Archive: 28 June 1999
42 articles found
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Troops on patrol after clash
Troops on patrol after clash JAKARTA (JP): Military and police troops patrolled two villages in Maluku on Sunday after least three people were killed and another 12 injured in a mass brawl three days earlier. "Bataka and Talaga are calm now, but troops and police are still stationed there to monitor the situation," First Sgt. Mustafa told The Jakarta Post by phone from the North Maluku capital of Ternate on Sunday.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
23 infants die in S. Kalimantan
23 infants die in S. Kalimantan BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Twenty-three children in South Kalimantan, all less than five years old, have died of marasmus since the onset of the economic crisis nearly two years ago, Governor Gusti Hasan Aman said here on Thursday. "Some 161 more are suffering from (marasmus) and are currently receiving intensive medical treatment," Aman said at a coordination meeting of the provincial food and nutrition team, Antara reported.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Crowds flock to Prophet's birthday
Crowds flock to Prophet's birthday YOGYAKARTA: The traditional ritual commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad was a main attraction in this tourist city over the weekend. Called "Grebeg Maulud" and held by the palace, mounds of agricultural products were carried along the city streets past crowds of onlookers. The procession was accompanied by a salvo of gunshots from palace guards in traditional costume.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
OECF provides aid for expressway
OECF provides aid for expressway AMBON, Maluku: Japan's Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) has extended Rp 1.1 billion in aid for the construction of the Wakasihu expressway in Ambon. Antara news agency quoted on Thursday a provincial public works official as saying the construction of a seven kilometer segment of the planned 12-km road in the western part of Ambon was completed with financial help from OECF.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Debt relief for poor countries
Debt relief for poor countries The leaders of the G-8 major countries waived all repayments of loans in official development assistance and largely increased the number of countries benefiting from the write-offs. Japan, a large creditor nation in yen loans, resisted the plan on the grounds that nations should repay their debts. But Japan's opposition was overcome by the drive waged by social democratic governments in Europe, which were backed by non-governmental organizations.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Strong rupiah may hurt exports: Intikeramik
Strong rupiah may hurt exports: Intikeramik JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed porcelain tile manufacturer PT Intikeramik Alamasri Industri said on Friday the strengthening of the rupiah could hurt its exports. Company president Lie Ju Tjhong said that if the rupiah further surged to below Rp 6,000 against the U.S. dollar, the target to double its exports this year would be difficult to achieve. "We have had very high export orders since the beginning of this year.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Corruption out of hand in Padang
Corruption out of hand in Padang PADANG, West Sumatra: Around 100 officials, active and retired, are suspected of being involved in corruption, a spokesman of the district attorney here said. Khaidir Ramli said on Thursday that the office has since last year handled 57 cases involving the officials assigned to West Sumatra. "The number of those involved is likely to increase," Khaidir said. "We could have over 100 suspects," as corruption cases rarely involve just one person.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Traders benefit from erotic publications
Traders benefit from erotic publications JAKARTA (JP): Amid questioning of popular model Sophia Latjuba for her controversial seminude pose in a magazine, newspaper agents and street vendors are the winners as new risque and X- rated publications hit the streets. Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Sunday, many newspaper vendors said they were able to make a profit of between Rp 200 (three U.S cents) and Rp 2,000 for each tabloid and magazine running sensual pictures and stories.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Supriati wins Olympic Day Run
Supriati wins Olympic Day Run JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top runners Supriati Sutono and Eduard Nabunome won the Jakarta 1999 Olympic Day Run on Sunday morning, held to commemorate the capital's 472nd anniversary. Supriati, the 1998 Asian Games gold medalist in the women's 5,000m, won the 10km women's elite group with a time of 35:12.6 and Eduard, a marathon specialist, took first in the 10km men's elite group, clocking 30:44.4.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Applying military law
Applying military law We have been forced to pay attention to an alleged bribery case involving ex-Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib. As we all know, Ghalib is a military man, and most people think that his case will not be brought to court. The people might wonder whether our law is applicable to the military. Or whether the law is only applicable to civilians. So people should be informed about this matter.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: by the Indonesian Leica Photography Club, at Galeri Foto Cahya, Plaza Menteng, 2nd floor, Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto 79, Menteng (Phone: 3907623), Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until July 2. * Painting Exhibition: Jakarta Tempo Doeloe by Kismono, at Bistro Garden Restaurant, Plaza Senayan 3rd Lev, no. 331A, Jl. Asia Afrika 8, South Jakarta (Phone: 5725287), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until June 30.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
GM to break even in Asia
GM to break even in Asia DETROIT (Reuters): General Motors Corp., which lost US$243 million in Asia-Pacific in 1998, expects to break even there in 2000, Rudolph Schlais, the automaker's president of operations in the region, said on Friday. Stronger sales in Thailand, South Korea and Australia will help the region bounce back, Schlais said during an appearance on the weekly public television program Autoline Detroit.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
KPU to query alleged corruption
KPU to query alleged corruption CISARUA, West Java (JP): General Elections Commission (KPU) deputy chairman Adnan Buyung Nasution vowed on Sunday to investigate alleged acts of corruption and collusion inside the commission. He said he would take the issues straight to the commission's plenary session for further investigation because the issues had tarnished the KPU's image in the eyes of the public.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government expects US$4.72b plus from CGI
Government expects US$4.72b plus from CGI JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's major lenders, grouped in the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), may pledge some US$4.72 billion in loans at the upcoming annual donors meeting, according to a senior government official. Budhy Tjahjati, a deputy for international cooperation at the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), said on Friday that the figure was an "initial estimate from talks with multilateral and bilateral agencies".
