Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 June 1999

72 articles found

No permit for sand quarry

No permit for sand quarry JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has ordered Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto to stop issuing new licenses for sand quarrying activities in Riau, a top official at the Ministry of Mines and Energy said on Friday. Director General of General Mining Rozik B. Soetjipto said the president issued the order in a letter dated on May 19 without revealing the reason for the order.

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.

What does PKB mean to you?

What does PKB mean to you? I would like to thank Mr. Yusuf Wanandi for the misleading information regarding the National Awakening Party (PKB) in What NU means for RI's future (Friday, May 28, 1999).

Japan sends mission to Asia

Japan sends mission to Asia TOKYO (Reuters): Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi said on Thursday that Japan would send a mission to six Asian countries in late August to study possible ways of helping them revive their economies. The seven-member mission, led by Japan Federation of Employers Associations chairman Hiroshi Okuda, would visit South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines from late August to early September, Obuchi said.

Securalism: Is it that debased?

Securalism: Is it that debased? By Rahayu Ratnaningsih BOGOR (JP): Is Indonesia a religious or secular state? We are always told that Indonesia is neither. It is a Pancasila state, so we are informed; it does not recognize any religion to be its official religion nor is any particular religious law officially enforced. However, the belief in one God is instilled as the first and foremost foundation in the state ideology, Pancasila (Five Precepts).

Golkar, PDI Perjuangan and PDI set to dominate East Timor polls

Golkar, PDI Perjuangan and PDI set to dominate East Timor polls DILI, East Timor (JP): The battle for six House of Representatives (DPR) seats in Monday's elections here will likely be dominated by Golkar Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), a local election official said.

NTT to buy 15 percent stake in RP Long Distance

NTT to buy 15 percent stake in RP Long Distance TOKYO (AFP): Japan's telecoms giant Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. said Friday it would advance into Asia, buying a 15-percent stake in Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. for US$758 million. "We believe that NTT will contribute to PLDT's growth now and in the future," said Manuel Pangilinan, president of the Philippine firm. "There is also the potential to contribute new technology in the future," he told a news conference here.

Freeport delays project as tensions row

Freeport delays project as tensions row JAKARTA (JP): Copper and gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia and sixteen other mining companies have suspended their exploration activities for security and financial reasons, a top official at the Ministry of Mines and Energy Rozik said on Friday. Director General of General Mining Rozik B. Soetjipto said Freeport had decided to suspend its exploration activities on its Block B contract area from May 15 to Aug.

Officials register dead to vote

Officials register dead to vote PADANG, West Sumatra: Election officials in the Mentawai Islands have registered 18 dead people as voters in Monday's elections. The hair-raising news was told by a village chief from Siberut Island to the West Sumatra branch office of the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) on Wednesday. "Just imagine," said Malilimok village chief Jonas Panuagai, "in a single village, 18 people who died years ago have been registered as voters.

Lawyer says transfers 'sports donations'

Lawyer says transfers 'sports donations' JAKARTA (JP): Prominent businessmen Prajogo Pangestu and The Nin King have acknowledged transferring a total of Rp 450 million (US$56,250) to the account of a sports body in the name of Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib, their lawyer Denny Kailimang said on Friday. Kailimang told The Jakarta Post that Rp 250 million was sent by Prajogo and the remainder by Nin King.

Money politics

Money politics I am writing in response to intensive reports in the capital's dailies of May 27, May 28 and May 29 regarding Ms. Wardah Hafidz' exposure of findings of money politics by the Golkar Party and the People's Sovereignty Party (PDR), the denials made by those two parties and the terror sustained by Ms. Hafidz.

The Soehartos should be more frank: Muladi

The Soehartos should be more frank: Muladi JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Muladi has suggested former president Soeharto and his family be more transparent and honest about their wealth in order to help accelerate the government's probe into their alleged ill-gotten wealth. "What's the use of possessing a lot of money when one receives endless denunciations from many people?

Sticker short for Buton refugees may delay poll

Sticker short for Buton refugees may delay poll By Jupriadi BUTON, Southeast Sulawesi (JP): Elections may have to be delayed here after the elections committee reported a lack of 40,000 hologram stickers for ballot papers. The lack of stickers is only one problem caused by a sudden influx of refugees who are eligible to vote. Tens of thousands of Maluku islanders have fled to Buton island following the loss of their kin, possessions and homes in communal clashes in their villages since January.

