Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 January 2000

45 articles found

Bribery allegation in Paiton project denied

Bribery allegation in Paiton project denied JAKARTA (JP): Tycoon Hashim Djojohadikusumo denied on Thursday that independent power producer PT Paiton Energy used bribery to secure its controversial power purchase contract with state-owned electricity company PT PLN.

No paper

No paper In observance of Idul Fitri, The Jakarta Post will not appear on Saturday and Sunday. The Post will resume publication on Monday. We wish our Muslim readers a Happy Idul Fitri. -- Publisher

Navy opens blockade in Maluku waters

Navy opens blockade in Maluku waters JAKARTA (JP): The Navy has imposed a blockade in Maluku waters to help prevent the spread of violence in the area and expedite evacuations, which have transported some 17,500 people in less than a week.

Police arrest member of gang of ax-wielding robbers

Police arrest member of gang of ax-wielding robbers JAKARTA (JP): A young man in his twenties was arrested shortly after he smashed a motorist's car window and grabbed the latter's cell phone in a daylight robbery on Jl. Kramat Bundar of Senen subdistrict in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. Widya Novarin was immobilized by a police officer, later identified as Second Sgt. Berli Sirait, who then hastily received support from other motorists and onlookers.

Muslims prepare to mark Idul Fitri on Saturday

Muslims prepare to mark Idul Fitri on Saturday JAKARTA (JP): The estimated 9 million Muslims in Jakarta are preparing to celebrate the arrival of Idul Fitri with mass prayers on Saturday. As is customary, the Idul Fitri morning prayer will take place at about 7 a.m. at mosques, sports fields and parking lots across the city. After the prayer, which lasts for less than 15 minutes, the congregation will hear sermons, which normally last for one or two hours.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 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 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Music 5:00 Ramadhan Program 6:00 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Ramadhan Program 9:00 World News 9:30 Documentary 10:30 Talk Show 11:30 Music 12:30 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Documentary 5:00 Ramadhan Program 6:00 City News 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Performance TPI 5:30 a.m.

Fatwa's name restored, salary reimbursed

Fatwa's name restored, salary reimbursed JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso on Thursday officially restored the good name of Muslim scholar Andi Mappetahang Fatwa, who lost his position in the city administration in 1979 for his opposition to the ruling New Order regime. "I'm very happy and grateful to receive this document which restores my dignity. "I'm also happy to be reconsidered a part of the city administration," Fatwa said following a closed-door meeting with the governor at City Hall.

11 foreigners to be deported

11 foreigners to be deported JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta Immigration Office will soon deport nine Indians and two Sri Lankans for overstaying and possessing fake Indonesian Temporary Staying Permits (KITAS), an official said on Wednesday. "The eleven foreigners were arrested following routine immigration operations from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3. The raid was conducted on Jl. Kartini and Jl.

Idul Fitri reflections

Idul Fitri reflections Idul Fitri has arrived again, and as usual, it is a time to rejoice and to contemplate, as well as a time for self- reflection. Coming at the end of Ramadhan, Idul Fitri caps the holy month during which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking, and restrain from indulging in earthly pleasures, such as sexual relations, from dawn to dusk. It is a spiritual exercise to bring one's emotions under control, and to elevate one's self spiritually.

Idul Fitri travelers make hay while the sun shines

Idul Fitri travelers make hay while the sun shines By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Packed train stations are a common sight these days as people get ready to leave town to celebrate Idul Fitri back home. And as part of the annual tradition, the revelers usually bring "a little something" with them -- neatly packed in large boxes or heavy bags -- for their families and relatives.

Renault seen facing long, bumpy road in Asia

Renault seen facing long, bumpy road in Asia TOKYO (Reuters): Renault SA's Asian push gathered steam this week with news of talks to buy Samsung Motors and reported plans to build cars at Nissan Motor Co's Southeast Asian plants, but analysts warn the road ahead will be long and bumpy.

