Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 July 1999

54 articles found

Six top Indonesian guitarists perform on Sunday

Six top Indonesian guitarists perform on Sunday JAKARTA (JP): Six of Indonesia's best known guitarists are set to entertain fans at Tanah Airku Theater, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, on Sunday at 4 p.m. To show off their prowess in the show titled Jreeeng! are Dewa Bujana, Eet Sjahranie, Tohpati, Iwan Hasan of Discus, Rully Budiono and Kadek Rihardika.

TV today

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

Asian monies fall due to outflow

Asian monies fall due to outflow HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian currencies slipped further against the U.S. dollar during local trading hours Thursday, as foreign investors accelerated the withdrawal of funds from the region. The won was hit hard, as asset repatriation drove the U.S. dollar to its highest level against the South Korean currency in more than two months.

Golkar sets up team for Habibie

Golkar sets up team for Habibie JAKARTA (JP): The ruling Golkar Party has established a team of strategists, headed by party chairman Akbar Tandjung, to boost President B.J. Habibie's chances at the next presidential election. Akbar told the media at Golkar's office here on Thursday that the team was official, and was different from groups of individuals close to Habibie that some media reported had been campaigning to get him elected president for the next five years.

Government to hire consultants to resturcture state firms

Government to hire consultants to resturcture state firms JAKARTA (JP): The government will hire six foreign consulting firms to help consolidate the country's 159 state companies into 10 holding companies. State Minister of Empowerment of State Enterprises said here on Thursday that there were nine foreign consulting companies on the selection list, including Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc., AT Kerney, PricewaterhouseCoopers, McKenzie & Co. and Boston Consulting Group Inc.

PLN's plan to buy out Tanjung Jati B confirmed

PLN's plan to buy out Tanjung Jati B confirmed JAKARTA (JP): A senior minister said on Thursday that state- owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) was considering buying out the coal-fired Tanjung Jati B power plant to cut potential future losses. Coordinating Minister for Development Supervision and State Administrative Reforms Hartarto Sastrosoenarto is currently seeking to secure loans to finance the buyout. "There are a lot of alternatives.

More child prostitutes take to Surabaya's major streets

More child prostitutes take to Surabaya's major streets JAKARTA (JP): Experts are concerned by the increasing number of child prostitutes to be found on almost all major streets of Surabaya, the country's second largest city. Growing demand by men over 35 for the sexual services of minors are blamed for the increase.

ARP wins ISO certificate

ARP wins ISO certificate JAKARTA (JP): PT Asuransi Raksa Pratikara (ARP) claims it is ready to face the global competition to be unleashed with implementation of free trade agreements in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region in the next millennium. The insurance company received ISO 9002 certification from SGS International Certification Services of London on Thursday in recognition of its management quality. Raksa Pratikara's premium income, largely from corporate customers, rose to Rp 95.

Tollroad accident kills six, injures 23

Tollroad accident kills six, injures 23 TANGERANG (JP): Six people died and 23 others were seriously injured in a traffic accident on Thursday morning involving a Mitsubishi Colt minibus and a container truck at the Jakarta- Merak toll road near Balaraja area here. The dead bodies were taken to Tangerang General Hospital, while the injured victims were admitted to Qadr hospital at the Islamic Village complex near the Tangerang toll road gate.

PDI-P finally reveals plan for collective government

PDI-P finally reveals plan for collective government JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) deputy chairman Dimyati Hartono broke his party's long silence on Thursday by announcing it intended to form a collective government.

Opposition mounts over state security bill

Opposition mounts over state security bill JAKARTA (JP): The Independent Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) joined other observers on Thursday in denouncing the newly submitted bill on state security, which it said would kill democracy in the country. "This bill will kill democracy and return the country to the rule of an authoritarian power...

Strike will not affect production: Mayora

Strike will not affect production: Mayora JAKARTA (JP): A recent workers strike at publicly listed candy and cookie producer PT Mayora Indah will not have a major impact on this year's production target, company chief commissioner Jogi Hendra Atmadja said here on Thursday. Jogi said the impact on production was minimal because the strike only hit one of the company's factories. "The three-week strike was held by a small number of workers at one factory.

Court annuls arbitration ruling against PLN

Court annuls arbitration ruling against PLN JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court annulled on Thursday an arbitration ruling that ordered state-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to pay US$572.3 million in damages for breach of contracts to two units of American energy company MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. The panel of judges said the ruling made by the United Nations-supervised arbitration panel last May was "legally defect".

Journalists seek Rp 3b over banning

Journalists seek Rp 3b over banning JAKARTA (JP): Three journalists filed a lawsuit at the South Jakarta District Court on Thursday against the Attorney General's Office, demanding Rp 1 billion (US$149,250) each for nonmaterial losses after being banned from covering stories at the office.

