Archive: 29 May 1999
53 articles found
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police receive vehicle gifts
Police receive vehicle gifts JAKARTA (JP): Automotive company PT Indomobil donated on Friday two patrol vehicles to the traffic directorate of the National Police. Indomobil's president Subronto Laras officiated at the handover of the cars to Brig. Gen. Suparto, head of the traffic directorate in Jakarta. Suparto said the two Suzuki Karimun cars would be used to patrol major thoroughfares and toll roads by officers of the traffic accident investigation team.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Republicans try to woo Soeharto
Republicans try to woo Soeharto JAKARTA: The Republican Party, which accommodates people from any religious, ethnic and cultural background, is trying to woo former president Soeharto and his relatives to prove that it is an "open party". "Our doors are wide open for the 'Cendana family'," party chairman Syarifuddin Harahap said here Friday responding to allegations that the party is financed by the Soehartos.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Swiss govt to receive RI team probing Suharto
Swiss govt to receive RI team probing Suharto BERN (AP): Switzerland is prepared to receive an Indonesian delegation checking allegations that former President Soeharto stashed billions of dollars abroad, a spokeswoman for the foreign ministry said on Friday. But Indonesia still needs to formally request legal help in the case before any investigation can get under way, Yasmine Chatila said.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
No go on planned hostage release
No go on planned hostage release VANIMO, Papua New Guinea: An Irianese separatist guerrilla group did not release as expected on Friday 11 hostages abducted from Arso village in Irian Jaya on May 11, an official said. In a recent visit to Jayapura, chief of the Papuan defense forces Brig. Gen. Jerry Singirok said the hostages would be released by the rebels here on May 28.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
IBRA plans to sell assets worth Rp 500b next month
IBRA plans to sell assets worth Rp 500b next month JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Friday it would sell assets under its authority worth between Rp 400 billion (US$50 million) and Rp 500 billion next month. IBRA vice chairman Farid Harianto said some of the assets would be in the form of portfolio assets at companies listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange. He declined to disclose the names of the companies. "This is the result of our recent road show abroad.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Business ups and downs during campaigning
Business ups and downs during campaigning By Joko Sarwono and Tanra Alam JAKARTA (JP): Bogor is about 60 kilometers south of here. Its notorious traffic jams are a fact of life for many of its residents. And it has got even worse during the party campaigns. "On normal days, I could make eight routes in half a day. Now I can only make four," said Parmin. He is a driver of a public minivan (angkot) plying the Salabenda-Pasar Anyar route.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
'CNN' covers PAN rally
'CNN' covers PAN rally JAKARTA: Touted as one of the reform parties with a chance to win the most votes in the forthcoming elections, it was no surprise that the National Mandate Party (PAN) was given full coverage by "CNN" on Thursday. It was CNN's decision to recruit local resident Sutaryo which was the real surprise.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Disarm political parties' security guards: KIPP
Disarm political parties' security guards: KIPP JAKARTA (JP): An independent poll monitor has demanded that security guards of political parties be disarmed to avoid further violence. In a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Friday, the Independent Election Monitoring Committee said possession of sharp weapons by the security guards presented "a potential for conflict" in the campaign.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
ARCO denies deal with U.S. Circle group
ARCO denies deal with U.S. Circle group JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian arm of American oil and gas firm Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) has denied signing a deal with American service contractor Circle International Group Inc., a spokesman of state oil and gas company Pertamina said on Friday.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Prisoners never miss elections
Prisoners never miss elections JAMBI, Jambi: Criminals can be deprived of their physical freedom, but not their political rights. A total of 632 prisoners serving sentences in penitentiaries across the province are given chances to watch television broadcasts and learn about political parties they will vote for June 7. A TV set is placed in a room in their respective penitentiary complex instead of the cells, for the prisoners to watch special broadcasts on the elections.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 28, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 450 0 793,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 87,500 Alter Abadi 300 -25 160,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,175 125 685,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 375 25 8,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,625 0 1,829,000 Anwar Sierad 300 -25 62,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Many political parties idle
Many political parties idle KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Many political parties have shown no activity and their presence is a mere formality to show their existence, a local watchdog said Friday. Ahmadi Wardus of the Regional Independent Elections Monitoring Committee said many party branches did not have money to fund their activities and have too few supporters to campaign.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt sets incentives for geothermal projects
Govt sets incentives for geothermal projects JAKARTA (JP): The government will handle the exploration of geothermal steam in the future before offering it to independent power producers (IPPs), a senior official said here on Friday. Director General of Electricity and Energy Development Endro Utomo Notodisuryo said that the new scheme, part of the incentives now being prepared to encourage geothermal power development, would reduce investors' costs.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Migration for my fiancee?