Nirwan Bakrie sued at commercial court

Nirwan Bakrie sued at commercial court JAKARTA (JP): PT Sinar Mas Multifinance has filed a bankruptcy suit with the Jakarta Commercial Court against prominent businessman Nirwan D. Bakrie for his allegedly unfulfilled personal guarantee of over Rp 60 billion (US$8.5 million) in defaulted loans, according to a court document. The document, dated Jan.

Generals' lawyers to visit East Timor

Generals' lawyers to visit East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers defending Army generals under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in the East Timor debacle will visit the territory on Jan. 16 to prove their clients' innocence. One of the lawyers, Mohamad Assegaf, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the United Nations Transitional Authority for East Timor (UNTAET) gave the team permission to enter the territory.

Amien slams rights body for apathy on Maluku woes

Amien slams rights body for apathy on Maluku woes JAKARTA (JP): With violence in Maluku continuing unabated, People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais lashed out at the National Commission on Human Rights on Thursday for turning a blind eye to the bloodshed. Amien accused the rights body of spending too much time serving international interests with its investigation into atrocities in East Timor and the Indonesian Military (TNI).

Storm wrecks 40 houses in C. Java

Storm wrecks 40 houses in C. Java SEMARANG: Heavy rain and strong winds lashed three villages in Kranggan district, Central Java, on Thursday causing damage to 40 houses. "The three villages are Kranggan, Badran and Pendowo. However no fatalities or injuries are reported in the incident," said Kraggan district's chief Anteng Ujiani. (har/edt)

Hotel industry sees better growth for 2000

Hotel industry sees better growth for 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta's hotel industry is projected to see a between five percent and 10 percent growth in room occupancy rates this year due to increasing business activity, an analyst said earlier this week.

The easiest work

The easiest work From Rakyat Merdeka We are now in 2000 and hope that the new year will bring improvement to all fields, especially to the economy. Political stability, general security and a less mercurial government are also among our expectations. The little people do not need politicking, sweet promises. The essential things for them are safety and peace, freedom from fear, the possibility to earn a livelihood and adequate food, clothing and housing.

Busy Idul Fitri for President, Vice President

Busy Idul Fitri for President, Vice President JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and the first family will hold four open-house sessions at Merdeka Palace on the first day of the post-fasting month Idul Fitri holiday to receive well- wishers, including members of the public. Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri will receive Cabinet members, diplomats and top government officials at her official residence on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, on Saturday.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Jan. 7, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, Jan. 7, 2000 Exhibitions * Handicraft Exhibition: Cinderamata Nusantara, at Galeri Kampoeng Seni, in Metropolitan Mal, Bekasi, Jan. 7. Dances and music performance, every Monday, Thursday, at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. * Poster Exhibition: Ilmu Warna Goethe, at Goethe-Institute, Jl. Matraman Raya 23, East Jakarta (Phone: 8509132), until Jan. 20. * Painting Exhibition: Fenomena Masyarakat Urban, by 15 Jakartan artists, at Galeri Milenium, Golden Truly, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S.

From Irian Jaya to Papua

From Irian Jaya to Papua I refer to the article in The Jakarta Post, Jan. 2, 2000 entitled President changes Irian Jaya's name to Papua. Prior to 2000, President Abdurrahman Wahid announced that the name of the Irian Jaya province would be Papua. Many people expressed disagreement with that decision. To change the name of a province is constitutionally under the authority of the House of Representatives (DPR). Hence, the President should have first consulted the DPR before making the decision.

Analysts back Gus Dur on removing Sjahril

Analysts back Gus Dur on removing Sjahril JAKARTA (JP): Analysts support President Abdurrahman Wahid's move to replace Bank Indonesia governor Sjahril Sabirin, but major factions at the House of Representatives have yet to give a response to his proposal.

11 die as bus falls into ravine

11 die as bus falls into ravine SUBANG, West Java: Eleven people were killed and 15 others injured when a bus heading for Central Java from Jakarta plunged into 30-meter deep ravine in Subang on Thursday. Eyewitnesses said that the 26-seat minibus was traveling at a moderate speed when it arrived at a sharp turn in the village of Sindangsari in Cisalak district, some 30 kms southeast of Subang. "The driver failed to control the steering wheel.