'Berdongeng Peri' provides respite from trashy TV diet

'Berdongeng Peri' provides respite from trashy TV diet By Tam Notosusanto JAKARTA (JP): Kids, musicals and the issue of storytelling. They are what actor-director Harry Suharyadi is into these days. After last year's award-winning Mencari Pelangi, (Looking for the Rainbow), his television film about young children in pursuit of "method storytelling", the 30-year-old Jakarta Art Institute graduate ventures into similar terrain with his latest, Berdongeng Peri (Telling Stories of the Fairies).

Optimism keeps dream alive of soccer supremacy at SEAG

Optimism keeps dream alive of soccer supremacy at SEAG By Ivy Susanti JAKARTA (JP): A boost of optimism from fans and top officials of the All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) may drive the 20 national team members' motivation for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games to fight for the gold medal despite poor performances in tryouts prior to the biennial event.

Gays, a beautiful creation

Gays, a beautiful creation In reference to your two articles on gay culture in the July 18 edition of the Jakarta Post, I am happy to inform those beautiful, handsome creations of God who call themselves gay, that for the past three years we have been accepting many gay students and devotees in Ashram for Yoga meditation and Bhagavat Gita teachings in English and Indonesian. They study along with those who recognize themselves as straight without any friction.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 22, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 500 0 5,000 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 375 -25 35,000 Alumindo Light Metal 975 0 15,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 25 125,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,600 0 5,176,500 Anwar Sierad 325 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Injustices in PT Tripatra

Injustices in PT Tripatra Eight thousand Indonesian Prosperity Labor Union (SBSI) members at PT Tripatra were summarily dismissed from their jobs on July 6, after an 8-month struggle for fair compensation. The company -- a transportation and construction supplier for CalTex at Duri, Central Sumatra -- has obstructed attempts by workers to receive fair unemployment compensation since September 1998, and has ignored a Ministry of Manpower ruling for full compensation since May 1999.

Karate body to select kata karatekas for SEAG

Karate body to select kata karatekas for SEAG JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Karate Federation (Forki) has announced that it will decide on Monday which kata athletes would compete in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam next month. The decision, which was reached in a meeting on Wednesday evening, ended the speculation on whether Forki would evaluate or hold a selection process to pick the 21 athletes to compete in 19 events.

Indonesia to start Asiad bidding drive in Brunei

Indonesia to start Asiad bidding drive in Brunei JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will begin its campaign to host the 2006 Asian Games in Brunei Darussalam next month during the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. National Sports Council (KONI) deputy of media and promotion Ahmed Solichin announced on Thursday that KONI would host a cocktail party on Aug. 6 in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.

GM Utut Adianto ready for World Chess Championships

GM Utut Adianto ready for World Chess Championships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grand Master Utut Adianto said on Thursday he was ready to compete in the World Chess Championships at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 31 to Aug. 29. "I am both mentally and physically fit for the tournament and I have prepared well for it," Utut said.

KWK ex staff want speed probe on graft

KWK ex staff want speed probe on graft JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-three former employees and members of transportation cooperative Koperasi Wahana Kalpika (KWK) have criticized as too slow the probe into the alleged embezzlement of Rp 200 million (US$29,850) by the cooperative's chairman.

ADB to help government set project cost benchmarks

ADB to help government set project cost benchmarks JAKARTA (JP): As part of efforts to curb rampant corruption in the country, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist the government in designing a benchmark for procurement prices of government programs, said a senior ADB official. ADB programs department director Shoji Nishimoto said on Thursday the benchmark would minimize the risk of corruption in government-financed projects.

Habibie urges SEA Games squad to do its best

Habibie urges SEA Games squad to do its best JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie encouraged national athletes to compete to the best of their abilities at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam next month. "Fight with self-confidence, but don't be arrogant," he said in a speech to athletes in the State Palace garden on Thursday. The athlete's contingent -- comprising 350 athletes, 162 coaches and 45 officials -- will cover 20 sports in the biennial event to be held from Aug.

Kajang tribespeople love their isolated world

Kajang tribespeople love their isolated world By Arifuddin Saeni BULUKUMBA, South Sulawesi (JP): The Kajang tribespeople in Bulukumba may truly rank among the few humans who have escaped the reaches of globalization. According to official statistics, the Kajang number about 1,900 people belonging to 193 families. They live on 700 hectares in a remote area, about 200 kilometers south of the provincial capital Ujungpandang.

