Archive: 12 May 1999
52 articles found
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
New law looks to revive TV industry
New law looks to revive TV industry By Antariksawan Jusuf JAKARTA (JP): Hope is running high for a new much-awaited law on the mass media to nurse back to health the Indonesian television industry, which has been laid low by the economic crisis. The government has finalized a draft bill, incorporating laws on press, film and broadcast media, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Regent suspended pending probe
Regent suspended pending probe SURABAYA, East Java: To allow for a police probe into mass murder in his regency, Banyuwangi Regent T. Purnomo Sidik was "temporarily discharged" on Monday, Antara reported. The decision followed months of demands from local leaders, politicians and activists to dismiss the regent, who ordered the compiling of a list of black magic practitioners, who were subsequently murdered. The regent claimed the list was aimed to protect them.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Resolve Trisakti incident: Observers
Resolve Trisakti incident: Observers JAKARTA (JP): A number of people from several backgrounds have called on President B.J. Habibie's administration to bring a speedy end to the now year-long investigation of the May 12 Trisakti shooting incident. They expressed hopes that an open and fair probe into the shooting of the anti-government student protectors would reveal the identities of those responsible for the killing of four students and wounding of dozens of others.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 11, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 0 129,000 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 0 32,500 Alumindo Light Metal 700 -100 11,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 225 25 100,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,800 -150 37,248,500 Anwar Sierad 125 25 12,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Singaporean arrested for alleged drug possession
Singaporean arrested for alleged drug possession JAKARTA (JP): City police arrested a Singaporean and two locals for possession of 3,651 ecstasy pills, two grams of heroin and 262 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal amphetamine). City police chief of detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo said the three were arrested at Juanda Apartments on Jl. Juanda in Central Jakarta on Monday night.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Clough wins RI coal contract
Clough wins RI coal contract PERTH, Australia (AFP): Australian engineering and construction group Clough Engineering said Tuesday its Indonesian subsidiary had won a A$91 million (US$61 million) contract extension to work on a big coal project in Borneo. Group managing director Brian Hewitt said the extension contract at the PT Bukit Baiduri Enterprise mine, in East Kalimantan, had been awarded to PT Petrosea Tbk.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Banjarmasin fire causes big loss
Banjarmasin fire causes big loss BANJARMASIN: Fire broke out Monday night at the Pangeran Antasari market, burning 914 stalls. Mayor Sadjoko estimated losses in billions of rupiah. Antara reported that the worst hit part of the fire that lasted four hours was the ground floor where merchandise was mostly basic needs. The mayor said temporary kiosks for affected traders would be immediately built. The municipality market was built in 1982 and cost Rp 5 billion.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Money politics
Money politics With less than four weeks left to the June 7 general election, signs are growing that the polls -- the most crucial this country has held in its 54-year existence -- will not quite be as free and fair as the government promised they would be.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Aceh military compound hit by grenade attack
Aceh military compound hit by grenade attack LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh (JP): Five grenades hit a military complex containing air defense artillery just after midnight on Monday. There were no fatalities or injuries reported in the attack, an apparent reaction to last week's fatal shooting which claimed 41 lives.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso urges businesses to stay open
Sutiyoso urges businesses to stay open JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso urged traders on Tuesday to continue business as usual during the May 19 to June 4 campaign period and the June 7 general election, assuring the traders that business centers in the capital would be adequately guarded by security personnel.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government to cut import duties on truck, bus components
Government to cut import duties on truck, bus components By Sylvia Gratia M. Nirang TOKYO (JP): Indonesia is to cut the import duties imposed on components to be used in heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to below 15 percent. Agus Tjahajana, the director general of metal, machinery, electronics and automotive industries at Indonesia's Ministry of Industry and Trade, said here on Tuesday that the lower duties would be imposed on components which could not be produced locally.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Debt settlement solution sought
Debt settlement solution sought JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of the Attorney General's Office have offered a helping hand to the Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS) in finding a solution to the settlement of a debt owed by a consortium assigned to manage the 19th Southeast Asian Games. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono said on Tuesday that the representatives visited him several weeks ago to ask for an explanation of a media report about the possible writing off of the debt.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Won ascends but rupiah slips from 5-month high
Won ascends but rupiah slips from 5-month high SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The South Korean won strengthened despite government intervention, but the Indonesian rupiah fell back from a five-month high in choppy trading in Asian foreign- exchange markets Tuesday. Other regional currencies were mostly a touch stronger. After being sold down to an intraday low of 1,197.10 won from the open, the U.S.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Visa system far from perfect