A fiery Foster stars in new version of 'Anna and the King'

A fiery Foster stars in new version of 'Anna and the King' By Tam Notosusanto JAKARTA (JP): East is East and West is West. And the twain did meet at the court of the King of Siam. At least they did in the 1860s, when a British woman came to the palace to teach King Mongkut's children and wives English. However, both the king and the Brit got more than they bargained for.

Garuda offers free hotel

Garuda offers free hotel JAKARTA (JP): Passengers flying business class with Garuda to Jakarta from Padang, Banjarmasin, Batam, Manado, Jayapura, Biak or Ampenan will get a free one-night stay at Sahid Hotel or Aryaduta Hotel upon arrival in Jakarta. The airline said on Thursday the offer, including breakfast, service charge and taxes, would only be applicable for adult travelers with return tickets.

Prabowo makes secret visit to capital

Prabowo makes secret visit to capital JAKARTA (JP): Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto, the disgraced former chief of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), left Jakarta on Thursday after a brief and highly secretive visit here, his friends said on Thursday. "He left early this morning," Fadlizon, one of Prabowo's closest friends, told The Jakarta Post.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Jan. 6, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Suspected arms supplier dies from beating in Aceh

Suspected arms supplier dies from beating in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): A military police officer who was detained for selling arms to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has died from severe head and bodily injuries, a hospital administrator said. The director of Tapak Tuan Hospital in South Aceh, T.M. Thaib, said on Wednesday night a postmortem report on Pvt. Zulkifli concluded he died from blows from blunt objects. "The soldier was already dead when he was admitted here.

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.

Observers back Gus Dur's assessment of police

Observers back Gus Dur's assessment of police JAKARTA (JP): Military and police observers cautiously supported President Abdurrahman Wahid's statement on the National Police's role and duties. Army Lt. Gen. (ret) Hasnan Habib, former National Police chief Gen.

TV stations compete for holiday viewers

TV stations compete for holiday viewers JAKARTA (JP): Idul Fitri for most is a time to visit neighbors and relatives, wish each other well and ask for forgiveness for any trespasses. While people will continue to take part in these time-honored traditions, local TV stations are doing their best to attract viewers by offering special programs during the holiday. As in past years, this year's offerings are dominated by local singers and entertainers.

Three Iranians stranded in Merauke

Three Iranians stranded in Merauke MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Three Iranians have been stranded in the town of Merauke since November awaiting financial aid from the Iranian embassy in Jakarta, Antara reported on Thursday. The three, identified as Gholamreza, 37, Beigi Jabbar, 29, and Zahiri, 22, were arrested by Merauke Police at the Akat Hotel on Nov. 23 for allegedly overstaying on their visas. They arrived in Jakarta on Oct. 11 and planned to visit Papua New Guinea and Australia.

No cure no pay

No cure no pay Upon learning of a massage clinic in Batam that accepts patients for treatment on a no-cure, no-pay basis, a few of us visited Batam recently. While we consider the four of us to be healthy, we tried out the two-hour massage therapy of Yayasan Pijit Berdiploma Indonesia (Certified Massage Parlor) that was operating in Southlinks Country Club. We must all admit it was the best massage therapy we ever had.

Ancol puts on holiday programs

Ancol puts on holiday programs JAKARTA (JP): Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta is putting on various programs for the entertainment of city residents during the post-fasting Idul Fitri holiday, an official said on Wednesday. "The management will provide prizes for lucky residents visiting the resort," Ancol spokesman Mukhrijul Adli said in a written statement. Mukhrijul said the programs were meant as a show of gratitude and thanks for the peaceful Ramadhan, Christmas and New Year.

