Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 September 1999

59 articles found

Trade unions step up anti-Indonesia campaign

Trade unions step up anti-Indonesia campaign SYDNEY (Reuters): Australian trade unions on Friday escalated their protests against Indonesia for its failure to stop the violence in East Timor as international support for the protests grew. Unions stopped multi-million dollar wheat exports to Indonesia and hundreds of angry protesters blocked passengers from Indonesia's state-owned Garuda Airlines flights in Sydney.

Lessons from Yugoslavia

Lessons from Yugoslavia The article is based on a paper presented by Makmur Keliat, a University of Indonesia lecturer, at a recent seminar on the Non- Aligned Movement with the theme "The Crisis of Yugoslavia and the Role of Non-Aligned Movement", organized by the university's Non- Aligned Movement Study Center. JAKARTA (JP): Yugoslavia presents an interesting paradox from the European continent.

Killing fields in East Timor

Killing fields in East Timor Unspeakable crimes have been committed against the East Timorese on our behalf. For us, Indonesians, then, not to ratify their hard-won wish for independence is a farce. To expect the East Timorese to welcome us as masters on their soil is like expecting the Cambodian people to reward the Khmer Rouge for mercilessly butchering a third of their population -- which tragically is the case. This is injustice of the worst order. We must not let this happen.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 10, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 400 0 0 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 0 Alter Abadi 250 0 27,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,375 175 45,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 25 500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,475 50 3,647,000 Anwar Sierad 225 50 210,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Time 'not right' for UN peacekeeprs

Time 'not right' for UN peacekeeprs JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto asserted on Friday that he was not against the idea of a United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor, as long as the situation and timing were appropriate. "It is very highly sensitive for such a force to enter the territory (now) because a number of native East Timorese still hold a deep emotional reaction against UNAMET," Wiranto said.

Cargo agents fear spread of protests

Cargo agents fear spread of protests JAKARTA (JP): Local air and sea cargo agents expressed concern on Friday over a possible escalation in Australia's boycott of Indonesian cargo. The deputy chairman of the Indonesian Air Cargo Agents Club (ICAC), Mufti Syafei, said a prolonged boycott would constrict the air and sea freight forwarding businesses. He appealed for the government to listen to international pressure to restore peace in troubled East Timor to prevent the boycott from worsening.

East Timor after referendum

East Timor after referendum From Media Indonesia Soon after UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced that the recent polling in East Timor was won by the proindependent group, the situation in that region got heated and tense, and thousands of East Timorese fled the territory. The number of refugees both from prointegration and proindependent segments keep increasing day by day.

Historical sites a Dutch legacy for military

Historical sites a Dutch legacy for military JAKARTA (JP): There are no explanations available to why the military always occupies the city's historical buildings, which are mostly legacies from the Dutch colonial era, for their headquarters or offices.

IMF irked as it awaits Indonesia scandal report

IMF irked as it awaits Indonesia scandal report WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): While appalled at the "humanitarian disaster" unfolding in East Timor, International Monetary Fund officials are also fuming at signs that Indonesia is stalling on its promise to get to the bottom of the so-called Bank Bali scandal. Stanley Fischer, the IMF's first deputy managing director, strained to make this point as diplomatically as he could during a media briefing earlier Thursday.

Asian stock markets close generally mixed

Asian stock markets close generally mixed HONG KONG (AP): Asian stock markets ended generally mixed Friday, with the key index in Jakarta surging more than 4 percent despite the violence in East Timor. The Jakarta market was hit by bargain-hunting, with the Composite Index surging 24.761 points, or 4.6 percent, to close at 562.776. However, traders remained skeptical whether share prices can sustain the rally, which began Thursday after investors moved in to snap up bargain stocks.

Thornton, BKPM sign deal

Thornton, BKPM sign deal JAKARTA (JP): International management consultant firm Grant Thornton International agreed on Friday to help promote Indonesian investment opportunities overseas. The agreement was signed with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). The promotion will be conducted through conferences, seminars and business meetings with potential foreign investors. (01)

Kuntoro gives up on bill

Kuntoro gives up on bill JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto has given up all hope for new oil and gas legislation, which would have modernized Indonesia's oil sector. "The deliberation of the bill between the government and the House of Representatives has come to a dead end," Kuntoro told reporters on Friday.

