Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 April 1999

51 articles found

Police separation has implications

Police separation has implications The National Police has been separated from the Armed Forces beginning this month. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono thinks the separation might be a beginning of the right move. JAKARTA (JP): The separation of the police force from the armed forces (ABRI) or the Indonesian National Solders (TNI) as it has been renamed since April 1, 1999 is at this stage no more than symbolic.

INDRA rate set at Rp 7,899

INDRA rate set at Rp 7,899 JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Debt Restructuring Agency (INDRA) set on Monday the exchange rate used to convert private foreign debt at Rp 7,899 to the US dollar for companies joining the agency in April. The exchange rate was Rp 7,913 to the dollar in March.

Dogs poisoned to combat rabies

Dogs poisoned to combat rabies PALU, Central Sulawesi: Nearly 4,000 dogs were put down during the 1998/1999 fiscal year in a bid to eradicate rabies in the province, an official said on Sunday. Yusmanto of the provincial husbandry office told Antara that the dogs were killed with strychnine added to their food. Animals targeted were strays or those with a record of biting humans, Yusmanto said. Such animals were prone to contracting the formid inexo rabilis virus (FIR) which causes rabies.

The impact of migration in eastern Indonesia

The impact of migration in eastern Indonesia This is the second of two articles on the political impacts of migration in eastern provinces, prepared by Riwanto Tirtosudarmo, a researcher at the Center for Social and Cultural Studies, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences. JAKARTA (JP): The central government's transmigration policy in Irian Jaya has contributed to an increase of ethnic tensions there.

Find the cause of the troubles!

Find the cause of the troubles! Rational people are still looking for the real cause of the serious troubles in several parts of our beloved country. Indonesians young and old are seemingly gripped by sadistic feelings that result in killing, torture, rape and robbery; in a country long considered by the international community to be a hospitable, charming and tolerant nation.

Ligina final set for Friday in Manado

Ligina final set for Friday in Manado JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) will stage the fifth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) final on Friday in Manado's Klabat stadium in North Sulawesi at 6:15 p.m. local time (5:15 p.m. Jakarta time). PSSI spokesman Tondo Widodo said on Monday the date was set following a meeting with head organizer Maj. Gen. Sartomo, deputy Iswadi Idris and local organizer chairman Lucky Korah, who is also mayor of Manado.

Govt to boost asphalt output

Govt to boost asphalt output JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to increase asphalt output on Buton Island, South Sulawesi, to 1 million tons per year from 250,000 tons per year to meet growing demand on the domestic market for the commodity, Minister of Public Works Rachmadi Bambang Sumadhijo said on Monday.

'U.S. 'automatic detention' hits local cocoa exporters

'U.S. 'automatic detention' hits local cocoa exporters JAKARTA (JP): The "automatic detention" measure imposed by the U.S. government on Indonesian cocoa has caused great losses to Indonesian cocoa exporters, according to the Indonesian Cocoa Association (Askindo). "In 1998 alone, losses (from the measure) ran as high as US$30 million," Askindo's executive director P.S. Siswoputranto told The Jakarta Post.

RI forex reserves rise to US$15.8 billion

RI forex reserves rise to US$15.8 billion JAKARTA (JP): The country's net foreign exchange reserves increased by US$1.4 billion to $15.8 billion in the week ending March 31, Bank Indonesia announced in its weekly report. The central bank said on Monday the increase resulted from government oil and gas revenues and disbursement of foreign loans.

Five people caught for computer monitor thefts

Five people caught for computer monitor thefts JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Police detectives arrested five people suspected of being involved in the theft of a shipment of computer monitors. According to North Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col. Wisjnu Amat Sastro, two of the arrested suspects acted as fencers, selling the stolen monitors to individuals and computer dealers in several locations, including busy electronic markets in Glodok, West Jakarta.

Trial of Kopassus soldiers rigged, says Kontras

Trial of Kopassus soldiers rigged, says Kontras JAKARTA (JP): Ahead of a verdict expected Tuesday to defendants in a trial on the abduction of activists, a rights group reiterated that the trial was rigged. The trial could not be expected to shed light on the case, while 13 activists are still listed as missing.

Run-down Aceh railway to get Rp 3.5t overhaul

Run-down Aceh railway to get Rp 3.5t overhaul JAKARTA (JP): The government will spend at least Rp 3.5 trillion (US$406 million) to rebuild the dilapidated 481- kilometer railway linking Banda Aceh and Besitang in North Sumatra, an Acehnese official said on Monday. Head of the provincial office of the communications ministry Usman Duni said the renovation would take at least five years.

