Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 October 2000

64 articles found

Anti-Israel rally in Surakarta

Anti-Israel rally in Surakarta SURAKARTA: At least three hundred protesters from the Alliance of Anti-Zionists held a noisy anti-Israel protest here on Monday to condemn recent events in the West Bank.The alliance, which groups several organizations, including the Surakarta branch of the Indonesian...

S'pore puts Premjee under judicial management

S'pore puts Premjee under judicial management SINGAPORE (Reuters): The Singapore unit of one of Asia's oldest commodity trading firms, G. Premjee Ltd., has suspended its trading in grains and meals after it was put under interim judicial management, company sources said on Monday.

Books donation needed for library

Books donation needed for library We are a non-governmental organization, Kelompok Masyarakat Peduli Bangsa, currently working to establish a public library that can be accessed freely for quality reading.

Office boy blamed for exam paper leak

Office boy blamed for exam paper leak JAKARTA (JP): Two witnesses have denied any involvement in the leaking of examination papers and attempted to shift the blame on to the defendant, an office boy with the Directorate General of Elementary and Secondary Education (Dikdasmen)."It was not my fault.

Shake-up at IBRA

Shake-up at IBRA Firing the second-highest executive of the agency that holds the key to Indonesia's economic recovery while he was overseas leading a road show to attract investors was the last thing President Abdurrahman Wahid needed to do to improve the credibility of his economic...

Popularizing cricket in Indonesian schools

Popularizing cricket in Indonesian schoolsBy Novan Iman Santosa JAKARTA (JP): By and large, Indonesians are not familiar with cricket. Most people in the country have never had the opportunity to see the game, the exception being those who have access to such foreign TV stations as ESPN.

High court receives appeal on Soeharto case

High court receives appeal on Soeharto case JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta High Court received on Monday the appeal of the prosecutors and a counterstatement from the lawyers of former president Soeharto in response to the South Jakarta District Court's verdict which halted the trial of Soeharto's graft...

Recap bonds may be swapped for higher rate notes

Recap bonds may be swapped for higher rate notes JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon allow banks to exchange up to half of their fixed-rate recapitalization bonds with new government bonds carrying a higher coupon rate in a bid to attract buyers, a senior finance ministry official said on Monday.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung:Exhibitions * Fine Arts Exhibition, Liyan by Nindityo Adipurnomo, at Selasar Seni Sunaryo, Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur no. 100 (Phone: 022 2507939), until Dec. 3. * Handycrafts, Design Interior Exhibition by Kalingga Gallery, at Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No.

Air pollution in Bandung alarming

Air pollution in Bandung alarming BANDUNG (JP): Air pollution resulting from gas emissions has become an obvious problem here, with the local Environmental Impact Management Agency office estimating the number of vehicles exceeding the tolerable exhaust emission limit at 36 percent.

China drubs RI 4-0 in Asian Cup

China drubs RI 4-0 in Asian Cup TRIPOLI, Lebanon (AFP): China eased the pressure on coach Bora Milutinovic here Monday, outclassing minnows Indonesia 4-0 in their Asian Cup Group B match.China, lucky to sneak a 2-2 draw against South Korea in its opening match on Friday, produced a far more...

Aceh violence kills 74 within 10 months

Aceh violence kills 74 within 10 months BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The campaign of violence perpetrated by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebels over the past 10 months has claimed 74 lives, police said here on Monday.Aceh Police inspector Sr. Supt. H.M.

Illegal logging threatens Sumatra's park

Illegal logging threatens Sumatra's parkBy Budisantoso Budiman BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung (Antara): South Bukit Barisan National Park, home to a wide variety of species, is in danger due to unchecked illegal logging and poaching.

Little league staged to popularize baseball

Little league staged to popularize baseball JAKARTA (JP): For kids, sports means fun. They have to enjoy it to love it. To introduce baseball to children in Jakarta, the Garuda baseball club, Prambors baseball and softball club, Girls Radio Station and youth organization, Blue Ribbon Movement,...

Keep food for kids safe: Mayor

Keep food for kids safe: Mayor BOGOR (JP): Mayor Iswara Natanegara told his staff on Monday to avoid using harmful substances in the food distributed to some 14,700 elementary school students as part of the Extra Food for School Kids scheme.

