Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 October 2000

50 articles found

Lion eyes more routes after launching maiden flight to Riau

Lion eyes more routes after launching maiden flight to Riau PEKANBARU, Riau (JP): Private air carrier PT Lion Mentari Airlines plans to open new routes to Singapore and Malaysia from several cities in Indonesia after launching its maiden flight from Jakarta to Pekanbaru on Saturday. Lion's marketing director Yoen Khang said here that the airline will start servicing direct flights to Singapore from Pekanbaru, Riau and vice versa on Oct.

KL may sell 30% of Proton to foreigners

KL may sell 30% of Proton to foreigners NORWICH, England (Reuters): The Malaysian government is considering the sale of up to 30 percent of national carmaker Proton to foreign companies and has already had some inquiries from U.S. automakers, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday.

Wamena still tense after bloody riots

Wamena still tense after bloody riots JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of mostly migrant settlers were still sheltering in local military and police posts in Wamena as the small hinterland town in Irian Jaya remained tense on Sunday, following major rioting which broke out on Friday. There were no new outbreaks reported on Sunday as security forces gradually regained control of the situation.

Village heads quit session

Village heads quit session INDRAMAYU, West Java: A walk-out by village heads was the highlight of a plenary session of the local legislative council held in connection with the regency's 473rd anniversary on Saturday. The 310 village heads rose from their seats almost simultaneously and abandoned the city hall, the venue of the event, just as the council's speaker Iwan Hermawan was about to open the special session.

Govt urged to allocate more funds for education

Govt urged to allocate more funds for education CISARUA, West Java (JP): Indonesia's work force is less competitive than its overseas counterparts, mainly because of the government's lack of interest in improving the quality of national education, an economist said.

Siemens wins Malaysian order

Siemens wins Malaysian order KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): German conglomerate Siemens has won a contract to built a two-billion-ringgit (US$526 million) power plant in Malaysia, according to a report Saturday. The Sun newspaper said the Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd. (MRCB) awarded the turnkey contract to Siemens for the engineering, procurement and construction of the power plant in Selangor state.

RI pushes for increased exports to boost economy

RI pushes for increased exports to boost economy SINGAPORE (AP): Despite political turmoil, Indonesia's top economic minister Sunday predicted a bright future for his nation's economy, insisted there was no friction with the International Monetary Fund and said his people need more time to overcome their history of dictatorship. "This is not an easy job," Rizal Ramli told reporters on the final day of a three-day visit to Singapore. "We are ... in the transition toward democracy.

IMF, WB want fairness in corporate debt workout

IMF, WB want fairness in corporate debt workout JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) on Saturday called on the government to be nondiscriminatory in implementing its corporate debt restructuring program. The multilateral lenders said establishing clear and consistent principles would help accelerate the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) debt resolution efforts in the long run.

Gen. Tyasno confirms replacement

Gen. Tyasno confirms replacement JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto confirmed on Sunday that he would be replaced by his deputy, Lt. Gen. Endriartono Sutarto. Speaking to journalists in Surakarta, Central Java, Tyasno said he had been personally informed by President Abdurrahman Wahid. "I was summoned by Bapak President on Saturday morning and told about the replacement," Tyasno said.

Indian firm sets up IT training center

Indian firm sets up IT training center JAKARTA (JP): LCC Infotech Ltd., an India-based computer training center, in cooperation with Singaporean investors, inaugurated on Saturday its first Information Technology (IT) training center in Indonesia. The center, PT LCC Infotek, was established with an initial investment of US$500 million. It is located on Jl. Sisingamangaraja in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. "Indonesia has similar characteristics as India in terms of population.

IBRA to consolidate crowded local banking industry

IBRA to consolidate crowded local banking industry JAKARTA (JP): The government is planning to consolidate the number of commercial banks in the crowded banking industry by 2005 as part of the country's new banking landscape, Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) chairman Cacuk Sudarijanto said. "This is part of our long-term target.

State of civil emergency sought for Aceh regencies

State of civil emergency sought for Aceh regencies JAKARTA (JP): Three large factions in the House of Representatives urged a state of civil emergency be imposed in three regencies in the restive province of Aceh, a move they said would help restore security and order. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction said on Saturday the trouble in Aceh was escalating, especially in the regencies of North Aceh, Pidie and East Aceh.

More poor families in Jakarta

More poor families in Jakarta From Sinar Pagi The protracted economic crisis has affected all areas of life and has resulted in an increase in the number of poor families in West Jakarta. This economic crisis has left poor people unable to obtain access to family planning and health programs. This assertion is contained in a report by the deputy municipality head of West Jakarta, H. Petra Lumbin. What Mr. Lumbin illustrated is concerned only with the family planning and health programs.