Surabaya bulls relieved at last

Surabaya bulls relieved at last SURABAYA: Three young women waiting for a bus sprinted as if in danger when a group of party supporters jumped out of a truck, opened their zippers and briskly walked toward them. "Hey, don't be afraid, we only want to drain the dragon into the gutter," said one of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) supporters who were urgently needing to relieve themselves after hours of strenuous street rallying.

China insists on boat compensation

China insists on boat compensation MANILA (AFP): China will insist on compensation from the Philippines for the sinking of a Chinese fishing boat in a collision with a Philippine navy vessel in the disputed South China Sea, diplomatic sources said on Friday. China alleges the Philippine vessel rammed the fishing vessel off Scarborough Shoal on May 23.

Habibie orders agencies to prevent forest fires

Habibie orders agencies to prevent forest fires JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie ordered on Friday all government agencies and ministries to boost cooperation in preventing the outbreak of forest fires this year, warning of their potential danger to human life in the country and the region. Speaking in a ceremony at the State Palace to commemorate World Environment Day, the President said uncontrollable fires this year could become natural disasters on the scale of the fires in 1997.

PBSI says Sudirman Cup underlines deficiencies

PBSI says Sudirman Cup underlines deficiencies JAKARTA (JP): The Sudirman Cup mixed team event reflects the true badminton strength of a country. Indonesia has yet to reach the stage where it can dominate in the event because it is only strong on the men's side, while the women remain a weak link. This conclusion was, once again, announced by Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) training director Christian Hadinata on Thursday. "The Sudirman Cup emphasizes five different events.

Disappointed by postal service

Disappointed by postal service My family in Jakarta sent us (in Ujungpandang) three packages from three different local post offices. All packages arrived in Ujungpandang about a week to four weeks later than the normal time as promised/predicted by the post office employees. The second package had a hole in it that was obviously made by a rat, and the stuff inside had been bitten. The contents of the third package was also badly damaged, most probably resulting from heavy pressure.

Charming words to spin a tale

Charming words to spin a tale From Republika As an Indonesian citizen, I eagerly watched the recent live TV report on the debate between Attorney General A.M. Ghalib and general chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Amien Rais. I was both satisfied and slightly disappointed with Rais. I was satisfied with him for his simple and straightforward answers to the questions posed by some lawyers.

Campaign: Selling ideas in entertaining manner

Campaign: Selling ideas in entertaining manner By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): Ulil Abshar-Abdallah, a promising young Muslim intellectual, wrote a very beautiful essay discussing the difference between campaigning and preaching that was published in Kompas daily on May 21, 1999. Campaigning, Ulil wrote, is essentially about selling ideas, programs and plans. The principles of marketing should, therefore, be closely observed in every political campaign.

Golkar upbeat on victory at polls

Golkar upbeat on victory at polls JAKARTA (JP): Residents and onlookers jeered and stoned Golkar supporters during their final campaign rallies on Friday in Jakarta and several provinces. Despite the poor reception, party chairman Akbar Tandjung and other Golkar officials expressed confidence of winning the elections.

Minister accused of nepotism

Minister accused of nepotism JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) on Friday launched another salvo against State Minister of Environment Panangian Siregar on his decision to allow importation of waste clay from Singapore, accusing the minister of handing his son a chunk of the business.

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.

New govt should plug on with IMF program: Analysts

New govt should plug on with IMF program: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): Whoever comes to power after the general election should stick to the International Monetary Fund- economic program to prevent the country from falling into another debilitating crisis, analysts warn. Inconsistencies in the reform agenda would be a fatal blow to the country's economic recovery because it would further undermine international confidence, they add.

Thousands pack Bandung's streets

Thousands pack Bandung's streets BANDUNG: The campaign season here concluded on a high note as the West Java capital was swarmed by a sea of people in delirious but trouble-free street rallies on Friday. Many businesses closed shop for the whole day, after hearing that nobody would go shopping. Some of them also said they anticipated possible unrest. Several groups of party supporters were seen pouring onto the city's arteries in convoys shortly after Friday's prayers.

ABN to consolidate its acquired Asian assets

ABN to consolidate its acquired Asian assets BANGKOK (Reuters): Dutch bank ABN AMRO said on Friday its recent round of acquisitions of Asian financial and banking assets put it in a strong position to exploit an economic recovery emerging in the region. Eric Bouwmeester, ABN AMRO's corporate executive vice president, said although the bank retained an appetite for more Asian assets, it would first settle down to consolidate Asian business bought in the past year.

