Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 July 1999

59 articles found

Telecoms, broadcasting 'must be handled by one ministry'

Telecoms, broadcasting 'must be handled by one ministry' JAKARTA (JP): Telecommunications and broadcasting should be administered under one ministry to avoid overlapping in licensing and regulations, a telecommunications executive said on Tuesday.

Total Indonesie to be top gas producer by 2000

Total Indonesie to be top gas producer by 2000 Total Indonesie, a subsidiary of a major international oil and gas company based in Paris, has been operating in Indonesia since 1968 under a Production Sharing Contract with Pertamina. In its initial stages, Total Indonesie was active in producing mainly crude oil from the Handil and Bekapai fields.

Is Megawati fit to lead? Ask her

Is Megawati fit to lead? Ask her I refer to the article Much ado about Mega in the July 3, 1999, The Jakarta Post. The logic of the Muslim clerics and students is typically flawed. First, the "betrayal of Muslims" by Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan): If Megawati's PDI Perjuangan secures, say, 40 percent of the vote, and that 40 percent includes every non-Muslim in the nation, then still a majority of PDI Perjuangan supporters are Muslim.

Safety net fails to catch starving children

Safety net fails to catch starving children By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of children across the country die of hunger every day. And an early death looms for thousands of others because their parents are too poor to feed them adequately. In community health centers and public hospitals, many children are in critical condition, their tiny bodies reduced to skin and bone. Wrinkled skin and distended bellies are the telltale signs of severe malnutrition and marasmic kwashiorkor.

Anwar pledges to boost BI's independence

Anwar pledges to boost BI's independence JAKARTA (JP): Anwar Nasution, who was selected by the House of Representatives on Monday as senior deputy governor of the central bank, has pledged to focus on helping the governor make the institution fully independent in carrying out its duties. Anwar said on Tuesday that Bank Indonesia (BI) should be cleaned of corruption, collusion and nepotism in the bid to establish integrity and credibility. "But, please, don't ask me too many questions now.

Megawati's silence has political purposes

Megawati's silence has political purposes Speculation is growing concerning chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri's continued silence in regard to big political issues in the public arena. Political observer Cornelis Lay of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta provides his views on the matter. Question: Do you think Megawati will obtain political advantages from her silence?

Rahardi cancels planned tender for rice imports

Rahardi cancels planned tender for rice imports JAKARTA (JP): The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) announced on Tuesday that it had canceled a plan to hold a tender for rice imports due to a sudden rise in international prices. Minister of Industry and Trade Rahardi Ramelan, who is also Bulog's chairman, said rice prices on the international market rose by between US$5 to $10 per metric ton following the recent disclosure of Bulog's plan to import rice.

RCTI workers seek Rp 13b compensation

RCTI workers seek Rp 13b compensation JAKARTA (JP): Thirteen employees of RCTI filed a lawsuit on Monday against the management of the private television station at the West Jakarta District Court, demanding Rp 13 billion (US$1.9 million) in compensation from the station for prohibiting them from setting up a workers' union. The employees -- none of whom are from the news department -- also asked that the station pay them Rp 51.5 million to cover material losses.

Students top STD case list

Students top STD case list MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Among the recorded cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), students top the list at 36 percent, business people with 15.6 percent and civil servants are in third place at 11.7 percent, according to the family planning office here. Norbertus Turwewi said on Saturday in Kalabahi, the capital of Alor regency, that the figures were based on data collected by the provincial chapter of the National Family Planning Board.

Boxer Herman in cell for alleged police attack

Boxer Herman in cell for alleged police attack JAKARTA (JP): Professional boxer Herman Kili Kili is still in police custody for his alleged role in an attack on a police sergeant last Friday, an officer said on Tuesday. "We're still working on the case, and (seeking) Herman's two other friends," Kelapa Gading Police subprecinct chief Maj. Agus Sulistyono told The Jakarta Post. Herman and his two friends -- Johnson Hutagaol and Roby -- reportedly assaulted First Sgt.

Calls to lower airfares 'premature', says INACA

Calls to lower airfares 'premature', says INACA JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) balked at a request from legislators on Tuesday to reduce domestic airfares due to the strengthening of the rupiah. Burhanuddin Napitupulu, who chairs House Commission IV overseeing public works, transportation, tourism, communications and public housing, said the stronger rupiah would allow airlines to cut operating costs.

