Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 May 1999

49 articles found

2 alleged robbers shot dead

2 alleged robbers shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police officers shot dead two men in two separate incidents in South Jakarta and Tangerang, one late Sunday and one early Monday, raising the number of people shot dead by the capital's law enforcers this year to 23. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said the suspect killed in South Jakarta was identified as Heru Baskoro, 35, a resident of Jl. Kereta Api in Tangerang, and the other victim a 38-year-old homeless man called Acip, alias Bonang.

Location list for campaign activities

Location list for campaign activities JAKARTA (JP): The city's five regional elections committees (PPD II) have issued a list of locations for campaign activities -- set to commence on May 19 -- for the 48 political parties eligible to take part in the June 7 general election. The secretary for North Jakarta's PPD II, Muhammad Yakub, said on Sunday the parties would be allowed to hold campaign activities in open spaces and in buildings.

Irianese rebels take captives to PNG village

Irianese rebels take captives to PNG village JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Irianese separatist rebels have taken 11 hostages to the village of Skotyauw in Papua New Guinea's Bewani district, a local negotiator said on Sunday. Yoseph Turot, who met with the victims over the weekend, told The Jakarta Post that they were in good health and have been well-treated by their abductors. "They are all healthy and no one was injured," Yoseph said.

Matsushita asks Indonesia to cut sales tax on luxury goods

Matsushita asks Indonesia to cut sales tax on luxury goods By Sylvia Gratia M. Nirang TOKYO (JP): Japan's electronic industry giant Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., asked the Indonesian government on Monday to lower sales taxes on luxury goods imposed on color TV sets and refrigerators.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Elly Djohariah Roedyat and Syeni Setiayu Roedyat, at Galeri Bandung, Jl. Siliwangi 16 (Phone: 022 236515), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until May 15. * Photo Exhibition by Frank Thiel, at Galeri Red Point, Jl. Jurang 103, until May 21. Performances * Puppet Show, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 433562), 9:30 p.m., May 15. * Pantomime: Look at me by Dede Dablo, at CCF, Jl.

Pertina seeks funds for Darwin trip

Pertina seeks funds for Darwin trip JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) is seeking funds to send 10 boxers to be tried out at the Arafura Youth Games later this month in Darwin, Australia, in preparation for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August. Ferry Moniaga, Pertina's deputy chief of training and coaching affairs, said on Monday that funds will be used for transport fees and board and lodging for six of the 10 boxers.

Witness testifies Goro land deal violates law

Witness testifies Goro land deal violates law JAKARTA (JP): An employee of the Ministry of Finance testified at the South Jakarta District Court on Monday that the land exchange agreement between the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) and wholesale firm PT Goro Batara Sakti was illegal.

Muladi named as powerful state secretary

Muladi named as powerful state secretary JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has named Minister of Justice Muladi as the new minister/secretary of state, a powerful post similar to the chief of staff at the White House in the U.S. The post was vacated at the weekend after Akbar Tandjung tendered his resignation in order to campaign for Golkar.

'No provocateurs' in Semarang clash

'No provocateurs' in Semarang clash SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Chief of Diponegoro Military Command, which oversees Central Java, Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo ruled out on Monday the possibility that people had masterminded a clash between supporters of Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in Semarang on Sunday. Bibit said after installing the new chief of Wirastrama military overseeing Surakarta and its four neighboring regencies, Col.

Taiwan opposes arms race

Taiwan opposes arms race In response to the article entitled China lashes U.S. over weapon sales to Taiwan in The Jakarta Post on May 7, 1999, I would like to express Taipei's point of view. In March 1996, Beijing lobbed missiles at Taiwan. Since then, the People's Liberation Army has deployed more than 100 of its newest M-9 and M-11 missiles across the Taiwan Straits, and the number may reach 650 by 2005, according to Pentagon. In August 1998, North Korea launched missiles over Japan.

Military fired at us blindly: Victims

Military fired at us blindly: Victims By K. Basrie BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Victims and witnesses of the May 3 shooting at Krueng Geukueh in North Aceh asserted over the weekend that the military has lied to the world about the incident, in which at least 41 people, including children and women, were killed.

Texaco merger good for Caltex

Texaco merger good for Caltex SINGAPORE (Reuters): A merger of Chevron Corp and Texaco Inc could benefit their Asian joint venture Caltex by focusing on its restructuring, analysts said on Monday. Chevron is reported to be holding exploratory talks about taking over Texaco for US$80 per share, or about $42 billion. Caltex, a 63-year-old refining and marketing joint venture, was likely to be a prime reason for bringing the two companies together, analysts said.

