Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 June 1999

63 articles found

PT Arun NGL Co. may have to reduce output by 2004

PT Arun NGL Co. may have to reduce output by 2004 JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Thursday that its liquefied natural gas (LNG) subsidiary PT Arun NGL Co, based in Aceh, may have to reduce its output in five years due to a decrease in demand. The head of Pertamina's foreign contractors management body, Gatot K. Wiroyudo, said Arun's sales contracts with some Japanese buyers would expire in 2004.

Roesmanhadi wants to field polo in SEA Games

Roesmanhadi wants to field polo in SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed chairman of the Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing Association (Pordasi) Roesmanhadi said he would look into the possibility of fielding a national polo team in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam in August. "I have just been installed as the new chairman.

New tabloid for adults to hit the streets soon

New tabloid for adults to hit the streets soon JAKARTA (JP): After such publications have been officially banned in this country for years, a new tabloid for adults is expected to hit the streets on June 18 to compete in the increasingly tight market for publications fixated on sex. The 16-page weekly tabloid Pop will have a cover price of Rp 2,000, with some pages printed in color, managing editor Heru B. Iskandar said on Wednesday in a press conference.

Indonesia's forex reserves slide to $15.93 billion

Indonesia's forex reserves slide to $15.93 billion JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's net foreign reserves inched down to US$15.93 billion in the week ending May 31, from $15.98 billion the previous week, the central bank said on Thursday. Bank Indonesia said in its latest weekly report the fall in forex reserves was caused by the government's repayment of its foreign debt. Net forex reserves, however, were still above the International Monetary Fund's adjusted target of $15.4 billion.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Songs 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Student's Quiz 3:00 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Arabic Lessons 5:00 Student's Quiz 5:00 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 General Election Program 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Performance 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Soeharto must be made a suspect

Soeharto must be made a suspect From Pikiran Rakyat I think the assignment of sending the minister of justice and the attorney general to Switzerland and Austria is no more than a political maneuver in the context of President Habibie's accountability speech at the People's Consultative Assembly.

Asian leaders shrug off crisis, seek unity

Asian leaders shrug off crisis, seek unity TOKYO (AFP): Asian leaders called here on Thursday for a more united region, including an expanded role on defense, as the tiger economies slowly got back to their feet. Philippine President Joseph Estrada took the lead in calling for a bigger Asian role on the world stage at a conference that also drew Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad and other regional policymakers.

Bogor celebrates 517th anniversary

Bogor celebrates 517th anniversary BOGOR (JP): Different from many other activities held for commemorations in previous years, the city of Bogor celebrated its 517th anniversary on Thursday in a modest ceremony at City Hall. This year's celebration was marked only with the holding of a plenary session by members of the Bogor Legislative Council and a mass circumcision for 108 children of poor families. In his speech, Bogor Mayor R.

Downward trend in interest rates likely to continue

Downward trend in interest rates likely to continue JAKARTA (JP): Bank interest rates have declined sharply over the past two months and based on the economy's promising outlook, analysts believe the trend will continue. Bank Indonesia's benchmark interest rate, which climbed as high as 70 percent in August last year, has gradually declined as the economy has improved over the past several months.

Do we vote for political parties or business groups?

Do we vote for political parties or business groups? By Lea Jellinek and Bambang Rustanto JAKARTA (JP): For 32 years the voice of the Indonesian people has been stifled. Only the rich and powerful have had a voice and most decisions have been made in Jakarta. Economic development meant for the benefit of the majority only benefited the few.

UN flag officially raised in East Timor

UN flag officially raised in East Timor DILI, East Timor (JP): The United Nations Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) officially raised the UN flag at its office here on Thursday in a ceremony attended by some 3,000 East Timorese. The ceremony was also attended by Indonesian ambassador at large on East Timor, Lopez da Cruz, East Timor Governor Jose Abilio Soares, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo and Portuguese envoy to Indonesia Ana Gomes.

AIA to advise RI companies

AIA to advise RI companies JAKARTA (JP): Investment and financial advisory firm AIA Capital Corporation and the Blackstone Group, a private New York- based investment bank, announced on Thursday that they had formed a partnership to pursue restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and related capital raising advisory assignments in Asia.

Banks prodded to cut debt level to 5% in 2001

Banks prodded to cut debt level to 5% in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia will push the country's surviving banks to cut the level of nonperforming loans (NPLs) from about 60 percent at present to around 5 percent by 2001. The central bank's deputy governor Subarjo Joyosumarto said here on Thursday that Bank Indonesia (BI) had formed a debt restructuring task force to achieve the target.

