Archive: 24 May 1999
50 articles found
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Apjati against govt roles in export of labor
Apjati against govt roles in export of labor JAKARTA (JP): Executives of the Association of Labor Export Companies (Apjati) threatened on Sunday to resign in protest against the government's dominant role in the labor export business. Apjati chairman Saleh Alwaini said in a media meeting here that the association's central board was no longer able to cooperate with the government and so the association would hold a special congress in which its executives would tender their resignations.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Governor orders officials home
Governor orders officials home BANGKOK (AP): Bangkok's governor has ordered home 11 officials on a U.S. trip that includes visits to Disneyland and Las Vegas, saying their visit was poorly timed and improper. The order, reported on Sunday by The Bangkok Post, follows criticism of the city administration for the absence of officials who should be helping fight monsoon flooding in neighborhoods under their control.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia begins to mop up oil slick from sunken cruise ship
Malaysia begins to mop up oil slick from sunken cruise ship KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian emergency teams on Sunday began an operation to mop up a giant oil slick seeping from a sunken luxury cruise liner whose 1,000 passengers were plucked to safety three days ago. Maritime rescue and coordination center official G. Jayakrishnan said ships had been told to temporarily avoid the busy waters where the Sun Vista caught fire last Thursday and sank. "The operation began at about 9 a.m. (8 a.m.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Batam workers still confuse
Batam workers still confuse BATAM, Riau: Thousands of workers in Batam said they were still confused regarding which party to choose from the many that are contesting the June 7 poll. Antara quoted workers as saying Sunday that they had never heard of party programs but hoped that any party would strive to improve their working conditions. Many workers hail from Sumatra and Java. From an estimated 270,000 eligible voters here, 197,619 have registered.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto vs Time?
Soeharto vs Time? Unless Soeharto and his lawyers are bluffing, we could soon have an intriguing trial pitting the former president against the New York-based Time magazine. Wherever the lawyers chose to file their lawsuit, Jakarta or New York, Soeharto vs Time surely would generate a lot of interest, not just here, but also abroad. Imagine, the former despot of the world's fourth largest country suing one of America's most renowned and reputable magazines.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. used intelligence to win major RI contract
U.S. used intelligence to win major RI contract SYDNEY (AFP): The United States may have used intelligence gathered at an Australian spy base to win a major Indonesian trade contract at Japan's expense several years ago, a former American spy said Sunday. Either Shoal Bay near Darwin or the U.S.-based Yakima facility intercepted Indonesian government communications which aided Washington, according to former National Security Agency (NSA) staffer Wayne Madsen. He suggested the U.S.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Local airlines may further delay fare increase
Local airlines may further delay fare increase JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) might further delay planned increases in airfares despite a slight increase in ticket sales in the first quarter of this year, the association's senior executive said. The chairman of INACA, Soelarto Hadisoemarto, said on Saturday it was not wise to go ahead with the association's planned increase in airfares when many people were still struggling to survive the economic crisis.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Reform boosts Indonesia-Australia ties
Reform boosts Indonesia-Australia ties By Al Busyra Basnur JAKARTA (JP): The meeting of Indonesia's President, B.J. Habibie, and Prime Minister John Howard of Australia in Bali on April 27, 1999, indicates Australia's well-intentioned desire to help solve the problem of East Timor. The dialog between the two leaders was very meaningful to the future of East Timor.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDI, PAN, PBB support foreign investment but criticize IMF
PDI, PAN, PBB support foreign investment but criticize IMF Political and legal issues, including investigating former president Soeharto and the threat of separatism, dominate the current political campaign. Economic issues, including those on foreign investment and the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), are barely touched upon by any political party during their campaign.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Supporting funds needed
Supporting funds needed DENPASAR: The government should immediately distribute supporting funds for campaigns which are particularly needed for small parties, the chairman of the Bali chapter of PNI Front Marhaen said Sunday. The government has distributed funds of Rp 150 million for each party contesting the elections but the law also states the government should contribute campaign funds. Made Komando, the chairman, said the lack of funds could lead to jealousy among parties.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police police deny report on removals, tensenees
Police police deny report on removals, tensenees JAKARTA (JP): Scores of transmigrants and other outsiders have reportedly been forced to leave Aceh, but police strongly deny the report. The Antara news agency reported on Saturday that a number of transmigrants living in Gempang district in Pidie regency, Trumon in South Aceh and Krueng Pase in North Aceh fled to safer places over the past month after being intimidated by native Acehnese.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Islamic parties in stiff competition
