Archive: 20 May 1999
65 articles found
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Revision of the 1945 Constitution
Revision of the 1945 Constitution According to a media report, a seminar on "Revision of the Constitution of 1945 as continuation of the reform drive in the legal sector" has proposed that a state team for the revision of the 1945 Constitution be set up. While some of the articles in the Constitution should indeed be revised, the preamble must be maintained. Obviously the 1945 Constitution cannot keep up with the demands of the present-day Indonesian community.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Campaigning off to noisy start
Campaigning off to noisy start JAKARTA (JP): The capital turned into a sea of colorful flags, balloons and banners on Wednesday as the 16-day campaign period began, but red-clad supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) dominated the multiparty "peace parade" here by sheer weight of numbers. People young and old, even mothers with babies on their arms, clambered onto the backs of decorated trucks.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian ministers asked to 'step down'
Malaysian ministers asked to 'step down' KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is replacing two veteran ministers in a cabinet reshuffle widely seen as preparing the main ruling party for general elections, sources said on Wednesday. Ending days of speculation, Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Sabbaruddin Chik confirmed that Mahathir had asked him to step down during Wednesday's weekly cabinet meeting.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Passengers stranded in Bogor
Passengers stranded in Bogor BOGOR, West Java: Hundreds of people were stranded along Jl. Baranangsiang here as fewer buses were operating due to the perceived risks on the first day of campaigning. "I've waited for one hour," said Nuryanto, one stranded resident. "All passing buses already have lots of passengers hanging out the door." More were stranded when bus crews began asking people their destinations and leaving behind those traveling short distances.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
WB approves $400m loans to Indonesia
WB approves $400m loans to Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank announced in Washington on Tuesday its approval of US$400 million in new loans to Indonesia for the country's poverty alleviation and water resource improvement programs. World Bank's country director Mark Baird said the loans were an important part of the bank's program of support to Indonesia.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Denmark's Hoyer-Larsen wants to go out in style
Denmark's Hoyer-Larsen wants to go out in style COPENHAGEN (JP): Olympic badminton champion Poul-Erik Hoyer- Larsen may turn 33 this year, but do not expect him to play like an old man in the World Championships here at Brondby Hall. Although he had to expend all his energy in winning his first round match against Rio Suryana, an Indonesian playing for Australia, 17-14, 15-5, the left-hander still displayed world- class play despite lacking speed and power.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
W. Sumatra parties battle time and apathy
W. Sumatra parties battle time and apathy By Yusril Ardanis PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): Last Wednesday, party executives visiting the office of the Provincial Elections Committee here looked relieved. They had passed the "first round" of the elections by submitting their lists of prospective candidates for the House of Representatives and the provincial and regional houses.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
'KM Pangebu' survivor says ship exploded
'KM Pangebu' survivor says ship exploded KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The only survivor of KM Pangebu, the vessel that sank in the Wowoni Strait in Southeast Sulawesi last week, revealed on Wednesday that the cargo ship foundered shortly after a blast was heard in one of its holds. Capt. Budi Rahardjo, the commander of Kendari naval base, told Antara that the crew member, Sudarso, had told him the incident happened at 10 p.m. on Wednesday.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 19, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cobra campaigns for PDI of Struggle
Cobra campaigns for PDI of Struggle BANDUNG (JP): Supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in Bandung and elsewhere in the country are notorious for their fanaticism. On the first day of street rallies here on Wednesday, they appeared frightening. Many painted their faces red -- the party's color -- and wore bull masks while riding motorcycles without mufflers.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Vietnam-Lao joint venture
Vietnam-Lao joint venture HANOI (AFP): The central banks of Vietnam and Laos have signed a contract to create a joint venture bank in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, the State Bank of Vietnam said Wednesday. State-owned Vietnam Bank for Development and Investment has teamed up with the Lao Foreign Trade Bank to create the bank which will be capitalized at US$10 million, an official said.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Party ads branded a waste of money
Party ads branded a waste of money JAKARTA (JP): Observers said on Wednesday political parties' advertisements on television were "a waste of money" and not effective in influencing voter behavior. Senior political observer Soedjati Djiwandono of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) told The Jakarta Post that the advertisements were ineffective because "they are very short and the content of what the leaders of the parties say is also very short".
