Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 May 1999

68 articles found

Party acronyms confuse governor

Party acronyms confuse governor BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: PADI, PNI, PSII, PPIM, PSP, PBB, PUDI, PID, IPKI, MKGR, PCD ... Confused? Don't worry, you are not alone. When addressing a seminar here on Tuesday, Governor Oemarsono embarrassed himself by repeatedly saying PSSI (Indonesian Soccer Association) when what he meant was PSII (Indonesian United Islam Party).

Hand that deserves kisses

Hand that deserves kisses PAMEKASAN, East Java: Crescent Star Party chairman Yusril Ihza Mahendra was surprised at an electoral campaign on Sunday by a dignified welcome commonly given to Muslim clerics. On a rare trip to the town on Madura island, Yusril, a professor of constitutional law, tasted the honor of becoming a nobleman when repeated kisses landed on his hand in a show of respect from party supporters.

Trade fairs a 'help' for export promotion

Trade fairs a 'help' for export promotion JAKARTA (JP): A senior executive of the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) said on Wednesday that participation in international trade exhibitions was one of the most effective strategies to promote exports. Director of the agency's market development for Europe Suhartono said that many Indonesian companies received more export orders following participation in international trade fairs.

Committed to improvement to keep pace

Committed to improvement to keep pace The Winterthur Insurance Group was founded 125 years ago, and is now the largest insurance company in Switzerland and amongst the top five in Europe. Now part of the huge Credit Suisse financial services group, with its AA rating from Standard and Poors, Winterthur has achieved a reputation for financial soundness and reliability combined with the very latest advances in technology and product innovation.

Money politics 'rare' in Indonesia, says Castle

Money politics 'rare' in Indonesia, says Castle YOGYAKARTA (JP): The June 7 elections will be the second multi-party poll held in Indonesia. Australian-born political observer Lance Castle, who has been studying Indonesia for more than 40 years, is optimistic the election will bring democracy here. He spoke to The Jakarta Post recently. Question: Many people think the 1955 elections were the most democratic ever held in Indonesia? What do you think about the 1999 elections? Answer: The same.

New claims surface about money politics

New claims surface about money politics JAKARTA (JP): Despite being threatened with lawsuits, the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) made on Wednesday fresh allegations that Golkar Party and the People's Sovereignty Party (PDR) misused state facilities, the social safety net fund and small- scale credit funds.

Indonesia urges more monitoring of private capital flows

Indonesia urges more monitoring of private capital flows PARIS (AFP): Indonesia called here on Wednesday for more information on private capital flows across the world and greater efforts to understand the risks associated with such flows. "There is a substantial and real need for better and more current information on private capital flows," Coordinating Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita told ministers from the industrial world.

PPRM clarifies fact in Aceh shooting

PPRM clarifies fact in Aceh shooting LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh (JP): The joint-military Crack Riot Troop (PPRM) task force on Wednesday revised details of violence which left six people dead a day earlier in Peudada district. PPRM task force commander Col. Ridwan Karim told The Jakarta Post here that Tuesday's incident began when houses of transmigrants from Uleu Keute village of the Peudada district, about 55 kilometers west of here, were set on fire.

How to indict a regime

How to indict a regime Catatan atas Gagalnya Politik Order Baru (Note on the Failure of New Order Politics) Eep Saifulloh Fatah; Pustaka Pelajar, Yogyakarta, May 1998; 312 pp + index; Rp 22,500 YOGYAKARTA (JP): A strong movement is shaking down the establishment in this country. The movement manifests itself in various forms, including rioting. Some quarters believe rioting is triggered by the social gap, but others contend the root cause is the monopoly of power.

PPP provoked to attack PKB

PPP provoked to attack PKB SEMARANG: The chairman of the Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP) chapter here, M. Thoyfoer, says his party has found thousands of leaflets which encourage its supporters to attack supporters of another Muslim-based party, the National Awakening Party (PKB). "The leaflets were found in regencies along Java's northern coast like in Tegal, Brebes, Pekalongan, Batang, Kendal, Semarang, Kudus, Demak, Pati and Rembang," he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday evening.

