Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 January 2000

48 articles found

Papuan leaders heartened by President's actions

Papuan leaders heartened by President's actions JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Papuan leaders welcome President Abdurrahman Wahid's positive response to the people's rising demand for independence. Even though the President has offered no concrete steps other than to hold more dialogs to settle the problems in Irian Jaya, chairman of the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) Rev. Herman Saud said on Sunday the President's response was a very wise one.

Political parties 'vie to control state assets'

Political parties 'vie to control state assets' JAKARTA (JP): Analysts noted on Tuesday the struggle between political parties to control state assets, warning this situation could perpetuate corruption in the government. Economist Faisal Basri said there were indications ministers were vying to control lucrative state companies and agencies for the benefit of their respective parties.

IBRA sets rights issue of Bank Bali by end of January

IBRA sets rights issue of Bank Bali by end of January JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) wants to launch Bank Bali's rights issue by the end of this month because a further delay would inflate the cost of the bank's recapitalization. IBRA deputy chairman Farid Harianto said his agency was consulting with various parties, including the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam), on how to speed up the process toward recapitalization.

Cipto Mangunkusumo morgue kept busy with traffic deaths, homicide in 1999

Cipto Mangunkusumo morgue kept busy with traffic deaths, homicide in 1999 JAKARTA (JP): Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital morgue in Central Jakarta received 2,337 dead bodies last year, including some 652 victims of homicide cases, a report said. Some 929 of the victims were killed in traffic accidents in Greater Jakarta. The number excluded the eight victims of the accident between an employee bus and a train in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta on Dec. 28.

KL cracks down on illegal immigrants

KL cracks down on illegal immigrants KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has hired 300 new officers and will reward informants in a new drive against illegal immigrants, the immigration department said on Tuesday. Director general Aseh Che Mat, quoted by the official Bernama news agency, said cash rewards would be given to anyone who tipped off the department about employers harboring illegal workers.

Telkom, Indosat asked to divest stake in same firms

Telkom, Indosat asked to divest stake in same firms JAKARTA (JP) The government has asked state-owned telecommunications providers Telkom and Indosat to divest their investments in companies they jointly own. Director General of Post and Telecommunications Sasmito Dirdjo said on Tuesday divestment in such companies should become a priority in their restructuring programs.

Asian currencies soar as funds flow

Asian currencies soar as funds flow HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The Korean won and the New Taiwan dollar each surged to their highest levels in over two years Tuesday, in a banner day of trading for Asian currencies. In other regional markets the Singapore dollar climbed to its strongest in a year, while the Thai baht hit a five-month high and the Philippine peso reached its highest in nearly four months.

Davis Cup team leaves for India on Wednesday

Davis Cup team leaves for India on Wednesday JAKARTA (JP): Five national Davis Cup team members have received sponsorship to compete in three US$10,000 future tournaments in India as a warm-up to the Davis Cup match in February. Team coach Dedy Prasetyo said on Tuesday that the five members -- Sebastian Da Costa, Suwandi, Febi Widhiyanto, Hendri Susilo Pramono and Edy Kusdaryanto -- would leave for India on Wednesday. Future 1 is from Jan. 10 to Jan.

New chartered air carrier to begin operations soon

New chartered air carrier to begin operations soon JAKARTA (JP): A private chartered air carrier has been established and is scheduled to begin operations in February to cater for cargo and passenger services to local and regional destinations, a company executive said. Commercial director of the newly established PT Camar Nuansa Airservice, Jasman Karimin, said on Tuesday the company was upbeat about generating US$2.44 million in net profits in 2000.

Sutiyoso predicts smaller number of Idul Fitri travelers

Sutiyoso predicts smaller number of Idul Fitri travelers JAKARTA (JP): The number of Idul Fitri travelers leaving the city this year is estimated to be much lower than earlier predicted, Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday. The governor came to the conclusion after his entourage visited Kampung Rambutan inter-city bus terminal in East Jakarta, Pasar Senen Railway Station and Tanjung Priok Seaport.

First lady aids poor

First lady aids poor JAKARTA (JP): First Lady Shinta Nuriyah completed her weekly predawn Ramadhan charity work on Tuesday, having distributed some 23,380 food parcels to the needy. During Tuesday's event alone, 9,400 packages were distributed to poor Jakarta residents preparing their predawn meal before the day's fast.

