Archive: 4 August 1999
53 articles found
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Visitor arrivals to increase
Visitor arrivals to increase SINGAPORE (DPA): The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is revising its forecast for visitor arrivals this year amid a stronger-than- expected surge, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday. Following a 13 percent decline in 1998 to 6.24 million with the industry wracked by the economic crisis, the STB initially forecast a 1 to 3 per cent rise to 6.35 million for 1999.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hostile groups in East Timor to sign code of conduct
Hostile groups in East Timor to sign code of conduct DILI, East Timor (JP): Proindependence and prointegration groups here are set to sign a campaign code of conduct for the Aug. 30 popular consultation. No date for the signing has been set, but United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) spokesman David Wimhurst said on Tuesday the groups would sign the code of conduct later this week.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Experts needed for development
Experts needed for development PADANG, West Sumatra: The country needs at least 250 researchers in the fields of health, agriculture, plantation, marine, forestry and the environment in a bid to speed up the development process, an expert said. "Due to a lack of researchers, the country for several years has been unable to solve various problems ... or even unable to find solutions to certain issues," said Pratiwi Soedarmono, a biotechnologist from the University of Indonesia.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
No closure yet in 1998 Biak shooting
No closure yet in 1998 Biak shooting JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights dismissed suggestions the government ask independent international investigators to probe the July 6, 1998 military shooting in the Irian Jaya town of Biak, Antara reported. Commission secretary-general Clementino dos Reis Amaral and his colleague Albert Hasibuan were in Biak to meet with victims of the violence and relatives of those who died and went missing in the incident.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on August 3, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 525 25 30,500 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 300 0 0 Alter Abadi 325 0 100,000 Alumindo Light Metal 950 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 575 75 50,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,675 50 18,988,000 Anwar Sierad 275 25 160,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Gay men tell of the joy and pain of marriage
Gay men tell of the joy and pain of marriage By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Still nights had a way of nursing an old, aching hunger in Ruly. It forced the lithe 21-year-old dance teacher and nightclub entertainer to rack his brains for lies that allowed him to leave home, like, "I've been called to fill in for someone who didn't show up at the nightclub". His pretty 19-year-old wife would understand.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese stock up before mass strike
Acehnese stock up before mass strike JAKARTA (JP): Acehnese packed shops and market places on the eve of a mass strike planned for Wednesday and Thursday to protest military violence in the troubled province, witnesses and local journalists said on Tuesday. Witnesses said people were seen flocking to the shops and markets in towns in Pidie and North Aceh. "The situation is tense...
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Fleeing residents return home
Fleeing residents return home BATAM, Riau: Many residents who fled recent armed clashes between members of the Batak and Flores ethnic groups here began returning home as of Tuesday morning, Antara reported. Thousands of refugees crammed the main police and military stations, mosques and churches on the island south of Singapore to escape the clashes. At least 20 people have been killed since July 24 in the clashes triggered by an argument over control of a bus route.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cell phone operators warned of possible class action
Cell phone operators warned of possible class action JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Protection Foundation (YLKI) has warned cellular telephone operators that they could face a direct or class action if they ignored complaints from the public. Deputy chairman of YLKI, Agus Pambagio, said on Thursday the introduction of the law on consumer protection enabled the public to file a direct or class action against providers of products or services.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Measles outbreak hits C. Java
Measles outbreak hits C. Java SEMARANG, Central Java: Eleven children have died of measles and hundreds more are suffering from the contagious disease in nine regencies across the province, Central Java health chief Sudibyo Juwono said on Tuesday. The regencies are Kendal, Wonogiri, Magelang, Tegal, Temanggung, Banyumas, Purbalingga and Pekalongan.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Public warned about con man
Public warned about con man BOGOR (JP): Bogor mayor R. Iswara Natanegara has warned the public to be on its guard after an impostor claiming to be from his office swindled officials from at least seven mosques of Rp 2.65 million (US$335). "I appeal to the public to report to the police or contact us at 356 068 if anybody identifies a person claiming to be a member of staff from my office," Iswara said in a statement, copies of which were made available to the mosques here on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Nearly 1,000 bottles of liquor seized
Nearly 1,000 bottles of liquor seized JAKARTA (JP): Police and public order officials seized nearly 1,000 bottles of liquor from shops, drink stalls and street vendors located close to high schools in a month-long operation in July, an official said. "The liquor bottles, with alcohol content up to 40 percent, were seized from shops and stalls located within 200 meters from schools," Toha Reno, head of public facility unit at the city public order office, said on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wiranto in media hot seat over Aceh
Wiranto in media hot seat over Aceh JAKARTA (JP): At the opening of a seminar on state defense on Tuesday, Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Wiranto faced a barrage of questions from the media on the current military policy and the incidents in Aceh. Question: What is the relevance of the seminar on state defense?
