Archive: 21 May 1999
64 articles found
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
One year later
One year later One year after Soeharto was forced to step down as president of Indonesia, the balance sheet of democratic reforms promised by the new regime that replaced him gives little cause for rejoicing, particularly to the youths and students who spearheaded the movement, often at the cost of their lives. Under pressure of the circumstances that prevailed at that time, the man who replaced Soeharto -- his vice-president and long-time protege B.J.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Insurance firm rejects compensation
Insurance firm rejects compensation JAKARTA: PT Asuransi Republik, a member of the Beringin insurance consortium covering workers employed overseas, has refused to pay compensation to over 100 people repatriated in February due to a misunderstanding with their Saudi Arabian employer. The consortium coordinator, Udi, told the media on Thursday that Asuransi Republik would not reimburse repatriation costs incurred by the workers.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Army troops not wanted
Army troops not wanted PALU, Central Sulawesi: Leaders of four political parties in the province have rejected the presence of Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) troops sent in to secure election campaigns in Poso. The political parties say the presence of troops is inconsistent with their agreement to secure their campaign activities by themselves. They argued that the troops would cause a sense of fear among the public.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wither populist policies?
Wither populist policies? By Winarno Zain JAKARTA (JP): How do we read Hubert Neiss's recent visit to Megawati? The fact that the International Monetary Fund Director for Asia and Pacific felt it necessary to meet the leader of one of the biggest political parties in Indonesia, was an acknowledgment that the economic reforms could be off track when the new cabinet forms after the June 7 election.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Local stock market briefly breaches the 600 point barrier
Local stock market briefly breaches the 600 point barrier JAKARTA (JP): The main local stock price index breached the psychological 600 point barrier in morning trade -- the first time since late 1997 -- but lost momentum in afternoon trade following sales of second and third liner stocks, brokers said. Because of the late sell-off, the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index ended the day trading a meager half point higher to close at 594.053 points.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PPI culls names from legislative list
PPI culls names from legislative list JAKARTA (JP): Some 3,500 names were dropped from the final provincial legislative list which previously contained some 13,500 candidates, due to failures in completing required documents and a number of violations found, National Elections Committee (PPI) chairman Jacob Tobing said Thursday. "It is estimated that there will be only about 10,000 candidates," Jacob said. The committee completed on Wednesday the final list of legislative candidates.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir reshuffles cabinet to improve party before polls
Mahathir reshuffles cabinet to improve party before polls KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced on Thursday he had replaced three ministers as part of a cabinet reshuffle widely seen as preparing the main ruling party for general elections. Mahathir told a news conference that two veteran politicians from the main ruling party had tendered their resignations two weeks ago.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Pelti rearranges training program after complaints
Pelti rearranges training program after complaints JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) secretary- general Soegeng Sarjadi said on Thursday he would allow players to be trained by their favorite coaches to avoid allegations of favoritism in long-term training programs and other preparations for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tensions escalate in 2nd day of campaigning
Tensions escalate in 2nd day of campaigning JAKARTA (JP): Tensions marked the second day of campaigning in several volatile areas across the country, including Pidie in Aceh, where hundreds of Geulumpang Tiga villagers attacked and burned a United Development Party (PPP) van to drive home the message that they do not want a general election but a referendum. "What do we need elections for?
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Europe sending observers for the elections
Europe sending observers for the elections JAKARTA (JP): The European Union (EU) will send 120 observers to watch over the June 7 election in the country, the head of the mission said on Thursday. EU chief observer John Gwyn Morgan told a media conference that the European Community wished "to assist Indonesia in holding a free, fair and transparent election process". Some 130 million people will go to the polls to elect 462 legislators of the House of Representatives (DPR).
