Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 August 1999

48 articles found

Sports bodies left to do some soul-searching

Sports bodies left to do some soul-searching BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Southeast Asia's lack of athletic class was laid bare at the region's biennial sporting showcase here over the past week, prompting alarmed sports officials to do some anguished soul-searching. Malaysia led calls for radical Southeast Asian (SEA) Games surgery amid spotty competition that saw 10 SEA Games track and field records fall along with 22 in swimming, but which failed to dent any world marks or Asian standards.

Jockeying for presidency up amid weekend tete-a-tetes

Jockeying for presidency up amid weekend tete-a-tetes JAKARTA (JP): Muslim politician Amien Rais met with President B.J. Habibie on Sunday at the latter's residence in Kuningan, South Jakarta, with the former offering his "advice" on raging security and political concerns. "We had dinner and I conveyed to Habibie several things that need urgent attention. (I reminded him) that we are racing against time here," Amien told The Jakarta Post.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Enchanted Moments by Deniek G. Sukarya, at Galeri Foto Cahya, Plaza Menteng, 2nd floor, Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto 79, Menteng (Phone: 3907623), Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Aug. 29. * Photo Exhibition: Bidikan 6 by Suherry and friends, at Bistro Garden restaurant, Plaza Senayan 3rd lev, no. 331 A, Jl. Asia Afrika 8, South Jakarta (Phone: 5725287), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Aug. 30.

No paper

No paper In commemoration of Independence Day, which is a national holiday, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Tuesday. It will resume publication on Wednesday. -- The Publisher

The Hunt for the Marcos' hidden wealth continues

The Hunt for the Marcos' hidden wealth continues By Jamil Maidan Flores This is the first of a four-part series which describes the pursuit of the Marcos wealth through open and the legal means. MANILA (JP): Success, it is said, is a matter of opinion. A few circles in the Philippines hold the opinion that the hunt for the Marcos wealth, believed by a great many to be ill gotten, has been somewhat successful.

Nirwana among best 10

Nirwana among best 10 JAKARTA (JP): Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort in Bali has been named one of the world's 10 best resorts to dream about and head for by United Kingdom's Golf International magazine, the hotel announced on Saturday.

Bogor hospital keeps mom, baby in bill row

Bogor hospital keeps mom, baby in bill row BOGOR (JP): A 42-year-old mother, Rince, and her new-born baby were not allowed to leave the Karya Bhakti hospital here due to unpaid bills for a caesarean section and a week-long stay following the operation.

Moral magnet

Moral magnet According to a Japanese theory, many businesses, in particular medium scale ones, have lost their competitive edge because they failed to recognize the need to stop growing at a certain point and saw their energy burst into thin air like a balloon. The ASEAN cluster of nations, originally consisting of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei about 20 years ago, keeps on growing, with membership now at 10.

Wiranto snipes back at military's critics

Wiranto snipes back at military's critics JAKARTA (JP): Gen. Wiranto launched a verbal offensive on Saturday against attacks on the human rights record of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and its perceived apathy toward reform. The TNI commander also defended its handling of the restive provinces of Aceh and Maluku, saying the military was committed to maintaining security and order throughout the country.

Strong quake rocks Bengkulu

Strong quake rocks Bengkulu BENGKULU: Bengkulu province was rocked by a tectonic quake measuring 5.36 on the Richter scale on Saturday at 7:16 a.m. West Indonesia Standard Time, Antara reported on Sunday. Kepahyang geophysical station chief in Bengkulu, Armien Paimin, said the shocks were quite violent in areas southeast of Kepahyang district, Rejang Lebong, Bandarlampung and Kotabumi.

Lawyer says BI should pay for felling trees

Lawyer says BI should pay for felling trees JAKARTA (JP): An environmental lawyer is backing the city administration's plan to sue Bank Indonesia for illegally cutting down trees along Jl. Budi Kemulyaan and Jl. Kebon Sirih, which are adjacent to the central bank's headquarters. Head of the environmental division at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH), Waskito Adiribowo, said the city administration could ask the court to award compensation for losses suffered from the felling.

Malaysia asks Indonesia to drop Asian Games bid

Malaysia asks Indonesia to drop Asian Games bid BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): Malaysia has asked Indonesia to drop its bid to host the 2006 Asian Games for the sake of its own, saying the rivalry between them would undermine their hopes to host the event. Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports Tan Sri Dato Haji Muhyiddin told a news conference here on Sunday that national sports councils of both countries would hold talks to find the best solution to their conflicting interests.

Habitat of rare birds threatened

Habitat of rare birds threatened PALU, Central Sulawesi: Certain areas in Central Sulawesi declared as habitats of the Maleo (Macrocepha Lon Maleo) are in critical condition, posing a threat to the survival of the rare bird species, an environmentalist has said. Harly, executive director of the Indonesian Forum for Environment's Central Sulawesi chapter, said on Saturday the number of Maleo had been dwindling over the past two decades.

