Archive: 7 May 1999
50 articles found
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Concern over bank restructuring
Concern over bank restructuring By Sidesh Kaul This is the first of two articles on bank and corporate restructuring in Indonesia. JAKARTA (JP): There is a growing sense of disillusionment with the course charted out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Indonesia's economic recovery. Indonesia today is at a crossroads and decision-makers have the onerous task of juggling economic and political realities.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Choosing a political party
Choosing a political party From Pikiran Rakyat The 1999 general election is only a little more than a month away. Some political parties, both old and new ones, have held campaign rallies ahead of the official campaign period. Although they have clearly violated the rules of the elections, they can always offer a pretext to dismiss such allegations. Regarding the upcoming elections, I believe the most important thing is to choose a political party that really suits you.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
The Lhokseumawe tragedy
The Lhokseumawe tragedy The television newscasts and newspaper photographs we have seen raise the question whether the security measures taken to quell the most recent unrest (in Aceh) were not excessive. Aren't there any other, more elegant, measures available besides using live bullets? We are afraid the wounds such methods leave will be extremely deep and take a long time to heal. The continuing unrest will most unfavorably affect Indonesia's image in the eyes of the rest of world.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Referendum in East Timor
Referendum in East Timor It is sad to see that tens of thousands of innocent people have become victims of brutality, unclear policy and political orchestration in East Timor due to the government's lack of seriousness to end the problems there. It is very confusing to see many people still saying East Timor is an integral part of Indonesia, while many others oppose this idea.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
City unable to guarantee security during campaign
City unable to guarantee security during campaign JAKARTA (JP): Authorities have said they are unable to guarantee the security of the city during the upcoming campaign period and the June 7 general election. Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso and City Military Commander Maj. Gen.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
KPU urges govt regulation to deter pre-campaign activities
KPU urges govt regulation to deter pre-campaign activities JAKARTA (JP): Members of the General Election Commission have urged the government to issue a regulation banning parties from campaigning before the start of the official campaign period on May 19. Djuhad Mahdja, who represents the United Development Party (PPP) on the commission, said the regulation was necessary to prevent further clashes breaking out between the supporters of rival parties.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Details of UN agreement
Details of UN agreement NEW YORK (AP): Here are details of an agreement on the future of East Timor signed by Indonesia and Portugal at the United Nations on Wednesday. BALLOT QUESTION: East Timorese voters at home and abroad will be asked two questions on the ballot Aug.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
More violence predicted ahead of general election
More violence predicted ahead of general election JAKARTA (JP): Observers have painted a gloomy picture of Indonesia before and after the June 7 general election, an election in which they said violence would prevail. Speaking in a discussion entitled Potential for Conflict around the General Election, Hermawan Sulistyo of the Indonesian Institute of Science said on Thursday that there would be frequent outbreaks of violence in the run-up to and after the polls.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
25 Ambon refugees die in shelters
25 Ambon refugees die in shelters JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-five Ambon refugees in makeshift refugee centers in Buton, Southeast Sulawesi, died of cholera in recent weeks, while 400 others were hospitalized with various diseases. Antara news agency said on Thursday Buton regent Saidoe reported the situation to Ministry of Health secretary-general Dr. E. Sutarto on Wednesday. Saidoe said dirty water and poor living conditions in the refugee centers were to blame for the deaths.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's futures exchange to begin trading in August
Indonesia's futures exchange to begin trading in August JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's first future commodities exchange will begin operation in August this year after several delays in its opening. The president of state-owned commodities clearing house PT Kliring dan Jaminan Bursa Komoditi, A. Djunaidi, said here on Thursday preparations for the operation of the futures exchange were completed.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bosses could be jailed for scam
Bosses could be jailed for scam JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday to jail two former executives of state-owned construction company PT Hutama Karya for their parts in a Rp 1.5 trillion (US$187,500) corruption scam involving two toll road projects.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie repeats communism alert
Habibie repeats communism alert JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie reiterated on Thursday his warning of a communist threat, Marhaenism and socialism -- which some people dub "Komas". In a meeting with a group of youths at Merdeka Palace, Habibie said the ideologies remained a threat to the nation, according to State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Agung Laksono. Marhaenism was coined by the late founding president, Sukarno.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hyatt Bali offers reward