TV campaign the best

TV campaign the best From Bisnis Indonesia Many people feel that election campaigns through the television are the best. Next comes the printed press and the radio. Campaigns on television reach a larger number of people than mass rallies or street convoys because these are local in character. Besides, they create the impression of a show of force (arrogance of power). Campaigns mobilizing crowds of people for rallies and long convoys have more drawbacks than advantages.

KL, Bangkok join hands to stabilize rubber prices

KL, Bangkok join hands to stabilize rubber prices KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia and Thailand will set up a joint minister committee to intervene in domestic markets to help stabilize falling rubber prices, reports said Wednesday. The joint effort will be a fore-runner to possible regional cooperation, with the two countries to make overtures to Indonesia soon, the New Straits Times daily reported.

Lonsum asked to talk with locals

Lonsum asked to talk with locals SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A senior military official has urged the residents of Tanjung Isuy in Kutai regency, the authorities, and the plantation firm PT London Sumatra (Lonsum) to meet together soon to solve a prolonged dispute of hundreds of hectares of land in the area. Commander of the 091/Aji Suryanata Kusuma resort military command, Col.

Lecturer says Amien best bet for president

Lecturer says Amien best bet for president JAKARTA (JP): Amien Rais for president and Matori Abdul Djalil, former legislator of the United Development Party (PPP), as vice president. This is the duo proposed by noted political lecturer Arbi Sanit who was speaking at Bandung on Wednesday. Amien, former leader of the largest Muslim organization Muhammadiyah, chairs the National Mandate Party (PAN) and has formed alliances with a number of other parties in a bid to prevent the possibility of B.J.

PK reiterates: 'No to Habibie'

PK reiterates: 'No to Habibie' SURABAYA: Justice Party (PK) president Nur Mahmudi Ismail reiterated the party would not nominate incumbent President B.J. Habibie as the next president. "I need to keep repeating this, because many people still don't believe it," he told some 5,000 supporters attending a party rally here.

Insurers, marine officials tussle

Insurers, marine officials tussle SINGAPORE (Reuters): Maritime authorities and insurers are wrangling over the removal of the wreck of a luxury cruise liner that caught fire and sank off the Malaysian coast last week, marine insurance sources said on Wednesday. Malaysian maritime chiefs have written to Singapore's Sun Cruises, operator of the sunken Sun Vista, demanding the ship be removed from the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Golkar practices positive thinking

Golkar practices positive thinking PAMEKASAN, East Java: Golkar Party officials are, apparently, getting used to harassment and have started to practice positive thinking. When 200 Golkar banners from the streets of Pamekasan disappeared without trace on Monday, Said Rifai, Golkar Pamekasan deputy chief, was surprised, but not angry. He said he believed ardent Golkar supporters removed the banners. "Anyone who loves Golkar does not have to steal the banners.

Indonesia's forex reserves rise to $15.98 billion

Indonesia's forex reserves rise to $15.98 billion JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's net foreign reserves increased to US$15.98 billion in the week ending on May 21, from $15.92 billion the previous week, the central bank said in its latest weekly report. Bank Indonesia attributed the increase in the country's net foreign reserves to oil revenues. It said that the net international reserves were above the $15.4 billion target set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Pelti will delay SEA Games training program until July

Pelti will delay SEA Games training program until July JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) will delay its training program for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games until July. Pelti spokesman Benny Mailili said on Wednesday that Pelti had decided in a meeting held on Tuesday evening and attended by association chairman Tanri Abeng, to delay the training program until after national selections from June 23 to June 26.

Indonesia awaits its future after election

Indonesia awaits its future after election By Patrick Schwarz This is the second of two articles exploring the stake of Indonesian people in the days to come. SEMARANG (JP): At this important way point in Indonesia's history, one should perhaps reflect a bit on her relating with the outside world. For any nation, globalization has become far more than just a buzzword. Factors from outside Indonesia in the past, as well as the present, have often determined the turning of events.

Powerful group of friends

Powerful group of friends Maybe because they are unsure about the steps that have been taken (to investigate ex-president Gen. Soeharto's wealth), people tend to accuse the attorney general -- who is close to Habibie -- of being reluctant to investigate the former president because, after all, he too is a military man. As for President B.J. Habibie, who gives the impression of trying to avert investigating the case, there is no need for doubt.