Avoid money politics: Mahathir

Avoid money politics: Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday warned candidates in May's ruling party elections against offering bribes. Mahathir, who is also the president of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), said potential candidates should observe ethical standards when wooing support. Campaigners should not be too obsessed with securing positions for their candidates at the expense of party unity, he said.

Bank PDFCI delisted following merger

Bank PDFCI delisted following merger JAKARTA (JP): Bank PDFCI was delisted from the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) here on Tuesday following the finalization of its merger with Bank Danamon. "The merger of Bank Danamon and Bank PDFCI has received the approval of the minister of justice," the JSX said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post. The statement said the trading of Bank PDFCI shares was halted the day of its delisting on Jan.

Restructuring power sector for the better

Restructuring power sector for the better By Meirios Moechtar JAKARTA (JP) : The state-run electricity company, PT PLN, announced losses of US$1.4 billion in the year ending Dec. 31, 1998. In its audit report, Pricewaterhouse Coopers found losses amounting to $4.69 billion at the state-owned oil company Pertamina during a coverage period from April 1996 to March 1998. Something has to be done in the energy sector.

Traffic accidents kill 18

Traffic accidents kill 18 JAMBI, Jambi: A total of 18 people were killed in three separate traffic accidents here and in the East Java town of Ponorogo on Monday. A head-on collision involving a minibus and a truck on the Trans Sumatra highway in Jambi claimed four lives of a family who left the town for a New Year holiday. Six other minibus passengers and its driver survived, but four of them were severely injured.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 6:15 p.m. Thursday Imsak 4:11 a.m. Subuh 4:21 a.m.

Progress but no end to holy wars

Progress but no end to holy wars By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): The coming of the third millennium was appropriately celebrated as a global phenomenon. Starting with the Chatnam Islands and Kiribati, moving westward at an hourly rate, passing Japan, China, Indonesia, India, Egypt, Paris, the United States and finally, Samoa. As we celebrated, occasionally watching CNN's live coverage, we reflected on the past century, and the past millennium. What was the second millennium to us?

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000 Music and Entertainment * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Solo Pianist, Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 7Friday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - The Tavern Pub: The Wild Horses Band, Monday to Saturday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. * Shangri-La Hotel, Jl. May. Jend.

Singapore PM Goh, investors to visit RI

Singapore PM Goh, investors to visit RI JAKARTA (JP): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong along with about 80 businessmen from the city state will visit Indonesia for talks with President Abdurrahman Wahid on investment, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Luhut Pandjaitan said on Tuesday. Luhut told visiting Indonesian journalists in Singapore that during the meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 13, the Singaporean delegate would be accompanied by the United States ambassador to Singapore.

Troops evacuate Maluku refugees

Troops evacuate Maluku refugees JAKARTA (JP): A combined Army, Navy and Airforce operation commenced on Tuesday from several locations in North Maluku to evacuate over 3,000 people fleeing religious violence in the area. No independent source could be contacted in the North Maluku area on the latest number of casualties, however military officials in Ambon, Maluku, said clashes were reported on Tuesday in Masohi, Seram Island.

Two girls die from abuse

Two girls die from abuse JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested the alleged murderer of a teenage girl at the state-developed Harapan Baru housing complex in West Bekasi and are still searching for the suspect or suspects in the murder of a woman in the Margahayu area, East Bekasi. Bekasi Police detectives arrested Edi, 20, a resident of a village adjacent to the Harapan Baru housing complex, hours after the murder on Monday night. An accomplice in the murder is still at large.

Wiranto denies rumors on Cabinet shake-up

Wiranto denies rumors on Cabinet shake-up JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto denied rumors on Tuesday of an impending Cabinet reshuffle and stressed that his relationship with President Abdurrahman Wahid remained friendly. Speaking to reporters after attending the inauguration of new National Police chief Lt. Gen. Roesdihardjo at the State Palace, Wiranto appeared confident he would remain in his current post.

