Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 April 1999

49 articles found

Portugal calls for E. Timor inquiry

Portugal calls for E. Timor inquiry JAKARTA (JP): Portugal's envoy to Indonesia Ana Gomes called on Wednesday for an international inquiry into the outbreak of violence against civilians in East Timor. "We think that an international investigation is indeed necessary to establish what has happened in Liquica," Gomes said after meeting jailed East Timorese leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao at his special detention house in Central Jakarta.

Cambodia becomes full ASEAN member

Cambodia becomes full ASEAN member HANOI (AFP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will accept Cambodia as a full member at a meeting in Hanoi on April 30, a Vietnamese official said on Wednesday. A special ASEAN meeting will be called for April 29 and April 30 in Hanoi to formally make Cambodia the regional group's 10th member, said the official.

Golkar asked to delay function

Golkar asked to delay function SEMARANG (JP): Residents in Surakarta, Central Java, have asked the Golkar Party to delay a scheduled meeting in the town for fear of unrest, an official here said. The head of the Surakarta (also known as Solo) mayoralty elections committee, Zaenal Maarif, said in Semarang on Wednesday that clashes between Golkar supporters and supporters of rival parties could occur during a Golkar function in Surakarta scheduled for April 17.

Econit says govt loath to give more to provinces

Econit says govt loath to give more to provinces JAKARTA (JP): The bill on striking a financial balance between the central government and provincial administrations will not affect the government's management of revenue generated from natural resources, according to consultancy firm Econit.

Billions allocated to fight malnutrition

Billions allocated to fight malnutrition SURABAYA: East Java's provincial health office will provide Rp 21 billion to help improve the nutritional status of 243,000 children, including 14,000 who are below five years old and are suffering from malnutrition. The head of the office, Soeharsono, was quoted by Antara as saying on Wednesday the funds, to be taken from the social safety net program for health, will be distributed through the province's integrated health posts.

S'pore leads Asian charge into world IT elite

S'pore leads Asian charge into world IT elite SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has emerged as one of the world's top information-driven economies, and Asian countries in general have outpaced Europe in progress in the field, an industry research group said Wednesday. The International Data Corp. (IDC) placed Singapore at fourth place -- next only to the United States, Sweden and Finland -- in its annual Information Society Index (ISI) rankings for 1998.

Govt seeks to boost rights body's powers

Govt seeks to boost rights body's powers JAKARTA (JP): A government-sponsored draft law initiated to empower the National Commission on Human Rights was submitted to the House of Representatives on Wednesday. In a plenary session presided over by deputy speaker Hari Sabarno, Minister of Justice Muladi said the bill would extend to the organization, rights, authority and accountability of the commission. "The commission will have the authority to resolve disputes on rights violations.

Tapos certificate to be reviewed

Tapos certificate to be reviewed BOGOR (JP): West Java Governor R. Nuriana said on Wednesday the government would review the land use certificate for a cattle ranch owned by former president Soeharto because the certificate is valid only until next year. "If the certificate cannot be extended due to complaints from local residents, we will not extend the certificate," he said.

Nikko sues Bayu Buana

Nikko sues Bayu Buana JAKARTA (JP): PT Nikko Securities Indonesia is filing a bankruptcy claim against travel company PT Bayu Buana for failing to pay Rp 7.5 billion (about US$882,000) in promissory notes, a company executive confirmed on Wednesday. The executive said the action was taken because Bayu Buana could not settle debts which matured two years ago. "We are confident about winning the case. It is a simple and straight forward case. (The case) is nothing special," he said.

Asian currencies mixed against dollar

Asian currencies mixed against dollar SINGAPORE (AFP): Asian currencies ended mixed Wednesday against the U.S. dollar, which remained well bid with no immediate signs of an end to the war in Yugoslavia, dealers said. "The overall outlook is still a firm dollar," said Christy Tan, analyst at Singapore-based financial consultancy IDEA. The U.S.

Mosque keeper bitten by stranger

Mosque keeper bitten by stranger TANGERANG (JP): In a bizarre case of violence, a mosque keeper, Sueb, was bitten repeatedly by a stranger late Tuesday. Sueb, 54, needed some 30 stitches for injuries to his face, hands, chest, back and both ears. One of his ears nearly was bitten off.

