Archive: 3 January 2000
40 articles found
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
HK businessmen eye RI
HK businessmen eye RI JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong businessmen in a meeting with Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri in Shang-LA hotel, Hong Kong, Thursday said they were interested to invest in Indonesia. The Indonesian Consulate General in a press release Friday said the businessmen asked the vice president about sectors that could receive foreign investment.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
TNI: A loose cannon
TNI: A loose cannon Maj. Gen. Sudradjat's interpretation of the 1945 Constitution has confirmed what many people in this country fear: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has become a loose cannon which is accountable to no one but itself.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
China's reserves US$154.7b
China's reserves US$154.7b BEIJING (AFP): China's foreign exchange reserves reached US$154.7 billion by Dec. 31, 1999, up $9.7 billion from the same date a year ago, state media has said. The Xinhua news agency said late Saturday the exchange rate of the Chinese currency, Renminbi, remained stable over the past year at 8.3 yuan against the U.S. dollar. Experts attributed the growth in reserves to measures taken by the Beijing to encourage exports and crack down on smuggling, the agency said.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asian banks report smooth roll into the new millennium
Asian banks report smooth roll into the new millennium SINGAPORE (Reuters): Banks in the Asia Pacific region on Saturday reported a trouble-free entry into the new millennium, untouched so far by the much feared Y2K computer bug. Central banks in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong said they had experienced no glitches during the rollover.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police's arrest of Petrus unlawful: Court
Police's arrest of Petrus unlawful: Court JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court issued a ruling on Friday declaring the city police arrest of lawyer Petrus Bala Pattyona on Dec. 14 as unlawful. Judge Soedarto said in a hearing of a pretrial lawsuit that the city police did not have the authority to rule that the document, presented by Petrus before a separate hearing in the courtroom earlier, was fake.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
PPP developing into opposition party
PPP developing into opposition party From Rakyat Merdeka The absence of an opposition party during Soeharto's New Order allowed his government to act without effective control from outside. The role of an opposition party is vital in a democracy to check the government or act as a "sparring partner", to borrow Amien Rais' expression.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Inflation rate fell to 2.01% last year
Inflation rate fell to 2.01% last year JAKARTA (JP): Inflation rose to 1.73 percent in December from 0.25 percent in November, bringing inflation for 1999 to 2.01 percent, the Central Bureau of Statistics announced on Friday. The inflation rate in 1999 was just slightly higher than the 2 percent targeted by the government, but much lower than the 77.63 percent recorded in 1998.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
How to become maritime nation
How to become maritime nation JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has urged that the country become a seafaring nation in view of its geography and history. Historian Merle Ricklefs, a professor at the University of Melbourne and director of Asian Studies at its Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies, recently agreed to an e-mail interview with The Jakarta Post on the subject, on which he has conducted extensive research.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Investment in Myanmar rises
Investment in Myanmar rises YANGON (Reuters): Foreign direct investment approved in military-ruled Myanmar in the seven months to October 31 totaled a meager US$60.4 million, but represented an improvement on a dismal $24.95 million in the same period in 1998.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 4:00 News 4:30 Management Program 5:00 Ramadhan Program 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Koran Recital 9:40 Documentary 10:30 Talk Show 11:00 Film 12:00 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Noegroho says 'brochures provoked Doulos burning'
Noegroho says 'brochures provoked Doulos burning' JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said on Saturday that the arson attack on the Christian Doulos foundation late last year was in connection with anger sparked from the distribution of brochures on Christianity. He said police found during their investigation that the foundation handed out brochures and circulars on Christianity to local residents and schools.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
C. Maluku still tense after riots
C. Maluku still tense after riots JAKARTA (JP): More people perished as the protracted communal clashes in Maluku spread to Masohi, the main town of Seram island, over the weekend. Minor clashes and tension were reported on Sunday, although order has generally been restored on the Central Maluku island. There were conflicting versions of the death toll, with Antara putting it at 15 when the fighting broke out on Saturday.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
New Year party goes smoothly across nation
New Year party goes smoothly across nation BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): New Year celebrations generally passed peacefully across the country, except for two fatal attacks on security personnel in the troubled province of Aceh over the weekend. Second Sgt. Zulkifli, 35, a military officer, was killed on Saturday while Second Sgt. Zenda, 35, a policeman, died on Friday in separate armed assaults by unidentified groups in Pidie regency. In between the incidents Aceh Police chief Brig. Gen.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt maintains CPO price
Govt maintains CPO price JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided not to change the benchmark prices of crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivatives in January due to the commodity's stability last month.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pedicab drivers stage rally