Islamic parties in stiff competition By Ainur R. Sophiaan SURABAYA (JP): Before President B.J. Habibie and 2,000 graduates of Tebuireng Pesantren (boarding school) in Jombang recently, Muslim politician K.H. Yusuf Hasyim lashed out at leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic organization (NU) for playing favoritism. "They employ politics of division," he said. "They treat one group like a crown prince, and another like an unwanted child.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Australia funds Dili drinking water
Australia funds Dili drinking water JAKARTA: The government of Australia formally handed over its funded water supply and sanitation facilities for East Timor people on Friday here. The embassy said in a statement that the project, begun in 1992, was now officially under the ministry of health. The project was completed last month in Dili, with works implemented in urban areas of Dili and Suai.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Everyone is tainted by New Order: Ahadien
Everyone is tainted by New Order: Ahadien By Sirikit Syah SURABAYA (JP): Ahadien Mintaroem is a senior United Development Party (PPP) politician who started out his political career in 1970 as a Muhammadiyah representative in Sekber Golkar -- the group that later formed Golkar. After the general election in 1971, he was appointed the secretary of Partai Muslimin Indonesia (Parmusi) which in 1973 fused with three other parties to form the United Development Party.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Top hits add life to polls
Top hits add life to polls KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: While in some parts of the country tension and fear loom large ahead of the June 7 polls, Kupang residents find life splendid in the run-up to election day. And that's thanks to today's top hits, such as those sung by the likes of New Kids on the Block, which blare out from neighborhood posts built along Jl. Sudirman, the town's main street, by supporters of political parties registered here.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Official praises MTQ preparations
Official praises MTQ preparations PALU, Central Sulawesi: The chairman of the Koran Recital Development Institute, M. Mubaroq, said on Saturday the local preparations for next year's 19th National Koran Recital Contest were "very satisfactory".
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Parties planned a joint campaign
Parties planned a joint campaign FAKFAK, Irian Jaya: Fifteen political parties had planned a joint parade here but were forced to drop them as police said they had not notified them. Police chief Lt.Col. Sukamto Hamdoko said joint parades are not covered in laws touching on street rallies or the election law and said he would ask organizer Syamsul Bahry for clarification, Antara reported.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Masses follow leaders: Choirul
Masses follow leaders: Choirul SURABAYA (JP): Choirul Anam, who failed in 1994 to regain the position of East Java chapter of GP Anshor (the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama) which he had held for two terms, is among Abdurrahman Wahid's trusted youth figures. "Perhaps because I was too close to Gus Dur (Abdurrahman) I didn't win," he said lightly. And yet Choirul is influential among, or maybe even controls, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) security volunteers known as Banser.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Student arrested for provoking
Student arrested for provoking JAKARTA (JP): City police arrested a student on Friday for allegedly provoking a clash between protesters and security personnel during a rally marking the one-year anniversary of the resignation of former president Soeharto. City police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said the suspect was identified as 23-year-old Jefrin Sinaga, a student at the Institute of Social and Political Sciences.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Iriana to enter RI mining
Iriana to enter RI mining VANCOUVER (Dow Jones): Iriana Resources Corp. and International Dunlap Minerals Corp. said they have reached an agreement pursuant to which Iriana will make a cash/share takeover offer for Dunlap. As reported, the companies had entered into initial discussions for the possible acquisition by Iriana of Dunlap's Indonesia mineral property interests. In a news release, Iriana and Dunlap said the transaction will be made via a plan of arrangement.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Honest reporting
Honest reporting After perusing a number of Jakarta newspapers, my great appreciation goes to The Jakarta Post. It is the only paper to have written on Aceh in a complete and honest way. Other newspapers only print press releases published by the military. We know from experience that such releases are biased. The Post may think that its market segment is the expatriate community.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bintang, too, is a celebrity
Bintang, too, is a celebrity JAKARTA (JP): Sri Bintang Pamungkas has proved he is a popular "political celebrity" -- at least among reform-minded student demonstrators. When attending a Friday night gathering at Tugu Proklamasi where student activists commemorated the first anniversary of Soeharto's downfall, dozens of his admirers jostled with each other to reach him for an autograph. His fans tossed at him their jackets, T-shirts, headbands and books for a scrawl of his name.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Many parties breaking law on elections
Many parties breaking law on elections JAKARTA (JP): Almost all parties have breached the law on elections and the General Elections Commission's decree on campaigning, a poll monitor said. The secretary-general of the Independent Elections Monitoring Committee, Mulyana W. Kusumah, said on Sunday the violations involved the contents of campaigns and street rallies. "Some party leaders have clearly mocked other leaders during their campaigns. Traffic rules are not working at all.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
UN ship, cargo plane to arrive in E. Timor
UN ship, cargo plane to arrive in E. Timor Dili, East Timor: A cargo aircraft and a ship transporting United Nations equipment for the Aug. 7 ballot in East Timor are scheduled to arrive in the province on Monday.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Female journalists harrased
