Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 October 2000

53 articles found

RI foreign divestment hit $3.3b: UN report

RI foreign divestment hit $3.3b: UN report JAKARTA (JP): The flow of foreign direct investment to Indonesia suffered a deficit of US$3.3 billion in 1999, higher than the deficit of $350 million in the previous year, according to the United Nations (UN) World Investment Report 2000.

Violence continues in Makassar over fuel price hike

Violence continues in Makassar over fuel price hike MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Chaos and brutality continued here on Tuesday as thousands of students protesting the fuel price hike vandalized the governor's office, burned more cars and clashed with provincial administration civil servants. Dozens of students were injured in the disturbances, which started at 11:30 a.m.

The dark tunnel of justice

The dark tunnel of justice By Charles Himawan JAKARTA (JP): Hitherto many people believed Indonesia lacked the resources immediately to revamp its law enforcement, because this would involve a long chain, from the police to the prosecutors and finally to the judges. With all these people involved, such a process opens the door wide for corruption, collusion and nepotism. Right now the best thing is to start with law enforcement in the narrowest sense of the word, i.e.

Sapuan acted 'beyond authority'

Sapuan acted 'beyond authority' JAKARTA (JP): Former Bulog deputy chief Sapuan acted beyond his authority when he ordered the State Logistics Agency's employee foundation to release Rp 35 billion to a close confidante of President Abdurrahman Wahid, an investigator said on Tuesday.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Oct. 3, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

KL may buy patrol boats from Sweden

KL may buy patrol boats from Sweden KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia may buy up to 40 fast patrol boats to guard waters off Borneo island against intrusions by Muslim kidnappers from the southern Philippines, a senior defense official said Tuesday. The official said Malaysia would buy at least four boats by year-end and depending on financial resources would buy up to 40 by next year.

Soeharto still a suspect: Judge Lalu

Soeharto still a suspect: Judge Lalu JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta District Court Chief Lalu Mariyun insisted that former president Soeharto is still a suspect in the multimillion-dollar graft case and that the case has not been closed. "Soeharto is a suspect. Should prosecutors decide to register the case at the district court again, they are more than welcome," Lalu told reporters at his office on Tuesday.

Singapore again makes a tough decision

Singapore again makes a tough decision By Salma Khalik SINGAPORE: Either close all kindergartens, childcare centers, playgroups and enrichment centers, and inconvenience the parents of some 140,000 children, or risk seeing more 2 fall prey to a viral infection. With four deaths last month probably from hand, foot and mouth disease, the safety of the children was paramount. The closure of places where kids congregate would mean a loss of business.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 3, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,270 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 150 20 4,651,000 Alakasa Industrindo 430 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 810 -10 15,000 Alter Abadi 200 -5 49,500 Alumindo Light Metal 995 45 10,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 285 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,005 -5 703,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Caribbean cuisine on the menu at Planet Hollywood

Caribbean cuisine on the menu at Planet Hollywood JAKARTA (JP): Planet Hollywood is promising a treat for those who like their food hot and spicy but with a tart twist. The restaurant is offering a special menu of food and drink from the islands of the Caribbean until Oct. 27. "We believe that the spices used in Caribbean dishes will be to Indonesians' liking," said the restaurant's assistant sales and marketing director, Ririn Wahyuningrum.

English curriculum needs improving

English curriculum needs improving Recently in my Applied English Linguistics class at Atma Jaya University we had a discussion on English pronunciation. It happens that our lecturer, Prof. Dr. Anton M. Moeliono, is very concerned about his students' pronunciation. Each of us was asked to read a passage to see how near a native speaker we pronounced the words.

Three live shells unearthed

Three live shells unearthed BOYOLALI, Central Java: Three active 60 millimeter artillery shells were found by a student digging a garbage hole in the backyard of a house in Sumbung village, Cepogo district. Aris, 21, was digging in the backyard on Monday when he came across a rusty metal object. After he uncovered it further he found that it was an artillery shell and immediately contacted local police.