Searching for answers to malnutrition

Searching for answers to malnutrition JAKARTA (JP): Entering the 21st century, Indonesia will have a "lost generation". The term lost generation is commonly used for children who miss out on adequate nutrition and health care between the crucial ages of six and 24 months of age. Between the ages of six and 24 months, a child's physical development requires adequate nutrition through breastfeeding and other nutritious foods.

China offers joint exercise proposal

China offers joint exercise proposal MANILA (AFP): China offered on Tuesday to hold joint exercises with the Philippines, one of its rivals to disputed South China Sea islands, to control piracy and drugs in the area, Filipino Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon said. The offer was relayed to him by visiting Chinese Agriculture Minister Chen Yaobang, Siazon told reporters, adding Manila would study the proposal.

Malaysian-RI palm oil producers's axis sought

Malaysian-RI palm oil producers's axis sought KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A minister Tuesday urged Malaysian palm oil producers to form partnerships with producers in neighboring Indonesia as prices decline. "Our producers must engage them (Indonesian producers and exporters) in talks about not undercutting prices as the situation is already bad," Lim Keng Yaik, primary industries minister, was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency.

Gus Dur's ideas a major headache

Gus Dur's ideas a major headache Recently, Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, proposed that the state's power be split: the position of the head of state would be assumed by the chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and that of the head of the government by the president.

Immigration finds 36 bogus visas

Immigration finds 36 bogus visas JAKARTA (JP): The immigration office has discovered this year at least 36 bogus Indonesian visas allegedly produced by a well- organized syndicate overseas. The immigration's control and supervision head Zaiman Nurmatias said in a statement on Tuesday that the fake visas, mostly for 30-day tourist visits, carried official seals of the Indonesian government. The documents appeared to have been issued by Indonesian embassies in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Beijing.

PPI confident vote count completed by Wednesday

PPI confident vote count completed by Wednesday JAKARTA (JP): The National Elections Committee (PPI) is expected to complete the national vote count of the June 7 general election on Wednesday. As of Tuesday, the PPI had finished the vote count in 24 provinces and 108 overseas polling places. Outstanding ballots originated from Bengkulu and North and Southeast Sulawesi.

NU to hold seminar on presidency and related gender issues

NU to hold seminar on presidency and related gender issues PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Indonesia's largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama, whose members have been divided over the concept of a woman president, will hold a national seminar to discuss the presidency and the gender issue.

ANZ Panin reopens credit card business

ANZ Panin reopens credit card business JAKARTA (JP): ANZ Panin Bank, in cooperation with Visa Card International, relaunched its credit card operation on Tuesday two years after the financial crisis put an abrupt end to the initial launch. The operation will use the credit card facility ANZ Panin acquired from the liquidated Bank Papan Sejahtera.

Residents still fearful after brawl

Residents still fearful after brawl MEDAN, North Sumatra: The area where locals clashed with hoodlums remained tense as of Wednesday, with residents fearful of leaving their homes. The brawl, which lasted from late Sunday to Monday morning, and which, according to police, involved some 1,000 locals, took place near H. Adam Malik Hospital in the town of Tuntungan, near Sunggal district.

Suu Kyi calls for ASEAN support

Suu Kyi calls for ASEAN support BANGKOK (AFP): Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi called on ASEAN on Tuesday to harden its stance toward the junta in Yangon, saying the bloc does not have a "clear conscience" on human rights. The opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate accused the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of hiding behind concepts like "Asian values" and "non-interference" to avoid taking on the junta.

Thailand accepts 'Newsweek' apology

Thailand accepts 'Newsweek' apology BANGKOK (AP): The Thai government says that representatives of Newsweek magazine have apologized for any hurt feelings caused by a story suggesting the country was good for little but sex and golf, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. The article has irked government officials, including Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, who said on Monday that Newsweek should change its name to "Newsweak".

RI to launch new satellite

RI to launch new satellite PARIS (Dow Jones): Arianespace SA will launch two satellites in August, the company said Tuesday in a press release. On Aug.4, Arianespace will launch Telkom-1 for customer PT Telekomunikasi of Indonesia, and on Aug. 26 will launch Koreasat- 3 for Korea Telecom of South Korea, Arianespace said. Arianespace said it plans to launch the same number of satellites this year as in 1998 - 10 of its own "Ariane" satellites and 14 satellites built by other companies.

