Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 September 1999

56 articles found

Indonesia delays sending its ambassador to Australia

Indonesia delays sending its ambassador to Australia JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie postponed veteran diplomat Arizal Effendy's posting as Indonesia's ambassador to Australia amid the worsening diplomatic row between the two countries. However Habibie stressed that the move was not a precursor to downgrading diplomatic ties. Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus said here on Wednesday Arizal would depart for Australia when relations between the countries improved.

Soeharto vs 'Time' cannot be tried here, police say

Soeharto vs 'Time' cannot be tried here, police say JAKARTA (JP): National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar said on Wednesday that Indonesian courts lack authority and legal grounds to try former president Soeharto's lawsuit against U.S.-based Time magazine here. He said Indonesian law could not be applied to try Soeharto's suit against the magazine and its employees.

Gu Dur, Amien join rally, as students hit the streets

Gu Dur, Amien join rally, as students hit the streets JAKARTA (JP): Two top opposition leaders on Wednesday joined a street rally held by students who were protesting anarchy and the use of violence, which have become commonplace throughout the country. The founder of National Awakening Party Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid and chairman of the National Mandate Party Amien Rais visited the students in front of the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in the heart of the capital.

East Timor puts Thailand army to the test

East Timor puts Thailand army to the test By Nicolas Revise BANGKOK (AFP): The role of the Thai military is rapidly and profoundly evolving beyond purely defense constraints as it embarks on a new mission as a defender of humanitarian ideals in East Timor. Thailand is the deputy commander of the multinational force attempting to safeguard security in the strife-torn Indonesian territory which has voted for independence.

IMF sets conditions for loan disbursement

IMF sets conditions for loan disbursement WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The International Monetary Fund continues to insist that Indonesia make substantial steps toward resolving a high-profile banking scandal case before the Fund will consider disbursing additional financial assistance to the country, IMF Asia-Pacific director Hubert Neiss said Tuesday.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * 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. * Instalation Exhibition by Saijo Shun (Japanese), at Sika Contemporary Art Gallery, Jl.Raya Campuan, Ubud, 8 a.m to 8 p.m., Oct. 3-17. 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.

Matahari to reopen in Lippo Supermal on Friday

Matahari to reopen in Lippo Supermal on Friday TANGERANG (JP): Over a year after the May 1998 riots, PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk will reopen on Friday its 53rd Matahari supermarket in Karawaci's Lippo Supermal. Group general manager Rendi Parengkuan said on Wednesday that the Matahari supermarket would offer a wide range of fresh products, cakes and bread, household accessories, toys, health goods, and electronic goods at an "attractive price".

Authentic accent hard to find in Balinese fare

Authentic accent hard to find in Balinese fare By Degung Santikarma DENPASAR (JP): In the past year, a new trend in demonstrations has emerged in Bali. Unlike others of the same name, these demonstrations never have problems with the authorities, for they do not stop traffic, never challenge state ideology and do not block access to the regional legislature. There are no banner-bearing students or reformists and radicals giving speeches.

Korean artists to display works

Korean artists to display works JAKARTA (JP): A group 15 artists from South Korea will display their paintings in a six day exhibition in the lobby of the Park Plaza Hotel on Jl. S. Parman in West Jakarta, beginning on Friday, the organizer said on Tuesday. Organizer Im Young Yul said the exhibition of 61 paintings -- concerning the nature, culture and life of Korea -- is designed to further introduce the three aspects of South Korea to Indonesian people.

Asian currencies mixed late, domestic concerns take center

Asian currencies mixed late, domestic concerns take center SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed against the U.S. dollar in late trading Wednesday, as domestic concerns superseded those about the U.S. dollar's upward move against the yen. The Singapore dollar and Indonesian rupiah rallied, while the Thai baht, Philippine peso, South Korean won and New Taiwan dollar languished. In late trading, the U.S. dollar was trading at 106.90 yen, up from 106.57 yen on Tuesday.

