Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 June 1999

55 articles found

Two arrested for robbery

Two arrested for robbery JAKARTA (JP): Residents in Kayu Putih, East Jakarta, apprehended two men for allegedly attempting to rob a driver early Friday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said on Friday the robbery attempt took place at about 12:30 p.m. at a gas station on Jl. Kayu Putih. The suspects, identified as Sumadi and Samroni, are detained at the East Jakarta Police Station, Lubis said. The driver, Bagus Balilai, a resident of Jl.

Badminton body delays coach reshuffle plan

Badminton body delays coach reshuffle plan JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has been working hard to improve shuttlers' performances in international events. One way was to replace the women's coaches with men's coaches in women's sectors. Apparently the idea remains an idea as PBSI has decided to delay the plan due to unprepared human resources.

S'pore denies RI gas problem

S'pore denies RI gas problem SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore Power Friday denied industry reports that talks on a second Singapore-Indonesia natural gas agreement had stalled over a disagreement on prices. "Talks are progressing," said Singapore Power spokeswoman Alice Ong.

Import ban on Belgian food valid on Monday

Import ban on Belgian food valid on Monday JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Friday that the ban on imports of Belgian farm, poultry and food products would take effect on Monday. Director General of International Trade Djoko Moeljono said the ban was issued on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health.

Social problems from Asian crisis to persist

Social problems from Asian crisis to persist MANILA (Reuters): Economies in Asia may appear to be bottoming out from the regional financial crisis but accompanying social crisis is expected to linger in the coming years, the Asian Development Bank said. "The social crisis in Asia is still unfolding," ADB chief economist Jungsoo Lee said in a news conference on Friday.

Price rally continues on JSX, but rupiah down

Price rally continues on JSX, but rupiah down JAKARTA (JP): The price rally continued on the Jakarta Stock Exchange on Friday, with the benchmark Composite Index again breaking the 700-point psychological barrier. The rupiah weakened on Friday to close the day at Rp 7,295 against the U.S. dollar, down from Rp 7,280 late Thursday despite the surge in share prices. The dollar traded in a very narrow range between Rp 7,295 and Rp 7,250 during the day.

Bargaining with the IMF

Bargaining with the IMF In Indonesia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is implementing a program which requires the government to reform its financial institutions, transform the country's economic structure on a grand scale and change its political conduct. In the words of (Harvard economist Martin) Feldstein, the IMF is lending Indonesia money on the collateral of strict adherence to a highly detailed program, ranging from determining oil fuel prices to marketing plywood.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 575 0 15,000 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 375 0 20,000 Alter Abadi 525 125 7,759,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,150 -150 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 525 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,650 25 3,405,000 Anwar Sierad 450 75 4,900,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Petrosea pays dividends

Petrosea pays dividends JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Petrosea, an engineering construction and contract mining services firm, will pay dividends of one U.S. cent for the 1998 financial year. The company said the dividends, approved by shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting on Friday, would be paid in rupiah on July 15. The company reported a net profit of Rp 153.85 billion (about US$20 million) last year, an 83 percent increase from the Rp 84 billion it booked in 1997.

Fischer urges continuity with IMF-prescribed programs

Fischer urges continuity with IMF-prescribed programs JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund's first deputy managing director, Stanley Fischer, said on Friday he was heartened by the outcome of Indonesia's June 7 general election, which passed peacefully, and with the improving economic picture. However, he emphasized that the new government would need to continue the IMF-prescribed economic reform programs to ensure international support and a sustainable economic recovery.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on June 18, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Sampoerna back in black in first quarter

Sampoerna back in black in first quarter JAKARTA (JP): PT HM Sampoerna returned to the black again in the first quarter of this year after making a net loss of Rp 120 billion in 1998. The publicly listed cigarettemaker reported on Friday a net profit of some Rp 200 billion (about US$27.78 million) during the first quarter. Sampoerna's finance director, Eka Dharmayantokasih, said he was optimistic this year's earnings would offset the net loss incurred by the company in the previous year.

KPU accused of misusing funds

KPU accused of misusing funds JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Union Party, Sri Bintang Pamungkas, suggested on Friday that the General Elections Commission (KPU) may have misused electoral funds. Speaking to journalists here, Sri Bintang said he had strong suspicions of collusion in the use of Rp 20 billion (US$8.69 million) provided to KPU sub-committees.

Government declares war on illegal labor exporters

Government declares war on illegal labor exporters JAKARTA (JP): The government declared an all-out battle against what it described as a well-organized network of illegal labor exporters at home and abroad whose scope had reached alarming levels.

