Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 October 2000

56 articles found

Curiosity led us to buy exam papers: Witnesses

Curiosity led us to buy exam papers: Witnesses JAKARTA (JP): Three students testified at the South Jakarta District Court on Monday that curiosity had led them to buy copies of the national high school final examinations (Ebtanas) from defendant Dwi Santoso.

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. 81 (Phone: 022 431631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 31. Performances * Sundanese Drama, Syeh Ajram, by Sanggar Vikta, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl.

KL mulls palm oil-rail swap

KL mulls palm oil-rail swap KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia hopes to sell some four billion ringgit (US$1.05 billion) worth of palm oil to China in exchange for the construction of a rail project. The Sun newspaper quoted Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik as saying over the weekend that he would make the offer to a rail contractor in China during a trade mission there. Lim's office confirmed his remarks.

Residents told to be alert to troublemakers

Residents told to be alert to troublemakers JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to settle the prolonged rift between neighboring Palmeriam and Kebon Manggis subdistricts in Matraman area, East Jakarta, Governor Sutiyoso called on local residents to identify and keep an eye on the "provocateurs". "In every fight there would be agitators and residents should identify these 'creatures' and watch over them more carefully.

Local govt to fund workers' return

Local govt to fund workers' return PEKANBARU, Riau: In the future, local administrations will have to bear part of the cost of repatriating illegal workers deported by the Malaysian government. The new scheme was formulated during a coordinating meeting here recently. Among those attending the meeting were Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja, Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al Hilal Hamdi and Indonesia's Ambassador to Malaysia Hadi Wayarabi.

PPP recalls member from DPR special committee

PPP recalls member from DPR special committee JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) has abruptly recalled Habil Marati's membership in the House of Representatives' Special Committee due difference in approach to financial scandals allegedly linked to the President. While the party gave no official reason for the change, Habil claimed that it was due to differences over the true mission of the committee.

Ambon to resume town's public bus services

Ambon to resume town's public bus services AMBON, Maluku (JP): Ambon will relaunch public bus services along the town's three main thoroughfares as of Wednesday after they were suspended for some time due to the ongoing sectarian conflict in the area. Mayor Chris Tanasale cited on Monday improving security conditions as the main factor for the decision to resume what he called "reconciliation" bus services.

Abdurrahman says political factors behind rupiah's fall

Abdurrahman says political factors behind rupiah's fall JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid told the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday that the rupiah's plunge in value was caused by a perception of political instability. "The IMF delegation (expressed) concern over weak market sentiment which has recently been demonstrated by the fall of the rupiah's value," presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar told journalists.

Convicted Tommy appeals for a case review

Convicted Tommy appeals for a case review JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Hutomo Mandala Putra, alias Tommy, convicted to serve 18 months imprisonment for corruption, filed for a review of his case with the South Jakarta District Court on Monday in a last ditch attempt to avoid going to prison. But if Attorney General Marzuki Darusman has his way, the motion may even expedite the day that the youngest son of former president Soeharto goes to jail, probably in a matter of a few days. B.E.D.

Alleged motorcycle thief arrested

Alleged motorcycle thief arrested DENPASAR, Bali: An alleged motorcycle thief, identified as Sahmin, was arrested on Sunday night at Padangbai Port, some 70 kilometers east of Denpasar. A police officer said on Monday Sahmin was arrested when he attempted to board a ship for Lombok with the stolen motorcycle. Badung Police chief of detectives Sr. Insp.

No reason for surprise

No reason for surprise President Abdurrahman Wahid, according to his spokesman Wimar Witoelar, wants to draw a thick line between the (Soeharto's) New Order regime's tradition and that of his own. But the (Abdurrahman Wahid) government has not only totally inherited its culture and methods, but its players as well?

RI pipeline project revived

RI pipeline project revived SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): L&M Group Holdings Ltd. said it has signed a heads of agreement with PT Siwani Trimitra Tbk to co- operate in reviving pipeline projects entered into by unit Van Der Horst Ltd. with Pertamina. Van Der Horst, which was recently acquired by L&M Group, had invested up to US$60 million in these projects involving the construction, procurement, engineering, consultancy, design of pipeline and satellite depots for Pertamina, it said.