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Party leaders go hungry
Party leaders go hungry JAKARTA: Many political party leaders attending the first day of street rallies at the National Monument (Monas) on Wednesday went hungry. Activists in charge of logistics could do nothing when dozens of hungry children, men and women stole the lunch boxes reserved for the big bosses. "I was starving and I don't care whose lunch it was," Endun Sukendar, 21, who stole a box, told Antara.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Punishment unlikely for errant parties
Punishment unlikely for errant parties JAKARTA (JP): The Election Supervisory Committee is reluctant to punish political parties that started campaigning early, worried that such a move would spark anger, a committee executive said on Tuesday.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Legal aid posts for women
Legal aid posts for women JAKARTA: Lawyers grouped in the Legal Team for Women's Political Rights say they have opened legal advocacy posts for women. The posts have been set up to ensure "democratization which is just, peaceful and free of violence", said a letter signed by the lawyers, including Asnifriyanti Damanik.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
One year after Trisakti shooting
One year after Trisakti shooting The investigation into the shooting of four Trisakti students one year ago has, so far, not shed any light on the incident. It is as murky as the one befalling U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Relative to the case, there are several scenarios that could be used as reference for further consideration. First scenario, the parties involved in the shooting of the students were security forces.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian pair makes early exit
Indonesian pair makes early exit By Primastuti Handayani COPENHAGEN (JP): Indonesia's top-seeded men's doubles team of Antonius and Denny Kantono became another victim of the upset-bug during the second-day of the badminton World Championships on Wednesday. The Indonesians, ranked first in the world and the winners of the Grand Prix Finals, made an unexpected early exit after bowing out to Chinese rookies Chen Qiqiu and Yu Jinhao 17-15, 3-15, 13- 15. "Actually they were not special.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Theft at Ilham Habibie's mansion
Theft at Ilham Habibie's mansion BANDUNG: A burglary at the mansion of Ilham Habibie, the eldest son of President B.J. Habibie, at Jl. Rancabentang 48 here is yet to be solved, an officer said. Bandung regional police chief Col. Doddy Sumantyawan said on Tuesday police were still questioning three military officers posted at the house and six civilians, including Ilham's spouse, and a security guard at aircraft manufacturer PT IPTN.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Disbursement of $1.1b WB loans delayed
Disbursement of $1.1b WB loans delayed WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): Bowing to U.S. concerns, Indonesia agreed not to spend $1.1 billion in new World Bank loans for social safety net programs until after national elections are held next month. The commitment was made on Tuesday after the U.S. on Monday placed a 48-hour delay on the World Bank's approval of the new loans, citing fears that the money would be perceived as a boon to the ruling party in advance of the June elections.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank DKI marketing director dismissed
Bank DKI marketing director dismissed JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso fired city-owned Bank DKI marketing and credit director Siti Aisyah. Deputy Governor of Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi said on Wednesday that Siti, who was appointed director in January this year, was officially dismissed from her post on May 7. "Sutiyoso told me she was incapable of performing her duties as a director," Kahfi told The Jakarta Post.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya:
Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Instalation Exhibition: Forever, by Karol Pichler (Slovakian), at the Gallery CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until May 29. Talk * Astrid Wiratna will speak about Emotional Intellegent, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, 5 p.m., May 28. 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.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
The perfect banknote
The perfect banknote I haven't had a gripe for ages in The Jakarta Post. How about this one. It continually amazes me how U.S. currency, whatever the denomination, is viewed with extra careful scrutiny at any bank or money changer in Jakarta. Every banknote is examined closely as if it had some awful disease and, if not up to the "required standard", promptly returned to the customer unchanged. This required standard is extremely high.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