Who needs to be represented by Christian political parties?

Who needs to be represented by Christian political parties? Christians make up 9.62 percent of Indonesia's population of more than 200 million. Do they need to be represented by Christian political parties? The Jakarta Post reporters Ati Nurbaiti, Dwi Atmanta, Sugianto Tandra and contributor Herry Nurdi explore the issue. JAKARTA (JP): Just like Muslims who have established at least 13 parties based on Islamic tenets, Christians have also set up theirs, arguing the need for representation.

More foreigners visit Bali

More foreigners visit Bali JAKARTA (JP): Foreign tourist arrivals in Bali rose 20.4 percent to 428,660 visitors in the first four months of this year, compared to 356,136 in the same period last year, according to the island's tourism office. The head of Bali's tourism office, I Nyoman Sugiri, said on Wednesday 228,654 visitors or 53.3 percent of foreign tourists came from Asia-Pacific countries during the period of January to April -- a 13 percent increase from the same period last year.

Megawati betrays Sukarno's views

Megawati betrays Sukarno's views Having known Sukarno well since I first met him in Yogyakarta in 1948, I was shocked to learn that Megawati Soekarnoputri is accepting the advice of those who advocate the incorporation of East Timor into the Indonesian state. Such a course would be a gross betrayal of Sukarno's views and flagrant abandonment of the realities of Indonesian history.

Police question protesters over Medan shooting

Police question protesters over Medan shooting MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Police say they have questioned at least 17 protesters in connection with a shooting incident on Tuesday outside the headquarters of state plantation company PTP Nusantara II, in Tanjung Morawa, a town about 20 kilometers south of here. North Sumatra Police spokesman Lt. Col.

Clash still a mystery to police

Clash still a mystery to police MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Local authorities of Manggarai regency here are still trying to find out what triggered residents of two neighboring villages to become embroiled in Saturday's fatal clash which killed six people and injured 25 others. But a senior resident said security authorities have listed at least three locals believed to have aroused the anger of the villages of Puntu and Pajo in Kuwus district.

Perhutani takes over Yamaker's forest areas

Perhutani takes over Yamaker's forest areas JAKARTA (JP): Perum Perhutani president A. Fattah DS confirmed on Wednesday the government appointed the state forestry company to take over the management of over one million hectares of forests formerly owned by PT Yayasan Maju Kerja (Yamaker). Fattah said Perhutani would allocate some Rp 78 billion (about US$9l75 million) in initial investment to carry out logging operations in the forests along the Indonesia-Malaysia border in Kalimantan.

UN mission

UN mission Correction: The headline "UN to send 5,000 personnel to East Timor" in yesterday's edition was misleading. The headline should have stated "UN to deploy 5,000 personnel in East Timor", including some 4,000 locally recruited personnel as stated in the body of the story. -- Editor

Military sets criteria for next president

Military sets criteria for next president JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) has set four criteria for the presidency for the next five years, a decisive period for the nation's future, a senior military official said on Wednesday. TNI Chief of Territorial Affairs Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said according to the criteria, the next president should be able to lead the nation and maintain national unity, defuse the prolonged economic and political crisis and be widely accepted.

Pepper exports up 36% in first quarter

Pepper exports up 36% in first quarter JAKARTA (JP): The country exported 7,049 metric tons of pepper from January to April, 36 percent higher than the corresponding period last year, according to the International Pepper Community (IPC). IPC said on Wednesday the volume of Indonesian black pepper exports showed a downward trend but the volume of white pepper exports consistently increased.

More doors shut on Golkar party

More doors shut on Golkar party JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party, blamed for the economic and political crisis, has suffered more humiliating rejections in Central Sulawesi and Central Java. In the Central Sulawesi regency of Buol Tolitoli, nine political parties issued a joint petition in which they demanded that Golkar be banned from campaigning because it violated too many rules. Meanwhile, in the Central Java town of Kendal, a crowd set fire Tuesday night to a stage erected for a Golkar campaign.

Fair tender urged for pipeline suppliers

Fair tender urged for pipeline suppliers JAKARTA (JP): A local pipemaker called on PT McDermott Indonesia on Wednesday to hold a fair tender in the procurement of steel pipes for the construction of the planned pipeline linking the west of Natuna island to Singapore.