Court official goes on trial

Court official goes on trial JAKARTA (JP): An official of the Supreme Court was charged in the South Jakarta District Court on Monday with possession of fire arms and drugs. Mohamad Adil, 39-year old and son of former Justice Bustanul Arifin, was arrested on June 1 at a five-star hotel by police in Central Jakarta following a tip-off from his wife.

Olympics athletes must continue training for 2001 SEAG: Wismoyo

Olympics athletes must continue training for 2001 SEAG: Wismoyo JAKARTA (JP): Just less than 24 hours after returning home, members of the Indonesian Olympics squad have been urged to start concentrating on the upcoming 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur. Chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunandar reminded athletes and coaches at the farewell ceremony Tuesday on the ambitious goal of reclaiming the overall title from arch rival Thailand at the SEA Games.

RP exports rise 9.9 percent

RP exports rise 9.9 percent MANILA (AFP): Philippine merchandise export receipts rose 9.9 percent from a year earlier to US$3.529 billion in August, in line with the growth of the leading electronics sector, the national statistics office said Tuesday. Electronics component exports, which make up 62.1 percent of the Philippine total, rose 9.9 percent to $2.192 billion. Garments, the second export, fell 2.8 percent from a year earlier to $244.86 million.

Regents charged with selling forest concessions

Regents charged with selling forest concessions JAKARTA (JP): The government will take to court four regents from East Kalimantan for allegedly selling forest concessions, a senior official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said on Tuesday. Secretary-General of the ex-ministry of forestry and plantations Suripto said that one of the four regents have sold up to 370 concessions, each covering 100 hectares of forest land.

Five hurt in machete attack

Five hurt in machete attack UNGARAN, Central Java: Four houses were burned down and at least five people injured when a suspected insane youth ran amok in Bendungan village, Semarang regency. Antara reported that Nur Cholis, 25, ran amok wielding a a machete and burning several houses at about 6:30 a.m on Tuesday. Police are still investigating the reason for his actions but Cholis, after being apprehended by police, was immediately taken to Magelang Psychiatric Hospital. (mds)

Minister Yahya lobbies for bigger education budget

Minister Yahya lobbies for bigger education budget JAKARTA (JP): Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin said on Tuesday his office would intensify its lobbying of related institutions as well as the House of Representatives (DPR) to increase the budget allocation for education. "(Vice President) Ibu Megawati revealed that education was allotted the largest portion in the proposed state budget.

Diarrhea deadly but not difficult to deal with

Diarrhea deadly but not difficult to deal with By Donya Betancourt SANUR, Bali (JP): Statistics now show diarrhea is still one of the top 10 causes of death in children under five years of age in developing countries. Diarrhea is also a leading cause of protein energy malnutrition in infants and young children. But if you know and understand how to manage it, diarrhea is not difficult to deal with.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * The Westin Surabaya, Jl. Embong Malang 85-89 (Phone: 031 5458888): - Java Jimmy's Irish Pub: Live music, Sunday to Thursday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Phone: 031 5311234): - Lobby: Gamelan (Traditional Music), Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Solo Pianist, Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Friday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. * Shangri-La Hotel, Jl.

Military warns of GAM members' presence in Jakarta

Military warns of GAM members' presence in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) warned the nation over the presence of separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members and supporters in Jakarta and other cities, calling their presence a serious threat if not properly addressed immediately. "The military has detected the presence of GAM rebels in Jakarta and several cities outside Aceh over the last three months," TNI Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen.

Electricity theft causes state losses

Electricity theft causes state losses BOGOR (JP): Forty-nine companies and 1,750 houses have been caught stealing electricity from state-owned electricity company PT PLN over the last nine months, causing state losses of Rp 4.9 billion. An officer in charge of electricity distribution, Nyangid, said on Monday that the customers stole electricity by tampering with their electricity meters.

End is nigh for rebels on RP hostage island

End is nigh for rebels on RP hostage island MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada on Tuesday flaunted 12 rescued Christian evangelists and said the end was near for a tired and depleted Muslim guerrilla group now hiding behind just five hostages. The rescue of the Jesus Miracle Crusade members on Monday should "signal the early recovery of the remaining hostages" from the Abu Sayyaf, Estrada told a news conference attended by the freed captives.