Alwi out to reshape ambassadorial picks

Alwi out to reshape ambassadorial picks JAKARTA (JP): Foreign minister Alwi Shihab said on Thursday he would prefer non-career diplomats to occupy only between 5 percent and 15 percent of all ambassadorships abroad. Speaking at a breaking of the fast gathering with members of the media, Alwi said about 33 percent of the 105 ambassadorial posts abroad were currently held by non-foreign ministry officials.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 6, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,050 -25 28,000 Alakasa Industrindo 600 0 0 Alter Abadi 400 0 465,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,200 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,400 25 832,500 Anwar Sierad 375 75 1,739,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

Holiday exodus reaches its peak

Holiday exodus reaches its peak JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of people anxious to travel home to celebrate Idul Fitri are flocking to the city's major intercity bus terminals and railway stations, two days before the Muslim post-fasting celebrations begin. Officials at terminals and railway stations told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the volume of seasonal travelers reached its peak on Wednesday and Thursday, particularly in the evening.

Government declares Idul Fitri to fall Jan. 8

Government declares Idul Fitri to fall Jan. 8 JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Thursday evening that Idul Fitri would fall on Saturday, but two small organizations in Semarang and Surabaya decided to celebrate the post-fasting month holiday one day earlier. The government's announcement was made after a meeting of Minister of Religious Affairs Tolchah Hasan and religious experts and leaders from various Muslim groups.

Jakarta's street children treated to classical concert

Jakarta's street children treated to classical concert JAKARTA (JP): The city's street children will get a rare treat of quality classical music at a charity concert at Erasmus Huis, Kuningan, South Jakarta, next week. The show on Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. will present a violin-piano recital by Finland violist Oliver A.P. Halviala and Indonesian pianist Ary Sutedja.

Indonet's service

Indonet's service Just a year ago I wrote a letter about Indonet in this column, which seems to be the Consumers' Court of Last Resort when pleas directly to providers of goods and especially services do not get a response. After the letter appeared there was a great deal of personal attention: e-mails, cookies (the eating kind, not the computer kind), and a lunch invitation, from the president director. In the next months service even seemed to improve.

What should a Vice President do?

What should a Vice President do? By Akmal Djamaran JAKARTA (JP): A daily newspaper once regarded as a staunch supporter of Megawati Soekarnoputri and her nationalist party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), recently published an article with a cartoon entitled Megawati Cuma Ngekor (Megawati only tails after the President). Both the cartoon and the article could be considered as a kind of taxpayers evaluation on the vice president's job performance.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 6:15 p.m.

Indonesia looms as East Timor's top trade partner

Indonesia looms as East Timor's top trade partner DILI, East Timor (Reuters): East Timor is likely to count Indonesia, its old and often brutal master, as its top trade partner as the devastated fledgling nation strives to rebuild, the United Nations and World Bank say. Laid waste less than five months ago by pro-Jakarta militias opposed to independence, East Timor is still tied economically to Indonesia despite its bloody severing of sovereign ties. U.N.

The search for common ground

The search for common ground By Irawan Abidin THE VATICAN: The images of Indonesia in the minds of most people all over the world today are those that have been provided by mass media: riots, ethnic violence, violations of human rights, and intractable secessionist movements. Indeed, judging from media reports alone, Indonesia is a country that is entirely bereft of peace and has little hope for peace. This is not true.

Asia projected to post moderate to strong economic growth

Asia projected to post moderate to strong economic growth SINGAPORE (AFP): Most Asian nations are expected to post moderate to strong economic growth in 2000 as they consolidate their recovery from the financial crisis which erupted in mid- 1997, a conference was told Thursday. But private economists at the forum warned that high economic growth rates alone were not the sole benchmark for progress, as demonstrated by the crisis' exposure of policy flaws in the region despite runaway growth.

MAF halts services in Jayawijaya

MAF halts services in Jayawijaya WAMENA, Irian Jaya: The Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has suspended flights to remote areas in Jayawijaya district, Irian Jaya, due to reckless behavior from local residents which is threatening the safety of the flights and their passengers. "Every day locals casually pass right in the middle of the air strip without thinking of the possible dangers to aircraft taking off or landing," Edison Djiko, head of the MAF office in Wamena said here on Wednesday.