Jimmy Carter visits shrines in Bali

Jimmy Carter visits shrines in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on the first day of his informal visit to Bali on Thursday visited several shrines on the tourist resort island, Antara reported. In the company of his wife Rosalynn and son Donnel, Carter took the opportunity for a prayer at the Besakih Shrine, some 80 kilometers southeast of the provincial capital of Denpasar.

McDonald's Indonesia to send more staff abroad: Bambang

McDonald's Indonesia to send more staff abroad: Bambang JAKARTA (JP): Following the success of sending 115 staff to Middle Eastern countries and the United States, McDonald's Indonesia will send 100 more employees to Saudi Arabia, its president Bambang N. Rachmadi said on Friday.

Clashes set up, allege police

Clashes set up, allege police YOGYAKARTA: Police suspect the involvement of provocateurs in a series of clashes between supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the United Development Party (PPP). Yogyakarta Deputy Police chief Col. M. Erwin said on Thursday authorities had received reports of a dark red Isuzu van parked near the places where incidents took place.

Malaysia election chief to retire

Malaysia election chief to retire KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The head of Malaysia's Elections Commission said on Friday that he is stepping down ahead of the general election expected to be held soon. Elections Commission chairman Harun Din said he would retire this month after nine years on the job. "My retirement is provided for in the Constitution, considering that I am now 65," the official Bernama news agency quoted him as saying.

Malaysia unveils new federal capital

Malaysia unveils new federal capital PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP): After months of suspense, the government on Friday unveiled its massive new federal capital, touted as the savior of Malaysia's battered economy and a shining example of the country's determination to develop. The 4,580-hectare metropolis built to house 330,000 government employees is far from complete. Putrajaya's dozens of high-rise complexes are still dwarfed by fields of red mud and surrounded by cranes and dump trucks.

Rectors Forum sets up parallel vote tabulation

Rectors Forum sets up parallel vote tabulation By M.M.I. Ahyani BANDUNG (JP): Are you interested in finding out early results of the polls' ballot count? Well then go to the website of the Rectors Forum at http://forumrektor.itb.ac.id. or drop by the Rector Forum's secretariat in Bandung or in Jakarta. The location of the site for the public announcement of details is as yet undecided. Wisma Antara or the Hotel Indonesia have been proposed as possible forum locations.

Top politicians choose remote areas to finalize campaigns

Top politicians choose remote areas to finalize campaigns JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid spent the last day of campaigning on Friday in the North Sulawesi capital of Manado, Amien Rais barnstormed West Java towns and Hamzah Haz met supporters in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara.

CPO export tax cut to 30% to help farmers income

CPO export tax cut to 30% to help farmers income JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Friday a reduction in export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) to 30 percent from 40 percent in a bid to boost exports and farmers' incomes. The Ministry of Trade and Industry's Director General of International Trade Djoko Moeljono said export taxes on CPO byproducts also had been lowered to as low as zero to 26 percent.

Biggest challenges lurk after the euphoria

Biggest challenges lurk after the euphoria By Yuli Ismartono JAKARTA (JP): There is a sense of deja vu to all the frenetic preparations leading up to the June 7 elections. The excitement of unfettered campaigning, the exuberance of media politicking, as well as the chaos and the occasional strife, have happened before in the not so distant past. As a journalist, I witnessed all this in Cambodia in 1992, Russia in 1993 and South Africa in 1994. It's like watching a variation of the same play.

One hurt in Purwokerto clash

One hurt in Purwokerto clash PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A bystander was injured when Golkar party security guards clashed with residents on Thursday, witnesses said on Friday. The incident happened near the railway station as Golkar supporters took over a busy two-lane street causing a traffic jam. They were offended by residents who asked them to only use one lane to help the traffic flow.

More assistance from Japan

More assistance from Japan JAKARTA: The Japanese government has committed to providing a grant of US$3.48 million for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for general election activities. The Japanese Embassy said on Friday the money was earmarked for activities such as election monitoring and voter's education conducted by nongovernmental organizations.

Sujiwo Tejo to take part in Mongolia festival

Sujiwo Tejo to take part in Mongolia festival JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian musician Sujiwo Tejo will represent the country at Roaring Hoofs, the First International Gobi Festival of Actual Music, the festival where Eastern and Western contemporary music meet. Apart from Indonesia, musicians from more than 15 countries, including China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea and Mongolia, will present their unique compositions at the festival, scheduled to be held from June 7 to June 12.