In search of a person who can lead

In search of a person who can lead This is the second of two articles on leadership by Dr. Ignas Kleden, a sociologist and executive director of The Go-East Institute (Institute for East-Indonesian Affairs), Jakarta. JAKARTA (JP): Considering the magnitude and intensity of this crisis, Indonesia desperately needs good national leadership which can combine seemingly contradicting qualities.

Sutiyoso wants 30% taxi fare hike

Sutiyoso wants 30% taxi fare hike JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said an increase in taxi fares is inevitable due to the recent 12 percent fuel hike and spiraling prices of automotive spare parts. Sutiyoso said he would support a fare increase of up to 30 percent and not 45 percent as proposed.

Eurico transferred to Salemba penitentiary

Eurico transferred to Salemba penitentiary JAKARTA (JP): While the trial on Eurico Guterres' alleged role in last month's incident in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, is approaching, prosecutors transferred on Monday the pro-Indonesia East Timorese militia leader from his safe house at the city police headquarters to the Salemba penitentiary in Central Jakarta.

CAL flies to Penang, Medan

CAL flies to Penang, Medan TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan's China Airlines (CAL) on Sunday inaugurated new flight routes to Malaysia and Indonesia to meet the growing tourist demand. The new Taipei-Penang-Medan service will have five flights a week using Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft. The CAL has been operating five cargo flights per week to Penang, Malaysia since 1995.

Vision 2015 for family planning

Vision 2015 for family planning JAKARTA (JP): The National Family Planning Coordination Board (BKKBN) unveiled on Monday a new vision which it calls Quality Family 2015, putting greater emphasis on improving the quality of family life as well as controlling the population growth rate. The vision also seeks to enlist greater participation by men in family planning, a responsibility which has largely fallen on women to this day.

Four grilled over hunting Americans

Four grilled over hunting Americans JAKARTA (JP): Police are questioning four local Muslim leaders over their alleged roles in Sunday's sweep of international hotels in Surakarta, Central Java, for American guests, an officer said on Monday. The incident involved dozens of men clad in green military- style uniforms, who stormed into a number of hotels demanding American guests leave the country.

Catholic synod on New Indonesia

Catholic synod on New Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in Indonesia will gather starting Wednesday to discuss ways of empowering the community in the "New Indonesia". The Synod of the Indonesian Catholic Church 2000, which brings together representatives from the 34 dioceses throughout the country, will meet to seek a better future for the churches, chairman of the steering committee Soedjati Djiwandono said in a media briefing on Monday.

UI team to assess governor's commitment in speech

UI team to assess governor's commitment in speech JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will send out an investigation team from the University of Indonesia (UI) to monitor the success of eight commitments made by Governor Sutiyoso in his revised accountability speech in August, an official said on Monday.

I was misquoted

I was misquoted Your article by Charlie Stevens entitled Jakartans get "Djakarta!" life magazine (The Jakarta Post. October 28) contained two blatant inaccuracies. First, anyone even vaguely familiar with the New Order era will know that Pak Wimar Witoelar was an irreverent social and political critic of the regime who often paid dearly for his outspokenness. To describe him, as your article does, as "a noted talk show host of the New Order era", gives almost the opposite impression.

Harmfull chemicals abound in world

Harmfull chemicals abound in world JAKARTA (JP): Government regulators and the public must remain wary of the massive common use of some 70,000 chemicals around the world as some may by carcinogenic -- contain substances which can cause cancer.

Oil-rich Brunei to broaden economic base

Oil-rich Brunei to broaden economic base KUALA LUMPUR (AP): After more than four decades of petrodollar prosperity under the rule of one of the world's richest men, Brunei has admitted that its economy is unsustainable and over- dependent on crude oil exports. The Southeast Asian sultanate is facing rising unemployment and a chronic budget deficit, Yahya Abu Bakar, permanent secretary in the prime minister office, said Monday.

