Archive: 17 January 2000
48 articles found
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Hundreds demand compensation
Hundreds demand compensation BATAM, Riau: Tension has gripped Bintan Island during the past two days as hundreds of people rallied to demand higher compensation for their land, which is occupied by a company. Local police said the crowd took over a power plant inside the Lodam industrial estate on the first day of the demonstration on Saturday, but dispersed upon the arrival of dozens of security personnel. North Bintan Police chief First Lt.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
IBRA delays payment of interbank claims
IBRA delays payment of interbank claims JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has delayed the payment of Rp 5 trillion (US$695 million) in interbank claims owed by closed banks to surviving banks, leaving several of the latter in danger of closure. IBRA's deputy chairman Arwin Rasyid said on Friday the agency would start paying the interbank claims once the verification process by the auditor was completed, expected in early February.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina talks with Petronas over Natuna gas
Pertamina talks with Petronas over Natuna gas JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Friday it was negotiating with its Malaysian counterpart, Petronas, on the possibility of supplying Malaysia with natural gas from the West Natuna gas field. Pertamina president Martiono Hadianto said negotiations were still in the early stages, with the volume of gas Petronas would buy still to be discussed.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's future: Competition and education
Indonesia's future: Competition and education By Elwin Tobing BOSTON (JP): In his book, The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, Adam Smith, the founder of modern economics, made famous the idea of the invisible hand. Smith observed that in properly functioning commercial markets, businesses and business people serve society even if to do so is not a conscious intention.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Demand for airline seats projected to rise by 6%
Demand for airline seats projected to rise by 6% JAKARTA (JP): Demand for air transportation services will recover this year and grow by six percent after declining by over 10 percent last year due to increasing economic activities, aviation analyst Benny Rungkat said over the weekend.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Man to stop clash killed
Man to stop clash killed JAKARTA (JP): A man was killed on Friday at Kuta Baru in the Pasar Kemis area of Tangerang while trying to break up a dispute between a local extorter and a resident. A report from the Tangerang Police revealed that Zaenuddin, 22, a local, was stabbed in the stomach. The incident started at 9 p.m. when Oyo Sartika, 18, believed to be a notorious hold-up man in the area, got angry when a local man refused to meet his demand for an amount of money.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Archbishop calls for peace in the city
Archbishop calls for peace in the city JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Archbishop Julius Darmaatmadja called on local parishes on Saturday to spread peace in the community and help those in need, regardless of creed, and told them not to be provoked by the year-long communal clashes in Maluku. "I do not believe differences in religion is the cause of the conflicts there, but some people have taken advantage of it.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Illegal aliens stranded on Sumba
Illegal aliens stranded on Sumba KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: About 60 foreigners from Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan remain stranded on Sumba island after their small boat developed engine trouble on the way to Australia. They are currently being sheltered at a hotel in West Sumba under the authority of the East Nusa Tenggara Police pending the arrival of MV Awu, which will transport them back to either Kupang or Surabaya, East Java.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian coup unlikely, PM says
Indonesian coup unlikely, PM says SINGAPORE (AP): A coup in Indonesia is unlikely, Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Sunday, commenting on rumors that Indonesian generals may be plotting such a move. "I got a sense that the President is firmly in control of the situation -- he is very confident," said Goh, who visited Indonesia's new president Abdurrahman Wahid last week.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
RI: Erratic country in transition
RI: Erratic country in transition By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): What has been happening in Indonesia recently, and what is going to happen next? This was the question put to me by my hosts at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Why did they ask this question? Because Simon Fraser University has been involved in the development of universities in Eastern Indonesia for 10 years, and would like to continue this work.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Men's doubles Ricky/Rexy lose to South Korean pair