Hyatt Bali offers reward JAKARTA (JP): Grand Hyatt Bali in Nusa Dua and Bali Hyatt in Sanur are offering customers a chance to win a three-night stay in an executive suite for clients who make reservations up to June 30. Each reservation should be accompanied with a coupon published in The Jakarta Post dated May 7 and May 27, the company said in a statement on Thursday.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on May 6, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Students fight for three days
Students fight for three days UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: After a three-day brawl among students, Hasanuddin University closed on Thursday and will resume activities on Saturday. Assistant to the rector Amran Razak said the measure was taken to prevent further victims and material losses. The brawl started on Monday when a student of the School of Letters reportedly hit an engineering student. The dispute spread and on Wednesday 18 were admitted to Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Disarmament crucial for the warring camps
Disarmament crucial for the warring camps JAKARTA (JP): As students danced in the streets in Dili following the signing of an agreement enabling them to determine their own future, with both proindependence and prointegration leaders saying they welcomed the ballot, the crucial issue of disarmament remains unresolved. Disarmament of conflicting parties is a prerequisite mentioned in the agreement on the direct ballot planned for Aug. 8.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Midwives needed in Central Sulawesi
Midwives needed in Central Sulawesi PALU: About 200 midwives are needed in remote villages in Central Sulawesi, Antara reported on Wednesday. "We currently have 1,300 midwives, but we need 1,500," the head of the health agency here, Amin Nompo, said. Graduates from midwifery schools would be assigned to fill in the gaps, he said.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Street children, beggars to be employed as sweepers
Street children, beggars to be employed as sweepers JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to recruit 1,000 street children, beggars and unofficial civilian traffic attendants known locally as Pak Ogah to work as street sweepers, an official said on Thursday. City Secretary Fauzi Bowo said the scheme was designed to help the individuals endure the economic crisis. "This is a good chance.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sudirman Cup a tribute to Indonesia's badminton figure
Sudirman Cup a tribute to Indonesia's badminton figure By Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): Ten years ago at Jakarta's Senayan Indoor Stadium, Indonesia confirmed its position at the zenith of world badminton by winning the inaugural Sudirman Cup mixed team event. Playing before a partisan crowd, the mixed doubles partnership of Verawaty Fajrin and Eddy Hartono upset Park Joo-bong and Chung Myung-hee of South Korea to secure a memorable 3-2 victory for the host nation.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur back home, PKB ready to nominate him
Gus Dur back home, PKB ready to nominate him JAKARTA (JP): The National Awakening Party (PKB) is getting ready to call a leadership meeting to discuss the formal launching of Abdurrahman Wahid as its presidential candidate now that the party's patron is home from eye surgery in the U.S. Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, arrived Thursday morning from Salt Lake City, Utah, where he underwent cosmetic surgery on his eyelids.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cellular firms join forces to improve services
Cellular firms join forces to improve services JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's three Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) operators, PT Komselindo, PT Metrosel Nusantara and PT Telesera, have joined forces to compete with operators in other systems.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mayora workers continue strike
Mayora workers continue strike TANGERANG (JP): At least 1,500 striking workers of food producer PT Mayora Indah visited the Tangerang office of the Ministry of Manpower here on Wednesday, asking for help in their struggle for a wage increase. The workers, who have been on strike for more than five days, demanded that the company increase their wages by 30 percent from the current level.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. bank has to play nice with PAL: Regulator
U.S. bank has to play nice with PAL: Regulator MANILA (AFP): Philippine laws bar the U.S. Export-Import Bank from seizing planes of ailing Philippine Airlines (PAL), the chief corporate regulator said Thursday, vowing to block any confiscation. Perfecto Yasay, chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), warned the US Ex-im Bank his office "will not hesitate in taking such appropriate measures" to enforce its authority as the overseer of PAL's rehabilitation plan.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PLN underestimates arbitration ruling
PLN underestimates arbitration ruling JAKARTA (JP): PT Parusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) on Thursday dismissed fears that other independent power producers (IPP) would follow MidAmerican Energy Holdings' move in settling their disputes with the state electricity company.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Residents plunder plantation monthly
Residents plunder plantation monthly MEDAN, North Sumatra: A plantation in Asahan regency was reported to have lost 100 tons to 300 tons per month to looters. Hari Witono, president director of PT Bakrie Sumatra Plantation, told local legislators that the plundering of oil palm and rubber plantations seemed to be organized. Local residents are claiming that part of the land the company stands on in the Kisaran area is their inherited property.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timor deal signed at UN