'Success' vs success

'Success' vs success The first week of the election campaign ended yesterday on an encouraging note. It had proceeded relatively peacefully. Except for the few skirmishes or clashes in some regions, we have not seen any violence of the scale many of us had feared. In retrospect, we may have overplayed our own fears, although they were not totally unfounded.

Switzerland, Austria deny reports on Soeharto accounts

Switzerland, Austria deny reports on Soeharto accounts GENEVA (Agencies): The official watchdog in charge of supervising Swiss commercial banks said Wednesday reports that former Indonesian president Suharto had stashed away US$9 billion in Swiss bank accounts were highly doubtful, DPA news agency reported. "Our laws are among the tightest that exist," said Daniel Zuberbuehler, a spokesman for the Berne-based Swiss banking commission, dismissing the allegations as "highly unlikely speculation".

Businessman nabbed for carrying gun

Businessman nabbed for carrying gun JAKARTA (JP): Police apprehended a man for allegedly possessing an FN gun loaded with six blank bullets during a routine raid in the early hours of Tuesday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis identified the man as businessman Franky Wijaya, 24, a resident of Kebon Kacang, Tanah Abang district, Central Jakarta. He said Franky was arrested at 1:30 a.m. on Jl. K.H. Mas Mansyur.

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.

Prosecutor's office probes bank corruption scam

Prosecutor's office probes bank corruption scam JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Prosecutor's Office is investigating a new corruption case involving nearly Rp 2 billion which allegedly involved two top officials of city-owned Bank DKI, a former employee of the bank said on Wednesday.

Govt to pay $3b to recapitalize 8 banks

Govt to pay $3b to recapitalize 8 banks JAKARTA (JP): The government will inject Rp 24.5 trillion (US$3.06 billion) to recapitalize eight private banks, 75 percent more than the initial estimate of Rp 14 trillion, according to terms of a new government regulation.

Improving prosperity through DPLK

Improving prosperity through DPLK The globalization era is at Indonesia's doorstep, presenting pension funds with many opportunities and challenges. In this era, from a social-cultural angle, the people are becoming more independent and their sense of entrepreneurialism is much higher. One of the means to have a secure future is by joining the Department of Finance Pension Fund (DPLK).

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 26, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 0 116,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 25 5,000 Alter Abadi 300 -50 259,500 Alumindo Light Metal 925 175 167,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 375 0 25,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,700 50 5,775,500 Anwar Sierad 325 25 2,810,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Indonesia's soccer team confident of defeating Sri Lanka

Indonesia's soccer team confident of defeating Sri Lanka JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's pre-Olympic soccer team coach Bernhard Schumm is confident his team can defeat Sri Lanka in their third match of the Asian zone Group 8 prequalifying round for the 2000 Olympic Games at Tong Dae Moon Sport Stadium in Seoul, South Korea. Schumm said on Wednesday his team was prepared to face the Sri Lankans, as their opponent did not have a distinguished record.

Jakartans relieved by safe campaign

Jakartans relieved by safe campaign JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday as the first week of campaigning here came to an end with no signs of the violence and unrest that so many people in the capital expected. With last year's May riots fresh in their minds, plus the spate of unrest which has hit other parts of the country ahead of the election period, many businesses in the capital erected towering iron fences around their buildings.

Freelancer Andreas wins Nieman Fellowship

Freelancer Andreas wins Nieman Fellowship JAKARTA (JP): Andreas Harsono, a Jakarta-based freelance journalist, has been named a Nieman Fellow for the 1999-2000 academic year at Harvard University in Boston, the United States. Andreas and 11 other international journalists will join 12 American journalists, who were named earlier this month, to make up the 62nd class of Nieman Fellows, AP reported on Tuesday.

12 parties sign West Java accord

12 parties sign West Java accord BANDUNG: Chapters of 12 Muslim-based political parties here signed an accord on Tuesday evening to share a platform and compete fairly for the June 7 general election. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, chairman of the Crescent Star Party (PPB), said the parties saw the need to get together in West Java because they were sure legislators elected from the province would have a big say in future Indonesian politics.

