Archive: 28 April 1999
51 articles found
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
BHP proceeds with Gag island nickel project
BHP proceeds with Gag island nickel project JAKARTA (JP): Nickel company BHP Asia Pacific Nickel Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Australia's Broken Hill Proprietary (BHP), is proceeding with its plan to develop nickel deposits on Gag Island, Irian Jaya, despite the country's dire economic straits.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Chopper crash not human error'
'Chopper crash not human error' YOGYAKARTA: Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshall Hanafie Asnan asserted here on Tuesday that human error was not the cause of Saturday's crash of the presidential guards' helicopter in a paddy field in Kertasari village, Ciamis, West Java. The cause would only be determined after a special investigation team completed its work at the crash site, he said, adding he was awaiting the results.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia will shine again
Indonesia will shine again Congratulations on your 16th anniversary. I also would like to congratulate you on your journey toward a civil society (The Jakarta Post, April 25, 1999). Your quotation from John Lennon's Imagine is very appropriate. I am also a dreamer. I dream that in the not too distant future, Indonesia will again be prosperous and become a civil society once more.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
ICRC enters E. Timor conflict area of Suai
ICRC enters E. Timor conflict area of Suai DILI, East Timor (JP): The International Commission of the Red Cross (ICRC) began operations in Suai in the Covalima regency of East Timor where scores of people reportedly have died in civilian conflicts. ICRC press officer Sri Wahyu Endah told The Jakarta Post the commission had heard there were "many victims" in need of humanitarian aid. "The priority will be medical services," Endah said, declining to elaborate on the number of injuries and deaths.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. embassy criticized over barbed wire block
U.S. embassy criticized over barbed wire block JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso and City Council Speaker Edy Waluyo strongly criticized the U.S. Embassy on Monday for placing barbed wire barricades along the southern side of Jl. Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta. Sutiyoso and Edy said the placement of the barricades had obstructed use of the public road and had disturbed many motorists. They asked embassy officials to remove all of the barricades from the street.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PT Indorayon fails to make coupon payments
PT Indorayon fails to make coupon payments JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed pulp and rayon fiber maker PT Inti Indorayon Utama announced on Tuesday that it would be unable to meet coupon payments due this year. The company said the temporary closure of its mill and the adverse impact from the current economic crisis caused the defaults.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Overlapping levies upset developers
Overlapping levies upset developers JAKARTA (JP): Industrial estate developers complained on Tuesday of overlapping levies by local administrations and other parties, saying the charges would discourage investors. Chairman of the Indonesian Industrial Park Association Halim Shahab, said high costs resulting from the levies on industrial parks had made industrial parks less competitive than facilities in other countries, especially those in Malaysia.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Environmental issues put on back burner: WWF
Environmental issues put on back burner: WWF JAKARTA (JP): As Sumatra fires raise the threat of smoke haze, environmentalists have criticized political parties for their lack of commitment to conservation issues. Hery Akhmadi of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), who moderated a discussion between politicians and environmentalists on Tuesday, acknowledged some parties had environmental platforms, but that they were yet to release them to the public.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Angry residents set Mayasari bus on fire
Angry residents set Mayasari bus on fire JAKARTA (JP): A Mayasari Bakti bus plying the Kampung Rambutan-Tangerang route was set on fire by local residents on Jl. M.T. Haryono in Cawang, East Jakarta, on Tuesday morning following an accident. Residents were incensed after the air-conditioned bus collided with two men riding on a motorcycle. The accident took place at about 9:30 a.m. The men, identified as Supendi and Abdul Hamid, suffered serious leg and head injuries.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI accepts UN police in E. Timor
RI accepts UN police in E. Timor By Endy M. Bayuni NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Indonesia has agreed to the presence of United Nations police officers to help oversee security in East Timor ahead of a crucial vote there in August, President B.J. Habibie announced on Tuesday. Habibie told reporters at a joint media briefing with visiting Australian Prime Minister John Howard he had read and approved a draft text on security arrangements during the UN-sponsored ballot.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Military vows to keep low-key role in elections
Military vows to keep low-key role in elections BANDUNG (JP): A senior military officer said here on Tuesday the Armed Forces (TNI) would not play a leading role in the next presidential election. At a seminar on the relationship between civilians and military at the Army Staff and Command School in the West Java capital, TNI Territorial chief Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the military would accept a civilian leader.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI-Aussie ties look toward millennium
RI-Aussie ties look toward millennium By Geoff Forrester The following article is based on a paper presented at the panel discussion "Australia-Indonesia Relations: Facing a New Millennium". The session was held during the Australian Studies Conference, organized by the Australian Studies Center, University of Indonesia, on April 21 and April 22, 1999. JAKARTA: The immediate prospects for Australia-Indonesia relations are gloomy.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Permit for TV quiz deferred
