Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 September 1999

57 articles found

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 15, 1999: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Court frees defendant in PD Dharma Jaya case

Court frees defendant in PD Dharma Jaya case JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday acquitted Fahril Azis, a defendant in a Rp 1.58 billion (US$197,500) corruption case at city-owned slaughterhouse PD Dharma Jaya, of all criminal charges. The judges suggested that the case be brought to a civil court rather than a criminal court. "The defendant is not guilty.

Local networks hinder exotic fruit exports

Local networks hinder exotic fruit exports JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia holds the potential to become a major world exporter of exotic fruit if it can deliver on the need for regular supply, a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture said on Wednesday.

Chemical trucks catch fire

Chemical trucks catch fire TANGERANG (JP): A gas leak is suspected after three trucks loaded with chemicals caught fire near the pipelines of PT Hudaya's industrial compound in Jatiuwung subdistrict in Tangerang on Wednesday. No fatalities were reported in the incident but losses are estimated in the hundreds of million of rupiah. Company executives declined to comments on the incident and reporters were barred from entering the site.

NGOs condemn state violence in East Timor

NGOs condemn state violence in East Timor KUTA, Bali (JP): The International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID) condemned on Wednesday the campaign of terror and intimidation by military-backed militias following the historic ballot on East Timor's future on Aug. 30. INFID said that the violence and killings in the former Portuguese colony were a crime against humanity and called for the establishment of an international tribunal to try those found responsible.

The Bank Bali conspiracy

The Bank Bali conspiracy In front of House Commission VIII for the state budget and finance (former Bank Bali president) Rudy Ramli told a number of truths. It can no longer be denied that a number of officials and individuals close to President B.J. Habibie are involved in the scandal. Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto and Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) chairman Glenn Yusuf have since affirmed the involvement of that unequaled individual named Arnold Ahmad Baramuli.

Police seize millions in counterfeit bills

Police seize millions in counterfeit bills JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested two people in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta on Tuesday night for possessing about 40 packages of counterfeit bills worth several million rupiah, an officer said on Wednesday. According to a police report, the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said one of the suspects was identified as Dharmawan. "We are still counting... this case is not supposed to be opened. I cannot tell you anymore.

Ex-political prisoners demand civil rights

Ex-political prisoners demand civil rights JAKARTA (JP): Former political prisoners jailed during the New Order regime's 32-year rule established an association on Wednesday in a move to bring attention to the rights abuses they suffered. Simon Tiranda, who chairs the association, said in a press conference here on Thursday that the association was established as a forum for victims of the repressive New Order regime, many of whom were jailed without trial.

AMPS cell phone operators to launch prepaid service

AMPS cell phone operators to launch prepaid service JAKARTA (JP): Local operators of the analog system, Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), will soon launch a prepaid billing service in a bid to compete better with digital rivals Global System for Mobile (GSM). Winahyo, general manager for general administration and services of Telesera, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the new service, which is currently high in demand, would help AMPS operators retain existing subscribers.

Asian currencies drift sideways against greenback

Asian currencies drift sideways against greenback HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian regional foreign exchange markets enjoyed a day of relative calm Wednesday, as most local currencies traded sideways against the U.S. dollar. With Tokyo-based market participants on holiday, dealers in other Asian financial centers were content to sit back and watch the markets drift after the volatility of recent days. The rupiah, the focus of attention for the past week, softened only slightly against the U.S.

Indonesia and East Timor

Indonesia and East Timor The bloodshed is not the result of clashes between pro and anti-independence militias. Instead, pro-Jakarta thugs are indiscriminately attacking residents who yearn for independence and peace. The situation is unacceptable. Do pro-Jakarta forces plan to promote anarchy in East Timor in the interim so that the People's Consultative Assembly will reject independence for the territory?

Indonesia's donors give up on Habibie

Indonesia's donors give up on Habibie By Andrew Marshall JAKARTA (Reuters): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank decision to suspend new lending to Indonesia means they have given up on the government, but not on the country. "This is a signal that they are waiting for the next administration. They are not prepared to deal with this one any more," said Neil Saker, economist at SG Securities in Singapore. "Everybody is expecting Indonesia will continue to get donor aid.