Indonesia to grow its own spices

Indonesia to grow its own spices SEMARANG, Central Java: The Association of Indonesian Producers and Exporters of Medicinal Plants (APETOI) plans to cultivate here 14 kinds medicinal plants usually imported from abroad.

Councilors say Sutiyoso's drug policy ill-advised

Councilors say Sutiyoso's drug policy ill-advised JAKARTA (JP): Councilors doubted on Friday the prudence of the city administration's plan to impose a "reward-and-punishment" scheme to eradicate drug use in schools, believing law enforcement officials should lead the war on drugs. "It's unwise for Governor Sutiyoso to punish schools which are unable to stop drug consumption among students.

Indosat's director sacked

Indosat's director sacked JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosat's finance director, Herman Simanjuntak, has been dismissed due to an alleged irregularity in the payment of the company's dividend to the government. Sofyan Djalil, a senior assistant of the state minister for the empowerment of state enterprises, said on Thursday that Herman was dismissed after an irregularity was found in the handling of the government's dividend.

Asian currencies regain ground late

Asian currencies regain ground late HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian currencies recovered some of the ground lost earlier in the week during local trading hours Friday, as regional markets reassessed the situation in East Timor in a calmer light. But although the Indonesian rupiah, the Thai baht and the Philippine peso all made gains during the day, dealers and analysts warned that regional currencies will remain vulnerable to sudden reversals of fortune over the coming week.

Indonesia has no claim over Timor Gap: Minister

Indonesia has no claim over Timor Gap: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will most likely have no territorial claim over the Timor Gap if and when East Timor becomes an independent state, Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said on Friday. Geographically, the Timor Gap is closer to East Timor than to Indonesia's West Timor, Kuntoro said. Financially, however, the loss of the Timor Gap would not prove to be a big blow to Indonesia, he said.

Call for prayers for East Timor

Call for prayers for East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) called on Friday for the community of faith at large to pray for peace in the riot-torn East Timor. The KWI's statement, signed by chairman Josef Suwatan and secretary-general J. Hadiwikarta, also invited people to attend on Sunday a national requiem mass. "There is a systematic massacre and forced removal of people currently going on in East Timor.

TNI kills four Falintil members in clash

TNI kills four Falintil members in clash JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) troops killed four members of the proindependence armed wing Falintil in an evening clash in Dili on Friday. The incident broke days of silence which prevailed in the territory since the military emergency status was imposed there on Tuesday. Head of the Security Restoration Operation Command Maj. Gen.

Calls for war on drugs, gambling

Calls for war on drugs, gambling JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Mayor Andi Subur Abdullah on Friday called all local ulemas, community leaders and residents to stand up against drug dealers and gambling operators in their respective communities. "If you find any activities concerning drug distribution or gambling activities, such as people selling toto-gelap (togel) gambling coupons in your residential areas...

SingTel's joint venture deal

SingTel's joint venture deal SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel) is soon to announce a joint venture deal with Deutsche Telekom AG to operate regional mobile phone businesses, the Business Times said Friday. SingTel and Deutsche Telekom's cellular phone interests in the region, particularly in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, are estimated to be worth more than S$1 billion (US$595 million), the report said.

Argument spurs man to shoot spouse, himself

Argument spurs man to shoot spouse, himself JAKARTA (JP): A man shot his wife five times in the midst of a passionate argument early Friday morning, and later shot himself in the heart when he thought she had died, a North Jakarta police officer said. The police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said on Friday that Haryanto, 42, a businessman, died of the shot to his heart at around 2 p.m. on Friday at the Pantai Indah Kapuk hospital, also in North Jakarta.

Seven killed, 45 hurt in more Ambon violence

Seven killed, 45 hurt in more Ambon violence JAKARTA (JP): At least seven people were killed and 45 more injured after troops and police opened fire to disperse a mob attempting to attack government buildings and a shopping complex in the Maluku capital of Ambon on Friday, witnesses and hospital sources said. Quoting reports from the Al-Fatah Islamic hospital, a local activist said that most of the victims died from gunshot wounds.

New council head for Bogor regency

New council head for Bogor regency BOGOR (JP): Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) of Bogor regency, Endang Kosasih, was appointed on Thursday as Bogor's new council speaker. He outnumbered other nominees -- Albert Priadi of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Muhammad Rusydi of the Golkar faction -- during a plenary session with 21 votes from a total of 45 new council legislators. (24/edt)

Fund for grand mosque swindled

Fund for grand mosque swindled TANGERANG (JP): The development project committee of Tangerang Grand Mosque, construction works of which have been temporarily postponed due to a fund shortage, suspect that about Rp 237.5 million of funds for the mosque have been swindled by an administration official. "One of our donors, PT Grand Graha Gemilang developer, recently said that they had transferred the money to the committee.

