Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 November 2000

52 articles found

Indonesian men settle for tie at Chess Olympics

Indonesian men settle for tie at Chess Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's chess players only managed to force a 2-2 tie in the men's event against Mexico while the women's team succumbed to Slovakia 2.5-0.5 at the 34th Chess Olympics in Istanbul. The result on the men's side was disappointing as the team had defeated Turkey on Thursday. Earlier on Saturday, Indonesia bowed out to Japan. Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto beat R.

Typhoon sweeps over Philippines

Typhoon sweeps over Philippines MANILA (AFP): Typhoon Xangsane, upgraded from a tropical storm, brushed past the northern Philippines on Tuesday after killing 26 people and displacing 150,000 others, weathermen and rescuers said. The typhoon swept past Laoag in the northern part of the Philippine's main Luzon island before dawn and was tracked 80 kilometers northwest of the northern city at 10:00 am (9 a.m. Jakarta time), the weather bureau said.

Para Para serves delectable local cuisine

Para Para serves delectable local cuisine JAKARTA (JP): After an arduous and hair-raising journey across Jakarta in rush hour traffic, it was a decidedly disheveled and ruffled Epicurus and partner who emerged from their taxi in front of the Kedai Para Para restaurant on Jl. Bangka Raya in the heart of South Jakarta's flourishing expatriate district.

Night spots to remain open during Ramadhan

Night spots to remain open during Ramadhan JAKARTA (JP): It's business as usual for entertainment centers across the capital during the holy month of Ramadhan, but Governor Sutiyoso warned organizers of the places on Tuesday to comply with the existing regulations. Sutiyoso said the policy was simply aimed at protecting the various needs of Jakartans. "I hope that the fasting month will run well and solemnly.

Ad spending projected to increase by 30%

Ad spending projected to increase by 30% JAKARTA (JP): Advertisement spending in 2001 is predicted to increase by 30 percent to Rp 9 trillion (about US$967 million) from an estimated Rp 6.9 trillion this year, fueled by higher consumer spending and a nascent economic recovery, according to the Association of Indonesian Advertising Agencies (P3I) on Tuesday.

Wismoyo seeks governors' financial help

Wismoyo seeks governors' financial help JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar is scheduled to meet with seven governors next week to try and secure their financial support to train athletes for the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur. "The KONI chairman will meet with seven governors, four from the provinces on Java, plus Lampung, Bali and South Sumatra, to discuss the training programs in their respective areas.

Manulife boosts RI stake

Manulife boosts RI stake JAKARTA (JP): Manulife Financial announced on Tuesday it has acquired a 40 percent share of PT Dharmala Sakti Sejahtera in PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia, raising its stake in the company to 91 percent. The shares were offered in an open bid on Oct 26. Manulife Financial emerged as the highest bidder with a bidding price of Rp 170 billion ($20 million), the company said in a statement.

Could we isolate Soeharto?

Could we isolate Soeharto? Soeharto is now a sick old man, stripped from all his powers, mentally ill and there is nothing he can do from a political point of view. The once mighty man is now just a man, nothing more and nothing less. In spite of all these facts, people are still associating him with magic powers and (thinking he) could make a political come-back, which in my mind is absurd.

No signs of decent development

No signs of decent development I read the article in The Jakarta Post of Oct. 18, 2000 titled W. Papua: A self-fulfilling prophecy. I have recently returned from a visit to West Papua's Baliem valley -- of which Wamena is the central town. On the last day of our trekking there, we were surprised when our Kijang had to detour via a police check. The police were checking driving licenses. Very early the next day more troops arrived -- judging by the noise of low-flying aircraft.

Bambang Setiawan: Cigarette collector from Yogyakarta

Bambang Setiawan: Cigarette collector from Yogyakarta By Bambang M. YOGYAKARTA (JP): Collecting antiques is no big deal. Millions of people all over the world do it. But collecting cigarettes? Bambang Setiawan, a teacher at Yogyakarta Art Teachers Training Center, is probably the only one in Indonesia to have become a cigarette collector. No less than 4,000 packs of cigarettes are in his collection which he displays at his office in Ngaglik, Sleman, some 10 kilometers north of here.

Choosing a new leader

Choosing a new leader More than a year after he was chosen to become President of Indonesia, Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is facing increasingly harsh criticism from almost every imaginable quarter.

Expats must pay tax for income earned abroad

Expats must pay tax for income earned abroad JAKARTA (JP): Foreigners working or living in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a 12-month period must report all their income including that gained overseas to the local tax authority and pay income tax, a senior tax official told a seminar on Tuesday. Chief of the tax office responsible for foreign institutions and individuals John Hutagaol said that this was not a double taxation. "This is not a double taxation...