Maya Sigit pleads for rehab, not jail

Maya Sigit pleads for rehab, not jail JAKARTA (JP): Drug defendant Gusti Maya Firanti Noor, wife of former president Soeharto's grandson Ari Sigit, pleaded on Tuesday that she be put in a rehabilitation center instead of jail. Reading out her defense, Maya's lawyer, Asfifudin, told the West Jakarta District Court that the defendant had suffered "mental and emotional trauma," since her arrest in June this year, for possession and use of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine).

Debt restructuring of Texmaco, Tirtamas OK'd

Debt restructuring of Texmaco, Tirtamas OK'd JAKARTA (JP): The Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC) said on Tuesday that it had approved a proposal to restructure the debt of the giant Texmaco and Tirtamas groups. The FSPC said in a press statement that under the two-stage restructuring plan proposed by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), Texmaco's debt to IBRA would be transferred into a new holding company which later on would issue exchangeable bonds to the agency.

Jakarta tops termite prevalence: Experts

Jakarta tops termite prevalence: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Experts revealed on Tuesday that the capital is the most termite-prone area in the country and has suffered trillions of rupiah in financial losses due to damages caused by the insects. A professor at the School of Forestry at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), Dodi Nandika, said the city's terrain and climate were favorable for termite colonies to grow rapidly.

KL may be penalized for delaying auti sector opening

KL may be penalized for delaying auti sector opening KUALA LUMPUR (AFX-ASIA): Malaysia may have to pay "compensation" for putting off the opening of its auto sector under the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) regime, in the form of allowing wider access to its markets for other ASEAN countries, Business Times reported. The report cited unidentified officials in Chiang Mai, Thailand attending the ASEAN economic ministers' meeting. The compensation "will not be in monetary form.

Asian monies mostly down late

Asian monies mostly down late SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies slumped late Tuesday, with the Philippine peso leading the decline as it threatened to challenge a historic low against the dollar. Resisting the downward pressure from its regional counterparts, the Indonesian rupiah was stronger. The Indonesian rupiah closed higher Tuesday, with players unwinding long-dollar positions as the country stayed relatively calm following a recent fuel price hike.

Oil spill hits RI, Singapore

Oil spill hits RI, Singapore SINGAPORE (AP): A Panama-registered tanker ran aground between Indonesia and Singapore at dawn Tuesday, spilling at least 7,000 metric tons (about 2 million gallons) of crude oil into the sea, officials said. Oil was still leaking from the ship about six hours after it ran aground in Indonesian waters about eight kilometers southeast of Singapore, said Felicia Wu, a spokeswoman for the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority.

Business deals

Business deals It would appear, quite ominously, that history could well repeat itself in Indonesia. Although decentralization, devolution and autonomy may enhance the cause of democracy in many other countries, in Indonesia it may do quite the opposite.

Weightlifting body to hire foreign coach

Weightlifting body to hire foreign coach JAKARTA (JP): Following the women's weightlifters success in winning medals in the 2000 Olympic Games, the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) aims to improve their capabilities by hiring a foreign coach. PABBSI chairman, Dharma Surya, said Waldemar Bassanowsky of Poland, a sport psychologist and former weightlifter who broke the world record 30 times, was the primary candidate.

Alleged GAM arms supplier nabbed

Alleged GAM arms supplier nabbed BANDUNG: Bandung City Police arrested a gun-and-ammunition supplier for the armed separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) early Sunday morning at his rented house on Jl. Terusan Kiaracondong, an officer said on Monday. The police confiscated 17,482 live bullets, six revolvers, a pen gun, three magazines of FN handgun with 33 bullets, and 40 boxes containing 2,000 bullets of caliber .38, manufactured by PT. Pindad, from the 30-year-old suspect Subhan Budiyanto.