PAN renounces council speaker from military

PAN renounces council speaker from military JAKARTA (JP): City council members from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction demanded on Friday that the military, as a faction which did not contest the general election, be judged ineligible to lead the legislative body. The call was made in a political statement read by the faction's chairwoman, Siti Wasilah Sutrisno, on the council.

Drug rehab center opens in Bogor

Drug rehab center opens in Bogor JAKARTA (JP): The Bogor Hospital for the Mentally Ill in cooperation with Permata Hati Kita foundation officiated on Thursday at the opening of a drug rehabilitation center here in Bogor. The center, located near the hospital compound on Jl. Dr. Semeru No. 112-116, consists of two separate boarding houses: the Arjuna for male drug addicts and Srikandi for female patients.

Habibie 'blames' adviser in letter snafu

Habibie 'blames' adviser in letter snafu JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has blamed his chief advisor, Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) head Arnold A. Baramuli, for providing him with a false statement which misled the public in the Bank Bali scandal, a lawyer said on Friday. Habibie said Baramuli gave him the statement purportedly from former Bank Bali president Rudy Ramli which denied the existence of a widely circulated journal, Rudy's former lawyer Adnan Buyung Nasution said.

Bankers Trust accuses JIHD of forging evidence

Bankers Trust accuses JIHD of forging evidence JAKARTA (JP): The London-based Bankers Trust International Plc. (BTI) accused on Friday the Jakarta-listed property firm PT Jakarta International Hotel Development (JIHD) of forging material evidence in a derivative transaction dispute. BTI lawyer Ibrahim Senen of Darmawan & Co.

Pain and suffering of East Timor's displaced

Pain and suffering of East Timor's displaced By Yacob Herin MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): When the United Nations announced the results of the ballot, personal emotions of joy and disappointment abounded in East Timor. But a common feeling shared by all was the fear which made many families pack their bags shortly after the news broke out. They scrambled onto ships and trucks, many with the assistance of police, and darted to the neighboring province.

Hermes statue gains neglected fame

Hermes statue gains neglected fame Old Batavia has been home to many magnificent statues, sculptures and plaques. Like the fate of many old buildings, many of them have been poorly treated and even destroyed. The Hermes statue in Harmoni was lucky to evade this fate and share the luck of Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The 94-year-old bronze statue is currently receiving excellent care after it was listed as "missing" and then returned.

Governor to cut taxes, levies for bus owners

Governor to cut taxes, levies for bus owners JAKARTA (JP): The city's Association of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) canceled on Friday a planned massive strike next week after Governor Sutiyoso agreed to grant a temporary 50 percent discount on taxes and levies. After meeting with the governor at City Hall, Organda's head, Aip Syaifuddin, said cancellation of the strike had nothing to do with a threat announced on Thursday by the Jakarta Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ).

President Habibie makes light of rumored resignation, coup

President Habibie makes light of rumored resignation, coup JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie laughed off on Friday rumors of his resignation, while contending that the presidency was not everything to him. In an off-the-cuff speech at the State Palace to a group of ulema from Greater Jakarta, Habibie said he only became aware of the rumors when an ambassador from a friendly country asked him if they were true.

Lineup of movies worth seeing this week

Lineup of movies worth seeing this week JAKARTA (JP): A man-eating crocodile and a man-jilting bride join the movie lineup at the local theaters. Can't make up your mind? See if the following brief reviews, along with the grades, can be of any help. They are provided by screenwriter Rayya Makarim (RM) and film reviewer Tam Notosusanto (TN). This week's films, in alphabetical order, are: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

Washington, Beijing turn focus on trade

Washington, Beijing turn focus on trade By Andrew Browne SYDNEY (Reuters): With Chinese President Jiang Zemin signaling a turnaround in troubled ties with the United States, the two sides are preparing a last-ditch effort to secure Beijing's entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO) this year. A meeting between Jiang and U.S. President Bill Clinton in New Zealand on Saturday will give a top-level kick to the negotiations that were broken off by a furious Beijing in May after the U.S.