Atma Jaya still counting losses

Atma Jaya still counting losses JAKARTA (JP): Atma Jaya University is still counting the material losses from two days of clashes between students and security officers in front of its campus on Jl. Sudirman last week. "Forty-two students' cars, two university cars and one building were damaged," vice rector for student affairs Yohanes Temalaru said on Monday. He said the university was still calculating the monetary amount of the losses.

Habibie rejects call to give up candidacy

Habibie rejects call to give up candidacy JAKARTA (JP): Embattled President B.J. Habibie flatly rejected a call from a powerful alliance of five Muslim-oriented political parties on Wednesday to give up his reelection bid.

Aerowisata to open more hotels

Aerowisata to open more hotels JAKARTA (JP): Local hotel and tour operator PT Aerowisata will soon open a new property and acquire at least two hotels in Bali as part of its expansion plan, a company executive said here on Wednesday. Aerowisata executive vice director Toto K. Sugiarto said on Wednesday the company would open in December the 20-room Pool Villa Club in Lombok, adjacent to its existing Senggigi Beach Hotel.

Will UN 'interventionism' work?

Will UN 'interventionism' work? By Muhammad Takdir and Sunu Soemarno JAKARTA (JP): Just hours after an Australian-led multinational force touched down in East Timor on Sept. 20, 1999, the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued an appeal to world leaders to be prepared for what he called "a new era of UN interventionism". Annan made that statement before the heads of state and government which are gathering in New York for this year's session of the UN General Assembly.

Definition of corruption

Definition of corruption Kompas Andi Ghalib is acquitted from the allegation of having been bribed because his case has been orchestrated in such a way for this purpose. It still needs to be examined, however, whether he can be acquitted from the allegation of corruption.

The Habibie factor

The Habibie factor A magnanimous decision by President B.J. Habibie to withdraw from the upcoming presidential election, as strongly recommended by an alliance of Muslim-oriented political parties on Wednesday, could remove a major source of the heightened uncertainty and tension engulfing the nation.

Politicians deplore ministers' exodus

Politicians deplore ministers' exodus JAKARTA (JP): Instead of praise, the recent departure of seven Cabinet members has drawn criticism among politicians who deem the move as an effort to ease pressure on President B.J. Habibie when he holds his accountability speech before the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Justice and Unity Party (PKP) figure Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, who is a former Cabinet member, said on Wednesday the exodus violated political ethics.

Balinese artist dabbles with 'barong' image

Balinese artist dabbles with 'barong' image By Putu Wirata DENPASAR (JP): Art and culture in Bali seem to grow in an evolutionary way. The entire historical and cultural background is a source of inspiration and expression of creativity for painters and other artists. Dozens of works by young painter Ketut Mastrum, 31, exhibited at Chedi Gallery, Ubud, from Sept. 11 to Nov.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Song 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 TV Series: Drew Carey Show 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:00 Koran Recital 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:30 Music 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Photograms show a tribute to photography pioneer

Photograms show a tribute to photography pioneer By Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): A dormant cultural "enclave" on Jl. Tanjung No. 34, Menteng Central Jakarta called Wisma Lingkar Budaya has been reactivated. Led by Toeti Haeraty, a prominent intellectual, the center is now provided with a preview room for film/video programs and a gallery for photography or fine arts exhibition. A unique photography called photogram is taking place at the gallery until today (Thursday).

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 29, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 375 0 0 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 250 0 0 Alter Abadi 250 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 50 30,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,500 25 19,085,000 Anwar Sierad 150 -25 91,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

City to sue developer for damaging historic building

City to sue developer for damaging historic building JAKARTA (JP): "I'm angry about this case," Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday, referring to a protected building in Menteng, Central Jakarta, which has been allegedly damaged by a private developer. Sutiyoso said the damage to the former Central Jakarta Immigration Office may have been a deliberate act by developer PT Mandala Griya Cipta so it could construct a new building on the strategically situated land.

