Archive: 4 May 1999
47 articles found
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Thailand's rice exports fall
Thailand's rice exports fall BANGKOK, Thailand (AP): In a blow to cash-strapped Thailand, the country's second quarter rice exports are likely to decline because of sluggish demand from leading importing nations, government officials and rice industry executives said Monday. Key rice importers, such as the Philippines and Indonesia, are set to reduce purchases in the second quarter because they are expected to harvest significantly more themselves than last year, officials said.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Most Asian stock markets close higher
Most Asian stock markets close higher HONG KONG (AP): Most Asian stock markets closed higher Monday, with the key index in Jakarta surging almost 6 percent to its highest level in a year. Japanese financial markets were closed Monday for Constitution Day, a national holiday. The Thai stock market was also closed for a holiday. Shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange soared on buying by foreign investors who were encouraged by signs of an economic recovery and a stronger Indonesian currency.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian monies higher as rupiah sentiment brightens
SE Asian monies higher as rupiah sentiment brightens SINGAPORE (Dow Jones) Fund inflows lifted Southeast Asian currencies higher against the U.S. dollar Monday, as offshore investors maintained their bullish stance towards the region. Even the rupiah -- long shunned as a pariah currency -- benefited, rising to its highest level in 16 weeks as market players poured money into Indonesian assets.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 3, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 0 135,000 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 100 62,500 Alter Abadi 275 50 221,500 Alumindo Light Metal 675 25 369,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 175 25 26,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,550 25 5,154,500 Anwar Sierad 100 25 464,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government assures SMEs of more subsidized loans
Government assures SMEs of more subsidized loans JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto reaffirmed on Monday the government's commitment to provide cheap loans to help small and medium-size companies (SMEs) and cooperatives survive the prolonged economic crisis. The minister said Bank Indonesia, which under the newly approved central bank law would focus its activities on monetary management, would no longer be involved in extending the subsidized loans.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
The Crescent Star Party
The Crescent Star Party Two recent front page articles (April 16 and April 19) on the Crescent Star Party (PBB) and its chairman Prof. Yusril Ihza Mahendra attracted my attention. What fascinated me was not so much the party's economic and political platforms, which endorse such things as a market economy, foreign investment, wide-ranging autonomy for the provinces etc. These platforms, important as they are, could well be shared by many of the other parties.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDAM Jaya head investigated for employee protests
PDAM Jaya head investigated for employee protests JAKARTA (JP): The city inspectorate office is investigating the possible involvement of Rama Boedi, the president of city water company PDAM Jaya, in a series of protests by the firm's employees demanding it end its cooperation with two foreign water companies. Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday the investigation was conducted by officials from the inspectorate office under his instruction.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Elderly couple killed in robbery
Elderly couple killed in robbery JAKARTA (JP): A couple were found dead in their house on Jl. Hidup Baru in West Pademangan district, North Jakarta, early on Monday. Gan Hen Hok, 50, was found with his throat cut while his wife, Chang Hui Moi, 40, died of multiple stab wounds. Police suspect a machete was used in the murders.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir warns govt employees
Mahathir warns govt employees KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday warned bureaucrats against joining the ranks of political dissenters, saying government employees were bound to obey policies, a news report said. Mahathir, 73, facing the toughest political challenge in his 18-year rule from supporters of ousted Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, said he was aware that some members of administration had begun demanding reform.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 3, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Lists of legislative candidates tardy
Lists of legislative candidates tardy JAKARTA (JP): Only two of the 48 parties -- The National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Indonesian People's Party (Pari) -- look set to meet Tuesday's deadline for submission of a list of legislative candidates to the National Elections Committee (PPI). Committee chairman Jacob Tobing said on Monday the PPI would be saddled with paper work in coming weeks, because parties had failed to meet the deadline.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Jepara still tense as residents fear retaliation flee
Jepara still tense as residents fear retaliation flee SEMARANG (JP): The Central Java town of Jepara remained tense on Monday and a number of people fled to neighboring cities following the bloody clash between supporters of two Muslim-based parties that killed four last Friday. Resident supporters of the two parties -- the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) -- patrolled their neighborhoods armed with bamboo spears and knives.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Economy contracted 10% in 1st quarter
Economy contracted 10% in 1st quarter JAKARTA (JP): The 22-month economic crisis continues to take its toll, with the economy contracting by 10.34 percent in the first quarter of 1999 compared to the same period last year, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Monday.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hollow promises