Pedicab drivers stage rally JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of becak (pedicab) drivers staged a rally in front of the city council on Saturday, demanding Governor Sutiyoso allow them to operate in the city. Organized by Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) chairwoman Wardah Hafidz, the pedicab drivers submitted a proposal to on-duty security officials at City Hall. The proposal reportedly contained hundreds of signatures, including some from foreigners, who supported pedicab operation in the capital.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian flights empty over Y2K fears
Indonesian flights empty over Y2K fears JAKARTA (JP): Lack of promotion about Indonesia's readiness to face the Y2K bug has caused a drop in the number of tourist arrivals to the holiday resort island of Bali during the New Year holiday period, a local official claimed. The head of the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture's office in Bali, Luther Barrung, said in Denpasar on Saturday that some flights had to be canceled due to the low of number of passengers.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Economists predict Asian monies to be bullish in 2000
Economists predict Asian monies to be bullish in 2000 SINGAPORE (AFP): Most Asian currencies put up a stellar performance in 1999 and are forecast to appreciate again this year on stronger regional economic fundamentals and an inflow of investments, analysts say. But the direction of the yen, which chalked up a 10 percent gain against the U.S. dollar last year, seems uncertain with evidence of Japan's economic recovery remaining patchy.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Impartiality needed in Ambon
Impartiality needed in Ambon Hopefully, the security officers who will soon get there to replace those already on duty in Ambon will be able to do their jobs in a professional manner, not take sides in conflicts and act effectively against anyone destroying places of worship. (But) those effort to restore peace must have the support of all the parties involved in the fighting.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Walhi rejects electricity plan
Walhi rejects electricity plan PALU, Central Sulawesi: The local chapter of the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) rejected a plan to develop a water- powered electricity generator, fearing it would cause environmental damage to the Lore Lindu National Park. "Walhi rejects the development of PLTA PLN III or PLTA Gumbasa since it would stand on national park land," the chapter's executive director, Harley, said on Sunday.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
English language: A veritable storehouse of humor
English language: A veritable storehouse of humor By D. Chandramouli JAKARTA (JP): English has virtually ousted most other languages of the world and is currently reigning supreme as the major language of commerce, medicine, electronics, space technology, aviation, sea navigation and what not. Nearly, all the information stored in the world's computers is in English. English grammar is quite complicated. Learning English can be a frustrating experience for some and fun for others.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Baby born at millennium start
Baby born at millennium start JAKARTA (JP): A female baby was born exactly at the start of the millennium at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Central Jakarta, and was named after the special event. According to hospital records, Dita Faradila Milenia was born at midnight to Mintarsih, 30, a member of the administration staff of garment producer PT Great River. The baby girl weighs 2.9 kilograms and is 44 centimeters tall. The proud father, Sutrisno, 38, of Jl.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Generals tend to lay blame on others for East Timor mayhem
Generals tend to lay blame on others for East Timor mayhem JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) top brass tend to blame lower-ranking officers for the mayhem in the ravaged territory of East Timor after the Aug. 30 self-determination ballot, a member of the government-sanctioned inquiry team said on Sunday.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Murders may move to other areas
Murders may move to other areas JAKARTA (JP): East Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Dayat suggested there maybe efforts to fuel unrest in the province through an escalation of the "black magic murders" which have hit Malang regency in the past fortnight. "From our observations we have gathered information which indicates that the black magic cases in south Malang could be escalated to Blitar and Kediri, he said on Friday as quoted by Antara.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur: Give passengers the best
Gus Dur: Give passengers the best JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid told officials of the Ministry of Communication on Sunday to continuously increase the services and facilities for passengers heading for their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri. He said passengers should now look for maximum public services, and no more minimum ones.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
House welcomes new name for Irian Jaya
House welcomes new name for Irian Jaya JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's controversial approval of renaming Irian Jaya as Papua received initial support from members of the House of Representatives on Sunday. Deputy chairman of House Commission I for defense, foreign and political affairs Astrid Susanto and commission member A. Effendy Choirie welcomed the change, saying that it would silence demands for independence in the easternmost province.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
PPP urges government to be more decisive
PPP urges government to be more decisive JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) has called on the government to be more succinct in resolving urgent national problems in the coming year. Reflecting on the achievements of the new government so far, PPP chairman Hamzah Haz said the government had not succeeded in formulating a clear policy which could resolve pressing issues, particularly in Aceh, Maluku and Irian Jaya.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Some 106 police guilty of crimes
Some 106 police guilty of crimes BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: At least 106 police officers in Lampung were punished for their involvement in various crimes last year, the provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Riswahyono said on Friday. "The number of corrupt police personnel in 1999 rose by 40 percent compared to 68 percent in 1998," he told Antara. Most of the policemen were found guilty of assault.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Soldiers without any assignment?