Korean investors doubt overall situation in Indonesia

Korean investors doubt overall situation in Indonesia By K. Basrie SEOUL (JP): Like many foreign businesspeople, South Korean investors will not spend their money in Indonesia unless the government improves the current condition of law and order in the country, helps settle labor disputes satisfactorily, and makes crystal-clear regulations on the provincial autonomy policy. Anton J.

Mobs vandalize entertainment spots

Mobs vandalize entertainment spots BOGOR (JP): A total of 42 dimly lit kiosks and entertainment spots on Jl. Raya Parung in Parung district here were vandalized by an angry mob late on Monday. The crowds also damaged the three biggest discotheques in the area, namely Flamboyan, Sariwangi and Pendopo 45. Local residents were reportedly afraid to go out as the mobs vandalized the entertainment spots. "My kiosk was already closed when hundreds of armed men arrived and started to storm the place..

PDI Perjuangan supports Gus Dur's government until 2004

PDI Perjuangan supports Gus Dur's government until 2004 JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has dismissed calls for President Abdurrahman Wahid to step down, saying it will support the President until his term ends in 2004. "PDI Perjuangan will not initiate a move to demand the President resigns.

SMEs: Encouraging people to be their own boss

SMEs: Encouraging people to be their own boss Do we really value entrepreneurship? The Jakarta Post recently talked to Hetifah Sjaifudian, a public policy expert at the Bandung-based Akatiga social research center, and a co-writer of the 1995 book (in Indonesian) Strategies and Agendas in the Development of Small Businesses. Question: What are the main challenges facing Indonesian small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs)? Answer: The uncertainty of so many things.

Protection urged for witnesses in scandal cases

Protection urged for witnesses in scandal cases JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung has asked the police to provide protection for witnesses in the Brunei and State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandals. "We'll send a letter asking the police to protect the witnesses," Akbar told reporters on Tuesday after a meeting with leaders of the House's special committee which is investigating both scandals.

Court OKs Bakrie's appeal

Court OKs Bakrie's appeal JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta Commercial Court has approved PT Bakrie & Brothers' appeal to suspend the payment of its US$1.08 billion debt, the company said on Tuesday. Bakrie spokesman Lalu Mara Satriawangsa said the company expected that with the approval, the current debt restructuring process could be finalized under the court's supervision.

Rizal plays down fears over current weakening of rupiah

Rizal plays down fears over current weakening of rupiah JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Rizal Ramli said on Tuesday that the current weakening of the rupiah should not be of a great concern because food supply was more than sufficient. Rizal said that the fall in the exchange rate of the rupiah against the U.S.

City will not impose new taxi fares soon: Sutiyoso

City will not impose new taxi fares soon: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): Taxi commuters can still enjoy services at the usual fares after the city administration decided to postpone the introduction of new fares for the near future. Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday that he would still need to discuss the matter with related institutions before imposing the new taxi fare. "The new fare will not be imposed in November because I have not received the letter of recommendation from the city council.

Arizal gets Jakarta posting

Arizal gets Jakarta posting JAKARTA (JP): Foreign minister Alwi Shihab will install outgoing Indonesian ambassador to Australia Arizal Effendi as the ministry's new secretary general on Friday. Arizal, a career diplomat who held the ambassadorial post for just 11 months, will replace Rahardjo Jamtomo, M. Wahid Supriyadi a media relations staff at the ministry, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

6 years sought for Taiwanese defendant

6 years sought for Taiwanese defendant JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors asked the Tangerang District Court on Monday to sentence Taiwanese passport-holder Cheng Ching Lung, 30, to six years in prison and fine him Rp 10 million (US$1,149) for attempting to smuggle over 4,000 ecstasy pills out of the country in July. "The defendant violated Article 61, Paragraph 1 of the 1997 law on psychotropic substances," prosecutor Mursidi said during the hearing, presided over by judge Achmad Zaini.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 31, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,700 100 1,406,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 110 -10 80,000 Alakasa Industrindo 435 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 875 -50 359,500 Alter Abadi 180 -10 71,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,025 175 32,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 280 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,050 25 1,765,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Ceramics Exhibition by students of Sekolah Tinggi Kesenian Wilwatikta, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), until Nov. 18. 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.

Security forces to guard state facilities in troubled Aceh

Security forces to guard state facilities in troubled Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): In anticipation of fresh bomb attacks, the police here have plans to deploy security personnel to protect government buildings, an officer said on Tuesday. Aceh Police chief Brig. Gen. Chaerul R. Rasyid said the security forces would help the local government resume public services, which have been crippled by the prolonged violence.

