Archive: 5 April 1999
45 articles found
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Observer warns of partisan media groups
Observer warns of partisan media groups JAKARTA (JP): According to journalists and election observers here, unethical reporting during the election process will be an obstacle to democracy and devalue the elections. In talks on Saturday, political scholar Andi A. Mallarangeng said the "partisan" media groups common at present -- which tend to give sensationalist and biased reports, as many are linked to political parties -- would contribute to chaos and confusion among prospective voters.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fire gutted shopping complex, market
Fire gutted shopping complex, market JAKARTA (JP): The top floor of the five-story Duta Merlin shopping complex on Jl. Gajah Mada in Central Jakarta was gutted by a fire sparked by welders working in the building on Saturday. No fatalities were reported but the one-hour blaze, which began at 9:30 a.m., backed up traffic along the busy Jl. Gajah Mada and its side streets. There was no estimate on the amount of losses caused by the fire.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
S. Kalimantan's pulp plant
S. Kalimantan's pulp plant JAKARTA (JP): Local company PT Menara Hutan Buana (MHB) will build a pulp-processing plant in South Kalimantan with an annual capacity of one million metric tons. The company's commissioner, Surachmadi Suratman said on Saturday Menara Hutan Buana has acquired 268,585 hectares of industrial forest estates in the area to meet the capacity.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mayor installed amid tight security
Mayor installed amid tight security SURABAYA: The Mojokerto mayor, Teguh Sanyoto, and the Kediri, mayor, Maschut, were installed on Saturday by East Java Governor Imam Utomo under tight security following an investigation by the Ministry of Home Affairs into reports of money politics. The investigation had led to a delay of the installment, Antara reported on Saturday.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hooligans win the game
Hooligans win the game There seems to be fewer and fewer safe places in Indonesia today. Apart from the religious conflicts in Ambon and the bloody communal clashes in West Kalimantan, there are other places in our country which also are not secure from deleterious members of society. For example, there are the aggressive soccer hooligans who have caused trouble at soccer matches for years.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Anwar Ibrahim's wife launches new political party
Anwar Ibrahim's wife launches new political party KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The wife of ousted Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim launched a new political party on Sunday and appealed to opposition groups to unite to oust Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN industry website launched
ASEAN industry website launched BANGKOK (DPA): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), somewhat lacking in tangible economic cooperation these days, will in early April launch a regional project you can put your finger on, at least in cyber-space. On April 7 Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai will preside over the official launch of the ASEAN Supporting Industry Database (ASID) website (http://www.asidnet.org).
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hooligans leave trains vandalized
Hooligans leave trains vandalized JAKARTA (JP): Visiting soccer fans from Surabaya and Semarang caused at least Rp 500 million (US$58,823) in damage to trains of the state railway company Perumka, a company spokesman said on Sunday. Zainal Abidin said the material losses were mainly due to broken windows of the trains, including the express Jakarta- Surabaya Argo Bromo. "At least 1,900 window panes were damaged," Zainal said.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
An independent police force
An independent police force With the dawning of a new era for our police force as an institution separate from the Armed Forces, we hope the police will be able to perform its duties in a more independent and autonomous way. The ultimate purpose (of the split) is, of course, to enhance the police's professionalism and to make sure that public order can be better maintained. Henceforth, the police need no longer feel nervous when facing situations that involve members of the military ...
