Archive: 29 April 1999
47 articles found
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI forex reserves slide to US$15.81
RI forex reserves slide to US$15.81 JAKARTA (JP): Net foreign exchange reserves declined to US$15.81 billion on April 23 from $15.86 billion on April 15, according to Bank Indonesia's latest weekly report. The central bank said on Wednesday the slight fall in net foreign exchange reserves was due to the repayment of foreign loans. Nevertheless, Bank Indonesia (BI) said the level was still above the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) adjusted net international reserves target of $14.3 billion.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Student demonstration greets Habibie in Malang
Student demonstration greets Habibie in Malang MALANG, East Java (JP): More than 1,000 student demonstrators turned out as President B.J. Habibie visited here on Wednesday to dedicate a mosque at a local private university. They demanded a dialog with the President, who later addressed 5,000 students on the Muhammadiyah University campus. It was Habibie's second run-in with student demonstrators in the province since he took over the presidency from Soeharto last May.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
City graduates last batch of civilian force members
City graduates last batch of civilian force members JAKARTA (JP): The last batch of the 3,000-member People's Security (Kamra) civilian force have just completed their 12-day military training course, Jakarta Military Command spokesman Lt. Col. DJ Nachrowi said. After the completion of this course last week, the city now has 12,000 Kamra members, which have been deployed to manage traffic in heavy flow areas in and around the capital.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mosque bombing
Mosque bombing From Media Indonesia In connection with a series of alarming incidents taking place recently, we feel the need to issue the following statement: Bomb blasts at the Istiqlal mosque and at some other places in Jakarta, and similar incidents in other regions in Indonesia have clearly shown that our country is still in need of the restoration of order, security and harmony.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PAN says it is ready to become opposition party
PAN says it is ready to become opposition party JAKARTA (JP): The National Mandate Party (PAN) is prepared to play an opposition role, if it finds the new government unwilling to undertake total reform. "We will not hesitate to stand outside the government if it is a half-reform, half-status quo government, with Golkar (in it) for instance," Deputy chairman A.M. Fatwa said in a discussion at The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Armed Forces sets main reform agenda
Armed Forces sets main reform agenda JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (TNI) reiterated on Wednesday its commitment to reform, setting seven main agendas that were designed to improve its tarnished image, according to a high- ranking military official. "While taking into account its weaknesses in the past, the military has established seven main agendas in its internal reform programs.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
First Pacific bids for stake in Indofood Sukses Makmur
First Pacific bids for stake in Indofood Sukses Makmur HONG KONG (Agencies): Hong Kong's First Pacific Co. Ltd. has announced a solo bid to buy 30 percent of Indonesian foodmaker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur after the collapse of a takeover deal with Japan's Nissin Food Products Ltd. First Pacific, cited by the South China Morning Post, blamed the deal's failure to opposition from a small number of Indofood's 70-strong bank creditors.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asian currencies rise on back of robust yen
Southeast Asian currencies rise on back of robust yen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Regional currencies across Asia gained ground against the U.S. dollar during local trading hours on Wednesday, supported by a stronger yen and generally bullish stock market sentiment. After opening on a soft tone following an overnight drop in the yen, both Southeast Asian and North Asian currencies recovered from early lows as the Japanese currency rallied.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
New law reassures jittery oil contractors
New law reassures jittery oil contractors JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Wednesday that the intergovernmental fiscal balance law, which will give a larger share of oil and gas receipts to provinces, will make oil and gas mining contractors in the provinces feel better protected and secure amid any political turmoil. Head of Pertamina's Foreign Contractors Management Body (BPPKA) Gatot K.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hero gets Rp 70b in May riot insurance claims
Hero gets Rp 70b in May riot insurance claims JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Hero Supermarket has received about Rp 70 billion (US$8.14 million), or 90 percent of its total insurance claims for damage caused by the May 1998 riots, its director said on Wednesday. Anton Lukmanto said he expected the remainder would be paid this week.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Xanana rejects Bali meeting on E. Timor
Xanana rejects Bali meeting on E. Timor JAKARTA (Agencies): Jailed East Timorese separatist leader Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao on Wednesday wrote off emergency talks between Australia and Indonesia on his troubled homeland, saying they produced little of significance. His statement coincided with the United States' welcome of President B.J. Habibie's acceptance of a United Nations-brokered autonomy deal for East Timor. A senior U.S.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police urged to take action against piracy