Slaying of journalist in East Timor condemned

Slaying of journalist in East Timor condemned JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and the Independent Journalists Association (AJI) called on Wednesday for a thorough investigation into the killing of Agus Mulyawan, an Indonesian journalist who was shot dead along with eight church workers in Baucau, East Timor, over the weekend.

U.S. crude stock drop boosts Asian oil prices

U.S. crude stock drop boosts Asian oil prices SINGAPORE (Reuters): Crude oil prices in Asia jumped on Wednesday, reacting to oil data that showed a large decline in U.S. crude stocks. At 0620 GMT, November U.S. crude futures on the after-hours ACCESS traded 31 cents per barrel stronger from its close in New York at US$24.64. In the overnight New York market, the contract had closed at $24.33, falling 28 cents from the previous day.

EEC and PLN sign interim agreement

EEC and PLN sign interim agreement PERTH, Australia (Dow Jones): Energy Equity Corp., an Australian power company, said Wednesday it has entered an interim agreement with the Indonesian government over the sale of electricity from Energy Equity's 47.5 percent-owned Sengkang gas and power project in South Sulawesi. The Australian company had been in dispute with state-owned power company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, over a U.S.

Pidie village heads resign en masse

Pidie village heads resign en masse SIGLI, Aceh: About 360 of the 948 village chiefs in the Pidie regency have submitted their official stamp, a sign that they have resigned their administrative duties. The assistant secretary of the provincial administration, Abdullah Daud, confirmed on Wednesday that he had received an oral report, but declined to reveal how many of the village heads had resigned.

National Police detain six Bank Bali suspects

National Police detain six Bank Bali suspects JAKARTA (JP): The National Police detained six of the 10 suspects in the high-profile US$70 million Bank Bali scandal on Tuesday, an officer said. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar said the six were detained after being questioned for nearly 10 hours at National Police Headquarters on Tuesday. "They are being detained for investigative purposes.

Government shifts stance on UN probe

Government shifts stance on UN probe JAKARTA (JP): Shifting from its previous acceptance, the government on Wednesday announced its opposition to a planned United Nations fact-finding mission to investigate reported atrocities in East Timor in aftermath of the self-determination ballot there.

Radio can turn up the volume for traditional music programs

Radio can turn up the volume for traditional music programs By Rita A. Widiadana On the brink of the new millennium, traditional arts and culture are at a crossroads. What is the role of the media, especially radio, in preserving and promoting tradition? Radio experts, musicians and scholars from the Asia-Pacific region shared their experience and expertise in recent meetings held in Surakarta, Central Java, and Candi Dasa, Bali.

KONI presents bonuses to SEAG medalists

KONI presents bonuses to SEAG medalists BOGOR, West Java (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) handed over cash and insurance bonuses to 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalists on Wednesday during a four-day coordination meeting in Puncak, Bogor.

Costly MPR session

Costly MPR session According to a Sept. 24 report in this newspaper, the upcoming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will have a price tag of Rp 49 billion. During a time of austerity for the government, this seems a little on the high side for a two- session event for 700 members plus staff, most of whom who are already on the government payroll. This is how that amount was explained by the Assembly's secretary-general, Mr.

The wanted bullet still at forensic

The wanted bullet still at forensic JAKARTA (JP): A forensic team from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital is still examining a bullet found in the corpse of Yap Yun Hap, a student protester who was killed last week, the team's leader Budi Sampurna said on Wednesday.

Manado drivers stage strike

Manado drivers stage strike MANADO, North Sulawesi: Hundreds of public transportation drivers staged a strike here on Wednesday to protest against ongoing gang violence at an intercity bus terminal. Antara reported that hundreds of people were stranded on Wednesday, while local authorities held a closed-door meeting to end the violence.

Mahathir calls Anwar poisoning claim ridiculous

Mahathir calls Anwar poisoning claim ridiculous KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said it was "ridiculous" for former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim to allege he was poisoned in jail, but the hospital treating him said it could not ignore the claim. "This arsenic thing is really a ridiculous allegation," Mahathir was quoted on Wednesday as saying in an interview in the Asian Wall Street Journal. "That is not the culture of Malaysia.