Canberra names its new envoy

Canberra names its new envoy CANBERRA (Reuters): Australia said on Tuesday it had appointed senior diplomat Richard Smith as ambassador to Indonesia. Smith, ambassador to China from 1996 to February 2000, takes up the position in Jakarta when relations were strained by slow political reform and continued unrest along the Timor border.

Manado's cuisine at Waroeng Chamoe-Chamoe

Manado's cuisine at Waroeng Chamoe-Chamoe JAKARTA (JP): Diners who are after a taste of Indonesian cuisine which runs farther afield than fried rice and soto (chicken broth) find themselves spoiled for choice on Jl. Panglima Polim IV in South Jakarta. A few hundred meters apart are two restaurants serving up cuisine from Manado, North Sulawesi. However, their presence so close together is not a glaring case of free competition.

Lifestyle factors pivotal for having a healthy heart

Lifestyle factors pivotal for having a healthy heart By Clare E. Urwin This is the second of three series on having a healthy heart. The writer is a nutritionist and health advisor based in Surabaya. All the writer's articles are interactive and readers are encouraged to ask questions or make comments through the writer's e-mail address: clareu@attglobal.net. SURABAYA (JP): Having your heart in prime condition is smart. It's just like the office!

Protesters smash up coordinator's car

Protesters smash up coordinator's car JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of people protesting the fuel hike at the House of Representatives ran amok on Tuesday and damaged a car they said belonged to someone who hired them for the rally. The some 500 "protesters", who claimed not to fully understand what they were protesting about, said they were upset after the rally coordinator failed to pay them the promised Rp 30,000 (US$ 3.50) each.

Message from the Ambassador

Message from the Ambassador On the occasion of the national foundation day of Korea, I wish to extend my warmest regards to the people of the Republic of Indonesia. As Ambassador of Korea to Indonesia, I feel a great satisfaction to tell you that bilateral relations between the two countries have continued to enrich and expand since the establishment of official ties more than thirty years ago. Korea attaches a great importance to its relations with Indonesia.

Nation told to use proper Bahasa Indonesia

Nation told to use proper Bahasa Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin launched on Tuesday the annual Bulan Bahasa (Indonesian Language Month) campaign for a month, renewing calls on all citizens, especially influential public figures, to speak and write proper Bahasa Indonesia. "It's high time leaders set a good example for the people.

Fallout not over from cash incentives

Fallout not over from cash incentives JAKARTA (JP): Reviews of Gubernatorial Decree No. 710/1981 and City Bylaw No. 1/1981 on incentive funds is being sought in the wake of the recent wrath over Rp 10 million cash given by Governor Sutiyoso to each city councillor. Golkar Party councillor Amarullah Asbah said on Tuesday the two regulations were no longer compatible with growing demands for transparency and the principles of Law. 22/1999 on regional autonomy, which will take effect on Jan.

West Java textile producers eye Central Java

West Java textile producers eye Central Java BANDUNG (JP): The West Java Textile Association (API) reiterated on Tuesday that some of its members are planning to relocate their factories to Central Java following what they perceive as continuous financial burden. The secretary of API, Ade Sudrajat told The Jakarta Post here that this was not a new issue. "Actually seven garment factories had moved to Central Java and Bali early this year.

Tommy seeks President's pardon

Tommy seeks President's pardon JAKARTA (JP): In a clever move to avoid the immediate execution of the Supreme Court's ruling that he be jailed for 18 months over corruption charges, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto, formally filed an appeal for clemency to President Abdurrahman Wahid on Tuesday.

State budget no stimulant to the economy

State budget no stimulant to the economy The government's 2001 budget estimates revenue at Rp 243 trillion (US$27.93 billion) and spending at Rp 295.1 trillion. Hadi Soesastro, executive director of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), says the budget will have no power to propel the country's economy. Question: Do you think the government will reach its revenue target? Hadi: The target will be easily achieved.

