Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 May 1999

60 articles found

Could 'Time' be wrong in its report on Soehartos?

Could 'Time' be wrong in its report on Soehartos? Soeharto's lawyers have threatened to take Time magazine to court concerning its reports on the wealth of the former president's family. Charles Himawan, a member of the National Commission on Human Rights and professor of law at the University of Indonesia, addresses the issue.

Bank Duta, PT Pos cooperate

Bank Duta, PT Pos cooperate JAKARTA (JP): Bank Duta, taken over by the government earlier this year, formed an alliance with state postal company PT Pos Indonesia on Monday to improve their services. They signed a memorandum of understanding on the use of each other's facilities. Bank Duta will be entitled to use PT Pos' extensive network throughout the country to service its clients, with PT Pos permitted to utilize Bank Duta's banking services.

Golkar suspected of rice gift scam

Golkar suspected of rice gift scam CILACAP, Central Java (JP): The government Election Supervisory Committee said it was investigating reports in the Kroya district of Golkar distributing free sacks of rice to people with coupons bearing the party's logo. Amir S. Fauzi, the committee chairman, said investigations followed suspicions that the distributed five-kilogram sacks belonged to the state.

UN officials, equipment arrive for East Timor polls

UN officials, equipment arrive for East Timor polls BAUCAU, East Timor (JP): A United Nations plane carrying 25 tons of communication tools with a team of nine officials, and a vessel flying the UN flag with 25 vehicles and a heavy load of helicopter parts on board, arrived safely on Monday in East Timor. The UN equipment and the officials will help monitor and facilitate the Aug. 7 Independence-or-Integration vote for East Timorese.

Bull run hits Jakarta stock market

Bull run hits Jakarta stock market JAKARTA (JP): Shares prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) rose 3.7 percent on Monday as foreign and local investors flocked into the market, encouraged by a smooth start to the country's election campaign. The JSX Composite Index passed through the 600 point level to close at a record high of 613.641 since mid-1997. Gainers led losers 146 to 17 with 62 stocks unchanged.

'Banknotes' rain on Demak

'Banknotes' rain on Demak DEMAK, Central Java: Dozens of men, women and children were out of breath and with aching feet after chasing what they thought were Rp 50,000 banknotes dropped from a helicopter passing overhead. They were not that disappointed, however, when they found the papers blowing in the wind were National Mandate Party (PAN) stickers emblazoned with the picture of party chief Amien Rais. "Not bad...

Pimps directing votes

Pimps directing votes UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Pimps are beginning to direct the votes of prostitutes, an activist here said. "We have information that sex workers are being geared to vote for a certain party," Lily Yulianty Farid of the South Sulawesi Forum of Women said. "This would clearly be a violation of their political rights," she said on Sunday on the sidelines of talks held by the Coalition of Indonesian Women for Justice and Democracy.

Prices to remain stable in May: BPS

Prices to remain stable in May: BPS JAKARTA (JP): Prices of goods and services remained stable in the first three weeks of May despite election jitters, raising hopes that inflation for the month would be flat. Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) deputy chairman Kusmadi Saleh said on Monday that the stable prices were attributable to various factors, particularly sufficient supply and undisturbed distribution of basic commodities throughout the election campaigning activities and a stable rupiah.

Jailed labor activist demands her release

Jailed labor activist demands her release TANGERANG (JP): Ditasari, jailed for subversion at Tangerang Women's Penitentiary, called for international organizations on Monday to press the Indonesian government for her unconditional release.

Get real

Get real Upon attempting to deposit American bank notes into my dollar account at Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), the teller sorted through the notes, all of which were crisp and looked brand new to me. She then told me that the bank would only accept about half of the $100 bills. None of them had any noticeable marks on them. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that three of them had a fraction of a corner folded, making a two-millimeter flap.

Three parties lead Palu campaigning

Three parties lead Palu campaigning PALU, Central Sulawesi: Three major parties -- Golkar, PDI Perjuangan and the United Development Party (PPP) -- dominated campaign rallies in Buol Tolitoli regency here, mobilizing many more supporters than other parties. Police chief Lt. Col. Wancik Wahab said in the clove-producing regency on Monday that only those three parties have, up to the sixth day of campaigning, been able to mobilize large numbers of supporters.