ASEAN plugs on with regional investment

ASEAN plugs on with regional investment SINGAPORE (AFP): Southeast Asian nations agreed here Wednesday to expand the scope of a scheme to open up their industries to regional investors by covering related services as well. Under an agreement which came into force in June, ASEAN member-states committed themselves to opening up most of their industries and granting national treatment to all investors within the region beginning 2003.

Open letter to RI and Australia

Open letter to RI and Australia This open letter has the support of many speakers and participants in the 17th Indonesia Update held at the Australian National University from Sept. 24 to Sept. 25, 1999. This annual event which brings together academics, public servants, businesspeople and citizens from Australia and Indonesia, is an important forum for analysis, discussion and dialog. We take this action in response to the urgent and worsening crisis between our two countries.

Australia plays down trade friction with Indonesia

Australia plays down trade friction with Indonesia SYDNEY (AFP): Trade Minister Mark Vaile Wednesday played down concerns that Australian imports to Indonesia could be cut back over the government's stance on East Timor. Indonesian wheat, textile, sugar, and pulp and paper importers have reportedly warned they will find alternatives to Australian imports, but Vaile said no action had been taken.

Megawati cannot manage her party

Megawati cannot manage her party From Media Indonesia After the general election of June 7, 1999, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the winner in the polls, has been rocked by widespread dissension. Reports on the party's internal conflicts started to circulate in early August. PDI Perjuangan supporters in various cities, including Jakarta, were angered and dissatisfied by the party's policies. Their dissatisfaction concerns legislative candidates.

Waiting for a new government

Waiting for a new government The critical question now is who will be the new elected president. If Habibie is reelected it can be said for sure that cases such as the Bank Bali scandal and the investigation of former president Soeharto will never be satisfactorily resolved. If that were to happen, the market's hopes will be dashed. Investors are hoping that the Bank Bali case can be resolved with speed and fairness.

Ramayana bombers face 3 years in jail

Ramayana bombers face 3 years in jail JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor demanded on Tuesday that the Central Jakarta District Court sentence three defendants in the January bombing of the Ramayana Department Store on Jl. Sabang in Central Jakarta to between one and three years in jail.

IBRA set to miss Rp 17t target if political woes last

IBRA set to miss Rp 17t target if political woes last JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will lose out in the sale of assets under its control if the political situation deteriorates after the presidential election, agency deputy chairman Arwin Rasyid said on Wednesday. He said he was "optimistic" a Rp 17 trillion (about US$2 billion) target could be met if there was an improvement in the political climate after the November presidential election.

Riau airforce base reshuffle

Riau airforce base reshuffle PEKANBARU, Riau: Col. Eris Haryanto was sworn in as commander of the Simpang Tiga airforce base here on Wednesday, replacing Col. Eddy Haryoko. Antara reported that Eris was formerly deputy commander of the Adi Sucipto airforce base in Surabaya, East Java. Eddy is moving to a post at the central headquarters of the airforce in Jakarta.

Australia halts exploration

Australia halts exploration MANADO, N. Sulawesi (Antara): A joint gold exploration project carried out by Indonesian and Australian companies in Minahasa district has been stopped as a result of the deteriorating ties between the two countries. PT Tambang Tondano Nusa Jaya (TTNJ) and PT Mearest Soputan Mining (MSM) stopped gold exploration activities in a 300,000- hectare area in Likupang and Dimembe subdistricts as of Sept. 20, said a local Ministry of Mines and Energy spokesman M V. Malonda.

Pension funds stay with banks

Pension funds stay with banks JAKARTA (JP): The country's pension funds continue to put most of their money in bank deposits despite the sharp drop in interest rates, investment analysts said. Director of PT Citicorp Securities Indonesia Rizka Baely said on Wednesday that about 90 percent of the total Rp 20 trillion (about US$2.35 billion) in pension funds was deposited in banks.