Rift hits Indonesian hockey team before SEA Games

Rift hits Indonesian hockey team before SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): With only two months to go before the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Indonesian hockey team is still experiencing trouble preparing itself, with a dispute between the Indonesian Hockey Association (PHSI) and its Jakarta branch. PHSI chairman Primadi Tabrani, who was just installed on Friday, told reporters that the team had not been able to practice on the synthetic carpet court in Senayan.

PPP chairman supports MUI election appeal

PPP chairman supports MUI election appeal MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) on Friday threw its weight behind the Indonesian Council of Ulemas' call for Muslims to vote for Muslim-based parties in Monday's polls. PPP chairman Hamzah Haz told reporters before a campaign here that he would follow suit in voicing the call, saying he considered the ulemas' appeal an edict.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 4, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 425 0 538,000 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 225 -25 15,000 Alter Abadi 325 25 8,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,625 0 2,945,500 Anwar Sierad 250 -25 217,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Rallies over, Indonesia ready for elections

Rallies over, Indonesia ready for elections JAKARTA (JP): Gone are the delirious crosstown street rallies as Indonesia scrambles to make last-ditch preparations for Monday's elections. Flaws were found on Friday concerning technicalities of balloting, not to mention security concerns in troubled Aceh with only two days to go. But General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman, Rudini, assured the country all was ready for election day. Speaking after a meeting with President B.J.

Elections: No turning back on democracy

Elections: No turning back on democracy By Warief Djajanto Basorie JAKARTA (JP): "I have a track record: I am clean from corruption, collusion and nepotism and have never mixed with the New Order regime." With a dig at the 32-year rule of Soeharto's New Order, Amien Rais self-confidently replied to the question of why he considered himself fit to be the president of Indonesia.

Curfew imposed in North Aceh due to worsening security

Curfew imposed in North Aceh due to worsening security LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh (JP): A curfew has been in effect in North Aceh since last Tuesday, following escalating acts of lawlessness and intimidation of local people by groups of armed civilians. Civilian and military leaders in North Aceh have jointly urged people in the regency not to leave their homes between midnight and 4:30 a.m.

Deputy governor hit by car

Deputy governor hit by car PADANG, West Sumatra: Deputy Governor Zainal Bakar and his two adjutants were hit by a Chevrolet Luv pickup while jogging at the traffic circle of Jl. Khatib Sulaiman here on Friday morning. Zainal was admitted to Yos Soedarso Hospital with head injuries. The condition of his adjutants, Kamal Rajo and Yohanes, was not known. Speaking from his hospital bed, Zainal said he hoped to be released on Saturday. "But it'll totally depend on the doctor's decision," he said.

Sheraton Y2K compliant

Sheraton Y2K compliant JAKARTA (JP): Sheraton Bandara Hotel announced on Friday that it had spent US$50,000 to prepare the hotel for the millennium bug. Public relations manager Esther Pormes said all hotel equipment vulnerable to Y2K problems had been upgraded and tested to make them compliant. The hotel established a special task force early this year to address the issue. It is now in the phase of replacing and upgrading all other equipment, she said.

Asian currencies drift higher over speculation on U.S. data

Asian currencies drift higher over speculation on U.S. data SINGAPORE (Agencies): Southeast Asian currencies were drifting higher against the U.S. dollar in lackluster trading late Friday. Traders said markets bereft of fresh news had kept participants largely on the sidelines ahead of the weekend and the release of key U.S. economic data later in the global session. The Singapore dollar, Thai baht and Philippine peso strengthened slightly, as the U.S.

Why the PPP and PKB supporters conflict in Central Java?

Why the PPP and PKB supporters conflict in Central Java? By Agus Maryono PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): A campaigner from the United Development Party (PPP) shouted into the microphone: "This party is based on Islam so voting for it means defending Islam!" "Now, is the PKB (National Awakening Party (PKB) based on Islam?" he yelled to loud cheers from his audience at a party gathering in Pekalongan. "Jumping ship from PPP to PKB, which is not based on Islam, is tantamount to being an apostate!

Soeharto's wealth for people: PBB

Soeharto's wealth for people: PBB YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Moslem-based Crescent Star Party (PBB) vowed to seize the Soehartos alleged ill-gotten wealth and redistribute it to the people if it wins Monday's elections. PBB campaigner Maria Ulfah said the undertaking would be part of the party's efforts to root out corrupt practices in Indonesia. "If PBB becomes the ruling party, it will not tolerate any form of corruption, collusion and nepotism in Indonesia," she told party supporters.