Reform movement must be upheld: Students

Reform movement must be upheld: Students JAKARTA (JP): Alarmed by indications of a power struggle among aspiring presidential candidates and wary of the commitment of the new forces to the reform movement, students have threatened to once again return to the streets.

Lack of mature mind

Lack of mature mind After hearing and reading the comment about the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), I feel very sad to learn that so many "scholars" of politics and religious affairs who hold degrees, are no more than narrow-minded people. Because of their self interest, they have been trying to stop Megawati from becoming the next president by giving religious arguments.

Excelcomindo, Lippo deal

Excelcomindo, Lippo deal JAKARTA (JP): Local cellular operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama, the operator of GSM-XL, announced on Thursday that subscribers to its Pro-XL prepaid card could now refill their cards at one of Lippo Bank's 250 automated teller machines (ATMs). The head of Excelcomindo's E-reload unit, Benny Gomulia, said the new service became effective in Pro-XL's coverage areas in Java, Bali and Lombok on June 15.

Lawyers for blast suspects

Lawyers for blast suspects JAKARTA (JP): Police have appointed a legal defense team for the seven suspects in the April 19 blast at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque, an officer said on Thursday. "We have appointed a team for them and they (the suspects) agreed with our choice," city police detectives chief Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo said. The six-member team is from BKPW, a foundation of retired police officers, he said.

Asian stock markets close varied

Asian stock markets close varied HONG KONG (AP): Asian stock markets ended the week mixed Friday, with the key index slipping in Tokyo but surging in Jakarta. The Japanese benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged down 39.19 points, or 0.22 percent, to close at 17,431.26. On Thursday, the index gained 260.27, or 1.51 percent.

Indonesia may get lower loan support from CGI: Ginandjar

Indonesia may get lower loan support from CGI: Ginandjar JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia may not be able to get a large enough loan commitment this year from the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) to finance the state budget for the next fiscal year, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said here on Friday.

Asian monies mixed following Japanese, U.S. comments

Asian monies mixed following Japanese, U.S. comments SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed against the U.S. dollar in late trading Friday as markets digested the latest economic and political comments out of both the U.S. overnight and Japan during the trading session. U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said during Thursday's New York trading session that U.S. interest rates should probably be raised to waylay any "developing imbalances" that could hurt a percolating U.S.

A tough task ahead

A tough task ahead Even though only on a caretaker basis -- at least for the time being -- the government's decision to replace scandal-riddled Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib with his deputy Ismudjoko provides President B.J. Habibie an excellent opportunity to begin cleaning up the Attorney General's Office.

Foreign-language teachers' guide to learning

Foreign-language teachers' guide to learning By Simon Marcus Gower This is the first of two articles on foreign language teaching. JAKARTA (JP): Education or training, like language, is a process of communication. In order to educate or train, we are communicating ideas or concepts, methods or means, tales or histories. Language is a means of communication. It is a tool via which we interact, with which we communicate ideas and, effectively, distinguish ourselves as human beings.

AS Hikam's warning

AS Hikam's warning From Rakyat Merdeka It is interesting to take note of the warning given by Mr. AS Hikam in Rakyat Merdeka daily of June 9, 1999. Hats off to Mr. Hikam for his willingness as a political scientist to apply his expert knowledge for the establishment of a public life characterized by compatibility, harmony and balance. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) must carefully and wisely understand this warning. Mr.

C. Java districts could merge

C. Java districts could merge SEMARANG, Central Java: As many as 10 districts in Central Java could be merged under a new law on regional autonomy.

Malaysia casts wary eye on Indonesia vote

Malaysia casts wary eye on Indonesia vote By Nelson Graves KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A woman leads the opposition to victory over the party which has governed the nation for decades. That's a dream for millions of Indonesians but a nightmare for those in Malaysia's dominant party. Indonesia's first truly multi-party election in more than four decades has resonated in Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's dominant United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

Forex reserves slide to $15.80 billion

Forex reserves slide to $15.80 billion JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's net foreign exchange reserves declined US$88.8 million to $15.80 billion in the week ending June 15, compared to the previous week's level of $15.89 billion. The central bank said in its weekly report released on Friday that the drop was mainly due to the repayment of the government's foreign debts and letters of credit.

Basketball, rock concert at Istora

Basketball, rock concert at Istora JAKARTA (JP): Basketball fans are invited to watch a tournament featuring 15 players currently preparing for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and rock music groups on June 27 at 4 p.m. at Senayan indoor stadium (Istora) here. Andi Afandi, head of the organizing committee, said on Friday SEA Games players would face league players from top clubs Aspac and Panasia Indosyntec in the one-day tournament called 'A Mild One Day Championship'.