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sugar policy good for customers: Economists
Sugar policy good for customers: Economists JAKARTA (JP): Economists backed on Friday the government's controversial decision to liberalize sugar imports, saying the move was good for consumers. But they called on the government to speed up the rejuvenation process of the local sugar industry to enable local producers to compete with foreign sugar makers.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
New policy set to cut 20% off price of imported cars
New policy set to cut 20% off price of imported cars JAKARTA (JP): The government's new policy on the automobile industry will cut the price of imported cars by at least 20 percent, thanks to a significant reduction of import duties, analysts have said. But the price of locally assembled cars will jerk up as companies will no longer receive tax breaks, which were tied to the level of local content.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
TB affected area to be revamped
TB affected area to be revamped TANGERANG (JP): Officials plan to revamp two slum residential areas in Benda district near the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport following the detection of six tuberculosis cases in one of the subdistricts. Head of Tangerang's health agency Nuriman said over the weekend that Bulakambing and Sukatani were densely populated, and a lack of clean water contributed to the unhealthy conditions.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir stakes claim to Spratlys
Mahathir stakes claim to Spratlys KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Sunday the reefs in the Spratly Islands on which Malaysia had built structures were part of its territory, dismissing Philippine claims. Mahathir said the Peninjau and Siput reefs were within its Exclusive Economic Zone and therefore Malaysia had not encroached on another country's territory.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bogor holds folktale festival in English
Bogor holds folktale festival in English BOGOR (JP): The Al-Umm Education, Training and Development Institution (LP3) in cooperation with state postal company PT Pos Indonesia and the Directorate General of Arts and Culture is holding a 10-day national competition on Indonesian folktales in English at the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Fifteen participants from four provinces are taking part in the folktale festival from June 20 to June 30.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
1997 BI fire to be probed: Roesmanhadi
1997 BI fire to be probed: Roesmanhadi JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi is resuming an investigation into the cause of a fire two years ago at a Bank Indonesia (BI) building which claimed 15 lives. Speaking to reporters on Thursday after presenting the Police's highest honorary medals to chiefs of the Indonesian Army, Navy and Air Force, Roesmanhadi said that his men assigned to focus on the Dec. 8, 1997, fire have come to a preliminary conclusion of possible sabotage.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Australia, America and Southeast Asia
Australia, America and Southeast Asia The following is based on a presentation by Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer at the Georgetown Southeast Asia Forum, Washington D.C., on June 16, 1999. This is the first of two articles. WASHINGTON: The Australia-United States alliance has a unique depth, quality and value which should never be taken for granted.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Officials mull keeping parties off polls boards
Officials mull keeping parties off polls boards CISARUA, West Java (JP): Indonesian Elections Committee (PPI) chairman Jacob Tobing suggested on Saturday amending the General Election Law, so that political parties are excluded from polls administration in the future.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Food crisis
Food crisis I was a bit stirred up by a news item reported in The Jakarta Post on June 15, 1999, that Asia may face a food crisis after 2000. One of the causes is that dwindling resources are putting more and more pressure on land under cultivation and will eventually degrade it, putting the food security of the country at risk.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Satisfaction matches dissatisfactions at BTM
Satisfaction matches dissatisfactions at BTM By I. Christianto NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Satisfaction and dissatisfaction equally marked the closing of the first annual Bali Travel Mart (BTM) on Saturday. The event recorded a total loss of Rp 62.9 million (about US$9,500).
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Proindependence activists meet Gusmao in Jakarta
Proindependence activists meet Gusmao in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Proindependence East Timorese activists met on Sunday at jailed resistance leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao's special detention house in Central Jakarta, ahead of talks on Monday aimed at ending bloodshed in the former Portuguese colony.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Interest rate may return to 15%, BI says
Interest rate may return to 15%, BI says JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said on the weekend she was upbeat the central bank's benchmark interest rate would return to its precrisis level of 15 percent within the next few months. Miranda said that easing inflationary pressure and the strengthening of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar would give more space for a further cut in the benchmark interest rate.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Arco retender plant's design
Arco retender plant's design HOUSTON (Reuters): Atlantic Richfield Co. said it had asked companies to submit new bids for the design of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Indonesia worth about US$4 billion. The contract was originally awarded to Inti Karya Persada Teknik (IKPT), but an Arco spokeswoman said the U.S. oil company had decided to start a new bidding process following the recent change of government in Indonesia.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gambling rife in Central Java
Gambling rife in Central Java SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): The popularity of gambling reaches beyond large cities into villages throughout Central Java, according to provincial legislators. "Gambling activities are even held openly on the roadside, using tables lit by kerosene lamps," Istadjib, deputy of the commission in charge of public welfare, said Friday. Councilors referred to the spread of gambling as a "crisis", saying it had drastically cut spending power.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
McDermott gets go-ahead for Natuna gas pipeline project
McDermott gets go-ahead for Natuna gas pipeline project JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said on Friday that PT McDermott Indonesia may go ahead with the construction of a natural gas pipeline linking Natuna island in the Southeast China Sea to Singapore despite protests from some legislators. The construction company should not hesitate to build the 650- kilometer underwater pipeline, Kuntoro said.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police must take action to stop gambling: YLKI
Police must take action to stop gambling: YLKI JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) is urging the police to take immediate and decisive action to stop rampant toto gelap gambling activities in the capital, which it contends are causing billions of rupiah in losses to low-income residents. YLKI chairwoman Tini Hadad said last week that the gambling -- commonly known as togel and judi buntut -- cheated the public because the chances of winning were slim.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
TNI's wisdom
TNI's wisdom From Neraca Chief of Staff in Territorial Matters Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently stated that a political deadlock might occur in the presidential election. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a mechanism or procedure to prevent a deadlock in the coming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). How?