Hollow promises The government's reiteration last week of its determination to take legal action against bad bankers and bad debtors responsible for at least Rp 150 trillion (US$17.5 billion) in bad debts, or more than 40 percent of Indonesia's gross domestic product, rings hollow given its dismal performance in handling the banking crisis which has been plaguing this country since November 1997.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Elly Djohariah Roedyat and Syeni Setiayu Roedyat, at Galeri Bandung, Jl. Siliwangi 16 (Phone: 022 236515), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until May 15. * Photo Exhibition by Frank Thiel, at Galeri Red Point, Jl. Jurang 103, May 10 to May 21. Performances * Sundanese Theater, Mesin Wakti, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 433562), 8 p.m., May 7-9.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
HK to launch inquiry into exploitation of foreign maids
HK to launch inquiry into exploitation of foreign maids JAKARTA (Agencies): Hong Kong's Immigration Department is to investigate reports of widespread under-payment of Indonesian domestic helpers, news reports said on Monday. Asian Migrant Center executive director Rex Varona said Indonesian helpers would testify before immigration officials to identify unscrupulous employers and recruitment agencies.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Coach happy with shuttlers' physical fitness improvement
Coach happy with shuttlers' physical fitness improvement JAKARTA (JP): With only a few days to go before the Sudirman Cup, Indonesian badminton team trainer Tahir Djide expressed satisfaction with improvements in the national shuttlers physical condition. "Results from the second physical fitness test, staged on Saturday, showed their condition improved by about 70 to 80 percent," he said at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Warta Kota' hits the street
'Warta Kota' hits the street JAKARTA (JP): Kompas, Indonesia's leading daily newspaper, launched on Monday its new city journal -- Warta Kota -- which will target the middle and upper classes in Greater Jakarta. Banu Astono and Henry Ch. Bangun, chief editor and deputy chief editor of the newspaper respectively, said on Monday that their media was intended mainly to give a kind of "info- tainment".
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Finance minister upbeat on inflation outlook
Finance minister upbeat on inflation outlook JAKARTA (JP): Despite the potential for turmoil around the upcoming general election, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita is optimistic that inflation in the 1999/2000 fiscal year will be about 10 percent, far below the government's initial target of 17 percent. He said on Monday his prediction was based on the strengthening of the rupiah and the declining trend in prices over the past couple of months.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
ANZ Panin Bank buys BPS' credit card business
ANZ Panin Bank buys BPS' credit card business JAKARTA (JP): ANZ Panin Bank has agreed to buy the credit card receivables and operations of closed down Bank Papan Sejahtera from the International Bank Restructuring Agency. The purchase was announced on Monday by deputy chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency Eko S. Budianto.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cabinet approves East Timor autonomy deal
Cabinet approves East Timor autonomy deal JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie's Cabinet has unanimously endorsed the autonomy package deal for East Timor to be signed on Wednesday together with Portugal in New York, Minister of Information Lt. Gen. Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday. The deal contains three basic agreements, and the Cabinet did not make any changes to the framework of the package, which was previously worked out between Indonesia and Portugal last month, Yunus said.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
KL cuts intervention rate
KL cuts intervention rate KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's central bank reduced its three- month intervention rate from 6.5 percent to 6.0 percent Monday. Bank Negara Malaysia governor Ali Abul Hassan Sulaiman said the cut reflected the "moderating trend in the expected inflation rate" and would help sustain "recent positive developments" in the economy. "It is expected to result in a further easing of lending rates to support commercial activity," he said.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Palembang gets bomb scare
Palembang gets bomb scare PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A major shopping center here was the latest victim of a bomb scare after a general hospital and the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Mosque received similar threats. Antara reported that an owner of the International Plaza shopping center, Huzaini Rozak, received a call from an unidentified man at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The caller said a bomb was about to go off in the building.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Pioneer exports corn seeds
Pioneer exports corn seeds JAKARTA (JP): United States-based corn seed producer PT Pioneer Hibrida Indonesia said on Monday it had exported 200 tons of corn seed to Japan. Pioneer country manager Andy Gumala said Japan was the third overseas market Pioneer had entered after Thailand and the Philippines. After Japan, the company plans to enter the South Korean and European markets, he said.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Peace messages from students
Peace messages from students JAKARTA (JP): Those who pass by the United Nations office on Jl. M.H. Thamrin in Central Jakarta may have already spotted three jumbo banners suspended from the building. The eye-catching banners contain messages of peace and pleas for inter-cultural understanding and nonviolence. The messages were written by students from 23 senior high school schools with the support of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rum-Royen agreement
Rum-Royen agreement May 7, 1999 marks the 50th anniversary of a great event in the history of Indonesian diplomacy, the Rum-Van Royen Agreement. So far, the peculiar fact discernible is that three episodes are well appraised, judging from monographs on them. These are the Linggarjati Agreement (March 25, 1947), the Renville Agreement (Jan. 17 to Jan 19, 1948) and the Round Table Conference (RTC) Agreement of The Hague (Aug. 23 to Nov.2, 1949).