Permit for TV quiz deferred JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Social Services Yustika S. Baharsyah postponed her ministerial decree permitting PT Lintas Artha Raya (LAR) to launch its Analisa Olahraga (Sports Analysis) television quiz amid rising public pressure. Yustika said on Tuesday she would review the contents of the quiz to decide if the quiz constituted gambling or if the possibility existed the public could misuse the quiz for gambling.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Activist says police fired on farmers
Activist says police fired on farmers JAKARTA (JP): At least one person was killed and another 11 injured when police opened fire on hundreds of protesting farmers in Jember, East Java, on Wednesday last week, a human rights activist said on Tuesday. R.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Student sought in beautician's slaying
Student sought in beautician's slaying JAKARTA (JP): City police are seeking a private university student in the murder of a noted hairdresser and beautician in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, an officer said on Monday. The student was identified as Jefrey, 23, a resident of Rawamangun in East Jakarta, who was a close friend of Darsan Chaniago, 56, popularly known as Chan.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
New regents, mayors installed
New regents, mayors installed JAKARTA: Following the enactment of the law on regional autonomy, Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid inaugurated five new regencies and six mayoralties at a ceremony on Tuesday. The five regencies are Aceh Singkil in Aceh, Way Kanan and East Lampung in Lampung, Bengkayang in West Kalimantan and North Luwu in South Sulawesi.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 27, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 -25 5,000 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 100 0 0 Alter Abadi 200 0 5,000 Alumindo Light Metal 575 25 236,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 27,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,475 -50 2,385,000 Anwar Sierad 75 0 172,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
KONI prepares bid proposal
KONI prepares bid proposal JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council's (KONI) 2006 Asian Games bid taskforce members met for the first time on Tuesday to arrange the bidding proposal. KONI's spokesman Ahmed Solihin told reporters after the meeting the team members were scheduled to submit the proposals to President B.J. Habibie by April 30. Habibie is expected to approve KONI's proposal to host the quadrennial event in Jakarta.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Company investigated for confining female workers
Company investigated for confining female workers JAKARTA (JP): City police are investigating labor exporting company PT Jatim Duta Pembangunan for allegedly confining 276 young women against their will for several months as they waited to be sent to jobs abroad. Police believe 240 of the women were confined at a three-story Gading Serpong shop-house in Tangerang and the rest in a four- story building on Jl. Daan Mogot in West Jakarta.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bureaucratic reform overdue
Bureaucratic reform overdue When news reached us that trillions of rupiah in social safety net funds -- obtained through the charity of others -- were somehow misappropriated, we were scandalized. When individuals regarded as lawbreakers by the public were absolved of charges against them by our courts of justice, we could only shake our heads in disbelief. When people who had just had a brush with the law were given positions in prestigious places, we could only mutter in protest.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 Morning News 7:00 TV Series 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 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 7:30 Music 8:30 News 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 TV Series: Labyrinth 11:30 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
A spoiled political prisoner
A spoiled political prisoner Indonesia is a free and sovereign country, which has made many sacrifices in its fight for independence. Indonesia tries very hard to be fair to all law abiding citizens, and everybody is considered equal before the law. People, irrespective of religion, ethnic origins, wealth, or social or political status, will be treated the same. There are no exceptions under the law.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Artwork auctioned for PAN
Artwork auctioned for PAN JAKARTA (JP): The Mitra Budaya Cultural Center will hold an art exhibition and auction to raise funds for the National Mandate Party (PAN) from Tuesday through Saturday, the organizing committee said on Tuesday. About 30 artists will participate in the exhibition at Jl. Tanjung No. 34, Menteng, Central Jakarta. The auction will be conducted by a closed bidding system in which the minimum bid is set at 10 percent below the offered price.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PT Indofood posts net profit of Rp 150 billion
PT Indofood posts net profit of Rp 150 billion JAKARTA (JP): Food products producer PT Indofood Sukses Makmur recorded a net profit of Rp 150 billion (US$17.5 million) last year after a Rp 1.2 trillion loss in 1997, the company said on Tuesday. Company chief executive officer Eva Riyanti Hutapea said the sharp increase in sales had helped it reap profits, despite the prolonged economic crisis. The company suffered the 1997 massive loss mainly as a result of foreign exchange losses.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Foreign firms enter Biak
Foreign firms enter Biak JAKARTA (JP): A consortium of Malaysian and German companies will develop rice, sago and oil palm plantations on a one million hectare plot in the Integrated Economic Development Zone (Kapet) of Biak, Irian Jaya. Chief executive of Kapet's management board, Frans de Wanna, said on Tuesday the consortium, PT Dato Enterprise, was among eight new investors to open business in the Kapet area.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Leader says parties culpable for violence