RI has adequate 'ammunition' to face UN on Timor

RI has adequate 'ammunition' to face UN on Timor ATAMBUA (JP): The Indonesian government is set to answer the international community's doubts over the security situation here thanks to the significant improvement in handling the problems of East Timor refugees and pro-integration militias, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab said here on Sunday. During a half-day visit along with Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D.

Enlightened view of policewomen

Enlightened view of policewomen From Ummat I agree with the existence of Polwan (Policewomen) because their role has proven beneficial. But I think their quantity should be limited, because in any situation their capacity is restricted. A policewoman must also have an understanding husband due to her many duties. Polwan should be assigned according to their female nature. They can be stationed at traffic crossroads or in offices for public service.

Wisdom for police

Wisdom for police Have our police officers ever heard of the word bijak (wisdom)? You wouldn't think so from the way they mishandled the unrest in the hill town of Wamena in Irian Jaya. While we have yet to hear the full story of how the latest outbreak of violence in Wamena began, the scant details give an all too familiar picture of another poorly executed job by our security apparatus.

What has the govt done for refugees?

What has the govt done for refugees? By Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Who's responsible for the nearly 800,000 refugees -- two thirds of them children -- facing hardship in various camps in Indonesia? The National Disaster Management Coordination Board (Bakornas PB), a "non-structural" agency answering directly to the President, is the body in charge of people affected by both natural and unnatural disasters. Its tasks include prevention, evacuation, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Singapore's new airport terminal designed for A3XX

Singapore's new airport terminal designed for A3XX SINGAPORE (AP): The new passenger terminal being built at Singapore's Changi Airport will be custom-made for Airbus Industrie's gigantic A3XX jetliner, a Cabinet minister said Saturday. The 1.3 billion-Singapore dollar (US$857 million) facility will be the third passenger terminal at Changi, one of Asia's busiest airports.

S'pore new airport terminal designed for the A3XX, official says

S'pore new airport terminal designed for the A3XX, official says SINGAPORE (AP): The new passenger terminal being built at Singapore's Changi Airport will be custom-made for Airbus Industrie's gigantic A3XX jetliner, a Cabinet minister said Saturday. The S$1.3 billion (US$857 million) facility will be the third passenger terminal at Changi, one of Asia's busiest airports.

Officers could be tried in civil court under a new bill

Officers could be tried in civil court under a new bill YOGYAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D. said his ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the Attorney General's Office is currently drafting a bill to enable military personnel to be tried under a civil court if they are indicted for violating civil laws. Mahfud said the plan was in line with People's Consultative Assembly Decree No.

Taipei steals one match from Indonesia

Taipei steals one match from Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Chinese Taipei spoiled Indonesia's dream of a landslide victory as it managed to steal one point thanks to Cheng Wei-Jen who defeated Hendri Susilo Pramono 6-4, 6-2 in the reverse singles matches Sunday at the Kemayoran tennis center. Earlier, Suwandi had to work hard to overcome Tsai Chia-yen to win 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 ensuring a 4-0 lead.

RP military admits hostage rescue bid could last months

RP military admits hostage rescue bid could last months ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Philippine troops on Sunday swept through remote jungle areas in southern Jolo island in search of Abu Sayyaf Muslim extremists holding three Malaysians, an American and one Filipino hostage. But 23 days into a much-hyped military crackdown, ordered by President Joseph Estrada, Abu Sayyaf leaders had so far evaded capture by pursuing troops, military officials admitted.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Under the Jatinegara Bridge by Mohamad Iqbal, at Antara Photojournalism Gallery, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., until Oct. 15. * Painting Exhibition by W. Hardja, Bramasto and Rudy Pranadjaya, at Sriyanto Gallery, Jl. Gedung Hijau Raya 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 7503117), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Oct. 15.

Police release five for school violence

Police release five for school violence JAKARTA (JP): East Jakarta Police released on Sunday all five people believed to have triggered a violent clash on Saturday between high school students and Ciracas police in which three officers, a civilian security guard and six students were injured. Contacted by phone, City Police spokesman Supt. Muhammad Nur Usman said the decision to temporarily free the five was due to inadequate evidence and witnesses.

Southeast Asian countries approve trans-Asia railway project

Southeast Asian countries approve trans-Asia railway project KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Southeast Asian countries have unanimously accepted a proposal to develop a 5,500-kilometer (3,437-mile) transAsia Railway linking eight countries, according to a report Sunday. Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik was quoted by the New Sunday Times newspaper as saying transport ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently met in Brunei and accepted the Malaysian proposal.

