Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 July 1999

42 articles found

Jakarta Fair nears participant target

Jakarta Fair nears participant target JAKARTA (JP): At least 400 domestic companies, 10 regional government trade representatives and one foreign company have booked stands for the 1999 Jakarta Fair in August, but only a few down payments had been made, organizers said on Friday. The annual fair, which will be held from Aug. 6 through Aug. 22 in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, is a joint project of the Jakarta International Tradefair Corporation (JITC), PT Debindo and the Jakarta Fair Foundation.

Drivers threaten strike over plan to hike bus fare

Drivers threaten strike over plan to hike bus fare JAKARTA (JP): Drivers grouped in the Indonesian Transportation Worker's Union (SPTI) planned to stage a strike if the city administration hikes bus fares, the group's executive said on Friday. Union chairman M. Ch. David said drivers were worried the bus fare increase would lead to a significant hike in illegal levies, rental fees paid to bus owners and the money drivers were forced to pay passenger brokers.

Religious courts separate from Supreme Court: House

Religious courts separate from Supreme Court: House JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives agreed on Friday to accept the government-sponsored amendments to a 1970 law on the judiciary, excluding a proposal to put religious courts under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

Minorities and nation-building

Minorities and nation-building This is the second of two articles excerpted from a speech delivered by Yayan G.H. Mulyana, chief of the Social Economic Affairs Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the second Informal Seminar on Human Rights of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Beijing on June 28 and June 30. BEIJING: Indonesia, which has approximately 583 languages and dialects, is one of the most ethnically, religiously and linguistically pluralistic nation-states in the world.

CCF takes theatrical approach to literature

CCF takes theatrical approach to literature By Helly Minarti YOGYAKARTA (JP): In an era of multimedia distraction, how do you entice people to open a good book? It is especially difficult in Indonesia, where efforts to popularize book reading are often drowned out by the clamor of electronic media. "I noticed that while working at the French Embassy in charge of literature translation years ago," said Jean Pascal Elbaz, now the director of the French Cultural Center (CCF) in Yogyakarta.

Clash mars East Timor registration

Clash mars East Timor registration DILI, East Timor (JP): A bloody incident in Covalima regency marred the opening of the 20-day voter registration for the self- determination ballot in troubled East Timor. A prointegration activist was killed when his group fought with proindependence supporters hours before registration started on Friday morning. East Timor Police chief Col.

Now for the next step

Now for the next step At long last -- a full 40 days after the ballot -- Indonesians can form a clearer picture of what the officially sanctioned outcome of the landmark June 7 general election may look like. Not that the tentative results tallied by the Indonesian Elections Committee (PPI) on Thursday, and slated for approval and official release by the General Elections Commission (KPU) next week, present anything new to the public.

Slum areas increase as more join poverty

Slum areas increase as more join poverty JAKARTA (JP): The number of slum areas in the capital grew to 135 subdistricts as of June this year from 106 subdistricts in January, as more Jakartans were pushed below the poverty line by the economic crisis, an official said on Friday. City social disturbance control center official Sularno said the new slum areas emerged mostly in poverty-stricken subdistricts in East and West Jakarta.

Aussie directory to be launched

Aussie directory to be launched JAKARTA (JP): A new directory listing some 250 Australian companies and joint ventures operating in Indonesia will be launched by Minister of Trade and Industry Rahardi Ramelan at the Australian Ambassador's residence in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Indonesia rationalizes track-and-field golds

Indonesia rationalizes track-and-field golds By Ivy Susanti JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's ambition to regain eight golds from the track in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam next month will likely remain a dream as the organizing committee will not feature the country's favorite disciplines.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Manusia di Zamrud Tenggara Khatulistiwa, by S.S Listyowati, at Galeri Nomad, Jl. Mesjid I/19, Pejompongan, West Jakarta (Phone: 5733912), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Aug. 6. * Photo Exhibition: Pasar Gambir, at Gedung Arsip Nasional RI, Jl. Gajah Mada no. 111, West Jakarta (Phone: 6347744), 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., July 20 to Aug. 8. * Art Exhibition by Cak Kandar, at Hotel Ciputra Jakarta, Jl. Let. Jend. S.

Safety net fund of Rp 300m abused

Safety net fund of Rp 300m abused JAKARTA (JP): The city administration revealed on Friday that more than Rp 300 million of social safety net funds aimed at helping Jakartans cope with the economic crisis had been misused. The funds were misused by two executives of Village Resilience Boards (LKMDs) and two subdistrict chiefs in Central and East Jakarta. None of the four, however, were detained for further investigation.

Wiranto says appointment of deputy not a political move

Wiranto says appointment of deputy not a political move JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto said the installment of his new deputy today was aimed at improving TNI's professionalism and had nothing to do with politics. Wiranto dismissed speculations that the position, last filled in 1983, was renewed in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election, as he was marked by some for either vice president or president.

Students call for witness protection

Students call for witness protection JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Students here demanded on Friday protection for witnesses and relatives of victims of the July 1998 military shooting of protesters in Biak. They said that only with a security guarantee could the witnesses testify over the incident, which was responsible for up to about 40 deaths and injured dozens of others.

