Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 August 1999

51 articles found

Panwaslu overrules objections

Panwaslu overrules objections JAKARTA (JP): The official Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) said on Sunday it had overruled a decision by General Elections Commission (KPU) representatives to refuse to endorse the poll results. "Reports submitted by 12 political parties to support their refusal to sign the poll results are not specifically described, so they cannot be empirically verified," the chairman of Panwaslu, Soedarko, told a news conference.

What's new out there in the IT world?

What's new out there in the IT world? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): By now you must have heard people talking about electronic newspapers of the future. Soon, you will have on your screen a crisp bright display that you can roll or fold just by pressing a specific area on a panel. You will soon be able to download the latest update of The Jakarta Post through a wireless connection. Gone will be the traditional newspaper that has been around for hundreds of years.

KL agency to survey RI maids

KL agency to survey RI maids KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): In an attempt to prevent Indonesian maids running away, a Malaysian agency will introduce video- conferencing for employers to interview candidates, a report said on Sunday. Over the past two years, 15,209 maids were reported to have run away from their employers, immigration director-general Aseh Che Mat was cited as saying by the New Sunday Times.

Indonesian shooters set low target of two silvers at Games

Indonesian shooters set low target of two silvers at Games By Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian shooters surprise everyone in the 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games here two years ago by winning 11 of 42 golds at stake. The result was the best since the 1977 Games.

Swiss University to be opened here

Swiss University to be opened here JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Education and Culture has given a green light to the Swiss University of Applied Sciences to conduct an S1 degree program in Indonesia using an internationally recognized teaching system. A letter of academic accreditation was handed over on Friday by Tresna Derwaman Kunaefi, the ministry's coordinator of private universities, to P. Pscheid, rector of the St. Gallen Institute of Technology in Switzerland.

ASEAN needs a new objective

ASEAN needs a new objective The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum held its sixth meeting in Singapore last week. Political analyst Jusuf Wanandi takes this opportunity to gauge the relevance of the organization's policies. JAKARTA (JP): It is normal for institutions to have their ups and downs. ASEAN is no exception. This also has happened several times before to the European Union (EU).

Senior citizens need extra help: Seminar

Senior citizens need extra help: Seminar JAKARTA (JP): A seminar on hearing impairment concluded on Saturday that senior citizens suffering hearing problems needed increased levels of financial and moral support to cope with the condition. Minister of Health Farid Anfasa Moeloek said at the seminar that people should consider providing financial assistance to elderly people to assist them with their medical and daily expenditures.

Selling lizards, an odd job for Bogor man

Selling lizards, an odd job for Bogor man By Joko Sarwono BOGOR (JP): It's not difficult to spot 52-year-old Taip on a regular afternoon on busy Jl. Suryakencana in Bogor. He's the one carrying a one-meter-long monitor lizard and knocking on doors of Chinese restaurants or shops. Taip, who is a laborer at Bogor Market, said he is willing to take on any odd job to supplement his meager income as long as he considers it an honest living. That includes selling biawak, or monitor lizards.

S. Korea resumes cruise tour to North

S. Korea resumes cruise tour to North SEOUL (AFP): South Korea, seeking to mend ragged ties with North Korea, on Sunday allowed the resumption of suspended cruise boat tours to the famine-stricken nation despite its growing missile threat. South Korean tourists will be allowed to visit North Korea's scenic Mount Kumgang resort site this week, the unification ministry said.

Malnutrition up in Ujungpandang

Malnutrition up in Ujungpandang UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Malnutrition has affected 11,666 children here, with 15 infants dying as a consequence in the province in July, the office of the health ministry here has revealed. Ministry data revealed that 117 infants required immediate hospital treatment. The worst cases were found in the capital, Ujungpandang, with 648 cases, followed by Mamuju regency with 325 cases. Head of the ministry office M.

A new era in sports

A new era in sports As a daily reader of The Jakarta Post, as well as an avid sports fan, I have enjoyed the sports page feature which has appeared daily over the past two weeks highlighting different sports in which Indonesia will participate in for the upcoming SEA Games.