Zainal Abidin dies due to liver cancer

Zainal Abidin dies due to liver cancer JAKARTA (JP): Former secretary general of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti), Zainal Abidin, passed away on Tuesday evening at around 5.00 p.m. at the age of 57. Zainal had suffered liver cancer for nearly two months. He served as the secretary general for four years during the leadership of Sarwono Kusumaatmadja from 1994 to 1998. Previously he served as the competition committee chairman of Pelti during the leadership of Cosmas Batubara.

Fund delay holds up SEA Games bonuses

Fund delay holds up SEA Games bonuses JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has yet to hand over bonuses to the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalists, Togi Hutagaol, the KONI official in charge of planning and budgeting, told reporters on Wednesday. Togi said KONI was still waiting for the fund from the state minister of the empowerment of state-owned enterprises (BUMN).

Ban Australian planes from Indonesian airspace: INACA

Ban Australian planes from Indonesian airspace: INACA JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) has called on the government to consider banning Australian airplanes from flying through Indonesian airspace if the country continues with its boycott. "We have the right to select which country's aircraft may pass over our territory... the government must dare to exercise that right.

State security bill faces tough protest

State security bill faces tough protest JAKARTA (JP): Security authorities are cracking down on widespread street protests against the state security bill, which is expected to be approved by the House of Representatives (DPR) early next week. After clashes between security personnel and student protesters erupted in different areas of the capital on Tuesday, military and police personnel detained at least 19 protesters, including senior journalist Goenawan Muhamad, on Wednesday.

PDI-P's senseless game

PDI-P's senseless game The Jakarta City Council had the honor on Tuesday to demonstrate how democracy should work in the age of reform. The event was the election of its speaker, which was well participated in by 84 councilors, all of whom -- except for nine military/police representatives -- were elected in the June general election. No less than 30 of the councilors are members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the largest faction in the council.

RI wins Five Nation Open bridge tourney

RI wins Five Nation Open bridge tourney JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian men's bridge team took off with flying colors by winning the Five Nation Open tournament in The Hague, the Netherlands, over the weekend. Juniarto Hadimartono said on Tuesday that the Indonesian men's team participation was a warm-up for the Bermuda Bowl world championships in Bermuda, from Jan. 7 to Jan. 20 next year. "The same team is still competing in Stockholm, Sweden, and Italy.

59 babies die of malnutrition

59 babies die of malnutrition SEMARANG: At least 59 babies under five years of age have died from malnutrition and more than 3,500 others had fought starvation over the past 12 months in Central Java, an official said on Wednesday. The head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Health, Soejono, said 1,026 surviving infants had been given special nutrition treatment to improve their physical condition. Soejono said Blora is the regency hardest hit by malnutrition with 338 recorded cases.

Residents attack neighboring village

Residents attack neighboring village KENDAL, Central Java: At least 216 houses were vandalized and two motorbikes and a kiosk were set on fire during a series of clashes that erupted on Monday and Tuesday in Ngilir village here. Nobody was killed or injured in the fray, the latest to involve residents of Ngilir and their Bandengan foes. Police chief Lt. Col.

City plans to repair Bantar Gebang dump

City plans to repair Bantar Gebang dump JAKARTA (JP): City administration will work to improve the waste management of the city's 118-hectare Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi, Deputy Governor for Development Affairs Budihardjo Sukmadi said on Wednesday. He said measures would be taken to restore waste water management at the garbage dump and lessen its impact on the environment.

Health ministry hit by corruption claims

Health ministry hit by corruption claims JAKARTA (JP): An official from a consumer health protection body said on Tuesday that corrupt ministry officials continued to impede hospitals from securing Ministry of Health accreditation. Marius Wijayarta of the Consumers Health Protection Foundation said the foundation had received complaints from seven hospitals.

Workers fleeing East Timor seek new jobs in NTT

Workers fleeing East Timor seek new jobs in NTT KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): More than half of 10,000 civil servants fleeing troubled East Timor have registered themselves for new jobs in this province, a local official said on Wednesday. Provincial authorities spokeswoman Nani Kosapilawan said the government opened registration posts here and in the province's other towns of Atambua, Belu, Kalabahi, Kefamenanu, SoE and Larantuka.