Program for street kids only for show: Activist

Program for street kids only for show: Activist JAKARTA (JP): A social activist gave the city administration a failing grade on Tuesday for its efforts to improve the welfare of street children included in the Rumah Singgah (sheltering) program. Deputy executive director of the Indonesian Child Welfare Foundation (YKAI) Arum Kusumanegara said the city administration neglected the program's true mission to help the children and instead focused on its own objectives.

Decisive action needed for Maluku

Decisive action needed for Maluku By David Keller JAKARTA (JP): Unfortunately, there exist few "easy" options for President Abdurrahman Wahid to swiftly bring a halt to the intercommunal violence in Maluku, where religious belief is the outward scapegoat defining the lines of division. Conflict resolution for the short-term can be found by investigating the contentious issues of centralism and the Indonesian Military (TNI) and relations between TNI and the media.

Broken heart claims life

Broken heart claims life SEMARANG: A teenager was arrested on Tuesday in the Central Java regency of Jepara, some 45 kilometers north of here, for allegedly slaying a girl with whom he fell in love. Jepara Police chief Lt. Col. Monang Manulang said the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Burhanuddin, struck Ning Ratna Suminar with an axe on Monday after finding the 16-year-old student had had a love affair with another boy. "The suspect lost his temper when Ratna refused him.

Bribery, vice part and parcel of prison life

Bribery, vice part and parcel of prison life BOGOR (JP): Bribery has long been rampant in this country and it comes as no surprise, therefore, that the practice even extends to the country's prisons. Those imprisoned for drug offenses, for example, can still buy and safely smoke marijuana inside their cells without being bothered by prison guards, given one condition: that of money.

Zacky: TNI had 'contingency plan' for East Timor

Zacky: TNI had 'contingency plan' for East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The former military intelligence chief said on Tuesday the Indonesian Military (TNI) prepared contingency and operational plans in anticipation of the outcome of the Aug. 30 self-determination ballot in East Timor. Speaking after two hours of questioning by the government- sanctioned Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations in East Timor (KPP HAM), Maj. Gen.

Malaysian police nab 28 Indonesians

Malaysian police nab 28 Indonesians JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian police detained 28 Indonesian immigrants including eight women during a three-hour operation at two places in Alor Gajah district, in the southern Malaysian state of Melaka on Monday night, Bernama reported. The immigrants did not have traveling documents and their work permits had expired, Melaka Public Order and Traffic Chief Superintendent Onn Ahmad said Tuesday.

Officers queried over murder

Officers queried over murder JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police detectives have detained seven police officers for questioning in connection with Sunday night's murder of traffic police officer Fikri Zakaria, a police spokesman said on Wednesday. Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said the seven men were traffic police officers, detectives and detachment officers from the North and South Jakarta police precincts.

Where to go in Bandung for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000

Where to go in Bandung for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000 Performances * Puppet Show, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 9:30 p.m., Jan. 15. * Sundanese Traditional Theater Festival, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Jan. 16 - 23. * Theater: Anarkis itu Mati Kebetulan, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 8 p.m., Jan. 29 - 30. Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Indonesian Lessons 5:00 Ramadhan Program 6:00 Sports 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Music 9:00 World News 9:35 Koran Recital 9:45 Documentary 10:00 Dialog 11:00 TV Drama 12:30 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Millennium openers on a roll in Asia

Millennium openers on a roll in Asia TOKYO (AFP): Asia-Pacific markets were mixed Tuesday as traders discarded any lingering Y2K bug fears to leap on fresh New Year openings but took profits from surges seen elsewhere the previous day. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia all posted rises, with Tokyo at its highest level for more than two years, and Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok and Jakarta all soaring more than three percent.

UN official admits crime hard to handle in East Timor

UN official admits crime hard to handle in East Timor DILI (AP): Crime is on the rise in East Timor, still recovering from the lawlessness that followed its break with Indonesia, and an international police commander said on Tuesday his force is being overwhelmed. "We are worried about the increasing level of violence that the staff are encountering on a daily basis," said Graeme Cairns, commander of the UN civilian police in the capital, Dili.

A Cabinet reshuffle?