Ambon's plight

Ambon's plight What is going on in Ambon? The answer seems obvious enough: On Tuesday last week, after months of apparent peace, violence flared up anew between Christians and Muslims in this eastern provincial capital of Maluku. By the weekend, 21 people had died, most of them in an inter-village clash on Thursday involving thousands of residents of the predominantly Christian village of Wai and the predominantly Muslim villages of Tulehu and Liang, east of Ambon city.

Asian institutions in flux amid recovery

Asian institutions in flux amid recovery SINGAPORE (AFP): Malaysia's competitive edge over its Asian neighbors may suffer due to poor perceptions of its national institutions while those in Thailand have improved significantly as the region emerges from its economic crisis, an independent think-tank says.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Religious Teachings 3:00 Soccer: Indonesia vs Malaysia (live) 5:00 Technology Program 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 8:30 Quiz 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Film 12:00 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

150 union activists protest Caltex Indonesia operations

150 union activists protest Caltex Indonesia operations NEW YORK (Dow Jones): About 150 union activists protested Friday at the Washington office of Texaco Inc. against alleged labor and human rights violations at an Indonesian oil facility owned by Texaco and Chevron Corp., according to the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions.

Bishop Belo registers for East Timor direct ballot

Bishop Belo registers for East Timor direct ballot DILI, East Timor (JP): Influential Catholic leader Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo signed up on Saturday for the August self- determination vote and encouraged the rest of East Timorese to follow suit in the remaining four days of the registration period. Belo, the Dili Bishop and a colaureate of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, registered with poll officials at a state elementary school compound in East Dili.

Rules on Viagra sales still confusing: Pharmacies

Rules on Viagra sales still confusing: Pharmacies JAKARTA (JP): Many drugstores and pharmacies in Jakarta are still selling the banned high-dosage Viagra that can cure erectile dysfunction because they have not been informed about the requirements for marketing the magic blue pills. One of the biggest pharmacies in Central Jakarta has sold the 100-milligram Viagra pills for months.

Reopening of burned stores boosts optimism

Reopening of burned stores boosts optimism JAKARTA (JP): PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa Tbk, a large retail chain company with stores throughout Indonesia, reopened on Saturday two of its five department stores that were looted, damaged and burned during the May riots last year. The stores are in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, and Cimone, Tangerang. The reopening of the two stores follows a the resumption of business by other retail chains.

IBRA hit with Rp 550b Bank Bali scam allegations

IBRA hit with Rp 550b Bank Bali scam allegations JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's most powerful business entity, the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), has put its reputation at stake after a banking analyst accused one of its senior officials of involvement in a rent seeking activity allegedly involving Rp 550 billion (US$80.8 million).

Bogor traffic signs vandalized, stolen

Bogor traffic signs vandalized, stolen BOGOR (JP): At least 500 traffic signs along major streets in Bogor were vandalized or stolen, which has made chronic traffic jam problems difficult to solve, an official said on Saturday. Roswandi of the Bogor chapter of the Land Transportation Agency said the installation of new traffic signs required a large amount of money since one sign cost at least Rp 250,000 (US$35.70).

Panwaslu left holding the bag of responsibility

Panwaslu left holding the bag of responsibility By Sri-Edi Swasono JAKARTA (JP): As reported by the media last week, a total of 17 out of 48 political parties have endorsed the general election results, although some of them have jotted down addendum. They have the right to do so. It is also the right of another group of 27 mostly minor political parties to reject the results, because they have their valid reasons.

Free phone number for voice messages via Net

Free phone number for voice messages via Net By Lim Tri Santosa BANDUNG (JP): The House of Representatives is upbeat about passing the telecommunications bill by the end of August. Let's hope their action is not merely cosmetic, to achieve the deadline before they end their term. We need to be patient to wait for real action, rather than just a bill to declare that something will or will not be done.