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Adaro to raise coal output
Adaro to raise coal output JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian-Australian coal mining company PT Adaro Indonesia, which operates a large coal mine in the province of South Kalimantan, said on Thursday it planned to raise its coal output to 17 million tons next year from 10.9 million tons this year.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government lets Xanana meet senior East Timor rebels
Government lets Xanana meet senior East Timor rebels JAKARTA (JP): The government has permitted jailed East Timorese rebel leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao to talk with any senior East Timorese rebels, including Ramos Horta, as long as the meetings take place in Jakarta. The decision was announced on Thursday by Information Minister M. Yunus Yosfiah after holding a closed meeting with Xanana at the Ministry of Justice office.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Lawyers rush to back Hafidz
Lawyers rush to back Hafidz JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers are preparing a defense for Wardah Hafidz, the coordinator of the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) who could face legal action brought by a political party she accused of misusing social safety net funds. Hendardi, who will coordinate the defense team, said in a statement that lawyers from three non-governmental organizations and a human rights organization would work on the case.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
War of banners raging in Palu
War of banners raging in Palu PALU, Central Sulawesi: A war of banners is raging in Palu with election day around the corner. Political parties are fighting for every strategic place to put up their flags. A telecommunication tower of Komselindo has become the hottest spot where party activists compete for the highest point to fix their banners. So far, the champions are the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and National Mandate Party (PAN), Antara reported.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Agenda
Agenda JAKARTA (JP): Nine political parties will be campaigning in Jakarta on Friday. They are National Awakening Party (PKB), Justice and Unity Party (PKP), All-Indonesian Workers Solidarity Party (PSPSI), Indonesian Nation's National Party (PNBI), Indonesian Unity in Diversity Party (PBI), Suni Party, National Democrats Party, Indonesian Muslim Party (PUMI) and Indonesian Workers Party (PPI).
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
HK Lippo plans rights issue
HK Lippo plans rights issue HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Lippo Ltd. and its associate Lippo China Resources Ltd. have requested their shares be suspended from trading in Hong Kong Thursday. The group said in a brief statement to the stock exchange that it plans to make "an announcement regarding the proposed rights issue." The group, controlled by Indonesia's Riady family, didn't provide further details in the statement.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bouteflika supports W. Sahara independence
Bouteflika supports W. Sahara independence ALGIERS (Agencies): Algeria's newly elected President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said he supported the Polisario Front in its struggle for independence in the disputed Western Sahara, the official APS news agency said on Thursday. The remark is likely to anger Morocco, which controls most of Western Sahara, and might affect plans for a rare summit meeting of the five-nation Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) due in Algiers later this year, Rabat-based diplomats said.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 20, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 0 0 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 -25 299,500 Alter Abadi 275 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 750 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 275 0 120,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,600 0 8,032,000 Anwar Sierad 175 0 316,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ninjas armed with marbles
Ninjas armed with marbles SEMARANG: Javanese ninjas are much more self-confident than their Japanese counterparts. Want proof? As seen in Hollywood action flicks, Japanese ninjas are usually armed with knives and swords as they go about their activities. Javanese ninjas are roaming the streets during the campaign season armed only with marbles. Their mission is to disrupt the rallies of reformist political parties.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia to participate in world exhibition
Indonesia to participate in world exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has confirmed its participation in the World Exhibition EXPO 2000 in Hanover, Germany, director of the government-owned German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) Jakarta office, Oliver Auge, said on Wednesday. Auge, who is here to promote the exposition, said Indonesia's participation in EXPO 2000 would help the country mend its damaged image.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Kalimantan gem-hunters find 77 carat diamond
Kalimantan gem-hunters find 77 carat diamond BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Four traditional prospectors in Banjar district here found a 77-carat diamond, Antara reported on Thursday. The rough diamond, which had a reddish hue, was found on Sunday in Kait-Kait Ujung village, the news agency said. The four local panners had been looking for semi-precious gem stones when they stumbled on the diamond. A local diamond trader ascertained the diamond's weight, the agency said.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia, Indonesia call for vote on WTO's next boss
Malaysia, Indonesia call for vote on WTO's next boss BATAM (Agencies): Malaysia and Indonesia on Thursday demanded a vote to decide who will be the next chief of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The demand came amid a deadlock in WTO efforts to reach a consensus between Thai Deputy Premier Supachai Panitchpakdi and former New Zealand premier Mike Moore. Both Malaysia and Indonesia back the Thai candidate. All three countries are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Comparative GDP growth, trade balance
Comparative GDP growth, trade balance Country GDP (% on yr unless noted) Trade balance* ------------------------------------------------------ Australia +4.7 (4Q) -A$1.49B (Mar) Hong Kong -5.1 (1998) -HK$11.2B (Mar) India +5.8 (yr to Mar) -US$8.25B (yr to Mar) Indonesia -10.4 (1Q) +US$1.38B (Feb) Japan -0.8 (3Q Oct-Dec) +Y1.334T (Mar) Malaysia -6.7 (FY98) +MYR6.5B (Mar) New Zealand -0.3 (4Q) -NZ$1.19B (Yr-Mar) Philippines -1.9 (4Q) +US$51M (Mar) Singapore +1.2 (1Q) -S$703M (Apr) South Korea...
