Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 June 1999

46 articles found

Auto owners fuming over Pertamina move

Auto owners fuming over Pertamina move JAKARTA (JP): Many vehicle owners in the capital feel they have been cheated by Pertamina, which stopped adding an important fuel modifier to gasoline sold in the country without a public announcement.

Comedy of errors

Comedy of errors After seeing on television and reading in various newspapers the court proceedings involving students who allegedly caused serious traffic congestion on June 18, 1999, it can be considered yet another comedy of errors which of late our police force has staged many times.

Investment drops in Vietnam

Investment drops in Vietnam HANOI (DPA): Inward foreign investment in Vietnam dropped by nearly half in the first half of 1999, official estimates revealed Monday. The US$601 million pumped into 109 new projects account for only 51.7 percent of last year's January-June period, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) announced.

17 injured in train collision

17 injured in train collision JAKARTA (JP): At least 17 passengers suffered minor and serious injuries when a Jayabaya Utara train from Jakarta to Surabaya collided with a stationary Jakarta-Bogor train at Juanda Railway Station in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon. According to the Jakarta head of state-owned railway company Perumka, Edi Sasongko, the accident occurred after the Bogor- bound express train broke down after making a regularly scheduled stop.

Former BI boss surprised by new probe into blaze

Former BI boss surprised by new probe into blaze JAKARTA (JP): Former Bank Indonesia (BI) governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono expressed surprise on Monday over the police plan to reopen the investigation into a deadly fire at one of the bank's office towers two years ago. "I don't know anything about the news so far," Soedradjad told The Jakarta Post by phone from Massachusetts in the United States.

Delays plague provincial ballot counts

Delays plague provincial ballot counts JAKARTA (JP): Postponement remained the order of the day in the provincial ballot counts on Monday, leaving the schedule for the national vote count undecided. North Sumatra finished its vote tally on Sunday, bringing the number of provinces which have submitted poll results to the General Elections Commission (KPU) to nine.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on June 28, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Unfair pricing risks steel industry: Gapipa

Unfair pricing risks steel industry: Gapipa JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Steel Pipe Manufacturers (Gapipa) voiced concern on Monday over alleged dumping practices by steel pipemakers from Japan, South Korea and China, saying the unfair business practices had put the country's steel industry on the brink of bankruptcy.

Local airlines await financial aid from government

Local airlines await financial aid from government JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) said Monday it was still waiting for the government to provide financial assistance to the country's ailing airline industry. INACA chairman Soelarto Hadisoemarto said the airline industry needed financial aid from the government to help ailing local carriers speed up their recovery.

Government must work to restore security in Aceh: Governor

Government must work to restore security in Aceh: Governor JAKARTA (JP): Aceh Governor Syamsuddin Mahmud called on the government on Monday to give serious attention to restoring security in the province, where he said people were still traumatized by the impact of a decade-long antiseparatist military operation. Speaking to journalists after meeting with President B.J.

GM prolongs prices of Opel cars

GM prolongs prices of Opel cars JAKARTA (JP): PT General Motors Indonesia, the producer of Opel vehicles, said on Monday it would maintain its current prices, despite a cut in import duties for imported cars. Director of sales, marketing and aftersales David Purcell told The Jakarta Post that General Motors' main product -- the Opel Blazer sport utility vehicle -- was locally assembled, so the impact of the new duties and tax structure would be minimal.

Perbasi undecided on SEA Games team

Perbasi undecided on SEA Games team JAKARTA (JP): With only five weeks to go till the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam, the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) is yet to name its main squad. Three players, who were eliminated from the team last week, appear likely to be asked to rejoin the training program.

SAP to quit Thai coalition

SAP to quit Thai coalition BANGKOK (AP): An advisor to the Social Action Party has said he is absolutely sure it will pull out of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai's coalition government, the Bangkok Post reported on Monday. The move, however, would not cause the coalition to collapse and was not motivated by any disagreement with Chuan or his policies.