Military approach unsound to quell unrest: Sociologist

Military approach unsound to quell unrest: Sociologist JAKARTA (JP): A military approach to quell ongoing unrest in the country is only worsening the situation, a sociologist said here on Saturday. Deployment of the military, instead, had led to more human rights abuses, said Mely G. Tan of the Indonesian Institute for Sciences (LIPI). Speaking before a seminar on social integration in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, she drew attention to continuing unrest in Maluku and Aceh.

Monitoring team reports intimidation

Monitoring team reports intimidation JAKARTA (JP): A private team monitoring the process of a direct ballot for Aug. 30 in East Timor said that overall, the registration process was running smoothly but, intimidation was still being reported in a number of places. The Independent Committee of the Ballot Monitoring (Kiper) said in a report made available here over the weekend that the scale of intimidation was found to be "light" to "severe".

Pertamina's airline may start scheduled services

Pertamina's airline may start scheduled services JAKARTA (JP): Pelita Air Service, a chartered airline belonging to state-owned Pertamina oil company, is gearing up to serve domestic and regional scheduled services abandoned by other domestic airlines. Ministry of Transportation and Communication secretary-general Anwar Supriyadi told Neraca on Friday that the government had in principle agreed on Pelita's plan to operate scheduled services and a license was being processed.

Ex-regent found dead in apartment

Ex-regent found dead in apartment JAKARTA (JP): Nuberto de Araujo, 50, former Ainaro regent in East Timor, was found dead by his neighbors in his low-cost apartment in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta, on Saturday. A preliminary police report states that the decomposing body of Nuberto, who lived alone, had been in the room for at least four days before being found by neighbors at 12:30 p.m. The cause of death has yet to be determined but the police believed it to be a heart attack.

UOB to buy Philippine bank

UOB to buy Philippine bank SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore's United Overseas Bank Ltd.'s planned acquisition of Westmont Bank in the Philippines is seen as part of long-term strategy that will give it access to the country's retail market, analysts said. The Singapore bank said late Thursday it plans to take a controlling interest in the small retail bank for S$132 million (US$1=S$1.6864).

7 firms withdrawn from LQ45 Index

7 firms withdrawn from LQ45 Index JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has withdrawn seven companies from the list of its 45 most liquid shares index, known as the LQ45 Index. The JSX said in a statement on Saturday that the seven companies were Bhakti Investama, Fiskaragung Perkasa, Karwell Indonesia, Kawasan Industri Jababeka, Makindo, Polysindo Eka Perkasa and Sinar Mas Multiartha.

Motorcycle sales drop 32 percent in first half

Motorcycle sales drop 32 percent in first half JAKARTA (JP): Domestic sales of motorcycles dropped 32 percent to 177,558 units during the first half of this year, from 258,000 units sold in the same period of 1998, the Association of Indonesian Motorcycle Sole Agents and Manufacturers (PASMI) said. Association chairman Ridwan Gunawan said over the weekend that domestic sales slightly improved in June, reaching 35,424 units, from 34,585 units in May.

Children sell gambling coupons

Children sell gambling coupons PALU, Central Sulawesi: Dozens of children have become entangled in gambling activities here, Antara reported on Sunday. The game they participate in involves white coupons bearing pictures and numbers. Children between the age of 10 and 15 were seen on Sunday offering the coupons to customers. "Selling these coupons is quite profitable," a 16-year-old said at the Masomba market in East Palu. He said he was able to net Rp 10,000 in profits a day.

Two die in fire in Buleleng

Two die in fire in Buleleng DENPASAR, Bali: A brother and sister died in a fire when their house was burned by angry mobs in Tejakula village, Buleleng, on Saturday. The victims, identified as Nyoman Suweca, 90, and Ketut Tunas, 77, were trapped in the house, according to Buleleng Police chief Lt. Col. M. Nasseer Amir. Police questioned 10 witnesses and have identified suspects in the incident. "We will net the perpetrators soon," Nasseer said.