Violation charges prolong end to ballot count

Violation charges prolong end to ballot count JAKARTA (JP): Many harried provincial elections committees have moved back the completion of their vote counts from June 17 deadline to June 21, citing technical complications or controversy over alleged violations. Tiny but troubled East Timor is one of only a few provinces to finish the vote count on time, although protests lodged by Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) marred the approval of the results.

Cibogo residents angry over high-voltage tower

Cibogo residents angry over high-voltage tower TANGERANG (JP): Scores of Cibogo villagers from Kelapa Dua, Curug, Tangerang, on Friday gathered at the construction site of a high-voltage tower being erected near their village and demanded state-owned electricity company PLN move the tower to another location. According to the villagers, they have sent several letters and met with PLN executives to make known their objections to the construction of the 150,000-volt tower.

East Timor rival factions sign pact

East Timor rival factions sign pact JAKARTA (JP): East Timor's rival factions signed a disarmament agreement at the Ministry of Justice here on Friday, as the United Nations mission in the troubled territory accused the Indonesian Military of helping militia groups intimidate villagers and assault one old man. The agreement was signed by jailed independence leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, president of the Resistance Council of East Timor (CNRT), and Leandro Isaac, a member of CNRT.

Traders ask for compensation

Traders ask for compensation BOGOR (JP): At least 1,200 traders of Pasar Kembang market have asked the management of the Ramayana department store, also located there, to be responsible for the 1996 fire which gutted the market. Their demand was made on Tuesday as the source of the fire, which damaged the traders' kiosks and merchandise, came from the department store. Eleven representatives of the traders went to the Bogor Mayoralty Legislative Council to complain directly.

Students demand poll result announcements be postponed

Students demand poll result announcements be postponed JAKARTA (JP): The announcement of the official final results of the general election should be delayed until a guarantee can be obtained that all reported claims of poll violations will be settled, a leading student group says.

We didn't find human head in suspect's house: Police

We didn't find human head in suspect's house: Police JAKARTA (JP): Police have temporarily halted investigating a Cipondoh resident in Tangerang for alleged drug possession while the suspect, a chronic diabetic sufferer, receives treatment at Soekanto Police Hospital, an officer said on Friday. Chief of the Jakarta Police detectives Col.

Investors give cold shoulder to Kramat Tunggak conversion

Investors give cold shoulder to Kramat Tunggak conversion JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is keeping a standing invitation open for investors to convert the Kramat Tunggak red- light district in North Jakarta into a shopping complex, an official of the city social services agency said on Friday. The official, who asked not to be named, said offers were made to several private companies, but only PT Nuansa Jasa Realtindo (PT NJR) expressed interest.

Defending low fare airlines

Defending low fare airlines Regarding Mr. Sawrey-Cookson's letter published on June 16, I would like to point out a few facts that Mr. Sawrey-Cookson should take into account next time he flies the hideous flight from Jakarta to London. Choose an airline that fits your price range and inquire into what sort of service they offer on board, i.e. checking to see if Royal Brunei actually do serve alcoholic beverages on board.

Disabled cop fights for compensation

Disabled cop fights for compensation JAKARTA (JP): A retired police officer, left physically disabled from an act of retaliation allegedly committed by Army personnel, began a hunger strike on Friday to demand the National Police help cover his medical costs. First Sgt. (ret) Mamat Soehermat, 49, who began his hunger strike at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute, threatened to starve himself to death unless the authorities paid attention to his plight.

Officials pressing vendors for payoffs

Officials pressing vendors for payoffs JAKARTA (JP): A city official has deplored the rampant collection of fees from unregistered street vendors by city administration officials, terming it "a crime". Chrisman Siregar of the Central Jakarta public order office warned on Thursday that any officer caught conducting unofficial fee collections would be punished according to regulations. "City officers can only collect money from registered street vendors in line with Law No. 18/1997.

Language barriers can be used to keep power

Language barriers can be used to keep power By Sam Wright This is the second of two articles on the role of foreign languages in Indonesian history. JAKARTA (JP): In this postcolonial world, the fracturing of Indonesian society through conflicting language demands, continues. Some of these new language demands are introduced by the changed international situation.

Six escape from Magelang prison

Six escape from Magelang prison MAGELANG, Central Java: Police in the Magelang area have launched a manhunt for six convicts who escaped from a prison here on Thursday night. "We have coordinated and contacted all police stations in Central Java," Magelang Police chief Lt. Col. Pranowo Haryanto said here on Friday. He told The Jakarta Post that the six convicts escaped by breaking the lock in their cell and climbing over the prison wall.