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Edwin confident of medal chances
Edwin confident of medal chances JAKARTA (JP): The name of Edwin Aldrin Mamoribo may not be familiar to sports fans, especially because he plays hockey, a sport only popular among students. But Edwin is confident that Indonesia, despite its decidedly underdog status, can exceed expectations at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. "I am certain that we can earn a medal," he said.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan dollar loses ground but other Asian markets quiet
Taiwan dollar loses ground but other Asian markets quiet HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The New Taiwan dollar lost ground Tuesday as investors reacted nervously to Chinese saber rattling, in what was otherwise a directionless day for Asian foreign exchange markets. Among other regional currencies, the South Korean won and Thai baht edged higher, but the Singapore dollar fell back. The Indonesian rupiah finished slightly weaker, and the Philippine market was closed due to inclement weather.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
House asks Tripatra to settle dispute
House asks Tripatra to settle dispute JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives urged on Tuesday construction company PT Tripatra, a subcontractor of American oil company PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, and its employees to settle a six-week strike. A member of House Commission V for industry and manpower, Anthonius Rahail, said the company and the workers needed to settle the dispute to avoid damaging Caltex's operation and the local community in Duri, Riau.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
The Bank Bali scandal
The Bank Bali scandal Amid the current prevailing judicial confusion, we are confronted by a new scandal that has managed to bring about the fall of a business empire known as Bank Bali. Hidden hands have forced this bank, which has so far been able to withstand the economic crisis, to be taken over (by the government). ... This shameful scandal must not be allowed to meet the same fate as so many others which have simply disappeared or been made to disappear.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Stunning speech
Stunning speech I'm not a follower of Megawati. In fact, I used to think that Megawati, the chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), was too quiet. A leader should be more outspoken. Her July 29 speech, however, has changed my impression about her shyness and lack of confidence. Her speech was superb. It was touching and most impressive. She deserves an A-plus for her speech. Megawati appeared full of confidence.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
ICO Global Communications links up with Excelcomindo
ICO Global Communications links up with Excelcomindo DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Subscribers of the London-based satellite mobile communications firm ICO Global Communications can now access the local global system of mobile communciations (GSM) network of PT Excelcomindo Pratama and save 50 percent on their telephone costs, an executive of Excelcomindo said on Monday.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Immigration service fees set for hike
Immigration service fees set for hike JAKARTA (JP): New fees for immigration services will take effect on Aug. 7 following a two-month delay, an official announced on Tuesday. Immigration Director General Mudakir said the fee for a 24- page passport would increase from Rp 25,000 to Rp 50,000, while the 48-page passport fee would go up to Rp 200,000 from Rp 75,000. The fees excludes the Rp 30,000 cost of photographs and the Rp 5,000 for fingerprints.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Cleaner faces jail for stealing Habibie's pens
Cleaner faces jail for stealing Habibie's pens JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday to sentence a cleaning service man posted at the Presidential Palace to 14 months in jail for stealing 11 of President B.J. Habibie's pens. Prosecutor Fentje E. Loway said the 27-year-old defendant, Mulyadi Umar Jaya, stole the 11 Montblanc pens -- altogether worth Rp 33 million (US$4,715) -- at a presidential household room in the palace on Jl.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN maritime exhibition
ASEAN maritime exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host the second ASEAN Ports Association Conference & Maritime Exhibition and the 25th annual APA Meeting in Bali from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. The events are scheduled to be opened by Minister of Communications Giri Suseno and attended by State Minister for the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng, who will also be the keynote speaker.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
In search of a new 'dream team' government