Alatas insists East Timor ballot be held on schedule

Alatas insists East Timor ballot be held on schedule JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas insisted on Tuesday the popular vote to determine the future of East Timor should take place as scheduled in August. The minister said Indonesia believed the best date for the direct ballot was Saturday, Aug. 21, rather than Aug. 22, because most East Timorese were Catholics and attended Mass on Sunday. "We hope there will be no further delays," Alatas said after meeting with President B.J.

Febi prefers expulsion from SEA Games to dormitory room

Febi prefers expulsion from SEA Games to dormitory room JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's tennis men's singles Febi Widhiyanto said on Tuesday that he would rather be eliminated from the national team for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games next month than being forced to stay in a dormitory chosen by the Indonesia Tennis Association (Pelti). "I wouldn't object to being eliminated if they tried to force me to stay in the dormitory. I always come to practice sessions on time every morning.

ADB to help government in Aceh railway plan

ADB to help government in Aceh railway plan JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist the government in conducting a feasibility study for the development of a 486-kilometer railway line in Aceh, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

Ramos-Horta backs Timor Gap pact

Ramos-Horta backs Timor Gap pact CANBERRA (Dow Jones): East Timor pro-independence leader and Nobel peace prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta Tuesday reiterated support for the Timor Gap Treaty with Australia. He also said in the event of a successful independence vote in the August 21-22 poll in the Indonesian province, East Timor would want a stable investment and economic regime. At the same time, he said East Timor independence leaders are considering a range of options to develop its economy.

Formula additives no help to infants

Formula additives no help to infants JAKARTA (JP): Adding DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid) to food formulas will not improve a baby's vision and nervous system, experts have said. The discovery that rejected this common assumption was put forward by Alan Lucas, director of the childhood nutrition center at the London's Institute of Child Health, during the 11th national congress for child health science in Jakarta last week.

Budiono cautions against CGI meeting postponement

Budiono cautions against CGI meeting postponement JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Budiono warned on Tuesday that a delay in the upcoming Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) donors meeting would damage confidence in the country's economy. He said the annual CGI meeting should proceed as scheduled to allow the government to secure loan financing for the 1999/2000 budget gap.

Ten people die as violence in Aceh escalates

Ten people die as violence in Aceh escalates JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto defended on Tuesday the presence of anti-riot troops in Aceh, following recent clashes which left nine people dead. Eight alleged rebels were shot dead in two separate clashes in East Aceh and Central Aceh on Monday, the day bodies of two police were found in East Aceh with severe wounds.

A matter of character

A matter of character Dessy Noer Thaher's letter in the July 8 edition of The Jakarta Post, which was picked up from Media Indonesia, is a good one. It was especially interesting because on page 7 of the same edition there was a picture of a foreign artist doing a body painting, and the woman model was bare-breasted. On the controversial Matra magazine cover, model Ineke Koesherawaty was covering her breasts with her arms. Sophia Latjuba used the same gesture a while ago.

Cemex forms an Asian holding firm

Cemex forms an Asian holding firm MEXICO CITY (Reuters): Mexican cement producer Cemex on Monday said it was forming an Asian holding company with $950 million in start-up capital to oversee its businesses in that part of the world, possibly auguring further expansion in the region.

KONI to give SEAG athletes doping tests

KONI to give SEAG athletes doping tests JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has announced it will hold pre-competition doping tests for selected members of the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games contingent. National training director Imron ZS said on Tuesday the pre- competition tests next week were aimed at reducing any possible problems at the Aug. 7 to Aug. 15 biennial event. "We don't want to take any risks by sending athletes who might fail the doping test.

Marzuki retains position in Golkar

Marzuki retains position in Golkar JAKARTA (JP): A Golkar Party executive board meeting discussed proposals to dismiss party deputy Marzuki Darusman following controversial statements he made, but decided he was harmless to the party. "We have no grounds to dismiss Marzuki," Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung said on Tuesday at the party headquarters in West Jakarta. "All of his statements are still within normal limits and will not jeopardize Golkar's political interests," Akbar said.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on July 13, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 13, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 325 0 0 Alter Abadi 400 0 567,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 0 51,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 0 10,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,400 0 3,505,000 Anwar Sierad 325 -50 172,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Many doubt Ghalib's case will be solved

Many doubt Ghalib's case will be solved JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts aired doubt on Tuesday that the government would dare take legal action against Andi M. Ghalib, who stepped aside as attorney general during a graft investigation. "To thoroughly investigate Ghalib's case would be like a domino theory," human rights lawyer Frans Hendra Winarta told a discussion on corruption organized by the independent Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW).

