Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 January 2000

57 articles found

Governor warns to remiss taxi firms

Governor warns to remiss taxi firms JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso threatened on Wednesday to revoke licenses of any taxi firms if they were involved in any crimes. The warning was issued following the vicious rape in a Kotas (Koperasi Taksi Sepakat) taxi last Friday. "We have to punish all violators, no matter how small they are," he told reporters at City Hall. Sutiyoso said such punishment was needed, at least as a warning.

Officers badly hurt in drunken brawl over game

Officers badly hurt in drunken brawl over game JAKARTA (JP): Two Army officers and a marine officer of the Indonesian Military (TNI) suffered injuries in a drunken brawl over bets concerning who would win in a billiard game. The incident occurred at the Kramatjati Indah billiard center on Jl. Raya Bogor, East Jakarta, early on Wednesday morning, a city police spokesman said. Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said the officers, identified as First. Lt. Robbi and First. Lt. Mardiono of the Army, and Second.

Missing passport fogs Anwar's alibi

Missing passport fogs Anwar's alibi KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Lawyers for Malaysia's ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim ran into problems on Wednesday after his old passport was mislaid as they tried to prove he could not have sodomized his wife's former driver. Anwar and his co-accused Sukma Darmawan are charged with sodomizing Azizan Abu Bakar at Sukma's apartment "one night at 7:45 p.m., between January and March 1993".

Govt drafts rules on mining authority under autonomy law

Govt drafts rules on mining authority under autonomy law JAKARTA (JP): A regulation on the delegation of authority in the mining and energy sector is being prepared to support the implementation of the autonomy law, a senior minister said here on Tuesday. Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Wednesday that such a regulation was necessary to prevent misunderstandings among the central, provincial and regency governments.

Accor picks Miss Novotel

Accor picks Miss Novotel JAKARTA (JP): French hotel operator Accor Asia Pacific said on Tuesday that it would hold the grand final of the Miss Novotel tourism Ambassador Contest 1999 on Jan. 28. Accor's director of operations for Indonesia Oswald Pichler said local contests were held simultaneously in all 12 Novotel hotels across the country.

PAN's pre-congress session starts

PAN's pre-congress session starts YOGYAKARTA: Some 3,000 National Mandate Party (PAN) supporters attended a post-Idul Fitri celebration on Wednesday night, marking the opening of a preliminary meeting of the party's first congress to be held here next month. In his address, the party's chairman, Amien Rais, criticized President Abdurrahman Wahid's government for its inappropriate and unwise handling of the year-long sectarian conflict in Maluku.

Government assesses 'power' to nail corrupt tycoons

Government assesses 'power' to nail corrupt tycoons JAKARTA (JP): Finance minister Bambang Sudibyo said on Wednesday the three-month old government was still assessing whether it had the "real political power" to put behind bars the "powerful" businessmen responsible for creating the messy banking sector and burdening tax payers.

S'pore dollar, rupiah lead currency slide

S'pore dollar, rupiah lead currency slide HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Falls in the Singapore dollar and the Indonesian rupiah dragged other Southeast Asian currencies lower Wednesday. North Asian currencies were unaffected, with the Korean won closing flat on the day, and the New Taiwan dollar edging higher. The weakness of the Singapore dollar over recent sessions has taken many market participants by surprise.

Peace in Aceh, how soon?

Peace in Aceh, how soon? President Abdurrahman Wahid's assurance that the unrest in Aceh, this country's westernmost province, will before long belong in the past cannot have failed to hearten many Indonesians, not in the least those tens of thousands, security officers and ordinary people alike, whose lives have in one way or another been sadly affected by the decade-long strife in the territory.

Soccer body to initiate gradual training method

Soccer body to initiate gradual training method JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) will introduce a gradual training method to ensure sustainability in grooming young players for the national soccer team. PSSI's official in charge of athletes' development, Nurdin Halid, told a media briefing Wednesday that the new method allowed the national team coach to cooperate with coaches from local clubs to select young players to join the seniors on the national team.

Government applies sticker visa system

Government applies sticker visa system JAKARTA (JP): The government has begun to use sticker visas to replace the commonly used stamped seals as a measure to curb rampant forged visas being used to enter the country. Director General of Immigration Muhammad Mudakir said here on Wednesday that the new rule has been in effect since Jan. 17 in Indonesian embassies in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Beijing.