New U.S. stance won't burn Asia's economies
New U.S. stance won't burn Asia's economies SINGAPORE (Reuters): The U.S. Federal Reserve's move towards a tightening bias will affect capital flows in and out of Asia, but the region is well insulated against any adverse impact of more restrictive U.S. monetary conditions. The Fed discarded the neutral policy stance it had held since Nov. 17 last year, although Tuesday's move came as little surprise to financial markets after some worryingly strong inflation data last week.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ode to the poor packs political punch
Ode to the poor packs political punch By Fathul. A. Husein BANDUNG (JP): Sociopolitical euphoria after the downfall of president Soeharto in May last year, which recently clotted into ideological masks of political parties, is not over yet. It even takes off on a culminating point, whose form of explosion is uncertain: whether it will turn into a puddle of blood or a mysterious new Indonesia or even spurt into a national dizziness among new phases of a genocide project against innocent people.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tradition of faith
Tradition of faith A realization that has become apparent about my stay here in Jakarta, more to do with Indonesia as a whole actually, is that one of the major strengths of this country is its common thread of religion. Throughout the culture is intertwined a faith, that, even though the economy and other factors may attempt to belittle this very deep traditional part of the world, shines through as a virtue or advantage which is to be admired.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's forex reserves fall to $15.92 billion
Indonesia's forex reserves fall to $15.92 billion JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's net foreign reserves declined to US$15.92 billion in the week ending on May 14 from $16.05 billion the previous week, the central bank said in its latest weekly report. Bank Indonesia attributed the decrease in the country's net foreign reserves to the repayment of foreign debt. However, it said net international reserves were still above the $15.4 billion target set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Six policemen seriously injured in road accident
Six policemen seriously injured in road accident JAKARTA (JP): Six freshly graduated police sergeants suffered severe injuries while others were slightly wounded when their speeding truck overturned at Puri Kembangan area in West Jakarta on Wednesday morning. A preliminary police investigation said the accident took place at 9:15 a.m. and was due to the truck driver losing control of the steering wheel. All of the officers were members of the West Jakarta Mobile Brigade police.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
1,300 workers demand wage hike
1,300 workers demand wage hike JAKARTA (JP): More than 1,300 employees from biscuit and mint manufacturer PT Mayora's Tangerang factory on Wednesday threatened to continue "occupying" the Ministry of Manpower building until their demands for higher wages were met. Warsono, a representative of the workers, said they would continue their action in the ministry's compound and not return to work unless their demands for a pay increase were met.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
S'pore moves in right direction with bank reforms
S'pore moves in right direction with bank reforms By Valerie Lee SINGAPORE (Reuters): Sweeping banking reforms, aimed at revving up growth in Singapore's financial sector and putting it on the fast track to international financial hub status, are a plus for its ambitions, analysts said on Tuesday.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia still responsible for law and order in East Timor
Indonesia still responsible for law and order in East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Despite the planned deployment of United Nations police officers in East Timor, Indonesian security personnel will be responsible for the implementation of the referendum in East Timor.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sex workers too demanding
Sex workers too demanding PURWOKERTO, Central Java: After futile persuasions, election officials eventually succumbed to prostitutes' demand that they be allowed to cast their ballots in their brothels sprawling the famed Baturaden tourist resort next month. They said Wednesday that if they insisted on herding them out of the red-light district it might cause "public unrest".