Business park to open in 2003

Business park to open in 2003 JAKARTA (JP): PT Sanggraha Daksamitra, a joint venture between Japan's Nisso Iwai Corporation and a local company, will complete its US$35 million business park near Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in 2003, an executive said on Wednesday.

Tribunal vital for legal proceedings

Tribunal vital for legal proceedings JAKARTA (JP): National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) chief Marzuki Darusman said that a national human rights tribunal could help substantiate reports and accelerate legal proceedings of alleged abuses in East Timor.

Yudono defends keeping full PwC audit under wrap

Yudono defends keeping full PwC audit under wrap JAKARTA (JP): Head of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) Satrio B. Yudono claimed on Wednesday that the agency was initially unaware of the legal implications and penalties of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) funds-tracing exercise in the Bank Bali scandal.

'President' Megawati pick of investors

'President' Megawati pick of investors JAKARTA (JP): Positive sentiments of foreign investors will surge if Megawati Soekarnoputri, the chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), is elected president, a political risk consultant said on Wednesday.

Expert: Students learn violence from state leaders

Expert: Students learn violence from state leaders JAKARTA (JP): An educator and a psychologist warned on Wednesday that violence has penetrated into the hearts of the people, including students, who prefer violence to dialog in settling conflicts. "We have become accustomed to settling our problems by forcing our will (upon others) and neglecting dialog as a means for the management of conflict," educational expert Arif Rahman told The Jakarta Post.

Cohen tells Indonesia to shackle military or face sanctions

Cohen tells Indonesia to shackle military or face sanctions JAKARTA (Agencies): United States Defense Secretary William Cohen arrived here Wednesday to discuss how to avert a humanitarian disaster in East Timor and Washington's stance on the crisis. Cohen, on the second leg of a five country tour of the region, was welcomed by the secretary general of the defense ministry, Lt. Gen. Fachrul Razi at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport, AFP reported.

U.S. gives Thailand US$30m

U.S. gives Thailand US$30m BANGKOK (AP): The U.S. plans to offer a US$30 million aid program over three years to spur economic recovery in Thailand by supporting small businesses and public health. U.S. Ambassador Richard Hecklinger and Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra signed an agreement Wednesday for the grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development. "The program will help form partnerships between private and government institutions of Thailand and the U.S.

UN to set up civil administration in E. Timor before MPR session

UN to set up civil administration in E. Timor before MPR session UNITED NATIONS (AFP): Indonesia has agreed to let the United Nations set up a civil administration in East Timor before the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in Jakarta votes on formally rescinding its annexation of the territory, a senior UN official said late Tuesday. Jamsheed Marker, special envoy for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said "the Assembly will be taking a decision but we cannot wait for it to do that.

Western music makes noise on local radio

Western music makes noise on local radio CANDI DASA, Karang Asem, Bali (JP): The domination of popular Western music in the Asian market and on the airwaves has placed local and traditional music in marginal positions. Jonas Baes, composer and ethnomusicologist from the College of Music at the University of the Philippines, said radio and television programs in the Philippines and other Asian countries are being bombarded with popular Western and Westernized music day in and day out.

Bhinneka opens with a win in Kobatama

Bhinneka opens with a win in Kobatama By Ivy Susanti SURABAYA (JP): Eastern division runner-up Bhinneka Sritex Solo made a good start on the first day of the third series of the 1999 A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League by gaining a total victory of 108-40 over Western division's underdog Siliwangi Bandung at the Pacific basketball stadium on Wednesday.

NEC, Intel agree to tie up

NEC, Intel agree to tie up TOKYO (AFP): Japan's NEC Corp. said Wednesday it has agreed a business tie-up with its rival Intel Corp. to develop their Internet businesses. NEC's Biglobe Internet service would be linked with the US firm's venture Intel Online Services Inc., which provides business transactions across the Internet. Intel Online plans to build an Internet service center with NEC in Japan to start operating early next year.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 29, 1999: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.