Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 August 1999

57 articles found

Usmar Ismail screens films by teenagers

Usmar Ismail screens films by teenagers JAKARTA (JP): What happens when you get 44 eager teenagers armed with a video camera? They will make films, of course. Some kids did even better. They participated in the three-week film workshop held at the Usmar Ismail Film Center begun on Aug. 1. Now they have come up with nine short films they can proudly say are their own. These 10-minute films are to be shown publicly at the Film Center this Sunday, Aug. 22, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Armed Falintil commemorates 24th anniversary

Armed Falintil commemorates 24th anniversary By Ridwan Max Sijabat and Lorenco Vicente Martins WAIMURI, Viqueque (JP): Over 20,000 people celebrated the 24th anniversary of East Timor's main armed separatist group, Falintil, in a ceremony here on Friday. The celebration took place at Falintil's headquarters in the middle of a thick forest in the regency, six hours drive from the provincial capital of Dili, and was presided over by the armed group's deputy commander Taur Matanruak.

A misguided threat

A misguided threat Here is why the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded, according to the chairman of the selection committee: It rewards those who "have peace rooted in their hearts and who work to overcome the evil principle in man".

Locusts may hit East Kalimantan

Locusts may hit East Kalimantan SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Officials have warned of a locust attack on rice fields in the dry season which begins in September and may last until January 2000, Antara reported on Friday. The locust, locally known as Belalang Kembara (Lacusta Migratoria) hit 2,000 hectares of farming area of Sangkulirang and Muara Wahau districts in Kutai regency during the dry season last year, according to Sofyan Alex, head of the provincial farming and horticulture agency.

Tarub appointed DPA deputy chief

Tarub appointed DPA deputy chief JAKARTA: Former chief of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Lt. Gen. (ret) Tarub was elected the new deputy chief/head of the security and defense commission of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) on Friday, Antara reported. Tarub replaces Lt. Gen. (ret) Suparman Ahmad, who passed away last Friday. Tarub gained 17 of the 33 votes cast in the ballot at the DPA members' meeting, led by DPA chairman A.A. Baramuli.

Japan's aid for East Nusa Tenggara

Japan's aid for East Nusa Tenggara KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Japanese government through the Overseas Economic Cooperative Fund (OECF) has allocated Rp 195 billion for irrigation and clean water projects in East Nusa Tenggara, Antara said on Friday. Head of the irrigation division of the local public works office, A. Hasanudin, said the fund was earmarked for the construction of the Tilong Dam.

Candies seized as children fall ill

Candies seized as children fall ill DENPASAR, Bali: Klungkung Police seized some 22,000 candies suspected to be causing severe food poisoning among children in seven elementary schools. One of the ill children was the son of Klungkung Police chief Lt. Col. Happy Kartika. Kartika said here on Friday that for the past two days officers searched marketplaces and street vendors for the candies produced by a Surabaya-based company, PT Bintang Timur.

Newcrest suspends operation

Newcrest suspends operation MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): Australia's Newcrest Mining Ltd. said Friday that it has temporarily suspended production at the Gosowong gold project in Indonesia because of unrest at villages about 30 kilometers away. "None of this unrest has involved the minesite in any way. As a precaution, production at the mine has been temporarily suspended to enable the Indonesian workforce to return to their homes," it said in a brief statement to the Australian Stock Exchange.

PPD II won't sign decree

PPD II won't sign decree TANGERANG (JP): Forty-four members of the Tangerang Regional Elections Committee (PPD II) have refused to sign a decree endorsing the appointment of legislators elected in the June polls. The boycott was held reportedly because Tangerang Mayor Mochammad Thamrin had not delivered on an earlier promise of a Rp 5 million "service fee" for each committee member. The PPD II members reportedly received only Rp 1 million each.

Malioboro values vendors: Survey

Malioboro values vendors: Survey YOGYAKARTA: The Indonesian Muslim Students Association (HMI) and activists of the Citra Mandiri Foundation urged the local administration not to evict the ubiquitous street vendors from Jl. Malioboro, the city's most popular avenue. Citing their recently conducted survey, the activists said 93 percent of the residents opposed the administration's plan to relocate the vendors, Momon Khairussalam of HMI said on Thursday. The survey was conducted between Aug.

