Archive: 13 January 2000
48 articles found
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Kuntoro confident of resolving PLN's problems
Kuntoro confident of resolving PLN's problems JAKARTA (JP): Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, the new president of state electricity company PT PLN, pledged on Wednesday to settle the lingering disputes between the state company and independent power producers (IPPs) and to cut the price of power supplies from the latter.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Former key officers deny role in E. Timor mayhem
Former key officers deny role in E. Timor mayhem JAKARTA (JP): Two key officers who were assigned territorial responsibility in East Timor claimed they had been "relieved" of their duties before violence broke out in the territory. Lt. Col. Tatang Zaenuddin SW, commander of the western region of East Timor, and former East Timor Police chief Brig. Gen.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Muslim rebels leave town hall
Muslim rebels leave town hall COTABATO, Philippines (AP): Muslim guerrillas ended their occupation of a town hall and parts of a key road in a southern province on Wednesday after government troops threatened to drive them away by force, officials said. Army Maj. Lopito Aceres said the rebels left the two-story building in Talayan in Maguindanao province which they began occupying on Monday after forcing out several employees and police.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Secred Rhythm to revitalize spirit of dialog
Secred Rhythm to revitalize spirit of dialog By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The Samuan Tiga Temple in Pejeng, Gianyar was considered the most suitable venue for the recent International Festival on Percussion, the Sacred Rhythm, held from Dec.31, l999 through Jan 3, 2000. The event, involving local and international percussionists, was aimed at bridging cultural differences among people from different cultures.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Welcome Prime Minister Goh
Welcome Prime Minister Goh What makes Singapore run? This is one of the relevant questions that Indonesians could ask themselves as they welcome Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong today. Singapore has long been this region's modern economic hub. And even with most of Southeast Asia flattened by economic and political crises, Singapore has been practically the only country left in this region to have remained almost totally unscathed by the turmoil.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
GAM rejects Gus Dur's offer of protection
GAM rejects Gus Dur's offer of protection BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Representatives of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have rejected President Abdurrahman Wahid's offer of protection and possible clemency if leaders of the rebel group attend an Acehnese gathering slated for Jan. 25. "We will not except such a motion unless it is granted by the United Nations," GAM commander Tengku Abdullah Syafi'ie said on Tuesday night.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rights body defends stance on Maluku violence
Rights body defends stance on Maluku violence JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas- Ham) defended on Wednesday its decision not to send a mission to strife-torn Maluku, saying an investigation was impossible to carry out while clashes raged unabated. A member of the rights body, H.S.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Arriving villagers dream of a city paved with gold
Arriving villagers dream of a city paved with gold JAKARTA (JP): For many living in small villages across the country, Jakarta is a big name. It's the land that has and probably offers everything: skyscrapers, mansions, shiny cars, entertainment, savvy people and big money. But most of all, the "modern" people and film stars are there. In short, they are proud of the capital. They are always dreaming of living in this city of hopes, at whatever cost.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Thailand urged to ease up on GMOs
Thailand urged to ease up on GMOs BANGKOK (AP): A U.S. delegation has urged Thailand to ease restrictions on genetically altered products, but the Southeast Asian nation shows no sign of backing down. Petipong Pungboon na Ayutthaya, permanent secretary of agriculture, said Thailand planned to start labeling GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, in the near future, the Bangkok Post reported on Wednesday.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Has Amien Rais' color changed?
