Archive: 21 January 2000
47 articles found
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Garuda flights continue
Garuda flights continue SYDNEY (Dow Jones): Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier of Indonesia, said Thursday its 30 weekly flights from Australia to Bali, a popular tourist destination, have been unaffected by violence in the neighboring island of Lombok. "As Bali is unaffected by the current unrest in Lombok, our flights continue as scheduled. There are no signs of cancellations of bookings," said Agus Priyanto, Garuda's general manager in New South Wales state.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Increase in defense budget sparks debate
Increase in defense budget sparks debate JAKARTA (JP): Legislators and observers were divided on Thursday about the government's plan to increase the security and defense budget, justified as necessary to enhance law enforcement and maintain stability. Aberson Marle Sihaloho, an outspoken legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), said there was no urgency in increasing the security allocation when most people continued to live in poverty.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Kwik supports IBRA bid to replace Astra management
Kwik supports IBRA bid to replace Astra management JAKARTA (JP): Kwik Kian Gie said here on Thursday he supported IBRA's bid to replace the management of publicly-listed PT Astra International in order to push through the sale of its 40 percent stake in the company.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
What's new in the IMF program?
What's new in the IMF program? By John Dodsworth JAKARTA (JP): Amid the many social and political developments of the past few days, one could miss the significance of yesterday's announcement of a new IMF letter of intent (LoI) and the proposals for the FY2000 budget. Economic policy has tended to lose definition and momentum, and generally taken a back seat, over the long period of political transition from the previous government.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Calm returns to Lombok as death toll hits five
Calm returns to Lombok as death toll hits five MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): Uneasy calm returned to Lombok island on Thursday as police announced the death toll rose to five in the four days of riots. The provincial police spokesman, Capt. Agus Sutisna, said security personnel shot dead two men identified as Rum, 40, and Seni, 35, who were from Karang Buaya village in Ampenan, and an unidentified man during a mob attack and looting on a church on Jl. Asah at about 8:45 p.m.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Trade in pirated VCDs, CDs unchecked by laws
Trade in pirated VCDs, CDs unchecked by laws By Emma Cameron JAKARTA (JP): Hands up everyone who ever bought a pirated VCD or CD. We're not talking covert meetings with shifty looking men in trenchcoats and sunglasses. Anyone who wants a cheap CD has to look no further than the street vendors of Glodok Plaza or their local shopping mall. For something that is supposed to be illegal, the openness of trade in pirated music and videos is quite remarkable.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
U.S. extradition request watched
U.S. extradition request watched MANILA (AFP): Washington's request for the extradition of a fugitive friend of President Joseph Estrada is being closely watched by other governments as a test of the countries' bilateral relations, a foreign department spokesman said on Thursday. The case of fugitive Mark Jimenez was "of vital importance since many countries are monitoring the case closely to see if the Philippines will honor its obligations under the (Philippine)-U.S.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * 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. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Jan. 25.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police warn of new approach in auto theft from residences
Police warn of new approach in auto theft from residences JAKARTA (JP): The city police has identified a new method used by auto theft gangs in their operation in the greater Jakarta area, an officer said on Thursday. "The criminals managed to lift the front gates of residential houses and made off with the vehicles without making noises that could alert the owners," Jakarta Police detectives chief Col, Alex Bambang Riatmodjo told a media briefing.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Floods destroy potato field
Floods destroy potato field WONOSOBO, Central Java: Continuous heavy rains in the past couple of days have deluged the mountainous area of Dieng near here, damaging over 100 hectares of potato field. The villages worst hit by the freak floods were Patakbanteng and Parikesit, both are situated in Kejajar district. The water level, at a height of half a meter, has destroyed all of the crops. "It's strange because it has never happened before," Slamet Rudi, a village chief, said.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Summers promises more support for Indonesia
Summers promises more support for Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers promised on Thursday to give more technical and financial support to Indonesia if the country continued with its political and economic reform program. "In the context of continued reforms, the U.S.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Wary ethnic Chinese plan subdued celebration
Wary ethnic Chinese plan subdued celebration JAKARTA (JP): In anticipation of the presence of intruders at mass gatherings of people and the possible spreading of religious conflicts to the capital, Chinese Indonesians in the city vow to celebrate the Chinese New Year (Imlek) in a modest mood this year.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Persma outshines PSIS 2-1