PwC unfair and speculative in Bank Bali audit, says Sjahril

PwC unfair and speculative in Bank Bali audit, says Sjahril JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin lashed out at international auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on Wednesday for being "unfair" to the central bank during its audit process over the Bank Bali case.

Muladi's disturbing statement

Muladi's disturbing statement From Rakyat Merdeka As an ordinary citizen I am grateful for Rudy Ramli's openness in disclosing the truth in the Bank Bali scandal. However, Muladi in response to the disclosure has said that Ramli is a liar. Does Muladi not realize that apart from being the State Secretary he is also Minister of Justice? He certainly knows more about the law. Ignoring the principle of presumption of innocence Muladi has issued a negative statement on Ramli.

Indonesia may not compete in 2000 Olympic tennis

Indonesia may not compete in 2000 Olympic tennis JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) Tanri Abeng said that national men's and women's single players had a slim chance of competing at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, due to the poor training system in place.

Cutting aid to RI -- does it send a message?

Cutting aid to RI -- does it send a message? By Jim Anderson WASHINGTON (DPA): U.S. National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, accompanying President Clinton in East Asia, said last Friday that nothing has been ruled out in possible U.S. actions against the Indonesian government now that it was clear the Indonesian military is directly participating in the violence in East Timor. The U.S.

Banning porn curtails freedom of expression

Banning porn curtails freedom of expression By Janet Steele JAKARTA (JP): Many people believe that the recent controversy surrounding pornography is just a "sideshow" -- a distraction from the real issues facing Indonesia. Others who usually defend freedom of speech and of the press make an exception for pornography because they believe it is harmful to society.

Landslide kills two at Pongkor

Landslide kills two at Pongkor BOGOR (JP): Rescue workers and local villagers recovered two bodies on Wednesday of six illegal gold miners who were trapped in a landslide the night before at Pongkor mountain. A 40-year-old miner, Ukri, survived the incident, but three others believed buried by the mud slide have yet to be found. One of those killed was identified as Aning, 25, a resident of Lebak regency in Bogor. Identification is pending for the other body.

Australian unions ready to end bans

Australian unions ready to end bans SYDNEY (Reuters): Australian unions on Wednesday appeared ready to end their Indonesia trade bans as the United Nations authorized an international force to end violence in East Timor. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), which last Thursday imposed bans on seaborne trade that have delayed wheat shipments to Indonesia and caused containers to swamp docks around Australia, began taking a softer line.

Dyer is a 'regime writer'

Dyer is a 'regime writer' Please refer to East Timor and Kosovo are different by Gwynne Dyer, (The Jakarta PostSept. 11, 1999, page 5). There was a brand of professionals in former communist countries best described by the prefix "regime" -- regime writers, regime journalists etc. When I read Mr. Dyer's "View Points" I can see parallels in his writing to that of a regime journalist. When his government talks badly of somebody, he talks twice as bad.

Sky's the limit in fight to save ozone

Sky's the limit in fight to save ozone By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): The next time you go to the supermarket to buy, say, hair spray, air freshener, deodorant or insect killer, read the labels. There you will find an Ozone Friendly, Ozone Save, Environment Friendly, CFC-Free or No CFC label. If you have never before noticed this label, which guarantees the product will not pose a danger to the environment, you are not alone.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Performances * Piano Circus Performance at the Westin Hotel, royal ballroom, Jl. Embong Malang 85-89, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sept. 17. Please contact the British Council (Phone: 021 2524115) for further information. * Pantomime: by Quebec (Canadian), at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), 7 p.m., Sept. 9. Film * European Film Festival, at Mitra 21, Jl. Yos Sudarso 15, Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.

Motive for bank employee kidnapping 'unclear'

Motive for bank employee kidnapping 'unclear' JAKARTA (JP): The motive for the kidnapping on Tuesday of a Bank Universal employee at the main office on Jl. Rasuna Said in Kuningan, South Jakarta, remains unclear, a bank official said. The bank's media relation officer, Albertus Pratomo, said on Wednesday that Mamat Suganda, 34, a deposit department supervisor in the bank's main office, was taken from the bank building's parking lot, shortly after leaving the office at about 5:30 p.m.