Rupiah, peso lead decline in Asian monies

Rupiah, peso lead decline in Asian monies SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies weakened across the board Monday in a trading session dominated by political concerns in Indonesia and the Philippines. The Indonesian rupiah, which had received little attention in recent weeks, returned to center stage amid a slew of negative news.

Holderbank to increase equity in Semen Cibinong

Holderbank to increase equity in Semen Cibinong JAKARTA (JP): The world's largest cement producer Holderbank Financiere Glaris Ltd expects to boost its ownership in publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Cibinong to 60 percent from its current 12.5 percent. Semen Cibinong's president Hashim Djojohadikusumo said on Monday that Holderbank would inject fresh funds of about US$150 million as part of its concession to increase its ownership in the cement company.

Garuda strives to reopen precrisis global routes

Garuda strives to reopen precrisis global routes By K. Basrie SEOUL (JP): The reopening of national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia's Jakarta-Seoul route on Sunday marked the airline's strong commitment to bring back its international service to the precrisis level.

What kind of intervention is needed for SMEs?

What kind of intervention is needed for SMEs? JAKARTA (JP): Observers maintain that government intervention in SMEs is needed only when it enables them to grow and compete fairly. "Otherwise, it's hands-off for the government," says Erna E. Chotim of the Bandung-based Akatiga research center in SMEs, labor and land issues. "Small and medium entrepreneurs need to try out their initiatives." What intervention is needed?

Floods delay train travel

Floods delay train travel BANDUNG: An official with state-owned train operator PT KAI said on Monday his office had canceled all train travel from Bandung and Jakarta to Central and East Java due to floods in Cilacap regency, following two days of torrential rain. PT KAI chief spokesman Gatot Wibowo said at least six trains -- KA Lodaya, KA Kahuripan, KA Mutiara Selatan, KA Turangga, KA Sawunggalih Selatan and KA Serayu -- had suspended operations because of flooding.

KL to raise Asian concerns at APEC

KL to raise Asian concerns at APEC KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia's outspoken prime minister said on Monday that he is likely to voice Asian concerns at a summit meeting of 21 Pacific Rim nations in Brunei next month.

Purchase of Hyundai cars shelved

Purchase of Hyundai cars shelved JAKARTA (JP): Despite strong evidence that the city administration has purchased cars for 55 City councillors, Governor Sutiyoso maintained that he had postponed the plan. Sutiyoso said on Sunday evening that he had shifted the Rp 5.5 billion (US$957,826) fund marked for the purchase of the official cars to other projects that still need government funding.

Student brawls in Jakarta

Student brawls in Jakarta From Suara Karya I feel very concerned about the continuing brawls involving high school students. I think it is an extraordinary problem for the students, for the schools, for the parents and even for the government. While riding to my office at Tanjung Priok on Oct. 18 on a metromini bus around YARSI university, Jl. Suprapto, Jakarta, many high school students were leaving school from Cempaka Putih direction. At that time there was no fighting.

Gus Dur still best choice, say political observers

Gus Dur still best choice, say political observers JAKARTA (JP): Foreign and local political observers opined that President Abdurrahman Wahid was still the best choice for the country and thus deserved space and a chance to complete his term. Speaking in separate occasions on Monday, Daniel S. Lev of University of Washington, Daniel Sparringa of Surabaya-based Airlangga University, Arbi Sanit of University of Indonesia, J.

Government to replace IBRA chief this week: Prijadi

Government to replace IBRA chief this week: Prijadi JAKARTA (JP): Finance minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said on Monday that chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Cacuk Sudarijanto would be replaced this week. Prijadi said there were five candidates for the post but he declined to name them. "Cacuk will be replaced this week... There are five candidates," he told the House of Representatives Commission IX for state budget and banking during a meeting.

Junior shuttlers yet to adjust to new system

Junior shuttlers yet to adjust to new system JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's junior badminton players are still having trouble adjusting with the new scoring system of seven points in five games with only four days left to the World Badminton Junior Championships for the Bimantara Cup in Guangzhou, China.