Benchmark bonds battered in Asia

Benchmark bonds battered in Asia HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian benchmark bonds have taken a big hit over the last week, with U.S. interest rate fears, falling stock markets, and renewed Latin American volatility coming together to roil bond markets around the world. In the past week, the spreads on Asian investment-grade bonds over U.S. Treasurys widened by 20 to 75 basis points, while Indonesian sovereign paper was bid 200 basis points wider.

Money politics is 'real threat'

Money politics is 'real threat' JAKARTA (JP): Emil Salim, one of Indonesia's most respected statesmen, warned on Wednesday that the credibility of next month's general election is facing a "real threat" from money politics. In an address to a seminar titled "Indonesia Takes Challenges in Multiparty Elections", he referred to the practice of bureaucrats abusing state facilities for their own political gains. Emil, "Mr. Clean" in Soeharto's New Order technocracy, observed that President B.J.

Patron named Perbasasi head

Patron named Perbasasi head JAKARTA (JP): Abbas Adhar has been named the new chairman of the Indonesian Amateur Baseball and Softball Federation (Perbasasi), replacing Sugeng Supriyatna. Abbas, who is also chairman of the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers, will hold the position for the 1999 to 2003 term.

Christian parties never play second fiddle

Christian parties never play second fiddle JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, was born with the spirit of democracy in terms of space given to minor religious groups to voice their existence. In its 54-year history, the country has seen only two religious-based, non-Muslim parties contest elections: the Indonesian Christian Party (Parkindo) and the Catholic Party.

Polling materials undistributed

Polling materials undistributed FAK FAK, Irian Jaya: The June 7 polls are 11 days away but balloting materials -- such as ballot papers, stamps and ink, ballot counting forms -- have yet to reach election organizers in eight districts, an official said here on Wednesday. "Since the stamps have not yet arrived, the regional elections committee is still keeping the ballot papers at the sociopolitical office here," according to the committee's administration office head, Said.

Not speech writer

Not speech writer In the article New Islamic parties attempt to cater for all tastes by Hery Nurdi (May 21, 1999), I was said to be a "speech writer for Soeharto" in the early years of his presidency. I would like to stress that I have never been a speech writer for Soeharto. From 1966 to 1968 I was indeed a member of a team of experts in politics attached to the private staff of the presidium-chairman/acting president Soeharto.

What Golkar Party has to lose with Habibie

What Golkar Party has to lose with Habibie By Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): There is a remarkable difference between former president Soeharto and B.J. Habibie in the way they deal with their critics. Soeharto used to suppress his critics or send them to jail without proper legal process. Habibie, being a leader in the era of reform, smiles and tells his critics to say anything they want, but does nothing to acknowledge the criticisms.

Australia to help preserve RI culture

Australia to help preserve RI culture JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia agreed on Wednesday to cooperate in the preservation and management of Indonesia's cultural heritage. A cooperation agreement between the two countries was signed at the Ministry of Education and Culture in Central Jakarta by Minister Juwono Sudarsono and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia John P. McCarthy.

Replaced deputy attorney generals skip ceremony

Replaced deputy attorney generals skip ceremony JAKARTA (JP): Two of the four deputy attorney generals removed from their posts were absent from the transfer of duty ceremony at the Attorney General's Office on Wednesday. Absent were Antonius Sujata, deputy attorney general of special crimes, and Soehandjono, deputy attorney general for state and civil administrative affairs, Antara reported. Attorney General Andi M.

Wealth creation for employees

Wealth creation for employees Indonesia's pension fund prospects are very healthy, according to Simas Lend Lease Life's President Director and BII Lend Lease Investment Services' Commissioner, Bob Bettridge. Together, the above two companies offer a full range of solutions for creating employee wealth.

PGN seeks soft loan from Japan to build Sumatra-Java pipeline

PGN seeks soft loan from Japan to build Sumatra-Java pipeline JAKARTA (JP): State gas distribution company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is seeking about US$765 million in a soft loan from Japan to finance the development of a gas pipeline linking South Sumatra and West Java. Company finance director WMP Simanjuntak said on Wednesday total investment for the project was estimated at $900 million, $135 million, or 15 percent, of which would be provided by PGN funds.