Soldiers without any assignment? From Suara Karya A commander of a regional military command has said that to cope with the turmoil triggering disintegration in a number of regions, violence and military force cannot be resorted to. He said that military force could be used previously because problems of human rights and democracy had not emerged and also because there were soldiers without any assignment. This opinion does not seem realistic and does not fit the reality.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Dili airport set to reopen to commercial flights: UN
Dili airport set to reopen to commercial flights: UN DILI, East Timor (AFP): An Indonesian aircraft is expected to be among the first to land in the East Timorese capital of Dili next Monday when commercial aviation service is able to resume, the UN mission said Friday. "The Dili airport can be re-opened next Monday for civil air traffic," Sergio Vieira de Mello, who heads the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), told journalists.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Strike, violence paralyze Bangladesh port city
Strike, violence paralyze Bangladesh port city CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (AFP): Bangladesh's main port city was paralyzed on Sunday at the start of a two-day opposition-enforced general strike marked by sporadic violence, home-made bomb blasts and clashes with police, witnesses said.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mining industry faces uncertainty in 'reformasi' era
Mining industry faces uncertainty in 'reformasi' era By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): The fall of Soeharto in May 1998 marked the beginning of the era of reformasi, with high expectations for democracy and openness in the country's political life. The end of Soeharto's 32-year presidency also carried far- reaching implications for the country's business sector.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Whose money is safe in BCA?
Whose money is safe in BCA? As a Director of Studies at a language school in Bekasi, I suggested that our new office boy should open an account at BCA. In this way, the money he had saved to take home to his wife and their baby in Central Java, would be safe. Unfortunately, a thief stole his bank book on Dec. 27, 1999, in the evening. Accordingly, I told him to go to his BCA branch (Kemang Pratama) to report the loss and ask them to close the account.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Handicraft Exhibition: Cinderamata Nusantara, at Galeri Kampoeng Seni, in Metropolitan Mal, Bekasi, until Jan. 7. Dances and music performance, every Monday, Thursday, at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. * Photo Exhibition: by Deniek G. Sukarya, Dandung B. Kahono, at Galeri Foto Cahya, Plaza Menteng, 2nd floor, Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto 79, Menteng (Phone: 3907623), Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Jan. 1.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Two students missing in river
Two students missing in river YOGYAKARTA: Two elementary school students from Krinjing village in Bantul went missing along the Oya river on Friday. The search, conducted until Saturday, did not find any traces of the two boys, who are identified as Iswanto, 10, and Rudi Ismawan, 10. A witness said the students fell into the river when they were fishing, a common activity to kill time during the fasting month of Ramadhan. "The lads suddenly slipped and fell into the treacherous water.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Central bank fires back at state auditors
Central bank fires back at state auditors JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia fired back at the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on Sunday after the latter claimed that irregularities in the central bank's books prevented it from forming any opinion regarding the health of the bank.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
World IT scene full of action in 1999
World IT scene full of action in 1999 By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Just like the Intel Pentium III processor, which Intel introduced early last year, developments in information technology (IT) never seemed to let up in 1999. It increasingly felt as if it was a full-time occupation keeping stock of the new things that appeared in the industry every day. One of the biggest splashes last year was the inroads made by the Linux operating system (some people pronounce it "line-uks", others "lin-uks").
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Flight sevices may be moved to Halim
Flight sevices may be moved to Halim Regarding the article in The Jakarta Post on Friday Dec. 31, 1999, titled Flight services may be moved to Halim, we would like to clarify a few facts in relation to Cathay Pacific's flight on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999. Our flight CX776 departed at 4:05 p.m, with 15 minutes delay and arrived in Hong Kong at 9:21 p.m, only five minutes behind schedule.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Religious pluralism
Religious pluralism Dr. Nurcholish Madjid's statement explaining pluralism in religions in Indonesia (Kompas, Dec. 10, 1999) has driven me to make some comments. He said: "Why are we different? May God explain to you some day!" It is a pity if that is the extent of his explanation because the religious people in Indonesia will not understand. The Acehnese still want to separate from Indonesia to establish an Islamic country.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
People greet new millennium with joy, prayers
People greet new millennium with joy, prayers Photo A/B: Y2K JP/bsr, JP/afs BUG FREE: Executives of state electricity company PT PLN for the greater Jakarta area cheer (above) as they find out that their computer system is not affected by the millennium, or Y2K, bug. The sky above the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah recreational park in East Jakarta is filled with fireworks (right photo) as thousands of city residents throng the park to witness the rollover to the third millennium.
Mon, 03 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Nur Mahmudi defies protest, inducts Soeripto
Nur Mahmudi defies protest, inducts Soeripto JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry and Plantations Nur Mahmudi Ismail has inducted Soeripto as the ministry's secretary-general to replace Roedjai Djakaria, despite oppositions from people inside the office. Following Soeripto's induction on Friday, the Indonesian Development Supervision Institute, which groups people against Soeripto, threatened to sue the government over his appointment, arguing that his induction was against prevailing regulations.