Archive: 6 January 2000
57 articles found
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bank Indonesia forecasts 4 percent growth this year
Bank Indonesia forecasts 4 percent growth this year JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) predicted on Wednesday an economic growth of 3 to 4 percent and an inflation rate of 3 to 5 percent for this year. In its report on policy direction for 2000, the central bank forecasted that the rupiah would stay stable at about Rp 7,000 to the U.S. dollar.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
New police chief discloses his plans
New police chief discloses his plans By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Newly-installed National Police chief Lt. Gen. Rusdihardjo vows to tell the truth behind all cases and plans to further improve the skills of police officers nationwide. In an interview with The Jakarta Post at his residence in South Jakarta, the 54-year-old lieutenant general, who was installed a day earlier by President Abdurrahman Wahid, replacing Gen.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bali awash in Galungan rituals
Bali awash in Galungan rituals DENPASAR, Bali (JP): More than two million Balinese celebrated the Galungan Festival, the first major religious celebration of 2000, on Wednesday. Wearing elaborate and glittering costumes, Balinese women presented mountains of offerings at temples in Denpasar and neighboring cities as a token of gratitude and to celebrate victory over evil.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
PT Suryamas loses derivative suit
PT Suryamas loses derivative suit JAKARTA (JP): PT Suryamas Dutamakmur lost its legal battle with Bank Niaga when the Supreme Court upheld the bank's appeal and annulled an earlier verdict favoring the property developer, a source at the Supreme Court said. The source said the verdict, dated Dec. 17, annulled the Jakarta State Administrative High Court's decision ordering the bank to compensate Suryamas Dutamakmur in the amount of Rp 290 billion (US$41.5 million) for a derivative transaction.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bus accident kills 12
Bus accident kills 12 PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A chartered bus carrying holiday revelers skidded into a ravine in Wonosobo at noon on Wednesday, killing 12 passengers and injuring 24 others. Wonosobo Police chief Lt. Col. Zainal Syarif said the Hiba Utama bus, arriving from Jakarta, was speeding when it took a bend in Gondang village in Watumalang district. "It rained and the road is steep, but the driver did not slow down the bus," Zainal said.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Patience and fairness needed
Patience and fairness needed From Rakyat Merdeka The regrettable Ambon clashes have not only resulted in many people being killed, but also giving the image of Indonesia as a violent nation. In fact, we were known as a patient, polite and hospitable nation. The recent situation is like a nightmare because many people -- officials, mothers and children -- were killed.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mahadi opposes Gelora Senayan takeover plan
Mahadi opposes Gelora Senayan takeover plan JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela disagreed on Wednesday with Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's proposal that the city authority take over the management of 279-hectares of land in the Gelora Senayan complex in Central Jakarta. Mahadi said on Wednesday the Senayan complex, which is presently under the control of Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS), was state property, so it must be managed by the government.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
RI on the brink of disintegration?
RI on the brink of disintegration? By Desra Percaya LONDON (JP): Indonesia has been utterly engulfed by the reemergence of separatist movements and religious and ethnic conflicts following the downfall of former presidents Soeharto and B.J. Habibie. The coming to power of President Abdurrahman Wahid has not in any way ended these phenomena. On the contrary, they have tended to escalate and further deteriorate respectively. This leads us to ask: Is Indonesia heading toward disintegration?
