Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 July 1999

47 articles found

Hutama Karya faces second legal suit

Hutama Karya faces second legal suit JAKARTA (JP): Toronto-based Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) has filed a bankruptcy claim against PT Hutama Karya, the second suit lodged against the state-owned construction company this year. CIBC lawyer Rahmat Bastian from Dermawan & Co. law firm said Hutama Karya had failed to repay US$1 million in promissory notes due on May 4 this year.

Vote count finished for 12 provinces

Vote count finished for 12 provinces JAKARTA (JP): The National Elections Committee (PPI) completed the vote counting in 12 provinces on Wednesday, with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) dominating in Central and East Java and Bali. The tallying was based on provincial reports of ballot results from Aceh, East and Central Kalimantan, Irian Jaya and Jambi. Results from Bali, Riau, Lampung, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, East Timor were completed on Tuesday.

Ananda seeks sponsorship

Ananda seeks sponsorship JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's young car racer, Ananda Mikola, is looking for a sponsorship deal with local companies to support him with racing facilities for practicing. Ananda told reporters on Wednesday that in the sponsorship deal, he would also help the companies to promote their products. "I will meet President B.J. Habibie to ask for his support on this matter, because I want to race in the Formula One series," he said.

Government to send 1,200 more police to East Timor

Government to send 1,200 more police to East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Wednesday it would send 1,200 police reinforcements to East Timor in response to a recent spate of attacks against personnel of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET). The decision was announced as the mission's representative Ian Martin conveyed serious concerns over security in the province to Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto.

More needed to curb corruption: Experts

More needed to curb corruption: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Senior economist and former finance minister Frans Seda hailed on Wednesday the government's move to publicly divulge corruption in the bureaucracy and state companies, but said it must push on with concrete measures to form a clean government. Speaking after a discussion on a new government, Seda said the actions also should include an investigation into former president Soeharto.

New bill won't affect Telkom and Indosat

New bill won't affect Telkom and Indosat JAKARTA (JP): The bill on telecommunications currently deliberated at the House of Representatives will not affect the exclusive rights held by PT Telkom Indonesia and PT Indosat, a senior official has said. Eman S.

KONI approves additional Rp 2b for SEA Games

KONI approves additional Rp 2b for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games team may have felt relief as the National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar approved an additional Rp 2 billion (US$298,510) to send athletes to compete in the Games in Brunei Darussalam next month.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on July 7, 1999: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Toyota, Siam sign deal

Toyota, Siam sign deal BANGKOK (AP): Group companies led by Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. and Siam Cement, Thailand's largest industrial conglomerate, signed an agreement Wednesday governing three joint-venture automobile parts makers in Thailand. The ventures produce parts for leading Asian automotive and component manufacturers and for producers of motorcycles, agricultural machinery and air-conditioning compressors.

Balinese artist combines cultural icons

Balinese artist combines cultural icons By Putu Wirata DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The 32-year rule of the New Order government is remembered as a regime which would not tolerate ideas different from its own. Bali-born artist D. Chandra Kirana is showing the beauty of cultural pluralism with 23 paintings exhibited at the Chedi Gallery, Ubud, from June 26 through Aug. 31.

Ujungpandang's Borong streets paved in gold

Ujungpandang's Borong streets paved in gold UJUNGPANDANG (JP): Borong in Panakkukang subdistrict, some 10 kilometers east of Ujungpandang, has long been known as a center of gold handicraft. Nearly 90 percent of the 250 people who live in the area are gold craftsmen. The remaining 10 percent of the population consists of civil servants and entrepreneurs who are involved in various endeavors, including woodworking. There are two major groups of gold craftsmen, each with about 60 members.

Toyota Astra says Kijang van price will not increase

Toyota Astra says Kijang van price will not increase JAKARTA (JP): Carmaker PT Toyota Astra Motor said on Wednesday it would maintain the prices of its popular brand Kijang multi- purpose van, despite the abolishment of tax breaks to cars with high local content. The company's technical director Adirizal Nizar said the price of Astra's Kijang van, which has 49 percent local content, would be maintained in order to secure its market share here.

15,000 VCDs seized from Glodok

15,000 VCDs seized from Glodok JAKARTA (JP): Police continued their combat against pornography on Wednesday by seizing at least 15,000 video compact discs (VCDs) and arresting 35 street vendors in the capital's busy Glodok area in West Jakarta. West Jakarta Police deputy chief Maj. Henky Kaluara said the street vendors were apprehended because they were guilty of distributing pornographic films.