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Muslims help secure Good Friday
Muslims help secure Good Friday LARANTUKA, East Nusa Tenggara: Muslim youths here joined in securing a procession held to commemorate Good Friday. About 90 Muslim activists were asked to join security services for the six-kilometer-long procession, in which thousands of Catholics participated. Muhamad, one of the security personnel, said helping to secure the procession was a unique experience, even though he lived among Catholics.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fate of employees of liquidated banks
Fate of employees of liquidated banks From Media Indonesia In the last few days the media have reported that thousands of employees of private banks closed on March 13, 1999, have staged demonstrations at Bank Indonesia (BI) on Jl. Thamrin, the office of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) on Jl. Sudirman and the office of the National Development Planning Board on Jl. Diponegoro.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Battered hotel industry faces added insults
Battered hotel industry faces added insults JAKARTA (JP): The outlook for the country's battered hotel industry may become even bleaker in the months ahead, as fears of escalating social unrest before and after the June elections will further discourage foreign tourists from visiting Indonesia, a tourism executive has said.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Goh Chok Tong to propose Asia-Latin America summit
Goh Chok Tong to propose Asia-Latin America summit TOKYO (AFP): Singapore is to propose launching an Asia-Latin America summit meeting next year to jointly tackle the global financial crisis, a newspaper said Sunday. The proposal by Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will call on some 30 Asian and Central and South American nations to join the first summit of the two regions, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said, quoting unnamed sources.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Thai national pride rides on WTO job
Thai national pride rides on WTO job By Chris Johnson BANGKOK (Reuters): The contest to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO) may seem academic elsewhere, but in Thailand it is stirring deep feelings. Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi, the Thai candidate to succeed Renato Ruggiero as WTO director-general, is carrying the hopes of a nation whose self-esteem has been badly battered by nearly two years of economic crisis.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
KPU extends voter registration to May 4
KPU extends voter registration to May 4 JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) has extended voter registration to May 4, from the official deadline of April 29, in a bid to gather more participants, KPU chairman Rudini said on Saturday. Despite a markedly different method of voter registration, in which voters register themselves, Rudini said given the short period of registration, beginning Monday, officials would still go to potential voters to assist them in registering.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Inflation decreased by 0.18% in March
Inflation decreased by 0.18% in March JAKARTA (JP): Consumer prices in March declined by 0.18 percent from the level in February, bringing the 1998/1999 fiscal year inflation to 45.44 percent, well below the government's target of 66 percent, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) announced on Saturday. BPS chief Sugito Suwito attributed the deflation during the month mainly to lower food prices. "During the first quarter of 1999, monthly inflation was on a steady downward trend.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Artificial corneas to be produced here next year
Artificial corneas to be produced here next year JAKARTA (JP): The Lions Eye Institute of Perth, Australia, the Jakarta Eye Center and the University of Indonesia's School of Medicine plan to conduct joint research here into designing highly sophisticated artificial corneas beginning next year.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
PSSI to set date for final match
PSSI to set date for final match JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the fifth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) organizing committee Maj. Gen. Sartomo and deputy Iswadi Idris will fly to Manado, North Sulawesi, on Monday to set the date of the final at Klabat sports stadium. All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) spokesman Tondo Widodo said on Sunday the officials would meet local final organizing chairman Lucky Korah, who is also the Manado mayor, to discuss detailed preparations.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Philippines overwhelms RI in Davis Cup
Philippines overwhelms RI in Davis Cup JAKARTA (JP): The Philippines won a trip to the finals in the Davis Cup Group II Asia Oceania zone after eliminating host Indonesia 4-1 on Sunday. In the first match at Senayan indoor tennis stadium on Sunday, veteran Philippines player Joseph Lizardo, 30, expended all of his energy to overcome Indonesian player Febi Widhiyanto, 19, in a three-hour match which ended 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Six missing in chopper crash
Six missing in chopper crash SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: One man died and six are missing after a chopper crashed off the provincial coast on Saturday morning. As of Sunday, a joint team of the East Kalimantan coast guard and Air Force, mobile brigade unit and Bontang subdistrict administration continued the search for the missing. They were identified as Mainuddin, Jufri, Amir Hamzah, Laurensius, Munadi and Devi Irawan. The team rescued six survivors.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cats rout Bulls 57-24 in all-South African Super 12