Cocaine in Indonesia: Past or future?

Cocaine in Indonesia: Past or future? By Chris W. Green JAKARTA (JP): While we hear a lot about putaw (heroin) and shabu-shabu (methamphetamine) as the hard drugs of choice in Indonesia, the third member of this trio, cocaine, is less often mentioned. And when it is, it is usually as an expensive drug used only by the rich, which is perhaps surprising, because only 70 years ago, Indonesia was the world's foremost exporter of coca leaves.

Rupiah rates Oct. 30

Rupiah rates Oct. 30 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

27 people die in four landslides in Banyumas

27 people die in four landslides in Banyumas BANYUMAS, Central Java (JP): At least 27 people died in Banyumas regency in four separate landslides late on Sunday night following two days of incessant rain. However, authorities are awaiting more information from Cimanggu district officials, which may see the death toll rise to 32. Banyumas Police chief Sr. Supt.

Japan urges quick deal on giant projects

Japan urges quick deal on giant projects JAKARTA (JP): The Japanese government has called on Indonesia to speed up the negotiation process of Chandra Asri and Tuban petrochemical projects, and the Paiton I power plant, a senior minister said on Monday. Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut Pandjaitan said that Japan's Ministry of Trade and Industry had made the request during his visit to Tokyo last week.

Bayu-Undan gas project price rises to $1.5b

Bayu-Undan gas project price rises to $1.5b BRISBANE (Dow Jones): Petroz NL, an Australian oil and gas company, said Monday that the total cost of the Bayu-Undan gas liquids project in the Timor Sea is to rise to almost US$1.50 billion from US$1.46 billion. The increased cost reflects design changes to the production facilities to include equipment for a proposed second-stage development to pipe natural gas to an onshore plant to be built at Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory.

Don't let military rule Indonesian politics, says Daniel Lev

Don't let military rule Indonesian politics, says Daniel Lev JAKARTA (JP): A noted observer of Indonesian affairs, Daniel S. Lev, warned civilian politicians on Monday against allowing the military to dominate politics, saying this would hamper the democratization process in the country.

Violence in Aceh claims six lives, injures one

Violence in Aceh claims six lives, injures one BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Violence in troubled Aceh over the past two days has left six people dead and another injured, police and witnesses said on Monday. East Aceh Police chief Supt. Abdullah Hayati said the bodies of two of the victims were found by residents in separate locations in East Aceh on Sunday, both bearing numerous wounds. The body of Idi Cut Police officer Pvt.

Kurniawan and Miro will start in 2000 Tiger Cup, says coach

Kurniawan and Miro will start in 2000 Tiger Cup, says coach JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to reach the 2000 Tiger Cup soccer semifinals, Indonesian coach Nandar Iskandar has named strikers Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto and Miro Baldo Bento to the starting lineup. The two PSM players will replace Rochy Puttiray and Bambang Pamungkas at the championships to be staged in Chiangmai, Thailand, from Nov. 5 to Nov. 18.

Indonesian men, women collect wins at Chess Olympics

Indonesian men, women collect wins at Chess Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Powered by its two best chess players, Indonesia managed to regain its composure and beat its opponents in the men's event and also scored another victory in the women's event in the 34th Chess Olympics in Istanbul. In the men's event, Indonesia beat Turkey A team 4-0 while the women beat El Salvador 3-0. The result was an improvement to Saturday's losses in both events.

Unemployment causes conflicts: Minister

Unemployment causes conflicts: Minister BANDUNG (JP): Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al Hilal Hamdi believes that the high growth in unemployment is the root of the conflicts across the country. "I have traveled across the country, from Aceh to Irian Jaya -- everywhere I went I saw crowds of people who are jobless," Al Hilal said in a seminar over the weekend.

Malaysia palm oil futures sink

Malaysia palm oil futures sink KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures gave back all of last week's gains on Monday as the market's failure to test higher levels prompted long liquidation, traders said. "The market had looked toppish and when it failed to breach the 870 ringgit resistance, players started to liquidate their positions," said one trader in Kuala Lumpur.