Rupiah closes higher as most regional currencies gain

Rupiah closes higher as most regional currencies gain SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Indonesian rupiah closed higher after sluggish trading Monday, boosted by the rise of most other regional currencies, dealers said.The dollar closed at Rp 8,875, down from Rp 8,922 late Friday in Asia.

Tension rises in Jayapura over flag dispute

Tension rises in Jayapura over flag dispute JAKARTA (JP): Tension heightened in the Irian Jaya capital of Jayapura on Monday as proindependence leaders asserted their refusal to lower the Morning Star separatist flag.

Man stabbed to death at home

Man stabbed to death at home JAKARTA (JP): An owner of a beauty parlor was stabbed to death at his residence on Jl. Galur Sari Raya, Utan Kayu in East Jakarta in the early hours of Monday, an officer said.The chief of Matraman Police station, Ass. Supt.

RI activists urge new approach from CGI

RI activists urge new approach from CGI TOKYO (AFP): Activists on Monday urged international donors preparing to meet in Tokyo this week to cut Indonesia's vast debt and tackle wrenching poverty.During the World Bank-backed Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday,...

Rates for tax payment, valid from October 16 to October 22

Rates for tax payment, valid from October 16 to October 22 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 8,810.00Austrian schilling 1 552.02Australian dollar 1 4,663.13Belgian franc 1 188.30Canadian dollar 1 5,811.35Swiss franc 1 5,031.41Deutschemark 1 3,885.51Danish krone 1 1,020.21French franc 1 1,157.

ASEAN needs to adapt to face future

ASEAN needs to adapt to face future BANGKOK (AFP): ASEAN countries should give preferential treatment and aid to new members to prevent a "two-tier" organization from developing, former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas said in a report Monday.

Expert renews call for morality in politics

Expert renews call for morality in politics People are still yearning for quality leadership a year after President Abdurrahman Wahid was installed. The following is an excerpt from an interview with political historian Azyumardi Azra who recently launched his book Islam Substantif: Agar Umat Tidak...

Despite wobbles, Asian states stick to path of free-trade

Despite wobbles, Asian states stick to path of free-trade TOKYO (Reuters): Asia's appetite for the tough task of opening up protected markets will be tested if economic growth flags, but for now experts see scant evidence that the region's commitment to free trade is crumbling.

EU to focus on trade, crime at Asian summit

EU to focus on trade, crime at Asian summit BRUSSELS (Reuters): European Union leaders will push for freer trade, a closer political dialog and joint action to combat international crime when they hold a biennial summit with 10 Asian nations later this week.

Witness claims Soeharto played role in graft case

Witness claims Soeharto played role in graft case JAKARTA (JP): A witness in the multimillion dollar graft trial of timber baron Mohamad "Bob" Hasan told a court hearing on Monday that in 1992 then president Soeharto ordered that a forestry mapping permit be granted to a firm belonging to the...

Tourist arrivals to RI decline

Tourist arrivals to RI decline JAKARTA (JP): Tourist arrivals in Indonesia dropped 2.19 percent in August to 374,900 people due to security worries during the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly held in the same month, according to data issued by the Central Bureau of Statistics...

INRO sales will not affect rubber price: Official

INRO sales will not affect rubber price: Official JAKARTA (JP): The planned sales of the entire stocks held by the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) will not affect the world's rubber prices, the organization's executive Hatanto Reksodiputro, said here on Monday.

Woman reports Rp 7 m theft

Woman reports Rp 7 m theft BOGOR (JP): A woman filed a report on Monday with the Bogor City Police, stating that Rp 7.35 million (US$825) belonging to her employer had been stolen from her handbag by three men.

50,000 workers in footwear industry facing dismissal

50,000 workers in footwear industry facing dismissal JAKARTA (JP): Some 50,000 of the around 500,000 workers employed in 90 footwear factories could face dismissal due to the government's prolonged ban on the import of leather raw materials from South Korea and Japan, a footwear industry executive...

I'm not scared, President says over Suwondo's arrest

I'm not scared, President says over Suwondo's arrest JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Monday that the arrest of his masseur, Alip Agung Suwondo, a suspect in the multi-billion rupiah State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal, left him with no fear at all."It's none of my business.

Rice subsidies to end in 2002, says Gus Dur

Rice subsidies to end in 2002, says Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Monday he had acquiesced to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and agreed to end rice subsidies in 2002.Abdurrahman, or Gus Dur, said rice prices would be fully determined by "market mechanisms" in 2002.