Wiranto pledges to pardon separatist rebels in Aceh

Wiranto pledges to pardon separatist rebels in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto offered on Friday a general amnesty to separatist rebels in Aceh in exchange for an end to their guerrilla war. "We remind the armed disturbance group not to shoot, terrorize the people, damage strategic installations and fly the Free Aceh flag," Wiranto told a meeting with editors in chief of the local media.

165 babies die hungry this month

165 babies die hungry this month JAKARTA (JP): A total of 165 malnourished babies have died this month due to hunger-related diseases, according to State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin. He revealed that reported cases of malnutrition affecting children across the country had jumped from 786 in April to an estimated 10,000 this month.

Rural sociologist dead at 62

Rural sociologist dead at 62 YOGYAKARTA (JP): Sociologist and advocate for the poor Loekman Soetrisno, 62, died of a suspected heart attack on Friday. Known for his research on rural conditions in Java, the professor from Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta collapsed at about 2:30 p.m. at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, said the university's public relations officer, Soewarni. He was taken to the airport's medical center but died later.

Angry mobs attack in Kebumen

Angry mobs attack in Kebumen SEMARANG: An angry crowd of some 1,000 people in Kebumen went on a rampage on Thursday, vandalizing the Sruweng Police station and setting a motorbike on fire because they wanted to get their hands on three detainees they accused of causing unrest. Precinct chief Second Lt. Surono suffered a severe head injury in the rock pelting that ensued after police refused to release the three.

Pick of the Flicks

Pick of the Flicks Hollywood KC: The Mummy 14:15 16:55 19:05 21:15 Entrapment 14:55 17:35 19:45 21:55 Sri 14:15 16:55 19:05 21:15 Thick As Thieves 14:55 17:35 19:45 21:55 Blast From The Past 14:15 16:55 19:05 21:15 Midnight Show: The Mummy 23:25 Entrapment 24:00 War Lock 3 23:25 Mid Summer Night Dream 24:00 Blast From The Past 23:25 Senayan: The Mummy 13:00 15:15 17:30 19:45 Entrapment 13:45 16:00 18:15 20:30 Blast From The Past 13:00 15:15 17:30 19:45 Sri 13:45 16:00 18:15 20:30 Forces Of...

Global indexes

Global indexes Close Date Net Changes 1 Day 1999 New York (DJIA) 10963.84 8/19 -27.54 -0.25% +19.41% London (FTSE 100) 6157.60 8/20* +39.60 +0.65% +4.67% Tokyo (Nikkei 225) 18098.11 8/20 +218.37 +1.22% +30.75% Hong Kong (Hang Seng) 13566.74 8/20 +163.15 +1.22% +35.01% Singapore (Straits Times) 2087.42 8/20 +17.40 +0.84% +49.88% * At 11:28 GMT Source: Bloomberg

Hoolywood's 'Afterglow', locally made 'Sri' worth a look

Hoolywood's 'Afterglow', locally made 'Sri' worth a look JAKARTA (JP): What makes a good film? We wish not to answer this age-old question. Rather, we would like to use our very subjective evaluations of the films that are running at the local cinemas to help our readers make that difficult decision at the ticket box.

YLKI demands government's action on bad pudding

YLKI demands government's action on bad pudding JAKARTA (JP): A senior consumer protection advocate called on the government on Friday to inspect the distribution and sales of some imported chocolate pudding suspected to have poisoned more than 30 children in the past few days. Tini Hadad, the former chairwoman of the Indonesian Consumers Association (YLKI), said anybody distributing or selling the pudding should be prosecuted.

SEA Games defeat to be studied

SEA Games defeat to be studied JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI), Wismoyo Arismunandar, said Friday that KONI would hold a special meeting on Tuesday to evaluate athletes' poor performances in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last week. Wismoyo said he would request officials from 20 sport organizations to give their accountability reports in the meeting.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Charity Action: Pictures of Indonesia, by Dullah, S. Sudjojono, Trubus, etc., at Hotel Aryaduta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta (Phone: 2311234), 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Aug. 21. * Art Exhibition, Walk of Malioboro, at Cafe Temen Gue, Wisma Metropolitan I, 17th fl, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, until Aug. 27. * Architectural Student Projects Exhibition, at Galeri Lawang, 8th floor of block L building, Campus I Tarumanegara University, Jl. S.