Asia Pacific rectors to meet in Surabaya

Asia Pacific rectors to meet in Surabaya SEMARANG, Central Java: President Abdurrahman Wahid is scheduled to be one of the key speakers at a three-day meeting of Asia Pacific university rectors which begins in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday. Chairman of the Indonesian Rectors' Forum (FRI), Eko Buhardjo said here that the meeting was jointly organized by the forum and the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP).

Marital dispute ends in death

Marital dispute ends in death DENPASAR, Bali: A man was stabbed to death by his wife at Gunaksa village, in Klungkung regency, police said on Sunday. Bali Police spokesman Asst. Supt. Andi Arwita said Ida, the victim's wife, is being detained pending investigation results. He said Ida and her husband, Mugiman, were involved in a heated argument on Saturday. She claimed that she had tried to warn him about his gambling habit.

Killing sparks Matramam clash

Killing sparks Matramam clash JAKARTA (JP): A fresh brawl broke out between the feuding neighborhoods of Palmeriam and Berlan in East Jakarta on Sunday, shortly after the burial of a Berlan resident who was murdered a day earlier by a group of unidentified men. No fatalities or serious damage were reported during the fierce afternoon clash in which locals from both areas pelted each other with rocks and Molotov cocktails.

Woman shot in robbery attempt

Woman shot in robbery attempt JAKARTA (JP): Security guards managed to foil a robbery attempt by two robbers on a woman who was about to deposit Rp 690 million (US$78,400) in one of the banks located at the Graha Irama building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Friday. The victim, Tjan Shao Ping, 30, was shot in her hip and left arm. She was rushed to Medistra Hospital on Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta for treatment.

Teen inmate found pregnant

Teen inmate found pregnant TEBING TINGGI, North Sumatra: An 18-year inmate of Kodya Penitentiary here is now eight-months pregnant thanks to an illicit relationship with a male prisoner, Antara reported on Saturday. Itas Butar-Butar, a former nightclub hostess from Deli Serdang, is currently serving a 27 month-jail term for possession of ecstasy pills. She has identified the father of her unborn baby as 37-year old Udin Bungkuk who, until recently, was serving time for murder.

Restructuring or bailout?

Restructuring or bailout? When the government approved a plan of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to restructure the debts of a number of big private corporations, objections were immediately raised by observers and others who maintained that the plan amounted to a bailout and that, therefore, it caused the state to lose money.

Bombing suspects plan to sue police: Lawyer

Bombing suspects plan to sue police: Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Thirty men accused of the recent bombings in the capital announced on Saturday their plan to file a lawsuit against the Jakarta Police over its decision to name them responsible for the incidents, a lawyer said. The lawsuit will be filed at the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday.

Conflicts in Ambon

Conflicts in Ambon From Media Indonesia Again there were efforts to end the conflicts in Ambon, and in Maluku in general. As a result, telephone lines and cellular communications were cut off. The State of Civil Emergency doesn't seem to be the best solution to resolving the security problems in the area. The area was isolated for one month, during which time ships from the National Shipping Company (Pelni) did not dock in Maluku.

Violence continues in Maluku province

Violence continues in Maluku province AMBON, Maluku (JP): Sporadic attacks occurred at several locations across Saparua and Ambon islands in Maluku province over the weekend, leaving one dead. Secretary of the Klasis Maluku Protestant Church, P.G. Manopo said here on Sunday afternoon that the first of the clashes occurred on Saturday morning in Ulath village, Saparua Island, where armed gangs reportedly attacked using bombs and mortars. The first attack was stopped by security personnel.

ICC to meet in Bangladesh

ICC to meet in Bangladesh DHAKA (AFP): The Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is to hold a business conference in Bangladesh next month to explore trade and investment opportunities in Asia, organizers said here Saturday. "The two-day conference is intended not only to create scope for interaction ...

Syndicate busted in Singapore

Syndicate busted in Singapore SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore authorities have smashed a Sri Lankan drug syndicate and arrested 16 people in a raid on Friday, a report in the Sunday Times said. It was the first known Sri Lankan drug syndicate to have operated in Singapore, the report said. The Central Narcotics Bureau and Singapore Immigration and Registration in a joint-raid arrested four drug offenders and 12 immigration offenders in a hotel.

Singaporean man molests his maids

Singaporean man molests his maids SINGAPORE (AFP): A 54-year old Singapore man was sentenced to two years in jail for forcing two Indonesian maids to masturbate him, the Sunday Times reported. District judge Kathryn Low also found Henry Dorai guilty of indecent exposure and molesting one of the maids, the report said. In his apartment last year between July and August, Dorai grabbed the left breast of his 24-year old maid and ordered her to masturbate him.