Tension over East Timor

Tension over East Timor Even in the most untroubled of times, relations between Indonesia and Australia have always been prone to ups and downs. Recurrent standoffs and tensions, one might say, are practically the rule that characterize relations between the two big neighbors. This is to be expected, and to a certain extent acceptable, given the different cultural and historical backgrounds of the two nations.

Women archers in 2000 Olympics

Women archers in 2000 Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Senior woman archer Nurfitriyana Lantang and the women's archery team qualified for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney after the Asian Archery Championship in Beijing last week, secretary general of the Indonesian Archery Association (Perpani) Udi Harsono said on Friday.

Peace is deserved in East Timor after its long bloody struggle

Peace is deserved in East Timor after its long bloody struggle By Yulius P. Hermawan BANDUNG (JP): For many, it is surprising to see the result of the popular ballot held in East Timor. Seventy eight percent of 450,000 eligible voters rejected Indonesian's proposal for autonomy. Only 21 percent accepted the proposal. The result reflects a victory for the majority who were ironically oppressed by the minority. Yet it is strange for many who ask why there is no party to celebrate such a victory.

Japanese art in Ujungpandang

Japanese art in Ujungpandang UNJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The Japanese consulate general here, in cooperation with Hasanuddin University, is holding an exhibition of Japanese culture in an effort to strengthen the friendship between Japan and Indonesia. "The one-week exhibition aims to stir up the local community's interest in Japanese culture," junior consul Kazuya Kaneko was quoted by Antara as saying here on Friday.

Coping with international pressure

Coping with international pressure Reality shows that Indonesia is no match for the big powers, either in terms of its economy, politics or military might. And, do not forget that we do not have, and never have thought of, building a network to handle world opinion. On the contrary, it is we who always become the target of world disapprobation. Unfortunately, it is in such an imbalanced situation that we are trying to boost our sense of nationalism.

Indonesia's bond market escapes E. Timor turmoil

Indonesia's bond market escapes E. Timor turmoil HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Indonesia's dollar-denominated bonds haven't shown much reaction to the turmoil in East Timor, but the debt market remains concerned about events in the troubled Southeast Asian country, say analysts. Spreads for Indonesian sovereign bonds, which aren't widely traded, have widened mildly since rioting broke out in the distant Indonesian province over the weekend.

Pakuwon's restructuring talks on track

Pakuwon's restructuring talks on track JAKARTA (JP): Property developer PT Pakuwon Jati said here on Friday that talks with creditors over the company's debt restructuring proposals have showed good progress. Pakuwon president Esron Siburian said that he was confident that the company would sign the US$129.8 million and Rp 350 billion debt restructuring deal with all its creditors by the end of this year.

Witnesses testify peers killed student in brawl

Witnesses testify peers killed student in brawl JAKARTA (JP): Two students testified before the Central Jakarta District Court on Friday that fellow students from SMU 24 High School fatally stabbed and stoned a student from another high school. "The two witnesses testified that they saw the killing of the SMU 7 student during the brawl last June," prosecutor Nurfah S.Y. said after the trial, which was closed to the public.

Government braces to help 100,000 refugees

Government braces to help 100,000 refugees JAKARTA (JP): The government is bracing for the impact of an expected 100,000 refugees from the devastated East Timor. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication Haryono Suyono said on Friday over 90,000 people had fled the territory, taking shelter mostly in the East Nusa Tenggara towns of Atambua and Kupang.

Anti-Australian protests hit major cities

Anti-Australian protests hit major cities JAKARTA (JP): The rising wave of nationalistic fever brought on by a fervor of anti-American and Australian sentiment continued on Friday as major Indonesian cities became witnesses to flag burning demonstrations. Here in Jakarta at least 500 people, mainly members of the People's Sovereignty and National Unity Struggle (Rver) and the Ansor Youth Movement, burned the Australian and American flags at the Australian Embassy and on Jl.

More Indonesians visit HK

More Indonesians visit HK JAKARTA (JP): The number of Indonesians visiting Hong Kong jumped 96.7 percent to 109,574 people in the first seven months of this year, according to the Hong Kong Tourist Association. The association's director for South and Southeast Asia, David Leung, said here on Friday the number of Indonesian visitors to Hong Kong plunged 40 percent to 104,000 last year from 174,000 in 1997.