KL to boost food output

KL to boost food output KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia will increase food production to keep inflation low as the economy shows signs of recovery, the official Bernama news agency said Friday. "The government intends to reduce the inflation to its lowest level, if possible to zero percent," said Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Consumer prices rose 2.5 percent year-on-year in July and were up 0.1 percent from the previous month, the statistics department said Monday.

Forest fires in Sumatra increase

Forest fires in Sumatra increase JAKARTA: Forest fires in South Sumatra have again flared up following several days of cessation due to heavy rains, Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution told Antara on Thursday. "Only six areas on fire were found five days ago but the number has increased (Wednesday)," he said, adding his office had set up a team to especially deal with the fires.

Telkom turns $215 million profit in the first semester

Telkom turns $215 million profit in the first semester JAKARTA (JP): State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom announced on Friday unaudited net income of Rp 1.47 trillion (US$215.01 million) in the first semester, compared to its net loss of Rp 1.17 trillion in the same period last year. It attributed the development to the increase in total operating revenues and the conversion of some expenses into income.

Gus Dur serious about presidential bid, Amien says

Gus Dur serious about presidential bid, Amien says JAKARTA (JP): Muslim leader and founder of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid reiterated on Friday his willingness to be nominated as the country's next president by a group of Muslim-based parties popularly called the axis force. National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais said after visiting Gus Dur at his residence in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, that Abdurrahman was committed to his presidential bid.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 20, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 325 25 43,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 -50 35,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,525 50 8,308,000 Anwar Sierad 250 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Quiet revolution in Southeast Asia

Quiet revolution in Southeast Asia This is the second of two articles based on an address presented by Deputy Foreign Minister of Thailand Sukhumbhand Paribatra at the seminar on "The 1999 Indonesian Elections: Lessons Learnt and Challenges to Consolidate the Transition" organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance in Jakarta on July 27, 1999. JAKARTA: The fourth challenge is the challenge of human security. We live in a fast-changing world.

CDC enters oil palm sector

CDC enters oil palm sector JAKARTA (JP): The UK venture capital Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) signed on Thursday a US$32 million investment agreement with local palm oil processing and plantation company PT Harapan Sawit Lestari. The agreement raises CDC's stake in the company to 65 percent and management control.

Office space demand predicted to rise in 2001

Office space demand predicted to rise in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): The demand for office space in the capital may increase in 2001 if the country's social, political and economic stability returns as expected, leading property consultant PT Procon Indah/Jones Lang LaSalle has said. The increase in inquiries following the smooth general elections in June and the strengthening of the rupiah indicated that the demand may recover relatively quickly, the company said in its biweekly property market report.

Marselli's 'Sri': A glimpse of the modern Javanese woman

Marselli's 'Sri': A glimpse of the modern Javanese woman By Rayya Makarim JAKARTA (JP): During the production of his first feature film, Marselli Sumarno suggested an artistic wave on a grand scale. Since then Indonesian cinema has enjoyed a moment of glory when films made by local directors made the unusual feat of reaching the screens of the 21 chain of movie theaters.

Murder retrial gets military support

Murder retrial gets military support SURABAYA (JP): East Java Military chief Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu has promised to support those seeking a fresh inquiry into the 1993 murder of labor activist Marsinah, provided the campaign was not meant to be a "political ploy". "I really want to see cooperation between the military and police, so nothing will be covered up," Ryamizard told the media here on Friday. The commander said he did not know much about the case as he was not here when it broke.

Arts event at Fatahillah square

Arts event at Fatahillah square JAKARTA (JP): Communities of Betawi, Arabs, Indians and Chinese in the capital are expected to show cultural performances and traditional food during a four-day event at the Taman Fatahillah square of the Jakarta Historical Museum in downtown Kota beginning on Sunday morning. Organizer Demitria Kusumodewi from a students group focusing on museums said that the cultural arts event also marked the reopening of the museum after a massive refurbishment.

Walhi to decide on MPR seat next week

Walhi to decide on MPR seat next week JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) is yet to decide whether or not to accept a seat in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) as one of the interest group representatives, who will play an important role in the coming presidential election.

Seat allocation protested

Seat allocation protested BOGOR (JP): Three groups held a protest on Wednesday during the Bogor Council's inauguration ceremony, accusing some new members of manipulating the number of legislative seats. The protesters were members and supporters of the National Mandate Party (PAN), the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and students of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB).