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Six injured in Cipinang fire
Six injured in Cipinang fire JAKARTA (JP): At least 15 houses in a densely populated area of Cipinang, East Jakarta, were gutted by fire on Thursday, injuring six local residents, including two seriously. The East Jakarta Fire Department sent 10 fire engines to extinguish the blaze, which began at 9:30 a.m. Witnesses said the two victims with serious injuries, identified as Rika and Zulkarnaen, were rushed to the nearby Persahabatan Hospital.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police hide fangs during campaign
Police hide fangs during campaign BANDUNG: Supporters of parties contesting the polls here will be able to enjoy their campaign motorcades without having to fear reprimands or punishment from the police. Local police chief Col. Dody Sumantyawan said recently he had ordered his force not to ticket party supporters who violated traffic regulations during street rallies. "We will just monitor them and use security measures only if necessary.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PPP may support Habibie, says chairman Hamzah
PPP may support Habibie, says chairman Hamzah JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah Haz said on Thursday his party may decide to back the ruling Golkar Party's choice for president B.J. Habibie. The revelation was an about face from Hamzah who said only hours earlier the party was considering an alliance with the National Mandate Party (PAN) led by Amien Rais.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
North Aceh police silent over blast in their office
North Aceh police silent over blast in their office JAKARTA (JP): North Aceh Police remained tight-lipped on Thursday about the bomb explosion on Wednesday at a police station which injured three officers. Local police chief Lt. Col. Iskandar Hasan has refused to answer questions about the explosion. "I have no idea why he doesn't want to speak to the press about the incident," a friend of Iskandar told The Jakarta Post by phone last night.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
The devil we know
The devil we know I have just arrived back after a four-month trip to Europe and the Middle East. Being an Indonesian abroad nowadays is not something to be proud of after all the negative publication on this country. During my flight from Singapore to Jakarta, I noticed two articles on the front page of Asia Wall Street Journal May 17, 1999. One is Habibie vs. Megawati - election race in Indonesia and the other is Business remains divided on support for candidates.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Buyers unwilling to place long-term orders: Official
Buyers unwilling to place long-term orders: Official JAKARTA (JP): Buyers of Indonesian goods have been unwilling to place long-term orders here due to uncertainty over the country's political situation, a senior official has said. Director General of International Trade Djoko Moeljono said on Thursday that very few large orders had been placed by foreign buyers for the period after June. "Buyers are currently waiting to see what happens in the election before placing any further orders.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
RI cocoa bean output up
RI cocoa bean output up PHUKET, Thailand (Reuters): Indonesian cocoa bean production is expected to rise to 450,000 metric tons annually by 2005 from around 325,000 tons now, a senior official of the Indonesia Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI) said on Wednesday. Surip Mawardi, ICCRI associate director, told a cocoa and chocolate conference in this southern Thai resort island that higher local prices resulting from the weak rupiah encouraged cocoa planters to raise output.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
City turns green on second campaign day
City turns green on second campaign day JAKARTA (JP): The city was awash in a sea of green on Thursday as supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) dominated the second day of the election campaign. The supporters of the other eight political parties scheduled to campaign in the city were hardly seen on the streets. A number of the parties canceled planned rallies for various reasons. Street rallies caused traffic jams along Jl. Mampang Prapatan, Jl. Pancoran and Jl.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Songs 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 12:00 p.m. Soccer: Lazio vs Mallorca (rerun) 2:00 News 2:30 Profile 3:00 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Arabic Lessons 5:00 Student's Quiz 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Performance 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
One year later: Better or worse?