Female journalists harrased SEMARANG: Three female journalists were harassed Friday when covering rallies of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan). Sonya Hellen from Kompas said they had shown their identity cards but the crowds kept molesting them.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie deplored for being reluctant to probe Soeharto
Habibie deplored for being reluctant to probe Soeharto SEMARANG (JP): Two political party leaders expressed concern on Saturday over the reluctance of President B.J. Habibie to seriously investigate the wealth allegedly amassed by former president Soeharto during his 32 years in power. Edi Sudrajat, chairman of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP), said in a campaign here that Suharto Inc. reports run by Time magazine as its cover story last week were the fault of President Habibie.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
CPO export surges on lower export tax
CPO export surges on lower export tax JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's monthly export volume of crude palm oil (CPO) and its by-products surged by 475 percent to 358,917 metric tons in February from 62,449 tons in January following the government's decision to lower the export tax imposed on CPO and its derivatives. Data from Directorate General of Customs and Excise shows that the export value rose to US$819.88 million in February from $33.53 million in the previous month.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Campaigning starts peacefully in Maluku
Campaigning starts peacefully in Maluku JAKARTA (JP): Signs of peace were seen throughout the riot- torn Southeast Maluku capital of Tual on Sunday, as the campaign period kicked off and went without incident. Antara reported supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the Justice and Unity Party (PKP), and the Indonesian Unity in Diversity Party (PBI) were seen embracing each other and shaking hands in the streets.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fung finds new life playing in Taiwan
Fung finds new life playing in Taiwan COPENHAGEN (JP): Badminton lovers were sure that world number one Peter Gade Christensen would emerge victorious at the World Championships at Brondby Hall before his home crowd. But underdog Fung Permadi, an Indonesian playing for Chinese Taipei, dashed such predictions. He defeated Gade Christensen 15- 11, 1-15, 15-14 in a dramatic match. Fung, who was born in Purwokerto, Central Java, on Dec.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
We need to do our homework before buying a PC or notebook
We need to do our homework before buying a PC or notebook By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): A reader recently dropped me an e-mail to share his frustrations. The e-mail was addressed to the right person because his disappointment was the result of following a recommendation from me. He bought an expensive Micron Transport XPE notebook computer, which I reviewed in this column in October 1997.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDI Perjuangan supporters turn city streets red
PDI Perjuangan supporters turn city streets red JAKARTA (JP): Sunday saw the first casualty of the campaign when a supporter of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), identified as Irham Isnandar, 24, was killed in a traffic accident on Jl. Ancol Barat in North Jakarta. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said Irham was riding on the top of a vehicle in a street rally when he fell off the vehicle and was hit by a truck which also was part of the convoy.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur accuses Amien of having a game with him
Gus Dur accuses Amien of having a game with him LOMBOK, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): Doubts over an unprecedented coalition of parties fighting pro-status quo forces were strengthened on Sunday when the prominent leader of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Abdurrahman Wahid, accused National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais of playing games.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sun Jun, Martin new world champions
Sun Jun, Martin new world champions By Primastuti Handayani COPENHAGEN (JP): China's Sun Jun and Denmark's Camilla Martin fulfilled their ambitions of winning the World Championships on Sunday afternoon. Sun defeated Fung Permadi, an Indonesian playing for Chinese Taipei, 15-6, 15-13 in 48 minutes to earn the gold he missed out on two years ago when Dane Peter Rasmussen beat him in the finals. Martin took the gold after topping Dai Yun of China 11-6, 6- 11, 11-10 in a dramatic match.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
150 workers protest over pay
150 workers protest over pay JAKARTA (JP): About 150 employees of PT Bretanindo Asri in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, staged a protest at the Ministry of Manpower compound on Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta on Friday, demanding better pay conditions. Anggit, the coordinator of the protest, said the workers asked their company to abolish the contract system and to give a transportation allowance of Rp 77,000 per month, Idul Fitri allowances and monthly leave.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nokia, Bridge sign deal
Nokia, Bridge sign deal JAKARTA (JP): Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia announced on Saturday a partnership agreement with Bridge Information Systems to provide BridgeConnect, a financial information service for mobile phone users.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Dual function of ABRI or democracy
Dual function of ABRI or democracy We all know that the Cendana family had the opportunity to be so powerful over a span of 32 years and did things which affected the entire people simply because of two strong pillars, the Functional Group (Golkar) and the dual function of the Armed Forces.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
IFC aids Thai paper company
IFC aids Thai paper company BANGKOK, Thailand (AP): A unit of the World Bank had agreed to make a 10-year loan of US$30 million to help restructure United Pulp and Paper Co. of the Philippines. The company is a joint venture between Thailand's Siam Pulp and Paper PCL and the Philippine Investment-Management Consultants Inc.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