IBRA asked to involve more local securities firms

IBRA asked to involve more local securities firms JAKARTA (JP): Local securities firms demanded on Thursday the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to involve more local securities firms in the sales of corporate assets under its control. Chairman of the Indonesian Securities Firms Association (APEI) Jannes Naibaho said certain parts of corporate restructuring including the sales of assets through the capital market could be handled by local securities firms.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on July 22, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Anwar files report on alleged cover-up

Anwar files report on alleged cover-up KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim has lodged a police report about an alleged cover-up during the collapse of a national steel company that was later privatized, his wife said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at her home, Azizah Ismail said that Anwar lodged the report on Wednesday at the federal court lock-up where he is currently on trial for sodomy.

ASEAN ministers upbeat on future of the grouping

ASEAN ministers upbeat on future of the grouping By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat SINGAPORE (JP): On the eve of their annual two-day meeting, ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remained buoyant on Thursday of the grouping's future, despite seemingly different perceptions on how it should advance. The 10 foreign ministers who by Thursday had arrived expressed unity, although there were tinges of differing perceptions on where the grouping should head.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Sketch Exhibition: Hitam Putih Jakarta, at Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until July 29. * Photo Exhibition: by Anne-Marie Grobet and Charles Weber, at Gran Melia Jakarta, Jl.H.R. Rasuna Said Kav.X-0, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5268080), until Aug. 4. * Cartoon Exhibition: Makanan di Asia di Mata Kartunis, at Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend.

Fishermen damage marine park

Fishermen damage marine park TERNATE, Maluku: The Tagalaya National Marine Park in northern Maluku is in danger due to the continual use of explosives and potassium, a local official said as quoted by Antara. Damage was reported around Tagalaya and Kakara islands in Tobelo subdistrict.

Asian Internet users expected to climb to 64 million by 2003

Asian Internet users expected to climb to 64 million by 2003 SEOUL (AFP): The number of Asian Internet users is expected to soar by 40 percent a year to hit 64 million in 2003, generating billions of dollars in e-commerce and advertising revenue, research seen Thursday showed. U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a report that electronic commerce revenues in the region would generate US$32 billion while Internet advertising would grow into a $1.5 billion business by 2001.

Bapindo asked to delay merger

Bapindo asked to delay merger JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court ruled on Thursday state Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) delay plans to merge with state Bank Mandiri pending a firm legal decision on a dispute with private-owned Bank IFI, or until its obligation to the bank was settled.

Government spurns talks with Aceh separatist group

Government spurns talks with Aceh separatist group JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice/State Secretary Muladi ruled out on Thursday the possibility of holding a dialog with the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), saying it was not a legal organization. Speaking to journalists after meeting with President B.J. Habibie at Merdeka Palace, the minister said the government would meet only with legal groups and Aceh community figures to help ease the escalating tension in the province.

Associations oppose parking draft bylaw

Associations oppose parking draft bylaw JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople grouped in several associations have vowed to bring the city administration and council to court, following Wednesday's enactment of a draft bylaw on parking affairs, an association executive said. Speaking on behalf of two other associations, Stefanus Ridwan, chairman of the Indonesian Association of Shopping Complexes Management, said most of the groups' members opposed the draft bylaw.

Sumitro says government's projections too optimistic

Sumitro says government's projections too optimistic JAKARTA (JP): Renowned economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo said on Thursday the government's latest inflation prediction of 10 percent for the 1999/2000 fiscal year ending in March was too optimistic. "I will not be that optimistic considering the possibility of political 'turbulence' in the run-up to the upcoming presidential election and the transition to a new government," he said.

House passes draft law on city changes

House passes draft law on city changes JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives approved on Thursday a draft law on Jakarta which would lead to several basic changes in the organization of the city administration. The approval was announced by House deputy speaker Hari Sabarno after listening to final statements from the House's four factions during a plenary session.

UN praises Indonesia for East Timor efforts

UN praises Indonesia for East Timor efforts JAKARTA (JP): United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan has praised Indonesia for its serious efforts to ensure a more peaceful atmosphere in the first days of voter registration in East Timor. In a report to the UN Security Council released on Wednesday, Annan expressed confidence that the Indonesian government would take further measures to improve security in the troubled territory.

Training local legislators a must

Training local legislators a must By Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): Many political analysts believe that as the process of democratization continues to evolve, the country's politics will shift from a strong executive to a dominant legislative. There are even predictions that the role of the legislative body will determine government stability.

Probe into Soeharto's wealth halted

Probe into Soeharto's wealth halted JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General Office said on Thursday it would halt investigations into alleged corruptions of ailing former president Soeharto until he completely recovered, and would even abort the inquiry if he died. "The Attorney General Office, in its corruption probe against Soeharto, takes a strict but also humane stance. If Soeharto is sick, the probe will be postponed," said acting Attorney General Ismudjoko as quoted by Antara.