Sex workers get UN assistance

Sex workers get UN assistance SEMARANG, Central Java: The United Nations Development Program will provide financial assistance to 50 sex workers and street children here to enable them to set up small businesses, an executive of a social organization said. The assistance, in the form of working capital amounting to Rp 1 million for each recipient, would be disbursed through the Central Java chapter of the Indonesian Family Planning Association, Antara reported.

Welcome Monument gets little respect

Welcome Monument gets little respect By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's first president Sukarno might have been very upset if he had witnessed the Selamat Datang (Welcome) monument he built 37 years ago now being used by his people, particularly political party revelers, to fly parties' flags.

KPU falls short on goal to audit all political parties

KPU falls short on goal to audit all political parties JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) missed its deadline to audit all political parties contesting the general election by at least seven days before the polls, with audits still outstanding on 11 of the 48 parties as of Wednesday. Commission members said on Thursday they still hoped the remaining audits would be completed before the country goes to the polls on June 7. One of the members in charge of the audits, Andi A.

RI school in Singapore offers hope for Chinese

RI school in Singapore offers hope for Chinese By Ruth Youngblood SINGAPORE (DPA): Clusters of ethnic Chinese parents who left Indonesia for Singapore during last year's racial violence gather each morning on the grounds of the serene Indonesian school, thankful their youngsters are safe. The laughter of children on slides and swings with their new friends is a refreshing contrast to memories of the final days in their homeland, where terror of brutal attacks left no alternative but departure.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Video Installation Exhibition: On Sale, by Teguh Ostenrik, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Salemba Raya 25 Central Jakarta (Phone: 3908580), until Jun. 5. * 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 Jun. 30. * Drawing Exhibition: Tumbal by Hendro Suseno, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S.

PK plans to merge with reformists

PK plans to merge with reformists MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Justice Party (PK) is considering a coalition with reform-oriented parties and those with a similar vision and mission, the party's presidential candidate said on Thursday. Didin Hafiduddin told thousands of PK supporters packing the Pangkalan Mansur haj dormitory here that the party executives would also take tallies of votes gained by reform parties into account before choosing prospective partners.

Mapping party strengths in West Java

Mapping party strengths in West Java By M.M.I. Ahyani BANDUNG (JP): Which of the 48 parties vying for the support of 25 million voters in West Java is most likely to win the biggest chunk of the 82 House of Representatives (DPR) seats allotted to the province?

Centipede halts Golkar rally

Centipede halts Golkar rally PADANG, West Sumatra: A centipede threw a Golkar Party rally at APB Lubuk Basung soccer field into disarray on Wednesday. The chaos was sparked by a scream for help from a supporter in the crowd of several hundred people listening to a fiery speech by a local party leader, Antara reported. Curious about what might have caused the scream, people jostled their way toward where the cry for help originated to find out what happened.

Poll supervisors lack authority

Poll supervisors lack authority UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The Election Supervisory Committee is not authorized to ban political parties for election law violations including vote-buying and misuse of poverty alleviation funds, a poll monitoring activist has said.

Counterfeit money

Counterfeit money Our company has just collected cash from a particular foreign bank in Jakarta, and to our surprise, we found the following printed on the paper band used to bundle the banknotes: "Please check again the banknotes you have received.

Hike in passport fees delayed

Hike in passport fees delayed JAKARTA (JP): The immigration directorate general decided on Thursday to delay its plan to raise the prices of passports by an average of at least 87.5 percent. Immigration Director General M. Mudakir told reporters that the decision to delay the hike, scheduled to be effective as of June 7, was taken because it was not timely at present. "Its implementation needs to be socialized first," he said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post.

Anti-dumping duties slapped on Polish and Russian steel

Anti-dumping duties slapped on Polish and Russian steel JAKARTA (JP): The government has slapped antidumping duties of 62 percent and 8.2 percent respectively on construction steel H section and I section imported from Russia and Poland. The antidumping duty imposed on imports of steel products from Russia and Poland was stipulated in Finance Minister's Decree No. 188/KMK.01/1999, issued on May 31. According to the decree, the duties will be effective for five years starting Jan. 18, 1999.

Islam vs secularism?

Islam vs secularism? As the official election campaign period winds down to a close, a last minute battle line has been drawn, one pitting Islamic forces against secularist forces. A number of political parties using Islamic symbols are now campaigning to convince voters that the real issue in this election is Islam versus secularism.