CMNP and Cibinong trading halted

CMNP and Cibinong trading halted JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended on Friday trading on shares of PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada (CMNP) and PT Semen Cibinong. The trading on Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada was suspended until the company disclosed the status of its US$70 million debt to Brunei Investment Agency, JSX management said in a statement.

Sutiyoso rejects councilors' request

Sutiyoso rejects councilors' request JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso rejected on Friday a request for severance payments proposed by 75 outgoing councilors to cover personal debts at city-owned Bank DKI. The governor said fulfilling the demand of the councilors, who due to the recent massive reform movement served only two years of their five-year terms, would be unethical. "The city councilors do not deserve such payments, since their contribution to the city is unclear," Sutiyoso said.

China won't devalue yuan

China won't devalue yuan BEIJING (Dow Jones): Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Friday that China's leaders were "adamant" about not devaluing the Chinese currency, and that they agreed with him about the need for more scrutiny and checks in Asia's new financial system. "The Chinese government, both the president and the prime minister, were adamant that they won't devalue the yuan," Mahathir said after wrapping up a five-day working visit.

Pasar Baru set to become new tourist spot

Pasar Baru set to become new tourist spot JAKARTA (JP): The Pasar Baru shopping complex, one of the city's oldest markets, is currently being revitalized to become the city's premier shopping location designed especially for tourists. Dedi Soetardi from the planning division of the city's tourism agency said the renovated shopping center would be unveiled on Oct. 6 in a ceremony led by Governor Sutiyoso.

Akbar claims firm support in Golkar

Akbar claims firm support in Golkar JAKARTA (JP): Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung brushed aside reported attempts by detractors to unseat him saying he still had solid support from at least 19 of 27 provincial chapters. Citing party statutes, Akbar said on Friday that an extraordinary congress which dissenters sought in order to eventually dissolve the central executive board could only be staged if it was demanded by at least two thirds of the chapters.

BI launches new fund transfer operation

BI launches new fund transfer operation JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) officially launched on Friday an electronic clearing and settlement facility in a bid to speed up interbank transactions. The central bank's deputy governor, Aulia Pohan, said that with the BI-Line facility, all transfers of funds between banks would be performed electronically. "Fund transfers between banks are conducted through the banks' personal computer units that are on-line with BI," Aulia said.

China, Korea miss Indonesia Open

China, Korea miss Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): China and South Korea will definitely skip the Sanyo Indonesia Open badminton championships in Denpasar, Bali, next month after both countries failed to register their athletes before the deadline on Aug. 16. The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) secretary general, Leo Chandra Wiranata, said on Friday that PBSI could not force both countries to send their athletes. "It's an open tournament. How can we force them to come?" he said.

Attorney General to probe Hokiarto's role in Goro case

Attorney General to probe Hokiarto's role in Goro case JAKARTA (JP): A former Bank Bukopin director of commercial affairs, Noval Hasan, will be questioned on Monday at the Attorney General's Office in connection with the alleged role of businessman Hokiarto in the Goro land exchange scam. "A team of prosecutors will summon him on Monday at the office.

Another suspicious policy

Another suspicious policy Up until late last week, the authorities appeared to be closed-minded to demands of the restive people of Aceh that the high-handed Crack Riot Troops (PPRM) be withdrawn from their province. The governor of the province earlier said that the troops' presence there, which was intended to crush the armed separatist movement, had scared the populace so intensely that thousands of them sought refuge in mosques and other shelters far from the military.

U.S. congressmen warn Indonesia on poor East Timor security

U.S. congressmen warn Indonesia on poor East Timor security JAKARTA (JP): A failure by the Indonesian government to maintain security in East Timor prior to and during the Aug. 30 direct ballot could damage its ties with the United States, U.S. congressmen said on Friday.

Batavia madrigal choir does its best

Batavia madrigal choir does its best By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): Time was when in this country the choir singing scene was largely dominated by church choirs; groups, that is, who would get top marks for their enthusiasm in praising the Almighty, but when it comes to the esthetics of music... oh, boy! That period is over, and today church choirs seem to have learned a thing or two about the sensitivity of the Lord's eardrums as well as those of the mortals who are listening.

Approaches to Aceh

Approaches to Aceh After many circles have noisily questioned the presence of the Crack Mass Riot Troops (PPRM), there is now a new idea to settle the issue of Aceh. As with the strong suggestions that the security apparatus should be withdrawn, many people have now voiced structural and cultural approaches. These two approaches are expected to be able to replace the security approach, which is considered a failure after its implementation for a considerable period.