One year later: Better or worse? JAKARTA (JP): A few minutes after 9 a.m. on May 21, 1998, president Soeharto took the nation, and the world for that matter, by surprise by announcing his resignation, after 32 years at the helm. His decision spared the nation from a potentially ugly and violent confrontation between Soeharto and the student- led "people's power" reform movement.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia's GDP meets target
Malaysia's GDP meets target KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Thursday that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in the three months to March was well within the government's projected target. "The first quarter figures are within our projected target to ensure one percent growth this year," he said after announcing a cabinet reshuffle. Malaysia's economy is "doing well," he told reporters.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ericsson donates 76 mobile phones
Ericsson donates 76 mobile phones JAKARTA (JP): PT Ericsson Indonesia donated 76 mobile phones on Thursday to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to support the electoral process in Indonesia. Mats H. Olsson, president director of PT Ericsson Indonesia, handed over the telephones on Thursday to Ravi Rajan, the resident representative of UNDP Indonesia.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government acts to expedite debt restructuring
Government acts to expedite debt restructuring JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Initiative Task Force will hire 20 foreign experts in June in a bid to accelerate the process of restructuring the country's US$67 billion corporate overseas debt, according to chief operations officer Joseph Luhukay. "We are running against time to prevent our economy from going bankrupt," he told reporters on Thursday at a discussion on debt restructuring and the Jakarta Initiative.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Shock in store for Habibi!
Shock in store for Habibi! CILEGON, West Java: A villager eager to promote the Indonesian Masyumi Islamic Political Party received a nasty shock when climbing a tree to position a party flag in front of his house. Habibi, 32, was blissfully unaware that the electricity wires running through the tree and into his house in Ciwaduk village were dangerous, that was until he brushed against them with an iron flagpole he was carrying. Cilegon police precinct chief Lt. Col.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Religious leaders call for peace
Religious leaders call for peace MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Religious leaders have called for political party leaders to preach for peace during the campaign season. On Thursday, they appealed to politicians not to exploit religious sentiments for political purposes so that a there would not be a recurrence of the sectarian conflict that flared in East Nusa Tenggara in November. Kupang Bishop Petrus Turang said promoting peace was the responsibility of every citizen.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 20, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Irian Jaya rebels 'only' have 77 guns
Irian Jaya rebels 'only' have 77 guns JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Guerrilla fighters opposing the Indonesian government in Irian Jaya's jungles only possess 77 guns, with an estimated 150 personnel, a military official said here on Thursday. Trikora Regional Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Sembiring said the Indonesian Military (TNI) could easily eradicate the "security disturbance movements" due to the group's limited number of ammunition and personnel.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Autopsy reveals 64 heroin capsules
Autopsy reveals 64 heroin capsules JAKARTA (JP): Soekanto Police Hospital doctors performed an autopsy on Thursday on a Liberian national who allegedly died of a drug overdose and found 64 heroin-filled capsules, an officer said. Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said the heroin capsules, which weighed 875 grams and were estimated to have a street value of more than Rp 175 million (US$21.875), had been confiscated by police.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Retail market books positive growth
Retail market books positive growth JAKARTA (JP): The retail market in Jakarta recorded positive growth in the first quarter of this year, indicating that the crisis in this property subsector has bottomed out, according to property consultant Procon Indah/Jones Lang LaSalle.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rubin says loans to Jakarta have adequate safeguards
Rubin says loans to Jakarta have adequate safeguards WASHINGTON (AP): The White House told Congress on Wednesday that US$1.1 billion in new World Bank loans to Indonesia will be issued with adequate safeguards to assure that they are not used to buy votes in that country's upcoming elections.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Media revels in fiesta of democracy