Court can't call Soeharto to testify in Goro trial

Court can't call Soeharto to testify in Goro trial JAKARTA (JP): The prosecutor in the Goro land exchange case said on Wednesday that former president Soeharto cannot be called as a witness because of a legal stipulation barring relatives from testifying against a suspect.

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in Surabaya Film * English Film Festival organized by British Council (Phone: 031 5689958) at Mitra 21 Jl. Yos Sudarso, July 23-24. Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - The Tavern Pub: Cosindos Band, Monday to Friday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Paprica Band, Transit Band, Sunday. - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Solo Pianist, Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m.

WWF manages forestry park

WWF manages forestry park JAKARTA (JP): Conservation organization World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia presented on Tuesday, a management plan to the Ministry of Forestry and Plantations for the 800,000 hectare Betung Kerihun National Park in West Kalimantan. WWF Indonesia's executive director Agus Purnomo said the management plan mapped out a strategy to ensure the park's protection and development over the next 25 years.

Prison warden denies 'special treatment'

Prison warden denies 'special treatment' JAKARTA (JP): The warden of Salemba Penitentiary has dismissed reports some prisoners are accorded special privileges and allowed to run criminal activities from behind bars. Firma Uli Silalahi said at his office in East Jakarta on Wednesday that there were no exceptions in the application of prison rules and procedures.

Expert queries 'sudden' drafting of presidency bill

Expert queries 'sudden' drafting of presidency bill JAKARTA (JP): To end confusion on reports of a new bill on the presidency, any draft should be given to the upcoming House of Representatives and the new government to work on, a noted sociologist said. Selo Soemardjan questioned on Wednesday why the government and the House were suddenly drawing up a bill on the presidency.

Austrade opens business club

Austrade opens business club SURABAYA (JP): The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) launched the Business Club Australia here on Tuesday, as part of the Australian government's "Australia Open for Business" program for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

INRO, under fire, defends role in rubber market

INRO, under fire, defends role in rubber market KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) defended itself on Wednesday against criticism by Malaysia, saying it had achieved its goal of protecting producers against wild price swings. INRO released figures which it said showed that the average price of rubber has been higher and more stable during its two decades of existence than before.

Is the Jakarta elite out of touch?

Is the Jakarta elite out of touch? By Percival Manglano JAKARTA (JP): Gerry van Klinken, editor of Inside Indonesia, had an interesting article published in the Far Eastern Economic Review on March 18. In Is Indonesia Breaking Down?, Van Klinken vowed to "take a serious look at the accepted wisdom on what lies behind the epidemic of social unrest" in Indonesia. He proved to be no friend of standard explanations: "Common sense is often uncommonly wrong" he charged.

Motorcycle thieves killed by mob

Motorcycle thieves killed by mob TANGERANG (JP): Angry residents beat two men to death on Tuesday morning after apparently catching them attempting to steal a motorcycle in the Kenanga subdistrict of Cipondoh here. The two men, one of whom has not been identified, were attacked at about 5 a.m. by the residents, who were alerted by the mother of the bike owner.

PNG's Bill Skate quits, Taiwan deal uncertain

PNG's Bill Skate quits, Taiwan deal uncertain PORT MORESBY (Reuters): Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Bill Skate quit on Wednesday after a deal to recognize Taiwan failed to rescue his sinking career and angered trading partner China. His departure leaves the deal -- reported to be greased with generous support from Taiwan -- in the balance.

New curriculum to be implemented

New curriculum to be implemented JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Education and Culture says a new elementary and secondary education curriculum, an improved version of the 1994 curriculum currently in place, will be implemented at the beginning of the 1999/2000 academic year in mid-July. After the inauguration of several officials on Wednesday, Director General of Basic and Secondary Education Indra Jati Sidi told Antara that a team was currently preparing the curriculum.

IBRA to appeal Sempati bankruptcy decision

IBRA to appeal Sempati bankruptcy decision JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) says it will appeal a Jakarta Commercial Court decision declaring private airline PT Sempati Air bankrupt. IBRA public relations officer Franklin Richard said on Wednesday the agency wanted the Supreme Court to review the decision in order to clearly establish whether Sempati could no longer repay its debts. "We don't want this (the Sempati case) to be a precedent," he said.

