Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 July 1999

35 articles found

Why are small firms important?

Why are small firms important? By Philippe Lyssens JAKARTA (JP): Why are small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) important for Indonesia? SMEs are said to be the backbone of the national economy, and even more so in times of crisis. With the dominance of Chinese businesses in the Soeharto era and the present high demand for foreign investment, there will be strong pressure on the government to support the pribumi (indigenous) entrepreneur.

A bloody anniversary

A bloody anniversary Anniversaries normally being happy occasions calling for celebration, it is deplorable that a lack of restraint turned the 53rd anniversary of the Indonesian National Police last week into a spree of violence. According to media reports, at least 37 demonstrators were injured after being shot by rubber bullets, kicked and beaten with sticks and rifle butts during a clash with police. Nine protesters were seriously wounded with bullet wounds.

IMF emerges with its authority enhanced

IMF emerges with its authority enhanced WASHINGTON (AFP): The International Monetary Fund, the target of sharp criticism during the Asian financial crisis, has emerged from the ordeal a more transparent institution and with its authority enhanced. The Asian meltdown, which erupted in Thailand with the devaluation of the baht July 2, 1997, sparked a veritable "revolution" in the way the IMF does business, its managing director, Michel Camdessus, told AFP in a recent interview.

Get the job through the Internet and save your money, energy

Get the job through the Internet and save your money, energy By Sherrilyn Lee SEMINYAK, Bali (JP): Imagine this scenario: The economic downturn in Asia causes your company to do badly and you are handed the dreaded pink slip.

Military 'must play its cards right'

Military 'must play its cards right' The Indonesian Military (TNI) is seen as a force to be reckoned with in the presidential election in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in November. Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono discusses the issue.

Don't' delay MPR session, experts say

Don't' delay MPR session, experts say JAKARTA (JP): Law and political experts have warned that a delay to the scheduled General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in November would wreak havoc to political life. Constitutional law experts Sri Soemantri and Satya Arinanto, and political observers Hermawan Sulistyo and Marsilam Simanjuntak were contacted by The Jakarta Post separately on Saturday and Sunday, and concluded the postponement was politically motivated.

Welcome Monument incurs Rp 254m in damages

Welcome Monument incurs Rp 254m in damages JAKARTA (JP): Damage caused during the recent electoral campaign to electrical cables, steel wires and decorative lamps used to light up the 47-meter Selamat Datang (Welcome) Monument has so far reached an estimated cost of Rp 254 million (US$37,910), a city official said. The head of the city's public roads electrical agency, IGKG Suena, said on Sunday damage calculations had not been finalized.

PATA membership needed

PATA membership needed JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association's (PHRI) Bali chapter has asked the government to maintain Indonesia's membership in the international tourism organization Pacific-Asia Travel Association (PATA). "Quitting from PATA will negatively affect Indonesia's tourism sector. The sector is expected to help start the recovery of the country's economy," PHRI Bali branch president I Gede Wiratha was quoted by Antara as saying on Friday.

Abducted Army member found dead in ditch

Abducted Army member found dead in ditch JAKARTA (JP): An Army member who was abducted by a group of unidentified gunmen on Friday was found dead the following day in Aceh, bringing the number of slain servicemen in the troubled province since May to 30. North Aceh Military commander Lt. Col. Giyono told Antara the mutilated body of Second Sgt. Muhammad Sufy, was found near a gas station in Geurugok subdistrict. Sufy was a member of the Makmur district military command.

Indonesia 'won't leave East Timor in irresponsible way'

Indonesia 'won't leave East Timor in irresponsible way' JAKARTA (JP): Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said on Sunday the government would not stay long in troubled East Timor if the August popular consultation opts for independence. Alatas said, however, the government would not leave the province in "an irresponsible way".

Poll defeat not end of Islamic political life

Poll defeat not end of Islamic political life JAKARTA (JP): Politician Yusril Ihza Mahendra refuted on Sunday suggestions that the defeat Islamic parties suffered at the June 7 polls signified an end to Muslims' political activism. Addressing over 5,000 people thronging the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in South Jakarta, the chairman of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) said politics was a never-ending process and that no defeat or victory were eternal.