Riots commonplace in RI

Riots commonplace in RI By Ester I. Jusuf The following is the first of two articles reviewing the riots that broke out in Indonesia throughout the year. JAKARTA (JP): The word "riot" which features prominently in the Indonesian press since the last part of this decade has three social symptoms generally. The first is insurrection (unarmed popular uprising), the second is mob looting, and the third is widespread gang fights that cause much destruction.

Teachers need respect, bigger funding encouraged

Teachers need respect, bigger funding encouraged JAKARTA (JP): To improve education in the country, the deplorable fate of 1.6 million teachers must be addressed, participants in a seminar urged Monday. Representatives of political parties and observers attending a dialog with three ministers here called for larger allocations of funding in the state budget for education. The current budget stands at Rp 8.4 trillion, which is three percent of the total.

Cambodia, ASEAN and the Asian crisis

Cambodia, ASEAN and the Asian crisis During a ceremony in Hanoi on April 30, Cambodia formally joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 10th member. Membership in ASEAN is an important step in Cambodia's efforts to rejoin the international community. But the organization as a whole is in no mood to celebrate the occasion.

Women's shuttlers must win against Malaysia: Christian

Women's shuttlers must win against Malaysia: Christian By Primastuti Handayani COPENHAGEN (JP): Indonesia's women's shuttlers have a chance to win three points in the first match against Malaysia in the Sudirman Cup Group A round-robin on Tuesday. Deputy team manager Christian Hadinata said on Monday the women's shuttlers, who on paper were better than the Malaysians, must not be overwhelmed by the prospect.

RI second stringers hope to shine in Sudirman Cup

RI second stringers hope to shine in Sudirman Cup COPENHAGEN (JP): The absence of Indonesia's top shuttlers will enable the juniors to shine in the Sudirman Cup and World Championships. The expectation was expressed by Indonesia's team manager Agus Wirahadikusumah on Monday while witnessing national shuttlers practice in Skodsborg, a suburban area north of Copenhagen.

Reserved forest uncultivated

Reserved forest uncultivated SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A 100-hectare fruit plantation in Kutai village, Loleng, is facing imminent ruin only three years after its dedication, a researcher said on Monday. M. Seting of the Institute for Environmental and Human Resources Development (Plasma) said after a seminar in the provincial capital that local people were reluctant to cultivate the plantation because of the government's top-down approach in the project.

Outbound airline passengers rise

Outbound airline passengers rise JAKARTA (JP): Several foreign airlines are fully booked for outbound trips this month as concern grows over security in the country ahead of the general election. Emirates airlines said on Monday seats on all outbound flights were fully booked for the period from May 9 to May 27.

Dimas wins national Formula Asia race

Dimas wins national Formula Asia race JAKARTA (JP): Dimas Danindro fulfilled his ambition and won the national Formula Asia race by collecting 80 points from two races in the second leg at Sentul circuit, near Bogor, on Sunday. Dimas, the young driver from the YOI & Chalim Motorsport team, won the first race with a time of 19 minutes and 36.069 seconds. He failed to better the time in the second race, clocking 19:40.211. "My ambition was to become a national winner and I succeeded.

U.S. cops to train Indonesian police

U.S. cops to train Indonesian police JAKARTA (JP): Washington will send a team of United States police officers in the next few days to train their Indonesian counterparts in handling protests, Antara said on Monday. Quoting Sunday's report of The New York Times, the news agency said the dispatch was arranged in anticipation of the June 7 general election, despite criticism from many human rights activists. The U.S.

Presidential debate a form of education

Presidential debate a form of education By A. Chaedar Alwasilah BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian citizens have now been introduced to the presidential debate, a dialog considered taboo in Indonesian political discourse during the last three decades. As is always the case, it is not easy to introduce an innovation, especially when it involves national issues and concerns such as presidential nominations. It is usual for innovators to fall victim to public contempt and scorn.

Concrete plans needed to stop forest fires

Concrete plans needed to stop forest fires By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): The forest fires specter has returned, and environmental activists are sounding the alarm as fires sporadically break out in Sumatran forests. Weary neighboring countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, are nervously hoping Indonesia will be able to deal with the almost yearly environmental calamity, despite the economic and political crisis.

Many ailing banks may soon be in the black

Many ailing banks may soon be in the black JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia director Subarjo Joyosumarto estimated on Monday that most of the country's ailing banks would be back in the black by the end of this month in line with the declining trend in interest rates. Subarjo said the decline in interest rates on time deposits would allow banks to charge higher rates on their loans, putting their lending operations back in the black.