Dark horse Wismilak CLS eyes league's final ticket

Dark horse Wismilak CLS eyes league's final ticket BANDUNG (JP): Surabaya-based Wismilak CLS made the biggest upset in the third day of the fourth leg of the 2000 Nuvo Kobatama national basketball league Monday as it managed to defeat defending champion Mahaka Satria Muda of Jakarta 77-75.

Refugees hamper sports development in Pontianak

Refugees hamper sports development in PontianakBy Ivy Susanti PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan (JP): Ethnic clashes across Indonesia over the past two years have not only claimed numerous lives, but also have permanently wounded the hearts of many.

RI businessman to buy Vikay

RI businessman to buy Vikay SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): Indonesian timber businessman Kea Kah Kim plans to buy an 80 percent stake in liquid crystal display maker Vikay Industrial Ltd, which has been under judicial management since December 1997, the Straits Times quoted Kea as saying.

House divided over govt plans on fuel price hike in 2001

House divided over govt plans on fuel price hike in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): Factions at the House of Representatives are divided over the government's politically-sensitive plans to further raise fuel prices next year.

Candra, coaches get cash bonus

Candra, coaches get cash bonus BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian Olympic gold medalist Candra Wijaya, who together with partner Tony Gunawan won the men's doubles badminton gold in Sydney, received a Rp 25 million (US$2,880) cash bonus from West Java Governor R.

Danish citizen dies in Central Jakarta

Danish citizen dies in Central Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A 25-year-old native of Denmark died on Sunday shortly after he was found lying against a wall in a Central Jakarta alley with foam coming from his mouth and nose.Identified as Jon Sorensen, the Dane was found by passersby on Jl.

United Tractors reschedules debt

United Tractors reschedules debt JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT United Tractors (UT), a distributor of heavy equipment, has gained approval from its foreign and domestic creditors to restructure its debts.

U.S. envoy denies minister's allegation

U.S. envoy denies minister's allegation JAKARTA (JP): The United States Embassy in a statement here on Monday denied allegations by Mahfud MD that U.S. Ambassador Robert Gelbard had tried to influence the selection of a new Army Chief of Staff."The U.S.

Journalists rally against police violence

Journalists rally against police violence JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of reporters and photo journalists protested at National Police headquarters on Monday afternoon, condemning police violence against the press while covering recent street rallies in the capital.

Restudy train system!

Restudy train system!From Warta KotaSeveral train accidents have occurred recently, leaving several people dead. This means PT Kereta Api, the company that runs the railways in this country, needs to take the necessary measures to straighten out things pertaining to the railways.

Greater tax authority to provinces

Greater tax authority to provincesBy J. S. Uppal YOGYAKARTA (JP): The finance minister has raised very interesting proposals on the amendment to the regional tax laws providing greater tax authority to provincial and central governments in exercising control over the taxing powers of the proposed...

IPU may approve motion on Mideast

IPU may approve motion on Mideast JAKARTA (JP): A plenary session of the 104th Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference here on Monday agreed in principle on the need to issue a compromise resolution on the current tension in the Middle East, but stopped short of any condemnation of Israel.

Bandung workers protest dismissals

Bandung workers protest dismissals BANDUNG: At least 2,000 employees of garment manufacturer PT KH Fortune Garmen Majalaya, located in the Bandung regency, rallied at the provincial council office on Monday to protest the dismissal of their colleagues.

Conversion Rates

Conversion RatesBank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 16, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,393.00 9,393.00 8,849.00 8,937.00Australian dollar 1 4,418.91 4,950.11 4,659.14 4,709.80Austrian schilling 1 521.26 583.70 549.58 555.

Construction accident leaves one dead

Construction accident leaves one dead DENPASAR, Bali: A construction worker was killed and another seriously injured on Monday afternoon when a six-meter concrete wall they were working on collapsed on them."The victim was identified as Wayan Reped. We believe he died instantly.

Three die in swollen river

Three die in swollen river BANJARNEGARA, Central Java (JP): Three people died on Sunday when they were swept away by strong river currents following a day of torrential rain in Susukan district.The three victims, who lived in a village near Gumelem River, were identified as 16-year-old Buhron,...