Citibank opens 42 ATM centers in three major cities

Citibank opens 42 ATM centers in three major cities JAKARTA (JP): Citibank Indonesia opened on Wednesday 42 new automated teller machine (ATM) booths in the capital and at its branches in Bandung and Surabaya. Berry Lesmana, country manager for Citibank Indonesia, said each booth, called ATM Boutiques, provided two ATMs, a telebanking phone terminal, a sales and promotion desk and a self-service machine which customers could use to update their savings account books.

Riot battalion reinforcements for Maluku

Riot battalion reinforcements for Maluku JAKARTA (JP): Another battalion of riot troops from Java will be deployed to Southeast Maluku regency as the death toll from clashes there continues to rise, police said on Wednesday. Maluku Police spokesman Maj. Jekriel Philipis told Antara sporadic clashes between groups of Muslims and Christians on Tuesday killed at least 28 people, bringing the death toll from recent violence in the regency to 80.

Special luxury imported cars sold illegaly, official says

Special luxury imported cars sold illegaly, official says JAKARTA (JP): Many luxury cars imported for special purposes have been illegally sold, a senior government official said here on Wednesday, Director General of the Customs and Excise Permana Agung said sales of the vehicles had caused a great financial loss to the state.

Mahathir delays political tour

Mahathir delays political tour KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Due to a lung infection that has kept him in the hospital for nearly a week, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has put off a national political tour ahead of an upcoming election, officials said on Wednesday. Mahathir postponed a three-day trip to the eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island after being advised by doctors to get plenty of rest, said Sabah's Chief Minister Osu Sukam.

WB project monitoring needs review

WB project monitoring needs review By Nila Ardhianie SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): External aid from both international financial institutions and donor countries is playing a very important role in Indonesia's economy, particularly during this time of crisis, but the system of its supervision needs reviewing to avoid past mistakes which led to quite a high level of leakage.

Hooligans cause Rp 2.4 billion loss

Hooligans cause Rp 2.4 billion loss BANDUNG: State railway company PT Perumka suffered an estimated financial loss of Rp 2.4 billion after soccer hooligans broke thousands of windows in a war of stones on April 3 and April 4. Perumka president Edie Haryoto said here on Tuesday that a total of 3,431 windows on a number of executive and economy cars were smashed when hooligans on trains pelted houses along their route and the residents responded in kind.

RI volleyballers join Aspac tourney

RI volleyballers join Aspac tourney JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) sent its top four male beach volleyballers to Thrang and Pattaya in Thailand, on Wednesday to compete in the Asia Pacific beach volleyball tournament attended by 10 countries. PBVSI spokesman Ahmed Solihin said the four athletes -- Agus Salim, Irilkhun Shofana, Iwan Sumoyo and Anjas Asmara -- were set to finish in the top three in the second tournament in Pattaya.

Police officers attacked by unidentified men

Police officers attacked by unidentified men JAKARTA (JP): Two police officers from the National Police Headquarters were assaulted by a group of some 20 unidentified men in Ciracas, East Jakarta, early Wednesday. The wounded officers, Pvt. second class Yusuf Antoni and Pvt. second class Nawi Ritonga, failed to identify the attackers but said they all had crew cuts. According to city police spokesman Lt. Col.

Soccer supporters should show dignity

Soccer supporters should show dignity From Neraca It's all right to support one's soccer team, but one should behave oneself. We, Jakarta residents, receive out-of-town supporters with open arms. Jakarta belongs to all Indonesians, thus, we must look after it. I feel saddened by the death of soccer supporters. Six Semarang supporters were crushed to death by a train close to Lenteng Agung station. Another person died at Jatinegara station due to contact with an electrical wire.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Photo Exhibition: Metis, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until April 10. 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. - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Solo Pianist, Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m.

Accident may leave boy permanently disabled

Accident may leave boy permanently disabled JAKARTA (JP): A speeding train ran over a young child on Wednesday, severing both of his arms. Two-year-old Rizki was crossing railway tracks with his mother and four-year-old sister near their home in Pademangan, North Jakarta, when he slipped and fell between the tracks just as a train passed. The train passed over him, but his arms were across the track. His left arm was severed up to the shoulder and his right arm severed to the elbow.

Sutiyoso vows to bring corruption cases to court

Sutiyoso vows to bring corruption cases to court JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso on Wednesday vowed to bring all of the 146 corruption cases allegedly committed by city employees to the courts soon. "I'll ask Pak (Abdul) Kahfi, the head of the reform team, to hand over the 146 cases, in stages, to the courts," Sutiyoso told reporters at City Hall.