Over 100 missing in Philippine ferry tragedy

Over 100 missing in Philippine ferry tragedy CEBU, Philippines (Agencies): Three people were killed and over 100 are missing after a Philippine ferry caught fire at sea in the latest tragedy to hit a country with a long record of maritime disasters, officials said on Sunday. MV Rosario II sent out a distress signal hours after leaving the port of Cebu early Saturday for nearby Masbate province, Commander Clinio Yalaw, duty officer at coastguard headquarters in Manila said.

Two killed from fall into well

Two killed from fall into well JAKARTA (JP): A housewife and her four-year-old daughter were found dead in an old waste water well in East Jakarta on Friday after accidentally falling into it, a police officer said. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said on Saturday the victims were identified as Aan, 31, and her daughter Sifah Sahara, who were residents on Jl. Tanah Merdeka in Kampung Rambutan. Aan's father Abaidillah said the two were seen playing around the well behind his house.

Fire burns police precinct

Fire burns police precinct PARE PARE, South Sulawesi: Fire severely damaged the Pare Pare city police headquarters, including the office of chief Lt. Col. Hendrawan, Antara reported on Sunday. A short circuit in the computer room was believed to be the cause of the fire, which started at 11:50 a.m. However, officers succeeded in saving important files, weapons and 10 prisoners. The detective and operation rooms were also damaged. The fire was put out at noon with the help of locals.

Acehnese refugee plight worsening, say officials

Acehnese refugee plight worsening, say officials JAKARTA (JP): Officials in Banda Aceh have raised concerns over the deteriorating conditions among refugees which have reached some 140,000 people in Pidie, North Aceh and East Aceh. Aceh's secretary to the governor, Sofyan Muchtar, told Antara on Saturday, "Their health is getting worse due to inadequate sanitary facilities and lack of clean water." Last week, estimates of refugees had reached almost 100,000, excluding those at new camps.

Reform-minded or power hungry?

Reform-minded or power hungry? From Suara Karya I am confused by quite a few of Amien Rais's statements quoted in the media. On whose side is he? Is he just a politician chasing power or is he consistent as a radical reformist? The following calls for comment: First, his attitude is reflected in ideas that give an impression of jealousy. Additionally, he is not willing to accept reality.

Shooter Sarmunah aims high

Shooter Sarmunah aims high JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian women's shooters team is faced with a tough challenge to maintain its dominancy in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam. The team of Sarmunah, Titin Indarwati and Rina Dwi Kusumaningtyas must continue that dominancy with a lower target set by the Indonesian Shooting and Hunting Association (Perbakin) by winning two silvers.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: The Body Evolution and Social Bias, by Katirin, at Java Gallery, Jl. Kemang Raya no. 36, South Jakarta, until Aug. 14. * 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.

SMAC to serve Banda Aceh

SMAC to serve Banda Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Sabang Merauke Raya Air Charter (SMAC) will link Medan, North Sumatra, and Banda Aceh three times a week with 42- seat Fokker-27 airplanes starting on Wednesday, an executive of the private airline company said on Saturday. Saifullah, head of the SMAC office in the Aceh capital, said that demand for air travel between the two provinces had increased, especially after the disruption of bus services between the two capitals.

Plan to relocate sugar mills opposed

Plan to relocate sugar mills opposed JAKARTA (JP): The government's plan to relocate its sugar industry to outside Java is not realistic, industry figures have said. The director of sugar mill PT Sweet Indolampung, Daddy Hariadi, said over the weekend that moving half of Java's 54 sugar mills would require at least 300,000 hectares of land for sugar cane plantations and construction of the mills.

New telecoms bill gives users better protection

New telecoms bill gives users better protection JAKARTA (JP): The new telecommunications bill is expected to better protect the rights of telecommunications providers and users, say legislators, telecommunications providers and government officials. Deputy chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) faction, Ali Hardi Kiaidemak, said over the weekend the new bill stipulated increased sanctions against individuals or institutions violating regulations in the telecommunications sector.