Persma outshines PSIS 2-1 PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Persma Manado of North Sulawesi surprisingly outclassed defending champion PSIS Semarang 2-1 in the sixth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) at Jendral Soedirman University soccer field here on Thursday. Persma's foreign player Maboang Kessack began the victorious day with his first goal in the 8th minute of the first half. Substitute Anton Wahyudi of PSIS equalized in the 52nd minute. Persma intensified its attack.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's balance of payments 1998/1999-2000 (in million of U.S. dollars)
Indonesia's balance of payments 1998/1999-2000 (in million of U.S. dollars) Description 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000 (realized) (estimate) (projection) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Exports of goods, fob 48,354 54,151 41,552 a. Non oil and gas 41,068 42,940 33,549 b. Oil and LNG 7,286 11,211 8,003 2. Imports of goods, fob -30,707 -32,934 -27,284 a. Non oil and non gas -27,870 -28,680 -24.051 b. Oil and LNG -2,837 -4,254 -3,233 3.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Lippo launches debit card
Lippo launches debit card JAKARTA (JP): Visa International and Lippo Bank announced here on Thursday the introduction of the Lippobank Visa Electron card, the first signature-based debit card in Indonesia. Visa said that the Lippobank Visa Electron card enabled all levels of Indonesian society to enjoy the convenience, security and acceptance of a Visa Card without the need to pay credit.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Three foreigners buried here
Three foreigners buried here JAKARTA (JP): Three of the five black Africans, who were shot dead during a drug raid in South Jakarta last week, were buried on Thursday at Pondok Rangon cemetery in East Jakarta. Chief of city police detectives, Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo, said they decided to bury the three men -- Moussa Sulaiman Damola, Ibrahim Muhammed and Mvemeui Jhola Oladi -- here because of their ambiguous identity.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
DHL opens new drop center
DHL opens new drop center JAKARTA (JP): PT Birotika Semesta/DHL Worldwide Express officially opened here on Thursday a 24-hour drop center as part of its commitment to its customers. The air express service company said the new drop center, located in the Mustika Ratu building in Central Jakarta, brought its total number of drop centers in Indonesia to 18. The company also has 66 service centers in the country.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
State budget aims to revive economy
State budget aims to revive economy JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's government unveiled on Thursday its first state budget aimed at rebuilding the crippled banking sector, stamping out corruption and placating separatist movements in resource-rich provinces. The April-December 2000 budget draft still relies heavily on foreign loans, despite attempts to boost domestic revenue but allocates much bigger appropriations for the provinces.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Akbar supports hike in civil servants' pay
Akbar supports hike in civil servants' pay JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung praised the government's plan to raise the salaries of civil servants and estimated that the submitted draft budget could probably tolerate an increase to about 30 percent. "I think a 30 percent increase for the salaries of civil servants is the best figure," Akbar said.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Price the selling point for VCDs
Price the selling point for VCDs By Pandaya JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian law prohibits it, the West keeps condemning it, but the common people love it. The illegal business of pirated Video Compact Discs (VCDs) is a robust one. The supposedly illegal VCDs are available almost anywhere that there is shopping, from glittery shopping malls to the flimsy video rentals in narrow alleys in Jakarta and other cities across Indonesia.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ant-dumping ruling hits RI
Ant-dumping ruling hits RI WASHINGTON (AF): The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a final anti-dumping ruling against steel plate imports from France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
NU figure named deputy governor
NU figure named deputy governor SEMARANG: The Central Java chief of Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama, Achmad, has been named the deputy governor for administrative affairs here replacing Hartono, who died last October. "Achmad has a good track record and is a popular community leader. He was twice elected as regent, too. So we have no doubt of his credibility," M. Toyfoer, deputy speaker of the provincial legislature said on Thursday.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 20, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 800 25 76,000 Alakasa Industrindo 525 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,100 25 7,226,500 Alter Abadi 400 0 5,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 25 15,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 525 25 5,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,350 75 3,299,000 Anwar Sierad 375 25 751,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Military, police chiefs told to keep capital free of unrest