PBB promises regional autonomy

PBB promises regional autonomy SURABAYA: Chairman of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) Yusril Ihza Mahendra promised if it won the elections, it would fight for regional autonomy which was important for the creation of a strong administrative system. He said the number of provinces should be larger. "In fact, we want the number of provinces here to be 40 plus 12 special provinces," he said in an address at party gathering at the Pancasila sports stadium here on Sunday.

Massive hunt for green turtles continues in Runduma island

Massive hunt for green turtles continues in Runduma island By Ashari Usman BUTON, Southeast Sulawesi (Antara): They are protected by the environmental law, but the species, as well as the eggs, are a hot commodity here. Children in Runduma island, some 42 kilometers south of Tomia island, Buton regency, sell a green turtle egg for only Rp 500 (US 6 cents). Runduma is part of the Wakatobi chain of islands, which in the past was popularly known as the Tukang Besi islands.

Industry giants develop Asian mobile electronic network

Industry giants develop Asian mobile electronic network SINGAPORE (AFP): Standard Chartered Plc. of Britain and U.S software giant Microsoft Corp. teamed up with world leaders in cellular communications Monday to spearhead the development of mobile electronic services in Asia. Mobile phone leaders Motorola Inc., LM Ericsson Telefon AB of Sweden, Nokia Corp. of Finland and 10 other groups will be part of the 15-group alliance.

Thai auctions bank assets

Thai auctions bank assets BANGKOK (AP): Thailand's Financial Sector Restructuring Authority said Monday it will auction off 1.5 billion baht (US$40.5 million) in property and other tangible assets of closed finance companies from June 18 to June 20. FRA chairman Amaret Sila-on said at a press conference that of the total, 1.37 billion baht ($37 million) represents the aggregate benchmark price of 125 pieces of property located in various parts of the country.

Check 'Time' story, Habibie order Attorney General

Check 'Time' story, Habibie order Attorney General JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie ordered Attorney General Andy M. Ghalib on Monday to examine the accuracy of the report by Time magazine on the wealth allegedly amassed by former president Soeharto and his children. Minister of Justice Muladi said the President was determined to complete the probe on Soeharto soon after the general election next month.

Indonesia's textile exports expected to surge 15 percent

Indonesia's textile exports expected to surge 15 percent JAKARTA (JP): The value of Indonesia's exports of textiles and textile products is expected to rise by about 15 percent to US$3.43 billion in the first semester from $2.98 billion in the corresponding period of last year, the Indonesian Textile Association said on Monday.

Six killed in clash among residents

Six killed in clash among residents MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Six people, including a five-year-old child, were killed in a clash between residents of two neighboring villages in Manggarai regency, following a dispute over the ownership of a plot of land on Saturday. Manggarai Regent Gaspar Parang Ehok said on Monday the clash involved Raka and Rentang villagers in Kuwus district.

Lawsuit against 'Time'

Lawsuit against 'Time' Your legal experts forgot to mention the most important facet of U.S. law concerning a possible "Soeharto Inc." lawsuit against Time ( The Jakarta Post, May 23). The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects Freedom of the Press (as well as Freedoms of Speech, Religion, and Assembly). Interpreting this Freedom of the Press is the leading U.S. Supreme Court Decision, New York Times v. Sullivan (1964).

Victims' kin land civil service posts

Victims' kin land civil service posts BANDA ACEH, Aceh: At least 350 relatives of victims of violence allegedly committed by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in their decade-long military operation in the province have received accreditation certificates as new civil servants. Diplomas were presented to them on Monday by the head of the Civil Servants Administration Agency (BAKN), Sofian Effendi.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Fine Arts Exhibition: Batu Melangkah Waktu, by Sunaryo, at Selasar Seni Sunaryo, Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur no. 100 (Phone: 022 2507939), until Jun. 30. Performances * Theater: Art / Yasmina Reza, produced by Studiklub Teater Bandung and CCF, at Selasar Seni Sunaryo, Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur no. 100 (Phone: 022 2507939), 7:30 p.m., May 29. Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Hotel, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No.

Political parties' logos, numbers do matter in Irian Jaya

Political parties' logos, numbers do matter in Irian Jaya By Neles Tebay JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Of the 48 political parties contesting next month's elections, only 25 have branch offices in the eastern-most province. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the Golkar Party, the United Development Party (PPP), the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) are the major parties attempting to woo Irianese voters.

Parties campaign in Cairo mosque

Parties campaign in Cairo mosque CAIRO, Egypt: The Overseas National Election Committee here on Sunday provided facilities for political parties to campaign for the vote of overseas Indonesians in the June elections.