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Students lash out at Megawati over Maluku
Students lash out at Megawati over Maluku JAKARTA (JP): Some 600 students grouped in the Indonesian Muslim Student Action Union (KAMMI) protested outside the vice presidential palace on Wednesday, demanding Megawati Soekarnoputri be held responsible for the prolonged sectarian unrest in Maluku. They accused the Vice President of being sluggish in her attempts to solve the strife which began a year ago.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
The millennium on Bali: Mediation and purification
The millennium on Bali: Mediation and purification Text by I Wayan Juniarta photos by Murdani Usman DENPASAR, Bali (JP): To welcome the new millennium, the island of Bali was enlivened with gala festivities. Despite the millennial fanfare to welcome the year 2000, and colorful New Year parades along Kuta beach, the celebration of the new year in Bali was not as jubilant as it has been in the past.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Governor urges action against UPC activist
Governor urges action against UPC activist JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso urged the Jakarta Police on Wednesday to take all measures necessary against the recent illegal street rally by becak (pedicab) drivers organized by the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC). In a letter dated Wednesday and addressed to Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman, the governor stated that the UPC action on Jan.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Trains remain chief form of public transportation in Java
Trains remain chief form of public transportation in Java JAKARTA (JP): Like many densely populated islands, the 127,499-square-kilometer island of Java and its 114 million inhabitants depend heavily on trains. Trains have become popular among people from all walks of life for many years since the Dutch colonization.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
President asks House to replace BI governor
President asks House to replace BI governor JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has asked the House of Representatives to replace Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Sjahril Sabirin following the disclosure of the damning audit report on the central bank, House Speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Wednesday. "Considering the current situation at BI, the President has proposed that the BI governor be replaced," Akbar told journalists at the House.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
JICT gets new direct call
JICT gets new direct call JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) announced on Wednesday it had received its first direct call service of the year from the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). JICT president Simon Moore said the direct container shipping provided by IRISL was the only service linking Indonesia with Middle Eastern countries.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt may lower planned hike in fuel prices
Govt may lower planned hike in fuel prices JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Wednesday that increases in electricity rates and power prices would likely be lower than the initially proposed 35 percent and 20 percent respectively. Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the government was negotiating with the special team formed by the House of Representatives on the rate of increases for both commodities.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Progress or destruction
Progress or destruction First, may I take this opportunity to wish the staff of The Jakarta Post and all its readers a very happy New Year. Hopefully, this year shall see an improvement in the degree of peace and prosperity for all Indonesians everywhere. Now that we find ourselves living in the 21st century many of us may have pondered for a moment how the world may look in another 100 years.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Buddhist foundation donates rice
Buddhist foundation donates rice JAKARTA (JP): Amurvabhumi Buddhist Monastery Foundation has donated seven tons of rice to some 4,000 poor families residing near its head office in Karet subdistrict, Setiabudi, South Jakarta. A statement on Wednesday from the foundation said that the aid distributed to the local people two days earlier was collected from local Buddhist followers. "It's handed out in regards with the coming of the year 2000," it said.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
President need not fear TNI coup or Wiranto: Agus
President need not fear TNI coup or Wiranto: Agus MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Wirabuana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusuma insisted that President Abdurrahman Wahid should not fear deteriorating relations with Gen. Wiranto as the latter no longer held paramount influence within the Indonesian Military (TNI).
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Random shooting leaves grieving mother shocked
Random shooting leaves grieving mother shocked JAKARTA (JP): Yoto Suwarno, a resident of Tawangsari district, Sukohardjo regency in Central Java received a heavy blow on Monday night on news that her son was in a critical condition due to a random shooting incident. "Warini, my daughter-in-law who stays with me, came to me crying. Warini said that her husband ...
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Iranian coach set to return to S'pore
Iranian coach set to return to S'pore SINGAPORE (Reuters): Iranian World Cup coach Jalal Talebi looks set to return to Singapore. Talebi, who worked in Singapore for one season before eventually taking the reins of the Iranian national team in France in 1998, is in negotiations with S-League side Tampines Rovers. "We are very, very positive Jalal will sign for us," the New Paper quoted Tampines team manager Abol Fazl as saying.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
60 official cars stolen over past two years
60 official cars stolen over past two years JAKARTA (JP): Sixty cars belonging to the city administration have disappeared over the past two years, an official said on Wednesday. "The 60 cars are really missing. They've been stolen," the deputy governor for administrative affairs, Abdul Kahfi, said during a media conference at City Hall to present the findings of the city's Reform Implementation and Control Team.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Jan. 6, 2000
Where to go in Bali for Thursday, Jan. 6, 2000 Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Foto-Realisme Indonesia, by Agus Kamal, Asri Nugroho, etc., at Edwin's Gallery Bali, Komp. Tuban Plaza no. 25- 27, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Kuta, Denpasar, until Jan. 18. * Painting Exhibition: Recollections by Astari Rasjid, at Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Bay (Phone: 0361 701010), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., until Jan. 12.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Restructuring power sector for the better