Man arrested for raping minors

Man arrested for raping minors PEMALANG, Central Java: A Pemalang resident has been arrested for charges of raping 13 minors, all boys under 15. Police chief Lt. Col. Suhartono said on Tuesday the arrest was based on reports from families of three of the children. The man charged with the crime, identified as Sar, was a neighbor of the boys, police said. Suhartono said Sar confessed to raping the 13 children in the past year.

Whose representatives?

Whose representatives? The race for the November presidential election will likely intensify after the General Elections Commission finishes counting the votes this week or next. Since neither of the two front-runners has won enough votes to secure the presidency outright, the focus will turn to the 65 seats for "functional groups" in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). What happens with these 65 representative votes could well be the decisive factor in November.

Five people questioned over fake rupiah wage

Five people questioned over fake rupiah wage TANGERANG (JP): Police detectives are still questioning five people as witnesses following claims by 70 employees of garment factory PT Young Chang Perkasa here that they were paid with counterfeit Rp 50,000 notes, an officer said on Tuesday. Cikupa Police chief First Lt. Matroso identified the five witnesses as the factory's manager Kiem, secretary Bety, driver Amin, employee Wawan and the head of state Bank BNI Cikupa's branch office, Made.

Antidumping duty urged on steel pipe imports

Antidumping duty urged on steel pipe imports JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Aburizal Bakrie called on the government on Tuesday to impose a 50 percent antidumping duty on steel pipe imports from Japan, South Korea and China to protect local producers from unfair competition.

People flock to Cipto to inspect dismembered body

People flock to Cipto to inspect dismembered body JAKARTA (JP): Scores of people went to the forensic department of state Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta on Tuesday to identify the dismembered body parts of a male found at two separate places a day earlier.

Bank customer robbed of Rp 564m in midday holdup

Bank customer robbed of Rp 564m in midday holdup JAKARTA (JP): Two men on a motorcycle robbed a man of Rp 564 million (US$80,570), which he had just withdrawn from a Bank Bali branch, on Monday afternoon on busy Jl. M.H. Thamrin in Central Jakarta. As of late Tuesday evening, police had not managed to identify the robbers, believed to be armed with a gun, or their Yamaha RX King motorcycle, a popular vehicle throughout the country.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Soccer: Copa America (live) 10:00 Music 11:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Indonesian Children 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Indonesian Lessons 5:00 Student's Quiz 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 TV Series 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

What PDI-P needs to make it one

What PDI-P needs to make it one By Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): Many believe that the almost assured victory of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in the general election owes a great deal to the popularity of the party's chairwoman, Megawati Soekarnoputri. Can you imagine PDI Perjuangan without Megawati? Charismatic leadership is not an important variable when it comes to matters of how to build more rational political appeal and create an effective government.

Indonesia's oil sector may recover this year

Indonesia's oil sector may recover this year SINGAPORE, July 13 (AFP): Indonesia's vital oil sector is expected to recover this year on the back of improved economic prospects but drastic reforms are unlikely amid political uncertainty, an industry journal said.

Britain's SAS reportedly aided in Irian Jaya rescue

Britain's SAS reportedly aided in Irian Jaya rescue LONDON (AFP): Britain's crack SAS army regiment was involved in a 1996 mission to rescue hostages from rebels in Indonesia's Irian Jaya province during which eight civilians died, a London newspaper said Tuesday. The Times cited unnamed sources close to the elite regiment as confirming a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on the participation of the Special Air Services (SAS).

Malnutrition dashes hopes for next generation

Malnutrition dashes hopes for next generation By M. Achadi and Tjahjono Ep. YOGYAKARTA (JP): After carrying her baby for nine months, every mother wishes for a healthy and intelligent child. But in the middle of the country's economic crisis, these wishes are hard to make come true. Yogyakarta, which over the last few years has been known for its healthy infants, has not been spared from the nutritional tragedy.

