Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 October 2000

48 articles found

Tired, Sutiyoso calls in experts to stop brawls

Tired, Sutiyoso calls in experts to stop brawls JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso, who has tried repeatedly to halt the brawls between the feuding neighborhoods of Manggarai and Matraman in East Jakarta, now plans to form a team of experts to help his administration resolve the prolonged dispute which frequently erupts in violence.

Tommy to file motion for review of his case

Tommy to file motion for review of his case JAKARTA (JP): Defense lawyers for Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, will soon file a motion for a review of the Supreme Court's verdict last month which sentenced their client to an 18-month jail term.

Ferry voices concern over burning forests

Ferry voices concern over burning forests By Matdon BANDUNG (JP): Popular singers Iwan Fals, Ully Sigar, Leo Kristi, Franky Sahilatua and Ebiet G. Ade have long belted out their concern over the country's social situation and environment through their songs. Bandung-born singer Ferry Curtis is an artist who is considered by cultural observer Saini KM as another singer who follows in the steps of his senior's.

VP asks for Emergency Law to be brought up with House

VP asks for Emergency Law to be brought up with House JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri has instructed officials to present the draft of the revised Emergency Law before the House of Representatives so that any revisions can be reviewed and the law quickly passed.

Bengawan Solo Fair opens today

Bengawan Solo Fair opens today SEMARANG, Central Java: Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated to open the 17-day Bengawan Solo Fair at Surakarta palace on Friday. Organizing committee chairman Suyanto said here on Thursday that this year's opening ceremony of the annual cultural fair will be highlighted by a dance performance of 100 traditional dancers accompanied by 50 players of traditional lesung musical instruments.

IBRA bankruptcy suit rejected

IBRA bankruptcy suit rejected JAKARTA (AFX-ASIA): The Jakarta Commercial Court has rejected a bankruptcy suit filed by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) against Dharmala Group affiliate PT Muara Alas Prima, judge Erwin Mangatas Malau said. Malau, who presided over the three-member panel of judges which heard the case, said Muara Alas dissolved itself as a business entity in July and that the liquidation of the company's assets is ongoing.

Citizens grade Gus Dur on anniversary of presidency

Citizens grade Gus Dur on anniversary of presidency Today marks the first anniversary of Abdurrahman Wahid's presidency. Elected on Oct. 20, 1999 amid a growing division among people -- especially between supporters of B.J. Habibie and those of Megawati Soekarnoputri -- Abdurrahman, or Gus Dur, was the escape hatch. He was, for many, "the lesser" of several evils. Does this view still hold now?

Political correctness?

Political correctness? This is in reply to Nigel Mason's letter Honoring children in the Oct. 18 edition of the paper. He obviously feels he has the right to apply his arrogant politically correct views against the entire Indonesian nation. How dare he, a foreigner, describe the Indonesian religious custom of circumcising girls, a practice dating back centuries, as "barbaric". Mr.

Nation to have new national nutrition guideline

Nation to have new national nutrition guideline JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in cooperation with nutritional experts, is set to launch a revised national nutrition guideline in an effort to encourage people to eat properly with an alternative main dish, besides rice.

Asia still torn by conflict, measured optimism in Korea

Asia still torn by conflict, measured optimism in Korea LONDON (AFP): Asia is still wracked by conflict, from a dangerous deterioration of security in Indonesia to the India- Pakistan nuclear stand-off, but the easing of tension on the Korean peninsula is cause for measured optimism, the IISS think tank said on Thursday.

Rupiah closes flat, other Asian currencies mostly up

Rupiah closes flat, other Asian currencies mostly up HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The rupiah closed flat Thursday, as optimism from an agreement by donor nations to extend $4.8 billion in loans to Indonesia was tempered by local corporate demand for dollars, traders said. The dollar closed at Rp 8,895 in Asia, unchanged from its close in Asia Wednesday. The U.S.

S'pore yet to contain virus

S'pore yet to contain virus SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore doctors were treating more than 60 new cases of a lethal hand, foot and mouth virus a day, health authorities revealed Thursday, as they admitted the outbreak had not yet been contained. The chairman of a special government task force, Wang Nan Chee, said they would need at least another week before they could say if the situation was under control.