Visa system far from perfect This is in response to Mark Ogilvie's letter published in The Jakarta Post on May 10, 1999. Mark Ogilvie is unfortunately experiencing the same problem as many people around the world. Obtaining a visa to Australia has become a difficult and time-consuming task for those trying to enter from countries experiencing, or about to experience, conflict. The letters of rejection received are standard fare from our embassies around the world.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Party chapter orders weapons
Party chapter orders weapons SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): A local chapter of a political party has ordered hundreds of sharp weapons from a factory in Klaten ahead of the June 7 elections, an official said here. "I do not know the motive, but I deplore the move because it is not creating a climate of peace ahead of the poll," Gunanto Suryono, chairman of the provincial poll supervisory committee, said. He added Governor Mardiyanto was notified of his report.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Paiton Energy committed to PLN's renegotiation program
Paiton Energy committed to PLN's renegotiation program JAKARTA (JP): Electricity company Paiton Energy said on Tuesday it was committed to the renegotiation program launched by state electricity company PLN and dismissed the idea of settling its dispute with PLN through an arbitration court.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Brazilian players fail to return home
Brazilian players fail to return home PADANG (JP): Two Brazilian players, Antonio Claudio and Luzardi De Oliviera, have failed to return to their country because their club, PSP Padang, has yet to pay them their salaries. Claudio told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that he and De Oliviera had received calls from the Brazilian Embassy advising them to leave Indonesia for fear of social unrest in the upcoming general election.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government to raise fund for SEA Games
Government to raise fund for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono has said the government is serious in its plan to financially support the training of athletes to compete in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August. Agung insisted that, apart from the Rp 5.5 billion allocated by the National Planning Board (Bappenas), the government would help the National Sports Council (KONI) raise funds for the training program.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie's communism comment anachronistic
Habibie's communism comment anachronistic Marhaen was the name of a farmer ex-president Sukarno put into the political lexicon under "Marhaenism", the Indonesian alternative to Marxism. Curiously, President B.J. Habibie touched on this dormant ideology in a statement last week. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono looks at this issue.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Villagers seek redress for attacks
Villagers seek redress for attacks JAKARTA (JP): At least 50 residents of Sumur Batu village in Citeureup district, Bogor, visited the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) on Monday seeking legal advice after allegedly being assaulted by security guards from the Royal Sentul housing complex. The residents' spokesman, Ubaidillah, said at least seven residents, identified as Okto Wibowo, Saepudin, Asmuni, Apudin, Sudin, Asep and Memed, suffered injuries due to repeated beatings on Apr. 27.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Two Bengal tiger cubs christened
Two Bengal tiger cubs christened JAKARTA (JP): Two of the four Bengal tiger cubs born at the Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta over three months ago were christened on Tuesday. The names -- Bima and Belang -- were selected from entries sent by 379 students of six international schools and two local private schools in a contest sponsored by the Friends of the Zoo. Zoo director Ismiyanto announced the selection in a ceremony on Tuesday beside the tiger enclosure.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Investors express 'bullish' tone on Indonesia: IBRA
Investors express 'bullish' tone on Indonesia: IBRA JAKARTA (JP): Some 18 strategic and portfolio investors plan to bid for 12 companies now in the hands of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) despite the uncertainty caused by the upcoming June general election, according to agency chairman Glenn S. Yusuf.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Customer satisfaction is number one
Customer satisfaction is number one Known collectively as the Lautan Luas Group, these companies import, manufacture and distribute over 1,000 types of chemicals to more than 2,000 industrial end-users, representing every important manufacturing sector in Indonesia.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hashim hopeful of reviving Trans-Pacific project
Hashim hopeful of reviving Trans-Pacific project JAKARTA (JP): New investors are likely to revive the construction of a partly built US$2.3 billion petrochemical complex in Tuban, East Java, later this year, according to its major shareholder. Hashim Djojohadikusumo said on Tuesday the investors would be offered majority control of PT Trans-Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI). "But it's up to them.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government is maintaining public fear: Ignas
Government is maintaining public fear: Ignas JAKARTA (JP): The government is preserving public fear by leaving many cases of violence over the past year unsettled, observers charged on Tuesday. In a discussion on perception of peace, renowned sociologist Ignas Kleden and noted playwright Ratna Sarumpaet said concerted social efforts were needed to press the government to solve the cases.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
A neutral president