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
National vote count still undecided
National vote count still undecided JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Indonesian Elections Committee (PPI) have failed to reach an agreement on the date of the initial ballot count and will discuss the subject in a plenary meeting on Monday. PPI chairman Jacob Tobing said after the plenary meeting with the KPU on Friday that in the meantime the elections committee would stick to the original schedule.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Coalition government is the only way out
Coalition government is the only way out This article is based on a presentation by political observer Cornelis Lay of Gadjah Mada University in a discussion on "Post- election Indonesia: Who is going to be the fourth president?" held in Yogyakarta last week on the occasion of the opening of The Jakarta Post representative office.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
E-commerce effecting all business operations
E-commerce effecting all business operations By Scott Desmarais JAKARTA (JP): E-commerce is redefining businesses across the globe. It is revolutionizing existing business models and calling for new strategies appealing to Internet-ready businesses and online consumers. Emerging new online retailers, such as amazon.com and CDnow have already established themselves as significant competitive threats to traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Dot.com stocks continue to defy reality.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
PPP rejects woman president
PPP rejects woman president A working meeting of the United Development Party (PPP) leadership was recently held; one of the decisions made in the meeting was that the party would only support a male Muslim president. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is strongly tipped to win the 1999 polls.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Arco sells gas to PLN
Arco sells gas to PLN JAKARTA (JP): American oil and gas company Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), a contractor of state oil and gas company Pertamina, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday to supply natural gas to a power plant in Central Java owned by state electricity company PT PLN.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hotels push Indonesia to tourists
Hotels push Indonesia to tourists By Christiani S.A. Tumelap JAKARTA (JP): Major local hotels are gearing up for a big sales promotion to benefit from early signs of an economic recovery and growing confidence in the country's security situation. According to the public relations manager of the Jakarta Hilton International, Dewi Widiyanti, the hotel will improve its business contacts with foreign travel agencies to take advantage of the momentum.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P 'no threat to Islam'
PDI-P 'no threat to Islam' JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is not out to destroy Islam, noted scholar Nurcholish Madjid said over the weekend in response to complaints voiced by leading politicians unhappy with the party's strong showing in the polls. Speaking in Batam Island, Riau, on Saturday, he said: "Islam...
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Garuda, UNASCO deal
Garuda, UNASCO deal JAKARTA (JP): National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia signed on Friday a 10-year cooperation agreement on aircraft technical handling with Saudi Arabia's United Aircraft Service Company Ltd. (UNASCO). Under the profit-sharing contract, Garuda will provide technical expertise while UNASCO will take care of promotion and marketing as well as providing infrastructure and supporting equipment.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Four Bank DKI employees named as graft suspects
Four Bank DKI employees named as graft suspects JAKARTA (JP): Four officials of city-owned Bank DKI have been named suspects in corruption cases involving Rp 3.5 billion, head of the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office said. Lukman Bachmid recently said the cases, now being studied by his office, involved the misuse of authority. "We are working hard on these corruption cases... the four Bank DKI employees are officially suspects," Lukman told reporters at his office last week. The four are M.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Protesters kept away from Islamic festival opening
Protesters kept away from Islamic festival opening SURABAYA (JP): President B.J. Habibie arrived here on Saturday for a traditional festival commemorating early propagators of Islam, the Wali Sanga. Aspiring protesters, who staged demonstrations on the past three days, were deterred not only by security troops but also by the many civilians guarding the religious event with sharp weapons. A group of some 80 activists resorted to approaching a mental health hospital in Sukolilo area.
Mon, 28 Jun 1999, 00:00 WIB
Divorces up in Singapore
Divorces up in Singapore SINGAPORE (AP): The number of divorces in Singapore rose sharply last year, a news report said on Sunday, in a trend some in this conservative city-state blame on the increasing financial independence of women. Non-Muslim divorces rose 14 percent in 1998 to 4,186, and Muslim divorces increased by 21 percent last year to 1,465 in the same period, The Straits Times newspaper said, citing government statistics.