A new baby for Khofifah

A new baby for Khofifah JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Women's Empowerment Khofifah Indar Parawansa gave birth to her fourth child on Monday. The newborn boy was delivered by caesarean section at Harapan Kita Hospital, Central Jakarta, at 7:22 p.m. The boy had yet to be given a name on Tuesday evening. A staffer at the state ministry said the boy weighed 3.85 kilograms and was 52 centimeters long. This is the third boy for Khofifah who is also chairwoman of the National Family Planning Board.

Government warns corrupt ex-bank owners of legal sanctions

Government warns corrupt ex-bank owners of legal sanctions JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli said on Tuesday that legal action would be taken against former bank owners who are deemed "uncooperative" in settling their debt to the government.

Negative attitude in language

Negative attitude in language Mr. Nandang Rahmat of Padjadjaran University stated that the dominance of the English language on Bahasa Indonesia has been so significant that the latter may lose its identity and finally erode. What is more, the Indonesian culture may soon be contaminated with foreign ideology (Pikiran Rakyat, Sept. 16, 2000). This statement, in my opinion, is too narrow minded and may lead to negative sentiments on the teaching and learning of English. Mr.

GAM behind JSX bombing: Police

GAM behind JSX bombing: Police JAKARTA (JP): Preliminary police investigations into the bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building have suggested the involvement of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), an officer said. "For example, the cash used by the bombers is linked to marijuana dealers from Aceh. I believe that the money they got from selling marijuana has been used to buy firearms," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

House, government agree on new Banten province

House, government agree on new Banten province JAKARTA (JP): The map of the archipelago will change soon now that the House of Representatives and the government have agreed to the establishment of Banten as a province. The House special committee and the government completed their four-month deliberation of the bill on the new province on Tuesday, with the endorsement to be formalized in a House plenary session on Wednesday.

Kerosene price to be controlled to prevent intolerable hikes

Kerosene price to be controlled to prevent intolerable hikes JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will enact on Wednesday a stringent regulation to prevent any intolerable hikes in the price of kerosene. Head of the City Economic Development Office Dameria Saragih said on Tuesday the ruling will enforce a suspension of supply as a maximum punishment against any station which sells kerosene above the new retail price of Rp 430 (5 U.S. cents).

Autonomy won't affect debt repayment: Experts

Autonomy won't affect debt repayment: Experts JAKARTA (JP): The implementation of regional autonomy next year would not affect the central government's capacity to repay its existing foreign debts, according to experts on Tuesday. Senior government officials and an economist said that the central government would maintain its capability to repay existing foreign debts, although much of its funding resources would be decentralized to the regions.

Ferro-Sinar Mas plastic tie-up

Ferro-Sinar Mas plastic tie-up JAKARTA (JP): PT Ferro Mas Dinamika, a joint venture between American firm Ferro Corporation and Indonesia's Sinar Mas Group, opened its new US$5.1 million plastics factory in Bekasi, West Java on Tuesday. "We are proud to have been able to complete the construction of the factory on time despite lots of incidents related to the current security problems in Indonesia," said Ferro Mas's plastics division general manager Cees A.M. Rijper.

NGO files lawsuit against DPRD members

NGO files lawsuit against DPRD members SURABAYA (JP): A prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) filed a class action lawsuit here on Tuesday against 18 members of the provincial legislature over recent foreign travel. Acting on behalf of the people, the Surabaya chapter of the Indonesia Legal Aid filed the suit with the Surabaya district court on Tuesday. Spokesman for the group, M.

Asia to hold nuclear meeting

Asia to hold nuclear meeting BANGKOK (Reuters): Ministers from nine Asian countries will meet in Bangkok in November to discuss closer co-operation on atomic energy, Thailand said on Tuesday. The government said in a statement ministers and officials from Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam would meet from November 10-15.

Doctors playing politics: Gus Dur

Doctors playing politics: Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid in another seeming outburst suggested that the independent medical team who declared former president Soeharto physically and mentally unfit to stand trial was "playing politics". "I have two personal doctors in my entourage and they said that Pak Harto is fit to undergo trial," Antara quoted Abdurrahman as saying in a dialog with the Indonesian community in Ottawa, Canada, on Monday afternoon.