Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 June 1999

53 articles found

Police arrest 15 in 'shabu-shabu' house raid

Police arrest 15 in 'shabu-shabu' house raid JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen young people, including three women, were apprehended on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly consuming shabu-shabu, an amphetamine-derivative, in a boarding house in Baturaja subdistrict, Central Jakarta.

Mayora workers demand lost wages

Mayora workers demand lost wages TANGERANG (JP): Hundreds of laid-off workers of publicly listed candy and biscuit producer PT Mayora Indah staged a rally here demanding they be paid in full until their dispute was legally settled.During the rally, the workers blocked Jl.

Jakartans set for treat from Introdans

Jakartans set for treat from Introdans JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans will have the opportunity to enjoy three performances of the famous Dutch ballet company Introdans Ensemble for Youths this Friday and Saturday.The performances will take place at Erasmus Huis, Jl. Rasuna Said Kav.

Bakauheni traders go on strike here

Bakauheni traders go on strike here JAKARTA (JP): Fourteen street vendors from the Bakauheni ferry port in Lampung, at the southern tip of Sumatra, begun a hunger strike on Thursday at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute to press their demands that they be allowed to resume their business operations.

U.S. envoy fails to soothe Chinese

U.S. envoy fails to soothe Chinese BEIJING (AP): A U.S. envoy failed to convince Chinese officials that NATO bombed China's embassy in Yugoslavia by mistake, ending his crucial mission to Beijing on Thursday with relations still in disrepair.

Estrada aide under fire

Estrada aide under fire MANILA (Reuters): The United States sought on Thursday the extradition of a powerful adviser to Philippine President Joseph Estrada on charges of illegal contributions to President Bill Clinton's election campaign and other offenses.The U.S.

Thousand Islands may get new status

Thousand Islands may get new status JAKARTA (JP): The government is studying the possibility of changing the status of the Thousand Islands in North Jakarta from a district to a mayoralty in a bid to help promote the islands as a major tourist destination, an official said on Thursday.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on June 17, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,330.10 7,390.00 7,330.00 7,430.00Australian dollar 1 4,795.25 4,886.70 4,770.00 4,961.00Austrian schilling 1 546.36 555.91 - -Belgian franc 1 186.

Language barriers can be used to keep power

Language barriers can be used to keep powerBy Sam Wright This is the first of two articles on the role foreign languages in Indonesian history. JAKARTA (JP): We are what history makes us. In the present, we struggle with the past.

Protests continue over vote-rigging

Protests continue over vote-rigging JAKARTA (JP): Parties which have performed poorly in the polls continued on Thursday their allegations of vote-rigging in several provinces and reiterated demands for a repeat of the polls.

NATO must be condemned

NATO must be condemned The editorial entitled What price Kosovo? (The Jakarta Post, June 12, 1999) is an example of how one, due to lack of objectivity and full of bias falls into contradictions and into negating its own and generally accepted principles.

Ex-attorneys urge legal action against Ghalib

Ex-attorneys urge legal action against Ghalib JAKARTA (JP): Former attorneys on Thursday called for tougher measures to be taken against Andi M. Ghalib, who stepped aside on Monday as attorney general for the duration of a graft probe, expressing concern over the tarnished image of the country's...

Golkar accused of Manokwari poll fix

Golkar accused of Manokwari poll fix MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: Local representatives from 19 political parties have refused to endorse the final results of the general election in Manokwari regency, accusing the Golkar Party of campaign violations.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Misteri Wanita Dalam Ukiyo-e, at Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Phone: 5201266), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until June 30.

East Timor: Will the United Nations make another blunder?

East Timor: Will the United Nations make another blunder?By George J. Aditjondro This is the second of two articles on the role of the United Nations in the upcoming direct ballot in East Timor. NEWCASTLE, Australia (JP): Unlike in the case of Kuwait or Kosovo, U.S.

New president's priority task

New president's priority task Indonesia's next president will be chosen this fall by a special assembly made up of the 462 newly elected members of the House of Representatives, 38 delegates nominated by the armed forces and 200 representatives chosen by local assemblies and designated interest...

So close, yet so far

So close, yet so far The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) may have assured itself a general election victory even with less than half of the votes counted, but the coveted presidency for its chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri still hangs in the balance.