CNRT-flag raising draws thousands of Dili residents

CNRT-flag raising draws thousands of Dili residents DILI, East Timor (JP): Thousands of East Timorese flowed onto the streets here Sunday to watch the opening of a new headquarters for the pro-independence force and the first public raising of the free East Timor flag. In a ceremony that mixed military solemnity with singing and dancing, the National Council of Timorese Resistance (CNRT) raised its blue, green and white flag outside a seafront bungalow that will serve as its new base.

Drug addiction growing threat to society: Experts

Drug addiction growing threat to society: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Experts say some 1.3 million Indonesians are drug abusers and addicts, inflicting a heavy social and economic burden on the crisis-stricken country. Asliati Asril, David Djaelani Gordon and his wife Joyce Gordon, speaking in a seminar here on Saturday, also raised alarm due to the rapid increase in total number of addicts.

August 17 should be a happy day

August 17 should be a happy day By Harkiman Racheman MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): On Aug. 17, the country will celebrate the 54th anniversary of its independence, seized from the Dutch colonists and the occupying Japanese in 1945. After several decades where the date was marked by monotonous historical reminiscences of the colonial past, the most important event in the history of contemporary Indonesia will be free this year of the New Order regime's political dictates.

New 'Abang' and 'None' chosen

New 'Abang' and 'None' chosen JAKARTA (JP): Erlangga Hananda Seto, a student of an aviation academy, and Valerina Novita Daniel, a student at the University of Indonesia, were named Abang and None (Mr. and Miss) Jakarta on Friday night. In a party held in the Sapta Pesona room of the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, the two were selected from among 1,110 contestants from five mayoralties here. Erlangga, 25, was Abang Central Jakarta, while Valerina, 21, None East Jakarta.

Monagro sets up new plant

Monagro sets up new plant JAKARTA (JP): Herbicides and corn seed producer PT Monagro Kimia said on Saturday it would build a new hybrid corn seed plant to increase its production capacity and boost exports. Monagro's sales manager Sidi Asmono said the plant would produce up to 10,000 C-5 and C-7 prime hybrid corn seeds to help meet the growing demand for hybrid corn seed.

Two more civilians shot dead in Aceh

Two more civilians shot dead in Aceh By Ati Nurbaiti LHOKSEUMAWE, North Aceh (JP): Residents in two districts buried two civilians who were shot by unidentified assailants on Saturday, a day after a police chief and a police sergeant also were shot to death in the eerily deserted regency.

Bishop council criticizes the country's political elite

Bishop council criticizes the country's political elite JAKARTA (JP): The Bishop Council of Indonesia (KWI) has criticized the country's political elite, accusing them of failing to take care of the people's interests and future. "We regret and strongly warn the political elite," the organization said in a statement issued on Saturday to mark the 54th anniversary of Indonesian Independence. The statement referred to social, political and economic issues facing the country.

Setya, Djoko to return money to Bank Bali

Setya, Djoko to return money to Bank Bali JAKARTA (JP): Businessmen Setya Novanto and Djoko Chandra will return every penny of the Rp 546 billion (nearly $80 million at current rate) they received from Bank Bali in a controversial transaction as a "gesture of good faith" on Monday, a senior Golkar Party leader said on Saturday. A.A.

RP, Taiwan close on new aviation pact

RP, Taiwan close on new aviation pact TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan and the Philippines have reached a breakthrough in their dispute over a suspended aviation accord, Taiwan's foreign ministry said. "After six hours of candid and harmonious negotiations the unnecessary barriers have been removed and the foundations for mutual trust and cooperation have been restored," said a ministry statement released late Saturday.

Oil firm bosses to meet in Bali

Oil firm bosses to meet in Bali JAKARTA (JP): At least 250 executives of major foreign and local oil companies have confirmed their participation in an exhibition and conference on the international oil and gas industry to be held in Bali early next month, the organizing committee said here on Saturday. Organizing committee Chairman Fernando H.

Anton falls amid S'pore table tennis gold rush

Anton falls amid S'pore table tennis gold rush BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): Indonesia failed to wrest Singapore's grip from the 20th Southeast Asian Games table tennis competition on Sunday when its men's singles ace Anton Suseno ran out of steam against Duan Yong Jun. The lone Indonesian representative in the finals fought gamely before losing 21-16, 14-21, 15-21, 12-21 to his Chinese-born opponent.

Locals want Sanif as new governor

Locals want Sanif as new governor JAKARTA (JP): A group of Betawi (native Jakarta) people demanded on Friday that Governor Sutiyoso be replaced by native Army let. gen. (ret) M. Sanif even though the incumbent would not end his tenure until 2002. The group, called the Movement of Supporters for the Betawi Community's Aspirations, said the demand was inspired by three parties dominating the June 7 general election who promised to propose that a native Jakartan be elected as governor.

