Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 August 1999

54 articles found

PPI members want Rp 150 million each

PPI members want Rp 150 million each JAKARTA (JP): The National Elections Committee (PPI) has asked for Rp 150 million in compensation for each of its 59 members from the General Elections Commission (KPU). This request was revealed on Friday by a government representative on the KPU, Afan Gaffar, during a meeting between the House of Representatives and Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid. Afan said the KPU received a letter a few months ago from the PPI raising the issue.

Concert raises funds for concerned mothers

Concert raises funds for concerned mothers JAKARTA (JP): There are many ways to show that you care about your mother's struggles. For well-known musician Iwan Fals, it is by composing a song. He will sing his ode to his mother during a fund-raising concert for Voices of Concerned Mothers, an independent group working for the empowerment of women. Scheduled to be held on Sept.

Misconcept of assimilation

Misconcept of assimilation The meeting of some "prominent" Chinese-Indonesians as reported in The Jakarta Post article of Aug. 13, 1999 was quite interesting. It felt like deja vu: Sindhunata, a former Navy officer, was the founder and promoter of the Institute for the Development of National Unity (LPKB), a rival of another group for ethnic Chinese assimilation, Baperki, during the Soekarno era. Junus Jahja (Lauw Chuan To) was Sindhunata's second man in LPKB.

'Filipinos' food label protested

'Filipinos' food label protested MANILA (DPA): The Philippines formally protested on Friday the use of "Filipinos" as a brand of cookies and pretzels being sold in Europe, which has offended lawmakers and President Joseph Estrada, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Pertamina suffers losses?

Pertamina suffers losses? From Rakyat Merdeka We often read in the newspapers and hear from the electronic media that Pertamina and other state-owned companies, not to mention the conglomerates, are Golkar's "money printing machines". It seems a huge amount of money from Pertamina was allegedly been given to Golkar, as well as the rumored Pertamina corruption involving some Rp 43 trillion, then Pertamina suffered losses for the 1997/1998 fiscal year.

East Timor another test of press freedom

East Timor another test of press freedom By Dwi Atmanta DILI, East Timor (JP): Indonesia's press has been breathing fresh air for the past year, but violence and terror targeting journalists covering the Aug. 30 landmark vote on this province's future highlights the lack of protection for media workers.

Tension high in Ambon; Muslims pray peacefully

Tension high in Ambon; Muslims pray peacefully AMBON, Maluku (JP): Tension may linger here, but local Muslims were able to say their Friday prayers safely following a massive clash between Christians and Muslims one day earlier in which between five and 20 lives were claimed. Rumors of a planned mass attack by Muslims, who on Thursday responded to a call by mosques for a holy war against their rivals, turned out to be groundless. Muslims left the mosques in peace while Christians stayed away.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on Aug. 27, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Art on the block to pay banks' debt

Art on the block to pay banks' debt JAKARTA (JP): More than 165 pieces of art, including 144 paintings, valued at an estimated Rp 3 billion (US$400,000), confiscated from 38 liquidated banks, will be auctioned at Plaza Mandiri in South Jakarta on Sept. 4, it was announced Friday. Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Eko Budi Santoso opened an exhibition of the art on Friday, which is being jointly held by IBRA and Balindo, a private auction house.

East Timor's troubles bound to continue

East Timor's troubles bound to continue By Lela E. Madjiah JAKARTA (JP): East Timor is mostly seen in black and white, divided into those who are prointegration and others who are proindependence. In fact, East Timor is more complicated than what is presented on TV or in the newspaper. The truth is that the conflicting parties which make most of the headlines are far from being a majority.

Telecommunications companies welcome new law

Telecommunications companies welcome new law JAKARTA (JP): The new telecommunications law gives players in the country's telecommunications industry the long-awaited chance to compete more openly and fairly, operators in the industry said.

Farmers set up own organization

Farmers set up own organization YOGYAKARTA: The Organization of Free Farmers was proclaimed on Friday at the end of a three-day gathering of farmers from Yogyakarta and southern areas of Central Java. The congress, attended by about 100 farmers from 13 regencies, issued a statement announcing the organization's demands and the establishment of the Free Farmers Union.