Another commodity bourse on the cards

Another commodity bourse on the cards JAKARTA (JP): A group of traders plan to open a futures commodity exchange to trade rice, sugar, soybeans, tobacco, cotton and fiber.Sally Rosalina, one of the group's members, said on Thursday that they had established a new company, PT Bursa Komoditi Jakarta...

Indonesia's rowing association wants a clean sweep at SEA Games

Indonesia's rowing association wants a clean sweep at SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Rowing Association (PODSI) hopes to make a clean sweep of eight golds at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August.

Government issues list of banned Euro foods

Government issues list of banned Euro foods JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Health issued on Thursday a list of European farm and dairy products which have been banned or temporarily withdrawn from the market.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 17, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 575 0 5,500 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 375 0 18,000 Alter Abadi 400 0 428,000 Alumindo...

IMF official says Asia continuing to show rebound

IMF official says Asia continuing to show rebound HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The Asian region continues to show signs of recovery, according to Stanley Fischer, first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

KIPP says frustated minor parties delaying results

KIPP says frustated minor parties delaying results JAKARTA (JP): The provincial Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) stated on Thursday that many Jakarta chapters of minor political parties were determined to delay the poll counting process here following their poor showing in the...

Literature deserves a place in schools

Literature deserves a place in schoolsBy A. Chaedar Alwasilah BANDUNG (JP): Poet and playwright Taufiq Ismail is often quoted calling for a revival of the proper teaching of literature and writing in schools.

Passport forgery investigated

Passport forgery investigated JAKARTA (JP): The Directorate General of Immigration is currently investigating passport forgery practices allegedly done by people linked to the exportation of labor to Saudi Arabia, an official said on Thursday.Director General M.

KL's UMNO in fighting mood ahead of polls

KL's UMNO in fighting mood ahead of polls KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday rejected rumors he was planning to resign as Malaysia's ruling party began an annual congress in an upbeat and fighting mood ahead of general elections.

Deadlock, TNI takes over

Deadlock, TNI takes over In view of the political situation following the poll, it has been forecasted that a prolonged confrontation among political parties will prevail, which could lead to chaos and disorder.

Golkar seeks coalition with PDI-P in a surprise move

Golkar seeks coalition with PDI-P in a surprise move JAKARTA (JP): After being rejected by the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the National Awakening Party (PKB), Golkar Party, running third in the provisional vote count, is looking at the possibility of forming a coalition with the front-running...

Additional poll

Additional poll There is an error in the article Unfrel unveils various violations during polls in The Jakarta Post, June 12, 1999. It is written: "Tris Stiadi, Unfrel election monitoring coordinator, says that Unfrel considers asking the Bogor mayoralty elections committee to repeat the election...

Village chief pick sparks rampage

Village chief pick sparks rampage PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Hundreds of residents from Mangunegara village in Purbalingga regency vented their anger over the election of Purnomo as village chief by going on a rampage on Thursday.At least six houses in the village were damaged.

Refugees' homes left unfinished

Refugees' homes left unfinished KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Construction of houses for 1,000 refugees has been delayed due to a lack of available land and supply of construction materials.Head of the regional office of the Ministry of Public Works, Soekarjoso, said on Thursday that construction of...

BDF debt restructuring plan approved

BDF debt restructuring plan approved JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT BBL Dharmala Finance (BDF) announced on Thursday its debt restructuring proposal received initial approval from the negotiation team representing the company's creditors.

Megawati presidency not foregone conclusion

Megawati presidency not foregone conclusionBy Winarno Zain JAKARTA (JP): Barring any odd developments, the victory of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in the June 7 elections is a foregone conclusion.

Daughter suspected in mother's murder

Daughter suspected in mother's murder SEMARANG: A 25-year-old woman is suspected of killing her mother by poisoning, police in Bruno Purworejo said.The daughter, identified as GY of Brandong village, was arrested for murdering Fatmunarsih, Antara reported on Thursday.

PDI-P set for Bali landslide

PDI-P set for Bali landslide JAKARTA (JP): While the chance of becoming the outright majority in the House of Representatives has slipped from their grasp, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is now seeking to rule the roost in provincial legislatures.With 82.

Top players turn down national tennis team

Top players turn down national tennis team JAKARTA (JP): Three men's national players have declined to join the national selection, which is part of the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games preparation.Men's singles Andrian Raturandang and men's doubles specialists Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo...

