Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 July 1999

56 articles found

Ghalib investigation halted due to insufficient evidence

Ghalib investigation halted due to insufficient evidence JAKARTA (JP): The military police announced on Thursday the investigation into corruption allegations against former attorney general Andi M. Ghalib had been ended due to insufficient evidence. Military police chief Maj. Gen. Djasrie Marin said at a media conference here the military police had examined two bank accounts belonging to Ghalib, but found no evidence of his involvement in corruption.

KL envoy asks RI to curb fires

KL envoy asks RI to curb fires PEKANBARU, Riau: Malaysian consul here Zulkifli Yacob hopes the Indonesian government will be able to prevent the spread of forest and land fires to neighboring cities and countries, including his nation. A thick haze from forest fires in Indonesia enveloped Malaysia and neighboring countries in 1997. "Smoke is covering Pekanbaru and Dumai now.

Asia not solely to blame for crisis: World Bank

Asia not solely to blame for crisis: World Bank BANGKOK (Reuters): Asia should not accept blanket blame for its economic crisis and should rather be proud of the decades of world-class growth and poverty reduction its has achieved, the World Bank's chief economist said on Thursday. At the same time it should not ignore structural issues that may have contributed to its vulnerability or weakened its competitiveness, Joseph Stiglitz told a conference on the crisis in Bangkok.

'Washington consensus' needs revision

'Washington consensus' needs revision By Grzegorz W. Kolodko JAKARTA (JP): Ten years ago, when the post-communist transition to a market economy and democracy begun, the so-called "Washington consensus" was thought to represent the received wisdom on the proper way to move from stabilization to growth. According to this belief, a tough financial policy, accompanied by deregulation and trade liberalization, would be enough to eliminate stagnation and launch economic expansion.

Police officer wounded in attack

Police officer wounded in attack JAKARTA (JP): A traffic police officer was assaulted by four unidentified men wearing military uniforms in front of a hotel on Jl. Raya Bogor-Cimanggis on late Wednesday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said on Thursday the wounded officer was identified as second class Sgt. Agus. The attack took place at around 11:30 p.m. as Agus was sitting in front of the hotel talking with two people.

More health experts sought

More health experts sought PADANG, West Sumatra: The country needs at least 22,500 medical experts to improve the people's health, Minister of Health Farid Anfasa Moeloek said. "Currently, there are only 2,500 to 3,000 medical experts across the country," he was quoted by Antara on Thursday. Needed are nutritionists and experts on sanitation and the environment, health-related economy, health policy and laws, he said.

House backs Tanjung Jati B buyout

House backs Tanjung Jati B buyout JAKARTA (JP): Cash-strapped state-owned electricity company PT PLN gained on Thursday full support from the House of Representatives (DPR) to proceed with its plan to buy out the Tanjung Jati B power plant in Central Java with US$1.5 billion in a Japanese loan.

Next ICW should probe Baramuli

Next ICW should probe Baramuli From Gamma The Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) birthday present to Andi Ghalib resulted in the dethroning of the latter from his post as attorney general. It is an interesting matter, especially in relation to President B.J. Habibie's endeavor to gain the presidency again, which is indirectly supported by a group of Islamic parties wanting to obstruct Megawati Soekarnoputri. I think ICW should continue its inquiry into A.A.

A voice for Ambon

A voice for Ambon JAKARTA (JP): Various artists are joining hands in presenting a charity musical show for the devastated city of Ambon on Friday, starting from 7 p.m. at Tenda Semanggi, the cafe tents located at the Stock Exchange compound in South Jakarta. "A Voice For Ambon" was organized to raise relief funds for Ambon and to direct the government's attention to the continuing violence flooding the province.

National striker Kurniawan fails doping tests

National striker Kurniawan fails doping tests JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best striker Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto has made hot news again after testing positive in precompetition doping tests done by the National Sports Council (KONI) just before he was to join the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad.