Garin Nugroho lands Tokyo retrospective

Garin Nugroho lands Tokyo retrospective JAKARTA (JP): Works by respected film director Garin Nugroho are being screened in a program called Garin Nugroho Retrospection held by the Japan Foundation Forum at Akasaka Twin Tower, Tokyo, from June 17 through June 20. Garin is the eighth famed Asian film director to have his works featured in the retrospective series.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 9:30 TV Series: The Sainth 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 English Lessons 5:00 Cultural Program 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:30 Comedy 11:00 Film 12:30 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Bugis in South Sulawesi

Bugis in South Sulawesi This letter was intentionally delayed to sound neither political nor emotional. Djiwandono's article Not much credit is due Habibie's presidency published on May 26, 1999, indeed hurt the feelings of people of South Sulawesi, primarily those who read the paper. Tendentiously, he wrote that Habibie was a native of South Sulawesi and cynically added that as President, Habibie was surrounded by people who hailed from South Sulawesi.

Riau demands larger share in government oil revenue

Riau demands larger share in government oil revenue JAKARTA (JP): A delegation from Riau province demanded on Friday a change to the oil and gas bill currently being debated by the House of Representatives to allow the province to obtain a larger share of the government's oil and gas revenue.

Government refuses to delay debate on forestry bill

Government refuses to delay debate on forestry bill JAKARTA (JP): Ministry of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said on Friday the government had no plans to delay deliberation of the forestry bill in the House of Representatives. Muslimin said postponement of House debates on the bill would mean a delay in implementation of the forest law, which would be unacceptable. He denied the draft law had been made without taking into account public input.

Three die as truck hits van

Three die as truck hits van BOYOLALI, Central Java: Three women died when a truck slammed into a minivan carrying workers of Safaritex textile company on Thursday night. The three women, all in their early 20s, were on their way to work late that night. According to Boyolali Police chief Lt. Col. Didik Triwindodo, the overtaking truck rammed into the rear of the minivan as it veered to avoid a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction.

Ismudjoko installed as acting attorney general

Ismudjoko installed as acting attorney general JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice /State Secretary Muladi installed former deputy attorney general Ismudjoko on Friday as acting attorney general, replacing Andi M. Ghalib, who stepped aside on Monday pending a graft investigation. "This morning, I delivered a presidential decree which names Ismudjoko as the acting attorney general," Muladi told an official ceremony at the Attorney General's Office in South Jakarta.

Mosque home to Timor refugees

Mosque home to Timor refugees UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Eighty-six refugees from East Timor, who fled their province two months ago, are still being sheltered at a mosque here. One of the refugees, Jose da Silva Taneti, said here on Friday that they left East Timor because of the worsening security situation in the province. Antara reported that the first batch of refugees began arriving in early April.

Government to check dumping charges

Government to check dumping charges JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Friday that it would investigate allegations of dumping practices against foreign hypermarket operators here.

Twilite Orchestra sets stage for Popstravaganza Concert

Twilite Orchestra sets stage for Popstravaganza Concert JAKARTA (JP): Fans may have to wait weeks until they can see the Star Wars prequel, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace here. But at least they can entertain themselves with the movie's theme music at Twilite Orchestra Popstravaganza Concert next week. The orchestra's conductor, Addie MS, said they would play the Star Wars' theme to open its June 25 concert at Teater Tanah Airku in Taman Mini Indonesia park, East Jakarta.

Gus Dur proposes separation of executive powers

Gus Dur proposes separation of executive powers JAKARTA (JP): With fears of a deadlocked presidential election looming, chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization Abdurrahman Wahid suggested on Friday a separation of power between the head of government and the head of state. Abdurrahman, who is better known as Gus Dur, said the head of state should only perform protocol tasks, while the head of government should carry out functional duties.

Mahathir says in no hurry for elections

Mahathir says in no hurry for elections KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday that he could call general elections at any time but was in no hurry to organize polls. Mahathir, who earlier this week stirred financial markets when he said he planned a surprise announcement at his party's annual meeting, was asked by a reporter what the surprise would be. "The surprise is there is no surprise," Mahathir said.

Police disperse anti-Soeharto rally

Police disperse anti-Soeharto rally JAKARTA (JP): Riot police dispersed a student street rally at the Semanggi cloverleaf in the heart of the capital on Friday morning, arresting 32 protesters, mostly female students. According to police, the rally by students from the University of Indonesia demanding the immediate trial of former president Soeharto was illegal because protesters did not give prior notification to police as required by law.

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. * Painting Exhibition: Virtual Reality, by Heri Dono, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5252321), Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until July 10.

Drug addicts' sanctuaries under police's nose

Drug addicts' sanctuaries under police's nose JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives have located a number of vacant and quiet land plots in the capital which have become favorite spots for drug addicts and dealers, an official said on Friday. City police chief of detectives Col.