Conflicts with locals scare off mining investors

Conflicts with locals scare off mining investors JAKARTA (JP): Mining exploration activities in Indonesia continue to drop as foreign firms are discouraged by widespread conflicts between locals and mining companies, analysts said on Tuesday. Mining analyst at PricewaterhouseCoopers Bob Parsons said this year's expenditure on mining explorations was likely to decline from last year's US$50 million and $75 million in 1998.

Jiang visits Laos, Cambodia, Brunei

Jiang visits Laos, Cambodia, Brunei BEIJING (AP): Chinese President Jiang Zemin will visit Laos and Cambodia in November on his way to Brunei to attend a meeting of leaders of Pacific rim economies, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday. Jiang will visit Laos on Nov. 11, then Cambodia two days later before heading to Brunei on Nov. 15-16 for a summit of members of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said at a regularly scheduled news conference.

Susilo leads visit to Maluku

Susilo leads visit to Maluku AMBON, Maluku: Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday the government had proposed a three-step program which would include law enforcement, rehabilitation and reconciliation to end the sectarian conflict in Maluku and North Maluku.

Violence against students on the rise

Violence against students on the rise MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): As many as 180 schools, including Islamic boarding schools, in 20 of the 24 regencies in the province have violated students, reports said on Tuesday. Rusdin Tompo, coordinator for the South Sulawesi Program Development wing of the Child Protection Agency, told The Jakarta Post on Monday that the some of the schools were located in the regencies of Gowa, Takalar, Parepare, Polmas, Bantaeng, Barru, Pangkep and Maros.

Washington defends Gelbard

Washington defends Gelbard JAKARTA (JP): The United States defended on Monday its ambassador to Indonesia whose criticisms of the world's most populous Muslim state have prompted some legislators to demand his expulsion. In a measure of the impact of rising anti-U.S. sentiment among some Indonesians, it also said that it was encouraging Americans to defer travel to Java island and the capital Jakarta.

S'pore, Malaysia naval exercise

S'pore, Malaysia naval exercise SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore and Malaysia began on Tuesday a five-day joint naval exercise to bolster understanding between their two navies. The shore-based war games, codenamed Exercise MALAPURA 12/00, will involve nine command teams from the Singapore Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy, a joint statement issued here said.

Oil prices, trade talks high on APEC agenda, U.S. says

Oil prices, trade talks high on APEC agenda, U.S. says KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Rising oil prices and building a consensus on a new round of global trade talks will be high on the agenda of Asia-Pacific leaders at their summit in Brunei next month, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.

House members make little progress: Journalists' forum

House members make little progress: Journalists' forum JAKARTA (JP): The 500-member House of Representatives which was sworn in just over a year ago has produced little concrete progress despite its rambunctious and open legislative debates. Such was the conclusion and criticism of the Mass Communications Forum (FKM), an organization which brings together journalists who cover the daily activities of the House.

Morgue activities paralyzed after attack

Morgue activities paralyzed after attack JAKARTA (JP): The morgue at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) in Central Jakarta was devoid of activity on Tuesday, following an incident on Monday in which relatives of a murder victim ran amok. Doctors and staff said they were still in shock. "We feel unsafe doing our job," forensic expert Agus Purwadianto, who sustained slight injuries in the attack, told The Jakarta Post. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen.

130,000 illiterate in Surabaya

130,000 illiterate in Surabaya SURABAYA: At least 130,000 residents of the East Java capital of Surabaya are illiterate, chairman of the City's Development Planning Board Biempi Harbimaharani said here on Tuesday. Speaking in a one-day seminar on development planning, Biempi said that the illiterate were among 218,650 residents who had never participated in any kind of formal education.

Two people arrested for Pontianak clashes

Two people arrested for Pontianak clashes JAKARTA (JP): Police said on Tuesday that two people had been identified as instigators of the communal violence in the West Kalimantan capital of Pontianak last week. West Kalimantan Police chief Brig. Gen. Atok Rismanto was quoted by Antara in Pontianak as saying that the two were among 19 people arrested in connection with the violence.

Rupiah rates Oct. 31

Rupiah rates Oct. 31 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Central Java floods a 'national' concern

Central Java floods a 'national' concern JAKARTA (JP): The director general of village development at the Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure, Soenarno, said the flash floods which have hit Banyumas and Cilacap regencies in Central Java should be considered a "national flood". The floods inundated the area following incessant rainfall since Saturday. The heavy rain also caused several landslides which have buried several villages and left at least 32 dead.

Partners needed to help manage on-street parking

Partners needed to help manage on-street parking JAKARTA (JP): Admitting it was unable to manage the city's parking affairs alone, the city administration said on Tuesday it needed partners to help handle on-street parking in the capital.