Soeharto versus 'Time'

Soeharto versus 'Time' Soeharto's blustering accusations of "slander" against Time magazine are misinformed. What he means is libel. Slander is defamation by word of mouth -- and in view of his outrage at this alleged libel, perhaps the old legal adage, "the greater the truth, the greater the libel" applies. To paraphrase Shakespeare (Macbeth), methinks Soeharto doth protest too much.

Telkom's Jakarta, East Java services ready for Y2K

Telkom's Jakarta, East Java services ready for Y2K JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telecommunications company PT Telkom said on Monday its Jakarta and East Java services were prepared for the year 2000 (Y2K) bug. Telkom's infrastructure support officer of the information system division M. James Falahuddin, said the company's services in other areas in Java would soon be ready to combat any computer problems predicted to occur in the year 2000.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 24, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 0 123,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 0 8,500 Alter Abadi 325 25 707,000 Alumindo Light Metal 750 25 32,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 350 75 414,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,750 150 16,220,000 Anwar Sierad 250 25 320,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

In search of economical camapign methods

In search of economical camapign methods By Sri Wahyuni YOGYAKARTA (JP): Limited funds among many of the 48 parties contesting the June poll have led them to seek the most effective and efficient methods to attract votes. Street rallies, apart from the display of banners and flags, are the norm although they are banned. But these imply large sources of funds beyond the reach of several parties.

Resource royalty tax on timber firms to be raised

Resource royalty tax on timber firms to be raised JAKARTA (JP): The government is to raise the resource royalty provision rates imposed on the country's timber companies to 10 percent from 6 percent of timber sales as part of its agreement with multilateral lenders. Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution told journalists on Monday the 10 percent rate was much lower than 17.5 percent demanded by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

AAN eyes opportunities in Asia

AAN eyes opportunities in Asia SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Dutch banking group ABN Amro Holding NV (AAN), which has steadily built up its presence in Asia through a string of recent deals, is on the look-out for further expansion opportunities in the region, said Sergio Rial, chief executive officer for Asia Pacific operations, on Monday.

2001 Sudirman Cup, World Championships in Sevilla

2001 Sudirman Cup, World Championships in Sevilla COPENHAGEN (JP): The Spanish city of Sevilla has been chosen as the venue for the 2001 Sudirman Cup and World Championships slated from May 27 to June 10. The International Badminton Federation (IBF) appointed the city as the host after an argumentative meeting on Saturday had to be adjourned until Sunday. Rudy Hartono, a member of the IBF council representing Indonesia, said that Sevilla beat Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, in a vote.

Police brief envoys on city security measures

Police brief envoys on city security measures JAKARTA (JP): Envoys from 14 foreign embassies here met with Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman on Monday to receive a briefing on the latest security situation in the capital and preventive security procedures on unrest.

Govt still waiting for Pertamina's graft probe

Govt still waiting for Pertamina's graft probe JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Mines and Energy said on Monday it was awaiting the results of the investigation by state oil and gas company Pertamina into contracts worth more than Rp 10 billion (US$1.2 million) entered into by the company. The ministry's secretary-general, Djoko Darmono, said the ministry would send a letter to Pertamina in the near future calling on the company to submit the results of its investigation.

Rival party edged out by PKB

Rival party edged out by PKB UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: There was no contest when the National Awakening Party (PKB), a political organization which claims a huge following, beat dozens of "rivals" in their attempt to gain use of a hall in the Gedong Joeang 45 building here on Sunday. A horde of PKB supporters started streaming into the building, where they were to attend an indoor assembly, from 10 a.m.

Poll watchdog set to reprimand PDI Perjuangan

Poll watchdog set to reprimand PDI Perjuangan JAKARTA (JP): The official Election Supervisory Committee said on Monday that it would issue a warning to Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) for party supporters' lack of discipline during campaigning.

Letter misunderstood

Letter misunderstood In my letter to The Jakarta Post dated May 12, 1999 I did not question, attack or reject religion, yet all the letter writers assume that I am an atheist. I am certainly not an atheist. I do believe in God and I do have a religion. The letter writers should learn to read other people's letters more carefully. Where did I write that I do not believe in God?