Migration for my fiancee? Further to my letter in The Jakarta Post on May 10, I want to amend my letter by retracting the words corruption, racism and incompetence.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 28, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Election watchdogs to monitor Aceh polls
Election watchdogs to monitor Aceh polls JAKARTA (JP): Seven domestic poll watchers will monitor the June 7 general election in troubled Aceh province, an activist with the local Rectors Forum network said on Thursday. The forum's secretary, Saiful Mahdi, said the activities of the poll watchers would be coordinated by a joint forum called Indonesian Poll Watchers Society (MPPI), Antara reported Friday from the province's capital of Banda Aceh.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Agenda
Agenda JAKARTA (JP): Saturday's campaigning in the city will feature big names Akbar Tanjung of Golkar Party and Sri Bintang Pamungkas of the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI). Tanjung will address Golkar supporters at HEK soccer field in East Jakarta. Bintang, who loves wooing small-scale traders, will visit Kramat Jati market in East Jakarta, Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta and Blok A market in South Jakarta. Meanwhile, elder politician H.J.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Dealership's service
Dealership's service On May 19, I noticed a fluid leaking from under the hood of my Opel Blazer. Upon inspection, I determined that the fluid was coming from the power steering pump, indicating a ruptured seal which is a normal occurrence and relatively easy to repair. Since the car was purchased from Hangtuah Fatmawati, I had the car delivered there for repair.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's face appears in tree
Gus Dur's face appears in tree JAKARTA: An old kapok tree in Tegal, Central Java, has attracted many visitors after word spread that it had the image of influential Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid. Locals said his face would appear every time vehicle lights shone on the tree, a taxi driver here, Tajudin, said. "He is really a wali," residents whispered, referring to Islamic leaders with supernatural skills.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
20,000 Lhokseumawe residents flee military raids for safety
20,000 Lhokseumawe residents flee military raids for safety LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh (JP): About 20,000 residents from three districts here fled on Friday to nearby public buildings following raids against separatist guerrillas by the joint- military Crack Riot Troop (PPRM) task force. People said they feared fresh violence following the fatal clash at Peudada district between PPRM personnel and Free Aceh separatist guerrillas on Tuesday.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Telkom partner endorses using independent auditor
Telkom partner endorses using independent auditor JAKARTA (JP): The government should appoint an independent auditor to assess the operation of state telecommunications provider PT Telkom and its five partners under the joint- operation scheme (KSO), one of the partners said on Friday. Gatot S. Kahrmadji, vice president of PT Ariawest International, said an independent auditor was needed to help clarify differences between the two parties, especially the partners's responsibilities.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Two illegal workers deported
Two illegal workers deported JAKARTA (JP): The government has deported two of the three foreigners illegally employed by publicly listed PT Bimantara Citra and private television station RCTI, an official said on Friday. Zaiman Nurmatias, the director of immigration supervision and control, said that the two deported foreigners were Rowan Mark Legg from Britain and Lourdes Serafico from the Philippines.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Drawing Exhibition: Tumbal by Hendro Suseno, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), until Jun. 7. * Drawing Exhibition: Film Dalam Gambar, by Fritz Lang, at Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8569281), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until May 31. * Painting Exhibition: by Yarri Yaryatno, at Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7194270), Sunday, at 10:30 a.m.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Canberra sees fair polls in RI
Canberra sees fair polls in RI CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian foreign affairs officials said on Friday they were pleased by the lack of violence in the run-up to Indonesia's landmark national elections and saw no reason why the poll would not be free and fair. They believe the level of violence in the campaign for the June 7 elections, Indonesia's first democratic poll in more than 40 years, had been lower than that experienced in other regional democracies despite its turbulent recent history.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
UPC's secretariat pelted with stones
UPC's secretariat pelted with stones JAKARTA (JP): The secretariat office of the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC), which uncovered money politics practices allegedly conducted by political parties, was pelted with stones early on Friday. Wardah Hafidz, UPC's coordinator, said the front glass of the secretariat was damaged during the attack. "The office was in fact guarded by several men and security guards, but none of them dared to go out to see who the attackers were," Hafidz told Antara.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Good and bad news on reforms