APEC trade ministers assemble for meeting

APEC trade ministers assemble for meeting AUCKLAND (AFP): APEC trade ministers were gathering here Monday for their annual meeting, minus U.S. representative Charlene Barshefsky who withdrew at the last minute citing a family crisis. "There is a family crisis and she is unable to travel to Auckland," her spokesman told AFP, declining to elaborate. Deputy Trade Representative Richard Fisher will take Barshefsky's place.

Strengthening rupiah brings fresh hope

Strengthening rupiah brings fresh hope Indonesian businessmen are at present seeing a glimmer of hope in the strengthening trend of our national economy. Hope has been bolstered with the strengthening of the value of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar, which (on Tuesday) broke through the psychological barrier of Rp 6,500 to the dollar -- a record high since the onset of the economic crisis.

Is RI still independent?

Is RI still independent? In The Jakarta Post of June 24, 1999, I read with surprise the article titled RI surprised by delay of East Timor ballot. Foreign minister Ali Alatas said was he surprised that Kofi Annan announced the postponement while personal representative on East Timor Jamsheed Marker was still in the country to gather information about the latest developments in East Timor. Alatas has not received any official announcement from Annan's office.

What can a woman leader offer?

What can a woman leader offer? By Julia I. Suryakusuma JAKARTA (JP): With the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) leading the polls in the preliminary election count, it is possible that Indonesia will have a female president. What does this imply for women? And for the people and the nation in general? What are the characteristics of a woman leader, specifically as head of state? Not many women attain political leadership positions.

Government may name SSX to trade its bonds

Government may name SSX to trade its bonds JAKARTA (JP): The government appears likely to appoint the Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSX) to trade its bonds when they become valid for trading at the beginning of next year, a senior capital market official said on Monday.

Indonesia needs long-term tactics to beat forest fires

Indonesia needs long-term tactics to beat forest fires By Dian Suita JAKARTA (Antara): New hot spots have been detected in Kalimantan and Sumatra as a result of fires, which devastated millions of hectares of forest, not being entirely put out. The office of the State Ministry of Environment reported the hot spots were located at a number of protected forests in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, Bengkulu, Lampung, Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan.

Ananda finishes 8th in Monza

Ananda finishes 8th in Monza JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's young racer, Ananda Mikola, only finished eighth in the second leg of the Formula 3000 series at the Monza Circuit, Italy, on Sunday. Finishing first in the official practice, Ananda, who was driving under the banner of the Edenbridge Racing team, failed in the race after his car crashed into Gabrielle Lancieri's of Sighinotfi Motorsport.

Muladi pledges antigraft body will be professional

Muladi pledges antigraft body will be professional JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi said on Monday all the members of the planned anticorruption commission would be professionals. Muladi said at the House of Representatives the commission, an idea proposed last week by members of the Golkar faction in the House, would consist of, among others, prosecutors, police officers and legal experts.

Legislators receive Rp 450m reward

Legislators receive Rp 450m reward MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The provincial administration here has decided to award Rp 10 million (US$1,500) each to local legislators who will end their short term in August. Provincial secretary Arfah Muzahar told Antara the local government allocated Rp 450 million from the province's budget for the 1999/2000 fiscal year for the cash rewards.

Trade surplus with Australia likely to grow

Trade surplus with Australia likely to grow JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia anticipates enjoying another surplus from its bilateral trade with Australia this year due to the continuing decline in Australian exports to Indonesia, the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) said on Monday.

Activists rally for women's right to lead nation

Activists rally for women's right to lead nation JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of activists and professionals are vigorously defending the right of women to become president, branding as violations of human rights and unconstitutional the flurry of recent statements that women are unfit to lead the country. In Semarang, 22 non-governmental organizations stated that statements discriminating against women for the presidency were part of political intrigue "which greatly offends women".

East Timor's rival factions begin talks

East Timor's rival factions begin talks JAKARTA (JP): Rival factions in East Timor began peace talks here on Monday aimed at ending violence in the troubled territory ahead of the August ballot. Nobel laureate Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, opening the second phase of the church-organized "Dare II Peace and Reconciliation Dialog", said it was the church's obligation to free the East Timorese from decades of conflict.