Media revels in fiesta of democracy JAKARTA (JP): With the race to lure voters in this year's general election officially kicking off on Wednesday, another fervent rivalry takes place on the sideline contesting the mass media covering the event. As an example, the respected daily Kompas, has dedicated four pages every day to the election process over the past two weeks.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Exporters complain about exorbitant departure tax
Exporters complain about exorbitant departure tax JAKARTA (JP): Local exporters urged the government to lift or lower the Rp 1 million (US$125) departure tax imposed on Indonesians leaving the country by airplane to boost business activities, especially exports. The chairman of the Indonesian Exporters Association, Amirudin Saud, said the high exit tax burdened exporters especially because they had to spend more money to promote products and negotiate with foreign buyers.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Cancer Constellation, by Venezuelan artists, at La Casa de Mexico, Jl. Panglima Polim III no. 1-3, South Jakarta, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., until May 25. * Drawing Exhibition: Tumbal by Hendro Suseno, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), until June 7. * Artworks, Painting Exhibition at Cemara 6 Galeri, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto No.9-11, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3918761), 10 a.m.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Milk formula getting scarce
Milk formula getting scarce MALANG, East Java: Fears of violent election campaigns have driven townspeople to shops and markets to stock up on essential goods. The unprecedented shopping spree has caused several basic commodities, including baby formula and instant noodles, to "disappear" from the market, Antara reported. "Although prices have not increased, some basic commodities are becoming scarce, said Nina, spokesperson for Ratu shopping mall.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bandung awash in a sea of red
Bandung awash in a sea of red BANDUNG: The ban on street rallies issued by the Election Supervisory Committee went unheeded on Thursday. The city was awash in a sea of red, the color of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), when thousands of its supporters took to the streets.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Comparative inflation, prime rate
Comparative inflation, prime rate Country CPI (% On Yr) Prime rate (average) -------------------------------------------------------- Australia 1.2 (1Q) 8.50% Hong Kong -2.6 (Mar) 8.25% India +3.70 (Year to May 1) 12.0% Indonesia +38 (Apr) 38%-39% Japan -0.2 (Apr) 1.90% Malaysia +3.0 (Mar) 7.27% New Zealand -0.1 (1Q) 6.50% Philippines +8.0 (Apr) 9.972% Singapore -0.6 (Mar) 5.38% South Korea +0.4 (Apr) 9.5% Taiwan -0.12 (Apr) 7.84% Thailand +0.4 (Apr) 9.5% Source: Dow Jones
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
New Islamic parties attempt to cater for all tastes
New Islamic parties attempt to cater for all tastes By Hery Nurdi JAKARTA (JP): "I want to vote for an Islamic party, but I don't know which one to choose because there are at least twelve which claim to be Islamic," a taxi driver complained recently. The driver was correct, but there are also a number of other parties which do not claim to be Islamic but which use Islamic attributes to lure voters. Parties with an Islamic leaning are detailed below.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie stakes claim to presidency
Habibie stakes claim to presidency BATAM, Riau (JP): Incumbent B.J. Habibie staked his claim over the presidency on Thursday, accepting the nomination by his Golkar Party and dismissing internal and external pressures for him not to run in the November election. "I am not a coward. I am aware that it is the people who decide.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian men's doubles reach 3rd round at World Championships
Indonesian men's doubles reach 3rd round at World Championships By Primastuti Handayani COPENHAGEN (JP): Indonesia's men's doubles pairings of Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan and Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky reached the third round of the World Championships at Brondby Hall here on Thursday.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Terror in East Timor
Terror in East Timor Fresh reporting by Keith B. Richburg of The Washington Post confirms the darker suspicions about Indonesia's intentions in East Timor. Indonesia has promised an early choice between autonomy and independence to the 800,000 East Timorese. Their island was a colony of Portugal, which was about to release it to independence, when Indonesia grabbed it in the 1970s.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
On perfect banknotes
On perfect banknotes I refer to John R. Kerr's letter The perfect banknote of May 20. If I remember correctly, my first experience of having greenbacks reduced in value (by one half or one percent depending on their "imperfection"), or rejected was some 15 years ago in the mid-1980s. John Kerr may be surprised to hear that it was The Chase Manhattan Bank in Jakarta that dealt me the jolt.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