Good and bad news on reforms Former U.S. ambassador to Indonesia Paul Wolfowitz gives his assessments of changes in Indonesia over the past year and of future prospect. Now dean of the Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at John Hopkins University in Washington D.C., Wolfowitz talks to The Jakarta Post correspondent Yenni Djahidin. A related article appears on Page 5. Question: How do you assess events in Indonesia over the past year?
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Give elections a chance, PGI says
Give elections a chance, PGI says JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) is urging citizens of all political and religious beliefs to put aside differences to make next month's elections a success. In a statement, released on Friday and signed by communion chairman Sularso Sopater and secretary J.M. Pattiasina, PGI stressed the June 7 general election is vital to create a legitimate and "respectable" government.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
2,535 Aceh students avoid exams
2,535 Aceh students avoid exams BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The provincial office of the Ministry of Education and Culture has recorded 2,535 elementary students who did not sit last month's national final examination. Head of the office, Syahbuddin AR, told Antara here on Friday that his office did not know why the students did not participate in the exams.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Internet fails to woo most political parties
Internet fails to woo most political parties By M.M.I. Ahyani BANDUNG (JP): Adrie Harsala, 32, a computer head who enjoys surfing the Internet, is frustrated with the way the election campaigns have been carried out. As parades of followers of political parties cause traffic congestion, he has become increasingly reluctant to find out more about the 48 parties contesting the June 7 elections.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Major parties give nod to bank recapitalization
Major parties give nod to bank recapitalization JAKARTA (JP): Four major political parties have come out in support of the government's massive bank recapitalization program, saying it is crucial in helping the country emerge from its worst economic crisis of recent years. However, most of them disagreed with the government's handling of the program, set to cost taxpayers over Rp 350 trillion (about US$43.75 billion) to keep the debt-ridden institutions afloat.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timorese apply for jobs with UN team
East Timorese apply for jobs with UN team JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of young East Timorese have flocked to the United Nations office in Dili to apply for jobs with the UN team forming in the province ahead of a self-determination ballot scheduled for Aug. 8. The large number of applicants resulted from the plan by the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) to hire 4,000 locals to support its operations in the former Portuguese colony, Antara news agency reported.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Visa virus plagues city amid election fever
Visa virus plagues city amid election fever By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): As if election fever and backbreaking economic ills were not enough, people here are having to face yet another plague gaining notoriety: the visa virus. No matter how many people one meets, most have tearful tales to tell about their latest visit to the consular section of one or the other embassies here.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie visits grave of great grandfather
Habibie visits grave of great grandfather JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie and First Lady Asri Ainun Habibie visited the grave of his great grandfather Tjitrowardojo in Purworejo, Central Java, on Friday morning, drawing a crowd of curious villagers. Accompanied by several government officials, including Minister of Defense/Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
IMF unlikely to say yes to fixed rate plan for RI
IMF unlikely to say yes to fixed rate plan for RI SINGAPORE (AFP): The IMF is very unlikely to accept a proposal by a popular Indonesian opposition party for a fixed exchange rate system, analysts said Friday. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), led by popular Megawati Soekarnoputri, was reported as saying it wanted to launch the fixed exchange rate system to protect the industrial sector if it wins the June 7 polls.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Still no closure on May 1998 atrocities against ethnic Chinese
Still no closure on May 1998 atrocities against ethnic Chinese By Rahayu Ratnaningsih JAKARTA (JP): A year has passed since the controversial May 1998 riots that were believed to be connected with the most horrific degradation to human dignity, women in particular: the sadistic and systematic gang rapes against ethnic Chinese women.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
KONI looks abroad to raise funds for sports development
KONI looks abroad to raise funds for sports development JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) will help promote Indonesian sports in the international arena as part of efforts to raise funds for sports development in the country, a KONI executive said on Friday. Arie Sudewo, KONI deputy chairman, said that the council would cooperate with businesspeople and sports federations, which have proven capabilities dealing with international sports bodies.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Alatas installs new senior official