Students attack police station

Students attack police station JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Hundreds of angry students from Cendrawasih University attacked a police station in Abepura, Irian Jaya on Tuesday, following a beating of one student by a police cadet. The students destroyed the building fences and windows, eye witnesses said. The incident was sparked by a group of people who teased and shouted dirty words to the cadet. Irritated, he turned around and punched one of the people.

Donors shift focus to Indonesia's forests

Donors shift focus to Indonesia's forests JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's forest management will be the main issue in next week's donors meeting in Jakarta, the World Bank's country director Mark Baird said on Wednesday. Baird noted that Indonesia's donors in the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) were very much concerned about rapid deforestation in the country, and would, therefore, demand the government stop it. In the consultative group's meeting on Feb. 1 and Feb.

Rumors surround retirement of Cabinet generals

Rumors surround retirement of Cabinet generals JAKARTA (JP): One of the four active Indonesian Military officers serving in the Cabinet hinted on Wednesday that documents officially retiring them from military service may already have been signed by President Abdurrahman Wahid. "Well that could very well be true," Minister of Mines and Energy Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono replied when asked by journalists if he was now officially retired from active duty.

Government delays shake-up of state companies

Government delays shake-up of state companies JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid postponed on Wednesday plans to remove the management of eight state companies to allow their slated replacements to undergo fit and proper tests and meet other technical requirements. State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said Abdurrahman had proposed several names for the top jobs at the state companies, but the selection was not yet final.

Hun Sen stifles talk of new king

Hun Sen stifles talk of new king PHNOM PENH (Reuters): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday urged a halt to all talk about how King Norodom Sihanouk's successor will be chosen and who the new king might be. Hun Sen said talking of the 77-year-old monarch's successor was tantamount to tempting fate and should be avoided under any circumstances.

Most Central Java athletes unfit

Most Central Java athletes unfit JAKARTA (JP): Physical tests showed that 95 percent of Central Java's athletes, preparing to compete in the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya in June, had below-standard fitness. The official in charge of research and development for the Central Java chapter of the National Sports Council (KONI), M Sajoto, said on Wednesday that the poor results of the test reflected a lack of seriousness by the athletes to maintain their physical condition.

RP: Cautions taken on US troops stay

RP: Cautions taken on US troops stay MANILA (AP): The Philippines and the United States have set in place safeguards to prevent any abuses by U.S. troops during the first major joint military exercises in five years, officials said on Wednesday. The two longtime allies will resume large-scale joint exercises in the Philippines next week after reaching agreement last year on criminal jurisdiction over visiting American troops.

Government told to take action in Maluku

Government told to take action in Maluku JAKARTA (JP): Stern measures to restore order and security in restive Maluku and North Maluku are a prerequisite for peace there, intellectuals concluded on Wednesday. Catholic intellectual and priest Frans Magnis Suseno said order and security would bring the conducive climate needed for all parties to seek a peaceful and complete solution to the protracted conflict, which has left thousands dead since it first erupted in mid-January last year.

Villagers clash over swallow nests

Villagers clash over swallow nests PADANG, West Sumatra: Dozens have been injured as residents of two neighboring districts in Solok, some 60 kilometers southeast of here, fought for the rights to a cave rich with swallow nests. Four people were reportedly killed in clashes that erupted on Sunday and continued on Monday, but there was no confirmation from local authorities or hospitals.

Bank Mandiri set for full online banking in July

Bank Mandiri set for full online banking in July JAKARTA (JP): Online banking will be available by the end of July to customers of the four state banks merged into Bank Mandiri, its president said on Wednesday. At a gathering with local journalists, Robby Djohan acknowledged the four banks still used their own information technology (IT) networks, preventing customers from one branch of a former state bank from doing online banking with a branch of another state bank.

Police suspect veteran robbers of Tuesday's armed robbery

Police suspect veteran robbers of Tuesday's armed robbery JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Police detectives strongly suspect two men as the culprits of Tuesday's afternoon armed robbery in which the two suspects robbed a couple of Rp 68 million (US$9067). The incident occurred in the parking lot of a car showroom on Jl. Buncit Raya in Pancoran. South Jakarta Police chief of detectives Maj. Rycko Amelza Daniel identified the men only as Sa and Mo. "Sa is a longtime robber who lives in Depok.