Local crafts attract foreign buyers

Local crafts attract foreign buyers By Heru Prasetyo YOGYAKARTA (JP): In 1979, Tarmudi still worked as a carpenter and helped with hoeing on his neighbor's farm. Now, he has 70 employees and provides a livelihood for hundreds of other workers through the production of place mats and other plaited items.

East Timor takes on "Goliath" Australia in oil talks

East Timor takes on "Goliath" Australia in oil talks DILI, East Timor (DPA): When Australia and Indonesia agreed in 1989 to jointly exploit East Timor's vast offshore oil and natural gas deposits, their foreign ministers inked the deal on a private jet flying over the Timor Sea, toasting the treaty with champagne.

PSSI in the dark about its members, national soccer top official says

PSSI in the dark about its members, national soccer top official says PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan (JP): Secretary General of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Tri Goestoro admitted that the association had insufficient knowledge about its 360 soccer federation members which are scattered throughout 25 provinces. Tri said this knowledge including the training facilities in each district, the background of the coaches and even their team members.

'Bersih desa', villagers way of showing gratitude

'Bersih desa', villagers way of showing gratitude By Bambang M. YOGYAKARTA (JP): Expressing gratitude to God can be done in many ways. Javanese villagers thank God for having bestowed a good livelihood and prosperity on them during the year by performing a traditional ritual locally known as bersih desa. The bersih desa ritual, which literally means cleaning the village, is held in some villages every year.

Military's loyalty -- between words and deeds

Military's loyalty -- between words and deeds In a speech marking the 55th anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Thursday, President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, urged soldiers to pledge their loyalty to the state, not to individual leaders. The Jakarta Post discusses with political observer Kusnanto Anggoro of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies the relationship between the President and the military. Question: How do you assess TNI's loyalty to the state?

Officials' poor quality blamed for poor service

Officials' poor quality blamed for poor service JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor of Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi is shifting the blame for the city administration's failure to address the problem of street people to the poor quality and limited number of city officials. "Most of our officials are ill-equipped or not well-trained to deal with street vendors, prostitutes, homeless people or social disturbances. "We do not have enough public order officials either," Kahfi said on Friday.

Adventures in running the CPU faster by keeping it cool

Adventures in running the CPU faster by keeping it cool By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Two weeks ago I wrote about my new PC in this column. A friend, Raymond, e-mailed me, questioning why I chose the 733 MHz Pentium III and not a faster one instead. He made a very good point: "Once you've installed the CPU, it will cost you more to upgrade to a faster processor." My reason for choosing the 733 MHz was simple. I was trying to keep my budget under control.

Residents block marble mine

Residents block marble mine MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: At least 100 residents of Netpala village, Molo Utara in the Timor Tengah Selatan regency here blocked a marble mine on Saturday in an effort to force the mining company, PT Karya Asta Alam, to pull out of the area. A long-standing dispute has prevailed over extensive mining exploitation which has resulted in widespread environmental damage, including water pollution.

Motorcycle thieves beaten to death

Motorcycle thieves beaten to death BOGOR (JP): Angry residents of Sukahati village in Cibinong fatally mobbed two men who were caught red-handed while attempting to steal a motorcycle in the area on Saturday evening. Second Sgt. Dwi of the Bogor Precinct confirmed the incident but could not give further details.

'Umroh' delay

'Umroh' delay Before conscientious Muslims undertake any activity, especially important ones, they should say Insha Allah (God willing). Another good term might be: Man proposes and God disposes. As such, Muslims accept the fact that things might not go according to plan. So I tried not to complain when the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia was difficult when it came to granting me a visa to perform my umroh (minor pilgrimage).

RI's mounting bad loans attract investors

RI's mounting bad loans attract investors By Berni K. Moestafa JAKARTA (JP): With bad loans amounting to billions of U.S. dollars, Indonesia's debt market has attracted investors who specialize in buying the debts of companies in financial difficulty. Called distressed debt investors, they are used to working in economies that have a high level of risk but also offer high yields.

ASEAN denies trade meeting dealt blow to progress

ASEAN denies trade meeting dealt blow to progress CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Agencies): Asian trade ministers wrapped up a meeting in Thailand on Saturday insisting they had made real progress despite criticism their free trade pact was at risk from protectionist pressure and political mistrust.

Gus Dur's vulgar expressions queried

Gus Dur's vulgar expressions queried SURABAYA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and some other political leaders tend to use vulgar, sarcastic and rude expressions, a professor of Bahasa Indonesia says. Suparno, the head of Indonesian Language Center in Surabaya, told The Jakarta Post on the side lines of a one-day seminar on Bahasa Indonesia here that such language was not conducive to creating a civil society which emphasizes ethical communication.