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
RP leader dismisses remark
RP leader dismisses remark MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada brushed aside Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's charges on Monday that he intervened in Kuala Lumpur's internal affairs when he met opposition leader Azizah Ismail here last week. Mahathir's remarks were "purely domestic, he is talking about politics because Azizah now belongs to a political party", Estrada told reporters regarding his meeting with the wife of jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nikko cancels bankruptcy claim against Bayu Buana
Nikko cancels bankruptcy claim against Bayu Buana JAKARTA (JP): PT Nikko Securities Indonesia has canceled its bankruptcy claim against publicly listed PT Bayu Buana after the two companies reached an out-of-court agreement to settle their debt dispute. "We have approved Bayu Buana's debt settlement proposal submitted to Nikko," the head of Nikko's legal division, Amaliha Lase, said.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gov't offices quiet, Maluku still tense
Gov't offices quiet, Maluku still tense TUAL, Maluku: There are no signs that normalcy has returned to Tual, Southeast Maluku, after riots and killings broke out here late March. According to Antara, government offices were almost empty on Monday. At least 130 were killed in recent clashes in the regency last month. Only three of the 450 employees were seen at the regency office of Southeast Maluku. They were provincial organizers of the upcoming elections.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wiranto praises Madurese patience
Wiranto praises Madurese patience JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto has praised Madurese people from Sambas, saying they showed tremendous forbearance during the recent ethnic riots which ravaged the West Kalimantan regency. "I know the Madurese people are strong by nature. They show a strong determination (and have a) strong disposition and physique," Wiranto told Antara in Surabaya on Sunday evening.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian media freer in 1998
Asian media freer in 1998 BANGKOK (AFP): Press freedom in Asia is improving but China and Myanmar are still among the worst countries in the world for the oppression of journalists, a leading international journalists' organization said on Monday. Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), or Reporters Without Borders, said journalists in Asia had enjoyed better conditions in 1998, especially with the collapse of the Soeharto regime in Indonesia.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Toward better English skills
Toward better English skills By Besral BANDUNG (JP): In justifying educational programs, teachers around the globe are always the victims of a struggle between experts, parents and bureaucrats. Although some crucial factors evolved on the parts of supporting materials, students' motivation, bureaucrats' attitude and government policy, teachers usually bear the brunt of the criticism. They are blamed and pushed into a corner, when success is likely too far away.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Internet financial service
Internet financial service JAKARTA (JP): American financial information provider Bridge Information System, in cooperation with local Internet provider PT IndoInternet, launched on Monday an internet-based financial and market data service. Bridge country manager for Indonesia Mohd.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Neiss urges interest rate reduction to fuel recover
Neiss urges interest rate reduction to fuel recover JAKARTA (Dow Jones): Indonesia should be "a little faster" in allowing interest rates to fall to help fuel a recovery, the International Monetary Fund's top Asia Pacific official Hubert Neiss said Monday.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Irian independence impossible: Habibie
Irian independence impossible: Habibie JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie told his Cabinet on Monday there was a group of people in Irian Jaya who misunderstood his recent statement on the possibility of independence for the province. The President confirmed he recently advised Irianese leaders to reconsider their demands for separation from Indonesia. He hinted that what he actually meant was that the government would not tolerate any separatist movements.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Exams scheduled except in Ambon
Exams scheduled except in Ambon JAKARTA: National final examinations for senior high school will be carried out on schedule from May 3 through May 6, except for Ambon, Maluku, due to security reasons. At least 300 have died in clashes with religious overtones since January in the province. Antara did not specify whether exams in other regencies apart from the Ambon capital would go on as scheduled.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Volcano smokes, public cautioned