Botwick leads GM's Thai unit

Botwick leads GM's Thai unit BANGKOK (Dow Jones): General Motors (Thailand) Ltd. (GM) said Thursday it has appointed William Botwick as its new president, with the main responsibility of overseeing the completion of the company's first local assembly plant. Botwick is currently the president of General Motors Indonesia. Ronald Frizzell, the previous head of the U.S. automaker General Motor Corp.'s Thai unit, has become executive director for Southeast Asia and India.

Japan's trade glut with Asia climbs

Japan's trade glut with Asia climbs TOKYO (AFP): Japan's trade surplus with the rest of the Asia rose for the first time in five months in June as Thailand, Malaysia and other nations absorbed more Japanese exports, the finance ministry said Thursday. Japan's surplus with the region rose 6.5 percent to 398.0 billion yen (US$3.3 billion) in the month, the ministry said in a statement. Exports were up 2.3 percent to 1,553.0 billion yen, the first year-on-year increase in 18 months.

24 toll road projects, worth Rp 13t, canceled

24 toll road projects, worth Rp 13t, canceled JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Public Works has canceled 24 toll road projects with investments valued over Rp 13 trillion (US$2 billion) on the grounds that they were tainted with corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Residents demand their land back

Residents demand their land back JAKARTA (JP): About 100 residents of Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta and Kedoya Utara in West Jakarta rallied in front of City Hall on Thursday afternoon to demand adequate land compensation from the administration. Protesters claimed they received no compensation for their land, which they said was forcibly acquired in 1985 and 1995 on the pretext it was needed for city projects. The group demanded commensurate compensation or the return of their land forthwith.

ASEAN ministers told to act quickly on any crisis signs

ASEAN ministers told to act quickly on any crisis signs SINGAPORE (AFP): ASEAN finance ministers will have to act swiftly on feedback received from the group's surveillance system devised to prevent a repetition of the regional financial crisis, a top official said Thursday.

Rp 22b allocated for civil projects

Rp 22b allocated for civil projects JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Ministry of Public Works has earmarked Rp 22 billion (US$3.4 million) for the construction of public facilities in various settlements in this province. The funds come from both the state budget and foreign loans.

Manila secures U.S. sailors

Manila secures U.S. sailors MANILA (DPA): Extra police have been placed on duty in the Philippine capital to protect visiting U.S. sailors following threats from communist rebels, a U.S. Embassy official said on Thursday. Almost 1,000 crew aboard the USS Blue Ridge based in Yokosuka, Japan, arrived early on Thursday in Manila for a five-day goodwill visit. "We hope they will be safe," said U.S. Press Attache Tom Skipper, who added that all precautions had been taken.

President to decide if KPU rejects poll results

President to decide if KPU rejects poll results JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) agreed on Thursday to let President B.J. Habibie have the final say if two- thirds of the commission members decline to ratify the June 7 election results. The decision was made on Thursday at the commission's plenary meeting presided over by chairman Rudini. "If rejected, the poll results will be delivered to President Habibie.

Peace agreement in East Timor

Peace agreement in East Timor The peace agreement concluded by the two contending parties in East Timor, i.e.

Squash coach unhappy with Malaysian practice partner

Squash coach unhappy with Malaysian practice partner JAKARTA (JP): National squash coach Bambang Gatot Subroto has expressed disappointment about the Malaysian sparring partner appointed to assist the men's team during its preparation for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam next month. Bambang said on Thursday Aaron Shauza, who is currently ranked eighth in Malaysia, did not meet the standards of Indonesia's players.

Students to protest if status quo persists

Students to protest if status quo persists JAKARTA (JP): A wave of student rallies will overrun the capital and major cities across the country if the status quo force is restored to power, researchers said on Thursday. Muridan S. Widjojo, who coordinated a study into the pivotal student movement in 1998, predicted that student protests would take a more radical form than that which overturned former president Soeharto last year if the status quo retains its grip.

The high cost of inefficiency

The high cost of inefficiency Clean water supply companies (PDAM) all across Indonesia are planning to raise their consumer subscription rates as of August 1. The plan is contained in a circular letter issued by the home affairs ministry's director general of general administrative affairs and regional autonomy and addressed to all provincial governors and regency heads.

Ciganjur alumni to meet Habibie

Ciganjur alumni to meet Habibie JAKARTA (JP): The planned Ciganjur II meeting is scheduled to take place this Saturday at the residence of President B.J. Habibie rather than in Yogyakarta as initially announced, sources told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. A source said Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Wiranto was also expected to attend.