Pregnant woman chases singer

Pregnant woman chases singer DEMAK, Central Java: A pregnant woman realized her dream of kissing Bandung singer Mel Sandy after a day-long chase on Thursday. The unidentified woman had difficulty approaching Mel, who was in town to attend a National Awakening Party (PKB) rally. But she eventually caught up with the singer at the residence of ulema KH Nurul Huda, seven kilometers away from the rally location. Mel said she was happy to meet the expectant mother, Antara reported.

Hamzah sworn in as 'president'

Hamzah sworn in as 'president' SURABAYA: United Development Party (PPP) chief Hamzah Haz could not say no when his supporters asked him to sit down and be sworn in as the new "president" of the republic. Habib Idrus Jamalulail swore Hamzah in before thousands of supporters attending a campaign rally at Pancasila sports stadium. All eyes were on the stage as Hamzah repeated the oath.

What's in store after the June 7 elections?

What's in store after the June 7 elections? By Budiono Kusumohamidjojo JAKARTA (JP): God willing, Indonesians will take part in the first free and democratic general election in 44 years on Monday. No reasonable Indonesian would think about postponing the general election or hope to see it go awry. After decades, Indonesia and Indonesians have so much at stake in this one general election.

'Time' magazine sticks to its reports: Lawyer

'Time' magazine sticks to its reports: Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Time magazine will stick to its guns on its May 24 report on the US$15 billion fortune of the Soehartos and therefore will not make any correction to it, its lawyers said on Thursday. The weekly's lawyer, Todung Mulya Lubis, told a media conference that his client "is ready to face any lawsuit" lodged by the country's former president or his family.

Agenda

Agenda JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah Haz will cap off his campaign safari on Friday in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The People's Sovereignty Party (PDR) claimed it will field Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Adi Sasono and poet Rendra in its rally in Jakarta. Ministers are barred from campaigning for political parties. Adi has denied any formal links with PDR. Friday is the last day of the 16-day campaign period for the 48 poll contenders.

Two youths killed in traffic accident

Two youths killed in traffic accident BITUNG, North Sulawesi: Two adolescents were killed and 13 others were injured when a speeding Kijang van they were on overturned on the Manado-Bitung road, known locally as the "racetrack", here in the early hours of Thursday. Officers from the Bitung Police precinct confirmed the accident. One of the dead victims was identified as Iwan Arthur Lumentut, 17, but details on the identities of the other casualties were not available.

Elections critical times for nation

Elections critical times for nation By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): The evaluation and expectation of the Indonesian general election have changed dramatically in the eyes of the Indonesian public and foreign observers. The people have been slow in recognizing Golkar's decline caused by a rapid erosion of the government's authority, which has been its main support.

Trouble-free campaign to help tourist sector

Trouble-free campaign to help tourist sector JAKARTA (JP): The smooth process of the 16-day election campaign is expected to help ease foreign visitors' concerns over Indonesia's political and security situation, a senior tourism official said here on Thursday. Director General of Tourism I Gede Ardika said he hoped the improved situation would prop up the country's ailing tourism.

ICW's special birthday gift to Attorney General Ghalib

ICW's special birthday gift to Attorney General Ghalib JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib, a three-star military general, got an unpleasant gift for his 53rd birthday on Thursday from the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW).

PDI Perjuangan closes with a roar

PDI Perjuangan closes with a roar JAKARTA (JP): An estimated one million red-clad supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) reigned in the capital on Thursday, putting on a grand finale to the three-week campaigning when they came out in full force to congest streets and alleys.

Poll preparations lacking in some areas: Reports

Poll preparations lacking in some areas: Reports JAKARTA (JP): Three days before the polls, reports of lacking preparations continue to flow in from across the country. Meanwhile the General Elections Commission (KPU) announced it would meet President B.J. Habibie Friday to report final preparations together with the National Elections Committee and the Election Supervisory Committee.

Protesters demand salary hike

Protesters demand salary hike UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: About 60 employees of radio paging company Starko Ujungpandang staged a protest on Thursday, demanding a salary increase of 50 percent. The protesters said their present salaries had not kept up with the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities. They said employees, who work 40 hours per week, were paid only between Rp 160,000 and Rp 250,000 per month. During the protest at the company's office on Jl.