Muslim group leaves Golkar

Muslim group leaves Golkar PADANG, West Sumatra: A Muslim organization called Jamaah Syatariah, which claims to have one million members, has decided to cut its past links to the ruling Golkar Party. The decision was announced by group leader Tuanku Mudo Ismet Ismail before a crowd of 10,000 who attended a pilgrim at the Syekh Burhanuddin Cemetery in Ulakan district in Padang Pariaman regency, 70 kilometers south of here, on Thursday.

Adi disclaims engineering nomination for presidency

Adi disclaims engineering nomination for presidency JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Adi Sasono denied on Friday he had any influence on the People's Sovereignty Party's (PDR) recent decision to nominate him for presidency. Instead, he said he was committed to serving the people.

Ambon refugees suffer lack of food, medicine

Ambon refugees suffer lack of food, medicine By Upik Jupriadi BUTON, Southeast Sulawesi (JP): At least 50,878 Ambon refugees sheltered on Buton Island, about 220 kilometers west of Kendari, are in poor condition due to limited availability of food and medical supplies. Many of them have fallen ill due to the unsuitable surroundings. Sixteen of them have died mainly due to diarrhea since their first arrival to the island early this year.

Kupang pearl thieves caught

Kupang pearl thieves caught KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Police detectives here have arrested a group of 13 local divers for allegedly stealing at least 27,000 cultivated pearls from a farm near Semau Island of Kupang regency. Kupang Police chief Lt. Col. Agus Kusnadi said on Friday the group committed the crime in stages beginning early last month by pretending to be traditional fisherman operating near the pearl farm of PT Timor Otzuki Mutiara, which is a foreign firm.

PAL backs spin-offs, seeks open skies limit

PAL backs spin-offs, seeks open skies limit MANILA (Reuters): With its equity problems out of the way, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is getting down to business -- pushing for a revision of the country's open skies policy and the sell- off of non-core businesses, officials said on Friday. PAL officials said the government has promised to consider restricting the number of foreign airline flights servicing the Philippines, which have posed stiff competition for the financially ailing flag carrier.

Councilors shun city anniversary

Councilors shun city anniversary BOGOR (JP): An official from the Bogor mayoralty expressed concern over the failure of 16 members of the Bogor Legislative Council to attend a plenary session to commemorate Bogor's 517th anniversary on Thursday. The official, who asked not to be named, said the 16 councilors, part of the 45-strong legislative council, should not have missed the historic session because the event did not last for more than two hours.

ASEAN wants better early child care

ASEAN wants better early child care SINGAPORE (DPA): Child care and development policy planners from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) wrapped up a three-day meeting on Friday by resolving to draft guidelines setting member nations "on a clear path toward better care" for the young.

Soeharto's maneuver

Soeharto's maneuver As if to challenge his critics, Soeharto (this week) visited the National Police Headquarters to press charges against Time magazine, which he considered to have defamed him. As is commonly known, this reputable international news magazine in its late May edition presented its readers with a report on the alleged business empire of Soeharto, his family and his cronies.

Ford talks to Malaysia's Proton on possible tie-up

Ford talks to Malaysia's Proton on possible tie-up DEARBORN, Michigan (Reuters): Ford Motor Co. has talked to Malaysia's largest car maker, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd (Proton)., about a possible affiliation as part of its long-term plans to build market share in Asia, a top company official said on Thursday.

Golkar big shot has drunken guest

Golkar big shot has drunken guest KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: An uninvited guest caused a flurry of commotion at the residence of Hino Biohanis, chief of the Golkar provincial chapter, at about 7 p.m. on Monday. Hino was away campaigning when the incident happened. At his home were his daughter, Vita, and son-in-law, Maci. The stranger forced his way into the house, telling the hosts he was an army member who was tired and hungry after securing a Golkar campaign in town.

Clashes mar campaigns in several areas

Clashes mar campaigns in several areas JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party's (PPP) last round of campaigning in West Nusa Tenggara, where chairman Hamzah Haz campaigned on Friday, was marred by a clash in which at least four were injured and two vehicles were damaged. It was the only recorded violent incident in the province during the campaign season since May 19.