Asian currencies lifted by yen

Asian currencies lifted by yen HONG KONG (Dow Jones): A combination of the yen's strength, abating concern over the tensions between China and Taiwan, relief at South Korea's handling of the Daewoo Group's near collapse, and improving economic fundamentals lifted Asian currencies Thursday. The Thai baht, the Indonesian rupiah and the New Taiwan dollar all finished Asian trading hours higher. The Singapore dollar, however, ended down following suspected central bank intervention.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Indonesia in white and red, by Polish photographer Grzegorz Torzecki, at Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta (Phone: 323707), until Aug. 12. * 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.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on July 29, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Morgan upbeat on Asian stocks

Morgan upbeat on Asian stocks HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. (MWD) remains bullish about Asian stocks and predicts a 30 percent rise in the Morgan Stanley Capital International index for Asia, excluding Japan, over the next year, the firm's Asian strategist said Thursday. Morgan Stanley recommends being overweight in Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Singapore, India, Indonesia and Thailand.

Indonesia drafting law to curb money laundering

Indonesia drafting law to curb money laundering JAKARTA (JP): The government is preparing a draft law on money laundering in a bid to curb inflows of illegal money into and out of the country, said a senior minister on Thursday. Minister of Justice Muladi said the introduction of the money laundering law would be in line with the government's strong commitment to eliminate all forms of corruption, collusion and nepotism (locally known as KKN).

Foreign envoys uneasy about East Timor

Foreign envoys uneasy about East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Japanese foreign minister Masahiko Komura and Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer met separately with President B.J. Habibie and top Cabinet members on Thursday and aired their concerns about the security situation in East Timor. In a meeting at Merdeka Palace, Komura expressed his government's hope the planned self-determination direct ballot in the troubled province would be carried out in a peaceful and fair manner.

ASEAN must meet its responsibility

ASEAN must meet its responsibility The weekend meeting of the 10 ASEAN foreign ministers is only the beginning. The region now meets its so-called dialog partners from the West and from Asia. Serious and dangerous developments are on the agenda. During weekend meetings, ASEAN has discovered its relative good fortune. While there are risky issues such as the Spratly Islands, the region is almost a zone of peace.

Railways fed up with scalpers

Railways fed up with scalpers JAKARTA (JP): The country's train operator, PT Kereta Api Indonesia, is fed up with ticket scalpers at most of the train stations in the capital, an official said on Thursday. The company's spokesman, Gatot Widodo, said a major difficulty for the firm to take the scalpers to court were the legal procedures. "Passengers have repeatedly complained to the company about the matter.

Number of pickup spots for prostitutes soars

Number of pickup spots for prostitutes soars JAKARTA (JP): The number of areas in the capital where male and female prostitutes solicited customers soared from only 30 in March last year to 120 in June this year as people grew more desperate to earn a living, an official said on Thursday. Toha Reno of the city public order office said the sharp increase was the result of the rising number of people who had lost their jobs during the current economic crisis.

Best performance expected of Indonesian swimmers

Best performance expected of Indonesian swimmers By Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia hopes to perform well in the pool at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games despite its limited overseas stints. With a tally of 11 golds last year, The Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) has set low targets, saying it only hopes to win five golds. PRSI has prepared 13 swimmers, eight divers and 13 water polo players for the biennial event in Brunei Darussalam to be held from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15.

Kutai landslide death toll rises to 30

Kutai landslide death toll rises to 30 JAKARTA (JP): The number of casualties in a major landslide that struck a traditional gold mine in East Kalimantan regency of Kutai on Tuesday has risen to 30, Antara reported on Thursday. Rescue workers who were rushed to the location near Babi River in Long Iram district said search efforts would continue until they unearthed three more victims.

Libya-trained rebels blamed for current Aceh violence

Libya-trained rebels blamed for current Aceh violence JAKARTA (JP): The military blamed Libya-trained separatist rebels for the current situation in Aceh, where some 100,000 residents have fled their homes. The assistant to the chief of Military General Affairs on Operational Affairs, Maj. Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, said one cause of the unrest in Aceh was the arrival of some 600 Acehnese trained in Libya and a number of Acehnese who were deported from Malaysia.