Cats rout Bulls 57-24 in all-South African Super 12 JOHANNESBURG (Agencies): Cats captain Johan Erasmus led his side to a 57-24 rout of the Northern Bulls in an all-South African Super 12 rugby union match on Saturday. The victory was the Cats' third in the competition, while the Bulls have yet to win in six games, setting them up for the four- match Antipodean leg of the tournament. With five tries in the first half and three in the second, the Cats' dominance was clear-cut.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Details should have warned of Asian crisis: WB
Details should have warned of Asian crisis: WB BANGKOK (Dow Jones): A World Bank conference on corporate recovery in Asia on Friday said closer attention to micro-level data would have forewarned of the region's economic crisis. Delegates to the World Bank-sponsored meeting considered studies of nearly 4,000 Asian corporations from five countries, based on data stretching back to before the region plunged into turmoil in 1997.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN seeks Spratly guarantees
ASEAN seeks Spratly guarantees KUNMING, China (AFP): China's smaller neighbors are expected to seek reassurances over a long-standing South China Sea territorial dispute as meetings between ASEAN and China begin here on Monday. The move comes amid nervousness in the region over a diplomatic row between Beijing and Manila over Chinese structures on a coral reef just 135 nautical miles from the Philippine island of Palawan.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Voter registration begins
Voter registration begins JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) appealed to the nation on Sunday to register for the June 7 general election, touted as the country's first democratic poll in over three decades. "I call on all citizens to sincerely and enthusiastically spare the time to register with the appointed officers," KPU chairman Rudini said in a televised speech.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Easter celebrated peacefully in Ambon
Easter celebrated peacefully in Ambon JAKARTA (JP): Despite fears of renewed unrest, peace prevailed in the riot-devastated Maluku capital of Ambon on Sunday as thousands of Christian residents celebrated Easter outdoors and in churches, Antara reported. Celebrations began on Saturday afternoon as residents in a number of Christian neighborhoods prepared for the solemn celebration on the following day. Gospel recitals were heard throughout the evening over loudspeakers, the news agency said.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
At least 30 killed in fresh communal clashes in Maluku
At least 30 killed in fresh communal clashes in Maluku JAKARTA (JP): At least 30 people in Southeast Maluku have died and dozens of others were injured in communal clashes between Muslims and Christians, Antara reported over the weekend. Violence and arson occurred in several villages in remote areas of the regency's islands of Kai Besar and Tual. The small cluster of islands is about 540 kilometers southeast of the Maluku capital of Ambon, which was recently rocked by sectarian violence.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police, parties plan joint security posts
Police, parties plan joint security posts JAKARTA (JP): City police and the 48 political parties contesting the June 7 general election agreed on Saturday to set up joint security posts to help secure the polls in the capital. The agreement was concluded during a meeting between senior Jakarta Police officers and some 100 representatives of the political parties' security forces. City police chief Maj. Gen.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Kamra not paid yet
Kamra not paid yet PURWOKERTO, Central Java: One hundred members of the civilian militia (Kamra) have said that apart from allowances, they have not received their wages for February. "We're afraid to demand the wage but we need it very much," a member, requesting anonymity, said last week. The monthly wage of Rp 200,000 and an additional allowance of Rp 100,000 is supposed to be provided by the local military command. Central Java Police Chief Maj. Gen.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Golkar under attack, warns of reprisals
Golkar under attack, warns of reprisals SURABAYA (JP): Golkar supporters were harassed for the second time in two days as they attempted to attend a political rally on Sunday, and the ruling party's chairman Akbar Tandjung warned it would not remain passive if the attacks continued. Dozens of trucks carrying Golkar supporters from Probolinggo were stopped at the Waru toll road gate by supporters wearing red-colored clothing of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Consumers still have to wait for protection
Consumers still have to wait for protection JAKARTA (JP): Consumers have finally been given protection against bad goods and services, but due to the country's prolonged economic uncertainty, they may have to wait a while longer before they can enjoy it, a consumer advocate said on Saturday. Purchasing power has dropped, and companies are not producing as much, the Indonesian Consumers Foundation's chairwoman, Tini Hadad, said.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Suspects caught in singer's slaying
Suspects caught in singer's slaying DENPASAR, Bali: A joint team of police detectives and military police personnel has caught four people, two of them Armed Forces members, suspected of killing a Medan, North Sumatra singer, police said on Saturday. Bali Police spokesman Maj. Y. Suyatmo told Antara that two of the suspects, identified as Second Sgt. IKS and Pvt. IPS, were in the custody of the local military police. Badung police have detained the other two, IKG and Yud.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police, parents baffled by young woman's killing
Police, parents baffled by young woman's killing JAKARTA (JP): Tuesday's murder of 24-year-old Santi Sofarina, a student at the Muhammadiyah University, remains a mystery to both her parents and local police. While police only could say the investigation was ongoing, Santi's father, Sugeng Suwito, denied any possible political motives behind her killing. Santi played an active role in the Justice Party.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Over 1,100 child workers exploited in N. Sumatra