Police urged to take action against piracy JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Recording Industry Association (Asiri) has again urged police to take stern action against piracy of local songs recorded on compact discs (CDs) and video compact discs (VCDs). The plea was submitted by the association's executives and top singers Ebiet G. Ade, Rinto Harahap and Dewi Yull, at a meeting with National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi at the latter's office on Wednesday.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Companies make standby plans ahead of polls
Companies make standby plans ahead of polls JAKARTA (JP): The trauma of the May riots, in which hundreds of people were killed and many buildings damaged, has led major companies to formulate contingency plans ahead of the upcoming general election. The plans include improved telephone communications, stockpiling of food stuffs and medicines and an obligation for employees to keep a spare change of clothing and other daily needs at their workplaces.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI targets two golds from pool
RI targets two golds from pool JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI) is optimistic the nation's swimmers will scoop at least two golds in relay events in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August. PRSI's deputy to the technical committee Gerald Item told a news conference on Wednesday that the association would rely on eight key swimmers to maintain the second medal position it gained in the 1997 SEA Games here.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PNG opens stock exchange
PNG opens stock exchange PORT MORESBY (AFP): Papua New Guinea finally opened a stock exchange Wednesday after two decades of discussion, with the government promising a hands-off approach. The Port Moresby Stock Exchange, or POMSX as it will be known, will operate on a trial basis for about a month with full trading getting under way when its systems have been put through their paces. At the official launch, Prime Minister Bill Skate said it would be of great benefit to the people of PNG.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Exhibition on Earth Day, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until May 1. Seminar * Environment Seminar, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, May 1. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - The Tavern Pub: Streamline Band, Monday to Friday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
S'pore visitor arrivals up
S'pore visitor arrivals up SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Visitor arrivals to Singapore jumped 12 percent in March over the same period last year, tourism officials said Wednesday. The Singapore Tourism Board said visitor arrivals totaled 580,386 in March, with the greatest number of visitors coming from Indonesia. Tourism from Indonesia grew 37 percent in March to 87,087 visitor arrivals. Japan was the second largest market with 84,837 visitors in March, up 5.3 percent from the previous year.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tracking foreign exchange
Tracking foreign exchange Market speculation of possible foreign exchange controls and a new exchange rate system will hopefully be laid to rest after last week's legal assurance from the House of Representatives. The bill on foreign exchange flows and exchange rate system, approved by the House on April 20, does not stipulate any changes in the open capital account and the free float of the rupiah currently in force. The foreign exchange regime remains free and open without any restrictions.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Satelindo to expand cellular network
Satelindo to expand cellular network JAKARTA (JP): Cellular telephone operator PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia (Satelindo) will continue with its expansion plans despite the economic crisis, an executive at the company said here on Wednesday. The company's cellular director, S.W. Ouwens, said on Wednesday Satelindo would install new equipment worth US$170 million to support its prepaid card service.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mia skips simulation match after mother's death
Mia skips simulation match after mother's death JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best women's shuttler Mia Audina was forced to pull out of a simulation match on Wednesday for the Sudirman Cup and World Championships after her mother died from a stroke in the morning. Mia was still in shock and unable to give interviews following her mother's death at 8:50 a.m. Calls to Mia's Taman Anggrek apartment were taken by her Surinamese husband Tylio Lobman.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
S'pore faces new reality
S'pore faces new reality SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Wednesday the local economy is showing signs of bottoming out, but added the country faces a "new reality" and must focus on staying competitive. "Our policies will take time to show results, but the economy is beginning to show signs of bottoming out," he said, in a May Day message to the National Trades Union Congress. "There have been fewer retrenchments this year," he said.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia warns opposition paper
Malaysia warns opposition paper KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): The Malaysian government warned an opposition party-linked newspaper on Wednesday to tone down its antigovernment coverage and to limit sales to its own party members or face being shut down, local news reports said. The warning was conveyed by deputy home affairs minister Abdul Kadi to Hishamuddin Yahya, the managing director of Harakah, the newspaper published by Parti Islam (PAS), the key Islamic opposition party.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fatchett receives accounts of atrocities in E. Timor
Fatchett receives accounts of atrocities in E. Timor DILI, East Timor (JP): At the end of a half-day visit here on Monday, British Junior Foreign Office Minister Derek Fatchett concluded that much has still to be done before any agreements can be implemented. Exposed to differing views regarding the direct ballot, planned for Aug. 8, and the impending presence of the United Nations police force, Fatchett said there was a "long way to go between signing the agreement and its implementation".