Military, police chiefs told to keep capital free of unrest BOGOR (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto said on Thursday that he had ordered Jakarta military and police chiefs to work together to stop any possible unrest from happening in the capital.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
PDI anniversary in Senayan
PDI anniversary in Senayan JAKARTA (JP): Organizers are expecting that more than 120,000 members and participants will flock the 27th anniversary of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) on Jan. 27 afternoon at the Senayan Main Stadium in Central Jakarta, an executive said on Thursday. "President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri will attend the anniversary," organizing chairman Pantas Nainggolan said at City Council.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Praise and criticism for draft state budget
Praise and criticism for draft state budget JAKARTA (JP): The nine-month state budget unveiled by the government on Thursday received mixed reactions from legislators and economic observers. Many economists and legislators described the draft budget, which will be effective from April to December, as realistic, while many others doubted whether the economic targets could be achieved.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Careful with foreign investment
Careful with foreign investment How to attract foreign investment without harming the country? We need good negotiators who will not let themselves be bamboozled. In addition, businesspeople and government officials, including their cronies, must refrain from interfering in favor of certain parties. Experience shows that this kind of interference can be so strong that our negotiators are forced to give in to it.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta court puts an end to Paiton lawsuit
Jakarta court puts an end to Paiton lawsuit JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court decided on Thursday to end the legal process of the dispute between state- owned electricity company PT PLN and independent power producer PT Paiton Energy at the request of the state company. "We have submitted a mandate from PLN to revoke the lawsuit that we had filed against Paiton in court.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Jan. 20, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Irian tribe loyal to RI
Irian tribe loyal to RI JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Amid the cries for independence that have prevailed in this province, the Malamoi tribe in Sorong regency have pledged their loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia. Yulius Klagison, the head of the Malamoi tribe's consultative body, said early this week demands for independence were voiced by those with vested interests. "Do not provoke the poor with independence demands. The campaign is just fought by people who are pursuing their own goals," he said.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Minister says public must aid sports drive
Minister says public must aid sports drive JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela called on the public on Thursday to help make up for a cut in funds for sports development in the proposed 2000 budget. Sinambela was commenting on the draft budget announced by the government on Thursday morning. In the proposed budget, funding for sports development is cut from Rp 60.73 billion (US$8.32 million) in last year's budget to Rp 23.87 billion.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Compromise budget
Compromise budget The 2000 budget, the first prepared by President Abdurrahman Wahid's administration, appears to be the best compromise spending plan the government can draw up amid the persistent economic woes and social instability in several provinces which have adversely affected local resource-based industries.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
S. Kalimantan endorses bylaw banning alcohol
S. Kalimantan endorses bylaw banning alcohol By Suriani BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (Antara): This predominantly Muslim province has already made an historic move this year. The legislative council has endorsed a bylaw that bans alcoholic drinks -- making South Kalimantan the first province to have formally banned alcohol.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asian shares cautious but generally higher
Asian shares cautious but generally higher TOKYO (AFP): Stocks in Asia took heart Thursday from a strong rise on Wall Street's technology index but remained wary over the possibility of higher U.S. interest rates, dealers said. Singapore, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur all posted strong gains on domestic factors but the rest of the region took a more cautious approach.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bintan resort area `peaceful'
Bintan resort area `peaceful' SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The situation at Indonesia's Bintan Industrial Estate, which has been the target of protests by local villagers, was peaceful Thursday, said estate manager SembCorp Industries Ltd. SembCorp said 150 security personnel were guarding the estate, which houses 27 factories producing electronics, textiles and other goods, and that the estate was operating normally.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
On Indonesia and the U.S.
On Indonesia and the U.S. Mr. Karl Fritz has embarrassed himself and the U.S. Embassy by his strange, irrelevancy-filled response (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 18, 2000: Indonesia and U.S.) to Mr. Frank Richardson's recent articles on the CIA's involvement in Soeharto's long, totalitarian control over the Indonesian people. Instead of offering a factual rebuttal, Mr. Fritz engages in name-calling. Perhaps there is no credible factual rebuttal available?