Has Amien Rais' color changed? Before the emergence of Amien Rais as a figure of the Reform Movement in 1997, I knew him as a Muslim political figure who tended to be fundamentalist, anti-Chinese, anti-Christian and anti-Jewish. In short, he represented the sectarian political camp that clearly gave priority to group interests above national interests. Since 1997, Rais' political image has changed from its nature of sectarianism to nonsectarian.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Couples invited to diving event
Couples invited to diving event JAKARTA (JP): The Thai beach city of Trang, which is famous for its underwater beauty, will host an underwater wedding ceremony on Feb. 14 to coincide with St. Valentine's Day. Thirty couples from various countries, including Indonesia, were invited to take part in the ceremony, according to Agkarajit Panomwon na Ayutthaya, General Manager of Thai Airways International of Indonesia, said.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 12, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 17,500 Alakasa Industrindo 525 -75 3,000 Alter Abadi 425 0 278,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,225 0 70,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 600 0 3,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,325 -25 1,266,000 Anwar Sierad 350 -25 127,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali (for Thursday Jan. 13)
Where to go in Bali (for Thursday Jan. 13) Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Foto-Realisme Indonesia, by Agus Kamal, Asri Nugroho, etc., at Edwin's Gallery Bali, Komp. Tuban Plaza no. 25- 27, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Kuta, Denpasar, until Jan. 18. * Painting and Sculpture Exhibition at Hotel Padma, Jl. Padma No. 1, Legian, Phone 752111, until Jan. 16. * Painting Exhibition, works of 135 artists, organized by 6 museums in Bali, at Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Pengosekan, Ubud, until Jan. 15.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Striving for effective higher education
Striving for effective higher education By Nirwan Idrus The following article explores ways to improve higher education. It is the first of two parts. JAKARTA (JP): Millions of U.S. dollars have poured into education in Indonesia, and quite a few million of it into higher education. All of these have been loans or grants from overseas. These have taken various forms, from direct infrastructural development to teacher training.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
New Millennium Exhibition takes influence from the past
New Millennium Exhibition takes influence from the past By Emma Cameron JAKARTA(JP): Photographs taken in Indonesia have been fairly grim lately. Captured in immortality have been riots, beatings, begging and demonstrations. An ongoing exhibition, The Spirit of the New Millennium, provides a picture of hope for the next thousand years while still referring to the history of Indonesia.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Lore Lindo Park needs more funds
Lore Lindo Park needs more funds PALU, Central Sulawesi: Central Sulawesi is seeking additional funds to finance projects in Lore Lindo National Park. "We only receive Rp 900 million annually from the government to fund our activities here," the head of the park, Banjar Yulianto, was quoted as saying on Wednesday by Antara. The budget is only enough to cover rehabilitation projects and the salaries of our forest rangers, he said. He did not say how much money the park was seeking.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Veteran composer Sudharnoto dies
Veteran composer Sudharnoto dies Noted composer Sudharnoto died after suffering a stroke on Tuesday evening. He was buried in Karet Bivak cemetery in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. The composer, whose most well-known piece, Garuda Pancasila, is heard over the closing credits of state television TVRI's main news broadcast, was 74. He is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren. His wife, Marjati, died in 1986 from cancer.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
'Mr. Yen' stresses need for Asian currency regime
'Mr. Yen' stresses need for Asian currency regime KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Eisuke Sakakibara, the man once known as "Mr. Yen" for his sway over financial markets, has called for an Asian currency regime to be developed to stabilize exchange rates in the region. Sakakibara, Japanese vice finance minister until September last year and now a professor at Keio University, said in remarks published on Wednesday that Asian countries were currently operating based on the U.S. dollar.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Five Africans shot dead
Five Africans shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Five foreigners believed to be from African countries and members of an international drug syndicate were shot dead during a police raid which ended in a shooting in South Jakarta on late Wednesday evening. None of the detectives, led by head of Jakarta Police detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo were injured in the shooting which took place at 9 p.m. at a house on Jl. Cempaka Dua Dalam in Cepete. Two revolvers were seized during the raid.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Anwar lawyer arrested in suspected crackdown
Anwar lawyer arrested in suspected crackdown KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian police on Wednesday arrested the lawyer of jailed finance minister Anwar Ibrahim and three others on charges of sedition in an apparent crackdown on the opposition following bitterly contested elections. The arrests, which hit each of the three main opposition parties, drew swift condemnation from critics of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who earlier in the day left the country on a two-week holiday.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Thousands of houses flooded in C. Java
Thousands of houses flooded in C. Java SEMARANG: Some 3,300 houses in 14 villages in Cilacap regency were inundated on Wednesday following two days of heavy rains. As of Wednesday afternoon, the water was as high as 1.5 meters in some locations. Officials said the flooding occurred when a 15-meter-long dam on Cibeureum River broke under the increased water pressure resulting from the rain.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Interfet, RI sign border deal
Interfet, RI sign border deal MOTAAIN, East Nusa Tenggara (Reuters): Indonesia and the International Forces for East Timor (Interfet) on Wednesday signed a deal designed to prevent clashes on the sensitive Timor border. The deal was signed by Maj. Gen. Peter Cosgrove, commander of the Interfet force, and Maj. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri, who heads the Udayana Military Command.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mob runs amok after test results