In search of a new 'dream team' government By Emil Salim The following article is based on a presentation given at the 36th Leadership Forum seminar on "The Ideal Profile of the New Government", in Jakarta on July 29, 1999, organized by the Center for Corporate Leadership. JAKARTA: In retrospect, president Soeharto announced his resignation, in May 1998, not at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building, but at Merdeka Palace, because the students had occupied the MPR.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Humpuss cancels project
Humpuss cancels project JAKARTA (JP): The Humpuss business group owned by former president Soeharto's son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra has canceled a plan to open a 300,000-hectare oil palm plantation in Manokwari, Irian Jaya, although the local administration had appropriated land for the project. According to Manokwari Regent Mulyono, the company decided to cancel the project because the land available was only 35,000 hectares, which it considered inadequate for supporting a large plantation.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Support Mega, please
Support Mega, please From Media Indonesia The political address made by Megawati Soekarnoputri and broadcast by private television stations on July 29 was a relief to many parties. I found it a relief, too, because like many people I had been waiting for Megawati to voice her opinions about many things that those longing for a change had been talking about. Personally, I am a supporter of Mr. Amien Rais.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
AGAM chief calls for world attention on Aceh
AGAM chief calls for world attention on Aceh SIGLI, Aceh (JP): Tengku Abdulah Syafi'i, the commander of Angkatan Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (AGAM), the armed wing of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), has said all Acehnese support a separate state and it is therefore not important which group they join to further the cause.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Club gives players health insurance
Club gives players health insurance JAKARTA (JP): Basketball club Mahaka Satria Muda now provides health insurance and scholarships for its members, it was announced on Tuesday. The insurance also covers the family of a player, including the player's spouse and two children. "It's time for us to appreciate our players, coaches and officials as the club's assets. They should be rewarded for their sacrifices to promote basketball in this country," said Erick Thohir, Mahaka SM's manager.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Expert faults plan to end university subsidy
Expert faults plan to end university subsidy JAKARTA (JP): The government-planned pilot project for autonomy for state universities does not reach the heart of the problem, a researcher said. Hermawan Sulistyo of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and a graduate of the University of Indonesia was addressing a dialog on the plan at the university on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Reformist parties urged to share an economic platform
Reformist parties urged to share an economic platform JAKARTA (JP): Noted economist Emil Salim urged a trio of major "reformist" political parties on Tuesday to form a common economic platform to help solve the country's economic problems. Emil said that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the National Mandate Party (PAN) should create the shared platform as a guideline for a new coalition government.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Utut and the royal game
Utut and the royal game There has been nothing about the "royal game" in The Jakarta Post. Kompas reported on its front page on Aug. 2 the match between shining chess grand master Utut Adianto and Latvian international master Daniel Friedman at the World Chess Tournament at Las Vegas, USA, on July 31. Adianto played a risky game and surrendered on the 49th move from a Slavish opening.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Court decision favors Hutama Karya against CIBC
Court decision favors Hutama Karya against CIBC JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court again saved PT Hutama Karya from closure when it rejected on Tuesday the bankruptcy petition filed by a foreign bank against the state construction company. Presiding Judge I. Gusti Nyoman Putra said the Toronto-based Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) lacked evidence to support its claim that the bank was a holder of Hutama Karya's promissory notes.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Young girls left at toll road gate
Young girls left at toll road gate JAKARTA (JP): Three young girls who were left by a city bus driver at a toll gate at Taman Mini in East Jakarta were reunited with their parents safe and sound thanks to the help of private TPI television station. TPI, in its broadcast on Monday night, announced that officers from the toll road company had found the three girls, and urged their parents to collect them.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ambon residents flee to Southeast Sulawesi