KL palm oil higher ahead of export data

KL palm oil higher ahead of export data KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded on Thursday on short covering prompted by expectations of positive export data for the first 20 days of October, traders said. The benchmark January contract [KPOF1 closed up 25 ringgit at 847 ringgit ($222.89) a ton, the day's high. "The market is very bullish because of short covering ahead of the export figures, which we think will be friendly," said one trader in Kuala Lumpur.

Cash-strapped PBSI mulls mass dismissal of players

Cash-strapped PBSI mulls mass dismissal of players JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) indicated on Thursday a massive dismissal of elite players accommodated at its training center here due to lack of funds. PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo told reporters here that dismissing half of the existing 60 players being groomed at the training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, was one of three options to save the organization from its worst financial deficit ever.

Huge haul of fake drugs confiscated in Tangerang

Huge haul of fake drugs confiscated in Tangerang TANGERANG (JP): Police detectives seized tens of thousands of counterfeit pills and capsules resembling various popular medicines at a house in the vast Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) real estate complex in Serpong here on Thursday morning. The detectives, led by Jakarta Police Narcotics Criminal Investigation chief Supt.

A retail monster

A retail monster From Republika Indomaret shopping centers have sprung up in every corner of the city and even in the suburban areas and urban villages, causing great concern to local small-scale traders. As a giant in the retail business, Indomaret has a rich experience in the business and is supported by an effective marketing approach and huge capital.

State intervention in sexuality unnecessary

State intervention in sexuality unnecessary This is the second of two articles on state and sexuality by sociologist Julia I. Suryakusuma, also executive director of the API Foundation for political research, information and publication in Jakarta. JAKARTA (JP): Does the 1983 regulation (PP10) really defend women's interests? Decidedly not. Its complicated procedures and heavy sanctions lead people to circumvent the rules.

Palestinian ambassador should be replaced: Alwi

Palestinian ambassador should be replaced: Alwi SEOUL (JP): Indonesia will ask that Palestinian Ambassador to Jakarta Ribbhi Awad be replaced following accusations he botched a briefing with a Palestinian parliamentary delegation, which led to it erroneously condemning the Indonesian government for not supporting the Palestinian cause.

Nicky remains faithful to Dayak music despite hardship

Nicky remains faithful to Dayak music despite hardship By Kafil Yamin BANDUNG (JP): The golden days may be over for Nicky Ukur, a singer-musician who was popular in the 1980s. But that's not the end of his creative work and commitment to the performing arts. His long-standing commitment is to develop and bring traditional music, especially that of Kalimantan's Dayak tribe, to the public who love western-oriented music. He has spent 15 years of his life making the effort without fanfare.

Dwidasa Mitra fights hard to avoid possible relegation

Dwidasa Mitra fights hard to avoid possible relegation BANDUNG (JP): Late strikes earned Dwidasa Mitra of Jakarta its first win and the possibility of escaping relegation from the national semiprofessional basketball league here on Thursday. The 84-74 victory over Wismilak CLS of Surabaya in the league's fourth leg gave Dwidasa the boost in morale it needs to face decision day on Friday when it plays Bima Sakti Nikko Steel of Malang, East Java.

Jasa Marga clarifies

Jasa Marga clarifies From Republika We thank you for the letter from Bertho Darmo PA published in this newspaper of Oct. 3, 2000 about the traffic congestion at the Taman Mini toll gate and would like to clarify the following: Just like any other company in general, the earnings of PT Jasa Marga (Persero) are, in principle, spent in the interest of stakeholders, namely customers, shareholders and employees, in a balanced way to ensure that the company is always financially sound.

RI silat team out to play better in next world c'ship

RI silat team out to play better in next world c'ship JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian pencak silat team is out to make amends for its poor results in the Brunei Darussalam 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games when it hosts the sport's world championships next month.

Legal process of three tycoons delayed

Legal process of three tycoons delayed SEOUL (JP): In a disclosure that might trigger another controversy back home, President Abdurrahman Wahid admitted here on Thursday he had ordered the Attorney General's Office to delay the prosecution of three of the country's most prominent businessmen and largest debtors.

