Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 April 1999

50 articles found

INRO's price proposal dead on arrival

INRO's price proposal dead on arrival KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The International Natural Rubber Organization's (INRO) proposal to raise intervention price levels is unlikely to change the decision of key producers Thailand and Malaysia to quit the rubber pact. Industry sources said the proposal came too late to win back the world's largest and third largest rubber producers.

Asia's most corrupt country

Asia's most corrupt country A Hong Kong-based consulting agency, the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. (PERC), after surveying 450 foreign companies representing 12 countries in the first quarter of 1999, has concluded that Indonesia is a country with the highest level of corruption and cronyism in Asia. In the survey, with ratings ranging from zero to 10 (best to worst), Indonesia scores 9.91 in the case of corruption and 9.09 in the case of cronyism.

Thai baht retreats as other SE Asian monies strengthen

Thai baht retreats as other SE Asian monies strengthen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies returned a mixed performance against the U.S. dollar during Asian trading hours on Monday. The Singapore dollar and the Philippine peso both advanced, but the Thai baht slipped back. In contrast, North Asian currencies were uniformly buoyant.

PAN reveals plans for running the country

PAN reveals plans for running the country JAKARTA (JP): The National Mandate Party (PAN) launched on Monday a plan of action for the first 100 days of the new government, should it win the June 7 elections and run the country. Foremost among its programs is the establishment of a coalition Cabinet comprising various social and political groups.

Yustika to clarify controversial television quiz

Yustika to clarify controversial television quiz JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Social Services Yustika S. Baharsyah is set to clarify details on the Analisa Olahraga (Sports Analysis) television quiz phenomena. Ministry of Social Services spokesman Eddy Pudjobasuki said on Monday Yustika would stage an internal meeting with her secretary-general, director general, inspector general and other expert staff.

156 malnourished children found

156 malnourished children found YOGYAKARTA: At least 156 children have been found to be suffering from protein deficiency, a situation blamed on the economic crisis, Antara reported. Provincial health office head Muchamad Harsono said people's purchasing power had declined and it was children who faced the greatest risk of malnutrition. Most of the malnourished children, or 54, were found in Bantul regency, followed by Gunungkidul regency with 34, he said. (swe)

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Elly Djohariah Roedyat and Syeni Setiayu Roedyat, at Galeri Bandung, Jl. Siliwangi 16 (Phone: 022 236515), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 30 to May 15. * Photo Exhibition by Blontank Poer, Galeri Senirupa Taman Budaya, Jl. Bukit Dago Selatan, until April 30. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Wearable, at Galeripadi Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 329 (Phone: 022 2500578/2504229), until April 30. * Medical Botany Exhibition, at Galeri Intaran, Jl.

'Merdeka' newspaper shuts down temporarily

'Merdeka' newspaper shuts down temporarily JAKARTA (JP): The 53-year-old Merdeka newspaper has temporarily shut down its operations since April 23 due to "internal company matters", its founder announced on Monday. However, another daily with an almost identical masthead, Rakyat Merdeka, hit the street on April 23, boasting an editorial team comprising almost all of the members of the editorial team of Merdeka.

Harvest promotes investment in agribusiness

Harvest promotes investment in agribusiness JAKARTA (JP): The government will cooperate with United States-based business consultant PT Harvest International Indonesia to promote foreign investment in the agribusiness sector.

Susi Susanti has a baby girl

Susi Susanti has a baby girl JAKARTA (JP): Former world number one shuttler Susi Susanti delivered a baby girl on Monday at 07.08 a.m. at Medistra Hospital, South Jakarta. The 1992 Olympic gold medalist was accompanied by husband Alan Budikusuma during the caesarean. Named Laurencia Averina Wiratama, the baby weighed 3.2 kgs and measured 50 centimeters. "I thank God my baby is unharmed and normal," said Susi, who was accompanied by her parents, Alan's parents and other relatives.

Election seminar for journalists

Election seminar for journalists JAKARTA: Several French journalists shared their know-how and experience in elections reporting with their Indonesian counterparts at a week-long conference which began here on Monday. The seminars and workshops were organized by the French Embassy in Jakarta ahead of Indonesia's June 7 general election, the first elections since the downfall of former president Soeharto in May last year.

Govt lacks facilities to settle mining disputes

Govt lacks facilities to settle mining disputes JAKARTA (JP): The government is often unable to settle pollution disputes between mining companies and local communities and administrations due to a lack of laboratory facilities, a senior official said.