Ambon residents flee to Southeast Sulawesi UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Riots that killed 31 people in Ambon, Maluku, last week have caused 3,000 residents to seek shelter in Sulawesi. They joined tens of thousands of migrants and Ambonese refugees here and in Baubau on Buton Island, Southeast Sulawesi.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on August 3, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Habibie declares poll results valid
Habibie declares poll results valid JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie declared on Tuesday the results of the June 7 general election valid following the General Elections Commission's failure to endorse the poll results, saying a further delay would only disappoint the people. The President, as the party responsible for the general election, is expected to issue a presidential decree on Wednesday formalizing his endorsement of the poll results, Minister of Information Lt. Gen.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso ponders plan to scrap Patas buses
Sutiyoso ponders plan to scrap Patas buses JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso insisted on Tuesday that he would consider scrapping nonairconditioned express and limited Patas buses for failure to give proper service to passengers. The governor, better known as Bang (brother) Yos, said that he also acknowledged the Patas buses' service was not any different from regular ones which had a rate about 40 percent lower.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto told to avoid trial, return 'fortune'
Soeharto told to avoid trial, return 'fortune' JAKARTA (JP): Violence in Aceh and the investigation into the alleged corruption of former president Soeharto featured prominently in the meeting between leaders of political parties and President B.J. Habibie on Tuesday. National Awakening Party (PKB) founder Abdurrahman Wahid suggested Soeharto return the fortune he allegedly amassed during his 32-year rule to avoid facing a painful trial.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
TNT expands courier business in Indonesia
TNT expands courier business in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Netherlands-based TNT International Express is opening three branch offices in Cikarang, Tangerang and Batam in the next three months in anticipation of the long-term prospects of the fiercely competitive courier service industry. "The (Indonesian) industry is still quite healthy and exports are still competitive overseas," TNT Indonesia director Colin Moran said on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Garuda increases Aceh flights
Garuda increases Aceh flights MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Garuda Indonesia Airways has expanded the flight frequency on its Medan-Banda Aceh service from seven flights to nine flights a week. "From now on we will serve two flights a day every Thursday and Saturday," Aryo K. Bardijan, sales manager of the Garuda office in Medan, said on Tuesday. He said Garuda would depart Medan on those two days at 9:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Three sports named Indonesia's mainstays in medal tally
Three sports named Indonesia's mainstays in medal tally JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's chef de mission for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Mochammad Hindarto, named three sports as the backbone in the country's efforts to earn as many gold medals as possible. Hindarto named tae kwon do, pencak silat and karate as the sports which had the biggest possibilities to contribute gold for the contingent, which aims to retain the overall title by winning 70 gold medals.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Padang media snubs governor
Padang media snubs governor PADANG, West Sumatra: Journalists in Padang continued to boycott activities of West Sumatra Governor Dunidja on Tuesday for the fourth consecutive day. The strike is fully supported by all media executives in the city as well as from state-run television station TVRI, state- owned radio network RRI and Antara news agency.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hockey team aims for silver despite internal disputes
Hockey team aims for silver despite internal disputes By Ivy Susanti JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian hockey team's preparation for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam has been marred by controversy, with bitter disputes arising over training partners and venues. The controversy started when the Indonesian Hockey Association (PHSI) failed to summon its 39 male and 33 female athletes to join the centralized training program early this year.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Ariane rocket to launch satellite for Indonesia