What the SMEs don't need: Unwise intervention

What the SMEs don't need: Unwise intervention The following are excerpts of an interview with Erna E. Chotim, current research director of the Bandung-based Akatiga center. Set up in 1991, its main focus of research has included labor, small and medium enterprises and land issues. Question: Your organization recently completed a study on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). What were your findings?

Asian currencies mostly fall, rupiah rises

Asian currencies mostly fall, rupiah rises TOKYO (Dow Jones):Asian currencies were mostly weaker in Asia Tuesday, led by a slide in the won due to fears of a major corporate bankruptcy in South Korea and a plunge in the Thai baht amid large-lot selling by overseas speculators. The Indonesian currency regained ground late trade, after failure to push it below the psychologically sensitive level of Rp 9,500 against the dollar triggered profit-taking, dealers said.

Malaysia palm oil higher on bullish export data

Malaysia palm oil higher on bullish export data KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures rose on Tuesday to regain some of the ground lost in the previous session, helped by bullish export figures, traders said. Cargo surveyor Societe Generale de Surveillance Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SGS) said Malaysian palm oil exports in October were at 1.06 tons compared with 852,982 tons in September.

'Tahu', 'tempe' can damage your kidneys

'Tahu', 'tempe' can damage your kidneys JAKARTA (JP): A doctor warned here on Tuesday that Indonesians should not overindulge in one of their favorite culinary delights, eating tofu and soybean cake (tempe), as it may eventually result in damage to their kidneys.

Doctors give Gus Dur clean bill of health

Doctors give Gus Dur clean bill of health JAKARTA (JP): Doctors gave President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid a clean bill of health on Tuesday following a regular medical checkup here. Aulia Sani, the director of the private Harapan Kita Hospital in West Jakarta, where the three-hour examination took place, said the President was in good health. "We conducted the last medical checkup six months ago, and as we all know the results were fine.

Rates for tax payment, valid from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5

Rates for tax payment, valid from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 8,905.00 Austrian schilling 1 535.20 Australian dollar 1 4,617.24 Belgian franc 1 182.55 Canadian dollar 1 5,837.43 Swiss franc 1 4,889.63 Deutschemark 1 3,768.51 Danish krone 1 1,005.30 French franc 1 1,122.69 Poundsterling 1 12,748.40 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,141.73 Italian lira 100 380.34 Japanese yen 100 8,222.53 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,343.48 Dutch guilder 1 3,341.73 New Zealand dollar 1 3,552.20 Norwegian krone 1 937.91...

Politicians to blame for children's poor lot

Politicians to blame for children's poor lot Following last week's national conference on children, The Jakarta Post spoke with Yaumil Agoes Achir, a professor of psychology at the University of Indonesia and deputy secretary for people's welfare to Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Question: You raised concern about the situation of our country's children during the recent national conference on children. Why?

Wong sees Taufik as main threat at Asian C'ships

Wong sees Taufik as main threat at Asian C'ships JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian top player and second seed Wong Choon Hann named Indonesian Taufik Hidayat as his toughest rival at the US$150,000 JVC Asian Badminton Championships to be held at the Senayan indoor stadium starting Wednesday. "I think this should be an interesting tournament for me. I have a good chance of winning and I'm looking forward to the event.

Probe starts on W. Java KKN case

Probe starts on W. Java KKN case BANDUNG: The West Java Prosecutor's Office will question more than 100 witnesses in connection with alleged corrupt, collusive and nepotistic practices involving the West Java administration.

Crowded Senayan running track

Crowded Senayan running track From Bisnis Indonesia The running track at Senayan Main Stadium is my favorite place for afternoon jogging. However, it is no longer comfortable to do this exercise there. Previously street vendors, limited in number, neatly took their place at the side of the track without disturbing the joggers. Unfortunately, there are more vendors now and they occupy a large part of the track, leaving only a narrower corridor for joggers. This is really exasperating.

Legal circles differ on Tommy case

Legal circles differ on Tommy case JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian legal circles differ in their views on the legal status of former president Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, following a Supreme Court verdict in September that sentenced him to 18 months in jail over an unlawful land exchange deal in 1995.

Akbar agrees to abolition of MPR's annual session

Akbar agrees to abolition of MPR's annual session JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung expressed support on Tuesday for arguments that the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) be scrapped, saying that the MPR had no right to control the government. "In my capacity as (Golkar) party chairman, I agree that we should not hold an Annual Session," Akbar told reporters.

Major companies start expansion projects: Luhut

Major companies start expansion projects: Luhut JAKARTA (JP): Although foreign investors are still reluctant to enter the country, several major existing companies have started to expand their businesses, Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut B. Panjaitan said on Tuesday. "At least three major companies will start expanding next year," he said during a hearing with the House of Representative's Commission V for industry and trade affairs.