No special events planned to greet new millenium

No special events planned to greet new millenium JAKARTA (JP): The new millennium is only five months away but the city administration has yet to prepare for the big event, causing confusion among hoteliers, entertainment park operators and shopping complexes which usually start making promotional plans months in advance. Governor Sutiyoso said the administration had not made any preparations as it was focusing on improving the city's social and economic condition.

Accounting firm questions Ghalib for alleged graft

Accounting firm questions Ghalib for alleged graft JAKARTA (JP): An accounting firm on Wednesday questioned Andi M. Ghalib, who stepped aside from the Attorney General's Office last month pending a graft investigation, Antara reported. The news agency said a team from the Prasetyo Utomo accounting firm questioned Ghalib for more than an hour at the office of Coordinating Minister for Development Supervision and State Administrative Reforms Hartarto Sastrosunarto.

Man sentenced to 14 years for Ita murder

Man sentenced to 14 years for Ita murder JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday sentenced 23-year-old Otong to 14 years in prison for murdering Marthadinata, also known as Ita, 18, in the victim's home in Kemayoran on Oct. 9 last year. The verdict, read out by presiding judge Paiman Martoredjo, was one year less than demanded by the prosecutor.

Billiards association eyeing two golds at 20th SEA Games

Billiards association eyeing two golds at 20th SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI) has set a target of two golds at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam next month. POBSI spokesman, Basuki Santoso, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday the golds were expected from the ball nine and ball 15 events. "We don't know if the golds will come from an individual or a team for the two events.

Fireworks blast kills man

Fireworks blast kills man KENDAL, Central Java: A man was killed and six others were severely injured when exploding gunpowder used for fireworks destroyed their home in Jetis subdistrict here on Wednesday. Local residents found the dismembered body of Karman, 30, shortly after the morning explosion. They took the other injured people, including three children, to hospital. Local police chief Lt. Col. Saiful Bachri suspected that the heat had caused the gunpowder to ignite.

Jewelry craft a goldmine of opportunity

Jewelry craft a goldmine of opportunity By Jupriadi UJUNGPANDANG (JP): The economic crisis in Indonesia has not, apparently, wiped out every kind of business. Some have even progressed, one of which is gold handicraft business. Data from the Perak (Silver) Foundation, a non-governmental organization working toward advancing people's livelihood, states that the income of gold craftsmen in Ujungpandang has increased, with initial incomes nearly tripling, as a result of the crisis.

Landslide in South Sulawesi claims two victims

Landslide in South Sulawesi claims two victims By Jupriadi and Arifudin Saeni SINJAI, South Sulawesi (JP): Rescue workers and residents unearthed two bodies from the mud on Wednesday here after a major landslide, with the search continuing for nine missing relatives of the dead. The bodies of Cika, 6, and Iwan, 10, were found in two separate locations. About 1,000 people have been evacuated due to the threat of more landslides.

Villagers complain over dust from cement factory

Villagers complain over dust from cement factory BOGOR, West Java (JP): Residents of Kamurang and Puspanegara villages in Citeureup here on Wednesday strongly urged publicly listed cement producer PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa to provide free medical services to locals. Residents said the air in the villages and surrounding areas was heavily polluted by dust generated from Indocement's factory, causing health and other problems among the populace.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Arts Exhibition by D. Chandra Kirana, at the Chedi Gallery, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Gianyar, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975963), until July 26. * Painting Exhibition: Kanvas Putih, by Ruri, at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Nusa Dua (Phone: 0361 771234), until July 19. * Painting Exhibition: by Kelompok Seni Rupa Jendela, at Padma Bali Hotel (Phone: 0361 752111), on July 30 to Aug. 17. Music and entertainment * Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran, Denpasar: Rindik music from 5 p.

Transvestites head for Padang

Transvestites head for Padang PADANG, West Sumatra: Tight competition has forced dozens of transvestite prostitutes to flee Jakarta and Pekanbaru for a new life here. Deputy head of the Mayoralty Public Order Office Surya Ramadhan told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that despite the visible presence of migrant transvestites, he found it difficult to arrest them because men could not legally be categorized as prostitutes. "They are genetically men.