Beware of new-style fraud

Beware of new-style fraud From Media Indonesia On Oct. 20, my wife, as usual, went to school to teach. She took an M28 public car plying the Pondok Gede-Kampung Melayu route. On the way, someone got into the car, carrying a package containing a bird, which could "speak" just like an expensive bird. (Allegedly he used a cassette to produce the bird's speech.) The man turned out to be accompanied by five of his accomplices.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 30, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,600 -50 236,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 120 0 129,500 Alakasa Industrindo 435 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 925 125 2,596,500 Alter Abadi 190 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 850 -105 2,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 280 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,025 -25 814,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Anwar free to visit ailing mother

Anwar free to visit ailing mother KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia's jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim went on a hunger strike for three days before authorities allowed him to visit his ailing mother in hospital, his brother said Monday. "Anwar refused to eat for three days. On Oct. 11, the prison wardens finally took him to visit his mother," said Idrus Ibrahim, Anwar's elder brother.

Is there any other choice of a leader?

Is there any other choice of a leader? There is a better way to resolve the country's problems than unseating President Abdurrahman Wahid, says Arbi Sanit, a political observer and lecturer at the University of Indonesia. Question: Suggestions that President Abdurrahman Wahid should resign for his failure to implement most of the reform agenda has gained support from several politicians, public figures and students. Your comment?

Relatives run amok at morgue

Relatives run amok at morgue JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of relatives of a murder victim ran amok at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital morgue in Central Jakarta on Monday. Forensic officer Mun'im Idris said the relatives were angry because they believe an autopsy of the victim, Fernando Helio Parada, 30, had been performed without their permission. Among the relatives involved in the incident was Hercules, a reputed hoodlum in the city.

Warning to the public

Warning to the public From Warta Kota Accidents involving speeding trains and members of the public crossing railway tracks have been occurring too many times in Bekasi and Cibitung these days, claiming a number of lives. It is hoped that those tragic train accidents will give all parties, including all pedestrians crossing railways, a strong warning. The accidents serve as a mirror for all of us telling how we, the public, have been ignoring the rules and regulations as well as the conventions.

Visitors make Bandung Zoo dirty

Visitors make Bandung Zoo dirty From Pikiran Rakyat I am a Bandung resident and am always concerned with environmental affairs. On Oct. 18, I took my family to Bandung Zoo. I saw a lot of kindergarten and elementary school pupils along with their teachers and parents. Unfortunately, before leaving the zoo, I saw the whole area was littered with plastic bottles and food wrappers although there are garbage cans for refuse.

Korea, Bahrain use Asian c'ships as training session

Korea, Bahrain use Asian c'ships as training session JAKARTA (JP): While most athletes at the 2000 JVC Asian Badminton Championships are aiming at titles, another pack of shuttlers will be using the event as training for future competitions. The Badminton Association of Korea's international director, Han Woo-goo, said on Monday Korea was fielding its second-string shuttlers for the event.

Small and medium enterprises face a barage of problems

Small and medium enterprises face a barage of problems By Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Can only the rich do business in Indonesia? The question was posed by a small-scale trader in Jakarta in her letter to the editor of Republika daily recently. She was describing the threat of Indomaret minimarkets which have sprung up in every corner of the city, even in the suburban areas and villages, causing great concern to local traders.

Gus Dur to undergo medical checkup

Gus Dur to undergo medical checkup JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid, who has suffered two strokes in the past, is scheduled to undergo a routine health check here on Tuesday, his spokesman said Monday. Presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar said the "routine" medical check-up will take place at the private Harapan Kita Cardiac Hospital in West Jakarta, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Government hopes to raise telecom rates 45.49% over three years

Government hopes to raise telecom rates 45.49% over three years JAKARTA (JP): The government is seeking the approval of the House of Representatives to increase telephone rates 45.49 percent by 2002. The director general of post and telecommunications, Sasmito Dirdjo, said on Monday the new rates would be imposed over three years, with a 21.67 percent hike in 2001, 15.60 percent in 2002 and another 8.22 percent in 2003.