National climbing c'ships held

National climbing c'ships held JAKARTA (JP): The Federation of Indonesian Climbing Activity (FPTI) is holding the Wall Climbing National Championships in the Manahan Sports Complex in Surakarta, Central Java, from Aug. 27 to Aug. 29. It is also the qualifying round for the 2000 National Games (PON), where wall climbing will be contested for the first time. (yan)

Authorities brace for MPR General Session

Authorities brace for MPR General Session JAKARTA (JP): A joint force involving some 30,000 police officers and members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) will soon launch Operation Martabrata VI to safeguard the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) slated for early November, a senior police official said on Friday. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M.

Abused workers to sue worker placement agency

Abused workers to sue worker placement agency JAKARTA (JP): One hundred and five women migrant workers plan to sue a labor placement agency for allegedly keeping them confined for almost a year under poor conditions at the company's dormitory in Condet, East Jakarta.

Best airport in the East now almost history

Best airport in the East now almost history By Ida Indawati Khouw Old Batavia was no less attractive than other large cities around the world at that time. Kemayoran Airport, called "the best airport in the East", is a reminder of the hustle and bustle of these days. The authorities have demolished the airport's buildings, leaving only its tower as a reminder of the past. Located in Central Jakarta, the tower is suffering from years of neglect.

TV financial channel soon

TV financial channel soon JAKARTA (JP): Local bussinesspeople will soon be able to get real time information of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) and other business news with the launching of the Quick Financial Channel on Sept. 1. PT Jaring Data Interaktif, the channel distributor, said the Quick Financial Channel would provide real time stock movement in the JSX floor and actual business news to serve the needs of its targeted viewers, investors, businesspeople and decision makers.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 27, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 475 0 0 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 0 Alter Abadi 250 -25 112,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 425 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,550 25 6,081,000 Anwar Sierad 200 0 55,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Shooting the messengers

Shooting the messengers While journalists are fully aware of the risks of covering a conflict or a war, the attack on a group of journalists in the East Timor capital of Dili on Thursday was way out of line. One TV clip showed a thug attacking a TV cameraman who was protecting a female reporter. Not shown on TV but graphically described by Kompas daily was the shooting of its reporter, who would have died had he not worn a bulletproof vest.

Researchers reject draft security bill

Researchers reject draft security bill JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top researchers join the chorus in rejecting the draft bill on state security saying that it will be used to give much larger power to the President than it was during the Soeharto era.

Protesters forced off the street

Protesters forced off the street JAKARTA (JP): Riot police had to force some 50 students into a truck on Thursday after the students staged a rally that caused a massive traffic jam in a main street of South Jakarta, the chief of South Jakarta Police precinct said. The students from various universities were protesting against the government's slow action over the Bank Bali scandal when they were seized by the police on Jl. HR Rasuna Said.

House backs Saipem for pipeline project

House backs Saipem for pipeline project JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives' Commission V has recommended that Italian firm Saipem receive priority to take over the natural gas pipeline project in the South China Sea from the Indonesian unit of American construction company J. Ray McDermott SA.

Taufik to take on Gade Christensen

Taufik to take on Gade Christensen JAKARTA (Agencies): Young Indonesian shuttler Taufik Hidayat will challenge world No. 1 Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark in the US$150,000 Konica Cup Singapore Open semifinals. In Friday's quarterfinals, top-seeded Gade Christensen had to work hard to eliminate fifth-seeded Budi Santoso of Indonesia 13- 15, 15-7, 15-4. Taufik overcame compatriot Marlev Mainaky 15-12, 15-2. Saturday's match will be the third time the two have met in semifinals.

City to build road projects worth Rp 250b

City to build road projects worth Rp 250b JAKARTA (JP): City Administration will construct four flyovers and an underpass worth a total of Rp 250 billion (US$33.78 million) to be financed by a special loan from Japan's Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF), an official said on Friday. Head of the city's Public Works Agency, Fadly Katib, said the construction of the four flyovers and the underpass will start in February next year.