Well said, Megawati

Well said, Megawati Although it is still too early to determine public opinion, Megawati Soekarnoputri's long-awaited policy address, delivered on Thursday at her party's headquarters in Jakarta, is certain to assuage the fears of many of her critics concerning her intentions, personal leanings and capability to serve as this nation's leader.

Experts back policy on city land use

Experts back policy on city land use JAKARTA (JP): City spatial observers voiced support on Thursday for the city administration's policy of allowing buildings whose construction breached existing spatial plans to continue to be utilized rather than be demolished. Contacted separately by The Jakarta Post, city spatial experts M. Dhanisworo and Danang Priatmodjo said it would not be judicious for the administration to order the demolition of buildings found in violation of spatial plans.

TNI political role ends 'when civilians ready'

TNI political role ends 'when civilians ready' JAKARTA (JP): Juwono Sudarsono said the military's political role could be ended as soon as civilians were ready to take the place of soldiers. Speaking at a seminar here on Wednesday, the minister of education and professor of politics at the University of Indonesia said the Indonesian Military's 38 unelected seats in the House of Representatives could eventually be filled by political parties or other civilian organizations.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 29, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 500 -25 30,000 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 350 0 75,500 Alumindo Light Metal 950 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,625 75 15,027,000 Anwar Sierad 325 25 297,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Megawati stakes claim as leader

Megawati stakes claim as leader JAKARTA (JP): Opposition leader and presidential hopeful Megawati Soekarnoputri asserted on Thursday the victory of her Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in the June 7 polls was a clear mandate for her to lead the nation.

On press freedom

On press freedom I lived and worked in Indonesia between 1990 and 1995. I was an avid reader of The Jakarta Post and even wrote several feature articles that were published in your newspaper. I always thought the Post strived to be fair and objective; two hallmarks of fine journalism. Now I am back in the USA and I read the Post via the Internet. I am disappointed that you, like many other Indonesian publications, have become less fair as you gained more freedom to write.

A letter from the ambassador

A letter from the ambassador It gives me great pleasure, in the name of the Egyptian people and as a friend, to take the opportunity of Egypt's National Day to elaborate on the unique relationship of Egypt and Indonesia. Egypt's National Day commemorates the momentous July 23, 1952, Revolution. The Revolution brought fundamental changes in politics, the economy and society and achieved great prestige for the Egyptian people in contributing to development both regionally and internationally.

Family finally admits Bogor remains are son's

Family finally admits Bogor remains are son's TANGERANG (JP): Parents of 12-year-old Bambang Arie Prasetyo, who has been missing since he was kidnapped in November last year, have admitted that the dismembered body found recently in Bogor belongs to their son. Accompanied by close relatives, Adji Sugianto and his wife, Nur Hayati, took the remains from the morgue of the Red Cross (PMI) hospital in Bogor on Wednesday evening after previously insisting that the body was not Arie's.

Tripatra's workers' plight

Tripatra's workers' plight PT Tripatra's response (July 27) to Paul Keys' letter (July 23) on the injustices of its employee lock-out tactfully avoids mentioning the substance of the workers' grievances, nor does it mention the broken agreements from a company that has destroyed the livelihoods of 8,000 workers. And it distorts the legal matters of the dispute beyond any intelligible recognition.

PDI Perjuangan's plan for economic recovery

PDI Perjuangan's plan for economic recovery JAKARTA (JP): PDI Perjuangan has pledged to build an independent judicial system and clean and credible government, empower democratic institutions and reform state institutions to restore confidence in the government if it is given power.

One day of smiles and fun for street children

One day of smiles and fun for street children JAKARTA (JP): Thursday was a special day for Wawan. He did not have to sing on the street as he usually did at the South Jakarta Manggarai traffic lights. "I want to stay here for five days," he said, while devouring his fried chicken lunch from a box. Before him was a full day of free games and play at the Taman Ria Senayan playground until 9 p.m.

ASEAN's car sales to rise 23%

ASEAN's car sales to rise 23% KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Car sales in four main ASEAN economies are expected to grow by as much as 23 percent this year with the sharpest gains being posted in the Philippines, a Japanese industry group said Thursday. But the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) said the outlook was still unclear for the Indonesian market, where a recovery from last year's plunge in sales of more than 80 percent was by no means certain.