Restructuring power sector for the better By Meirios Moechtar This is the second of a two-part article on restructuring in the energy sector. JAKARTA (JP): To solve problems of surplus generation capacity and to secure electricity demand in the Java-Bali system, there should be rationalization of old and inefficient generation facilities of PLN, the state-owned electricity firm, and captive power producers (CPPs) or self-generators burning coal and petroleum.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Two die in firecracker blast
Two die in firecracker blast SEMARANG: Firecracker blasts, which have been rife during the Ramadhan fasting month, claimed two lives in the Central Java town of Pekalongan on Tuesday. Police spokesman Lt. Col. M. Ramlie said Nurbianto, 25, and his sister Endang Miani, 22, died from the blast which dismembered them and also severely injured their mother, Sunarti. Sunarti remained in coma at the local state hospital.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Maluku may get new leaders
Maluku may get new leaders JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid may soon replace Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina and Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela with individuals who are ethnically and religiously distinct from the warring factions in Maluku.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Hashim fires back at IBRA over bankruptcy action
Hashim fires back at IBRA over bankruptcy action JAKARTA (JP): The president of trading firm PT Tirtamas Comexindo, Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, expressed on Wednesday regret over the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) bankruptcy suit against the company, calling it a "precipitous action". Hashim called on IBRA to withdraw the suit, noting his company was very much willing to resolve the matter.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
MasterCard records growth
MasterCard records growth JAKARTA (JP): MasterCard International announced on Wednesday that the number of people holding its Maestro/Cirrus debit card had grown by 73 percent to 7.9 million in 1999, up from 4.6 million in 1998. Country manager for MasterCard International in Indonesia Bambang Gunawan said the high growth was driven particularly by extended commitments to the card by some major local banks, including Bank Negara Indonesia, Bank Central Asia and Bank International Indonesia.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
E. Timorese rally against foreigners
E. Timorese rally against foreigners DILI (AP): About 200 people rallied in front of UN headquarters on Wednesday to protest the use of foreign workers on reconstruction projects while most local laborers remain jobless. The first major protest against the world body's transitional administration was mounted by a coalition of local socialist groups. It was sparked by the recent arrival of a group of Indonesian workers who were employed to construct helicopter landing pads at Dili airport.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 5, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,075 25 23,000 Alakasa Industrindo 600 0 0 Alter Abadi 400 -25 157,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 -75 6,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,375 -25 716,500 Anwar Sierad 300 -25 70,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Free ride for streets vendors
Free ride for streets vendors TANGERANG (JP): Some 2,000 street traders working in several areas of Tangerang packed on Monday into 32 buses bound for their respective hometowns in Java to celebrate the upcoming Idul Fitri festivities. Unlike hundreds of thousands of other seasonal travelers who have to struggle to get a seat, the traders did not even have to spend any money for the trip, as the buses were paid for in full by PT Alfa Retailindo, the trading arm of the Sampoerna Group.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Astari enters new millennium with recollections
Astari enters new millennium with recollections By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Java, elements of Javanese culture, 19th century portrait paintings, 19th century landscape paintings, old photographs, recent news clippings and other personal images all become part of Astari Rasjid's Recollections, which she has composed onto her canvases, currently on show at the Ganesha Gallery. The small yet eloquent exhibition, which runs until Jan.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Garment workers get bonus
Garment workers get bonus BOGOR (JP): At least 2,000 workers of PT Busana Perkasa Garment staged a demonstration on Wednesday, demanding bonus payments which were promised by the company. The protest ended peacefully four hours later when management promised to give bonuses amounting to half of the workers' monthly earnings. Susanti, an assistant supervisor, said the workers' union repeatedly demanded the management make good on its promise.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Oil prices fall after U.S. data release
Oil prices fall after U.S. data release SINGAPORE (Reuters): Crude oil prices fell in Asia on Wednesday after U.S. stocks data showed a surprise rise. Crude stocks increased in the final week of 1999 by 620,000 barrels when a decline of 4.3 million had been forecast. At 0835 GMT, U.S. February light crude futures were last traded at US$25.30 per barrel, down 25 cents from New York's close.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Government to review anti-Chinese policies
Government to review anti-Chinese policies JAKARTA (JP): The government pledged on Wednesday to review laws, government regulations and all discriminative policies against ethnic Chinese. At least 13 government regulations and one presidential decree will be reviewed, with Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirja and Minister of Law and Legislation Yusril Ihza Mahendra assigned to study the technical aspects of the policies.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Troops too late to stop E. Timor mayhem: General
Troops too late to stop E. Timor mayhem: General JAKARTA (JP): Former chief of restoration command in East Timor Maj. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri admitted on Wednesday that reinforcement troops arrived too late to stop the mayhem in the territory. Speaking after two hours of questioning by the government- sanctioned Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations (KPP HAM) in East Timor, Kiki said that when he arrived in Dili on Sept. 7, the city "was already finished".