Ariane rocket to launch satellite for Indonesia PARIS (Reuters): An Ariane rocket is due to blast off from French Guiana on Wednesday carrying an Indonesian telecommunications satellite -- the first Ariane mission since April, the company Arianespace said on Tuesday. Some launches have been delayed because satellite makers were unable to deliver their payloads on time, specialists said.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Haze darkens skies in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan
Haze darkens skies in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Smoke from forest and plantation fires has begun to darken the skies over some parts of Riau in Sumatra and Kalimantan since the dry season began in July. A slight haze also is reportedly shrouding parts of neighboring Malaysia. In Riau's capital of Pekanbaru, reduced visibility from the haze has obstructed land traffic and disrupted flight schedules.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Hotel Wisata aims for 70% occupancy rate
Hotel Wisata aims for 70% occupancy rate JAKARTA (JP): With expectations of a continuing stable political situation, state-owned Hotel Wisata Internasional has set an overall occupancy rate target of 70 percent, its general manager said on Monday. "If the political situation is stable, we expect an occupancy rate of 70 percent by the end of this year," general manager Soeroso said in a ceremony marking the hotel's 22nd anniversary.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Bogor youths benefit from worms amid crisis
Bogor youths benefit from worms amid crisis BOGOR (JP): Economic hardships force people from all walks of life to be more creative to survive. Five youths in a local organization at Sindang Rawa village in West Bogor, for example, have found an unusual way to earn money in a relatively short time: breeding worms. With initial capital of Rp 600,000 (US$88), the Karang Taruna group has earned Rp 2 million after only three months breeding the lumbricus rubellus worms.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Wismoyo awed by Americans
Wismoyo awed by Americans JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar returned here on Tuesday from the United States, where he was granted on Friday an honorary doctorate from the U.S. Sport Academy, in Alabama, for his leadership and good management of national sports. Wismoyo said he was amazed that American people respected people from different nations. "I feel that Americans still have respect for Indonesians. For them, dignity is above all things.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Haze threatens SEA Games: KL
Haze threatens SEA Games: KL KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Concerned that smoke could shroud the Southeast Asian Games in Brunei next week, neighboring Malaysia will step up enforcement of rules against open burning, the government said on Tuesday.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Estrada set to honor Alatas
Estrada set to honor Alatas MANILA (DPA): Philippine President Joseph Estrada will bestow the country's highest award for foreign diplomats to Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas for brokering the peace process in the war-torn region of Mindanao in 1996. Alatas is set to arrive in Manila on Aug. 8 to personally receive the Order of Sikatuna Award from Estrada on the ninth. He will be given the rank of "datu", or chieftain.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Model summoned as witness in alleged porn
Model summoned as witness in alleged porn JAKARTA (JP): Photo model and television star Sarah Azhari testified before police investigators on Tuesday in connection with an investigation into alleged media pornography committed by several magazines and tabloids.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Sjahril vows probe into IBRA scandal
Sjahril vows probe into IBRA scandal JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin reaffirmed on Tuesday the government's blanket guarantee of interbank loans and asserted that no third-party services were needed to claim reimbursement, an allegation at the center of the Bank Bali scandal.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
'Jamu' workers up in arms
'Jamu' workers up in arms CILACAP, Central Java: Tension prevailed on Tuesday along the five-kilometer-long road leading to Sampang district when groups of angry workers brandishing sharp weapons set up roadblocks in a bid to protect their factories from government closure. Sampang, a district located 20 kilometers north of Cilacap, houses two factories making jamu, a traditional tonic of medicinal herbs, located in Gentasari and Sikampuh villages.
Wed, 04 Aug 1999, 00:00 WIB
Novel solution seen for greenbelt construction
Novel solution seen for greenbelt construction JAKARTA (JP): The legal problems faced by owners of buildings built illegally in the capital's greenbelt area can be settled with special conditions, a city councilor said. Ali Wongso Sinaga of Commission D for development affairs said on Monday that such violations could be resolved by providing one or two stories in each building for sporting or recreational activities. "The greenbelt area also allows for such activities.