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Taufik, Marlev advance in Taipei Open quarterfinals
Taufik, Marlev advance in Taipei Open quarterfinals JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat and Marlev Mainaky cruised to the quarterfinals of badminton's five-star Chinese Taipei Open, while teammates Budi Santoso and Hariyanto Arbi bowed out in action on Thursday. Fifth seeded Taufik defeated veteran Malaysian shuttler Ong Ewe Hock 15-7, 15-9, while Marlev sweated out his victory over South Korean qualifier Son Seung-mo 13-15, 15-6, 15-3.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Immigration detains my husband
Immigration detains my husband My husband has been detained at the detention facility of immigration office in Kalideres, West Jakarta, since June 15, 1998, and since Oct. 20, 1999, has been kept in a cell at the same facility. So far two officers from the immigration office in Jl. Rasuna Said have come twice to the facility (Nov. 3, 1999, and Nov. 22, 1999,) and met with my husband. They stated that my husband was not guilty of overstaying in the country.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah leads mild rally in regional currencies
Rupiah leads mild rally in regional currencies SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Indonesian rupiah led a mild rally in regional currencies Thursday as the government signed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund that will pave the way for fresh loans to the country. Regional currencies also got a boost from gains on equities markets across Asia and from positive economic news from Singapore, which reported that non-oil domestic exports in December jumped 25 percent on year.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Malang killing spree claims another victim
Malang killing spree claims another victim SURABAYA (JP): The killing spree in the city of Malang, East Java, continued with the murder of a 10th victim, a 45-year-old mother of five, police confirmed on Friday. The victim, a resident of Pringgandani village in Bantur district, was killed in her home by a group of attackers at 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday in front of two of her children, Malang Police chief Lt. Col. Herry Prastowo said.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia signs new Letter of Intent with IMF
Indonesia signs new Letter of Intent with IMF The following is the first part of the complete text of the new Letter of Intent signed by the Indonesian government and the International Monetary Fund on Thursday. The second part of the text will appear on Friday. Jakarta, Indonesia January 20, 2000 Government of Indonesia and Bank Indonesia Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies Medium-Term Strategy and Policies for 1999/2000 and 2000 I. INTRODUCTION 1.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
President unveils new budget...
President unveils new budget... President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri unveiled the 2000 draft state budget to the House of Representatives' plenary session in Jakarta on Jan. 20. Excerpts of the budget are as follows: The year 2000 draft state budget is the draft for the first year budget which has been drawn up pursuant to the 1999-2004 State Policy Guidelines.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police search for swindlers
Police search for swindlers MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police here continued their search for the owners and management of multilevel marketing company PT Banyumas Mulia Abadi, which has allegedly embezzled billions of rupiah of their customers' money. "We are keeping up our efforts to find them and bring the people's money back," North Sumatra Police spokesman Lt. Col. Amrin Karim said. Former customers of the company have been desperately trying to recover their money for months.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Trial in Aceh to start in late January: Hasballah
Trial in Aceh to start in late January: Hasballah JAKARTA (JP): Eighteen military personnel and two civilians will be tried before a joint military-civilian panel of six judges later this month for the alleged murders of 65 people in West Aceh in July. State Minister of Human Rights Affairs Hasballah M. Saad did not give an exact date for the trial, but confirmed that it would be held in Sabang at the end of the month.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian palm oil braces for tough 2000
Malaysian palm oil braces for tough 2000 KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's palm oil production grew faster than exports last year amid weakening prices and the scenario may not improve in 2000, traders said on Thursday. Production jumped 27 percent in 1999, but exports, the trade's main concern, grew slower at 18 percent, the latest data from the Palm Oil Registration and Licensing Authority (PORLA) showed.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gunman robs bus passengers
Gunman robs bus passengers BOGOR (JP): A bus plying the Banjar-Jakarta route with 21 passengers on board was held up by an unidentified armed robber in the early hours on Thursday. After being able to keep the passengers silent, the sole hijacker then collected the valuable items from the travelers and grabbed the driver's cash of Rp 340,000. Witnesses said that the Batara bus arrived at about 12:30 a.m.
Fri, 21 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia signs accord with IMF, clearing way for new loans
Indonesia signs accord with IMF, clearing way for new loans JAKARTA (JP): The government and Bank Indonesia signed a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday, clearing the way for the fund to resume financial support to the country.