'Shabu-shabu' makes way to Indonesia from Shenzhen

'Shabu-shabu' makes way to Indonesia from Shenzhen JAKARTA (JP): Drug traffickers from Shenzhen in China are believed to be responsible for the flood of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) into many major cities in the country, a police officer said on Sunday. Jakarta Police detectives chief Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo, on his return from Hong Kong as the leader of a team of six city police detectives, said Indonesians acted as couriers in bringing the drug from the southeastern Chinese city.

Non-oil and gas exports may match 1998 levels

Non-oil and gas exports may match 1998 levels JAKARTA (JP): The government predicts that Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports this year can reach at least the same level as last year despite sluggish performance in the first semester. The chairman of the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED), Gusmardi Bustami, said on Friday the exports would match the US$48.8 billion booked last year if an expected increase in orders in the upcoming months is realized.

SEA Games results

SEA Games results Basketball Men: 1. Philippines, 2. Thailand, 3. Indonesia, Malaysia Squash Men's Team: 1. Malaysia, 2. Singapore, 3. Indonesia, Philippines Women's Team: 1. Malaysia, 2. Singapore, 3. Brunei, Philippines Bowling Men Master's Grand Final: 1. Thailand, 2. Singapore, 3. Malaysia Table tennis Men's singles: 1. Duan Yong Jun (Sin), 2. Anton Suseno (Ina), 3. Richard Gonzales (Phi), Zhang Tai Yong (Sin) Women's singles: 1. Li Jia Wei (Sin), 2. Nanthana Komwong (Tha), 3.

Indonesia humbled as Games ends

Indonesia humbled as Games ends By Primastuti Handayani and Ivy Susanti BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): Thailand reigned supreme as the 20th Southeast Asian Games closed on Sunday, with former regional sports powerhouse Indonesia left to lick its wounds after its humiliating performance. For the first time ever, mighty Indonesia, which topped the medal standings a record nine times since 1977, was shutout to finish behind longtime rival Malaysia in third.

Therapy vital for hyperkinetic kids

Therapy vital for hyperkinetic kids JAKARTA (JP): Effective treatment is vital for the up to 1.5 million Indonesian children who are hyperkinetic, a brain disorder characterized by hyperactive and impulsive behavior, child psychologist Dwidjo Saputro said on Saturday. Speaking in a seminar on hyperkinesis, Dwidjo said the disorder could affect between 2 percent and 5 percent of the 31.7 million elementary school children in the country.

On smog

On smog Yes, it's back again. Some call it smog, others prefer a more tourist-friendly term -- haze. But there is no doubt as to the origins of the huge smoke cloud that has enveloped parts of Southeast Asia last week. In 1997, forest fires, aggravated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, swept out of control in Borneo and Sumatra, paralyzing the region for several months. The fires broke out again a year later, albeit with much less ferocity.

Thoughts for an old slogan

Thoughts for an old slogan Tomorrow, Indonesia will celebrate its 54th anniversary of independence under comparatively gloomy circumstances. The nation is now facing a slow move toward a change in administration, while the dark shadow of disintegration looms large. Never has this nation faced so much regional restiveness and chaos since 1957 and never has the military acted in such a pitiless way in crushing dissent.

Wismoyo tells public to take failure in stride

Wismoyo tells public to take failure in stride BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): With Indonesia's long-standing sports supremacy in the region withering following its humiliating showing at the 20th Southeast Asian Games here, National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar has opted not to look for a scapegoat. For the first time since it began participating in the biennial event in 1977, Indonesia was upstaged by Malaysia to finish a lowly third.

Bank Bali figure suspects UK bank

Bank Bali figure suspects UK bank JAKARTA (JP): Rudy Ramli, former president of Bank Bali, suspected on Saturday that British Standard Chartered Bank might have been involved in stratagems to take over his bank. Breaking his silence, Ramli said that on the eve of Bank Bali's takeover by the central bank on July 23 Standard Chartered and Bank Bali hosted a big reception at the Shangri-La Hotel celebrating their strategic alliance that was about to be concluded.

Indonesia's basketball team fulfills lowly target to win a bronze

Indonesia's basketball team fulfills lowly target to win a bronze BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): Indonesia men's basketball team fulfilled its modest target of taking the bronze at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, beating Malaysia 71-48 on Sunday. The determined national team defied the pressure and outclassed Malaysia in almost all quarters with its better individual skills. It was an improvement for Indonesia which finished fourth in the 1997 Games on home soil.

Defendant's wife says she knew of bomb plan

Defendant's wife says she knew of bomb plan JAKARTA (JP): A witness in the January bombing case of the Ramayana Department Store on Jl. Sabang, Central Jakarta, testified before the Central Jakarta District Court on Friday that she saw two gang members assembling a bomb in a meeting at the end of last year.