Over 1,100 child workers exploited in N. Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): More than 1,100 child workers from poor families are being exploited in fishing structures in North Sumatra's east coastal areas, a minister said. "The child workers will suffer deep trauma... since they have been both physically and sexually exploited," Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication Haryono Suyono said in a seminar on child labor last week.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Key ASEAN states expected to recover from slump
Key ASEAN states expected to recover from slump SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's top bank has forecast that except for Indonesia, key ASEAN nations could recover from a slump and possibly register positive economic growth rates this year. Except for Singapore which emerged with a positive 1.5 percent annual growth rate in 1998, all the top economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) slipped into negative growth rates after grappling with a financial crisis.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sony revamps overseas units
Sony revamps overseas units TOKYO (AFP): Japan's electronics giant Sony Corp. will reorganize overseas operations, starting with a consolidation of two Indonesian plants and relocation of U.S. computer production, a report said Saturday. Sony will close a television plant in Indonesia by the end of this month and move some production lines there to a nearby audio product plant, Jiji Press said.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bus robber ends day of holdups in custody
Bus robber ends day of holdups in custody JAKARTA (JP): Muliadi Manurung was having a good day at work until he got his comeuppance late Saturday. After committing a series of holdups of passengers on public transportation vehicles plying the Pulogadung-Cikarang route, 39- year-old Muliadi was nabbed by local Bekasi residents on Saturday. He was fortunate people did not take the law into their own hands, the case in several recent mobbings of suspected criminals.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Clarification on PT Nynex
Clarification on PT Nynex We thank you for publishing the article about the scholarships provided by PT Nynex Indonesia, a Bell Atlantic company, for students at the Bandung Institute of Technology and the Institute of Telecommunications Technology in your April 1, 1999, edition under the title Scholarships for Bandung students. However, a correction should be made concerning the owner of PT Nynex Indonesia.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
People encouraged to register for general election
People encouraged to register for general election JAKARTA (JP): Like in other cities across the country, Indonesians in the capital who are 17 years of age and older -- except for members of the Armed Forces (ABRI) -- are being urged to register for the June 7 general election beginning on Monday. According to the National Elections Committee, people can register at a number of public places, including schools, village meeting halls and subdistrict offices.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. mulls steel trade complaints against RI
U.S. mulls steel trade complaints against RI WASHINGTON (AP): The Commerce Department will pursue the U.S. steel industry's trade complaints against six countries including Indonesia accused of illegally pricing cut-to-length steel plates. The inquiry was triggered by a U.S. International Trade Commission vote Friday finding evidence that imports from France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan and South Korea have hurt domestic producers.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Migration in eastern Indonesia
Migration in eastern Indonesia This is the first of two articles on the political impact of migration in eastern provinces, prepared by Riwanto Tirtosudarmo, a researcher at the Center for Social and Cultural Studies, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Who says local PCs cannot compete with the international products?
Who says local PCs cannot compete with the international products? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): In terms of PC technology adoption, Indonesia has always been on the fast track, even though the economic crisis has drastically reduced the number who can afford new technology the moment it becomes available here.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Experts doubt IBRA's ability to recover Rp 100t in bad debts
Experts doubt IBRA's ability to recover Rp 100t in bad debts JAKARTA (JP): Economists and financial observers have doubted the ability of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to recover over Rp 100 trillion (about US$11.5 billion) in bad loans taken over by the central bank from the country's seven state banks. Economist Didik J.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
500,000 join peace parade in Yogyakarta
500,000 join peace parade in Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA (JP): Unlike their counterparts who have fought in many parts of the country, more than 500,000 supporters of 36 political parties contesting the upcoming general election took to the streets here on Sunday for a joint rally aimed at promoting peaceful elections.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Installation, Drawing Exhibition: Cenderamata Orde Batu by Moelyono, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), until April 12. * Photo Exhibition: Revolution, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), daily except Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., until April 11.
Mon, 05 Apr 1999, 00:00 WIB
New law on consumer protection
New law on consumer protection From Media Indonesia Finally, after a lone fight for 18 years, the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) can welcome an agreed draft law on consumer protection that will be passed into a law. In any case, the law is an umbrella that is desperately needed to protect Indonesia's more than 200 million consumers. YLKI would like to express its sincere gratitude to all sides who have shown a political will to launch the law on consumer protection.