A rotten apple decays a bushel

A rotten apple decays a bushel The army commander's efforts to investigate Agus Wirahadikusumah and Saurip Kadi must be understood as part of the Indonesian Military (TNI) internal reform. Salim Said is wrong to say that the army commander must not busy himself with Agus and Saurip Kadi as this is an unproductive matter. I am a military observer (not an expert), but let me try to express my comments: 1.

Tjahya Motor secures debt deal

Tjahya Motor secures debt deal JAKARTA (JP): PT Tjahja Motor Corporation, the sole distributor of BMW cars in Indonesia, has received approval from its creditors to reschedule its US$55 million debt, the company said here on Thursday. Under the debt agreement, which was signed with the creditors in Singapore last week, the company's debt repayment period will be extended to five years, including a grace period of 18 months.

Bob used deviant procedures in mapping contract: Witness

Bob used deviant procedures in mapping contract: Witness JAKARTA (JP): A witness in the multimillion dollar graft trial of timber tycoon Mohamad "Bob" Hasan told a court hearing on Thursday that proper procedures had been neglected regarding payments made by forest concessionaires to the defendant's firm over an aerial mapping project.

Perodua vehicles to hit Indonesian roads next year

Perodua vehicles to hit Indonesian roads next year KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's second national carmaker Perodua will start exports to Indonesia next year with an initial shipment of 500 cars, a report said on Thursday. Abdul Rahman Omar, managing director of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua), was quoted by the Star newspaper as saying the cars would be shipped next April and would be sold under the Daihatsu brand.

Happy anniversary, Mr. President

Happy anniversary, Mr. President By Donna K Woodward MEDAN (JP): Is Indonesia better off with President Abdurrahman Wahid than it would be without him? In October 1999 this question would have been unthinkable; Abdurrahman seemed the only viable hope for national unity. By August 2000 the unthinkable question was being asked. The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) answered affirmatively, though barely so, when it decided against calling for impeachment. But the question has not gone away.

Malaysian Cabinet to get pay hike

Malaysian Cabinet to get pay hike KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad -- who recently complained that he was overworked and underpaid -- and his cabinet colleagues are to be given pay rises to make up for cuts they suffered during the Asian crisis, officials said on Thursday.

Rallies held with different themes

Rallies held with different themes JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans saw at least three rallies, each of which had a different theme, in the capital on Thursday. But, they had one thing in common: they were all protesting President Abdurrahman Wahid's erratic personal behavior and political stances. The rallies, however, did not cause any traffic congestion and all of the participants dispersed peacefully after staging their protests. The first rally began at around 9 a.m.

Revamping intelligence

Revamping intelligence After a year of bewildering maneuvers and statements coming from state officials, the government this week announced plans to revamp the state intelligence services in order to obtain accurate information and intelligence data. The news was announced on Wednesday by Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

PLN extends talks on power rate dispute

PLN extends talks on power rate dispute JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PT PLN agreed on Thursday to extend power rate negotiations with industrial users until December, when a decision would be made by the government either to accept or dismiss their requests for downward revisions of new power rates.

Ex-Bank staff pleads guilty of graft

Ex-Bank staff pleads guilty of graft TANGERANG (JP): Defendant Rudi Budiman, a former head of the Tangerang branch office of a privately-owned bank, admitted to all the wrongdoings he had been accused of, which together caused the bank Rp 3.1 billion (US$352,270) in losses.

Hawk-100 jet fighter crashes in W. Kalimantan

Hawk-100 jet fighter crashes in W. Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian Air Force Hawk-100 jet fighter crashed in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Thursday morning, while minutes later sparks were observed coming from the left engine of an Airbus A-310 passenger carrier belonging to airline company PT AIRWAGON International (AWAIR) only seconds after it landed at the Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. The jet fighter crash killed both pilot Lt. Col. Bustari and co-pilot First Lt.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Rupiah Rate Oct. 19 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Song 9:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Cartoon 3:00 Documentary 4:00 News 4:30 Talk Show 5:30 TVRI News 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:30 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News 8:30 Variety Show TPI 5:30 a.m.