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
KPU prepared for failures in elections
KPU prepared for failures in elections JAKARTA (JP): Responding to gloomy predictions about the June 7 elections, General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Rudini acknowledged on Wednesday the body's preparation of strategies in the event of failure.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 28, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 50 5,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 100 0 0 Alter Abadi 225 25 670,000 Alumindo Light Metal 600 25 245,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,500 25 1,827,500 Anwar Sierad 75 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
New Malaysian naval center 'unfit'
New Malaysian naval center 'unfit' KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's new 195 million ringgit (US$51 million) key naval training center in the southern state of Johor was unsafe and unfit for use, reports said on Wednesday. "Many of the buildings in the complex are not safe for use. The hospital has cracked walls and the auditorium had its roof blown off by strong winds," Defense Minister Abang Abu Bakar Mustapha was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Standard Chartered continues Asian shopping spree in Thailand
Standard Chartered continues Asian shopping spree in Thailand BANGKOK (Agencies): Standard Chartered Bank continued its Asian shopping spree on Wednesday, signing a deal to take an initial 68.4 percent stake in Thailand's Nakornthon Bank PCL for 6.2 billion baht (US$164 million). The U.K.-based bank, which will take management control when the deal is finalized in late June, has the option to increase its stake in Nakornthon Bank to more than 75 percent in five years time.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Six students injured in brawl
Six students injured in brawl JAKARTA (JP): Six students were injured in a brawl on Monday night in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, when students from two private universities got into a dispute after a music concert, a police officer said on Tuesday. City police spokesman Lt. Col.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank Bali hopes to avoid management reshuffle
Bank Bali hopes to avoid management reshuffle JAKARTA (JP): A senior Bank Bali executive is urging Standard Chartered Bank to abide by its promise not to undertake a major reshuffle in his bank's management. Bank Bali deputy president I.G.M. Mantera said on Wednesday that the UK bank -- which recently agreed to buy 20 percent of the publicly listed bank's shares -- promised it would not reshuffle the bank's management.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
History to repeat itself
History to repeat itself In response to Mr. Patrick Schwarz' article Will history repeat itself? (The Jakarta Post, April 24, 1999), my answer is a clear yes. The Balkans give us proof enough. But there are many more examples demonstrating that history is repeated. We humans do not seem to learn from our mistakes. The great author Mark Twain said: "There is only one thing greater than the Universe and that is mankind's stupidity." This is very true in many political decisions.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
China walks out on APEC ministerial meeting in NZ
China walks out on APEC ministerial meeting in NZ WELLINGTON (Reuters): The Chinese government delegation walked out of the first APEC ministerial meeting of the year because of a change in the delegation of its rival Taiwan, New Zealand officials said on Wednesday. The Chinese delegation flew home from Christchurch just as the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprises ministerial meeting was getting under way on Tuesday.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Failure of election
Failure of election From Republika To say that the June 7 general election will fail reflects a small-mindedness on the speaker's part. Freedom of expression is one of the human rights of each citizen. It includes the expression of doubt about honesty and fairness of the election. However, if the statement of doubt comes from former president Soeharto, it compels us to reflect on the matter more deeply.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wiranto 'fits bill for presidency'
Wiranto 'fits bill for presidency' JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party leaders are at odds over their presidential pick. Chairman Akbar Tandjung endorses incumbent President B.J. Habibie as the strongest candidate, while deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman believes Armed Forces (TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto will prevail in a tight race.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Dewaruci' docks in Sorong
'Dewaruci' docks in Sorong SORONG, Irian Jaya: Dance performances welcomed Navy tall ship KRI Dewaruci, which arrived on Tuesday on an around-the-globe journey. Shortly after the training ship disembarked at Sorong Port, local dancers performed the Nani Bile dance for the 77 Navy cadets on board. The cadets responded with the Irianese dance Sajojo, which they will perform in an international ship festival in California in July.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. policy on Kosovo: Powell's vs Clinton's