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Megawati's husband rejected
Megawati's husband rejected SEMARANG (JP): About 100 members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) demonstrated their rejection yesterday of the legislative candidacy of party boss Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband. They marched to the party's headquarters from Surakarta, demanding that Taufik Kiemas drop his candidacy for the constituency of Palembang and Muara Enim, South Sumatra.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government to sell a further 5 percent stake in Indosat
Government to sell a further 5 percent stake in Indosat JAKARTA (JP): The government will sell another 5 percent of its stake in the publicly listed international telecommunications operator PT Indosat in a bid to raise cash and provide support for the rupiah. State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng said on Wednesday that the Indosat shares would be sold at a discount of between 3 percent to 5 percent of its market price.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto threatens to sue `Time'
Soeharto threatens to sue `Time' JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto threatened to sue Time magazine on Wednesday for suggesting he and his family had amassed a $15 billion fortune in the 32 years he was in power. Topnotch lawyers representing Indonesia's former strongman wrote a "warning letter" to Time's Hong Kong correspondent John Colmey, demanding he provide evidence to support the claims. The allegations were made in articles which appeared in Time's Asia edition this week.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
UK firm plans RI expo
UK firm plans RI expo JAKARTA (JP): United Kingdom-based trade exhibition organizer Miller Freeman announced on Wednesday it would hold an information technology exhibition here in October in cooperation with local partner PT Internusa Promosarana. Connectivity Indonesia 1999: International Communications and Networking Solutions will be held in the Jakarta Convention Center from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gun blows up inside trousers
Gun blows up inside trousers JAKARTA (JP): A man was accidentally shot and wounded in his left thigh and right arm at a mall in Depok on Wednesday morning after an FN 42 gun belonging to his Army friend accidentally blew up inside the pocket of his trousers. The man was identified as Benny Erlawan, 23, of Kalimati area in West Jakarta. The incident itself took place at about 2:50 a.m., in front of the closed Monggo Mas shop in Depok Mall, south of here.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Agenda
Agenda JAKARTA (JP): Ten political parties will be campaigning in Jakarta today (Thursday): the New Indonesia Party (PIB), Indonesian Christian National Party (Krisna), Indonesian National Party led by Supeni (PNI-Supeni), Indonesian Democrats Alliance Party (PADI), Indonesian Muslim Awakening Party (Kami), Islamic Community Party (PUI), Muslim Community Awakening Party (PKU), United Development Party (PPP), Indonesian United Islam Party (PSII) and the MKGR Party.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Shoe firms warn of dangers of general election unrest
Shoe firms warn of dangers of general election unrest JAKARTA (JP): Footwear exporters warned on Wednesday that a disruptive general election and continuing political uncertainties could scare away foreign buyers. The secretary-general of the Indonesian Footwear Association, Djimanto, said most foreign buyers were playing a wait-and-see attitude. "If the general election runs smoothly, we will see a sharp increase in foreign orders.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Golkar asked to quit polls for nation's sake
Golkar asked to quit polls for nation's sake JAKARTA (JP): Political observers irked by Golkar's pro-status quo stance demanded on Wednesday that the party bow out of next month's general election. They suggested that it would be better for Golkar to "save its face" and concentrate on the next elections scheduled for 2004. The ruling party entrenched itself as a supporter of the status quo when it nominated incumbent President B.J. Habibie as its sole presidential candidate.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
No politicians in KL rights body
No politicians in KL rights body KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Politicians and civil servants will not be picked as members of the soon-to-be established National Commission on Human Rights, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid said on Wednesday. The credibility of the commission required members who are not linked to the government, Hamid told reporters.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
First trade surplus with Australia
First trade surplus with Australia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia booked a surplus of A$1.41 billion (about US$950 million) in bilateral trade with Australia in 1998, partly due to a sharp increase in exports to the neighboring country. The surplus is the first recorded by Indonesia in the last five years. According to data released by the Australian Embassy here on Wednesday, Indonesia's exports surged 57.2 percent to A$3.56 billion last year while imports dropped by 37 percent to $2.15 billion.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Meet Mahathir from Semarang
Meet Mahathir from Semarang SEMARANG: With his average-sized body, his smile, his slick hair and glasses, Daromi Irdjas is a deadringer for Malaysia's strongman leader Mahathir Mohamad. Daromi, deputy chief of the Central Java Election Committee, says his resemblance to Mahathir is an "advantage" because it helps new acquaintances to remember his face.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Balinese kids urged to go back to school
