby branch of Bank Central Asia (BCA) in West Jakarta, a high-ranking officer said. "The three, identified only as D, H, and F, were arrested at three separate locations at about 2 a.m.," Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Lower interest rate won't weaken rupiah: Sjahril
Lower interest rate won't weaken rupiah: Sjahril JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Saturday that the central bank's policy to further lower its interest rate would not necessarily lead to a weakened rupiah. He said the measure could instead pave the way for strengthening of the currency due to improved confidence in the economy.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Who says a common water pump cannot be intelligent?
Who says a common water pump cannot be intelligent? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Take a close look at the tube the man in the accompanying picture is dropping into the bore hole. Is it a rocket launcher? Is it a land mine? Is it a bomb? Hopefully not, because the world, not the least of all Indonesia, has seen enough destruction and suffering already. Would you believe that the shiny tube is actually a compact water pump? And a smart one, at that.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wynne takes out circuit tournament
Wynne takes out circuit tournament JAKARTA (JP): Rising star Wynne Prakursya needed only 70 minutes to defeat Stanislava Hrozenska of Slovakia 6-3, 6-3, to win the women's tennis circuit tournament at the Danamon Tennis Center in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Sunday. Wynne, ranked 186 in the world, and the top seed for the event, received US$1,600 (Rp 13.7 million) for her victory. Wynne said the tournament was not a strain because top players did not participate.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Minister Yunus will not stop issuance of press licenses
Minister Yunus will not stop issuance of press licenses JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus promised not to reject demands for press publishing licenses (SIUPPs), despite having issued 900 new licenses in the past year. Yunus, who has been lauded for introducing measures that ensure press freedom, was quoted by Antara as saying in a discussion on the press and the general election that his office would continue issuing new license.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Locals' behavior damages N. Jakarta mangrove forest
Locals' behavior damages N. Jakarta mangrove forest JAKARTA (JP): The mangrove forests in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, are being seriously threatened by the continual uncontrolled dumping of domestic waste by local residents. The extent of rubbish accumulation is apparent, and locals can be seen obliviously discarding their rubbish into the mangrove forest.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Anak Agung dies at 78
Anak Agung dies at 78 JAKARTA: Former minister and king of Gianyar Anak Agung Gde Agung died in his grand temple in Bali on Thursday. He was 78 years old. Prior to his death, Anak Agung had been treated for ailing health due to old age at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, U.S., and Hollywood private hospital in Perth, Australia. The son of Bali king Anak Agung Ngurah Agung, Anak Agung showed an interest in politics and history since early childhood.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Local sugar industry bitter over new policy
Local sugar industry bitter over new policy By Sylvia Gratia M. Nirang JAKARTA (JP): Business is bittersweet for the local sugar industry, which is warning it could dissolve into bankruptcy due to the government's policy of adopting a free market system. The Indonesian Sugar Association and the Indonesian Farmers Federation recently urged the government to step back from its zero import tariff on the product and instead place a high import tariff to help out their ailing members.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Joint water management in Greater Jakarta needed
Joint water management in Greater Jakarta needed JAKARTA (JP): Vice Governor for People's Welfare Affairs of West Java Dedem Ruchlia, emphasized on Saturday the importance of establishing a joint tap water management facility in Greater Jakarta to help improve services. Speaking on behalf of West Jakarta Governor R. Nuriana at a meeting of the Jabotabek Cooperation Board in Bandung, Ruchlia told Antara joint management was needed to solve a range of problems.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Next election will be better
Next election will be better Let Mr. Soeharto's recent comment serve as motivation. Former president Soeharto's doubt that the upcoming general election, slated for June 7, 1999, will fail need not be responded to with cynicism. Neither must it give rise to a suspicion that he is up on his sleeve for a comeback. As good citizens who long for peace and unity, let us all join forces to ensure that the general election will be successful.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Media law needs a full overhaul
Media law needs a full overhaul By A. Muis UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Rapid changes in social and technological developments over the last few years have made the existing press law obsolete and archaic. It can no longer adequately protect the freedom of the press from arbitrary and devastating treatment by the authorities and society, or guarantee legal certainty for anybody involved in the national press system.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bribery scandal
Bribery scandal The mass media has recently carried many reports on alleged bribery of Indonesian tax officers and other government officials (from the State Secretariat and the National Development Planning Board) by a number of Japanese contractors operating in Indonesia.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gas stations to supply LPG fuel
Gas stations to supply LPG fuel JAKARTA (JP): An LPG equipment and service provider, Bluefire Gas Ltd. from Australia, will invest A$10 million through its local partner for the construction of LPG dispenser pumps at 16 gas stations in the "green belt" area of Jakarta.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Province to get aid from Korea
Province to get aid from Korea BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Governor Gusti Hasan Aman says the province will receive technical assistance and agricultural equipment from the South Korean government, Antara reported on Saturday. "By the end of April this assistance, which will come in stages, will have been channeled to those who need it, especially assistance in the form of technical training," he said here on Friday.
Mon, 26 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cellular operators lack funds
Cellular operators lack funds JAKARTA (JP): Delay in response time, interrupted connections and blank spot areas in cellular telephone services are likely to occur more frequently as most operators have significantly cut spending on quality improvement. Sources said that some cellular operators have even moved important transmission components from one place to another because they have not been able to buy new ones.