BI's benchmark interest rate drops to 17.15 percent

BI's benchmark interest rate drops to 17.15 percent JAKARTA (JP): The benchmark interest rate of Bank Indonesia one-month promissory notes (SBI) fell by over 150-basis points to 17.15 percent at the weekly Wednesday auction, from 18.84 percent last week.

S'pore navy aids civic mission

S'pore navy aids civic mission TANJUNG PINANG, Riau: The Singapore navy has sent a medical team and a warship to join a civic mission conducted by the Indonesian Navy in the archipelagic province's remote subdistricts. Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Widodo A.S. officially opened on Tuesday the 20-day mission, set to involve more than 400 personnel. His Singaporean counterpart Vice Adm. Lui Tuck Yew attended the ceremony.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 7, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 -25 22,500 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 325 -75 4,500 Alter Abadi 400 0 392,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 0 10,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 575 -25 30,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,450 -25 4,906,500 Anwar Sierad 375 0 285,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Palm oil heading for $300 per ton in European trade

Palm oil heading for $300 per ton in European trade LONDON (Reuters): As palm oil prices continued to fall on Wednesday morning, European traders said they could be heading for $300 a ton, a level not seen since the mid-1980s. Crude palm oil started the day in Europe at $335 a ton for July and August/September and $337.50 for October/December, around $5 to $10 a ton down from Tuesday's close.

Police arrest student leader over separatist protest

Police arrest student leader over separatist protest SORONG, Irian Jaya (JP): Police arrested on Wednesday a woman suspected of organizing a separatist protest earlier this week. The head of the Irian Jaya Students Association, Yacomina Isir, was arrested on Wednesday morning while visiting the grave of a relative here, Antara news agency reported.

I use my own money, Sutiyoso says

I use my own money, Sutiyoso says JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso denied on Wednesday allegations he used the city budget to finance the maintenance of his cars, upkeep of his pets and the foreign schooling of one of his children. "It's wrong if somebody says that I've used the people's money for my personal needs. I use my own money," Sutiyoso calmly told The Jakarta Post at City Hall. He acknowledged there might have been some truth to the allegation at the start of his tenure.

Regional currencies down as threat of intervention looms

Regional currencies down as threat of intervention looms HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Intervention, the threat of intervention and position liquidation combined to drive Asian currencies lower against the U.S. dollar during local trading hours Wednesday. Although most observers retain their fundamentally positive outlook on Asia's economic recovery, foreign exchange dealers are becoming less sure that improving growth prospects will translate into further short-term currency appreciation.

What falls under pornographic materials?

What falls under pornographic materials? By Loreen Neville JAKARTA (JP): Is a photograph of nude little boys happily jumping and swimming in a lake, child pornography? Women wearing bikinis for a swim or wearing just the lower piece strolling on the beach in Bali, is that pornography? If it is then we must all swim with our clothes on! A couple parading nude in their bedrooms, is that obscene? While taking a shower is my nude body considered shameful and obscene?

Grasberg expansion needs copper demand

Grasberg expansion needs copper demand MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): A sustainable rise in copper demand is needed for before any expansion of the Grasberg copper and gold mine in Indonesia goes ahead, Rio Tinto PLC's managing director of its Australian operations, Barry Cusack said Wednesday. "We've always looked at the potential for increasing the output there, and we have increased it, and there is potential for further (increases).

Govt cuts import duty

Govt cuts import duty JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Wednesday a cut in import duty on breakfast cereal products made by Kellogg's Limited of Thailand from 100 percent to only 10 percent. Head of the public relations department of the Ministry of Finance Hadiyanto said the move was part of the tax relief program made under the ASEAN Industrial Joint Ventures cooperation scheme. "The program's tax relief, which is effective from June 15, 1998, through Dec.

Thai Srichaphan loses to non-seeded de Voest

Thai Srichaphan loses to non-seeded de Voest JAKARTA (JP): Top-seeded Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand had to make an early exit after losing 2-6, 7-5, 4-6 to qualifier Ric de Voest of South Africa in the second round of the Men's Indonesian Fertilizer Future 4 at the Kemayoran Tennis Center on Wednesday.

Interpreting bloodied fingerprint

Interpreting bloodied fingerprint From Bali Post There has been a rather unsympathetic response recently to the fact that members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in Surabaya made thumb prints with their own blood. It is always all right to respond to this phenomenon as we are now in the run-up to the 1999 General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly, which is scheduled to elect Indonesia's fourth president in November.