TNI's place in the legislature

TNI's place in the legislature From Sinar Pagi A Jakarta newspaper recently published an article headlined "The Indonesian Military (TNI) will play a decisive role in the People's Consultative Assembly". It is interesting to note the opinion voiced by Aloys Nugroho in a discussion organized by the Institute of Religious and Philosophical Studies in Jakarta on June 17.

Water company's property attacked

Water company's property attacked Tangerang, West Java (JP): Hundreds of Poris Pelawad subdistrict residents vandalized and burned down a shed belonging to local water company PDAM in protest of the company building a well. Local resident Aji, 22, said the incident occurred at about 10 a.m. and was triggered by fear that the PDAM well would deplete residents' water supply. He said Poris Pelawad residents were joined by Puri Dewata Indah housing complex residents in the vandalism.

Al-Azhar school finally inaugurated

Al-Azhar school finally inaugurated BOGOR (JP): Mayor Iswara Natanegara, who earlier planned to demolish the new Al-Azhar school, inaugurated the Islamic-based school here on Thursday. In his speech, he said he hoped that the Al-Azhar Plus school would become one of the quality education institutes in town. "A quality education can be achieved based on at least two important things, namely having skilled teachers and a flexible curriculum," Iswara said.

KL airport to cut bag quota

KL airport to cut bag quota KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Passengers traveling through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport will be allowed to carry only one hand luggage weighing not more than five kilograms, a news report said on Friday. Malaysia Airports Managing Director Khairuddin Ibrahim said the move was to ensure additional safety aboard the aircraft. He said the new restriction would be strictly imposed soon.

Hopes to be a hero inspire Antonius to run

Hopes to be a hero inspire Antonius to run PENGALENGAN, West Java (JP): Six years ago, 18-year-old Antonius Fallo could not take his eyes off the TV screen as Eduardus Nabunome, from East Nusa Tenggara, won three gold medals for running in the 13th National Games (PON) in Jakarta. Eduardus, nicknamed Edo, won gold in the 1,500-meter, 5,000- meter and 10-kilometer events, and since then he has been a hero in Kupang, the capital of the province.

Saparua brawl claims five lives, police say

Saparua brawl claims five lives, police say AMBON, Maluku (JP): The provincial police confirmed on Friday that four residents and a police officer had died in Thursday's brawl on nearby Saparua Island. Maluku Police spokesman Maj. P.H. Jekriel identified the victims as Gany Sanaky, Obet Kaplale, Philipus Kaya, Wenan Sapulete and police Corp. Essau (Tjao) Huwaa. Jekriel confirmed that Huwaa died of a gunshot wound, but said police had not determined who had fired at the police officer.

NU finally supports female presidents: Abdurrahman

NU finally supports female presidents: Abdurrahman PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): After allowing weeks of controversy, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Abdurrahman Wahid finally stated on Friday that his organization supported women presidents.

Bible in local language draws ire

Bible in local language draws ire PADANG, West Sumatra: Police said the provincial prosecutor's office would investigate the distribution of Bibles in the local Minang dialect which enraged some groups in the Muslim-dominated area. "We have left this in the hands of the prosecutor's office," provincial police chief Col. Dasrul Lamsuddin announced on Friday. He also called on the public not to act rashly.

Extradition of Hendra imminent, says Wiryono

Extradition of Hendra imminent, says Wiryono JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Wiryono Sastrohandojo said on Friday extradition of one of Indonesia's most wanted white collar criminals, Hendra Rahardja, would soon take place. Wiryono said "strong and clear" evidence had been gathered against Hendra. "It won't be long before Hendra is extradited. Right now, Australia is simply taking the proper legal procedures," Wiryono told The Jakarta Post by phone from Canberra.

West's sugar policy condemned

West's sugar policy condemned CEBU, Philippines (Reuters): Asian sugar millers and planters urged rich nations on Friday to scrap protectionism, accusing them of hurting sugar industries in developed countries. In a "cry for understanding", industry delegates from India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines resolved at the end of a sugar conference to lobby for "harmonized" tariff cuts.

Transmigrants flee unrest

Transmigrants flee unrest SEMARANG: A total of 1,247 transmigrant farmers from Central Java returned to their hometowns following unrest at their transmigration sites, according to the head of the provincial transmigration office, Dyah Paramawartiningsih. She said 1,006 transmigrants returned from Aceh, 199 from East Timor, 30 from West Kalimantan, nine from Irian Jaya and three from Maluku.

Flawed logic of majority issue

Flawed logic of majority issue After the June 7 general election, national politics have become more complex, especially among the elite. Since it became apparent that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) would get most of the votes, members of the political elite have started to make a fuss about presidential candidates.

Interest rate could drop below 10 percent: IMF

Interest rate could drop below 10 percent: IMF JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian interest rate could fall further to a single digit level by year-end without hurting the exchange rate of the rupiah to the U.S. dollar, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Asia-Pacific director Hubert Neiss said on Friday.