Almost 400,000 people flee Kosovo: UNHCR

Almost 400,000 people flee Kosovo: UNHCR GENEVA (Reuters): The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Monday almost 400,000 people had fled Kosovo since NATO began bombing Yugoslavia last month. The Geneva-based agency also reported that some of the tens of thousands trapped in squalid conditions in no-man's land at the Macedonian border had been allowed to move to a transit camp inside the former Yugoslav republic.

Two die in E. Timor clash

Two die in E. Timor clash LIQUICA, East Timor: Two men were killed in a clash between prointegration and proindependence groups over the weekend. Ten others were injured and eight homes were set on fire. The fatalities were identified as Francisco of Vatubou village in Maubara district and Felis of Dato village in Liquica district. Their affiliations were not known. Military command chief Capt.

RP vs. Vietnam in Spratly soccer

RP vs. Vietnam in Spratly soccer MANILA (AFP): Vietnamese and Filipino troops garrisoned in disputed South China Sea islands are to play a series of soccer matches as a confidence-building measure, the Philippines defense department said on Monday. Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado and his Vietnamese counterpart, Lt. Gen. Pham Van Tra agreed to hold the matches following a proposal by a Filipino official during a visit to Hanoi last week, a defense department statement said.

135 developers fail to build RSS

135 developers fail to build RSS JAKARTA (JP): A total of 135 of 160 developers operating here failed to fulfill their obligation to build low-cost houses (RSS), an official said on Monday. Muhaziem Mokhtar, head of the city housing agency, urged the city administration to impose sanctions against the 135 developers. "The administration must take some action against these slack developers so they meet their obligation to build RSS as required by existing laws," Muhaziem told The Jakarta Post.

Asia Food buys 3 RI firms

Asia Food buys 3 RI firms SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore-based Asia Food & Properties Ltd said in a statement on Monday that it had acquired three Indonesian-listed companies through its Indonesian units. The three companies are: PT Rawa Bangunnyaman and PT Sungai Siak; both oil palm plantation companies, and PT Pratama Ronaperintis; an investment holding company. Singapore Asia Food did not provide purchase prices.

Economic crisis, WTO top China and ASEAN talks

Economic crisis, WTO top China and ASEAN talks KUNMING, China (AFP): China and ASEAN member-states opened talks here Monday with the biting regional economic crisis and Beijing's long-standing bid to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO) dominating the agenda. A long-standing South China Sea territorial dispute over the Spratly Islands was also due to figure at the talks.

Why the violence?

Why the violence? Before we go any further, this must be said: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle attack -- or, to put it more accurately, the attack by hundreds of people wearing the familiar red-and-black attributes of PDI Perjuangan -- against visiting Golkar functionaries and local supporters in Purbalingga, Central Java, was an act of violence that cannot be condoned.

Voter registrars unready on 1st day

Voter registrars unready on 1st day JAKARTA (JP): Unprepared officers marred the first day of voter registration nationwide on Monday, despite some people's enthusiasm to sign up for the June 7 general election. Many local registrars at the subdistrict level, called Subdistrict Polling Committee (PPS), in Java, West Sumatra, South Kalimantan and Sulawesi contacted by The Jakarta Post said registration forms and directives were not yet available.

New excise tax affects regular cigarette prices

New excise tax affects regular cigarette prices JAKARTA (JP): The newly applied cigarette excise tax scheme puts makers of regular cigarettes at a disadvantage as it eliminates their control over retail prices, an analyst said here on Monday. David Jap of Trimegah Securindolestari said the new rule would force makers of regular cigarettes to raise their retail prices, likely making their products less competitive. "Under the new scheme, they must follow government-set retail prices.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Germany Advertisement Photograph in 1925- 1988, at Galeri Soemardja, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesha 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until April 10. Music and Entertainment * Hotel Papandayan, Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 83 (Phone: 022 310799): - The Burangrang Lounge at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Solo Jazz Piano, Tuesday to Friday. Piano Couple (Jazz and Pop), Saturday, Wednesday. Piano, Guitar and Vocal, Sunday.

Armed gang targets police officer's house

Armed gang targets police officer's house JAKARTA (JP): A group of armed robbers broke into a house of a police officer on Jl. Dewi Sartika in Cawang, East Jakarta, early Monday, making away with a gas tank and a telephone set. Police remain in the dark about their number, but say there were at least two people in the gang. They said one of them was shot in the eye but had managed to escape with his accomplices. According to city police spokesman Lt. Col.

SE Asian currencies slip in wake of sinking yen

SE Asian currencies slip in wake of sinking yen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies mostly slipped against the U.S. dollar Monday. Responding to an early slide in the yen, which saw the U.S. currency push upward to a high of 121.75 yen in Asia, the Thai baht and the Singapore dollar both fell back. The Indonesian rupiah also ended lower.