East Timor deal signed at UN By Imanuddin UNITED NATIONS (JP): Indonesia and Portugal signed a landmark agreement on Wednesday that will give East Timorese people an unprecedented chance to determine their own future. Under the deal, signed by foreign ministers Ali Alatas of Indonesia and Jaime Gama of Portugal, the people in East Timor will be asked in a United Nations-supervised ballot, scheduled for Aug. 8, to choose between integration or separation with Indonesia.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government predicts positive growth in 1999/2000
Government predicts positive growth in 1999/2000 JAKARTA (JP): Senior government officials and the International Monetary Fund are unanimous in predicting Indonesia's battered economy will recover earlier than previously estimated following recent positive developments in the country's macroeconomic condition.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Budi's Gallery Collection, by Sudjana Kerton, Nyoman Gunarsa, etc., at La Casa de Mexico, Jl. Panglima Polim III no. 1-3, South Jakarta, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 11. * Painting Exhibition: by Darman, Helmy Krisnamurti, Radiastuti, etc., at Wisma Mitra Budaya, Jl. Tanjung no. 34, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until May 13. * Photo Exhibition: Private Expressions, at Galeri Foto Cahya, Plaza Menteng, 2nd floor, Jl.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timor's future
East Timor's future After months of talk and speculation, Indonesia finally has found itself faced with the tangible prospect of granting the former Portuguese colony of East Timor either autonomy within the Indonesian republic or independence. This stage, after what many East Timorese must have felt was an agonizingly long period, was reached with the signing on Wednesday in New York of a United Nations-brokered agreement by the foreign ministers of Indonesia and Portugal.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
School of theology develops experimental liturgical music
School of theology develops experimental liturgical music JAKARTA (JP): Those tired of the "conventional" sounds of the keyboard or piano in liturgical music can look to the Jakarta Theological Seminary for an alternative. The school's Creative Music Group has been experimenting with unconventional musical instruments to accompany its choir -- and many are impressed with the innovative results.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
KL, RI slam world for lack of forest fire aid
KL, RI slam world for lack of forest fire aid KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia and Indonesia attacked the international community for failing to produce promised aid to tackle forest fires which have stricken southeast Asia in recent years. "They (international community) have promised us (aid). But nothing is forthcoming," Malaysian Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat said.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 6, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 425 -25 763,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 0 Alter Abadi 350 75 4,994,500 Alumindo Light Metal 775 0 537,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 250 25 78,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,850 50 38,659,000 Anwar Sierad 100 -25 110,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Howard takes credit for Timor deal
Howard takes credit for Timor deal JAKARTA (Agencies): Australian Prime Minister John Howard claimed credit for initiating the successful agreement on East Timor between Portugal and Indonesia, AFP reported in Sydney. "After all it was my letter to (Indonesian president) Dr Habibie in December of last year that was the catalyst for the change in policy by the Indonesian government," he said.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Early return to Ambon may 'open old wounds'
Early return to Ambon may 'open old wounds' By Jupriadi UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Soekarno-Hatta seaport has been unusually busy over the past few weeks. Men and women of all ages have been jostling their way onto the ferries which will ship them back to Ambon, the capital of Maluku recently devastated by a communal war. They are migrants of Bugis-Makassar ethnicity who were displaced from January's Muslim-Christian fighting in Ambon and surrounding islets.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
More troops to be sent to Aceh, death toll hits 39
More troops to be sent to Aceh, death toll hits 39 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto, pledging to uphold the law at all costs, said on Thursday riot troops will be dispatched to Aceh, where the death toll from Monday's military shootings has risen to 39. "The government has decided to send PPRM (crack riot troops) to Aceh on Friday," Wiranto told reporters at Merdeka Palace after accompanying President B.J. Habibie at a meeting.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Separatist fighters kill villagers, take hostages
Separatist fighters kill villagers, take hostages JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): A band of up to 30 separatist rebels allegedly attacked on Wednesday a transmigration settlement, killing four residents and injuring four others. They also took 11 other people hostage. The rebels entered Moor village in Arso district on Wednesday afternoon and killed Paino, Prayitno and Bangid with machetes. Other residents fled the area to seek shelter in various places, including a palm oil factory.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Principal's health policy
Principal's health policy JAKARTA (JP): Insurance company Principal Indonesia launched on Thursday its new health policy, the Principal Sehat Sejahtera (PSS). The company's managing director, F. Doug Rasmussen, said in a statement the new product was a supplement to Principal's pension fund and insurance products. "The product was launched to fulfill the increasing needs of health insurance programs," he said.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
The debate
The debate As a novelty, I would like to applaud the students of the University of Indonesia for staging the much-talked-about debate, which featured some political party chiefs who will supposedly run for the presidency. Personally I consider it part of the election festival of democracy, which is admittedly rather subdued, now being prepared here.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asian monies mixed against dollar