Mob runs amok after test results MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): Hundreds of residents from Bima and Dompu regencies ran amok on Wednesday destroying the Bima regency office after rumors of collusion and nepotism in the recruitment of civil servants there. Bima Police chief Lt. Col. Baharuddin Andi said most of those in the mob had taken the civil service recruitment test.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Multipolar to invest $18.5m
Multipolar to invest $18.5m JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Multipolar Corp. of the Lippo Group said on Wednesday it planned to invest Rp 130 billion (US$18.5 million) in fiber-optic lines in order to offer high- speed internet services. The company said the lines would be connected to high-rise buildings in Jakarta's "golden triangle" business district. The company will then be able to provide high-speed internet access to offices in these buildings.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Two die while servicing aircraft
Two die while servicing aircraft SINGAPORE (AP): A maintenance platform elevated 8.5 meters toppled at Singapore's Changi Airport, killing two Singapore Airlines staff and leaving another in a critical condition, the airline said on Wednesday. Edwin Dewanto, 29, of Indonesia, and Lau Fook Soon, 44, of Singapore, were killed on Monday when their platform toppled and trapped them underneath, an SIA spokesman said on customary condition of anonymity. They were repairing a 747 Megatop.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Lewis & Peat insolvent on 'corporate abuse'
Lewis & Peat insolvent on 'corporate abuse' SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore rubber trading company Lewis & Peat (Singapore) Pte Ltd. is insolvent because of "corporate structure abuse," a source close to the company told Dow Jones Newswires Wednesday. Lewis & Peat's owners broke a golden rule when "they used short-term trade financing funds to fund long-term projects... in which they had vested interests," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
UOB opens branch in Bintan
UOB opens branch in Bintan JAKARTA (JP): United Overseas Bank Ltd. of Singapore said on Wednesday it opened a branch on the Indonesian island of Bintan through its joint venture PT Bank Overseas Bank Bali (UOBB). The opening makes United Overseas Bank the first foreign bank to operate in Bintan, it said. The branch should facilitate business ties between Indonesia and Singapore, especially between the Riau islands and Singapore.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt 'must lure telecommunications firms'
Govt 'must lure telecommunications firms' JAKARTA (JP): The government should entice telecommunications technology companies to invest in Indonesia by providing a conducive regulatory framework, an executive in the industry said on Wednesday.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt picks Cacuk to replace Glenn as IBRA chief
Govt picks Cacuk to replace Glenn as IBRA chief JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo confirmed on Wednesday that Cacuk Sudarijanto would replace Glenn Yusuf on Thursday as head of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), which manages more than Rp 600 trillion (US$83.3 billion) in state assets. Bambang said the decision was not sudden nor unexpected, but he declined to elaborate on the reason.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Association urges reforms in tea auctions
Association urges reforms in tea auctions JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tea Association (ATI) has suggested that private brokers should take part in the tea auctions which are currently run by a joint marketing board as a measure to boost the price of Indonesian tea, an association executive said on Wednesday. "We (ATI) have come to the conclusion that we need fundamental changes in marketing Indonesian tea," Insyaf Malik, ATI's treasurer, said at the opening of this year's tea auctioning season.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
FPI to hold more rallies for Maluku
FPI to hold more rallies for Maluku JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Defenders of Islam Front (FPI) plan to stage a series of rallies to show their solidarity to Muslims in the riot-torn province of Maluku on Thursday and Friday, a police officer said on Wednesday. "They will stage a rally on Thursday in front of Merdeka Selatan Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta," Gambir Police chief Maj. Slamet Rijadi said.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Jan. 12, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Haj pilgrimage begins on Feb. 14
Haj pilgrimage begins on Feb. 14 JAKARTA (JP): The first batch of over 180,000 Indonesians due to make the annual holy haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia will depart on Feb. 14. The first departures are scheduled to leave from airports in Jakarta, Surabaya in East Java and Medan in North Sumatra at 8 a.m. They are scheduled to arrive at King Abdul Aziz airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia the same day.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Toy guns dangerous for children
Toy guns dangerous for children SAMARINDA, South Kalimantan: Residents here are moving to stop the sale of toy guns which fire plastic pellets. Dozens of children have been injured after being hit by the pellets. Muslim, 12, was injured in his right eye when his friend shot him with the pistol during a game. Another child, Anto, 2, was taken to the hospital after his 7- year-old brother shot him in the face with the toy gun.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Lawyer reports mysterious series of events
Lawyer reports mysterious series of events JAKARTA (JP): A lawyer residing in Ciputat, South Jakarta reported to the police on Wednesday two strange thefts and an incident he experienced in the past three days. What perplexed lawyer Bondan Pitoyo, 42, was a cross drawn in chalk on the lower outside of the front door of his residence. The cross was allegedly drawn by the suspect after committing each of the crimes, head of the South Jakarta Police detectives, Maj. Rycko Amelza Daniel, said.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Legal certainty enables a stable economy
Legal certainty enables a stable economy It is interesting to ponder the recent statement made by Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry, Kwik Kian Gie, that the coming days before the slated signing of a new Letter of Intent with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Jan. 20 would be of critical importance to Indonesia. In the coming week, Indonesians must show that they can establish a climate of legal certainty and that their country is really stable.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
SingTel-Deutsche deal off
SingTel-Deutsche deal off SINGAPORE (AFP): A planned billion-dollar deal between Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel) and Deutsche Telekom has been effectively postponed due to opposition from the German telephone giant's Malaysian partner, a report said on Wednesday. The Malaysian unit, Technology Resources Industries Bhd.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
The U.S.: A party to mass murder?