Teater Koma to stage Brecht work at TIM

Teater Koma to stage Brecht work at TIM JAKARTA (JP): The country's most prolific theater group, Teater Koma, will present an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera starting on Saturday evening in conjunction with its 22nd anniversary. Stage director N. Riantiarno said on Wednesday he adapted the play for local audiences under the title Opera Ikan Asin, but maintained the original themes of the great German dramatist.

Pipe maker protests W. Natuna pipeline tender stipulations

Pipe maker protests W. Natuna pipeline tender stipulations JAKARTA (JP): Local pipe maker PT KHI Pipe Industries, a unit of state steel maker PT Krakatau Steel, said on Wednesday the West Natuna gas consortium denied it the opportunity to supply pipe for the transmission of natural gas from west of the Natuna islands to Singapore.

Political change key to recovery: Expert

Political change key to recovery: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Democratic political change is essential to foster economic recovery and improved social harmony, a visiting Philippine expert said on Wednesday in drawing on his country's experience. Jesus P. Estanislao, a prominent academic who served in Corazon Aquino's Cabinet, said his government focused on political reform before restructuring the economy to bring the country out of crisis in the late 1980s. "We focused very much on politics.

Exports likely to drop this year due to lack of promotion

Exports likely to drop this year due to lack of promotion JAKARTA (JP): Local exporters forecast on Wednesday another drop in the country's non-oil exports this year because many buyers have switched to other Asian countries. Newly appointed executive director of the Indonesian Exporters Association (GPEI) Rudy Lengkong attributed the loss of business to the lack of trade promotions since the crisis hit the country in the middle of 1997.

BI to assist mergers of 74 private banks

BI to assist mergers of 74 private banks JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Wednesday the central bank would play a "matchmaker" role in encouraging 74 private banks to merge into several larger banks in a bid to further strengthen the country's beleaguered banking industry. He said Bank Indonesia (BI) already had studied and listed the strengths and weaknesses of the 74 banks, which could be used as a basis for matching banks for possible mergers.

PBSI sends warning letter to Mia Audina

PBSI sends warning letter to Mia Audina JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), for the first time in its history, has issued a warning letter to one of its shuttlers. PBSI sent the letter to number one women's singles Mia Audina on April 7 for undisciplined behavior. PBSI chairman, Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, said on Wednesday that he had yet to decide on a sanction for the 19-year-old shuttler and would wait for her to return from the Netherlands.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Arts Exhibition: by Gde Sudarma, at The Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975963), until May 17. * Sculptures Exhibition: The Mythology of Wood, by I Made Sutedja, in Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., until April 16. 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.

Five stars for Senggigi hotel

Five stars for Senggigi hotel JAKARTA (JP): Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort announced on Wednesday it recently received its five-star hotel certification from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The resort hotel, which is located on Senggigi beach, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, said the accreditation made Sheraton Senggigi the only five-star hotel on Lombok.

Telkom to issue bonus shares

Telkom to issue bonus shares JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telephone operator PT Telkom said on Wednesday that it would issue bonus shares to shareholders to raise its fully paid capital stock to 25 percent of the authorized capital. Telkom's investor relations head Setiawan Sulistyono said in a statement that the company had to add issued and fully paid capital stock in the amount of Rp 333.33 billion (US$37.9 million) to comply with the 1995 limited liabilities law.

Costomers confused and upset by bank closures

Costomers confused and upset by bank closures By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): The government told people not to worry about the closing of 38 ailing banks last month. But not only were customers worried, they were confused and upset as well. Fiolita, a manpower consultant, was confused when she learned that Bank Papan Sejahtera, where she obtained her house loan, was one of the banks being closed.

TB hits villagers

TB hits villagers JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Hundreds of Nafri villagers have contracted tuberculosis and are in need of serious medical attention, Antara quoted a health worker as saying on Wednesday. Dr. Agung H. said in Jayapura that he and his team discovered the epidemic while providing free medical services over the past six months. He said he was worried more would become infected due to poor hygiene in the area.

Kajima bribed Indonesian tax officials, report says

Kajima bribed Indonesian tax officials, report says TOKYO (AFP): Major Japanese contractor Kajima Corp. paid 80 million yen (US$660,000) in suspected illegal bribes to Indonesian tax authorities, a report said Wednesday. "Kajima made questionable payments to local tax authorities so they would underestimate the company's taxable income," the Yomiuri Shimbun said, citing Tokyo tax authority sources. Kajima accepted it made the payments but said they were made to settle tax claims.