Golkar claims Bung Karno, too

Golkar claims Bung Karno, too DENPASAR: Golkar campaigners here say they, too, have the right to tout pictures of founding president Sukarno, or Bung Karno, because "he belonged to all Indonesians rather than only to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)". Ida Tjokorda Pemecutan told a gathering of thousands of Golkar supporters in Karangasem on Sunday evening that Golkar needed to learn from past mistakes of both Soeharto and his predecessor, first president Sukarno.

Golkar rethinks Habibie nomination

Golkar rethinks Habibie nomination JAKARTA (JP): The ruling Golkar Party apparently is reconsidering its recent choice of President B.J. Habibie as its presidential candidate. Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung and deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman -- who has previously opposed Habibie's nomination -- pointed out on two separate occasions on Sunday and Monday the nomination could be revoked under particular circumstances.

Agenda

Agenda JAKARTA: The second week of the campaign kicks off in Jakarta on Tuesday with 10 parties rolling out top executives for campaign rallies. United Development Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah Haz will address party supporters at an outdoor rally at Tanjung Barat soccer field in South Jakarta. He will make another appearance at Kebon Jeruk soccer field in West Jakarta later in the day.

KPU to help parties in fund snarl

KPU to help parties in fund snarl JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) decided on Monday to act as facilitator of a meeting between leaders of political parties and President B.J. Habibie to discuss campaign funds for the 48 political parties contesting the polls. Failure to acquire the funds is unfair, especially to the new parties, KPU deputy chairman Adnan Buyung Nasution said at his office on Monday.

Training program continues despite shortage of funds

Training program continues despite shortage of funds JAKARTA (JP): The training program for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei will continue despite a lack of financial support from the government and the public, an official with the National Sports Council (KONI) said on Monday. Moch.

McDermott wins Natuna gas pipeline contract

McDermott wins Natuna gas pipeline contract JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina has approved the West Natuna consortium's selection of PT McDermott Indonesia for the construction of the underwater pipeline to transport natural gas from the Natuna islands to Singapore. Spokesman for Pertamina's foreign contractors management body (BPPKA) Sidick Nitikusuma confirmed Monday evening that Pertamina president Martiono Hadianto had approved McDermott's contract on May 14. "That's right.

Bank Universal set to sell shares through rights issue

Bank Universal set to sell shares through rights issue JAKARTA (JP): Bank Universal is set to sell 37.21 billion shares through a rights issue at Rp 136.06 a piece to finance its recapitalization costs which have doubled to Rp 5.06 trillion (about US$632 million) from the original estimate made early this year.

Denmark to donate ballot boxes

Denmark to donate ballot boxes JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Denmark will donate 10,000 ballot boxes to Irian Jaya to help facilitate the June 7 polls in the country's easternmost province, Chairman of the General Election Commission (KPU) Rudini said. "The 10,000 ballot boxes will soon be sent to Irian Jaya," Rudini said here on Sunday as quoted by Antara.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 24, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Most parties still use old mathods to lure voters

Most parties still use old mathods to lure voters JAKARTA (JP): Campaign methods used to woo voters differ little from procedures used in the past, with entertainment prevailing over political education. Muhammad Budyatna of Indonesia University and Hermawan Sulistyo of the National Institute of Science made the observation separately to The Jakarta Post on Monday.

PDI Perjuangan paints Medan red

PDI Perjuangan paints Medan red MEDAN, North Sumatra: Thousands of red-clad supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) rode on hundreds of trucks, buses, motorcycles and other vehicles in a convoy along streets here on Monday, causing massive traffic jams across the city. In the downtown area, traffic stopped completely as supporters flooded the areas. Jl. Raden Saleh, Jl. Sutomo, Jl. H.M. Yamin, Jl. Thamrin, Jl. Iskandar Muda and Jl.

Empower the House: Political observers

Empower the House: Political observers JAKARTA (JP): Political parties should concentrate on empowering the House of Representatives (DPR) to improve the check-and-balance system in the post-elections bureaucracy, political observers said on Monday.

Committee to probe Aceh human rights abuses

Committee to probe Aceh human rights abuses JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has agreed to a plan for the establishment of an independent committee to investigate human rights violations in Aceh, a minister said on Monday.

Slow debt resolution

Slow debt resolution The Indonesian government's decision to hire 20 more foreign experts on debt restructuring next month shows how frustratingly slow the process has been to resolve the US$67 billion in corporate foreign debt and more than Rp 300 trillion (S$37.5 billion) in over-hanging domestic debt. Thus far only $2.5 billion and Rp 1.9 trillion in bad debts have been restructured, although a resolution of the huge debt problem is one of the keys to economic recovery.