Leader says parties culpable for violence YOGYAKARTA (JP): Party leaders should be held responsible for any clashes or violence involving their supporters, Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono X said on Tuesday. He was commenting on the latest scuffle between supporters of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the United Development Party (PPP) on Sunday. One man was stabbed to death and five others seriously wounded.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PT Timah's net profit up
PT Timah's net profit up JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed tin mining company PT Timah announced Rp 156.3 billion (US$18.1 million) in net profit for the first quarter of 1999, a 24 percent increase from Rp 127.7 billion in the same period of last year. Sales volume increased to 10,985 metric tons in the first quarter of the year, up by 23 percent from 8,966 tons in the same period of last year, despite an increase in output.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Riau 'entitled' to direct trade with Malaysia, S'pore
Riau 'entitled' to direct trade with Malaysia, S'pore JAKARTA (JP): Riau's new status will enable the province to trade directly with Malaysia and Singapore, a researcher said on Tuesday. Alfitra Salam of the National Institute of Science in Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau, told Antara the new Law on Regional Autonomy, endorsed by the House of Representatives last week, allows a province to form relationships with foreign countries without central government approval.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt, WB seek to improve social safety net program
Govt, WB seek to improve social safety net program JAKARTA (JP): The government and the World Bank are discussing ways to improve the effectiveness of the social safety net program in an effort to maintain international financial support and prevent possible abuse of the program ahead of the elections.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian team optimistic at reaching Sudirman semis
Indonesian team optimistic at reaching Sudirman semis JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is optimistic about reaching the semifinals of the Sudirman Cup in Copenhagen next month, facing China and Malaysia in Group B. The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) training director, Christian Hadinata, told The Jakarta Post that Indonesia needed to win once, against Malaysia, to go through to the semifinals. "We are strong in the women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles. We must win those events.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Students aid riot victims
Students aid riot victims AMBON, Maluku: Indonesian students in the United States have donated 50 tons of dry food, medical supplies and other goods for victims of recent communal clashes here, Antara quoted a military spokesman as saying on Monday. Commander of the Maluku Regional Military Command Col. Karel Ralahalu accepted the donation from Col. Harry Cokro, a member of the 19-member Special Armed Forces Team which was formed and dispatched to Ambon to help settle the unrest.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
A little help from friends
A little help from friends The East Timor peace process is now entering a make-or-break stage in the run-up to the first ever genuine ballot for East Timorese to determine their own future. The road to that ballot, however, scheduled for Aug. 8, remains long and difficult. A major breakthrough is now imminent, with Indonesia giving its wholehearted agreement to the proposed security arrangements during the UN-supervised ballot.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's distinguished legacy of traditional medicines
Indonesia's distinguished legacy of traditional medicines By Kafil Yamin BANDUNG (JP): Public access to "proper" medical services is reducing day by day due to the prolonged economic crisis. Not only is people's purchasing power diminishing, but also medicine stocks, which are mostly imported, have dried up. Those who think that access to modern and scientific medical services means access to health and healing find that being well is costly. And so a drop in income is distressing.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Presidential hopefuls' debate breaks new ground
Presidential hopefuls' debate breaks new ground JAKARTA (JP): A new tradition in Indonesian politics was ushered in on Tuesday when four presidential hopefuls discussed their vision and parties' platforms in a public debate. In a break from the usual political forums, there were no political party banners, flags or party colors, all expressly prohibited by the organizer, the University of Indonesia's Salemba Forum.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Power holders 'must minimize violent backlash'
Power holders 'must minimize violent backlash' Violence continues to linger on as a major destabilizing factor in the current political environment. Public affairs commentator Wimar Witoelar reflects on this phenomenon. JAKARTA (JP): The recent bombing of the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta is the latest incident of a form of terrorism new to Indonesia. Whether or not former president Soeharto is behind the terrorism, as some have speculated, is immaterial.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
In memory of poet Chairil Anwar
In memory of poet Chairil Anwar By Harkiman Racheman MEDAN (JP): On April 28, 1949, Chairil Anwar died at the Jakarta General Hospital from numerous chronic diseases. His medical records show that, during the latest stages of his 26- year lifespan, this most prominent poet of the Angkatan '45 ('45 Generation) suffered severely from incurable syphilis, typhus and other serious infections.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI bond pricing next week
RI bond pricing next week WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): Pricing for a large program of special bonds to be used to finance Indonesia's bank restructuring program should be finalized within the next week, the country's central bank governor said Monday. "We expect it this week or early next week," Bank Indonesia governor Sjahril Sabirin said on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund's spring meetings.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Canada, Denmark cancel aid to Dekopin over appointment