National Supercross C'ships begin

National Supercross C'ships begin JAKARTA (JP): The first leg of the 2000 Gudang Garam National Supercross Championships will kick off on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 in Banjar Ciamis, West Java. Promotor Helmy Sungar said in his fax that four favorite teams from Pertamina, Lippo Cikarang, Indria Sport and Aquaria have confirmed their intention to compete in the championships. Hendra Kumala, who is now competing under the banner of Pertamina, is one of favorites to win in the 125cc class.

Asian stocks end mixed with major markets up

Asian stocks end mixed with major markets up HONG KONG (AP): Asian stocks closed mixed Wednesday, with larger markets ending higher while fears of a rise in U.S. interest rates dragged down some smaller exchanges. Tokyo shares rose as investors bought high-tech and telecommunications shares. The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average climbed 215.66 points, or 1.14 percent, to close at 19,111.19. On Tuesday, the average closed down 161.18 points, or 0.85 percent.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Instalation Exhibition: Sepatu Lars at Komaneka Gallery, in Ubud, until February. Festival * Contemporary Theater Festival: Workshops, performances, at Sai Sai Bar, Jalan Monkey Forest, in Ubud, on March. For further information contact the organizer Provokator at 0361 975869 or e- mail g.gepeng@mailcity.com. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Jan. 26, 2000:

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Jan. 26, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Semen Cibinong gets ISO

Semen Cibinong gets ISO JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cement company PT Semen Cibinong received on Wednesday an ISO 14,001 certificate for its environmental management system from the Societe Generale de Surveillance International Certification Services (SGS-ICS) Indonesia. Semen Cibinong said in a statement that it became the first national cement company to receive such an ISO certificate from an international certification body.

Joger's business strategy fits to a tee

Joger's business strategy fits to a tee By Tarko Sudarno KUTA, Bali (JP): "Hello, good morning, selamat pagi," says Joseph Theodorus Wulianadi, popularly known as Mr. Joger, every time he answers the phone at his Kuta home, be it in the morning, noon or even midnight. He also keeps matters informal during a morning meeting with members of his staff at his Kuta store. The room is filled with jokes and laughter, with workers sitting in a semicircle facing their boss and his wife.

Let locals be heard

Let locals be heard After what Indonesia has had to endure these past two years, I've pretty much gotten used to the idea that many Western expatriates (especially fellow journalists) are merely sneering foreigners, whose written (or televised) observations on Indonesia are often little more than caricatures, even thinly veiled insults toward our education and life experiences.

Barong blends Balinese and Chinese cultures

Barong blends Balinese and Chinese cultures I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The Chinese New Year will fall next week (Feb.5, 2000), and many Balinese people are busy preparing various events to celebrate the event that was once banned in Indonesia. Among the events is the month-long Month of Oriental Classics, to be held at Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park in Bukit Ungasan, Jimbaran. During the Chinese New Year Eve on the night of Feb.

Overcapacity in forestry sector

Overcapacity in forestry sector By Agus Purnomo JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of the World Bank and bilateral donor countries met on Wednesday with Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie and Minister of Forestry and Plantations Nur Mahmudi Ismail to discuss the future of the country's forests.

Maluku violence spreads to Bacan

Maluku violence spreads to Bacan TERNATE, North Maluku (JP): At least 250 people from several villages have been evacuated to local military installations as communal clashes hit Bacan island in South Halmahera, a military officer said on Wednesday. The unrest came during the visit of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the territory, which has seen more than a year of conflict between Muslim and Christian communities. North Maluku military chief Lt. Col.

Question mark hangs over FSPC meeting

Question mark hangs over FSPC meeting JAKARTA (JP): The newly established Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC), which oversees the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, held its first meeting on Wednesday. But none of the committee members were willing to answer questions about was discussed during the meeting, held at the office of the National Development Planning Board.

Ex-FM heads debt task force

Ex-FM heads debt task force JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said on Tuesday the government had appointed former Finance Minister Bambang Subianto as the new Chairman of the Jakarta Initiative Task Force. "President Abdurrahman Wahid has told me about the appointment, and I myself have conveyed such news to Bambang (Subianto)," Kwik told journalists. Bambang Subianto would soon officially replace the outgoing chairman Jusuf Anwar.