A neutral president I have been living and working in Indonesia since 1983. I have been everywhere, from Sabang to Merauke, and I have never written a letter to any Indonesian newspaper. But now I am fed up with all these problems. My advice is: please find a president who does not believe in God, because he or she will be neutral. A president without religion would be an asset.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Recycled paper salvages street children's hopes
Recycled paper salvages street children's hopes By Tjahjono Ep and A. Wisnuhardana YOGYAKARTA (JP): Street children's life is tough indeed. They must struggle to survive every single day. Very often, they have to play cat and mouse with the police who view them as criminals. It was this sort of life that Dodo, 18, lived for four years until he found employment. Now Dodo and several other ex-street kids do not have to rely on people on the street to survive.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Japanese businesses want security in Indonesia
Japanese businesses want security in Indonesia By Sylvia Gratia M. Nirang TOKYO (JP): Japan's business community of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren) have asked the Indonesian government to give full attention to handling the country's security situation and to give more certainty for investors.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
China to field best team against Indonesia
China to field best team against Indonesia COPENHAGEN (JP): Chinese coach Tong Sin Fu said China would not risk losing its chance and would field its strongest team against archrival Indonesia in their Group A match at the Sudirman Cup mixed badminton team championships on Wednesday. "We will pick our strongest players, and we have enough options in some of the categories to beat Indonesia.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Inauguration to host 2,000
Inauguration to host 2,000 YOGYAKARTA: As many as 2,000 people, including President B.J. Habibie, will be invited to attend the May 26 inauguration of Yogyakarta's Pakualaman palace monarch, Prince Ambarkusumo, as the KGPAA Paku Alam IX. Antara reported on Monday that Ambarkusumo would be replacing his father, Paku Alam VIII who passed away last year.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
New parties vow to amend Constitution
New parties vow to amend Constitution JAKARTA (JP): A number of leading political parties contesting the June 7 elections have pledged to amend the 1945 Constitution to facilitate the establishment of a true democratic Indonesia.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Army takes lion's share of House seats
Army takes lion's share of House seats JAKARTA (JP): From 38 unelected seats to which legislators from the Indonesian Military (TNI) will be appointed, the Army will get 17, the Navy and Air Force will each get eight and the Police will get five seats. TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Syamsul Ma'arif made the announcement after a meeting on Tuesday between political party leaders and officials at the office of the General Elections Commission.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 11, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Team formed to ensure East Timor ballot
Team formed to ensure East Timor ballot JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie formed on Tuesday a five- man government team to monitor and ensure the security of a direct vote to be held under UN auspices in East Timor on Aug. 8. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Gen. (ret) Feisal Tanjung was named the team leader.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Irian-PNG border to be military zone
Irian-PNG border to be military zone JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) will declare Irian Jaya borders with Papua New Guinea a military operations zone due to increased separatist rebel activities there, a military spokesman said. Maj. Gen. Amir Sembiring, chief of the Trikora Regional Military Command (which covers Irian Jaya and Maluku provinces), said in the Irian Jaya capital of Jayapura on Monday the areas were a military operations zone before 1998.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Growth of chemical industry vital
Growth of chemical industry vital The chemical industry is on the rise, showing the kind of growth one normally sees in crops treated with agrochemicals. While the rest of Indonesia's economy continues to dig its own hole, the chemical industry is pointing the way toward a brighter future of chemically enhanced happiness.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
S'pore port overtakes HK's
S'pore port overtakes HK's SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has dethroned Hong Kong as the world's number one container port, with port operator PSA Corp. Ltd. saying Tuesday it had handled a record quantity of freight last year. Throughput rose seven percent to a record 15.1 million twenty- foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 1998, despite a shipping slowdown due to the regional economic crisis, officials said, projecting similar growth this year.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Riots becoming commonplace in Indonesia
Riots becoming commonplace in Indonesia By Ester I. Jusuf The following is the second of two articles reviewing the riots that broke out in Indonesia throughout the year. JAKARTA (JP): After November, riots broke out everywhere. Aceh was one of the most notably violent areas.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Increasing exports, the perfect choice for the chemical industry
Increasing exports, the perfect choice for the chemical industry The economic crisis continues, yet the chemical industry is surviving. A 12.9 percent increase of exported products in 1998, compared to 1997, can be used as a parameter of how it has survived, as well as how it has proved a careful solution made oriental in increasing exports.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Kahfi to fill vacant city post