UPS launches new service

UPS launches new service JAKARTA (JP): United States-based courier company United Parcel Service (UPS) launched on Monday an overnight delivery service between Indonesia and Sydney aimed at facilitating business between Indonesia and Australia, particularly ahead of the upcoming 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

Rates for tax payment, valid from June 28 to July 4

Rates for tax payment, valid from June 28 to July 4 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 6,700.00 Austrian schilling 1 502.64 Australian dollar 1 4,350.98 Belgian franc 1 171.45 Canadian dollar 1 4,549.46 Swiss franc 1 4,335.72 Deutschemark 1 3,539.72 Danish krone 1 932.57 French franc 1 1,054.39 Poundsterling 1 10,588.01 Hong Kong dollar 1 863.61 Italian lira 100 357.20 Japanese yen 100 5,476.09 Malaysian ringgit 1 1,763.20 Dutch guilder 1 3,138.54 New Zealand dollar 1 3,546.31 Norwegian krone 1 855.47 Swedish...

Political reconciliation means power sharing: Abilio

Political reconciliation means power sharing: Abilio JAKARTA (JP): It is easy to say "You must forgive" when you have not had any family members killed in a war or have never been a victim of torture or intimidation. It is what the East Timorese have been hearing all these years, that they must forgive each other in order to build a new, better future together. Are they willing to forgive each other and start anew?

Megawati's setback

Megawati's setback Your report on Sunday, June 27, with the headline Megawati's bid suffers setback, which stated that "Abdurrahman Wahid, Amien Rais, Nur Mahmudi Ismail and Hamzah Haz agreed on Saturday that Islam bars women from becoming heads of state" clearly distorts the substance of the discussions among the four politicians. Your reporters have clearly missed the point of their conclusion.

Over 100 seek refuge from unrest

Over 100 seek refuge from unrest DENPASAR, Bali: More than 100 people of 26 families have sought refuge after their homes in the Buleleng village of Tabang, some 80 kilometers north of here, were burned down by an angry mob on Sunday. Buleleng Police chief Lt. Col. Nasser Amin told Antara on Monday thousands of villagers attacked houses and other buildings belonging to the families following a land dispute. No casualties resulted from the incident.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: 4 Citra, by Mier Komara, C. Hadi Purwanto, Yadi Qustant, and Yudah Noor, at Sahid Topas Galeria Hotel, Jl. Terusan Pasteur, until July 3. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Batu Melangkah Waktu, by Sunaryo, at Selasar Seni Sunaryo, Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur no. 100 (Phone: 022 2507939), until June 30. Peformances * Puppet Show, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 433562), 9:30 p.m., July 3.

It's time for Megawati to break the silence

It's time for Megawati to break the silence By Rahayu Ratnaningsih BOGOR (JP): Pondering over an interesting, if "blasphemous" wish from Soedjati Djiwandono (The Jakarta Post , June 16, 1999) for Indonesia to adopt the Indian-Pakistani model, dividing ourselves peacefully into two separate sovereign states, one secular, the other Islamic, secular nationalists surely can't help feeling the same way.

Astra stake in Bank Universal falls

Astra stake in Bank Universal falls JAKARTA (JP): The stake held by automotive giant PT Astra International in Bank Universal has declined to 11.5 percent from 84 percent following the bank's recent rights issue. The bank president, Stephen Satyahadi, said here on Monday that the government became the majority shareholder with a 78.91 percent stake, while the public holds the other 9.57 percent.

CGI meeting should proceed as planned: WB

CGI meeting should proceed as planned: WB JAKARTA (JP): World Bank managing director Sven Sandstrom has urged Indonesia's major donors to continue their financial support for the country at their upcoming annual meeting. Sandstrom said on Monday the meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) must proceed as scheduled next month, despite calls from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to postpone the gathering until the election of a new president.

Faith vs democracy?

Faith vs democracy? Can or cannot a woman become the president of Indonesia? To most people this question is ludicrous in its absurdity. Indonesia is a democratic republic and equality before law, without regard of race, creed or gender, is one of the main pillars of democracy. Indonesia's Constitution guarantees that, "without any exception, all citizens shall have equal positions in law and government and shall be obliged to uphold the law and government".