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Piano and violin duo play for free
Piano and violin duo play for free JAKARTA (JP): Renowned pianist Brachi Tilles and violinist Spiros Rantos will perform a free concert in Denpasar, Bali, tonight (Thursday). Sponsored by Ansett Australia, the concert will start at 7 p.m. in the Natya Mandala at the Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia (STSI), Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia ought to reciprocate
Indonesia ought to reciprocate Gen. Wiranto seems concerned that the Indonesian government allows citizens of other countries to visit Indonesia for up to 60 days without the need to apply for a visa in advance. He is right to think that other countries ought to reciprocate and allow Indonesian citizens to do the same. It's only fair.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
A tough challenge ahead
A tough challenge ahead To most observers in Jakarta, the replacement on Tuesday of the chief of the National Police, Gen. Roesmanhadi, by Lt. Gen. Rusdihardjo, does no doubt seem somewhat unexpected. True, talk of such a pending replacement has been in the air in the capital for some time. After all, the chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI), Gen. Wiranto, was replaced. His place was taken by Navy Admiral Widodo only weeks after President Abdurrahman Wahid was installed in October.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indosat offers free calls
Indosat offers free calls JAKARTA (JP): Customers of the international direct dial (IDD) operator Indosat will get one minute of free calls for every five minutes of IDD calls made on Saturday and Sunday, the company said on Wednesday. Indosat said the one minute free calls would be applied to IDD calls made by customers anywhere in Indonesia to any country, only during the two days which make up Idul Fitri holiday.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Military policeman arrested for selling arms to rebels
Military policeman arrested for selling arms to rebels BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): A military police member has been arrested for alleged arm sales to the separatist rebel group GAM, the military chief here said on Wednesday. Chief of Teuku Umar Military Command Col. Syarifudin Tipe said the suspect, identified as Pvt. Zulkifli, was apprehended in a predawn sweep of weaponry conducted by Police Mobile Brigade personnel in Koala Batea, South Aceh regency.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Scoblar named Lebanon coach
Scoblar named Lebanon coach BEIRUT (Reuters): Former Hamburg coach Joseb Scoblar has been named the new coach of the Lebanon national team, the local soccer federation announced. Croatian Scoblar has signed a contract to lead the team in October's Asian Cup which Lebanon has qualified for as hosts. Twelve teams will play in the finals with champion Saudi Arabia and early qualifiers Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Iraq joining Lebanon.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Infant abducted from hospital
Infant abducted from hospital JAKARTA (JP): A 28-day-old infant, Sandi Novari, was abducted from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, where his parents had taken him to register for a healthy infant competition. Sandi's father, Hasan, 30, a resident of Jl. Tanah Tinggi in Johor Baru, Central Jakarta, said an unknown woman visited his home last Tuesday evening and urged him and his wife, Nurdiana, to enroll Sandi in the competition. "The woman knocked on our door and asked if we had a baby.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ethnic riot hits Pekalongan
Ethnic riot hits Pekalongan PEKALONGAN, Central Java: Tension gripped this coastal town on Wednesday after a group of people attacked and looted shops belonging to Chinese-Indonesians. The early morning commotion was stirred by the death of a pedicab driver, Diyono, allegedly beaten by an ethnic Chinese man identified as Yong Bie. Police told Antara that Diyono was killed following a dispute with Yong, who refused the pedicab driver's demand for an additional Rp 5,000.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Banking problem complicated
Banking problem complicated From Neraca The nation's banking problems are very complicated and it is also very difficult to arrest delinquent debtors because they are smart enough to find loopholes to get away. Even noted economist Dr. Sjahrir has become so annoyed that he has suggested that the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency (IBRA) should have the guts to take the cases of delinquent debtors to the Attorney General's Office so that banking restructuring can proceed more quickly.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Labor exporters urge Din to resign
Labor exporters urge Din to resign JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Labor Export Companies (Apjati) urged on Wednesday the director general of labor placement, Din Syamsuddin, to step down, saying he lacked competence. The association's chairman, Abdulla Umar, quoted labor exporters as complaining that Din was unable to create a conducive climate for accelerated labor exports, and instead took many measures and actions which were considered counterproductive.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Military denies role in killing spree