Italian rice for poor Jakartans

Italian rice for poor Jakartans JAKARTA (JP): The Italian government donated on Tuesday 2,271.45 metric tons of first quality rice to Indonesia to help the poor affected by the country's economic crisis. The rice donation, worth Rp 8 billion (US$1.1 million), was symbolically handed over by Italian Ambassador Carlo Marsili to State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin in a ceremony at the State Logistics Office.

Government kicks off marine parks expedition

Government kicks off marine parks expedition JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Marzuki Usman launched on Friday an international program aimed at protecting and promoting indigenous cultures and the marine environment. The Marine Parks of Indonesia project, which will involve a marine expedition to marine wildlife centers, is a cooperative project of the government and Singapore's Raffles Marina Ltd for marine conservation, marine tourism and ecotourism.

Husband packs slain wife in box

Husband packs slain wife in box BANDUNG: Dedi Wimpi, a resident of Bumi Asri Mekar housing complex in Bandung, was shocked on Friday after realizing the cardboard box he had just received from his younger brother actually contained the body of the latter's wife, Santi. Wimpi Niru put a carton box in front of Dedi's house on Friday, saying it contained dirty clothes. Dedi, trying to move the box into the house, became suspicious when he found the box to be too heavy and he smelled blood.

KPU rules parties can't change elected members

KPU rules parties can't change elected members JAKARTA (JP): Electoral officials said on Friday that with the adoption of a combination of the proportional-district system in the June 7 elections, central boards of political parties should no longer be involved in establishing the elected members of the House of Representatives (DPR). Chairman of the General Elections Commission (KPU) Rudini and KPU member and political observer Andi A.

Habibie visits athletes preparing for SEA Games

Habibie visits athletes preparing for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie visited on Friday athletes preparing for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at Senayan Madya Stadium. Some 217 out of 348 athletes set to compete in the biennial event in Brunei Darussalam next month attended the modest ceremony.

Worker sues arbitration body

Worker sues arbitration body JAKARTA (JP): A former manager of PT Coca-Cola Indonesia asked the Jakarta High Court on Thursday to annul a decision by the Ministry of Manpower's labor arbitration board rejecting his severance pay demand. Suryadi Wijono, who worked for Coca-Cola Indonesia from 1980 to 1996, demanded the company give him severance pay equal to 2.5 times his salary. This is the same amount 20 other former employees received.

Yogyakarta students urge an end to Aceh violence

Yogyakarta students urge an end to Aceh violence YOGYAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of students staged protests here on Friday demanding an end to violence in Aceh, while at the same time they raised approximately Rp 7.8 million to help refugees in the conflict-wracked province. From 8 a.m., students grouped in the Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front (KAMMI), as well as another five groups demonstrated at several strategic sites in the city.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 16, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 400 0 610,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 575 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,575 0 33,765,500 Anwar Sierad 325 0 92,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Indonesia still appetizing to U.S. food giant ADM

Indonesia still appetizing to U.S. food giant ADM By Riyadi DECATUR, Illinois, USA (JP): U.S. food giant Archer Daniels Midland Company is still keeping an eye on Indonesia's investment prospects, despite some disappointment over its operations there. ADM Group vice president John D. Rice told visiting State Minister for the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng on Thursday that his company would restart investment in Indonesia once the current political debacle was settled.

Mutilation victim to be buried in his hometown

Mutilation victim to be buried in his hometown JAKARTA (JP): Police finally gave permission on Friday to the family of a murdered man to take his dismembered body out of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital and bury it in their hometown of Klaten, Central Java. "We have collected enough data from the deceased and it's better if the body is buried properly by its family," city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said, adding that a permit had been issued by city police detective chief Col.

Officials differ on DPR's right to set rules

Officials differ on DPR's right to set rules JAKARTA (JP): Experts disagreed over the authority of the outgoing House of Representatives (DPR) to formulate a new set of internal rules for the next parliament, whose members will be installed on Oct. 1. "It's completely unacceptable," according to Riswandha Imawan, a politics professor at Gadjah Mada University. However, constitutional law expert Moh. Mahfud M.D. from the Islamic University (UII), said the House's action did not break any rules.

Wismoyo will receive honor

Wismoyo will receive honor JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar is scheduled to receive an honorary doctoral degree from the United States Sports Academy in Alabama on July 30. KONI secretary-general Rudolf Warouw said on Thursday the honor was being given out of recognition of Wismoyo's leadership in sports development in Indonesia. Wismoyo will be the second recipient of this honor, the first being former minister of information Maladi.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on July 16, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Golkar accepts poll results, commends PDI Perjuangan win

Golkar accepts poll results, commends PDI Perjuangan win JAKARTA (JP): Long-time ruling party Golkar put on a brave face in its first ever defeat in the general election by congratulating on Friday poll winner, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan). Speaking at a media conference following completion of the national vote count by the National Elections Commission (PPI), Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung said the party accepted the results.

ASEAN to change the shape of annual ministers' talks

ASEAN to change the shape of annual ministers' talks SINGAPORE (AP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is changing the structure of its annual foreign ministers' meeting this year in a bid to make talks more candid and direct, officials in Singapore said on Friday. The changes "are intended to move away from meetings that have tended to lean toward the ritualistic," said Bilahari Kausikan, deputy secretary at Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry.