Archive: 1 July 1999
52 articles found
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Too much talk obstructs rebuilding process
Too much talk obstructs rebuilding process By Meuthia Ganie-Rochman BOGOR, West Java (JP): Transition to democracy is a process involving many factors. There are countries that are lucky enough to go through the process without social turbulence. In those countries, the democratization process was in most cases initiated by the ruling elite, who were aware on the global democratic tendency of modern societies. However, there are more countries for which the road to democracy is dangerous.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN energy meeting
ASEAN energy meeting BANGKOK (Dow Jones): Thailand is to host the 17-th meeting of energy ministers and senior officials of the Association of South East Asian Nations, or ASEAN, from Thursday to Saturday. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, or EGAT, said in a press release received Wednesday that a master plan will be reviewed to link the power grids of the 10 member countries into a regional grid.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Will the CCP continue to lead China as a communist party?
Will the CCP continue to lead China as a communist party? By I. Wibowo JAKARTA (JP): Zheng Ming magazine, in one of its 1996 editions, carried a report which disclosed a meeting of the top elite party members in Beijing on June 18, 1996. In that meeting, Jiang Zemin, the general party secretary, delivered a speech, which was considered "classified", on the current condition of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). (Zheng Ming, July 1996, pp.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Mobile phone in Asia surges
Mobile phone in Asia surges SINGAPORE (AFP): Mobile phone ownership in Asia has surged with young adults driving the boom, despite the regional economic crisis which dampened consumer spending, according to a poll released here Wednesday. Ownership in seven economies surveyed jumped between 30 and 70 percent in the year to last April, with Hong Kong leading the surge, according to Asian Market Intelligence AsiaBUS (AMI) which conducted the survey.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hermaphrodite baby shocks a Bogor village
Hermaphrodite baby shocks a Bogor village BOGOR (JP): Alan, also known as Triwulan, has become a hot topic in the past few months among villagers of Sukadamai in West Bogor. The nine-month-old baby has both male and female genitalia. According to her mother, Sriwati, 27, she and her husband, Ulung Sukmala, 30, a scavenger, had tried their best to seek help from local doctors and dukun (sorcerers) for their first child.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Disband Korpri and Dharma Wanita
Disband Korpri and Dharma Wanita The Indonesian Civil Service Corps (Korpri) and the Association of Wives of Civil Servants (Dharma Wanita) would be better disbanded, as the following reasons show: 1. They were set up by the New Order regime to confirm the Functional Group's (Golkar's) supremacy by means of restricting the freedom of association of civil servants and laborers.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
PDAM Bogor goes private
PDAM Bogor goes private JAKARTA (JP): The government has changed the status of Bogor administration's tap water company PDAM Bogor from a state-owned company to a private company in a bid to increase the company's self-reliance, Bogor Mayor R.Iswara Natanegara said on Wednesday. "The decision was taken by the government to improve the self- reliance of companies owned by local administrations," he said in an installment ceremony of 15 executives of PDAM Bogor.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Marlboro to send 10 local adventurers to Utah tour
Marlboro to send 10 local adventurers to Utah tour JAKARTA (JP): The Marlboro cigarette brand will send 10 people from Indonesia to Utah, in the United States, to take part in an outdoor adventure tour from Oct. 1 to Oct. 10, an event organizer said on Wednesday.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia checks legal means for Sofjan's return
Indonesia checks legal means for Sofjan's return JAKARTA (JP): Acting Attorney General Ismudjoko said on Wednesday his office would use all proper means to ensure the return of businessman Sofjan Wanandi from his overseas medical treatment to be questioned on an alleged fraud case. Ismudjoko acknowledged he had received a report from Sofjan's lawyer on Sofjan's condition, but also pointed out he had read different versions on his condition from press reports.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Christian back to coaching Badminton
Christian back to coaching Badminton JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) official in charge of athletes' development, Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar, denied rumors which said national training director Christian Hadinata would resign from his post. "It's not true. Christian will just focus his attention on coaching the men's doubles because it's the only event we have a chance to win a gold in the 2000 Olympics," Siregar said in a telephone interview.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Menak Jingga against woman leader
Menak Jingga against woman leader The sly attitude once demonstrated by a Blambangan king during the Majapahit era has resurfaced in Indonesia's political arena. Because of the magical power of his weapon, called wesi kuning (yellow iron), King Menak Jingga of Blambangan (East Java) never wanted to form a coalition or make peace with the ruler of the Majapahit Kingdom, who happened to be a woman. Trouble continued to be stirred to disturb the Majapahit Kingdom.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police burn contraband
Police burn contraband JAKARTA (JP): At least 2,849 grams of heroin, 66,452 pills of various drugs, three kilograms of marijuana and 18,900 pornographic video compact discs confiscated from 1997 to May this year have been destroyed by the Jakarta Police. "The Criminal Code Procedure states that law enforcement agencies should destroy any dangerous or poisonous goods seized as soon as we arrest the suspects," said city police chief of detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo on Wednesday.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ex-minister takes stand in Goro case