State banks' subterfuge

State banks' subterfuge Even in this supposed reform era, Indonesian state banks, notoriously known for corrupt and collusive lending practices, are never short of tricks to defend the vested interests of their managements and crony customers, many of whom have powerful political connections. With negative capital, all are now technically bankrupt, and are only able to remain open with an injection of funds guaranteed by the government.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 10, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Astra Agro pays dividend

Astra Agro pays dividend JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of the publicly listed PT Astra Agro Lestari approved on Monday the management's proposal to pay a total dividend of Rp 85 (about 1 U.S. cent) per share for the 1998 financial year. The company paid the interim Rp 60 dividend last November and will pay the remaining Rp 20 dividend on July 5.

Celebration of Sleman anniversary

Celebration of Sleman anniversary YOGYAKARTA: Sleman regency here will for the first time celebrate its anniversary when it turns 83 on Saturday, an official told Antara on Monday. The regency under secretary, Sunardi, said a series of activities, ranging from a seminar to a ceremony, would mark the anniversary. He said local historian P.J. Suwarno and former regent Sujoto Prodjosujoto would speak at a seminar on regional autonomy on Tuesday.

Tokyo wants private money to flow into Asia

Tokyo wants private money to flow into Asia TOKYO (Reuters): The Japanese government aims to encourage Japanese private investors to sink money into Asian securities, as its public aid has helped these nations to weather the crisis and begin heading towards recovery, officials said.

A plea from an Acehnese

A plea from an Acehnese I am an Acehnese who has lived in Jakarta for more than two years. I am really sorry to hear what is happening to my people there. The troubled province, as it is always described, is located far away from Jakarta, but it is still part of this beloved country, Indonesia. It is not necessary to describe all that Aceh has given to this country since the colonial era. The Acehnese have sacrificed themselves for this country. But can you imagine what we received for it all?

Travel ban to Indonesia logical: Ardika

Travel ban to Indonesia logical: Ardika JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Tourism I Gede Ardika said on Monday travel advisories issued by some countries for their citizens to delay travel plans to visit Indonesia during May and June were fully understandable. Ardika said it was common for governments to advise its citizens to exercise care during visits to overseas countries or not to travel in certain areas.

Japanese to aid Indonesia's export financing agency

Japanese to aid Indonesia's export financing agency TOKYO (JP): The Export-Import Bank of Japan (JEXIM) has pledged to find more sources to help finance Indonesia's Export Financing Agency, Minister of Industry and Trade Rahardi Ramelan said on Monday. "We have secured US$1 billion in a standing loan from JEXIM. However, they told me they want to seek more financial sources to help finance the agency's operations," he said following a meeting with JEXIM executives here on Monday.

Gen. Wiranto says military internal reform going on

Gen. Wiranto says military internal reform going on JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) is phasing out its dual function while gradually intensifying its main role in defense and security, says Minister of Defense and Security/TNI Commander Gen. Wiranto. Speaking before about 500 participants of a congress of the Indonesian Youth Movement for Reform (GPRI) here on Monday, the minister promised that the military would no longer be involved in practical politics or the bureaucracy.

Emirates promotes Bali

Emirates promotes Bali JAKARTA (JP): The United Emirates Arab airline's Emirates has launched a Bali promotion to attract Middle East holiday makers to the island. Company manager for Indonesia John Rotikan said on Monday that few tourists from the region traveled to Bali, due to a lack of information about the island. In a bid to woo customers, the company's latest inflight magazine features a long story on Bali in Arabic.

Akbar, Ginandjar withdraw from Golkar's presidential nomination

Akbar, Ginandjar withdraw from Golkar's presidential nomination JAKARTA (JP): Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Akbar Tandjung withdrew from Golkar's list of five presidential nominees, leaving the coast clearer for three others: President B.J. Habibie, Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Wiranto and Yogyakarta's monarch Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.

Teenager shot in Aceh shootings dies in hospital

Teenager shot in Aceh shootings dies in hospital JAKARTA (JP): One of seven injured victims of the May 3 shootings in North Aceh died on Sunday night, Antara reported on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 41. The director of Zainoel Abidin Hospital in North Aceh, Cut Idawani, was quoted as saying that the condition of Yuni Afnita, 15, had continued to deteriorate from the day she was admitted for gunshot wounds.

Principles of fairness

Principles of fairness From Pikiran Rakyat It is all right for the central government and Aceh regional administration, as announced by head of the public relations division of Aceh regional administration, T. Pribadi (Kompas, April 24, 1999), to adopt a policy of granting civil servant positions to the victims of the imposition of the status of military operation area (DOM) for Aceh some time ago, because they have the right to do so.