Ministers wary of their future amid PDI-P lead

Ministers wary of their future amid PDI-P lead By Kornelius Purba JAKARTA (JP): As creeping poll results show a consistent lead for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), several Cabinet ministers and senior officials have become more anxious about their future in Habibie's camp. Campaigns from President B.J. Habibie's camp are intensifying for more support for his election, while ministers and officials are looking after the fate of their own destinies.

Refugees die in poor conditions

Refugees die in poor conditions TUAL, Maluku: At least 15 out of about 20,000 Muslims sheltered in squalid conditions in seven makeshift refugee centers here died in June because of food and clean water shortages and exposure to bad weather. Three of the dead were infants.

Aceh does not deserve another war

Aceh does not deserve another war By Barbara Leigh SYDNEY (JP): The white sands of Aceh's beaches are fresh in my memory. What is the future for its people? Will there be a referendum there? Do people want independence, autonomy, or just the chance to participate in the wealth of their own province? At the moment there would seem to be three major groups in Aceh whose views will play a significant role in deciding the direction in which Aceh will move in the future.

Idham Chalid admitted to hospital

Idham Chalid admitted to hospital JAKARTA: Former chief of the Supreme Advisory Council and senior Muslim politician Idham Chalid was rushed to Gatot Subroto Army Hospital on Sunday, Antara said. It quoted one of Idham's children, Syaiful Hadi, as saying that over the past two years, the health of the senior member of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) had been deteriorating. Idham is in the intensive care unit in Kartika Pavilion. Born in South Kalimantan on Jan.

Experts stress need for sex education

Experts stress need for sex education JAKARTA (JP): Experts reiterated the need for sex education in the schools to counter the impact of erotic media on unprepared young readers.

Ericsson sells new handset

Ericsson sells new handset JAKARTA (JP): Ericsson Indonesia launched its new handset over the weekend. The company said the Ericsson's A class was designed for people looking for an easy-to-use phone at a reasonable price. Ericsson handsets also come in the R class, which is designed for those demanding high performance and complete features, and the T class, for those willing to pay for a sophisticated phone that appeals to their emotions.

ASEAN reaffirms plan on energy cooperation

ASEAN reaffirms plan on energy cooperation BANGKOK (Reuters): Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reaffirmed on Saturday a commitment to cooperate in the energy sector despite difficulties caused by oversupply and the regional economic crisis.

TNI may participate in presidential election: Yusril

TNI may participate in presidential election: Yusril JAKARTA (JP): Politician Yusril Ihza Mahendra suggested on Sunday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) faction should not name its own presidential candidates, but said members should vote in the presidential election.

Banks won't be quick to renew lending: Experts

Banks won't be quick to renew lending: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's real sector should not expect local banks to resume significant lending in the immediate future even though the central bank benchmark interest rate has dropped to the precrisis level and major banks have been recapitalized, experts say. Senior banker I Nyoman Moena says that domestic banks need more time to adjust their lending rate structure to reflect the current low interest rate environment.

Police stay silent over detainees

Police stay silent over detainees JAKARTA (JP): Police remained tightlipped on the investigation of four detained activists from the Democratic People's Party (PRD) but vowed to continue looking into last week's clash between officers and party members. City Police detective chief Col.

The Habibies donate Rp1b for mosque

The Habibies donate Rp1b for mosque MANADO, North Sulawesi: President B.J. Habibie and his family have donated Rp 1 billion for the Rp 4 billion renovation of the ancient Grand Mosque Gorontalo, Antara said on Sunday. The news agency quoted Gorontalo Mayor Medi Botutihe as saying that some Rp 2.2 billion had been raised for the renovation of the mosque, which was constructed in 1728. Some of the fund was donated by Gorontalo people in Jakarta, including renowned businessman Rachmat Gobel.

Export financing bank to start soon

Export financing bank to start soon JAKARTA (JP): The newly established export financing Bank Ekspor Indonesia (BEI) will start operations early next month, the bank's executive has said. BEI's president, Budi Mulya, said on Friday the government had injected Rp 3 trillion as an initial paid-up capital to support its operations.

Indonesia, S. Korea tipped as born-again Asian tigers

Indonesia, S. Korea tipped as born-again Asian tigers LONDON (Reuters): Ask emerging markets experts to tip some born-again Asian tigers and one frontrunner is predictable -- South Korea. Another is not for the faint-hearted investor, it is Indonesia. Two years after the Asian crisis began, Reuters asked 25 economists and fund-managers in Asia, Europe and the United States to forecast which emerging economies would produce the best investment returns in the coming 12 months.