Sumatra fires raise haze threat

Sumatra fires raise haze threat SINGAPORE (Reuters): Satellite images show a rise in forest fire "hot spots" in Indonesia's Sumatra island, raising the threat of smoke haze in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia, experts said on Monday. They said the fires were close to logging tracks and plantations in Central Sumatra.

Jakarta's East Timor duty

Jakarta's East Timor duty Indonesia and Portugal have agreed on the outlines of a plan to allow the people of East Timor to decide their future. The plan has serious flaws. It will require responsible policing to prevent the outbreak of a civil war. ASEAN should insist that Indonesia does better. Jakarta's promise to cut East Timor free if citizens vote against the autonomy plan has great hidden dangers. The first, as everyone has seen in the past three weeks, is the risk of civil war.

Tough task of autonomy

Tough task of autonomy The outgoing House of Representatives made history last week when it passed two decentralization laws, both sponsored by the administration. The first law, passed on Wednesday, allows the a greater say for regional administrations and legislatures in managing their affairs. Excluded from the legislation are matters relating to defense and security, foreign, judicial, monetary, fiscal and religious affairs, which will remain in the hands of the central government.

Rates for tax payment, valid from April 26 May 2

Rates for tax payment, valid from April 26 May 2 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 8,550.00 Austrian schilling 1 657.83 Australian dollar 1 5,523.30 Belgian franc 1 224.39 Canadian dollar 1 5,742.11 Swiss franc 1 5,661.50 Deutschemark 1 4,629.13 Danish krone 1 1,226.42 French franc 1 1,379.94 Poundsterling 1 13,724.46 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,103.30 Italian lira 100 467.49 Japanese yen 100 7,139.87 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,250.00 Dutch guilder 1 4,107.58 New Zealand dollar 1 4,660.61 Norwegian krone 1 1,100.53 Swedish...

Solidamor recognizes military's role in E. Timor

Solidamor recognizes military's role in E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): The Solidarity for Peace in East Timor (Solidamor) non-governmental organization offered on Monday a compromise that would maintain the Armed Forces' (TNI) role in a direct vote to decide on the territory's future.

Antimonopoly law needs revision

Antimonopoly law needs revision By Syamsul Maarif JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's new antimonopoly law will offer a better business environment when it takes effect on March 5, 2000. Law No. 5/1999, which was approved by the House of Representatives (DPR) on March 5, will prohibit any agreements resulting in monopolistic practices and unfair competition, such as oligopoly, price setting, area division, boycotting, cartels, trusts, oligopsony, vertical integration and closed agreements.

Refugees get houses from Japan

Refugees get houses from Japan KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The government of Japan will provide 4,000 units of houses for the East Timorese refugees who are now in the regencies of Belu, Atambua, about 280 km from the capital of the East Nusa Tenggara province. The grant will be provided for the native East Timorese people who left their hometown because of terrorism and intimidation by parties for and against independence, since the option was offered by Jakarta in January, Antara reported.

City's plan to double ID card fees approved

City's plan to double ID card fees approved JAKARTA (JP): City councilors agreed on Monday to Governor Sutiyoso's proposal for a 100 percent increase in the charge for ID cards, despite calls to scrap the fee because of its token value. Head of Commission A for administrative affairs Hotma Tambunan said the agreement to raise the fee to Rp 2,000 was made during a working session of the commission, the city population agency and an assistant to the city secretary on public administration affairs.

P&O Australia tipped for stake in local port

P&O Australia tipped for stake in local port JAKARTA (JP): Port operator Peninsular and Oriental Australia Ltd. is the tentative winner of a 49 percent stake in a state- owned container terminal in Surabaya, the country's second largest city, according to a senior government official. Assistant to the State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises, Sofyan Djalil, said on Monday that P&O Australia offered more than US$170 million for the stake in PT Terminal Peti Kemas Surabaya.

Resettlement plan an 'insult' to Madurese

Resettlement plan an 'insult' to Madurese JAKARTA (JP): A legislator has protested the planned resettlement of Madurese refugees from the riot-torn Sambas regency in West Kalimantan to two islands near the provincial capital of Pontianak, saying the move is an insult to the ethnic group, Antara reported on Monday. The news agency said Soelaiman, a member of the United Development Party faction from East Java, sent a letter to President B.J. Habibie dated April 14 with regard to the matter.

KL protests trip by Anwar's wife

KL protests trip by Anwar's wife KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia protested on Monday a planned visit by the wife of jailed former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Philippines and warned Manila against interfering in Malaysian affairs. Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said his ministry would summon the Philippine ambassador in Kuala Lumpur to object to Azizah Ismail's planned visit to Manila this week.