Alatas installs new senior official JAKARTA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas on Friday installed Rachmat Ranudiwidjaya as the new director general for protocol and consular affairs, replacing Dadang Sukandar, who is to be appointed the new ambassador to France. Rachmat, born in Garut, West Java, in 1944, was a former consul general in New York.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDI Perjuangan flexes its muscle in Friday's campaign
PDI Perjuangan flexes its muscle in Friday's campaign JAKARTA (JP): Unchallenged in the sheer number of supporters mobilized in its rallies, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) dominated Friday's campaigning. As hundreds of thousands of supporters flooded streets in Jakarta, chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri's speech in Lampung drew a crowd of about 30,000 to Way Halim Stadium in Tanjungkarang mayoralty.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
A bastion of justice?
A bastion of justice? Even with two senior members of President B.J. Habibie's cabinet, Minister of Justice Muladi and Attorney General Andi Muhammad Ghalib, due to depart Jakarta for Switzerland tomorrow on what officials say is a special mission to trace any assets former president Soeharto might have stashed away in Europe, public confidence in the government's sincerity appears to remain as low as ever. There are various arguments to explain this stubborn skepticism among the public.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Military rejects proposed poll delay in Aceh
Military rejects proposed poll delay in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): The military in Aceh dismissed concern on Friday that insecurity may force the postponement of the June 7 general election in the troubled western territory. "There won't be any postponement... the elections will proceed as scheduled," Lilawangsa Military Commander Col. Johnny Wahab, who oversees security in Pidie, North Aceh and East Aceh, told The Jakarta Post by phone from the North Aceh capital of Lhokseumawe.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ulema told to make polls a success
Ulema told to make polls a success MEDAN, North Sumatra: Ulema can support any party they choose, but must help ensure a free and fair general election next month, Minister of Religious Affairs Malik Fajar said on Friday. Speaking at a meeting with local ulema here, Malik said religious leaders played a key role in preventing followers from committing acts of violence and causing fear among the people. "Religion teaches us about peace.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Party workers persevere out of loyalty and hope
Party workers persevere out of loyalty and hope Top politicians like Amien Rais, Abdurrahman Wahid and Megawati Soekarnoputri would not be able to campaign without the loyal party workers who take care of the small details. Usually, the work of this largely uncelebrated group of people goes unnoticed, and yet they persevere. The Jakarta Post correspondents Tanra Alam in Palu, Joko Sarwono in Bogor, O.K.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Govt issues bonds to recapitalize banks
Govt issues bonds to recapitalize banks JAKARTA (JP): The government issued on Friday bonds worth Rp 157.61 trillion (US$19.40 billion) to recapitalize 23 banks and fund its obligations to the central bank. Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto said the bond issue was an essential step in efforts to rebuild confidence in the banking industry and the country's economy. "All this is expected to have a positive impact on the restoration of the Indonesian economy," he said at a press conference.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Governor warned about habits
Governor warned about habits KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: General elections give Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin headaches and not because of the funding his administration has to allot, but people's demands for him to stop his habits. Antara reported that a nongovernment election watchdog, Unfrel, and a party official have raised complaints over a trademark statement Kaimoeddin was overheard saying while addressing his staff and a favorite song he chanted at a series of functions.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bambang grilled over his alleged $3 billion fortune
Bambang grilled over his alleged $3 billion fortune JAKARTA (JP): Bambang Trihatmodjo, the second eldest son of former president Soeharto, was questioned at the Attorney General's Office on Friday morning over his alleged US$3 billion wealth reported in Time magazine. Attired in a dark blue suit and surrounded by more than 10 plainclothes bodyguards, the 46-year-old owner of the widely diversified Bimantara Group was questioned for five hours.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Governor pleased riot rumors prove groundless
Governor pleased riot rumors prove groundless JAKARTA (JP): The city breathed easy on Friday evening, after rumors of riots accompanying the day's campaigning proved groundless. Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso expressed relief at day's end: "I ought to be happy... it ran smoothly, even though the street rallies caused traffic jams. I think (street rallies) can become a means of entertainment for people.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Has anti-Chinese sentiment ebbed?