Balinese kids urged to go back to school JAKARTA (JP): "All children have a right to their lives, a right to grow and to develop, and a right to participate in social, cultural and family lives," according to a United Nations convention on children's rights.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. poll watchers in Palembang
U.S. poll watchers in Palembang PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Representatives of two American poll watchdogs, the Carter Center/National Institute Democratic (NID) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) arrived here on Tuesday. Brent Preston of the Carter Center/NID and James Cecil of IRI met with M. Abduh, chairman of the South Sumatra provincial election committee on the same day.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Angry mob destroys buildings
Angry mob destroys buildings PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Angry over the results of their village head election, hundreds of Sokawera villagers in Banyumas district, Central Java, vandalized the district and village administration offices on Tuesday evening. The mob, made up mostly of local youths, also damaged four houses and looted a shop. No fatalities were reported. Local police by Wednesday had arrested 27 villagers, including Sudir, 43, a former village head. Banyumas Police chief Lt.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Poor consumer protection
Poor consumer protection We bought a rice warmer -- a Young-ma magic jar -- at the Continent Hypermarket in Kuningan, South Jakarta, in April. Unfortunately the product broke after being used for one week. Unable to contact the service center mentioned in the product's guarantee card, we asked a representative of Continent for the address of the service center. After an arduous and lengthy process we were informed that the product could be repaired at its distributor on Jl. P.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Parsendi: A joker in the pack
Parsendi: A joker in the pack JAKARTA (JP): Other political parties may have recruited celebrities as their campaigners, but the Party of Artistes and Comediennes (Parsendi) is in fact chaired by illiterate comedian Sri "Milko" Mulyati. The party was founded in the Central Java town of Surakarta by, among others, Murtidjono, who is a philosophy school graduate.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Higher education needs revamping
Higher education needs revamping By Harkiman Racheman This is the second of two articles on the state of Indonesia's higher education in Indonesia. MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Let us not forget that tertiary education in Indonesia has all this time been carried out within an incorrect philosophical framework. Too much emphasis, for instance, has been given towards producing educational output but only in the quantitative sense by not considering quality as a primary concern.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Local share prices surge despite political concerns
Local share prices surge despite political concerns JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed higher on Wednesday, despite market fears of possible political instability on the first day of the country's campaigning period. The Jakarta Composite Index rose 2.72 percent or 15.7 points to close at 593.60. Dealers said the government had a vested interest in making the JSX index look positive on the first day of the campaigning period.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hockey body sets out plans for SEA Games preparations
Hockey body sets out plans for SEA Games preparations JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Hockey Association (PHSI) executive chairman Nang Primadi Tarmadi said on Wednesday that hockey players would be sent to Brunei Darussalam to compete in the 20th Southeast Asia (SEA) Games in August. Tarmadi said that 18 men and 18 women would shortly be joining squad training programs in Jakarta.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Violations mark 1st day
Violations mark 1st day BANDUNG: The first day of campaigning was colored by various violations, with parties failing to meet their campaign schedules. Six parties were scheduled to campaign on Wednesday, but it turned out that street rallies also involved supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the United Development Party (PPP), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and a number of other parties.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PLN makes progress in contract renegotiations
PLN makes progress in contract renegotiations JAKARTA (JP): Cash-strapped state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) said on Wednesday it had made significant progress in renegotiating contracts with independent power producers (IPPs). Company president Adhi Satriya said the result of the renegotiations with the first group of IPPs showed positive results. He said PLN would soon embark on other meetings to renegotiate contracts with other IPPs.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Don't vote for 'antiwomen' parties
Don't vote for 'antiwomen' parties SEMARANG (JP): The Jakarta-based Alliance of Women for Justice and Democracy campaigned yesterday against political parties which do not include the protection of women's rights. They distributed leaflets urging women to shun the party which was directly involved in the oppression of women over the past 32 years, an obvious reference to Golkar Party.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Provincial legislative candidates unveiled today