Canada, Denmark cancel aid to Dekopin over appointment JAKARTA (JP): The Canada Cooperative Association (CCA) and the Cooperative Center of Denmark (CCD) have withdrawn their financial and technical aid to the Indonesian Cooperatives Council (Dekopin) to protest controversial businessman Nurdin Halid's appointment as Dekopin's new chairman.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Water deals 'could be canceled'
Water deals 'could be canceled' JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday cooperation agreements between the city water management company PDAM Jaya and two foreign partners could be canceled if they were found to cause losses to the city administration. It was his first explicit statement on the controversial partnerships, which have led hundreds of PDAM employees to hold almost daily protests in recent weeks demanding their cancellation.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mine spill damages houses
Mine spill damages houses BUTUAN, Philippines (AP): Large amounts of mine waste spilled from an impounding dam at a Philippine gold mining company in the southern Philippines, damaging nearby houses and farms and forcing residents to evacuate, officials said on Tuesday. Officials said they had ordered the Manila Mining Corp.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Survey done on Asians' health
Survey done on Asians' health SINGAPORE (AFP): Filipinos, Thais and Singaporeans are more likely to have experienced health problems in the last 12 months compared to their Asian neighbors, a market information group said here on Tuesday. People in these three countries reported an average of nine health problems in the period compared to just under five for people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan, Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) said.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Most Asian currencies gain ground
Most Asian currencies gain ground SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Singapore dollar and the Thai baht strengthened marginally, while the Philippine peso eased back in another mixed session for Southeast Asian currency markets on Tuesday. The Indonesian rupiah closed steady against the U.S. dollar Tuesday as participants continued staying on the sidelines ahead of the June election.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Humpuss building still in dispute
Humpuss building still in dispute JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso ordered Central Jakarta Mayor Andy Subur Abdullah to clear the Humpuss and Timor buildings as soon as possible after they were sealed off on March 26. "Tell them (the management) I cannot give them any more time," he said. The Humpuss and Timor buildings on Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur were sealed off on March 26 for violating Presidential Decree No. 25/1995 on the development of the Medan Merdeka area.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bishop Belo prays for Gus Dur
Bishop Belo prays for Gus Dur DILI, East Timor: Dili Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo said on Tuesday he would pray for the health and a speedy recovery of Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, who is undergoing eye surgery in the U.S. Antara quoted Belo as saying in the East Timor capital of Dili that he also hoped Abdurrahman would soon return home and take care of his religious, social and political duties.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on April 27, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Banking body exposes alleged corruption
Banking body exposes alleged corruption JAKARTA (JP): A newly established watchdog organization, the Center for Banking Crisis (CBC), released on Tuesday a 29-page report detailing alleged corrupt and collusive practices by central bank officials and bankers.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Embassies may issue initial approvals for foreign investment
Embassies may issue initial approvals for foreign investment JAKARTA (JP): Overseas embassies and consulates general may begin issuing preliminary approvals to foreign investors wishing to open businesses in Indonesia, a minister said here on Tuesday. State Minister of Investment Hamzah Haz said the embassies and their consulates general also would be assigned to provide technical assistance to prospective foreign investors as part of the program to promote foreign investment in Indonesia.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank BNI issues Visa Card
Bank BNI issues Visa Card JAKARTA (JP): Visa International has joined state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in issuing the BNI Visa credit card, Visa International country manager Ellyana C. Fuad said on Tuesday. She said card applicants did not need to have deposits with BNI. "Bank BNI predicts issuing more than 100,000 Visa cards nationwide before the year 2000." The bank had already issued 60,000 cards, despite the growing economic crisis, she said.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt says priority is polls, not provinces
Govt says priority is polls, not provinces JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid rejected on Tuesday the notion of dividing Irian Jaya and Maluku into five provinces before the June 7 elections, saying the government was now prioritizing efforts to ensure a free and fair poll.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Estrada plans warm welcome for Anwar's wife
Estrada plans warm welcome for Anwar's wife MANILA (Agencies): President Joseph Estrada will throw open the doors of the Philippine presidential palace to Malaysian opposition figure Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to show that the Philippines is a "free country," official sources said on Tuesday.
Wed, 28 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Women's trauma
Women's trauma From Merdeka The realization of people's sovereignty through a general election, a change in the country's powerholders and brokered peace in conflict areas are highly susceptible to bloodshed. Violence is being used as a response to the problems of political uncertainty, inertia of the law and economic turbulence.