A day at the bullfights a continuing tradition in Aceh
A day at the bullfights a continuing tradition in Aceh By Ampelsa ACEH (Antara): Two widely separated provinces enjoy games in which bulls provide the entertainment. But the game found in Aceh is totally different from the one found on Madura Island. The game in Madura, popularly known as karapan sapi, is none other than a bull race, while the entertainment in Aceh, locally called peupo leumo, is a bullfight.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nation must rid itself of Soehartoism
Nation must rid itself of Soehartoism On May 21, 1998, president Soeharto was forced to resign amid bloody riots, student rallies and a crippling economic slump. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono outlines the nation's political journey over the past year.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie, Mahathir meet to improve bilateral ties
Habibie, Mahathir meet to improve bilateral ties BATAM, Riau (JP): President B.J. Habibie and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad met here on Thursday to exchange information on the latest developments in their respective countries. The two leaders said they had cleared up border disputes and some other bilateral issues, which were described by Mahathir as "minor bilateral problems". "There were some problems about logging and trading at the border and about border crossings.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bad omen for Golkar
Bad omen for Golkar JAKARTA (JP): Political activists saw a bad omen for Golkar during the flag-hoisting ceremony here on Tuesday night, just hours before the 48 parties were about to kick off campaigning. All but Golkar's flag could be hoisted without a problem. The activists in charge of hoisting Golkar's flag found the pole "reluctant" to stand upright and it almost slid and fell several times.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police told to focus on five big parties
Police told to focus on five big parties JAKARTA (JP): The Election Supervisory Committee suggested on Thursday that security forces focus their job on the five political parties with the best chance to win at the polls. Mulyana W. Kusumah, deputy chairman of the committee, told The Jakarta Post that executives of the official poll watch would present the proposal in a meeting with National Police and the National Elections Committee on Sunday.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Citibank's treatment
Citibank's treatment On Feb. 12, 1999, I purchased in Singapore traveler's checks from Citibank with a nominal value of US$2,500 and $4,500 in the hopes that these traveler's checks would be safer to keep than cash. Two days later, when I arrived in Bali, I realized that I had lost the traveler's checks. I immediately contacted the "traveler's check loss and theft" division of Citibank Singapore. A Mr.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
MKGR nominates Rudini for president
MKGR nominates Rudini for president SEMARANG: The MKGR Party reiterated its determination to nominate Rudini, one of its most senior leaders, as its sole presidential candidate. "Rudini's leadership quality is unquestionable, as he proved when he was a home affairs minister," party chairperson Mien Sugandhi said when addressing about 2,000 supporters.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Starwood launches press club
Starwood launches press club JAKARTA (JP): U.S-based international hotel chain Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc launched on Thursday a complimentary international press club, called Starwood Press Club, for accredited journalists in the Asia-Pacific region. The hotel chain, which operates nine hotels and resorts under the Sheraton name in Indonesia, said membership of the club is valid for one year.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Malaria relapse
Malaria relapse Mr. Mark Rees in his letter published in The Jakarta Post on May 18 implies that my wife and I claim to have contracted malaria at the Tanjung Lesung Resort Hotel. One wonders whether such a misinterpretation was deliberate; but most emphatically I made no such claim. However, I can categorically state that we did contract malaria at Tanjung Lesung.
Fri, 21 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
MTI urges establishment of anticorruption agency
MTI urges establishment of anticorruption agency JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Society for Transparency (MTI), a corruption watchdog, called on Thursday for the establishment of an independent anti-corruption agency to eliminate the culture of corruption affecting the bureaucracy, military and business as well as the lives of the public. "An independent agency is badly needed to battle against corruptions systematically, objectively and continually," MTI's chairman, Mar'ie Muhammad, said.