Indonesian authorities cooperative: EU observer

Indonesian authorities cooperative: EU observer JAKARTA (JP): With the country looking forward to what most people hope will be the most democratic elections ever, the Indonesian authorities have been cooperative with local and international observers in their efforts to ensure these hopes are realized, said a European Union (EU) official.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 3, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 425 0 98,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 -25 6,000 Alter Abadi 300 25 92,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 5,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,625 25 638,000 Anwar Sierad 275 25 138,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

PPP to pick leaders for presidency

PPP to pick leaders for presidency BANDUNG: The United Development Party (PPP) may choose among its four leading figures for its presidential candidate, a party executive said here on Tuesday. PPP deputy secretary-general Chozin Chumaedi told reporters after addressing party supporters at Saparua sports hall that the most prospective presidential candidates were chairman Hamzah Haz, his predecessor Ismail Hasan Metareum, State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M.

Dozens injured in last round of campaigning

Dozens injured in last round of campaigning JAKARTA (JP): Violence marked the penultimate day of campaigning in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, on Thursday as supporters of several parties clashed with Golkar loyalists, causing dozens of injuries. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital admitted five, including one supporter of the National Awakening Party (PKB) with a machete wound to his arm, and four others from Golkar. Three of them suffered arrow wounds.

Athletes cut back for 20th SEA Games

Athletes cut back for 20th SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The first cuts to athletics' teams participating at the national training program for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games were announced on Thursday. Director of training Imron Z.S. said 33 players had not been able to meet the training requirements. Sepak takraw and squash players were among the athletes.

Islands suffer from teacher shortage

Islands suffer from teacher shortage KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: As an example of the limited number of teachers in the Muna regency near here, an elementary school teacher has been forced to teach six classes per day. The teacher shortage was revealed to Southeast Sulawesi Governor H. La Ode Kaimoeddin in his visit to island areas early this week. The lack of teachers has affected the educational standards in the area, especially in the Tikep district, Antara reported on Thursday.

U.S. steelmakers seek duties on low-priced imports

U.S. steelmakers seek duties on low-priced imports Washington (DPA): U.S. steel makers urged the government Wednesday to impose stiff import duties against foreign- manufactured steel products they say are being dumped on the U.S. market. The manufacturers, along with the United Steelworkers union, want duties of up to 223 per cent on steel imports from Japan, China, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, Slovakia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela.

RP military wants diplomatic protest

RP military wants diplomatic protest MANILA (AFP): Philippine defense officials are pressing the government to file a diplomatic protest against China over the harassment of a stricken Filipino naval logistics vessel by two Chinese warships, the navy said on Thursday. China has dismissed reports of the incident in the disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, denying that its warships strayed into the area and accusing Manila of "artificially" creating tension.

SE Asia becoming 'resource-poor'

SE Asia becoming 'resource-poor' KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Southeast Asia is becoming a resource-poor region, the chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs was quoted as saying in a newspaper on Thursday. The situation has been compounded by growing populations and high energy consumption, Simon Tay told participants of the Asia- Pacific Roundtable. "Food production may lag behind growing populations and consumption," he was quoted as saying by The New Straits Times newspaper.

Gold purchases rise in first quarter: WGC

Gold purchases rise in first quarter: WGC JAKARTA (JP): The World Gold Council (WGC) said on Thursday gold purchases by the Indonesian public increased significantly in the first quarter of the year, in line with the recovery in the economy. The council's country manager for Indonesia Leo Hadi Loe said in a statement Indonesians bought 23 tons of gold in the first quarter of the year, including 17 tons of gold jewelry and six tons of gold bars for investment purposes.

Guruh disappoints admirers

Guruh disappoints admirers PALU, Central Sulawesi: Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) campaigner Guruh Soekarnoputra disappointed party supporters here by missing a campaign rally on Wednesday. Local secretary of the party branch here Imran Saiman told the audience who packed the Abadi Talise soccer field that Guruh, one of founding president Sukarno's sons, failed to show up because he had to address party supporters somewhere on Java at the same time.

Gus Dur blasts MUI directive

Gus Dur blasts MUI directive JAKARTA (JP): More flak has greeted the election guidelines issued by the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), with leading Muslim politician Abdurrahman Wahid proposing on Thursday that the council be disbanded. Speaking on the sidelines of a National Awakening Party (PKB) campaign in Ambon, Maluku, Abdurrahman criticized MUI for exceeding its role as a religious institution by advising Muslims to vote for Muslim-based parties in the June 7 polls.

General elections before and after the New Order regime

General elections before and after the New Order regime By Carl Chairul JAKARTA (Antara): Marajo, an elderly sidewalk barber at Jatinegara market in East Jakarta, can still sing the theme song of the 1955 general election. "What nostalgia!" he sighed longingly.