Asian monies mixed against dollar SINGAPORE (AFP): Asian currencies ended mixed against the U.S. dollar Thursday, while the Japanese yen pulled back from earlier highs as trade resumed in Tokyo after a three-day holiday, dealers said. The Singapore dollar closed higher at 1.6993 from 1.7012 the day before, the Indonesian rupiah stood at 8,075 from 8,115, while the Taiwan dollar was marginally higher at 32.742 from 32.749.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sari Husada to expand market
Sari Husada to expand market YOGYAKARTA (JP): Infant skim milk powder producer PT Sari Husada said on Wednesday it would boost production capacity and expand its overseas market this year. Sari Husada's president Dwiyatno Siswosumarto said the company, with a new German-made production machine worth DM 1.2 million, would boost its capacity from 5,840 tons of milk powder per annum to 40,000 tons.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Survey defies assumption of a 'sick society'
Survey defies assumption of a 'sick society' JAKARTA (JP): A survey of residents in seven cities has found respondents are convinced theirs is a healthy society, despite the prolonged crisis. "This contradicts widespread assumptions that ours has become a sick society," secretary-general of the Campaign for a Peaceful Indonesia Aslim Nurhasan said on Wednesday. The interviewees were 1,413 people, mainly from the middle- class with monthly expenditures averaging Rp 800,000 to Rp 1.5 million.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDI Perjuangan wins support of urban poor
PDI Perjuangan wins support of urban poor JAKARTA (JP): The Urban Poor Consortium will coordinate the capital's poverty stricken, including becak (pedicab) drivers, to vote for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in order to win at least one seat on City Council in the June 7 election, an activist said Thursday.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Forestry firms causing fires will be closed
Forestry firms causing fires will be closed JAKARTA (JP): The government warned on Thursday that forestry and plantation companies found to have caused forest fires would be closed down. Companies responsible for forest fires would lose their operating permits, Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said at a meeting announcing new guidelines aimed at preventing forest fires. The ministry would revoke the permits event if fires occurred within a company's concession.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Singapore to use care in untying CLOB tangle
Singapore to use care in untying CLOB tangle SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday investors will be helped with their problems over funds locked in frozen Malaysian shares, but stopped short of saying the government would buy them.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Djadja wants no rallies to mark Trisakti shooting
Djadja wants no rallies to mark Trisakti shooting JAKARTA (JP): City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman on Thursday asked students to cancel their plan for a mammoth rally next week to observe the first anniversary of the fatal Trisakti University shooting. The Trisakti incident sparked major riots, which finally forced president Soeharto, who had been in power for 32 years, to resign on May 21.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Quality control lacking
Quality control lacking Quality control has never been one of Indonesia's strengths, but the saga of my Daihatsu Feroza is a particularly sad example of Indonesian companies shooting themselves, and their customers, in the foot by failing to monitor the quality of their products. The good thing about my Feroza, bought in June 1998, is that it came with a two-year warrantee.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Population of Weri gets clean water
Population of Weri gets clean water FAK FAK, Irian Jaya: The people of Weri in East Fak Fak, now enjoy clean water following the completion of a clean water project, Antara reported on Thursday. The head of the clean water supply in Weri, CH Simanjuntak, said the project was funded from the state budget (Rp 119.6 million), the safety net program (Rp 264 million) and provincial funds of Rp 36 million. The project provides water to Weri's 576 population.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
BNI's rating confirmed despite negative equity
BNI's rating confirmed despite negative equity JAKARTA (JP): U.S. rating agency Standard & Poor's affirmed Thursday its ratings on Bank Negara Indonesia and its US$145 million notes due 2007 despite the bank's negative equity. The outlook on the bank also remains negative, the rating agency said in a statement. S&P maintained BNI's local currency counterpart ratings at triple C plus and foreign currency counterpart ratings at triple C minus.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sports bodies gear up training program
Sports bodies gear up training program JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Cycling Federation (ISSI) will send its key cyclists for the national training centers in preparation for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August. ISSI deputy secretary general Sofyan Ruziat said on Thursday that the federation had listed 10 cyclists for the road race and 12 (four women and eight men) in the cross country.
Fri, 07 May 1999, 00:00 WIB
Excelcomindo, Nusapage tie up
Excelcomindo, Nusapage tie up JAKARTA (JP): Pro-XL prepaid telephone card provider PT Excelcomindo Pratama has agreed to cooperate with paging service provider PT Persada Komindo in the sale and distribution of the cards in Jakarta. Excelcomindo's marketing director Kusnadi Sukarja said on Thursday pro-XL subscribers could now purchase both starter packs and voucher cards through Persada's Nusapage operators and have them delivered to their addresses within three hours at no extra charge.