Men's doubles Ricky/Rexy lose to South Korean pair JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's veteran men's pairing of Ricky Ahmad Subagja and Rexy Mainaky felt the sting of age, bowing out to the South Korean pair of Lee Dong-soo and Yoo Yong-sung 8-15, 15-9, 4-15 at badminton's 2000 Samsung Korea Open at Hanra gymnasium on Cheju Island, South Korea. Team manager Hery I.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
RP 1999 surplus hit $3.8b
RP 1999 surplus hit $3.8b MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' balance of payments surplus hit US$3.839 billion in 1999, more than twice the $1.359 billion surplus registered in 1998, the central bank said Sunday. Statistics from the Central Bank of the Philippines showed the 1999 figure overshot by $639 million the $3.2 billion surplus target under a program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Human rights groups urge an end to Aceh violence
Human rights groups urge an end to Aceh violence BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Representatives of 15 international non-government organizations concluded their two-day meeting here on Sunday putting more pressure on the Indonesian government to soon end the violence in the restive province.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
RI stability vital to S'pore economy
RI stability vital to S'pore economy SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore's deputy prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, said Saturday that he sees "strong momentum" in the economy but that events in neighboring Indonesia could influence the outlook for Singapore. "The momentum is strong," Lee said in answer to a question about the growth forecast for this year. "We will have to see how events in Indonesia develop. If it begins to stabilize, that's good for us.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, Jan. 17, 2000
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, Jan. 17, 2000 Exhibitions * Poster Exhibition: Ilmu Warna Goethe, at Goethe-Institute, Jl. Matraman Raya 23, East Jakarta (Phone: 8509132), until Jan. 20. * Painting Exhibition: Fenomena Masyarakat Urban, by 15 Jakartan artists, at Galeri Milenium, Golden Truly, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Jan. 30. * Painting Exhibition by Dwijo Sukatmo, at Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Further TNI shake-up 'not to effect top officers'
Further TNI shake-up 'not to effect top officers' JAKARTA (JP): Outgoing Indonesian Military chief (TNI) Maj. Gen. Sudrajat confirmed on Sunday a further reshuffle in the armed forces, but denied it would effect the top brass. "Yes, there will be some rotations within TNI in response to the President's request, but it won't be that prominent. It's just an ordinary tour of duty," Sudrajat told The Jakarta Post.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Chinese New Year to be publicly celebrated
Chinese New Year to be publicly celebrated JAKARTA (JP): Worshipers of Confucianism this year will for the first time in over three-decades be able to openly celebrate the Chinese New Year, which the High Council of Khonghucu Religion announced would fall on Feb. 5. Budi S. Tanuwibowo, head of the council's commemoration committee, said here on Saturday that this would be the first time ethnic Chinese and followers of Confucianism would be able to celebrate it publicly.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
JSX to remain active as investors return this week
JSX to remain active as investors return this week JAKARTA (JP): Trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) is expected to remain active this week as more investors will be reentering the market after the year-end holiday, stock analysts said over the weekend. They also said that shares of Lippo Group companies would continue to dominate the market as the group would most likely continue to campaign for its planned Internet business.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
RP unemployment rate falls
RP unemployment rate falls MANILA (AFP): Unemployment in the Philippines fell to 9.8 percent in 1999, a slight decrease from the 10.1 percent in 1998, the department of labor said Saturday. The department said the fall was due partly to the strong 6.3- percent growth in the agriculture sector. However employment in industry contracted in the same period. The labor force also increased by 3.3 percent to hit 32.08 million people.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Japanese robbed in Lapangan Banteng
Japanese robbed in Lapangan Banteng JAKARTA (JP): Two armed robberies took place in Central Jakarta and Tangerang early on Saturday, a police report said. No fatalities were reported although both gangs were armed with sharp weapons. According to the report, the victim in the Central Jakarta case was a 60-year-old Japanese, identified as Dojin Mukada. It said that Mukada, with a man called Mardiansyah, was driving in a car on Jl. Lapangan Banteng Utara at around 1 a.m.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stick to people's interests!