PPP chairman's house robbed

PPP chairman's house robbed BOGOR (JP): A group of robbers ransacked the house of Hamzah Haz, chairman the United Development Party (PPP) in Kebon Pedes of Tanah Sareal district, North Bogor in the wee hours on Wednesday. Hamzah's son, Mulya, said the robbers broke through the window on the side of the house.

CIA chief confusion

CIA chief confusion According to Mr. Frank Richardson's second article The U.S.: A party to mass murder? in The Jakarta Post of Jan. 14, 2000, then CIA director William E. Colby was pleased with the abortive coup by the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) in 1965. But was Colby the CIA director at the time? The World Almanac and Book of Facts 1995 lists the CIA director in 1965 as John A. McCone or Adm. William F. Raborn Jr. Colby was the CIA director in 1973 when Richard M. Nixon was U.S.

Medco buys two oil fields

Medco buys two oil fields JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed oil and gas company PT Medco Energy Corporation has acquired a majority stake in two oil and gas fields located in East Kalimantan and Madura. Medco reported Tuesday that it had signed an agreement to purchase a 75 percent stake in Western Simenggaris Petroleum Pty. Limited, which runs the East Kalimantan oil and gas field, and another 75 percent stake in Western Madura Pty. Limited which operates the Madura oil and gas field.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 26, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 850 -25 15,000 Alakasa Industrindo 525 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,025 50 767,500 Alter Abadi 400 0 44,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 0 138,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 525 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,350 -25 1,487,000 Anwar Sierad 375 0 206,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Clipan to issue bonds

Clipan to issue bonds JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed finance company PT Clipan Finance will issue bonds worth between Rp 100 billion and Rp 150 billion (about US$20.5 million) to strengthen its consumer financing activities. The company said in a statement that the bonds would be offered to the public in the middle of this year after all rating requirements were completed.

Russia to launch RI satellite

Russia to launch RI satellite MOSCOW (AFP): Russia is to put a Indonesian communication satellite in orbit on Feb. 12 after pushing back its launch several times because of technical problems, the ITAR-TASS news agency reported Tuesday, citing the Russian Space Agency. The US-made satellite, which had originally been scheduled for a lift-off last October, will be launched from Baikonur in Kazakhstan using Russia's Proton-K rocket.

G-15 chamber of commerce declares 2000 year of SMEs

G-15 chamber of commerce declares 2000 year of SMEs JAKARTA (JP): The Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Services (FCCI) from the Group of 15 developing countries has declared 2000 as the year of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). The federation, which held their 3rd annual meeting in Cirebon, West Java, on Sunday and Monday, noted in a declaration that SMEs had and would remain goods suppliers and service providers for large businesses and even multinational corporations.

Eros says he is ready to lead PDI-Perjuangan

Eros says he is ready to lead PDI-Perjuangan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Eros Djarot, chief editor of weekly tabloid Detak, asserted his readiness to be nominated chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-Perjuangan) replacing Megawati Soekarnoputri who is now Indonesia's Vice President. The party is set to elect a new chairman when it holds a congress in Semarang, Central Java, on March 26.

Roche protests court's sequestration ruling

Roche protests court's sequestration ruling JAKARTA (JP): Drug company PT Roche Indonesia, an affiliate of Swiss firm Roche, protested on Wednesday the South Jakarta District Court's decision to sequester its assets at the request of drug distributor PT Perusahaan Dagang Tempo in a distribution rights dispute.

Kalla questions recommendation to close Indorayon

Kalla questions recommendation to close Indorayon JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Jusuf Kalla said on Wednesday the decision on whether or not to close down pulp and rayon fiber producer PT Inti Indorayon Utama should be made by the court. Kalla said the government should bring the case to court so that a legal resolution to the disputed industrial activities could be attained. "It's not right to close the mill on the grounds of a minister's recommendation.

Darvies paints bleak pictures of cultural decline

Darvies paints bleak pictures of cultural decline By Susi Andrini YOGYAKARTA (JP): Onde-onde lalanuk sanjo (Gee, sunset has past). The lyric of a Minang song features in one of Darvies Rasjidin's paintings, which laments the local cultural decadence that prevails in his homeland due to the irresistible spread of global civilization. Rasjidin, a Minang native and has only one arm, presents 32 paintings in an exhibition at the Fort of Vredeburg that will last until Jan. 28.