Govt allots Rp 7.8t for rice subsidies

Govt allots Rp 7.8t for rice subsidies JAKARTA (JP): The government is allocating Rp 7.8 trillion (US$906.9 million) to provide subsidized rice to about 80 million poor people for the 1999/2000 fiscal year beginning this month, State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin said on Wednesday. Speaking after a Cabinet meeting at the Bina Graha presidential office, the minister said the government would provide a subsidy of Rp 1,700 per kilogram aimed at helping the needy.

Big parties would benefit from low voter turnout

Big parties would benefit from low voter turnout JAKARTA (JP): Established parties and those with large popular followings would be the major beneficiaries of low turnout in the June elections, political lecturers warned on Wednesday amid sluggish voter registration. Political parties who fail to reach out to prospective voters to urge them to vote risk losing out to established parties, Cornelis Lay of Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University said.

Call in the UN now

Call in the UN now Violence in East Timor began escalating before independence leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao called, from his detention house in Jakarta, on his supporters on Monday to take up arms against the Indonesian government and pro-Indonesian forces in East Timor. Both prointegration and proindependence forces have been bolstering their positions, including their weaponry, since President B.J.

Jakartans line up to register for June 7 election

Jakartans line up to register for June 7 election JAKARTA (JP): After two days marked by a wait-and-see attitude, thousands of Jakartans on Wednesday were seen queuing at voter registration points across the capital to register for the June 7 general election. Several subdistrict heads told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday the number of people registering would exceed those recorded the previous day, when an average of 1,000 residents registered themselves in each of the city's 265 subdistricts.

Kontras seeks new probe of abductions

Kontras seeks new probe of abductions JAKARTA (JP): The independent Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) urged the military on Wednesday to reopen the investigation into the abduction of political activists in the last months of the Soeharto regime. Kontras coordinator Munir said reopening the investigation was necessary because the military failed to prosecute the individuals most responsible for the abductions.

KONI to form team for 2006 Asiad campaign

KONI to form team for 2006 Asiad campaign JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) plans to set up a special team to organize Indonesia's campaign to host the 2006 Asian Games (Asiad). Secretary-general Rudolf S. Warouw told reporters on Wednesday that the team members' names would be announced after the inauguration of KONI's new officials by President B.J. Habibie at the State Palace on Monday.

Police may not participate in election: Feisal

Police may not participate in election: Feisal JAKARTA (JP): Police will not participate in the June 7 polls as legally they remain members of the Armed Forces (ABRI), despite their formal separation last week, Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Feisal Tanjung said on Wednesday. "The problem is that the law stipulating that police are part of ABRI has yet to be revoked," Feisal said before a Cabinet meeting on economic affairs.

New hope for the credibility of RI's diplomacy

New hope for the credibility of RI's diplomacy This is the second of two articles on the development of Indonesia's diplomacy prepared on a personal basis by Widjoseno Sastroamidjojo, a staff member at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on April 7, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 7 , 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 25 4,500 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 75 0 0 Alter Abadi 200 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 450 -50 404,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 125 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,425 25 1,994,500 Anwar Sierad 50 0 52,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Balinese autodidactic artist's Dali-style exhibition

Balinese autodidactic artist's Dali-style exhibition By Putu Wirata UBUD, Bali (JP): Gde Sudarma, a 27-year-old Balinese autodidactic artist, has been creating surrealist artwork without realizing the significance of the style and discovered only recently that his paintings resemble those of Salvador Dali. "A friend showed me pictures of Salvador Dali's paintings. Only then did I get acquainted with the style called surrealism," he said.

Otong's mother corroborates his story in Ita's murder

Otong's mother corroborates his story in Ita's murder JAKARTA (JP): The mother of accused murderer Otong gave corroborating testimony at the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday to her son's statement on his motivation in killing a teenage neighbor during a bungled burglary.

Garuda to restructure $1.08b in foreign debts

Garuda to restructure $1.08b in foreign debts JAKARTA (JP): Debt-ridden flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will meet its creditors in June to hammer out a restructuring agreement over US$1.08 billion in foreign debts, finance director Emirsyah Satar said on Wednesday. Emirsyah said the airline and its financial advisor Deutsche Bank had been working on a business plan to present to the creditors as the basis for the debt renegotiation deal.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 Morning News 8:00 Children's Song 8:30 Music 9:30 Variety Show 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:35 Film 3:05 Music 3:30 Creative Program 4:00 News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:00 Koran Recital 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama 8:30 Variety Show 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Documentary 11:35 Late News 11:50 Public Service Program Program 2 4:30 p.m.