Syahrir heads climbing club

Syahrir heads climbing club JAKARTA (JP): The commander of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus), Maj. Gen. Syahrir M.S., was elected as the head of the Indonesian Climbing Federation (FPTI) for the 1999-2002 term, replacing F. Hendricus Mutter, in a national meeting on Sunday. Syahrir received 14 out of 20 votes on the last day of the two-day meeting here, while Hendricus got four and two voters abstained, Antara reported.

Rupiah rises to four-month high against U.S. dollar

Rupiah rises to four-month high against U.S. dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies edged higher against the U.S. dollar on Monday, but trading activity was subdued as the inflows that lifted regional markets in recent weeks began to taper off, dealers said. The Indonesian rupiah continued to attract the most attention from offshore investors, rising to a four-month high against the U.S. dollar.

Poll commission to meet party leaders, officials

Poll commission to meet party leaders, officials JAKARTA (JP): The General Election Commission (KPU) is to meet Tuesday with leaders of the 48 political parties and related government officials to discuss the potential for unrest around the June 7 general election, and to establish a commitment for peaceful, free and fair polls. "We will discuss pre-campaigning, campaigning and post campaigning rules and punishments in a bid to curb conflicts between party followers.

Three more killed in East Timor

Three more killed in East Timor DILI, East Timor (JP): At least three people died and eight sustained bullet wounds and slashes from sharp weapons during attacks by armed groups in the capital on Monday. One victim with shot wounds was taken to the local Motael Clinic but no identity documents were found on him. Other bodies were taken to Wira Husada Military Hospital, clinic staff said.

Polish painter borrows Indonesian motifs

Polish painter borrows Indonesian motifs JAKARTA (JP): One of Poland's most famous artists, Roman Opalka, will display his imaginative works on Indonesia for art lovers from May 8 to May 20 at the Duta Fine Arts Foundation gallery. Opalka -- considered one of the first Polish conceptual artists -- will display illustrations that he designed for the Robert Stiller's books Innocent Tiger of 1966 and Stoned Ship of 1967. Both books are collections of Malay and Indonesian tales.

Release of detained farmers urged

Release of detained farmers urged CIANJUR, West Java: Agrabinta district here remained tense on Sunday following the arrest of 113 farmers for allegedly vandalizing plants and assets belonging to a state-own plantation company early this month. As of Sunday, the police still had 82 farmers in custody, despite repeated demands for their release lodged by a number of families and non-governmental organizations.

Security officers' deployment

Security officers' deployment JAKARTA (JP): All security officers in charge of maintaining security in the capital will be deployed on May 17, two days ahead of the start of the campaign period, city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said on Monday. Speaking at a parade of security officers at the Senayan east parking lot, Noegroho said total deployment would consist of 62,363 officers, including People's Security (Kamra) civilian militia.

Students protest exam rerun

Students protest exam rerun DENPASAR, Bali: Hundreds of students of a state senior high school here staged a rally at the local education and culture office on Monday to protest the government's plan to make them resit their final exams. The demonstration, which proceeded under the watchful eyes of the police, began at 8 a.m. local time and lasted until midday. No violence occurred during the rally, just an acrimonious debate between the students and the head of the office, Beratha Subawa.

Plan to mark student shooting sparks debate

Plan to mark student shooting sparks debate JAKARTA (JP): An executive of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) strongly supported on Monday plans by several student groups to hold a massive rally to commemorate the first anniversary of the fatal Trisakti University shooting incident. Hendardi, PBHI's chairman, said such a rally was one of the most effective ways to help uncover the truth behind the bloody incident.

Foreigners to buy into banks after elections

Foreigners to buy into banks after elections JAKARTA (JP): Foreign financial institutions are expected to go on a buying spree of the country's banks after the June 7 general election, according to Bank Indonesia director Subarjo Joyosumarto. "There will be a lot of foreigners buying into the local banks after the elections. We must be ready," he said.

Creditors approve Intraco debt restructuring program

Creditors approve Intraco debt restructuring program JAKARTA (JP): PT Intraco Penta won approval from its 14 foreign and local creditors on Monday to restructure its US$44.18 million debt. Finance director of the publicly listed heavy machinery company Petrus Halim, said under the debt restructuring agreement, creditors would be offered either a five-year rescheduling of the debt, including a two-year grace period, or a minimum 60 percent debt reduction.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 10, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 -50 18,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 -25 55,000 Alumindo Light Metal 800 25 388,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 -25 10,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,950 175 39,320,000 Anwar Sierad 100 -25 227,000 APAC Centertex Corp.