Amien Rais on women president

Amien Rais on women president The National Mandate Party (PAN) strongly protests the way in which The Jakarta Post presented the position of party chairman Amien Rais on the issue of women presidency. On your June 27 edition, you wrote as a lead to your main story: "Abdurrahman Wahid, Amien Rais, Nur Mahmudi Ismail and Hamzah Haz agreed on Saturday that Islam bars women from becoming heads of state..." It is clear that the lead is misleading and shows sloppy journalism.

Thai Navy officer pays courtesy call

Thai Navy officer pays courtesy call SURABAYA: Governor of the Thai Naval Academy, Vice Adm. Viroj Yonvenaggon, arrived at the Indonesian Navy's Eastern Fleet base here on Monday for a three-day visit to the country. Viroj, who led 100 Thai naval academy cadets on a goodwill mission to Asia and Europe, was welcomed by the fleet commander, Rear Adm. Edi Suyadi. The foreign entourage came in on two warships. Spokesman for the fleet, Lt. Col.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Songs 8:30 Cooking Program 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Cartoon: Silverhawk 3:00 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Management Program 5:00 Documentary 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Sports 8:25 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Music 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Foreign consultants' high fee questioned

Foreign consultants' high fee questioned JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives raised an issue on Monday about the high consultancy fee, particularly for foreign consultants, paid by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to assist in restructuring the banking sector and recovering the massive amount of non-performing loans (NPLs).

Fire leaves 400 unemployed

Fire leaves 400 unemployed UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Some 400 employees of Makasa shopping center may soon be unemployed after the shopping center burned down over the weekend. "We're very concerned about what to do with the employees," Andi Mappaware, director of PT Asindoindah Griyatama, the owner of the shopping center, said here on Monday. The fire struck Makasa, the largest shopping center in eastern Indonesia, on Saturday. Firefighters were unable to extinguish the blaze until Sunday.

Elections in Pidie, North Aceh canceled

Elections in Pidie, North Aceh canceled JAKARTA (JP): Security concerns led the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the government to cancel the elections in the Pidie and North Aceh regencies of Aceh. KPU chairman Rudini said here on Monday the decision was made after taking into account escalating tension in the regencies and the possible risks if elections went ahead there.

Employee gets 9 years for murder

Employee gets 9 years for murder BOGOR (JP): A 30-year-old man was sentenced at the local district court here on Friday to nine years in prison for killing his boss, a used iron merchant, last November. Judge Sri Koestati said the defendant, Abas Basuki, killed 41- year-old Ardja Doemari Sutandar at the latter's warehouse in Ciparigi village. According to Sri, the defendant violated Article 338 of the Criminal Code on murder which carries a maximum of 15 years imprisonment.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 28, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 550 -25 139,000 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 350 -50 35,000 Alter Abadi 475 0 310,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,175 25 3,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 650 0 917,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,550 0 6,047,000 Anwar Sierad 450 0 2,057,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Presidential aid for flood victims

Presidential aid for flood victims JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: President B.J. Habibie has agreed to donate Rp 40 billion (US$6 million), Rp 10 billion short of the requested amount, to help relocate flood victims here. Governor Ferry Numberi told reporters upon his arrival from Jakarta over the weekend that the fund could be used to build modest houses for some 900 families in a safe area away from the glutted housing complex.

Shuttler Nunung defies PBSI expulsion order

Shuttler Nunung defies PBSI expulsion order JAKARTA (JP): Shuttler Nunung Subandoro has insisted on staying at the National Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, despite a Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) decision to expel him early last month. "Up to today I haven't received any letter informing me of my (revised) status at the center. None of the officials have told me I am expelled. My coach only asked me about my future plans," he said last weekend.

S'pore, China sign agreement

S'pore, China sign agreement SINGAPORE (AFP): China and Singapore signed an agreement on Monday giving top priority to a flagship industrial park project near Shanghai being built by Singapore, which was earlier threatened by a rival venture.