Volcano smokes, public cautioned PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Increased activity of Mount Slamet has led Governor Mardiyanto to instruct regents to take necessary precautions. The closest regencies around the 3,428-meter-high mountain are those of Banyumas, Pemalang, Brebes and Purbalingga. He also asked residents to comply with existing rules regarding the volcano's increased activity. "Orders have been issued against climbing Mount Slamet," Mardiyanto said.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Encephalitis can be hazardous
Encephalitis can be hazardous I refer to the article Threat of Japanese encephalitis outbreak looms in Indonesia which I read with concern in The Jakarta Post on April 7, 1999. I am living in Bali and the data reported in your article regarding the presence of this disease on the island confirmed some worries I've already had. At the end of 1998, a friend foreign of mine contracted encephalitis here and was taken to Denpasar hospital where he was treated, but with no success.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Rerun of Riau's 1997 fires possible: Official
Rerun of Riau's 1997 fires possible: Official JAKARTA (JP): The disastrous forest fires of 1997 may return to Riau province without immediate and concerted preventative efforts, an official at the National Space and Aviation Agency warned on Monday. Head of the agency's Environment and Weather Satellites' Earth Station Muchlisin Aries, said satellite imaging read by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration over the past few days, had shown the seriousness of the threat.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Defense boss sees S'porean leaders
Defense boss sees S'porean leaders SINGAPORE (AP): Australia's chief of defense force, Adm. Chris Barrie, called on Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Defense Minister Tony Tan on Monday. Barrie also called on Singapore's chief of defense force, Lt. Gen. Bey Soo Khiang, the city-state's Defense Ministry said in a news release. Barrie is visiting from May 2-5. Singapore and Australia have close military ties.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
NCR inaugurates local subsidiary
NCR inaugurates local subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): Ohio-based Automated Teller Machine (ATM) manufacturer NCR Corporation on Monday launched the establishment of its wholly owned Indonesia subsidiary. The company said the new subsidiary, PT NCR Indonesia, was established last year to provide better service to existing and future clients.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
No losses in Goro case: Witnesses
No losses in Goro case: Witnesses JAKARTA (JP): Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto charged for his alleged role in a Rp 95.4 billion (US$10.9 million) land scam, smiled on Monday when two witnesses said nobody suffered any losses in the case. The two witnesses from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), Ruskandar and M.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian fires bringing haze back to Southeast Asia
Indonesian fires bringing haze back to Southeast Asia By Juergen Dauth HONG KONG: The feared and terrible haze which settled over much of Southeast Asia like a smoggy blanket two years ago is now threatening to make a reappearance in the region. And, as in 1997, the cause is huge fires in Indonesia which were deliberately set to clear forests and bush. Singapore and the southern part of Malaysia are already reporting a much higher than normal level of air pollution.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Astra Agro plans new CPO plants
Astra Agro plans new CPO plants JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed plantation company PT Astra Agro Lestari announced on Monday it would begin operating two new crude palm oil (CPO) plants by the end of the first half of this year to process the expected increase in its oil palm production.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police urge residents to stay at home during campaign period
Police urge residents to stay at home during campaign period JAKARTA (JP): City police on Monday suggested Jakartans spend less time outside their houses and offices during the campaign period. "If there's any choice, staying at home will be the best option," Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis told The Jakarta Post.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
15 killed in Aceh as troops open fire
15 killed in Aceh as troops open fire JAKARTA (JP): At least 15 people were killed and 77 injured when military troops fired on villagers in Pulo Rungkom, near Lhokseumawe, on Monday. Lhokseumawe Military Commander Col. Johny Wahab told The Jakarta Post the incident was triggered after thousands of people took 80 soldiers, who were searching for two missing personnel, hostage. The officers were believed to be abducted by a group linked to the Free Aceh Movement on Saturday.
Tue, 04 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Six million get scholarships
Six million get scholarships JAKARTA: The government will disburse scholarships from its budget of two million to six million school-aged children from poor families, Antara reported. Coordinating Minister of Public Welfare and Eradication of Poverty Haryono Suyono said children from seven to 15 were encouraged to enroll at elementary and junior high schools. The minister said schools and "education committees" should continuously strive to keep children in school.