Provincial legislative candidates unveiled today JAKARTA (JP): The final provincial legislative list of some 13,500 candidates was completed Wednesday morning, National Elections Committee (PPI) chairman Jacob Tobing said. Diskettes containing the list will be distributed to the media on Thursday, while the committee will have the list printed either on Friday or Saturday. By Wednesday afternoon, some 100 complaints concerning the nominees had been submitted.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Arts Exhibition: A Diversity in Art, by Art Teachers of Denpasar Art Academy and Udayana University, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Jun. 30. Music and Entertainment * The Oberoi, Legian Beach, Jl. Laksamana, Denpasar (Phone: 0361 730361): - Kura-Kura Restaurant, 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.: Balinese Rindik music, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Angklung, Monday. Batak Duo, Wednesday.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
UN rights commissioner's envoy visits East Timor
UN rights commissioner's envoy visits East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' special envoy to East Timor, Soli Sorabjee, is scheduled to start a four-day visit to the province on Thursday to assess the human rights conditions in the troubled territory. Sorabjee told The Jakarta Post here on Wednesday that his main mission to East Timor was to gather information from various sources about the situation in the territory ahead of the UN-run independence vote on Aug. 8.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Safeguarding reform
Safeguarding reform The latest package of economic stabilization and reform measures agreed on by Indonesia and the International Monetary Fund last week should be welcomed, especially ahead of the June 7 general election and after the ruling Golkar Party's nomination of the incumbent B.J. Habibie as its sole candidate for the November presidential election.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 19, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 400 0 187,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 25 7,500 Alter Abadi 275 0 5,000 Alumindo Light Metal 750 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 275 0 50,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,600 25 13,435,000 Anwar Sierad 175 0 317,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Golkar bashings tarnish quiet provincial campaigns
Golkar bashings tarnish quiet provincial campaigns JAKARTA (JP): While the streets in the capital were incarnadined by Megawati Soekarnoputri's noisy supporters, the three-week campaign period began elsewhere in Indonesia with lethargy. In some places, the only excitement was residents harassing Golkar campaigners. In Jakarta, during a parade of all of 48 poll contenders, vehicles and officials of the ruling party were attacked. In one incident, an angry group punched and kicked a Golkar member.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Celebrities all doing their bit for democracy
Celebrities all doing their bit for democracy JAKARTA (JP): Dangdut singer Machicha Mochtar is earnest in her support for Golkar, believes its presidential candidate B.J. Habibie is an "intelligent" enough man to bring progress to the nation, and that Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Wiranto has the necessary "fighting spirit" to help stabilize Indonesian politics if he was elected vice president.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Four killed by rebels in Irian Jaya
Four killed by rebels in Irian Jaya JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Bill Skate sent condolences on Tuesday to the families of four Arso plantation workers who were killed by Indonesian rebels in an attack here two weeks ago. Maj. Gen. Amir Sembiring, Trikora Military commander overseeing Jayapura, disclosed the news of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) prime minister's condolences to reporters on Tuesday after receiving a PNG envoy in Jayapura.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Status quo forces and reformers: Where lie our parties' loyalties?
Status quo forces and reformers: Where lie our parties' loyalties? JAKARTA (JP): When Amien Rais, Megawati Soekarnoputri and Abdurrahman Wahid agreed on Tuesday to join forces to defeat the status quo, many people automatically thought of the ruling Golkar Party. The three opposition leaders' move has provided their parties with valuable political leverage with which to obtain even greater support from the masses.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Crescent Star wins the day
Crescent Star wins the day BENGKULU: Scheduled campaigns of four parties here failed to take place because party attributes were not ready. Asep Firmansyah Putra from the New Indonesia Party (PIB) said his party could not meet the campaign schedule because some props from Jakarta had failed to arrive. Executives of other parties gave similar reasons, which proved fortunate for the Crescent Star Party as it was the only one who managed to stage a campaign later in the day, Antara reported.
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Dangdut' time in Palu
'Dangdut' time in Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: Only about 500 people showed up at the campaign rallies of four parties on Wednesday, but youngsters at least got a chance to enjoy dangdut dancing. Business went on as usual in several parts of the town and the only signs of campaigning were the occasional passing, open cars transporting party supporters to and from rallies. The township's election committee ruled against street rallies, to which parties mostly complied. (38)
Thu, 20 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tanri Abeng denies interfering with IBRA's work
Tanri Abeng denies interfering with IBRA's work JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng denied on Wednesday allegations that he was blocking Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) attempts to recover nonperforming state bank loans. "The concept is already clear that the nonperforming loans will only be managed by IBRA," he said at a press conference on the restructuring plans of state enterprises.