BI case not closed: Officer

BI case not closed: Officer JAKARTA (JP): City police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman vowed on Tuesday that his office would continue investigating the 1997 fire at the new tower of Bank Indonesia, the central bank. "Police never closed the case and will follow it up," Djajoesman told the Jakarta Post after attending the opening ceremony to mark the nationwide military-sponsored social activities of health and family planning in Ketapang, Central Jakarta.

Pertamina needs thorough cleanup

Pertamina needs thorough cleanup The management of Pertamina is figuratively sitting on burning embers. Practically all of the public's attention is focused on the state oil company after it was discovered that it lost US$6.1 billion in just two years (1996 to 1998) through corruption. What is happening at Pertamina? How could $6.1 billion be lost in a mere two years?

2,000 alcoholic drinks seized

2,000 alcoholic drinks seized JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta mayoralty confiscated during a Monday night raid 2,000 bottles of alcoholic drinks from three houses on Jl. Sumur Batu Raya in Kemayoran. Mayor Andi S. Abdullah said on Tuesday the three drink vendors and the drinks containing alcohol content levels of 15 percent or more would be soon handed over to the Central Jakarta Police precinct for further investigation. "It's up to the police to pursue this case," Andi said.

Ministry uncovers Rp2.6t graft

Ministry uncovers Rp2.6t graft JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Home Affairs disclosed on Tuesday corruption cases which cost the government a whopping Rp 2.6 trillion (US$388 million). The amount, which is more than a third of the figure related to embezzled state funds unveiled by the government last week, was calculated from cases of graft between October last year and February this year, the ministry's Inspector General Andi Jalal Bachtiar said.

Bogor's rubbish builds up

Bogor's rubbish builds up BOGOR (JP): Only half of some 2,000 cubic meters of garbage produced everyday in the mayoralty here was driven to the garbage dump in Galuga village, Cibungbulang, an official said on Tuesday. Head of the mayoralty's Health and Sanitation agency Ahmad Memed Sudarma said the problem was primarily caused by the location of the Galuga dump, which is about 5 kilometers from the center of Bogor. "We have indeed tried our best to collect all the trash.

Ciliwung River home to locals' floating toilets

Ciliwung River home to locals' floating toilets Text and photo by Ida Indawaty Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Houses without toilets are commonplace for many living in Jakarta slums, so much so that they are forced to erect public toilets or relieve themselves in rivers.

Qantas offers free trip

Qantas offers free trip JAKARTA (JP): Qantas Airways is offering a free domestic connecting flight in Australia to each passenger holding roundtrip tickets from Jakarta to one of three Australian cities between July 1 and Aug. 31. The offer is valid for passengers who travel on Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, the company announced on Tuesday.

Trade and economic ties of France, RI weather changes

Trade and economic ties of France, RI weather changes Trade between France and Indonesia has grown steadily over the past decade and reached a peak of 14.7 billion French francs (FF) in 1997 (US$2.5 billion), when French exports were boosted by the delivery of four Airbus A330 to Garuda. The slowdown, and then the recession of Indonesia's economy as a result of the Asian crisis had dramatic consequences on trade relations with all its major partners.

Bus terminal thieves nabbed

Bus terminal thieves nabbed JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested eight men suspected of operating as a group of pickpockets in the capital's biggest intercity bus terminal of Pulogadung in East Jakarta. Police identified the detained gang members as parking attendant Dapis Sebayang, 34, bus driver Nanang, 29, street vendor Sahrudin Siregar, 24, newspaper seller Edwin, 18, bus co- driver Agus Aban, 37, and three unemployed men aged between 19 and 28: Heru Purwanto, Asmadi and Hamami.

Electing the president

Electing the president I am concerned by the recent development of democratization in this country, which is indicating an unruly process. It is well known that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is believed to have won the recent elections, not by an absolute margin but with about 35 percent to 40 percent of the vote.

East Nusa Tenggara children dying

East Nusa Tenggara children dying JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of children in Indonesia's poorest province of East Nusa Tenggara are severely undernourished with deaths also being reported, Antara said on Monday. East Nusa Tenggara Vice Governor Pake Pani said in Kupang that in March 1999, a total of 7,202 children in the province were recorded as suffering malnutrition. He said medical intervention had reduced the number to some 4,000 children, but at least 11 of the children had died.