Two Nepalese caught with heroin

Two Nepalese caught with heroin JAKARTA (JP): Two Nepalese nationals have been arrested with 365 grams of heroin inside their stomachs, a police officer said over the weekend. The officer, who asked for anonymity, said on Saturday that the suspects, Bala Tamang and Marbahadur Tamang, were handcuffed shortly after they disembarked a Thai Airways from Bangkok at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport here on Friday.

Fulfilling a promise

Fulfilling a promise The main story in Republika (July 27, 1999), mentions a statement made by the general chairman of the Central Executive Board of the United Development Party (PPP), Hamzah Haz. He is quoted as saying that if supporters of one particular party slightly prick their thumbs so that blood flows and then make finger prints, PPP supporters are likewise willing to sacrifice their lives to uphold the truth. In connection with the key word truth, allow me to ask Mr.

Megawati advised to show more wisdom

Megawati advised to show more wisdom JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid has advised poll winner Megawati Soekarnoputri to refrain from openly criticizing political figures, including President B.J. Habibie, lest it upset the ongoing process of political reconciliation.

President off to Tangerang village

President off to Tangerang village TANGERANG, West Java: President B.J. Habibie is scheduled to visit Marga Mulya village in Tangerang by helicopter on Monday to launch the national movement on food and nutrition. "The village was chosen because it is known that many villagers suffer malnutrition problems," administration spokesman Slamet Putranto said on Sunday. The President is expected to visit some of the villagers in their houses and lend a hand to a cement floor project. (41)

Transparency on spatial plan badly needed: Expert

Transparency on spatial plan badly needed: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Councilors and a city spatial expert urged Governor Sutiyoso's administration on Sunday to prepare and publicize details soon on its new spatial plan to avoid the possibility of violations, which were rampant in the past. Contacted separately by The Jakarta Post, councilors Lukman Mokoginta, Ali Wongso Sinaga and city spatial expert M.

Accidental tourist deaths in Bali

Accidental tourist deaths in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: At least seven tourists have died here in July as a result of accidents or illness, Antara reported on Saturday. Bureau chief of Inter-nation Service Gus Sumastra said the last victim was a Dutch tourist P.J. Dekker, 73, who drowned at high tide off Sanur beach. The other six tourists were involved in accidents or were fatally ill. They hailed from Japan, Australia and Germany. (edt)

Habibie urges citizens to avoid anarchy

Habibie urges citizens to avoid anarchy JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie called on citizens Saturday to avoid anarchy and work together for the success of the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Addressing the closing ceremony of a gathering of leaders of Islamic organizations at Merdeka Palace, the President said anarchy, in any form, would destroy democracy.

Timah's profits drop

Timah's profits drop JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed tin mining company PT Timah announced on Saturday net profits of Rp 182.1 billion (US$26.7 million) for the first half of 1999, a 40 percent decrease from the Rp 305.7 billion in the same period of last year. Timah said the lower profit was due to the stronger rupiah and lower tin prices. Sales volume increased to 21,408 metric tons in the first half of the year, up by 13.2 percent from 18,915 tons in the same period of last year.

Officials lambast sea piracy claim

Officials lambast sea piracy claim UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Indonesian officials and a tourism entrepreneur lambasted on Friday unconfirmed reports of mushrooming sea piracy off South Sulawesi's southern shores. "We doubt the reports' accuracy. We've been intensively patrolling and combing the territory (of the South Sulawesi sea)," said Col. R. Soejono, assistant for intelligence affairs at the Navy's Fourth Base in Ujungpandang.

Police raid small-time gambling company

Police raid small-time gambling company JAKARTA (JP): Police have vowed to continue with a campaign against mushrooming lottery sales as part of efforts to rid the capital of gambling practices, an officer said on Saturday. City police detectives chief Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo said one of the measures to eliminate the lottery scheme, locally known as judi buntut, was through raids on gambling dens.