Stick to people's interests! I agree with Olvia Reksodipoetro's letter concerning Amien Rais, Back to politician (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 12, 2000). I am also one of the many citizens who voted for his party in last June's general elections. Unfortunately, I have to believe that he no longer represents the people, and that he should therefore resign the position as Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Residents protest against Freeport
Residents protest against Freeport JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A group of 31 Irianese claiming to represent residents of Mimika regency lodged a fresh demand on Saturday for the closure of gold and cooper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia for human rights abuses resulting from its operations.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Nirwan Bakrie fights bankruptcy suit
Nirwan Bakrie fights bankruptcy suit JAKARTA (JP): The law firm representing Nirwan D. Bakrie said on Friday that the bankruptcy suit filed by Sinar Mas Multi Finance (SMF) against the prominent businessman at the Jakarta Commercial Court was invalid.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
The fight against drugs
The fight against drugs The fatal shootout in which five foreign nationals met their violent deaths in a South Jakarta neighborhood last week once again highlights Indonesia's growing significance as both a market and a link in the international narcotics trade.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Inbound travelers pack bus terminals, railway stations
Inbound travelers pack bus terminals, railway stations JAKARTA (JP): Tens of thousands of people returning to the capital after celebrating Idul Fitri in their hometowns heavily packed the city's major intercity bus terminals and railway station on Saturday and Sunday.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Migrants set positive example of solidarity
Migrants set positive example of solidarity By Heru Sigit Cahyanto WONOSARI, Yogyakarta (Antara): This year's Lebaran festivities have past. Thousands of travelers have returned to their adopted cities, leaving their loved ones behind and in their search for a better future. They all hope they will have a better time next Lebaran when they get together and exchange stories of the past year.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Army private caught at the 'Post' for auto theft
Army private caught at the 'Post' for auto theft JAKARTA (JP): An Army private was apprehended on Sunday while attempting to steal a motorcycle from the basement parking lot of The Jakarta Post's editorial office in Palmerah, Central Jakarta. The suspect, Private second class Beni Arianto, 22, of the Army's Air Maintenance and Supply Battalion, was set on by scores of angry local residents, who attempted to burn the suspect alive.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Draft on subdistrict councils submitted
Draft on subdistrict councils submitted JAKARTA (JP): Members of the City Council team preparing for the establishment of mayoralty and subdistrict councils have submitted a draft of city bylaws on the establishment of councils in the capital's 265 subdistricts.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
KL decries U.S. criticism over arrest of opposition figures
KL decries U.S. criticism over arrest of opposition figures KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia on Sunday lashed out at U.S. criticism of the arrest of leading opposition figures, telling Washington to stay out of its internal affairs, but refusing to say whether more arrests were planned. Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi denied that the five arrests last week, which have drawn widespread overseas condemnation, amounted to a crackdown on the opposition. U.S.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Human rights and Maluku tragedy
Human rights and Maluku tragedy From Pikiran Rakyat I can sense the reason why the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the government are rather slow in taking immediate and firm action to stop the killings in Maluku. Perhaps they are afraid of being accused of violating human rights in the region. Declaring a state of emergency in conflict-stricken Maluku would obviously save many lives and would also curb the spread of violence.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asia currencies seen strengthening in 2000
Asia currencies seen strengthening in 2000 SINGAPORE (Reuters): Robust global growth and a gradual pick- up in inflationary pressures should see most Asian currencies reaching for higher ground this year. A Reuters poll of 92 economists and dealers across Asia found that regional currencies are set to ride a wave of investment and asset inflows, leaving the worst of the crisis far behind.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Nike shift orders to Thai
Nike shift orders to Thai BANGKOK (AP): Political uncertainties in China and Indonesia have prompted U.S. shoemaker Nike Inc. to almost double its orders of sports shoes from Thailand, a newspaper said Saturday. With three million pairs of shoes on order this year, Thailand would become the third largest supplier for the sports wear giant. The Nation said Thailand's share of Nike's worldwide orders would increase to 15 percent from last year's 12 percent, thereby moving ahead of Vietnam.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Administration postpones Betawi dance festival
Administration postpones Betawi dance festival JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has announced it will postpone the staging of a national Betawi traditional dance festival to allow for further preparation. The festival, organized jointly with the Artist Solidarity Foundation (YAS), was earlier set to be held on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
China approves Toyota's plan
China approves Toyota's plan TOKYO (AFP): Beijing has approved Toyota Motor Corp.'s plan to assemble cars jointly with a local partner, a daily said Saturday. China's national development planning committee approved an application filed jointly by the top Japanese carmaker and Tianjin Automotive Industrial (Group) Co., the Tokyo Shimbun said, quoting Tianjin Automotive officials.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
President Abdurrahman to go abroad again
President Abdurrahman to go abroad again JAKARTA (JP): Indonesians will again be without their elected President for much of February and March, as he plans to make two separate foreign tours, encompassing 16 countries. President Abdurrahman Wahid confirmed that he will be leaving for Saudi Arabia on Jan. 28, where he will make a two-day official visit and go on an umrah (minor pilgrimage). He will then fly to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
U.S. business mission due in Jakarta