Former PLN boss denies markup allegations

Former PLN boss denies markup allegations JAKARTA (JP): A former chief of state electricity company PT PLN denied allegations on Thursday that two foreign funded power transmission projects had been marked up. Former PLN president Djiteng Marsudi said that when he signed the contracts for the two projects in 1998, the price of power transmission equipment was much higher. "There was no markup, but the market situation then was very different from now," he told reporters at a press briefing.

Intelligence system to be revamped

Intelligence system to be revamped JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono confirmed on Thursday the government's plan to revamp the national intelligence system. "So far, we have two options. We are also thinking of a possible third option," Susilo told reporters after a limited Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office here on Thursday, presided over by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

TNT launches iConnections facility worldwide

TNT launches iConnections facility worldwide JAKARTA (JP): Global delivery company TNT Express launched worldwide on Thursday its iConnections facility, allowing on-line businesses to offer customers or shoppers full access via their websites to a global door-to-door delivery network database. Through the iConnections facility, on-line shoppers can check the cost of shipping their purchased goods via TNT or track the movement of orders around the clock.

Legislators warns govt over new CGI $4.8b loan

Legislators warns govt over new CGI $4.8b loan JAKARTA (JP): Legislators expressed concern on Thursday over the country's high level of external debt following donors' approval to provide Indonesia with a US$4.8 billion loan to help plug next year's yawning budget deficit. Outspoken legislator Aberson Marle Sihaloho said that such levels of foreign debt could undermine the country's sovereignty.

Locals probed over recent Wamena riots

Locals probed over recent Wamena riots JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Jayawijaya Police have questioned 23 Wamena locals in relation to the Oct. 6 bloody riots, in which at least 30 people were killed and scores of others injured. "A total of 18 men have been intensively investigated for various charges, including murder, rape, robbery, assault and battery and resisting arrest. "Most of them were caught red-handed during the incident," Jayawijaya Police chief Supt. D. Surapatty said on Thursday.

JasNet offers e-marketplace

JasNet offers e-marketplace JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian software company PT Niarta JasaNet announced on Thursday its plan to launch a B2B e-marketplace to facilitate small and medium-scale companies sell their products through its website indoTradeCenter.com. The company said that the website offered a one-stop trading site for the sourcing of products, closing of deals and order fulfillment.

Teacher gets jail term for striking student

Teacher gets jail term for striking student PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The Purwokerto district court sentenced a teacher to one-month imprisonment on Thursday after he was found guilty of beating a student. The judge said that Asrori, 40, had violated Article No. 351 of the Criminal Code on violent crimes by striking a belligerent student, named Muhandoko, 15.

Major reshuffle to clean up police force: President

Major reshuffle to clean up police force: President SEOUL, South Korea (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said the recent major reshuffle of high and middle-ranking officers, including the Jakarta Police chief, was part of the government's efforts to clean up the law enforcement agency. "Pak Mulyono is a very strict and honest gentleman and the new East Java police chief is too," Abdurrahman said, referring to the new Jakarta and East Java Police chiefs Brig. Gen. Mulyono Sulaiman and Brig. Gen.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 19, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,950 145 327,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 120 -5 311,000 Alakasa Industrindo 435 0 10,500 Alfa Retailindo 835 30 170,500 Alter Abadi 200 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 955 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 270 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,015 25 1,931,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Braille: The world@your fingertips

Braille: The world@your fingertips By Lim Tri Santosa BANDUNG (JP): When one thinks of the suffering of the sightless in all countries, one does not wonder that it is said in the Bible that in the beginning the "word" was with God, and His word separated light from darkness. Without words, visible or tangible, there can be no enlightenment in this world. Words represent our language, hence reflecting our emotional and logical communications.

School holiday 'to go ahead'

School holiday 'to go ahead' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin insisted on Thursday that the planned 38-day school holiday lasting from December to the second week of January would proceed as planned in a bid to train students to be tolerant and practice their religion.

Police seize marijuana

Police seize marijuana JAKARTA (JP): Some 160 kilograms of dried marijuana were seized from a suspected drug trafficker in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, an officer said. South Jakarta Police chief Sr. Supt. Edward Aritonang said the suspect, Marjuki Yakup, alias Riky, 25, was arrested near his residence on Wednesday during a drug transaction with an undercover police officer.