Low appreciation of secretaries

Low appreciation of secretaries The article titled "Secretaries: Be-all, end-all of firms" on March 30 reminds me of a book titled Sekretaris sebagai manager (Secretaries as managers) by Dr. A.B. Susanto. Both publications appreciate the roles of a secretary in a company. Unfortunately, there are still lots of companies in Indonesia which give their secretaries a low salary, even they work very hard, are involved in managerial activities and, many times, are required to stay late at the office.

Singapore oil refiners see tough times ahead

Singapore oil refiners see tough times ahead SINGAPORE (Reuters): A decision by industry leader Shell Singapore to deepen production cuts in April despite surging oil prices was indicative of tough times ahead, analysts and oil traders said on Monday. Crude soared last week to a one-year high after global producers agreed to cut output. But the rally did not necessarily support Asian refineries, and other uncertainties were developing for the rest of the year.

'TVRI' to air best athletes ceremony

'TVRI' to air best athletes ceremony JAKARTA (JP): State-owned TVRI is scheduled to air live a ceremony to honor 1998's best athletes on April 9 at TVRI's auditorium. The ceremony will be jointly staged by the National Sports Council (KONI), TVRI and the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI).

Ambon clashes force Butonese 'back home'

Ambon clashes force Butonese 'back home' By Elizabeth Collins BAU BAU, Southeast Sulawesi (JP): The refugee center in Bau Bau city is an open market next to a sports field. Between 500 and 1,000 refugees crowd under the roof on the cement platform. It is difficult to imagine how they would all find space to lie down at night.

Confusion colors first day of voter registration

Confusion colors first day of voter registration JAKARTA (JP): The first day of voter registration in the capital was marked by a lack of preparation and confusion among registration officials. It remains unclear whether local registration locations and officials (Gastarlih) will be ready to carry out their duties on Tuesday.

King to receive Anwar report

King to receive Anwar report KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A royal commission investigating injuries sustained by sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim while in police custody will present its report to Malaysia's king on Tuesday, government officials said. The three-member commission will present the report and its recommendations to the king at the royal palace in the capital, the officials said on Monday. A palace spokesman said it had not yet been decided whether the report would be made public.

Activity on Anak Krakatau

Activity on Anak Krakatau SUNDA STRAIT, Lampung: Frequent explosions and tremors were reported from Mount Anak Krakatau in the latest observations of the volcano over the weekend. A 20-strong team from the Krakatau Community Care, who observed the volcano's activities on Saturday and Sunday from nearby Sebesi Island and Sertung Island, recorded an explosion every three to 15 minutes. Lava, gravel and ash spewed out of the volcano's crater. Large waves accompanied the explosions.

Commission fails to decide on legislative seats

Commission fails to decide on legislative seats JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) failed to reach a decision on Monday on the allocation of legislative seats due to 11 newly established regencies. "We have to count again," commission chairman Rudini said after a one-hour meeting at the KPU office in Central Jakarta.

Rights activist warns of threat from new security bill

Rights activist warns of threat from new security bill JAKARTA (JP): A leading human rights activist has said that the bill on the state's safety and security is even more of a threat to the public than the newly scrapped 1963 Subversion Law. Coordinator of the independent Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) Munir alleged on Monday the bill was inspired by Malaysia's much criticized Internal Security Act.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on April 5, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Stepped-up training urged for workers

Stepped-up training urged for workers TANGERANG (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Juwono Sudarsono on Monday called for more education programs for factory workers across the country. "I want more (factory education programs) like this one to be set up in this country, particularly in areas such as Tangerang," Juwono told The Jakarta Post after inaugurating an education program jointly organized by Nike and its subcontractors here.

Soccer hooligans fight residents

Soccer hooligans fight residents CIREBON, West Java: Hundreds of soccer hooligans returning home from Jakarta and local residents living near the railway station here threw stones at each other on Sunday, causing damage to hundreds of houses and a number of trains, Antara reported. Houses on Jl. K.S. Tubun were the worst hit, with damaged roofs and broken windows from stones fired by the hooligans. Dozens of other houses in the villages of Suci and Mundu also were attacked.

EC vice president confident about RI's prospects

EC vice president confident about RI's prospects JAKARTA (JP): European Commission vice president Leon Brittan said on Monday he was upbeat about ailing Indonesia's future if it followed prescriptions for a return to economic health. Brittan believed Indonesia and other crisis-hit Asian countries would be able to weather the economic turmoil.