Ambassador clarifies Czech stance on East Timor

Ambassador clarifies Czech stance on East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Czech Ambassador to Indonesia Milan Sarapatka denied on Monday a report by The Jakarta Post suggesting that he believed East Timor would be better off remaining as part of Indonesia. Sarapatka, who visited East Timor last week, said statements attributed to him in the May 20 story under the headline "RI still responsible for law and order in E. Timor" were inaccurate.

Military presence 'hurts' Aceh poll process

Military presence 'hurts' Aceh poll process JAKARTA (JP): The military presence in the troubled province of Aceh has created a climate of fear and hindered the election process, a private poll monitor said on Monday. The Indonesian Poll Watch Network (JAPPIN) said in a statement residents were reluctant to register for the elections due to the heavy military presence at voter registration booths.

Muladi spoke 'too soon' on changing East Timor vote date

Muladi spoke 'too soon' on changing East Timor vote date JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas insisted on Monday that Minister of Justice Muladi spoke prematurely when he said on Friday that the government had moved forward by a day the direct vote in East Timor. Alatas said the change to Aug. 7 was merely a government proposal which still needed approval from the United Nations and the Portuguese government.

EU, ASEAN meet after Myanmar rights delays

EU, ASEAN meet after Myanmar rights delays BANGKOK (Reuters): Officials from the European Union (EU) and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered on Monday for their first bloc-to-bloc meeting in two years with ties still strained by Myanmar's human rights record. The joint cooperation committee meeting, which goes into full session on Wednesday and Thursday, will cover trade, economic and industrial cooperation as well as initiatives on drugs and the environment.

Parties protest poster design

Parties protest poster design YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Election Supervisory Committee here sent a written reminder to the local office of the Ministry of Information for issuing posters containing party logos which differed from those on ballot papers. The committee demanded that the posters be withdrawn, saying they could confuse illiterate voters. Suyono Suharjo of the committee said the reminder was sent following the request of the township's election committee.

Civilian guard stabbed 13 times

Civilian guard stabbed 13 times JAKARTA (JP): A 29-year-old civilian guard at Anyar market in Tangerang mayoralty was found dead with 13 stab wounds in several parts of his body on Sunday morning by traders at the market complex. According to several vegetable traders, the body of Amran, still in his light green security guard uniform, was spotted at 4:30 a.m., about the same time merchants started their business at the market on Sunday.

Justice Party visits villages

Justice Party visits villages BOGOR, West Java: Local activists of the Justice Party (PK) held on Monday a "door-to-door" campaign in 19 villages in Tanah Sareal district, distributing flyers, holding bazaars and providing free medical services. "Street rallies are not effective to get voters, they're only a show of might. Such convoys are watched by only 1 percent of a population at the most," said Jalaludin Prawira, the secretary of the local PK branch.

Stone-pelting mars Golkar campaign in Jakarta

Stone-pelting mars Golkar campaign in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A subdued display by the ruling Golkar Party ended the first round of campaigning in the city on Monday, with official party cars being pelted with rocks near Golkar's Jakarta headquarters. Head of Menteng police subprecinct Maj. Heru Winoto said scores of people threw rocks at a convoy of cars carrying the party's chairman, Akbar Tanjung, before his car entered the party headquarters on Jl. Pegangsaan Barat.

PK supporters hospitalized

PK supporters hospitalized BANDUNG, West Java: Ten supporters of the Justice Party (PK) were taken to hospital on Sunday after being hit by a hazardous substance thrown by supporters of other parties. The PK supporters reported headaches and said they almost vomited, and were given first aid before being taken to Hasan Sadikin hospital. The PK supporters were heading to the Padjadjaran Stadium when, on Jl.

TNI vows to start forging good relations with public

TNI vows to start forging good relations with public JAKARTA (JP): Learning from past faults, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is attempting to improve its relationship with the civilian population to help build the nation, according to military officials. "Under its ongoing reform program, TNI is establishing a proper, harmonious and cooperative partnership with the people in building the nation.

IPKI drums up spirits' support

IPKI drums up spirits' support YOGYAKARTA: Lacking mass support to show off force in the streets, the Independence Vanguard (IPKI) Party activists campaigned from one cemetery to another here over the weekend. In their prayers, the activists of the party founded by veteran independence fighters asked for the spirits' help to make next month's election a success.