Ex-minister takes stand in Goro case JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of cooperatives and small enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya testified at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday that he agreed to a proposed cooperation between the nation's cooperatives and wholesaler PT Goro Batara Sakti. "It was simply due to the fact that only Goro offered us the opportunity to participate in the wholesale business.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Veteran players lead Games tennis selection
Veteran players lead Games tennis selection JAKARTA (JP): Familiar faces showed that experience tells during the opening on Wednesday of selection for the women's tennis team for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Romana Tedjakusuma, Liza Andriyani and Irawati Moerid Iskandar outclassed younger opponents in winning two matches each in the round-robin competition at Kemayoran Tennis Center.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Anwar's brother tells court of police threat
Anwar's brother tells court of police threat KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The adopted brother of Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he falsely accused the former minister of sodomy after Malaysian police had sexually abused him and threatened to have him shot.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
E. Timor refugees receive warm welcome in NTT
E. Timor refugees receive warm welcome in NTT By Peter Tukan DILI, East Timor (Antara): For many people in Atambua, an East Nusa Tenggara town which shares a border with East Timor, the 4,500 East Timorese taking refuge there are no strangers. Many of them are blood brothers. The people from the two provinces are of one ethnic group, separated by the Portuguese colonialists who landed in Timor in 1546.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Police deny buying Timor cars illegally
Police deny buying Timor cars illegally JAKARTA (JP): National Police were irked on Wednesday by an allegation made by PT Timor Putra Nusantara (TPN) which said the police had purchased 100 Timor sedans through illegal transactions. Showing the purchase documents of the vehicles, head of the National Police Logistics Directorate, Brig. Gen. Bambang Susetyo, said the allegation made public by TPN last Friday was totally groundless.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indorama expects higher domestic sales this year
Indorama expects higher domestic sales this year JAKARTA (JP): PT Indorama Synthetics, a publicly listed polyester producer, which exported 70 percent of its output last year, foresees a slight decline in overseas sales but a significant increase in domestic sales this year. Indorama corporate secretary V.S.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank Lippo appoints foreigner president
Bank Lippo appoints foreigner president JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Lippo announced on Wednesday it had appointed ING Barings Indonesia country manager Ian B. Clyne president and CEO, the first time a foreigner has lead a domestic bank. The 44-year-old Clyne is an Australian national who has worked for ING Barings, Banque Indosuez and National Australia Banking over the past 20 years. "Mr.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S. to reopen Medan consulate
U.S. to reopen Medan consulate MEDAN, North Sumatra: The United States government will soon reopen its consulate general in Medan, North Sumatra, the U.S. Embassy's chief of mission Michael P. Owens told North Sumatra Governor Rizal Nurdin on Wednesday. The U.S. closed the office in 1996 following Indonesia's financial crisis.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Women portrayed as weak in Teater Garasi's 'Sri'
Women portrayed as weak in Teater Garasi's 'Sri' By Ahmad Solikhan YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Goddess Sri, personified with a bunch of ripe rice stalks, represents hope for prosperity for many rural Javanese farmers. Many Javanese have adopted the Goddess' name for themselves to symbolize their hope for happiness and prosperity. But obviously, not all people named Sri can harvest happiness.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
East Timor talks end on a subdued note
East Timor talks end on a subdued note JAKARTA (JP): Highly anticipated peace talks between rival factions from troubled East Timor ended on a subdued note on Wednesday, less than two months before a UN-sponsored ballot to determine the province's future.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 30, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 525 0 31,000 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 350 -50 15,000 Alter Abadi 450 -25 611,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,150 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 650 -50 576,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,550 0 3,973,000 Anwar Sierad 425 -25 434,500 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Government ready to submit bill on Maluku development
Government ready to submit bill on Maluku development JAKARTA (JP): The government will submit next week a bill to the House of Representatives that would divide Maluku into two provinces, an official said on Wednesday. Ryaas Rasyid, director general of public administration and regional autonomy, said here on Wednesday the move was expected to ease tension in the northern part of Maluku.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
One-sided political talk show
One-sided political talk show From Media Indonesia My friend and I, now experiencing a political euphoria, are disappointed every time we watch the program Detak Detik Pemilu, broadcast simultaneously by all private TV stations. The talk show is hosted by Wimar Witoelar. 1. The program is not neutral. It has become a platform to force one's own will by supporting a certain political party so its chairperson will become president. 2.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
PPI vows to continue national ballot count
PPI vows to continue national ballot count JAKARTA (JP): The National Elections Committee (PPI) vowed on Wednesday to continue the national ballot count despite the fact that a number of alleged cases of elections fraud and irregularities remained unsettled. PPI chairman Jacob Tobing said after attending a General Elections Commission (KPU) plenary meeting the national vote count should be completed by the July 8 deadline set by the KPU.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