Hyundai wins gas platform project

Hyundai wins gas platform project JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina has appointed a subsidiary of South Korea's contractor Hyundai Heavy Engineering to build a US$129 million natural gas platform west of the Natuna island chain.

Irian Jaya, Maluku divisions postponed

Irian Jaya, Maluku divisions postponed JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid has confirmed the impossibility of dividing Irian Jaya and Maluku into several provincial administrations before the June 7 general election. "The expansion program will be based on laws which have yet to be made... it is impossible to carry (the division) out before the elections, because the House of Representatives, which is in recess until June 11, will not be able to process them.

Water supply guaranteed despite protests

Water supply guaranteed despite protests JAKARTA (JP): The city administration and two foreign partners of city water management company PDAM Jaya -- Pam Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja) and Thames Pam Jaya (TPJ) -- guaranteed on Monday the city's water supply would not be disrupted despite persistent protests by PDAM Jaya employees.

Increased interest in legislature

Increased interest in legislature TANGERANG (JP): An increasing number of people are interested in applying for legislative positions, as reflected by the fact that as of Monday, 425 people had applied to the Tangerang District Court for documents certifying they have no criminal record.

S'pore resumes pig imports

S'pore resumes pig imports SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore on Monday resumed live pig imports from Indonesia, but a ban on neighboring Malaysia remained in force, after an outbreak of a fatal pig-borne virus, officials said. The Primary Production Department (PPD) said the first shipment of 810 pigs arrived from a Singapore government-approved farm in Pulau Bulan in Indonesia early Monday under stringent conditions.

Court to proceed with Tommy's corruption case

Court to proceed with Tommy's corruption case JAKARTA (JP): A panel of judges at the South Jakarta District Court on Monday decided to proceed with the indictment of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, for his alleged role in a Rp 95.4 billion (US$10.9 million) land scam.

More foreign tourists to Bali

More foreign tourists to Bali JAKARTA (JP): Foreign tourist arrivals in Bali rose 23 percent to 324,632 visitors in the first three months of this year, compared to 262,200 in the same period last year, according to the island's tourism office. The head of Bali's tourism office, I Nyoman Sugiri, said the bulk of the foreign tourists, 172,807 visitors or 53.2 percent, came from Asia-Pacific countries -- a 13.8 percent increase over the same period last year.

Myanmar to host CCI meeting

Myanmar to host CCI meeting YANGON (Reuters): Myanmar will host a meeting of the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry between May 26 and 28, officials said on Monday. "A total of 150 participants from ASEAN countries and other regions are expected to attend the 56th Council Meeting of the ASEAN CCI," the chairman of Myanmar's Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Win Myint, told a news conference.

Team manager knew about Mia's absence

Team manager knew about Mia's absence JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) cautioned All England team manager about his reaction to Mia Audina's planned absence from training last month. PBSI vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah, said on Sunday he had called team manager Hadi Nasri and Mia to discuss the problem. "I have warned Hadi Nasri, because as the team manager he should have asked Mia whether she had a permission letter.

New coin not effective

New coin not effective From Neraca It is to be regretted that the government has this year issued a new coin of Rp 100 denomination. The public hardly knows of the circulation of this new coin. In fact many people refused to accept it. Besides, made out of aluminum and white in color, the coin cannot be used for coin-operated public telephones.

Bank NISP's profit weakens

Bank NISP's profit weakens JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank NISP reported Monday Rp 5.9 billion (about US$695,000) in net profit in the first quarter to March, down 12 percent from Rp 6.7 billion in the same period, last year. The bank announced that the decrease in its net profit resulted from a fall in its net interest income to Rp 26.58 billion from Rp 29.89 billion in the same period last year.

Suspects' wives in robbery, blast case to sue police

Suspects' wives in robbery, blast case to sue police JAKARTA (JP): Wives of four suspects in the April 15 robbery and bomb blast in West Jakarta say they will sue the Jakarta Police for arresting their spouses without warrants and preliminary evidence. On Monday, the four housewives insisted their husbands, who were arrested a day after the incidents, were not at the crime scenes when the robbery and explosion took place.

Akbar, Megawati to be no-shows at debate

Akbar, Megawati to be no-shows at debate JAKARTA (JP): Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri definitely will not show up at the planned debate for presidential hopefuls at the University of Indonesia (UI) on Tuesday.

Australia drawn deeper into E. Timor

Australia drawn deeper into E. Timor By Endy M. Bayuni and Ati Nurbaiti NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Australian Prime Minister John Howard will meet President B.J. Habibie here on Tuesday to discuss the East Timor problem as pressure grows on Canberra to take a more active role in the East Timor conflict. Howard arrived here on Monday evening, accompanied by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Defense Minister John Moore.