Leading Indonesian artists reflect the changing times

Leading Indonesian artists reflect the changing times JAKARTA: Pancaroba Indonesia, a time of dramatic transition between the seasons, is the title of an exhibition of new works by seven Indonesian artists reflecting the current political and social transformations in Indonesia. Taking place in Oakland, California, the exhibition, which will run until Oct. 30, includes works on canvas and paper, as well as installation pieces and performances.

TNI pledges cooperation with multinational force

TNI pledges cooperation with multinational force JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) said on Wednesday that it had accepted a United Nations Security Council decision to send an Australia-led multinational force to East Timor. It also pledged full cooperation with the force if and when it arrives in East Timor. Others warned of a hostile reception for the multinational force from pro-Indonesia militias, who are bitter toward the United Nations and Australia for their handling of the Aug.

Indonesia gains from new arbitration law

Indonesia gains from new arbitration law By Stefanus Haryanto JAKARTA (JP): The long awaited arbitration law was finally signed by President B.J. Habibie and became effective on Aug. 12, 1999.

No deal with PDI Perjuangan, says military/police faction

No deal with PDI Perjuangan, says military/police faction JAKARTA (JP): The military/police faction on the City Council denied on Wednesday that it hatched a deal with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) to ensure the victory of its candidate in Monday's vote for council speaker. Faction chairman Col.

Clinton supports RP over Spratlys

Clinton supports RP over Spratlys MANILA (Reuters): President Bill Clinton has pledged U.S. support for the Philippines in the event of any conflict over the disputed Spratly Islands, Philippine President Joseph Estrada said on Wednesday. Estrada, in an interview with the Manila radio station DZMM from Auckland, New Zealand, said Clinton made the pledge during their talks on the sidelines of the just-ended Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

UN gives troops right to use force

UN gives troops right to use force JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia suffered another international indignity on Wednesday when the United Nations Security Council voted to establish a multinational peacekeeping force with maximum authority to restore order in ravaged East Timor. The 15-member Security Council voted for the resolution which invoked Chapter VII of the UN Charter to authorize use of military force by the peacekeepers in carrying out their duties, Reuters reported.

Key changes made to controversial security bill

Key changes made to controversial security bill JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives has made substantial amendments to the controversial bill on state security, including a stipulation which allows the existing laws to stand and human rights to be taken into account.

Gus Dur, Amien Rais pray for Acehnese

Gus Dur, Amien Rais pray for Acehnese BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Muslim leaders Abdurrahman Wahid and Amien Rais joined thousands of Acehnese here on Wednesday to pray for people in the restive province. Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, chairman of the country's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama, and National Mandate Party head Amien broke into tears during the istighotsah mass prayer at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.

NGOs calls on WTO to reschedule millenium round

NGOs calls on WTO to reschedule millenium round JAKARTA (JP): At least 40 local non-governmental organizations joined their foreign counterparts in calling on Wednesday for a delay in the launch of the World Trade Organization's next round of trade talks.

Wheat importer seeks new supplies

Wheat importer seeks new supplies JAKARTA (JP): PT Bogasari Flour Mills, Indonesia's biggest wheat importer, is looking for additional supplies from the United States, Canada and Argentina, following a union boycott in Australia. "We are looking for alternative supplies in anticipation of a prolonged Australian union boycott," Franciscus Welirang, a company director, told Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Wild boars destroy crops

Wild boars destroy crops PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Thousands of wild boars have destroyed hectares of crops in the Mt. Gunung Wuled area, in Rembang regency, over the past week. The animals also injured three farmers, identified as Kasmudi, 40, Tumin, 39, and Sutaryo, 39, on Tuesday. The three, along with dozens of residents, were hunting the boars. "But the boars outnumbered us. There were thousands of them and we had no choice but to escape," Sutaryo said.