WB loan delay hints at rising distrust of government
WB loan delay hints at rising distrust of government JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank's delaying of US$1.1 billion in loan disbursement for Indonesia indicates increasing international concern over aid abuse by government officials, analysts have said.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
EU investment in RP can go up but changes needed
EU investment in RP can go up but changes needed MANILA (AFP): European Union (EU) investment in the Philippines is ready to shoot up but measures are needed to improve the business environment, business leaders said in presentation papers released Saturday.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fed issues consent order against Riady
Fed issues consent order against Riady WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The Federal Reserve issued a consent order Friday against BOT Corp. and Indonesian businessman James Riady for their role in the acquisition of Lippo Bank of Los Angeles. The Fed said BOT and Riady violated the Bank Holding Company Act by purchasing more than a quarter of Lippo Bank's stock and exercising a controlling influence over the bank's management and policies.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Irian Jaya to get 10,000 more civil servants: Official
Irian Jaya to get 10,000 more civil servants: Official JAKARTA (JP): The central government plans to recruit 10,000 new civil servants in Irian Jaya following the planned division of the province into three provinces, an official at the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Saturday. Michael Manufandu, an official on the ministry's advisory council for autonomy affairs, said the number of civil servants was agreed upon by President B.J. Habibie following his meeting with Irianese leaders in February.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Agenda
Agenda JAKARTA: Monday will see nine parties campaigning in Jakarta: the Golkar Party, the New Masyumi Party, the PNI-Massa Marhaen Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), the United Party (PP), the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI), the National Labor Party (PBN), the People's Sovereignty Party (PDR) and the Peace Loving Party (PCD).
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Amien lands in rice field
Amien lands in rice field KENDAL, Central Java: A helicopter transporting chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Amien Rais landed Sunday in Kendal regency in a rice field before addressing a campaign at the Sembongsari soccer field. Thousands of supporters flowed into the streets of Weleri town since dawn but businesses opened as usual.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Free goods from PKP
Free goods from PKP MEDAN, North Sumatra: Free basic needs were available at the campaign site of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP) at the youth center here. Executives of the local branch said this was their own initiative and not based on instructions of their headquarters. Resident Syarifah and a number of other PKP supporters said they hoped the party would continue to provide free basic needs.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Former Bank DKI boss denies diploma doubt
Former Bank DKI boss denies diploma doubt JAKARTA (JP): Former marketing and credit director of city- owned Bank DKI, Siti Aisyah Margareth Rose Harahap, who was fired on May 7 by city governor Sutiyoso, has denied the latter's allegation that she used a fake university degree for the job. "That is a lie. A blatant lie," Siti told The Jakarta Post on Saturday. Siti insisted that she never used such a diploma but a certificate of her bachelor's degree from the Perbanas Academy of Accountancy.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where have all the Golkar flags gone?
Where have all the Golkar flags gone? JAKARTA: Banners, flags and posters of political parties campaigning for the elections are seen in every corner of the city, but not many belong to Golkar. Is it because Golkar lacks funds to produce the attributes? Apparently not. A story told by Wagimin, a construction worker who lives in Ciledug district, South Jakarta, might shed light on the mystery.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PNG defense chief visits Irian Jaya
PNG defense chief visits Irian Jaya JAYAPURA: Papua New Guinea armed forces commander Brig. Gen. Jerry Singgirok and his seven-member entourage arrived on Friday afternoon at the small village of Wutung on the Indonesia-PNG border for a three-day visit here. Wutung village, which is under Papua New Guinea administration, is located next to the Skouw area of Jayapura regency on the Indonesian side. The visiting military group, flanked by Indonesia's defense attache at Port Moresby Col.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
A new political alliance
A new political alliance Golkar's recent nomination of the care-taker head of state, B.J. Habibie, as its presidential candidate has seriously disenchanted all reform-minded political parties.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PKB gets a boost
PKB gets a boost SURABAYA: The campaign of the National Awakening Party (PKB) got a boost from a Chinese Indonesian who stressed the party's program of protection against all diverse groups. "My goal to join this party is to end discrimination in society," Tan Pipit, 33, said as quoted by Antara. He said it was his first time to address the public but luckily his notes saved him. He acknowledged contributions from a number of Chinese Indonesians and said they were in compliance with the law.
Mon, 24 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Share buy back awaits economic recovery
Share buy back awaits economic recovery JAKARTA (JP): Buying back shares is not popular among companies listed on the local stock exchange even though many of the companies' shares are undervalued. Securities analysts said listed companies with undervalued share prices and good fundamentals certainly wanted to buy back shares to prop up prices, but they did not have the cash.