Metro marks Independence Day

Metro marks Independence Day JAKARTA (JP): Metro department store will commemorate the country's 54th Independence Day at Plaza Senayan in Central Jakarta with traditional dance, fashion shows and a concert. The event, scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, will feature the traditional Angklung bamboo music of West Java, a fashion show of Nelwan Anwar's ethnically themed collection, a Balinese dance and West Java's Degung and Central Java's gamelan music performances.

Indonesia pursues bid to host 2006 Asian Games

Indonesia pursues bid to host 2006 Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): The country is refusing to drop its proposal to host the 2006 Asian Games despite pressure from neighboring Malaysia, which is also bidding for the event. National Sports Council (KONI) vice chairman Arie Sudewo said on Friday that Indonesia wanted to show other Asian countries that it could act as a good host for the quadrennial event although it was not in serious medal contention.

High school student killed by bus

High school student killed by bus JAKARTA (JP): A high school student on his way to school was run over early Friday morning by a speeding minibus on Jl. Pondok Gede, East Jakarta. Ponco Winoto, 17, was rushed to the nearby Haj Hospital, but died upon arrival. His body was taken to the morgue at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, where his family claimed the body later in the afternoon. Ponco, the youngest of five siblings, was a third year student at state-run STM 10 in Cibubur, East Jakarta.

Jakarta Fair '99 not only for business

Jakarta Fair '99 not only for business JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Fair 1999 has opened an opportunity not only to promote business but also to increase public awareness on various social issues. A large number of visitors was always the reason traders and industrialists participated in the annual event. A similar reason was aired by various social organizations participating in this year's event.

Bambang, Glenn urged to resign

Bambang, Glenn urged to resign JAKARTA (JP): The ruling Golkar Party urged on Friday that President B.J. Habibie dismiss Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto and chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Glenn S. Yusuf over the high-profile Bank Bali scandal. Golkar legislator Thomas Suyatno said "responsibility for policy mistakes must be taken by policy decision-makers, which in this case are the Ministry of Finance and the chairman of IBRA".

Old City Hall was witness to history

Old City Hall was witness to history By Ida Indawati Khouw Old Batavia is no less attractive than metropolitan Jakarta. However, many of the area's finest buildings have been demolished, neglected, poorly refurbished or are poorly managed. Jakarta Historical Museum is one of the few historical buildings that has been properly cared for by the authorities. This is the second article in a series about Jakarta's historical buildings to run in Saturday editions of The Jakarta Post.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 9:30 TV Series: The Saint 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 English Lessons 5:00 Cultural Program 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 10:30 Quiz 11:00 Film 12:30 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

More victims reported in Ambon violence

More victims reported in Ambon violence AMBON, Maluku (JP): One man died and two were rushed to Haulusi General Hospital in Ambon on Friday after being shot, a hospital staff member said. The employee told The Jakarta Post that Kalfin Rahangkelan, 38, died of a gunshot wound to the head while Rikard Ayal, 22, and Nik Udra, 25, were both injured after being shot in the chest. Witnesses said members of the local military command shot the men.

Anwar says he is not a traitor

Anwar says he is not a traitor KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's ousted deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim on Friday said he was not a traitor for threatening to expose secrets documents allegedly showing government corruption. "The real traitors are those who are cruel and exploit the country's wealth for their personal gain, family and cronies," he said in a police report against Premier Mahathir Mohamad and Attorney-General Mohtar Abdullah for obstructing the legal process.

Philippines lodges protest with KL

Philippines lodges protest with KL MANILA (AFP): The Philippines lodged a protest with Kuala Lumpur on Friday over the construction of Malaysian structures on a South China Sea reef claimed by both countries, officials said. Malaysian Ambassador to Manila Badruddin Rahman was summoned to the foreign office and was handed a note by Foreign Undersecretary Lauro Baja over the structures on Erica Reef in the Spratlys, Baja told reporters.

Bank Bali's conversion rates on Aug. 20, 1999:

Bank Bali's conversion rates on Aug. 20, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Teaching must not thwart learning

Teaching must not thwart learning This is in reference to Prof. Bambang Sutjiatmo's comment at the recent commencement of Open University in Bandung. He said that a good teacher should be able to create a learning atmosphere to make his students active and creative without fear of making errors or being scolded (Pikiran Rakyat July 11, 1999).