Indonesia rides off with cycling golds

Indonesia rides off with cycling golds BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): Although no Indonesian cyclists stepped up to the podium on the last day of the cycling competition at the 20th Southeast Asian Games on Saturday, its riders still pedaled home with the most gold medals. Indonesia finished with three of a possible seven golds, plus three silvers and one bronze.

Rupiah to gain strength this week: Sjahril

Rupiah to gain strength this week: Sjahril JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin expressed confidence Saturday that the rupiah would strengthen again this week after last week's plunge. "Hopefully, after suffering from a shock (the rupiah) will become normal again," he told reporters at the state palace after attending a ceremony. He reaffirmed that the rupiah's ideal level was at between Rp 6,000 to Rp 7,000 per U.S. dollar.

Warring groups end conflict

Warring groups end conflict BATAM, Riau: Leaders of Batak and Flores ethnic groups involved in a recent clash which left 21 people dead and dozens others injured, signed a peace pact on Sunday night. They slaughtered goats, pigs and cows, marking the end of their conflict, Antara reported. The pact was signed by Benny Panjaitan and Rofinus Lorens, and was witnessed by local officials of the Batam municipality, Batam Autonomy Region, commander of the Batam District Military Command Lt. Col.

Forest fires

Forest fires From Media Indonesia Forest fires are making newspaper headlines again, at home and abroad (Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei). It is strange that previous such occurrences have not served as a lesson for the Indonesian government. It is not enough for the government to make statements that it is concerned and is doing its utmost to solve the problem. The reality is different.

Soeharto health improving, say lawyer, former aide

Soeharto health improving, say lawyer, former aide JAKARTA (JP): Soeharto's lawyer and a former close aide insisted on Sunday that the health of the former president has shown a significant improvement. Lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon said on Sunday evening after visiting his client in his Super VVIP Room No. 604 at Pertamina hospital, South Jakarta, "He's improving. He already can communicate properly. There is no more bleeding in his intestinal system.

Mandala suspends service to Ambon due to clashes

Mandala suspends service to Ambon due to clashes JAKARTA (JP): Privately owned Mandala Airlines has temporarily halted its service to the Maluku capital of Ambon due to renewed clashes between Muslims and Christians which have killed at least 100 people and injured 400 since late last month. Antara quoted an official from Mandala's local office, Patty, as saying on Sunday that the airline's headquarters decided to halt its flights from Aug. 13 to Aug.

Relatives of missing activists sue Wiranto

Relatives of missing activists sue Wiranto JAKARTA (JP): Relatives of a number of missing political activists have filed a lawsuit against Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Wiranto accusing the latter of failing to bring to court military officers who were allegedly involved in the abductions. The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), who represents the plaintiffs, said the suit was filed in the East Jakarta District Court on Friday.

'Telkom-1' adds more power to Indonesia's satellite business

'Telkom-1' adds more power to Indonesia's satellite business By Christiani S.A. Tumelap JAKARTA (JP): The launching of PT Telkom's new satellite Telkom-1, an Indonesian third generation satellite, from Kouru, French Guiana, on Friday will adds strength to the country's satellite business. Indonesia now has five satellites in orbit: Telkom-1, Palapa B-2R, Palapa B4, Palapa C2 and Cakrawarta.

Malaysian PM on tour

Malaysian PM on tour KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad departed on Sunday for a tour that will take in China and two Russian republics, officials said. Mahathir, accompanied by his wife Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, will first make a three-day visit to the Russian autonomous republic of Khabarovskii at the invitation of president Ishaev Victor Ivanovich.

Medal tally

Medal tally G S B Total Thailand 65 48 56 169 Malaysia 57 45 42 144 Indonesia 44 43 58 145 Singapore 23 28 45 96 Philippines 19 27 40 86 Vietnam 17 20 27 64 Brunei 4 12 31 47 Myanmar 3 10 10 23 Laos 1 0 3 4 Cambodia 0 0 0 0

PricewaterhouseCoopers named to check bank scandal audit

PricewaterhouseCoopers named to check bank scandal audit JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as an independent auditor to validate the agency's internal audit on the Bank Bali scandal. The agency said in a statement issued late on Friday that the involvement of an international auditor is intended to ensure that the investigation process is valid and not influenced by any parties.

City official found killed in hotel room

City official found killed in hotel room JAKARTA (JP): A city official of the Tanah Sereal subdistrict administration office in West Jakarta was found dead in a hotel room on Saturday morning with two deep wounds, to the throat and the left wrist. Police have yet to release a statement about the incident but relatives of the victim, Heryanto, 36, believed that the "kind and successful man in the family" was killed by one of his friends for unknown reason.