Boeing skids off runway

Boeing skids off runway UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): A Boeing 737 owned by Mandala Airlines skidded off the runway shortly after landing at Hasanuddin Airport on Monday. All the crew and 80 passengers, including three babies, left the aircraft unharmed. The accident, however, caused departure and arrival delays for big sized aircraft, including those carrying haj pilgrims returning from Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 5, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 350 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 75 0 0 Alter Abadi 200 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 375 25 676,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 100 0 105,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,400 -25 827,500 Anwar Sierad 50 0 70,500 APAC Centertex Corp 225 0 467,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,700 0 6,500 Argha Karya Prima...

Indonesia's decision to stay in INRO will not help boost prices

Indonesia's decision to stay in INRO will not help boost prices JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's decision to remain a member of the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) would not help in stabilizing the commodity prices if the existing rubber trade pact is not changed, according to Gapkindo, the Indonesian rubber association. Gapkindo's executive director, A.F.S.

Elections body probes attack on Golkar supporters

Elections body probes attack on Golkar supporters JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) will soon summon executives of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the Golkar Party in relation to last week's incident in which Golkar supporters and executives were pelted with stones. Speaking in Yogyakarta, commission member Adi Andojo said the commission was to summon both parties for clarification of the incident.

Taiwan minister visits RI

Taiwan minister visits RI TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Chih- kang left for Indonesia Monday for talks on bilateral cooperation in energy development. Wang, whose delegation includes officials from the energy commission, the state-run Taiwan Power Company and Chinese Petroleum Corp., will attend an annual ministerial-level meeting due to start later Monday, officials said.

Mideast peace has long way to go

Mideast peace has long way to go By Oei Eng Goan The United Nations held a two-day international seminar for journalists on the question of Palestine, one of the longest- lasting and most complicated political problems of this century, in Madrid last month. Indonesia was represented by The Jakarta Post.

Provocateurs repent!

Provocateurs repent! From Republika The riot in Ambon has not completely died down. Minor clashes have continued to break out and could always degenerate into major clashes unless security personnel and the community remain alert to prevent the possibility of fresh riots. While the riot in Ambon is dying down, a large-scale riot has flared up in Sambas, West Kalimantan. Reportedly, the main cause of the riot is an interethnic dispute.

20 more dead bodies found, Maluku death toll over 50

20 more dead bodies found, Maluku death toll over 50 JAKARTA (JP): Twenty bodies were found in the Southeast Maluku village of Larat on Monday, taking the death toll from days of communal clashes in the area to more than 50. Antara quoted witnesses as saying the charred bodies were found in the ruins of homes set on fire during clashes between Muslims and Christians in Larat village on Larat island on Friday and Saturday.

BI to retain its supervisory grip

BI to retain its supervisory grip JAKARTA (JP): The government and the House of Representatives principally agreed on Monday to retain Bank Indonesia's banking supervisory function until the end of 2002, paving the way to the resolution of a key obstacle to a new central bank bill. The chairman of the House's special team to deliberate the central bank bill, Tayo Tarmidi, said the banking supervisory role would be handed over from the central bank to a new independent body after 2002.

Beddu, Ricardo tried in Goro corruption case

Beddu, Ricardo tried in Goro corruption case JAKARTA (JP): Before a packed public gallery, former chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang and a senior executive of wholesaler PT Goro Batara Sakti were indicted on Monday in a multibillion rupiah corruption case. Private television station ANteve broadcast live the separate sessions of Beddu and Ricardo Gelael at the South Jakarta District Court. Both men appeared composed during the proceedings. Presiding judge Samsoeddin A.B.

Errant bankers

Errant bankers We welcome Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto's statement that the government will be selective and prudent in barring errant bankers from leaving Indonesia. In any case, a number of the bankers have already demonstrated their good intentions by issuing, through their respective lawyers, signed statements declaring that they will not leave this country until legal auditing of their banks has been completed.

Two tried in $9.3m construction scam

Two tried in $9.3m construction scam JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday for jail terms of six years and five years respectively for a developer and official charged in a US$9.3 million scam in the construction of a condominium project.

Catholics encouraged to vote in June 7 polls

Catholics encouraged to vote in June 7 polls JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) has called on Catholics to exercise their voting rights in the June 7 polls, but is urging them not to vote for parties which are against the reform movement or which have a bad track record. In its Easter message signed by chairman Josef Suwatan and secretary-general Johannes Hadiwikarta, KWI said the elections were a crucial stage that would enable sweeping reform to continue.

More American tourists to Bali

More American tourists to Bali DENPASAR, Bali: A total of 18,355 tourists from North and South America visited Bali in the first two months of the year, a 64.2 percent rise from 11,176 American tourists in the same period of 1998. Antara quoted the Bali Tourism Office report on Saturday that Americans topped the list of foreign arrivals, followed by Canadians, Argentineans, Brazilians and Mexicans. American tourists totaled 12,514, up by 54.2 percent from 8,116 in the first two months last year.