A Cabinet reshuffle? Grievances about the ineffectiveness of President Abdurrahman Wahid's two-month-old administration have been growing louder lately.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 4, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,050 25 256,000 Alakasa Industrindo 600 0 0 Alter Abadi 425 0 326,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,275 -25 368,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 75 238,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,400 0 2,996,000 Anwar Sierad 325 25 76,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Jan. 4, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

TNI in the eyes of a layman

TNI in the eyes of a layman Since the reform movement brought Soeharto down in May 1998, the Indonesian Military (TNI) as an institution and its generals have always been meddled with. Various circles have condemned TNI so much that its image has become bad in the eyes of the people. During the era of the New Order, TNI was at the apex of its glory and people were proud of its presence.

Gen. Wiranto's Berlin Wall?

Gen. Wiranto's Berlin Wall? Gen. Wiranto, chief of the Indonesian Military, has finally turned his attention to Ambon, and the idea he has proposed is territorial separation of Christians and Muslims. What? How? Does he envision a kind of Indonesian Berlin Wall in Ambon? If Mr.

Mild quake hits Padang

Mild quake hits Padang PADANG, West Sumatra: An earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale jolted the West Sumatra capital of Padang and its vicinity for about five seconds at 12:30 noon local time on Tuesday. No casualties or damages were reported in the tremor, which was not even felt by some residents.

Sports council vows to boost fund-raising

Sports council vows to boost fund-raising JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) started the new year with a vow to intensify both its fund raising efforts and its public accountability report transparency.

The military apologizes

The military apologizes A touching event occurred in Makassar on New Year's Eve. The Army chief of staff, Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, apologized to the Indonesian people for past mistakes made by the Indonesian Military (TNI). "The TNI admits it has made mistakes and is asking the Indonesian people for their forgiveness.

Fasting month a good time to study the Koran

Fasting month a good time to study the Koran By Agus Maryono PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): During the current fasting month of Ramadhan, Muslims have many ways to get divine reward. For some 250 students of Al-Ikhsan Pesantren (traditional Islamic boarding school) at Beji village, Kedungbanteng subdistrict, Banyumas, Central Java, the study of the Koran and the standard religious textbook popularly called Kitab Kuning (the Yellow Book) is their choice.

Residents chase, kill petty thief

Residents chase, kill petty thief JAKARTA (JP): A scavenger who attempted to steal clothing and a bicycle was mobbed to death by residents on Jl. Pelita in South Jakarta early Monday morning, a South Jakarta deputy police chief said. First Lt. Firman Noorsya said on Monday that Sutrisno, 28, was a scavenger who attempted to steal clothing and a child's bicycle from the home of Nursyamsih at Jl. Bintaro Raya No. 3.

BI officials should not disrupt market: Ministers

BI officials should not disrupt market: Ministers JAKARTA (JP): Senior ministers say Bank Indonesia has no reason to debit the account of commercial banks that received the disputed Rp 51.7 trillion of emergency liquidity credits from the central bank.

Rusdihardjo new police chief

Rusdihardjo new police chief JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid told new National Police chief Lt. Gen. Rusdihardjo on Tuesday to concentrate his force on maintaining security and public order and abandoning its military-like intelligence operations. "Police must handle cases based on investigation results, but not on intelligence activities," the President said before the induction of the new police chief by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri at State Palace.

Idul Fitri exodus approaches its peak

Idul Fitri exodus approaches its peak JAKARTA (JP): Holidaymakers enjoyed relatively clear roads as the annual exodus ahead of Idul Fitri neared its peak on Tuesday. Over 4,400 vehicles carrying approximately 31,000 people were transported by ferry from Merak in West Java to Bakaheuni in Lampung, the main port in Sumatra, between Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon.

HIV/AIDS cases reach 200 in 1999

HIV/AIDS cases reach 200 in 1999 JAKARTA (JP): According to official data there were 178 recorded cases of people infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 1999, with an additional 47 new cases of full blown AIDS. The Ministry of Health's director general for contagious diseases, Umar Fahmi Achmadi, in a statement on Tuesday said that the total of number of cases of those infected with HIV since it was first recorded in Indonesia in 1987 had reached 769.

Hainan to serve Asian cities

Hainan to serve Asian cities BEIJING (Dow Jones): Hainan Airlines Co. plans to fly to select Asian destinations this year, a company official said Tuesday. The Haikou-based company, which recently obtained a license to fly to Hong Kong, is doing market surveys on destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, the official who declined to be identified said. "Everything will depend on our market survey," he said.