Has anti-Chinese sentiment ebbed? By Harkiman Racheman MEDAN (JP): In the middle of May 1998, a series of engineered anti-Chinese riots culminated in a horrific series of rapes in Jakarta and Surakarta. Condemned by the international community for its barbarity, the organized violation of human rights, especially women's rights, also triggered off the unprecedented student-led overthrow of Soeharto's dictatorial regime.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Siti reveals reason for dismissal from Bank DKI
Siti reveals reason for dismissal from Bank DKI JAKARTA (JP): The former marketing and credit director of city-owned Bank DKI said on Friday that Governor Sutiyoso fired her because she rejected a Rp 8 billion loan proposal from his friend. Siti Aisyah Margareth Rose Harahap told The Jakarta Post: "I rejected the proposed loan because Sutiyoso's friend could not meet the bank's credit requirements." "I was fired because I did not cooperate. That's all.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
City Hall not involved in scam
City Hall not involved in scam JAKARTA (JP): Deputy governor for development affairs Budihardjo Sukmadi insisted on Friday that the city administration never received money for official activities from city-owned Bank DKI, which was stated in several payment documents reportedly issued by the bank's two top officials. "It's untrue. The administration never received such funds for our meetings," Budihardjo told The Jakarta Post.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies up but lag behind yen's ascent
Asian currencies up but lag behind yen's ascent HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian currencies followed the yen higher Friday, but gains were limited by sales from market players looking to exit long positions in the regionals against the Japanese currency. The U.S. dollar's slide against the yen during European and U.S. trading hours Thursday did boost regional currencies to a certain extent.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
No compensation for Chinese boat
No compensation for Chinese boat MANILA (AFP): China's demand for compensation for a fishing boat which collided with a Philippine navy patrol vessel and sank in disputed waters has been rejected by President Joseph Estrada's Cabinet, his spokesman said on Friday. The Cabinet discussed Beijing's demand that Manila pay US$30,000 in compensation for the May 23 incident off Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, presidential spokesman Fernando Barican said in a statement.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia: Moving from openness to the winds of reform
Indonesia: Moving from openness to the winds of reform By Yenni Djahidin WASHINGTON (JP): Paul Wolfowitz, one of the most popular American ambassadors to serve in Indonesia, is remembered most for setting off a healthy but short-lived discourse on democracy in his last speech before ending his term in Jakarta. It is now more than 10 years since he left his Jakarta post, yet Wolfowitz's Bahasa Indonesia is good, attesting to his frequent travels to the country he loves very much.
Sat, 29 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Withdraw money from idle parties
Withdraw money from idle parties PAMEKASAN, East Java: The local representative of the University Network for Free and Fair Elections (Unfrel) urged the regent here on Friday to withdraw money the government granted to political parties which do not campaign.