Three firms progress in debt restructuring

Three firms progress in debt restructuring JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie & Brothers, PT Polysindo Eka Perkasa and PT Mulia Industrindo announced on Monday significant progress in restructuring their foreign debts totaling more than US$3.1 billion. Bakrie said it reached an agreement in principle with its creditors to restructure its $1.02 billion debt through a debt-to-equity swap scheme. It hopes to clinch a final deal in August.

KONI to send 448 athletes to Brunei for SEA Games

KONI to send 448 athletes to Brunei for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) said 448 of the 549 athletes being groomed for the 20th Southeast Asia (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam would participate in the Games in August. Moch. Hindarto, KONI's official in charge of athlete development, said on Monday the athletes would be selected through field and laboratory tests designed to determine if they could maintain their peak form during the biennial Games.

Elections bodies sign poll security pact with police

Elections bodies sign poll security pact with police JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU), the Elections Supervisory Committee and the National Police signed on Monday an agreement on election security maintenance. A special police team will be established to investigate reports of election violations "in order to speed up law enforcement (and help) a free and fair poll", National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi said.

Energy Equity believes RI will repay debt

Energy Equity believes RI will repay debt MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): Australian power company Energy Equity Corp. said on Monday it believes the Indonesian government will meet its payment obligations to the company's 47.5 percent-owned Sengkang gas and power project in south Sulawesi. Sengkang is in dispute with the government over a U.S.

Eleven orangutans handed over

Eleven orangutans handed over SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The Wanariset Samboja orangutan rehabilitation center here has become the new home of 11 orangutans from Bali, Antara reported. Bali's Conservation and Natural Resources Agency recently confiscated 14 orangutans from their owners, and 11 of the orangutans were sent to Wanariset Samboja, the center's head, Adi Susilo, said here on Monday.

Habibie to dedicate mosque

Habibie to dedicate mosque MALANG, East Java: President B.J. Habibie is scheduled on Wednesday to dedicate A.R. Fachrudin Mosque, said to be Southeast Asia's "grandest" mosque. The mosque is located on the grounds of Muhammadiyah University. University spokesman Herman Yulianto was quoted by Antara as saying on Monday that Habibie, accompanied by his wife Ainun Hasri, would deliver a speech in the mosque hall on the empowerment of women.

Powerful quake jolts Bengkulu

Powerful quake jolts Bengkulu BENGKULU, Bengkulu: A powerful quake registering 5.5 on the Richter scale jolted Bengkulu province and its surrounding areas on Saturday night at 10:45 p.m. No reports of damage or casualties were available, according to Antara. Armin Paimin, the head of the local geophysics station, said the quake was centered at a depth of 33 kilometers below sea level, some 17 kilometers east of here. M.

TV today

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

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 26, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 0 30,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 100 0 0 Alter Abadi 200 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 550 -25 128,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 10,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,525 -25 3,505,000 Anwar Sierad 75 0 16,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Kadin urges govt to save local industrial sector

Kadin urges govt to save local industrial sector JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) urged the government on Monday to bail-out the country's industrial sector to save the economy from a further slide. Kadin's chairman Aburizal Bakrie said the government could not expect an economic recovery by recapitalizing the banking sector without revitalizing the industrial sector.

Prointegration figure confirms murders in Suai

Prointegration figure confirms murders in Suai DILI, East Timor (JP): A string of murders has occurred in Suai, Covalima regency, in the past week, prointegration leader Rui Emiliano Treixeira Lopes said on Monday. He did not mention figures but said that "several" bodies of people killed from last Saturday to Friday were dumped in the Salele River in Suai. Rui quoted local sources in Suai, where he is based, but said he was in Jakarta at the time of the alleged crimes.

'Pribumi' review essential

'Pribumi' review essential By Harkiman Racheman MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The ongoing outbreaks of bloody riots in various parts of the country, often culminating in the slaughtering of fellow pribumi (indigenous) people, seem to have shaken certain commonly accepted assumptions regarding indigenousness and nonindigenousness.

UI to hold all-graduate reunion

UI to hold all-graduate reunion JAKARTA (JP): At least 3 percent, or 2,000, of the University of Indonesia's (UI) 60,000 alumni are expected to attend the all- graduates reunion at the university's Depok campus, south of here, on Sunday, reunion organizers said on Monday. Arianto, chairman of the organizing committee, said the reunion, designed for alumni from all departments and graduating classes, would be the first of its kind.