DHL adds Net value

DHL adds Net value JAKARTA (JP): International courier DHL Worldwide Express released on Thursday a special software application which will allow customers to prepare shipment processing through the Internet. Senior technical advisor of PT Birotika Semesta/DHL Worldwide Express, Mike Fitzpatrick, said DHL Connect on-line shipment software was particularly useful for exporters seeking to streamline their administrative processes.

Police watchdog plan supported

Police watchdog plan supported JAKARTA (JP): Constitutional law professors and a legal expert gave their support on Thursday to the National Police proposal to set up a special commission to supervise the performance of the force.

Bank Mandiri vows to become locomotive for real sector

Bank Mandiri vows to become locomotive for real sector JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's largest bank, state Bank Mandiri, is expected to provide between Rp 7 trillion (about US$1 billion) to Rp 14 trillion in loans this year in a bid to help revive the ailing real sector, president Robby Djohan announced. He said on Thursday the bank would lend between 10 percent to 20 percent of its total productive assets currently running at about Rp 70 trillion.

Government urged to use CGI loans for recovery

Government urged to use CGI loans for recovery JAKARTA (JP): Economists urged the government on Thursday to use the US$5.9 billion in loans pledged by the country's major donors primarily for programs to accelerate economic recovery. Sri Adiningsih, an economist at the prestigious Gadjah Mada University, said that part of the new loans should be channeled to provide liquidity for the country's cash-strapped real sector.

Items go missing from council

Items go missing from council PADANG, West Sumatra: West Sumatra provincial's inspectorate team is planning to search houses of local legislators following reports of 121 items missing from the council's office. Unaccounted for are pillows, beds, couches, toilet facilities, suspended lamps, carpets and television sets worth a total of Rp 370 million. The case came to public attention when council secretary Zaini Akmal requested the replacement of the "missing" items.

Number of street kids on the rise

Number of street kids on the rise SURABAYA, East Java: Minister of Social Affairs Justika Sjarifuddin Baharsyah estimates the number of street children across the country has reached 50,000 since the economic crisis struck the country in July 1997. "There were an estimated 3,000 street children in Jakarta before 1997. Their number increased to about 10,000 months after the crisis," Justika said donating Rp 3.5 billion to refugees who fled ethnic unrest in Sambas, West Kalimantan, last year.

Milk vendors turn to prostitution in Central Java

Milk vendors turn to prostitution in Central Java By Agus Maryono PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): The economic crisis has changed the lives of many people. Some will do anything to make money. They might cheat, steal, rob, or turn to prostitution, as many women have in the tourist resort of Baturraden, 15 kilometers from Purwokerto.

Military issues shoot-on-sight order in Ambon

Military issues shoot-on-sight order in Ambon JAKARTA (JP): The military issued a shoot-on-sight order in Ambon on Thursday, the third day of violence between Muslims and Christians in the Maluku provincial capital. "We will strike and shoot on sight... the shooting on the spot will be intended to immobilize them," Maluku Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaella was quoted by Suara Pembaruan afternoon daily as saying.

INCO plans to export 38,500 tons of nickel

INCO plans to export 38,500 tons of nickel JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT International Nickel Indonesia (INCO) announced on Thursday it would increase its nickel matte exports to 38,500 tons this year from last year's 35,600 tons. INCO's president and chief executive officer Rumengan Musu said he expected international nickel prices to improve slightly in the second half of this year from a low of US$1.54 per pound ($3.4 per kilogram) in the first quarter.

Ethnic clashes in Batam claim more fatalities

Ethnic clashes in Batam claim more fatalities JAKARTA (JP): Violent clashes between public transportation drivers from the Batak and Flores ethnic groups continued in Batam on Thursday evening, claiming at least three more lives following 11 fatalities on Wednesday, a local journalist said.

KONI regrets Mia's plan, support PBSI's decision

KONI regrets Mia's plan, support PBSI's decision JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) vice chairman Arie Sudewo has expressed regret over Mia's plan to follow husband Tylio Lobman's move to Rotterdam and supported a Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) decision to expel her if she makes the move. "She's our backbone and I regret her decision. But I threw my weight behind the PBSI decision to expel her. If Mia moves to the Netherlands, who will supervise her training programs?