Military, PAN could become kingmakers

Military, PAN could become kingmakers JAKARTA (JP): The National Mandate Party (PAN) and the military will likely play a determinant role in deciding who will be the country's next president if leading parties lack support for their presidential candidates, political observers have said.

Sampoerna's debt rescheduled

Sampoerna's debt rescheduled JAKARTA (JP): Cigarettemaker PT HM Sampoerna announced on Thursday that it had secured approval from its creditors' to reschedule the $140 million outstanding of a $150 million syndicated term loan and revolving credit facility.

IMF approves new Thai loan

IMF approves new Thai loan WASHINGTON (Reuters): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday it had completed a review of Thailand's economy, allowing payment of a new US$520 million tranche of an existing $17.2 billion international loan.

IMF ready to work with whoever wins elections

IMF ready to work with whoever wins elections HONG KONG (AFP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is ready to work with whoever wins Indonesia's election to help nurse the country's crippled economy back to health, a top official said on Thursday.

Coca-Cola says local beverages safe

Coca-Cola says local beverages safe JAKARTA (JP): Soft drink producer PT Coca-Cola Indonesia assured on Thursday that its products manufactured in the country were safe for consumption amid fears sparked by outbreaks of illness in several European countries.

Aceh military commander replaced

Aceh military commander replaced JAKARTA (JP): The military commander overseeing security in Aceh's troubled regencies of Pidie, North Aceh and East Aceh was replaced on Wednesday.Riot troop commander Col.

Apartment market to remain gloomy until year end

Apartment market to remain gloomy until year end JAKARTA (JP): Property consultants have predicted that the capital will continue to experience a decline in demand for residential apartment rental space throughout the year, and expect increased vacancy at the end of 1999.

New revelations in Anwar trial

New revelations in Anwar trial KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A psychiatrist told Anwar Ibrahim's sex trial on Thursday that police compelled him to reveal information given to him in confidence by the former minister's adopted brother.

Stop being Chinese?

Stop being Chinese? Mr. Sri Pamoedjo Rahardjo, in Searching for real racial unity (June 11 and June 12) believes that affirmative actions by the government would help so-called indigenous Indonesians improve their status vis-a-vis Chinese-Indonesians.Maybe. Maybe not.

New House members to be inducted in early October

New House members to be inducted in early October JAKARTA (JP): National Elections Committee chairman Jacob Tobing said on Thursday new members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) would be inducted into office in early October.

Asian currencies strengthen despite intervention fears

Asian currencies strengthen despite intervention fears HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian bulls emerged mostly victorious from a psychological tug of war Thursday, overcoming market fears of dollar-supportive intervention by the Bank of Japan to bid up regional currencies.

Reporter charged for defamation

Reporter charged for defamation BOGOR (JP): A journalist was indicted at the district court here on Wednesday charged with defaming a property businessman.Azhar Sani, 51, of the Bukti ("Evidence") tabloid newspaper was accused of defaming Riduwan Ibrahim, director of PT Karya Bunga Pantai Ceria...

Foreign observers or tourists?

Foreign observers or tourists?By Hermawan Sulistyo JAKARTA (JP); General elections in countries undergoing democratization are often, if not always, marred by cheating and structural violations. To minimize the degree of violations, and hence to increase the quality of democratization, many...

Police give conflicting reports on Hendra extradition request

Police give conflicting reports on Hendra extradition request JAKARTA (JP): Police made contradictory remarks on Thursday in regard to Indonesia's official request to Australian authorities for the extradition of Hendra Rahardja, one of the most wanted Indonesian bankers who was apprehended in...

Unfrel endorses June 7 elections, despite some violations

Unfrel endorses June 7 elections, despite some violations JAKARTA (JP): Despite instances of alleged vote-rigging and intimidation, the June 7 elections were successfully organized, a preliminary report of the University Network for Free and Fair Elections (Unfrel) said.

UN tells E. Timorese their vote is secret

UN tells E. Timorese their vote is secret UNITED NATIONS (Reuters): Secretary-General Kofi Annan assured the people of East Timor on Wednesday that their vote on Aug. 8 to decide the future of the territory would be secret and that the United Nations, which is organizing the balloting, was entirely...

Aceh fishermen suffer as trawlers muscle in

Aceh fishermen suffer as trawlers muscle inBy Ampelsa BANDA ACEH, Aceh (Antara): Trawls and unchecked fish bombing has not only destroyed the marine ecosystem, but has also seriously threatened local fisherfolk's livelihood.