The U.S.: A party to mass murder? By Frank Richardson This is the first of two articles examining the influence of the United States government on Indonesia in the past 30 years. JAKARTA (JP): There was a time before it reached the zenith of its power, when America was concerned about achieving justice under international law.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Taman Puring vendors want their business back
Taman Puring vendors want their business back JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of traders whose businesses were raided at Taman Puring park lodged a complaint against the city administration at the National Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday. Led by veteran trader Bambang Herry, the vendors grouped in the Taman Puring II Vendors Association (IPTP) vehemently protested the raid ordered by the South Jakarta administration on Saturday night.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Goh to arrive in Jakarta with 60 businesspeople
Goh to arrive in Jakarta with 60 businesspeople JAKARTA (JP): Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, accompanied by two ministers, top officials and 60 Singapore and international businesspeople, is expected here on Thursday for a two-day working visit to help Indonesia woo back foreign investment.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Disciplining sidewalk vendors
Disciplining sidewalk vendors From Warta Kota The measure taken against the illegal sidewalk vendors at Taman Puring by Jakarta City Administration has provoked conflicting views. As a citizen of Jakarta, I basically support the action as it is the responsibility of the local authorities to put things in order. I have noticed that lately, particularly since the economic crisis hit the nation, public order in Jakarta has gone from bad to worse. Look at Pasar Senen area, for instance.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Long-famed for its tolerance, Bali deals with religious tension
Long-famed for its tolerance, Bali deals with religious tension By I Wayan Juniarta and Rita Widiadana DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Predominantly Hindu Bali has long been held up as a model of religious tolerance. The observance of Christmas, Galungan and Idul Fitri within weeks of each other this year was not a source of division on the famed resort island of Bali.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Villagers return to Buru Island
Villagers return to Buru Island JAKARTA (JP): At least 300 of some 800 villagers who were reportedly missing in forests on the Maluku island of Buru have turned up as calm gradually returned to the island. Maluku deputy governor Paula Renyaan said in Ambon on Wednesday that the people, who escaped attacks from Dec. 22 to 23, appeared in their villages in Wayula and Batlale early on Wednesday.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
BuGils bar ready to open on weekend
BuGils bar ready to open on weekend JAKARTA (JP): A new bar in the style of the old brown cafes in Europe will open this weekend at Taman Ria Senayan in Central Jakarta. The manager of The BuGils, Bartele Santema, said on Wednesday the bar's grand opening on Saturday would be limited to 500 invitation-only guests. The doors will be opened to the general public on Sunday, he said while making final preparations for Saturday's launch.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
We are brothers under the skin
We are brothers under the skin I read with pride an article in the Kompas daily of Dec. 20, 1999 about Kwik Kian Gie lambasting the rotten tycoons who were responsible for the economic disaster in Indonesia. He made it so clear that Sofyan Wanandi, the head of the National Trade Development, was wrong when Sofyan thought Kwik was acting as a representative of a certain group. He is working for the whole Indonesian nation. I am proud of you, Kwik Kian Gie! We are brothers under the skin.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
IBRA to complete $3.7b worth of debt restructuring
IBRA to complete $3.7b worth of debt restructuring JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) expects to complete Rp 26 trillion (US$3.7 billion) worth of debt restructuring deals with corporate borrowers by the end of March, an agency official said. The head of the agency's loan restructuring division, Ronald Sinaga, said on Wednesday IBRA was either in the final stages of the debt restructuring process or completed with the process for the Rp 26 trillion in debts.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Maid agencies clean up amid shortage of help
Maid agencies clean up amid shortage of help JAKARTA (JP): With household help and babysitters home for the Idul Fitri holiday, several maid placement agencies are enjoying a windfall as they place temporary workers for higher fees. Since most housemaids take their annual leave during the post- fasting month holiday, which sometimes lasts up to two weeks, many families in Jakarta usually have no other choice but to hire outside help.
Thu, 13 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Langer signs up for Malaysian Open
Langer signs up for Malaysian Open KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Two-time U.S. Masters champion Bernhard Langer of Germany will make his first appearance in the US$825,000 Malaysian Open from Feb. 10 to Feb. 13 at Templer Park Country Club, organizers said on Wednesday.