PT Indocement plans to double export volume
PT Indocement plans to double export volume JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa expects to double its export volume in 1999 to approximately 2.8 million tons, from some 1.2 million tons last year. Indocement director Sudwikatmono said on Wednesday the company's total production would reach eight million tons in 1999.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Noodle fencers apprehended
Noodle fencers apprehended JAKARTA (JP): Police have apprehended a warehouse owner for allegedly acting as a fencer for 2,000 boxes of stolen instant noodles seized from a container at a courier company. Three other suspects of the crime were still at large. City police detective chief Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo identified the arrested suspect as AP, a resident of Jl. Mesjid, Pekojan, North Jakarta. The three wanted suspects were identified as Acip, Fendi Lubis and Agus Salim Nasution.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Megawati seeks advice from ex-intelligence chief
Megawati seeks advice from ex-intelligence chief JAKARTA (JP): Amid widespread criticism of the passive political stance of Megawati Soekarnoputri, a former intelligence chief has disclosed her views on the contentious issues of amending the 1945 Constitution and the dual role of the military.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Praise for those who care
Praise for those who care When our family visited Indonesia recently we read your paper frequently and on June 1 we came across some really great news. We would like to congratulate the Samihim Dayak people and the Environmental Forum (Walhi) and the 12 other NGOs for the excellent work they are doing to prosecute those responsible for the terrible forest fires in Kalimantan. We feel deep gratitude to all these people who dedicate their efforts toward sorting out the mess.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on June 30, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indomobil says new auto policy could harm output
Indomobil says new auto policy could harm output JAKARTA (JP): Local car producer PT Indomobil Sukses International announced on Wednesday the government's new automobile policy would severely hurt its automotive assembly operation. Company president Subronto Laras said Indomobil might have to sell its assembly facilities if the government failed to support the company's commitment to improve its automotive manufacturing technology.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur meets Habibie again
Gus Dur meets Habibie again JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Abdurrahman Wahid met for the second time in a month with President B.J. Habibie, as he continued shuttling between top political leaders in an effort to prevent a deadlock in the upcoming presidential election. Abdurrahman, also known as Gus Dur, said he told the President he wanted "to calm" the situation before the presidential election, although he refused to elaborate on the details of his meetings.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bank BNI looks to restart lending soon
Bank BNI looks to restart lending soon JAKARTA (JP): Bank Negara Indonesia (Bank BNI) may resume lending in September after the completion of its Rp 52.8 trillion (US$775 million) recapitalization program, the state bank's president Widigdo Sukarman said on Wednesday. He cautioned that a resumption in lending by the country's largest bank would depend on its success in improving the quality of its loan assets and the further decline in domestic interest rates.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Learning to lose with dignity
Learning to lose with dignity Although the final result from the polls is yet to come, the political elite seem to be already involved in negotiations. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono casts a light on the phenomenon. JAKARTA (JP): Since the election, there seems to be a growing gap between the political elite and the people at large. People hope and expect change for the better, encompassing the political, social and economical life of the country, that is, reform.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:30 Soccer 9:30 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 TV Series 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:00 Koran Recital 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:30 Music 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Children's Program 5:00 City News 5:30 Music 6:00 TV Drama 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 8:25 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
U.S., Australia attack RI failure to control militias
U.S., Australia attack RI failure to control militias JAKARTA (JP): Compounding the sharp criticism from the United Nations over Tuesday's attack on a UN post in Maliana, East Timor, the United States and Australia have castigated Indonesia for failing to rein in members of militias in the province.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
166 servicemen keep city posts
166 servicemen keep city posts JAKARTA (JP): Of the 254 members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) currently holding civilian posts in the city administration, 166 of them have decided to stay at their civilian jobs, an official said on Wednesday. Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi said the remaining 88 officers had decided to continue their careers in the military.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Appointment of regional representatives queried
Appointment of regional representatives queried JAKARTA (JP): Regional representatives to the People's Consultative Assembly should be directly elected by the people instead of being selected by the provincial legislatures, a political lecturer has said.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia wants tariff cut
Indonesia wants tariff cut AUCKLAND (Dow Jones): Indonesian Trade and Industry Minister Rahardi Ramelan said Wednesday that Indonesia is particularly keen for the World Trade Organization to tackle high tariffs on semiprocessed and processed agricultural products in its next round of talks. At present, "there is a high tariff for semiprocessed products and processed products" produced by the agricultural sector, Ramelan said.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Court throws out Tommy's lawsuit against 'Gatra'