Albert, Felix's double vision of Games gold

Albert, Felix's double vision of Games gold JAKARTA (JP): Wherever they go, Albert Christiadi and Felix Christiadi Sutanto have people doing double takes. And it is not only because they are twins. Their dazzling twin feats in the pool also have contributed to their fame. Albert and Felix, born in Surabaya on Dec. 24, 1975, are going for gold in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15.

Indonesian and German choreographers come 'Face to Face'

Indonesian and German choreographers come 'Face to Face' By Michael Dusche JAKARTA (JP): West is West and East is East, but people from the two places can indeed form a good team. It was plainly shown in Face to Face, a rare performance by Gusmiati Suid from Indonesia and Joachim Schloemer from Germany.

Indosat to divest stake in several joint ventures

Indosat to divest stake in several joint ventures JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed telecommunications company PT Indosat is considering selling its stake in its joint venture in Kazakhastan, company president Tjahyono Soeryodibroto said on Thursday. He said Indosat wanted to sell all of its stake, worth Rp 4 billion (about US$615,000), in Inkatel -- a telecommunications joint venture company -- with Kazakhstan firm Jarig, due to the drastic change in the country's regulations.

Elections body should be dismissed: Buyung

Elections body should be dismissed: Buyung JAKARTA (JP): General Elections Commission (KPU) deputy chairman Adnan Buyung Nasution called for dismissal of the commission on Thursday for failing to meet the deadline to ratify the June 7 election results and amid graft allegations.

Families protest fatal shootings

Families protest fatal shootings JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Military Police was urged on Thursday to step up its efforts to reveal the names of military members believed to have been involved in tragic incidents in the capital, ranging from last year's May riots to the Trisakti and Semanggi fatal shootings. Approximately 50 members of the victims' families staged a sit-in in front of Military Police Headquarters in Manggarai, South Jakarta, to press their demands.

Estrada declares his good health

Estrada declares his good health MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada went on nationwide radio on Thursday a day after minor surgery, declaring he is in good health and dismissing rumors he had liver failure. A presidential palace statement said Estrada's left eye was covered by a bandage during the interview. He had undergone minor surgery on Tuesday night to remove excess skin on an eyelid which aides said was impairing his vision.

Measles outbreak hits C. Java

Measles outbreak hits C. Java SEMARANG, Central Java: Ten babies have died of measles and 224 children under five are suffering from the disease, Central Java provincial health official Soedjono said on Thursday. "Two regencies have been hit by the contagious disease. In Wonogiri, there are 161 patients and one fatality, while in Kendal nine children died and there are 63 patients still being treated." He said both regencies lacked immunization programs.

Car Price

Car Price Correction: The price of the Opel Blazer Montera car in a photo caption appearing in the Business and Investment section on Tuesday should have read Rp 131.15 million (off the road), not on the road. -- Editor

Nuriyah laments Islamic women's groups

Nuriyah laments Islamic women's groups YOGYAKARTA (JP): A Muslim woman activist has lamented the failure of Islamic women's organizations to address issues such as gender equality, leading to ignorance among activists.

Export gallery to open in Denpasar

Export gallery to open in Denpasar JAKARTA (JP): A Jakarta-based trading company, PT Mega Milenia, will open the Indonesian Export Gallery (IEG) in Denpasar, Bali, which will display a wide range of handicrafts and furniture, on Saturday. Chairman of the Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jaya), Pungky Bambang Purwadi, said on Thursday that about 100 small and medium-scale companies would display their products in the permanent exhibition center.

Bulog to import more rice

Bulog to import more rice JAKARTA (JP): The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) announced on Thursday it would import 800,000 metric tons of rice through two foreign companies at US$216.90 per ton in the period between August and May next year. The two companies, IndSingThai Trading of Singapore and Kin Sun Co., of Hong Kong, outbid other companies during earlier selective bidding, according to a Bulog statement.