Military denies role in killing spree SURABAYA (JP): The chief of the Brawijaya Military Command has strongly denied involvement of a military member in the killing spree in the city of Malang, East Java, and rebuked the media for reporting the allegation. Maj. Gen. Sudi Silalahi said on Wednesday that the allegation was baseless. "We cannot say and do anything based only on allegations. For God's sake, I guarantee that no military members were involved in the killings.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
More Aceh pupils quit schools
More Aceh pupils quit schools BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Unabated tension caused the school dropout rate in the province to increase to 2.14 percent last year from 1.98 percent the previous year, an official said on Tuesday. The head of provincial education office, Malik Raden, told Antara many students were forced to quit schools as they followed their parents who sought refuge. A total of 586,812 children were attending 3,270 elementary schools across the restive province as of Aug. 31, 1999.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
One dies in mass brawl
One dies in mass brawl MEDAN, North Sumatra: A man was killed on Monday in a brawl between two groups of hoodlums on Jl. Cipto in Lubuk Pakam, 27 kilometers south of here. The victim, identified as Robika, 22, suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and thigh. He died from extreme bleed loss on his way to Horas General Hospital. Witnesses said the rival groups locked horns following a dispute over a share of territory.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Jan. 5, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Citibank apologizes
Citibank apologizes It seems, indeed, the pen is mightier than the sword. After my letter Citibank incompetence was published on Dec. 31, 1999, I was contacted by Mr. Rudi from Citibank's Head Office in Jakarta. He informed me that he had verified all facts in my letter and apologized for any inconvenience caused. He further said that Citibank would do its best to prevent this kind of thing happening again and asked me for suggestions to improve future performance.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Late paper
Late paper Due to delivery problems, The Jakarta Post reached its readers in Bali late on Wednesday and today (Thursday). We apologize for the delay. -- Publisher
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Thursday Maghrib 6:15 p.m. Friday Imsak 4:12 a.m. Subuh 4:22 a.m.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
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.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Butchers, poulterers guarantee supply for Idul Fitri
Butchers, poulterers guarantee supply for Idul Fitri JAKARTA (JP): Markets in Jakarta have sufficient supplies of beef and chicken to meet demand ahead of and during this weekend's Idul Fitri holiday, butchers and poulterers said on Wednesday. The price of beef and chicken has already risen, they said, but because there is no shortage of supplies these price rises are likely to be dampened.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur names close friends as top aides amid complaints
Gus Dur names close friends as top aides amid complaints JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid installed on Wednesday two veteran government critics, who are also close associates of his, as top aides, amid mounting criticism of the effectiveness of his government. Abdurrahman installed Marsilam Simajuntak as Cabinet secretary and Bondan Gunawan as secretary of government supervision in a brief ceremony at the State Palace.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Military to have new intelligence chief
Military to have new intelligence chief JAKARTA (JP): Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Hanafie Asnan confirmed on Wednesday that Air Rear Marshal Ian Santoso Perdanakusuma, chief of the Eastern Air Defense Command, will be appointed to head the Indonesian Military's Intelligence Board (Bais). "Marshal Ian will be sworn in on Jan. 14," he said during a breaking of the fast gathering on Wednesday. He will replace Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, who recently took over as Army chief.
Thu, 06 Jan 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock market sell-off drags Asian monies down
Stock market sell-off drags Asian monies down HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The New Year rally in Asian currencies reversed sharply on Wednesday, as steep falls in regional stock markets triggered a sell-off in local currencies around Asia. But although domestic currencies dropped sharply in foreign exchange markets from Seoul to Jakarta, the extent of their falls was limited as institutional investors stuck to their bullish view of the region and stepped in to buy Asian currencies at their lows.