No exodus of ethnic Chinese, group says

No exodus of ethnic Chinese, group says JAKARTA (JP): The newly established Chinese-Indonesian Association (INTI) has dismissed reports of a massive outflow of ethnic Chinese due to fears of unrest before the June 7 general election. INTI chairman Eddie Lembong discussed the comments in a news conference announcing the association's formation on Tuesday at Hotel Santika in Central Jakarta.

Newsman fails to beat deadline

Newsman fails to beat deadline JAKARTA: When a crowd pelted stones at a motorcade of Golkar chairman Akbar Tanjung on Monday, it was "good news" for journalists from all over the world but not for Antonius. The 23-year-old reporter of Varia Theresia covered the event on bicycle, reasoning that to travel by car would only be trouble with the heavy traffic. While he was peddling his way to a good vantage point, his Atlantis bike was struck from behind by one of the panicky Golkar cars.

RI wins gold in Arafura Games

RI wins gold in Arafura Games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia earned one gold, four silver and two bronze from track and field on the third day of the 1999 Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia. Antara quoted Indonesia contingent chief Jootje Gosal as saying that John Murray and his teammates won first place in the 4 x 400 meters men relay by clocking 42.37 seconds. John also bagged two silvers in 100m and 200m.

Habibie still has a chance

Habibie still has a chance By Hermawan Sulistyo JAKARTA (JP): Golkar's nomination of B.J. Habibie as its only presidential candidate has sparked heated debates. But what are his chances of winning the presidential seat? A glance at the expected voting structures reveals the possibilities for the presidential election, to take place in September or October.

Govt mulls delaying elections in Aceh

Govt mulls delaying elections in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid said on Wednesday the government was mulling the possibility of delaying elections in the province of Aceh for security reasons. "There is a possibility the elections in (Pidie, North Aceh and East Aceh) will be delayed for security reasons," Syarwan said after inaugurating the Center for Government and Political Ethics Studies here.

Golkar accused of cheating

Golkar accused of cheating KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The head of Nambo subdistrict in Poasia has attempted to pass off an unspecified amount of rice aid from the Ministry of Social Services as Golkar-sponsored relief, an independent poll watchdog announced on Wednesday. Patrik Passasung of the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) told Antara here the official, who was not named, barred "non-Golkar" villagers from obtaining the rice.

Agenda

Agenda JAKARTA: Party supporters here will miss Abdurrahman Wahid, Amien Rais and Megawati Soekarnoputri on the ninth day of the campaign on Thursday. National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien will meet PAN supporters in the East Java towns of Situbondo, Probolinggo and Banyuwangi, areas which are being closely watched by security forces due to their vulnerability to clashes.

Profiles of the Christian politicians

Profiles of the Christian politicians JAKARTA (JP): Politicians from minority groups were strongly represented in the Cabinets of the republic's early years. They decreased in number mainly since the 1980s when the Soeharto government leaned more toward Muslims. The following compiles a sketch of six leading Christian, Catholic and Protestant politicians: Arnold Wilson Mononutu (1896-1983) was an executive of the Indonesian National Party (PNI), one of the country's first parties.

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.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 26, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

'Fatwa' on woman president circulates

'Fatwa' on woman president circulates UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Copies of an Indonesian Council of Ulemas' fatwa (religious decree) opposing the appointment of a woman president have circulated widely in the city over the past few days. The copies were first distributed at mosques after Friday prayers. In the decree, the council said women cannot become heads of state because it would be in violation of Islamic laws.

Violence could endanger East Timor ballot: Alatas

Violence could endanger East Timor ballot: Alatas JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas warned on Wednesday that ongoing violence, intimidation and attacks by both proindependence and prointegration forces in East Timor could endanger the planned direct ballot in the province. Speaking to reporters after meeting with President B.J.

ASEAN-EU hail 'new dynamic' in ties after Bangkok talks

ASEAN-EU hail 'new dynamic' in ties after Bangkok talks BANGKOK (AFP): ASEAN and the European Union hailed a "new dynamic" in their relations on Wednesday at their first talks since a row erupted over Myanmar's human rights record two years ago. Envoys were meeting at a central Bangkok hotel to try to repair a relationship soured when Myanmar joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997 in the face of stiff opposition from Europe and the United States.