Bali says goodbye to a king in greatest cremation in century

Bali says goodbye to a king in greatest cremation in century By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): Soon dragons will prowl the streets of Bali alongside youths and young maidens dressed to kill. Special lamps will light the way beneath the shadow of which, energies both human and demonic will be played out. The chants of trusted priests, special recitations from ancient texts, mystical philosophies and legends about early ancestors will guide the lifeless back to life into the world thereafter.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Painting Exhibition: Pengider Bhuana, The Colours of Life, Deja Vu Gallery, Jl. Dewi Sita, Ubud (Phone: 0361 978225), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Oct. 8. Music and entertainment * Hard Rock Hotel, Jl. Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas, Kuta (Phone: 0361 761869): - Lobby Bar: Macumba, Siluet and Miracle band, nightly, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Sand Island: Rapaya Band and Macumba Band, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Do we need foreign troops?

Do we need foreign troops? The presence of foreign troops in East Timor is now becoming a topic for discussion in Indonesia. Several answers have been given, some are for and some are against inviting United Nations' troops to take care of East Timor. I don't know why, and perhaps people will call me stupid or worse than that, but my answer is automatically a very big "no".

Xanana renews vow to promote reconciliation in East Timor

Xanana renews vow to promote reconciliation in East Timor JAKARTA (JP): East Timorese proindependence leader Jose Alenxandre "Xanana" Gusmao renewed on Wednesday his pledge for reconciliation despite the weeks of violence which have torn his homeland apart.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 15, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 400 0 0 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 -25 10,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,450 -25 1,012,500 Anwar Sierad 200 -25 10,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Bali 'the last paradise' now a heaven for druggies?

Bali 'the last paradise' now a heaven for druggies? By Putu Wirata DENPASAR (JP): Bali is not only a famous island where foreign and domestic tourists can spend their holiday and experience a wealth of culture, art and nature. The island, often called "the last paradise", has apparently also become a paradise for drug addicts, mainly in the tourist area of Kuta, where drugs have become a part of the Bali experience.

Malaysia pressed over Anwar case

Malaysia pressed over Anwar case KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's opposition and rights groups pressed the government on Wednesday to appoint a royal commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged poisoning of jailed former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar was admitted to hospital on Friday, bringing his sodomy trial to an abrupt halt, after producing a medical report he said proved a dangerously high level of arsenic poison in his urine.

Indonesian shuttlers reach ABC 2nd round

Indonesian shuttlers reach ABC 2nd round JAKARTA (JP): National shuttlers on Wednesday moved on to the second round of the US$136,000 JVC Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) in Kuala Lumpur. Men's singles Johan Hadikusuma beat qualifier S. Janaka of Sri Lanka 15-2, 15-9 to face Chang Jeng Shyong of Chinese Taipei in the second round. Chang defeated Amran Kambar of Brunei Darussalam 15-7, 15-6.

PLN to pay Exspan for gas

PLN to pay Exspan for gas JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PLN said on Wednesday it would soon pay its US$$11 million debt to PT Exspan Kalimantan, a subsidiary of publicly listed oil and gas company PT Medco Energy Corporation. PLN president Adhi Satriya said the company had allocated the money to pay the debt and "was ready and willing to immediately make the payment".

Free milk for students

Free milk for students YOGYAKARTA: The government has launched a free milk program for 500,000 elementary school students here in a bid to overcome malnutrition, which has affected children during the economic turmoil. State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin said here on Tuesday that under the United States-sponsored program, the students of 3,000 schools across the province will receive milk three times a week for about 40 consecutive weeks. Saefuddin said the U.S.

Text of UN Security Council resolution on East Timor force

Text of UN Security Council resolution on East Timor force UNITED NATIONS (Reuters): Following is the operative section of a Security Council resolution adopted early on Wednesday that authorizes an international force for East Timor. THE SECURITY COUNCIL. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, 1. CONDEMNS all acts of violence in East Timor, CALLS for their immediate end and DEMANDS that those responsible for such acts be brought to justice; 2.

Sekar Bumi delisted from stock exchange

Sekar Bumi delisted from stock exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) removed Surabaya-based PT Sekar Bumi from the trading board on Wednesday for not meeting the listing requirements. "Sekar Bumi shares are no longer tradable on the JSX since they were delisted, effective on Sept. 15," JSX president Mas Achmad Daniri said.