Metro buys Indonesian store

Metro buys Indonesian store SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Metro Holdings Ltd., a retailer, said Friday it has acquired a 50 percent stake in Indonesia-based Metropolitan Retailmart for S$2.2 million (US$1.31 million). The group said the stake will be bought with cash from internal resources. Metropolitan Retailmart operates two Metro department stores in Jakarta. The investment isn't expected to have a significant impact on net tangible assets per share or earnings per share for the current year.

PT Zurich Life Insurance Indonesia

PT Zurich Life Insurance Indonesia Change everywhere! The new millennium is just a few months away. Indonesia has embarked on a new journey to the future, and PT Zurich Life Insurance Indonesia has moved as well. Since May 1999 we share our offices with the general insurance company PT Zurich Insurance Indonesia for even better service and solutions. Customer Orientation The life insurance market in Indonesia has developed. Customers today are concerned about what insurance they buy.

Asabri scam suspect ready to repay funds: Lawyer

Asabri scam suspect ready to repay funds: Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Henri Leo, the main suspect in the alleged Rp 410 billion (US$55.4 million) insurance scam at the Military and police insurer (Asabri), was ready to return the money, said his lawyer on Friday. "My client has assets worth at least Rp 800 billion to cover the debt," Henri's lawyer Ruhut Sitompul said. Ruhut was referring to a report of an audit by a team of state Bank BNI, conducted last week.

Ex-Bank Bali president called a liar

Ex-Bank Bali president called a liar JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) lodged a complaint on Friday at the National Police Headquarters against Rudy Ramli in connection with an earlier statement in the media that he never kept account of the questionable Bank Bali transaction or those involved in the scandal. "That is a blatant lie since I have his account. Rudy gave it to me voluntarily when he came for legal help on Aug.

Supriati under therapy for injury

Supriati under therapy for injury JAKARTA (JP): The country's best women's long-distance runner, Supriati Sutono, is undergoing therapy to heal an injury to her left sole, which she sustained at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam early this month. Supriati, who collected two golds in the 1,500 meters and 5,000m at the Games, fell on the 13th lap of the 10,000 meters. Coach Nicky Pattiasina quoted Prof. Dr.

American arrested with 8 kg of marijuana

American arrested with 8 kg of marijuana MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A United States national named John Edward Stetler was arrested at Hotel Baka-Baka here on Thursday, in connection with the discovery of eight kilograms of marijuana a day before. Police also apprehended his girlfriend, who was named a witness. Stetler was reportedly listed on the Interpol wanted list, after being linked to the smuggling of 15 tons of marijuana from USA to Thailand.

KISDI protest against gambling

KISDI protest against gambling JAKARTA (JP): About 200 members of the Indonesian Committee for World Muslim Solidarity (KISDI) demonstrated in front of City Hall on Thursday demanding the city administration put a stop to gambling activities in the capital. Arriving in three buses, the protesters, calling themselves Jundullah (God's soldiers), unfurled posters objecting to the mushrooming gambling in the city.

Is East Timor a case of UN neglect?

Is East Timor a case of UN neglect? By Soegio Sosrosoemarto JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations is coming to East Timor; no doubt belatedly. In hindsight, taking its cue from the decolonization of Asia, the UN should have been in East Timor no later than 10 years after India took Goa back in 1961. The UN Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) has been in East Timor since late-June 1999 under the New York accord of May 5, 1999.

Asian conference-festival is music to local composers' ears

Asian conference-festival is music to local composers' ears By Slamet A. Sjukur JAKARTA (JP): The country will act as host to a great event next week for local composers and musicians, especially those who are engaged in contemporary and traditional music. The 20th Asian Composers League (ACL) Conference-Festival will be held for the first time in the country. It will take place in Yogyakarta from Sept. 2 to Sept. 5 and in Surakarta from Sept. 6 to Sept. 8.