Kahfi to fill vacant city post JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi will temporarily take over the position of head of the city inspectorate office, currently held by Sutardjianto, who has been detained for his alleged involvement in a Rp 2.6 billion land scam, an official said on Tuesday. The city secretary's assistant for administrative affairs, Ma'mun Amin, said Kahfi would hold the position for only about one month.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia 'not ready' to privatize state banks in three years
Indonesia 'not ready' to privatize state banks in three years JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia won't be ready to privatize its state banks in three years time as demanded by the International Monetary Fund, announced State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng. He said on Tuesday that the privatization of the ailing banks should be carried out within three to five years time to ensure that it would achieve the best market price.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Truth behind Trisakti shootings sought
Truth behind Trisakti shootings sought By A'an Suryana JAKARTA (JP): University students in the capital and across the country will commemorate on Wednesday the one-year anniversary of the Trisakti shooting, in which four students were killed and dozens of others injured when security personnel opened fire on protesting students. The four students, between the ages of 20 and 22, were killed by live bullets fired by as still unidentified persons.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
ICO Global links up with GSM operators
ICO Global links up with GSM operators JAKARTA (JP): London-based mobile communications company ICO Global Communications announced on Tuesday the signing of separate satellite roaming agreements with local global system mobile (GSM) network operators Telkomsel and Satelindo. The agreement will come into effect after ICO launches full commercial services, scheduled for August 2000.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
IBRA is legally weak, but needed: Supreme Court justice
IBRA is legally weak, but needed: Supreme Court justice JAKARTA (JP): The creation of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is legally weak, according to a Supreme Court justice, but its existence is urgently needed to retrieve the nation's assets. "The substance of the 1999 government regulation regarding IBRA indicates the judicial authority of a body which is not judicial," Justice H.P. Panggabean said on Tuesday in a seminar discussing IBRA's powers.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Antam reports reduced profit
Antam reports reduced profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed gold and nickel mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) reported on Tuesday a 70 percent decline in net profit to Rp 34.06 billion (about US$4 million) in the first quarter this year, from Rp 112.45 billion in the same period last year. The company attributed the downturn to lower prices and falling production.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PT Monagro Kimia ready to face the global era
PT Monagro Kimia ready to face the global era Established in 1988, PT. Monagro Kimia is a joint-venture private company in Indonesia and a subsidiary of the Monsanto company in the U.S. Established in 1906 as a life sciences company, Monsanto is committed to finding solutions the world's needs for food and health by sharing common forms of science and technology among agriculture, nutrition and health. In Indonesia, PT.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Parties to stop precampaigning
Parties to stop precampaigning JAKARTA (JP): Following the military's revelation that at least 10 people were killed in recent clashes among party supporters, leaders of the 48 political parties contesting the June 7 general election agreed on Tuesday to stop all precampaign activities.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government takes over Humpuss's container terminal operator
Government takes over Humpuss's container terminal operator JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed transportation company PT Humpuss Intermoda Transportasi (HIT) confirmed on Tuesday its container terminal operator at Tanjung Priok port had been taken over by the government following failure to pay its debts.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Skip your breakfast and take a trip to Bogor
Skip your breakfast and take a trip to Bogor BOGOR, West Java (JP): When my friend W suggested a gastronomic tour of Bogor, I was dubious. "Don't have any breakfast," she ordered. I ignored her advice and tucked into my cardboard breakfast flakes. As a child, W spent time with her grandmother who lived in Bogor, so she bought a local perspective to our wanders. We circumnavigated the famous Botanical Gardens to Gang Aut, Jl.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police train parties' security
Police train parties' security BOGOR (JP): Police gave a training course for about 430 security officers from 43 political parties on Tuesday and Wednesday to help maintain security before and during the June 7 General Election. Bogor Mayor R. Iswara Natanegara said in his speech at the opening of the two-day training course at the Bogor Mayoralty compound that the security officers had to be vigilant toward any possible disturbance from "political hoodlums" during the campaign period.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bullets, military accessories seized
Bullets, military accessories seized JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police on Monday seized 106 bullets for AK-47s, 27 bullets for FN pistols and military accessories from a man, who was arrested a day before for possessing a holster and 90 grams of putaw (low grade heroin). North Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col.
Wed, 12 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
DHL Indonesia to launch 'Europe First' campaign
DHL Indonesia to launch 'Europe First' campaign JAKARTA (JP): Courier company DHL Worldwide Express plans to launch a massive promotional drive this month for its European service "Europe First", to follow up on the success of its "USA First" campaign. Senior Technical Advisor Mike Fitzpatrick said on Tuesday the American campaign, launched this time last year at the height of Indonesia's political turmoil, bolstered DHL's business volume to the United States by as much as 130 percent.