PDI more genuine than others

PDI more genuine than others JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: "PDI? Which PDI do you mean?" is a common question fired back at you here when you are not specific about this political party. PDI, the Indonesian Democratic Party, split when a government- backed rebel faction broke away in 1996. There were two PDIs until recently when those loyal to the 1993 democratically elected Megawati Soekarnoputri renamed their party "PDI Perjuangan".

Bomb threat hits Immanuel Church

Bomb threat hits Immanuel Church JAKARTA (JP): An anonymous caller phoned in a bomb threat to Immanuel Church in the Gambir area of Central Jakarta on Friday afternoon. The message was received by Heri, a church warden, at about 12:05 p.m., city police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said. "The caller told Heri that a bomb would explode at 2 p.m., similar to the recent blast at Istiqlal Grand Mosque," Lubis said, referring to the April 20 explosion at the Central Jakarta mosque.

No show at PNI, PDI rallies

No show at PNI, PDI rallies MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: The Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI) and Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) under Budi Hardjono canceled their final round of campaigning here Wednesday because no one showed up. The disappointed four-member PNI organizing committee dismantled the stage and lowered the flags. Chief of the local PNI local chapter Tadeus Tera then led the other three activists into spending the rest of the day parading around town on a van.

Political parties' violations in campaigning 'get short shrift'

Political parties' violations in campaigning 'get short shrift' JAKARTA (JP): Security personnel and the official supervisory election committees are not serious in addressing violations of political parties, at least eight institutions in Yogyakarta stated on Friday. Violations continued through to late Friday across the country ahead of the first polls since Soeharto quit the presidency in May 1998.

Training center for SEA Games inaugurated

Training center for SEA Games inaugurated JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar on Friday officially inaugurated the centralized training center for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The ceremony was attended by only 100 of the 454 athletes from 20 sports bodies competing in the biennial event, which is to be held in Brunei Darussalam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15.

Businessman robbed of his valuables

Businessman robbed of his valuables JAKARTA (JP): Armed robbers broke into a house in Depok and made away with two cars, mobile phones, jewelry and a television set early Friday, city police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said. Robbed was Yoseph Ole, a 45-year-old businessman of Tipar subdistrict in Mekarsari, Depok, Lubis said. His total losses are estimated at about Rp 200 million (US$25,000).

Shares surge amid campaign calm

Shares surge amid campaign calm JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) reentered the 600 psychological barrier on Friday, riding on the wrap up of the country's smooth campaigning period. On the last day of the campaign period, the JSX Composite Index rose 4.2 percent to close at 612.37 points, with a transaction value of Rp 843.7 billion (US$104 million). The Indonesian rupiah was also stable, closing a bit stronger at Rp 8,105 against the U.S.

JDI launches new service

JDI launches new service JAKARTA (JP): PT Jaring Data Interaktif (JDI), in association with the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), a newswire and two cable television providers, has launched a financial information television channel. "The new service is marketed on a subscription basis through satellite and cable providers Indovision and Kablevision," a JDI official said on Friday at the launching ceremony.

World Environment Day forgotten by many

World Environment Day forgotten by many JAKARTA (JP): Every year, June 5 is celebrated worldwide in more than 100 countries as the most important event on the environmental calendar. This date has been declared World Environment Day. Environmental activists and nature lovers use this day to educate the public about environmental issues.

A brief respite

A brief respite We can all breathe a sigh of relief that the official election campaign has finally come to an end. Relief not only because the past 17 days have been relatively free from the widespread violence, but also because we can all get back to our normal routines. The campaign period may have brought a festive mood for some, but to most people it was very disruptive. The campaign period has had its share of casualties too.

PPP prays for Hamzah

PPP prays for Hamzah SEMARANG: Over 10,000 supporters of the Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP) prayed in Ungaran near here on Friday for the party chairman, Hamzah Haz, to win his presidential bid. In a frenzied street rally in the small town, the drum beating and flag waving party supporters chanted holy verses while carrying a huge picture of Hamzah, who was not present in the campaign. Earlier in the day, party campaigners M.

Live sports shows

Live sports shows JAKARTA (JP): The following will be aired live on TV this weekend: Saturday French Open women's singles final, SCTV, 7.30 p.m. Euro 2000 soccer qualification England vs Sweden, RCTI, 9.30 p.m. Sunday Boxing match Roy Jones Jr. vs Reggie Johnson, Indosiar, 7.30 a.m. French Open men's singles final, SCTV, 8 p.m.