PAN backers not afraid of tractor

PAN backers not afraid of tractor JAKARTA: Amien Rais would have never reached the podium to address his National Mandate Party (PAN) in North Jakarta on Wednesday if not for the help of a tractor. The car that carried Amien to Sunter soccer field could not move because of the sea of PAN supporters seeking to get a glimpse of their chairman. A supporter who came to the rally on a tractor had a good idea: Plowing a path through the crowd for Amien.

Environment Day: Not just another day

Environment Day: Not just another day JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is encouraging people and communities the world over to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5 in a way that will make a difference both locally and globally. Unlike many others, this special United Nations Day is one in which every single living species on the planet has a stake, the UN information center said.

Atmajaya remains closed during polls

Atmajaya remains closed during polls JAKARTA (JP): Atma Jaya University, the only university located near the capital's main thoroughfares, is closed to academic and student activities from May 19 to June 8, or one day after the general election. The assistant to the rector for students affairs, Yohannes Temaluru, said on Thursday only members of the university's voluntary poll watchdog were allowed to enter the campus during the 20-day "holiday".

Govt urged to set up Aceh commission

Govt urged to set up Aceh commission JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights exhorted President B.J. Habibie on Thursday to quickly realize his promise to set up an independent commission to investigate human rights violations in Aceh. Commission chairman Marzuki Darusman reminded the President not to lose the momentum of his visit to the province in March when he made many promises to the Acehnese.

The message on East Timor

The message on East Timor The message from the UN on East Timor is blunt -- and grim. Without an immediate and substantial improvement in security in the province, there will be no vote on autonomy from Indonesia -- at least, no plausible vote. Without a credible poll, there will be no peace and a dire future. And with only three weeks to decide on its full monitoring mission of more than 1,000 personnel, the tone of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is pessimistic.

Badminton center may get overhaul

Badminton center may get overhaul JAKARTA (JP): Disappointed with the results of the Sudirman Cup and Badminton World Championships, chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, has insisted on a total recondition of the National Training Center. Subagyo said on Thursday that due to shuttlers poor form in both events in Copenhagen last month the first thing to do was to have a thorough evaluation.

PR needs Extra Joss at the polls

PR needs Extra Joss at the polls PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The Republican Party (PR) capped its final day of campaigning on Thursday by giving away some 30,000 bottles of the tonic drink Extra Joss in several traditional markets. A local party leader, Darsono, said Extra Joss and the Republican Party had one thing in common: They both used fists as their symbol. "Hopefully Extra Joss will remind people of the Republican Party when they go to the polls next week," Darsono said.

Veterans reject Golkar candidate

Veterans reject Golkar candidate UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A group about 3,000 retired military members here lodged a protest with the Golkar Party on Thursday opposing one of the ruling party's legislative candidates. The group of veterans accused Golkar of not respecting them by naming Lakamawiyaka a legislative candidate, a man they called "an unused dry leaf".

Islamic organizations support MUI call

Islamic organizations support MUI call JAKARTA (JP): Several Islamic organizations have welcomed the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) call for Muslims to choose parties that fight for their interests, but one prominent Muslim politician said the call was as pointless as "lighting a lamp in broad daylight".

Govt going ahead with export tax on cashews, cocoa

Govt going ahead with export tax on cashews, cocoa JAKARTA (JP): The government is nearing realization of its plan to impose an export tax on a number of unprocessed farm commodities despite protests from farm groups and industry associations. Director of agroindustry at the Ministry of Industry and Trade Yamin Rachman said on Thursday export taxes of between 20 percent and 30 percent would soon go into effect on unpeeled cashew nuts, untreated leather and unfermented cocoa beans.

Advertising agencies reap benefits from political ads

Advertising agencies reap benefits from political ads JAKARTA (JP): In a country where for 32 years its people were not allowed to express their political views on the streets, much less in the media, people can now enjoy lively political advertisements on television. Several political parties have spent several hundred million rupiah on 30-second TV ads. Staff members at major advertising agencies are working 16 to 18-hour shifts to come up with ideas, storyboards and layouts for the ads.

Not food aid swindle

Not food aid swindle I urge all those who read the misleading article NGO blows whistle on food aid swindle in The Jakarta Post of May 31, 1999 edition to consider the following facts. A recent study conducted by Helen Keller International with funding from Unicef found that, in poor slum areas of Semarang, Surabaya, Ujungpandang and Jakarta, between 19 percent and 29 percent of children less than two years of age were severely underweight.