Four rebels killed in Aceh

Four rebels killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Four rebels were killed in the latest joint military and police operation to crush the strongholds of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and arrest its leader Ahmad Kandang, police claimed on Wednesday. While raids were taking place in North Aceh and South Aceh on Tuesday, First Sgt. Ramli Yahya of the police intelligence unit was stabbed to death on his way home in Berandang village, also in North Aceh. North Aceh Police chief Lt. Col.

Isrok's name comes up in drug hearing

Isrok's name comes up in drug hearing JAKARTA (JP): In an unprecedented move, the sole defendant in a drug case, Donny Hendrian, publicly mentioned the original name of an accomplice who was arrested along with him in a drug bust in August last year. Donny told a hearing at the West Jakarta District Court that the accomplice's real name was Second. Lt. Agus Isrok, a member of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus). "There is no such person as Deky Setiawan.

PBSI sets special team for Uber Cup semifinal match

PBSI sets special team for Uber Cup semifinal match JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) demonstrated its desire to reach the Uber Cup finals by establishing a special team of coaches, PBSI officials, psychologists, a professional motivator, masseurs and medical doctors to support its shuttlers.

Committee established to evaluate regional autonomy

Committee established to evaluate regional autonomy JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday that the city administration and City Council would establish a joint working committee to evaluate and speed up the implementation of regional autonomy, including a handover of the central government's assets.

New provinces invited to see plenary meeting

New provinces invited to see plenary meeting JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) is inviting new provinces to observe its two-day national plenary meeting on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 here. The council's spokesman Ahmed Solihin told reporters on Wednesday that KONI's organizational department could approach new provinces, such as North Maluku, and offer the opportunity for their sports officials to join KONI.

Five researchers get Unesco award

Five researchers get Unesco award BOGOR (JP): Five young researchers and environmentalists received a Man and Biosphere (MAB) Award from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) on Tuesday for their outstanding contribution in their field of work.

National athletes granted exemption from exit tax

National athletes granted exemption from exit tax JAKARTA (JP): National athletes will be exempt from the exit tax, starting early this year, each time they represent Indonesia in international championships abroad. A letter from the Tax Directorate General, numbered S- 168/PJ.41/1999 and dated Dec. 31, 1999, said athletes competing abroad would not have to pay the exit tax as long as they brought a recommendation letter from the Office of State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

IBRA raises more than Rp 12t from asset sales

IBRA raises more than Rp 12t from asset sales JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has raised more than Rp 12 trillion (US$1.64 billion) in cash from asset sales and loan recoveries, according to the agency's deputy chairman Arwin Rasyid. "The total proceeds raised by IBRA as of January is between Rp 12 trillion-Rp 13 trillion.

Young choreographers preserve 'legong'

Young choreographers preserve 'legong' By Kadek Suartaya DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The dancers moved elegantly, performing a legong dance depicting the passionate love of Shiva, the god of for his wife, the goddess of Durga. The legong dance entitled Nila Semara was a rechoreography of a classical legong dance which is now in danger of disappearing.

UNTAET unwilling to cooperate with KPP HAM: Dillon

UNTAET unwilling to cooperate with KPP HAM: Dillon JAKARTA (JP): A senior member of the Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations (KPP HAM) in East Timor has complained that UNTAET has been uncooperative in uncovering alleged rights violations in the territory. "I am disappointed that UNTAET (the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor) is unwilling to share evidence and testimony that could provide crucial knowledge for us," H.S.

Lecturer drowns in flood

Lecturer drowns in flood JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta marine officers fished the drowned body of a female law lecturer at the private Pancasila University from the Grogol river which flows by the Pondok Indah golf course. The body, identified as Musmarini Wiati, 58, was found about 200 meters from where the victim's Toyota Corona silver sedan was submerged in a sudden flood near a bridge opposite the Wisma Arum Manis housing complex in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta.

Israeli envoy meets top legislators

Israeli envoy meets top legislators JAKARTA (JP): Israel took the initiative in responding to President Abdurrahman Wahid's desire to open trade ties with the Jewish state by lobbying top legislators here on Wednesday. Visiting Israeli Ambassador to Singapore David Danieli met separately with People's Consultative Assembly Deputy Speaker Matori Abdul Djalil and House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung to discuss the possibility of opening trade ties between the two states.