Cultural festival celebrates Indonesia's pluralism

Cultural festival celebrates Indonesia's pluralism By Rita A. Widiadana TIRTAGANGGA, Karangasem, Bali (JP): The rare Joget Pingitan performance of the 79-year-old venerable Balinese artist Ni Ketut Cenik marked the opening on Thursday night of the Milleniart Cultural Festival and the Nusantara Cultural Festival. The occasion was held at the Tirtagangga water palace in Karangasem, about 60 kilometers east of Denpasar.

Regional pencak silat federation to be established next month

Regional pencak silat federation to be established next month JAKARTA (JP): Seven Asian countries which have pencak silat (martial arts) federations in their respective countries will meet here on Oct. 2 to discuss the establishment of the Asia Pacific Pencak Silat Federation. The Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) executive director Oyong Karmayudha said the eight countries (including Indonesia) represented the other 22 Asian countries.

IBM forms RI subsidiary

IBM forms RI subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): Information technology company IBM Corporation of the United States is establishing PT IBM Indonesia to boost its marketing activities in the country. IBM executive Ramon Dimacali said on Friday that the company would invest about US$4 million in the subsidiary, set to start operation in January. He hoped the new company would be able to improve its Indonesian marketing network, which is currently handled by distributor PT Usaha Sarana Informasi (USI) Jaya.

RP police nab counterfeiters

RP police nab counterfeiters MANILA (AP): Philippine police arrested on Friday four suspected members of a syndicate that makes counterfeit foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars and Japanese yen. The arrests followed an altercation between a market vendor, who allegedly received a fake $100 bill from two of the suspects, Marissa Reyes and Benito Villa, as payment for several kilograms of pork.

City bus fares

City bus fares From Neraca Because the Jakarta administration has not arrived at a decision on the proposed hike of city bus fares, we at the Indonesian Consumers Foundation want to reemphasize our commitment to solving the problem of city bus fares. Basically the foundation understands the need for an increase of city bus fares, but: 1. The government must study the purchasing power of bus transportation users in the capital. 2.

New Order political adventure

New Order political adventure It is very interesting to watch what is going on in the national political arena. Interesting here means almost the same as confusing. We must accept the fact that democracy has several different interpretations. Indonesia, as a sovereign and independent country, must also have its own interpretation.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Poleng Cloth by Kayus Mulia, at Cahya photo gallery, Plaza Menteng, 2nd floor, Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto 79, Menteng (Phone: 3907623), Central Jakarta, until Sept. 19. * Painting Exhibition: by Suwaji, at Lenong Fine Art, Jl. Danau Tondano A-6, Pejompongan, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5704844), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Sept. 17. * Painting Exhibition: The Dynamism of Women, by SP Hidayat, at Anton's gallery, Jl. Taman Pendidikan no.

TNI unfazed by Western moves to cut military ties

TNI unfazed by Western moves to cut military ties JAKARTA (JP): Officials and observers here shrugged off the decision by several Western nations to suspend or review their military ties with Jakarta over the East Timor issue. Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Sudradjat played down the suspension of military ties, saying they would be resumed once the situation allowed. "It's their internal policy so we can only respect their stance.

Anwar says he was poisoned, demands full investigation

Anwar says he was poisoned, demands full investigation KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's jailed former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was poisoned as part of a criminal conspiracy and demanded an investigation into what he said could be attempted murder. Anwar was taken to hospital on Friday after his lawyer said a pathologist in Australia had certified arsenic had been found in Anwar's urine.

Annan tells Indonesia to accept outside help

Annan tells Indonesia to accept outside help UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Friday that martial law has failed to restore order in East Timor and urged Indonesia to accept foreign military help. His announcement came on the heels of the United States' suspension of military ties with Indonesia. "The time has clearly come for Indonesia to seek help from the international community," he told a news conference.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 10, 1999: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Irianese push for independence

Irianese push for independence JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The head of a team of community leaders here, known as Team 100, said the group had submitted a formal report to President B.J. Habibie on considerations for the province to gain independence. Team leader Tom Beanal said here on Friday that the report was submitted on Aug. 13 through the presidential secretary in Jakarta. The group, he said, was now awaiting a response from the president.

China and Taiwan brawl openly over WTO at APEC

China and Taiwan brawl openly over WTO at APEC AUCKLAND (AFP): China and Taiwan clashed openly Friday over their entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the conclusion of a major Asia-Pacific conference here. In a rare public spectacle played out before the world's media, they tried to score political points over their rival bids to enter the WTO. China insists Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province, cannot join the WTO before it does.