I'm not responsible for Tanjung Priok shootings, says Try

I'm not responsible for Tanjung Priok shootings, says Try JAKARTA (JP): Former vice president Gen. (ret) Try Sutrisno repeated his protestations of innocence on Monday, denying any responsibility for the 1984 Tanjung Priok shootings."The incident occurred by accident.

RI sets $60 billion target from export earnings: Luhut

RI sets $60 billion target from export earnings: Luhut JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut Pandjaitan said on Monday that Indonesia expected to reap US$60 billion in export revenue next year, an increase of $5 billion from an estimated $55 billion this year.

Coaches, the forgotten men behind the athletes

Coaches, the forgotten men behind the athletes JAKARTA (JP): When Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan managed to beat Lee Dong-soo and Yoo Yong-sung of South Korea in Olympic competition, a man sitting on the side of the court felt really relieved.

Govt vows to strengthen malnutrition programs

Govt vows to strengthen malnutrition programs JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health and Social Welfare Achmad Sujudi called on provincial authorities to develop the Family Improvement Nutrition Program (UPGK) to reduce the number of malnutrition cases across the country.

Buying recycled products helps to save environment

Buying recycled products helps to save environmentBy Erry Prabandari YOGYAKARTA (JP): Handicraft items made out of recycled material has become a trend as more and more people have started to buy these elegant and environment-friendly products."I don't know why people love these recycled products.

KL palm oil higher after choppy trade

KL palm oil higher after choppy trade KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed higher on Monday after a choppy session, with technical buying lifting prices in late trade, dealers said.

Stop making promises, uphold justice for farmers

Stop making promises, uphold justice for farmers JAKARTA (JP): Chief economic minister Rizal Ramli's promise to soon increase rice floor-prices rang hollow in some observers' ears. The earlier policy of lifting rice import restrictions has left its mark -- thousands of farmers have threatened to...

Funding planned for small and medium businesses

Funding planned for small and medium businesses JAKARTA (JP): The Office of the State Minister of Research and Technology plans to launch next year a three-year funding scheme to help empower selected small and medium-scale industries across the country, an official said here on Monday.

Govt will to help farmers doubted

Govt will to help farmers doubted President Abdurrahman Wahid commemorated the World Food Day on Monday by warning farmers to adapt to free-market conditions as the government would scrap the protection of subsidies in 2002.

President says no new chairman for IBRA yet

President says no new chairman for IBRA yet JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has no immediate plan to appoint a new chairman for the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency to replace Cacuk Sudarijanto, Presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar told reporters on Monday.

Pedan's fabrics attract foreign buyers

Pedan's fabrics attract foreign buyersBy Kartika Bagus C. SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): While machine-made fabrics dominate the garment industry, traditionally made woven fabric from Pedan in Klaten, Central Java, is still treasured by both local and foreign consumers.

Traders see tin prices rising

Traders see tin prices rising SHANGHAI (Dow Jones): Reduced tin exports from China will tighten supply of the metal in Asia, possibly pushing prices higher later in the year, traders said.Tin exporters in China have exhausted their licenses to export for the year.

Disappointing service of ANZ Panin Bank

Disappointing service of ANZ Panin BankFrom Media IndonesiaI am an ANZ Panin Bank credit card holder under No.4157-3530- 4320-5000. On Friday Oct. 13, I had a very embarrassing experience.My ANZ Panin Bank credit card was rejected due to insufficient funds when I used it to pay for dental treatment...

Bangka, Belitung set to become province

Bangka, Belitung set to become province JAKARTA (JP): Only a week after passing the bill establishing Banten province, the House of Representatives (DPR) is expected to endorse a bill on the conversion of the South Sumatran islands of Bangka and Belitung into a new province in the immediate future.

FP to buy 8% Indofood stake

FP to buy 8% Indofood stake HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Shareholders of First Pacific Co. on Monday approved a US$77 million deal in which the Hong Kong conglomerate will buy an additional 8 percent stake in Indonesian PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, First Pacific said in a statement.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 16, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 2,040 40 276,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 125 0 35,500 Alakasa Industrindo 430 0 0 Alfa...

Police deny unlawful arrest of former E. Timorese leader

Police deny unlawful arrest of former E. Timorese leader JAKARTA (JP): The National Police demanded on Monday that the South Jakarta District Court reject a pretrial lawsuit filed by the former East Timor militia leader Eurico Guterres, saying that his arrest had been carried out in line with...