Bumiputera: Comfortable guarantee for secure future

Bumiputera: Comfortable guarantee for secure future Bumiputera 1912 Mutual Life Insurance Company was established in 1912 and has, today, over Rp 4.2 billion in assets and close to 5.7 million policyholders. With the support of 3,000 employees and 18,000 agents, and guided by a prime service philosophy and mission, Bumiputera is competent and confident in securing a solid position in the life insurance sector. Bumiputera's President Director Drs. H.

Borobudur belongs to the world

Borobudur belongs to the world I have just returned from my now annual holiday in Yogyakarta with my (Indonesian) family. As always, we enjoyed the historical and cultural aspects of the city. Another reason for our visits is that the area is rich in spirituality. Unfortunately, our visit this time was severely marred by the materialism at one of the world's greatest treasures, Borobudur. I am not, however, referring to the hordes of hawkers with their cheap trinkets.

Government to announce decision on Soeharto case next month

Government to announce decision on Soeharto case next month JAKARTA (JP): The government will announce the results of an initial investigation into former president Soeharto in the first week of September, Minister of Justice Muladi said on Friday. "I said it will be completed in the first week of September... meaning that there will be an explanation with regards to the legal aspect and the extent of violations," Muladi told reporters at the House of Representatives.

House acts for Pertamina, not people: Expert

House acts for Pertamina, not people: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Many members of the House of Representatives (DPR) who foiled the passage of the government-sponsored oil and gas bill this week were acting on behalf of state oil company Pertamina, a noted oil and gas analyst said on Friday. "They did not speak on behalf of the people but of Pertamina," Sumarno Dipodisastro, a former aide to Pertamina's chief executive officer, told reporters.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Sketch Exhibition: Paradigma Seni Rupa Indonesia, by Srihadi Soedarsono, at Galeri Lontar, Komunitas Utan Kayu, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Sept. 27. * Photo Exhibition: Kekerasan, by students of IKJ, at Wisma Mitra Budaya, Jl. Tanjung no. 34, Central Jakarta, Aug. 28 to Sept. 5. * Photo Exhibition by Sigrun Janiel and Rama Surya, at Galeri Milenium, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No.

Pertina seeks Cuban coach

Pertina seeks Cuban coach JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) will hire a foreign coach to prepare national boxers for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Pertina chairman Sang Nyoman Suwisma said on Thursday evening that he told his staff to focus on hiring a Cuban coach.

Up to 30 drowned as bus plunges into river

Up to 30 drowned as bus plunges into river PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): A passenger bus plunged into the Serayu River on Friday afternoon, killing 14 people while an estimated 16 others are missing feared drowned after being washed away by the strong current. Ten others were injured in the accident at about 5 p.m. on the Cilacap-Purwokerto highway in the village of Tambak Negara, Rawa Lor district, some 20 km south of here.

Relatives demand probe on Priok killings

Relatives demand probe on Priok killings JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers and relatives of victims of the 1984 military shooting in North Jakarta's Tanjung Priok Port area are demanding a new, thorough investigation into the violence that killed dozens. The group also demanded questioning of former vice president Gen. (ret) Try Sutrisno and former defense minister Gen. (ret) L.B. Moerdani, respectively commanders of the Jakarta military and Armed Forces at the time of the incident.

Journalists urged to establish unions

Journalists urged to establish unions JAKARTA (JP): The Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI) called on the members of the Indonesian press on Thursday to establish journalist unions at their respective offices, after a survey revealed that journalists have weak bargaining positions with their employers.

Flea mart at The Dharmawangsa

Flea mart at The Dharmawangsa JAKARTA (JP): A flea market of exquisite antiques from various provinces will be held on Sunday at The Dharmawangsa hotel in South Jakarta. It is part of the hotel's Batavia Fair, a one-day event held to wrap up its programs to celebrate Indonesia's 54th independence anniversary on Aug. 17. The fair also will present traditional dances and special seafood dishes for lunch and dinner. The Dharmawangsa is a property of the Texas-based Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. (cst)

Army chief's son still detained over drug bust

Army chief's son still detained over drug bust JAKARTA (JP): A junior Army officer who was arrested by police during a drug raid in Jakarta is still being detained at the headquarters of his unit, Special Force (Kopassus), according to a police officer who is closely following the case. The Jakarta Police, which made the bust, however never officially confirmed press reports of the arrest of 24-year old Second Lt. Agus Ishok, who is also the son of Army chief of staff Gen. Subagyo.