Indonesian charged for acid attack

Indonesian charged for acid attack SINGAPORE (AFP): A 17-year-old Indonesian maid may face life imprisonment in Singapore after being charged with pouring sulfuric acid into the mouth of a three-month-old baby boy, the Sunday Times reported. The maid, identified as Sumiyem, used the acid last week to hurt her charge, Lim Hong Xiang, a district court heard Saturday.

Palm oil prices fall on duty cut

Palm oil prices fall on duty cut LONDON (Reuters): Palm oil prices fell sharply in Rotterdam and London on Friday after Indonesia confirmed it would reduce its export duty on crude palm oil and by-products. In Europe, traders pushed palm oil down between US$7.50 and $10 a ton to $352.50 for May to July delivery and the refined product, palm olein, between $15 and $17.50 on news the crude palm duty would be cut to 10 percent from 30 percent.

Man killed after threatening wife

Man killed after threatening wife JAKARTA (JP): A 42-year-old man was beaten to death by neighbors of his parents in Babakan subdistrict, Setu, Bekasi, on Saturday. Mulyadi was beaten by the mob and died at the scene after he repeatedly pelted stones at his parents' house and threatened to kill his wife, who was staying in the house after a quarrel with her husband last week.

Telecommunications bill to be deliberated in the House soon

Telecommunications bill to be deliberated in the House soon JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) will start on Thursday the deliberation of a bill on telecommunications, which would give more leeway to the private sector to enter the telecommunications business. Burhanuddin Napitupulu, the chairman of House Commission IV for telecommunications, tourism and transportation, said on Saturday the bill would revise the 1989 Telecommunications Law.

Thousands face food shortages

Thousands face food shortages JAMBI, Jambi: As many as 28,000 families in four out of six regencies here are facing food shortages, Antara quoted population officer Ilyas Bachtiar as saying on Saturday. Ilyas said the number could grow, especially in Bungo Tebo and Tanjung Jabung regencies where data collection on the matter has yet to be completed. Ilyas said rice aid would be arranged through the social security net program.

Indonesia and dual nationality

Indonesia and dual nationality I would like to add my two pennyworth to the letter written by Elis Suminar Discrimination and immigration laws in The Jakarta Post, July 2, 1999. I am a British expatriate married to an Indonesian lady. We also have a child who has to retain British citizenship. I, too, have expressed my surprise and regret to the relevant departments about the situation my wife, child and myself find ourselves in. The responses were confused and often without foundation.

Another student losses life in brawl

Another student losses life in brawl JAKARTA (JP): Another high school student lost his life on Saturday during a street brawl between his gang and another student group in front of Lebak Bulus bus terminal in South Jakarta. Eko Kurniawan, 17, of state-run SMU 46 in Cirendeu, Ciputat, died with severe head wounds and stab wounds to his body in the after-school brawl. Eko is the fourth student killed in street fights in the capital in the past two weeks. City police spokesman Lt. Col.

Toll road projects may resume

Toll road projects may resume JAKARTA (JP): The director general of highway (Bina Marga) at the Ministry of Public Works, Tjuk Sudarsono, asked investors to continue their delayed toll road projects. Sudarsono said investors facing financial difficulties should discuss the matter with his office, but warned them not to rely too much on the government's help.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Architect Exhibition, Struktur Arsitektur Kontemporer Jepang, at Galeri Mini, The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Phone: 5201266), Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., until July 30. * Painting Exhibition: Pongpongan by Pande Ketut Taman, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), until July 7.

CorelDraw 9.0 geared even more toward professional jobs

CorelDraw 9.0 geared even more toward professional jobs By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Few software vendors can match the discipline by which Corel Corporation releases its flagship graphics applications, CorelDraw. Almost every year it has had a new version. Recently, delivered to my home address by Fedex, I got CorelDraw Version 9.0, the latest upgrade of this very popular package on the Windows side of the graphics computing world.

Kuntoro rebukes Pertamina for alternative bill

Kuntoro rebukes Pertamina for alternative bill JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto criticized on Friday state oil and gas company Pertamina for submitting an alternative oil and gas bill, calling the move a type of insubordination. "(The move shows that) Pertamina has forgotten its status as a state-owned company," Kuntoro said.