Court throws out Tommy's lawsuit against 'Gatra' JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court decided on Wednesday to reject a lawsuit filed by former president Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra against Gatra weekly magazine. The decision could be understood as a long-awaited start by the country's law enforcers to discontinue their support for relatives of the former president, who left his post on May 21 last year.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Buntut' coupon sellers arrested
'Buntut' coupon sellers arrested BOGOR (JP): Local police have arrested seven sellers of judi buntut coupons in several raids over the past few days, an officer said. According to Bogor Police chief Lt. Col. Budi Gunawan, his men also apprehended an owner of a gambling den and confiscated 40 slot machines. Gunawan said the seven people arrested in Baranang Siang bus terminal were employees of coupon agents Tosiba, Sampurna and Marimas.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Asia's banking problems persist
Asia's banking problems persist By P. Parameswaran SINGAPORE (AFP): At least 60 Asian banks have wound up and many others are facing a massive overhaul two years after a financial storm ripped through the region, but analysts warn the shakeout is far from over. Banks, which had grown rapidly from loans fueling Asia's bustling economies, were among the worst hit by the financial crisis triggered by the devaluation of the Thai baht on July 2, 1997.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Transvestites warned of HIV
Transvestites warned of HIV MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Some 40 transvestites in the capital of Sikka regency concluded a three-day workshop on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) awareness on Wednesday. Lambertus Durek, the head of the Cinta Kehidupan Foundation, the workshop's organizer, said the program targeted transvestites because of their vulnerability to the virus.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
More events the better for PON, KONI says
More events the better for PON, KONI says MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar says the council is open to as many sports as possible being held at the 15th National Games (PON) next year because the event is aimed at uniting the nation. Speaking after installing local KONI officials for a five-year term here on Wednesday, Wismoyo said 36 sports organizations had registered for the Games, to be held in Surabaya, East Java.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
New Indonesia might mix with IMF
New Indonesia might mix with IMF By Patrick Schwarz SEMARANG (JP): They say a picture speaks a thousand words. The picture of the front runner in Indonesia's elections, Megawati Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) reluctantly shaking hands with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s Stanley Fischer on the front page of Sunday's The Jakarta Post, however, speaks more like a thousand books to a political or economic observer.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Tegal demands immigration office
Tegal demands immigration office SEMARANG, Central Java: The provincial justice office here has asked the central government to open an immigration office in Tegal mayoralty to improve services to local residents who are planning to travel overseas. The office's information service officer, Wiwik Murniati, told Antara on Wednesday passport applicants in the western part of the province had complained about the long distance they were forced to travel to reach the nearest immigration office.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Court rejects bankruptcy claim against Aster
Court rejects bankruptcy claim against Aster JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court has rejected the bankruptcy claim filed by two Singaporean banks against local plastic packaging company PT Aster Dharma Industri, saying that the claim was premature. "The bankruptcy claim is premature because the liquidation of Aster Dharma's subsidiary by the Singapore Court is not yet completed," the judge said at the court hearing on Tuesday.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
City helps out to speed up vote count
City helps out to speed up vote count JAKARTA (JP): In an attempt to speed up the vote counting process, Governor Sutiyoso has provided Rp 5 million (US$745) to each of the 48 political party's representatives at the Jakarta Provincial Election Committee (PPD I), a senior executive at the city administration said on Wednesday.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
ISO award for Antam unit
ISO award for Antam unit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed state mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) announced on Wednesday its precious metals laboratory in East Jakarta had received the ISO GUIDE 25 Standard certificate from the National Accreditation Body. The certification would enable the laboratory to issue assay certificates to companies putting their gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals on test there, the company said in a statement.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Give democracy a chance
Give democracy a chance The ongoing political horse trading by some politicians presumes the presidential election in November will reach a deadlock. According to their scenario, none of the two front-runners -- Megawati Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) or the incumbent B.J. Habibie of Golkar -- will muster the 51 percent needed at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to clinch the vote.
Thu, 01 Jul 1999, 00:00 WIB
Counterfeit money
Counterfeit money From Bisnis Indonesia The frequent media reports on the circulation of counterfeit money have reminded me of my own experience and that of some friends. As bank customers we were treated in a similar way by our banks. Our complaint was rejected and the banknotes could not be exchanged. The reason given was the complaint was not made when we received the money. Indeed we can understand the reasons given by the banks.