Nandar replaces Schumm as national team coach

Nandar replaces Schumm as national team coach JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI), bowing to pressure from local fans, announced on Friday that Nandar Iskandar would replace German Bernard Schumm as the national team coach. PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar said Nandar's first assignment would be to prepare the team for the prequalifying round of the Asia Cup, set to kick off on Oct. 23 in Hong Kong. "The officials' meeting decided to replace Schumm. We appreciated his effort.

Residents occupy palm oil plantation

Residents occupy palm oil plantation PADANG, West Sumatra: About 100 residents of Koto Gadang Jaya in Pasaman district were still occupying a palm oil plantation belonging to PT Tri Sangga Guna on Friday. The residents have been in the area since Tuesday, demanding the company settle a land dispute that reportedly began in 1971. The group claimed traditional ownership of the land and asked for a fair share of the harvest of the plantation crops.

Paragliders set for nationals

Paragliders set for nationals JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Aero Sports Federation (FASI) will stage the national paragliding championships in Batu, a resort area near Malang, East Java, from Sept. 3 to Sept. 12. The event also serves as the qualification for the 2000 National Games (PON), in which paragliding will make its debut. The championships will feature four events of individual landing accuracy, team landing accuracy, individual cross country and team cross country.

Insuring your future during troubled times

Insuring your future during troubled times Demand for insurance in general, and life insurance in particular, is on the rise in Indonesia. Which makes sense considering people are dying at an alarming rate and the value of human life seems to have diminished to the point where people feel free to maim and kill on the barest of pretenses. To paraphrase Joseph Conrad, and this also is one of the dark places of the earth.

Preparations for ballot continue despite violence

Preparations for ballot continue despite violence DILI, East Timor (JP): Preparations will continue for the direct ballot which will determine East Timor's future despite Thursday's violence, a representative of the United Nations said on Friday. United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) chief Ian Martin said the ballot would go ahead as planned on Monday.

Task force restructures US$3.04b in corporate debt

Task force restructures US$3.04b in corporate debt JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Initiative Task Force has completed restructuring a total of US$3.04 billion in corporate foreign debt at 24 local companies, including $1.2 billion owed by Bakrie & Brothers, according to the task force's chief operating officer Joseph Luhukay. He said on Friday the Bakrie & Brothers conglomerate was scheduled to sign a debt restructuring deal with some 300 creditors next week.

Indonesia blasted over Dili violence

Indonesia blasted over Dili violence JAKARTA (JP): Condemnation came hard and fast on Friday over the violence between pro-Jakarta and proindependence militias in East Timor on Thursday which killed at least four people, with foreign countries reminding Indonesia of its responsibility to maintain security ahead of the self-determination ballot on Monday. Violence, however, again took place on Friday. Antara quoted East Timor Police Chief Capt. Widodo D.S.

Government having dificulty dealing with illegal miners

Government having dificulty dealing with illegal miners BANDUNG (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto admitted on Friday that the government was having difficulty in dealing with rampant illegal mining throughout the country. He said the government had been dealing with the problem by organizing local miners into cooperatives and giving technical training to small-scale miners.

23 die in Aceh within 10 days: Kontras

23 die in Aceh within 10 days: Kontras JAKARTA (JP): A week after the announced redeployment of Crack Riot Troops from unrest-prone areas in the tormented Aceh province, violence escalated and at least 23 people have been killed in less than 10 days. The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) revealed in a media briefing on Friday that between Aug. 19 and Aug. 27 at least 23 people were found dead with gunshot and stab wounds.

Many doctors ignore license ruling: IDI

Many doctors ignore license ruling: IDI JAKARTA (JP): Many health professionals have ignored a two- year-old government ruling that requires them to obtain a license to practice. Only 21.5 percent of the 8,000 doctors in Jakarta have applied for a license, said Agus Purwadianto, head of the Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), on Thursday.