U.S. business mission due in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A delegation from 30 American companies is scheduled to make a three-day visit here beginning on Tuesday to meet with Indonesia's new political leadership, ministers, legislators and local businesspeople. The business mission will be led by Michael Gadbaw, chairman of the U.S.-Indonesia Business Committee, and Ernest Z. Bower, president of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. "Our upcoming mission will underscore the solid commitment of the U.S.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Federation calls on govt to investigate Medan CPO theft
Federation calls on govt to investigate Medan CPO theft JAKARTA (JP): The Federation of Palm Oil Producers and the House of Representatives have called on the government to resolve rampant crude palm oil (CPO) theft in Medan, North Sumatra, to regain importers' confidence in the local product. The federation's chairman, Derom Bangun, said several executives of local CPO producers had met with government officials in the Netherlands, where tainted Indonesian CPO was found, to resolve the problem.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Genocide incompatible with religion and faith
Genocide incompatible with religion and faith The clashes in Maluku which have taken hundreds, maybe thousands, of lives continue unabated. The following article is based on an interview with the Catholic bishop of Maluku, Monsignor Petrus Canisius Mandagi. How do you explain the year-long clashes between Muslims and Christians in the Maluku islands? The conflict must be placed in a wider context. We cannot view it in a regional context only but in a national or even international context.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
More dead in Maluku despite govt pledge
More dead in Maluku despite govt pledge JAKARTA (JP): The government's pledge for quick and tough action to cope with the year-long turbulence in Maluku met with another uphill challenge on Sunday as fresh violence broke out in Central Maluku. At least three civilians were killed and four security personnel injured when neighboring residents of Wakal and Hitu villages locked their horns in an armed clash. Maluku military Commander Brig. Gen.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Listen to the people's voice
Listen to the people's voice From Rakyat Merdeka The National Unity Cabinet under President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, and Vice President Megawati, has not demonstrated any significant achievements after almost 100 days has passed. This clearly shows how crucial the role of a president is, particularly in the beginning of the reform era. Gus Dur has been known before as a leader who often launches a concept or exercises a maneuver outside the political arena.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Achievements since 1945?
Achievements since 1945? Last month, under the drive of Glenn Yusuf, the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) seized 14 hectares of land belonging to one of Siti Hardiayanti's, or "Mbak" Tutut's, companies. What an achievement! IBRA got the land at a price of around Rp 1,500,000 per square meter (certainly with an indirect plus value for Tutut's company) to recover some of the money due to one (only one!) company belonging to the family of Soeharto.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Dutch foreign minister here on two-day visit
Dutch foreign minister here on two-day visit JAKARTA (JP): Dutch foreign minister Jozias Van Aartsen arrived here for a two-day visit on Sunday evening to acquaint himself with Indonesia's new Cabinet and to seek clarification on the ongoing violence in Maluku.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Salim's unit to expand supermarket chain
Salim's unit to expand supermarket chain SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): QAF Ltd., a Singapore food company controlled by Indonesia's Salim group, expects to top analysts' estimates for 1999 profit, and plans to expand its supermarket chain in the city state and elsewhere in Asia. QAF, which makes bread under the Gardenia brand and operates the Shop N Save chain of supermarkets in Singapore, is expected by analysts to have earned 4.1 cents a shares last year.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Opposition grows over govt plan on pay hike
Opposition grows over govt plan on pay hike JAKARTA (JP): Respected Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid joined over the weekend the swell of opposition to the government's plan to give sizable raises to senior state and government officials. Nurcholish said he did not understand how the government had the moral courage to ask for such steep raises at a time when the national economy was mired in crisis and the state budget was in distress.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Korean viciously stabbed to death
Korean viciously stabbed to death JAKARTA (JP): A South Korean was viciously murdered by a man, believed to be of the same nationality, following a verbal dispute outside a karaoke music club in Curug, Tangerang, early on Sunday morning, an officer said. Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto identified the victim as Kim Gai Jun, 35, who worked for PT Coriteknomik in Cukang Galih village in Curug. Police have named the suspect as Jang Yung Un, who is currently at large.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's govt fragile: Observers, intellectuals
Gus Dur's govt fragile: Observers, intellectuals JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's government and Cabinet has a lot to do with the absence of opposition parties, according to political observers and intellectuals. Nurcholish Madjid, a noted Muslim intellectual, said that despite its legitimacy, the current government was quite fragile and this had a lot to do with the personality of Abdurrahman, who is widely recognized as a reconciliation figure.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asia rice exporters see tougher times this year
Asia rice exporters see tougher times this year BANGKOK (Reuters): Key Asian rice exporters see tougher times this year as supplies are growing, competition is getting stiffer and demand from major importer Indonesia may be hit by a new 30 percent tax levied on imports. This means newer markets may need to be pried open and access to African and Latin American consumers expanded, exporters said.
Mon, 17 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Timor Gap oil treaty discussion in Dili
Timor Gap oil treaty discussion in Dili DILI, East Timor (AFP): East Timorese and international officials met Sunday to discuss a Timor Gap oil treaty that could be signed by the end of February. The conference at a Dili hotel leased by the United Nations has attracted about 50 geologists, lawyers, engineers, economists and other experts from Australia, the United Nations, Portugal, Mozambique and East Timor.