U.S. policy on Kosovo: Powell's vs Clinton's By Landry Haryo Subianto JAKARTA (JP): The latest NATO attack on the Serbs has triggered controversy, mostly in the United States. But the United States continues to squander sophisticated weaponry against Belgrade to hammer so-called Serb military installations. This has resulted in criticism of U.S. President Bill Clinton's administration.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Foreigner arrested for heroin possession
Foreigner arrested for heroin possession JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested a Nigerian at Hanover Hotel in Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta on Monday for allegedly possessing 100 grams of heroin, an officer said. Capt. Gusti Ketut Gunawa of the Jakarta Police detectives unit identified the suspect as Christian Chinedu alias John Osagie.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
TNI chiefs sued at court
TNI chiefs sued at court JAKARTA (JP): The East Jakarta District Court heard on Wednesday a lawsuit filed by a female university student against Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Soeparman and Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto. Lawyers for Fera Yanti S.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timorese traumatized by violence
East Timorese traumatized by violence By Ati Nurbaiti DILI, East Timor (JP): A woman who lost her husband in the Liquica killings on April 6 has seven children. She did not know where her husband's body was, but she knew she could not grieve forever. She asked the local authorities for her husband's salary -- he was a village head charged with inciting proindependence support -- but instead was beaten up, according to her sister-in-law.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PPP to help kick off campaign's first day
PPP to help kick off campaign's first day JAKARTA (JP): Millions of supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) are expected to enliven the first day of campaigning in the city, along with supporters of nine other parties contesting the June 7 general election.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia lamented
Indonesia lamented I am disheartened, shocked and frustrated to see Indonesia today: chaos, killing sprees, sadistic acts, not to mention bomb blasts, which we have never experienced before. In fact, we once claimed that Indonesians were a peace-loving and tolerant people.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on April 28, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Incarceration does not dint Anwar's high profile
Incarceration does not dint Anwar's high profile By Nelson Graves KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Even behind bars, Anwar Ibrahim will not fade away. Malaysian prosecutors said on Tuesday they will pursue a sodomy charge against the former finance minister, who earlier this month was sentenced to six years in prison for corruption. A new trial will mean more legal headaches for the political insider turned dissident.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * The Bali Starling Painting Exhibition, at Seniwati Gallery, Jl. Raya Ubud, until April 30. * 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, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Overseas flights fully booked
Overseas flights fully booked MEDAN, North Sumatra: Flights from the city to Kuala Lumpur for May have been fully booked, sources from travel agencies said here on Wednesday. "We have been putting passengers on the waiting list," Vini, a staff member of a travel bureau, told Antara. However, flights from here to Singapore until the first two weeks of next month are still open. The North Sumatra capital and Kuala Lumpur are also linked by sea transport six times a week.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wives of bomb blast suspects protest arrests
Wives of bomb blast suspects protest arrests JAKARTA (JP): Wives of four suspects in the April 15 foiled robbery attempt and bomb blast in West Jakarta visited the National Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday to protest the arrest of their spouses. Accompanied by Bogor activists who called themselves members of a fact-finding team, the women said police arrested their husbands, identified as Ichwan, Edi Rohadi, Jahid and Naiman, without any warrants.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Edema in West Sumatra
Edema in West Sumatra From Neraca A few days ago I felt greatly concerned after reading a report in this newspaper about hundreds of under-five-year-old children in West Sumatra being threatened with starvation-caused edema. It really saddened me to read this report because it also disclosed that in the eyes of the New Order administration, West Sumatra was considered successful in developing its agricultural sector, becoming one of the largest rice-producing provinces in the country.
Thu, 29 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Forests 'can be site for medicinal herbs'
Forests 'can be site for medicinal herbs' BOGOR, West Java: A researcher called on the government on Wednesday to promote forest cultivation of medicinal herbs as an alternative to using the areas for timber cultivation. Ervizal A.M. Suhud of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture told a seminar here the country could earn considerable income without depleting the forests from a vast range of medicinal herbs found there.