Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 November 2000

71 articles found

Silat fails to make Asian Games debut

Silat fails to make Asian Games debut JAKARTA (JP): With Doha being named to host the 2006 Asian Games, the Indonesian traditional martial art of pencak silat has seen its chance of being included in the quadrennial event crushed. "This is truly very sad news for us; I may call it a day of mourning. It's impossible Doha will stage pencak silat as the sport is not popular among the Arabs," the chairman of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association, Eddie Nalapraya, said on Monday.

Activists may face legal charges

Activists may face legal charges BOGOR (JP): The six activists who allegedly lowered the national flag during a recent protest by market vendors in front of the Bogor municipality building maybe charged with contempt, an official said on Monday. "If proven guilty, they will be charged under Article 154 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison," Bogor Police chief of detectives Sr. Insp. Budi Prasetyo said.

Gus Dur's legitimacy

Gus Dur's legitimacy Should Republican Texas Governor George W. Bush win the U.S. presidential election, he will be in the same predicament that Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid has been in this past year. He will have a constitutional legitimacy, but not popular legitimacy, which went to Democrat Vice President Al Gore. If Indonesia's experience is anything to go by, then that makes governing a country next to impossible.

Kramat Tunggak buildings slated to be demolished

Kramat Tunggak buildings slated to be demolished JAKARTA (JP): A North Jakarta Mayoralty official said on Monday that the administration would demolish any buildings on the former Kramat Tunggak red light district in North Jakarta, soon after it settles the compensation for the appropriation of the buildings with some 270 brothel owners.

Landslide causes Rp 20b in losses

Landslide causes Rp 20b in losses CILACAP, Central Java: Material losses from the previous landslides in six districts have reached more than Rp 20 billion, spokesman for the local administration Gatot Arif told The Jakarta Post on Monday. Landslides and mud floods due to torrential rains hit 40 villages here earlier this month, killing at least 27 people.

Dismissal urged for police chief

Dismissal urged for police chief MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The United Bone Student and Youths Board (DPP-Kepmi) urged on Monday the dismissal of Bone Police chief Supt. Dedi Fauzi following a recent brawl between locals that killed at least two people. "South Sulawesi Police chief (Insp. Gen.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibition * Fine Arts Exhibition, Liyan by Nindityo Adipurnomo, at Selasar Seni Sunaryo, Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur no. 100 (Phone: 022 2507939), until Dec. 3. Performances * Theater, Kursus Istri Teladan, Teater Alibi Bandung, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 8 p.m., Nov. 15-18. * Sundanese Drama Palagan Bubat by Ringkang Gumiwang group, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 2 p.m., Nov. 22-25.

Plantations complain of rampant theft

Plantations complain of rampant theft JAKARTA (JP): State-owned plantation companies complained to the House of Representatives here on Monday that lootings had caused them hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and warned that if those responsible were not stopped, the companies might have to close their operations.

Questions raised over Nandar's absence in Tiger Cup tourney

Questions raised over Nandar's absence in Tiger Cup tourney JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia's (PSSI) official in charge of athletes development Nurdin Halid and national team manager Muhammad Zein agreed to discharge coach Nandar Iskandar from the team on Sunday evening, after Indonesia routed Myanmar 5-0 for a semifinal berth in the Tiger Cup match in Thailand.

Rupiah lower on political concerns

Rupiah lower on political concerns JAKARTA (Dow Jones): The Indonesian rupiah closed lower Monday amid investor concern over growing political opposition to President Abdurrahman Wahid and security threats, traders said. After opening at Friday's close of Rp 9,225, the dollar quickly moved higher on news a bomb in the North Sumatran city of Medan over the weekend killed one person.

Palm oil plantations urged to help farmers

Palm oil plantations urged to help farmers JAKARTA (JP): In an attempt to stop the theft of fresh palm oil bunches in the region, House of Representatives Commission IX for finance and industry called on state-owned palm oil plantations (PTPN) in Sumatra to establish social development programs for locals.

Nightspot owners say they will fight back

Nightspot owners say they will fight back JAKARTA (JP): Nightspot owners pledged on Monday to get tough, saying they would hire 1,000 private guards to combat the spate of attacks by radical religious groups. The secretary-general of the Association of Nightspot Operators, Adrian Maelite, said the civilian guards would consist of security guards already employed at nightspots and residents living near the entertainment spots.

Legal course sought over IPPs

Legal course sought over IPPs JAKARTA (JP): The government might seek a court solution as an option to end disputes with independent power producers (IPPs) if the latter declined to show goodwill in reducing power prices, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli said on Monday. Rizal said that the other option for the government was not to take any action at all, letting the power projects rust and causing investors financial losses.

Kalimantan asks TNI for help

Kalimantan asks TNI for help BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: City administrations in Kalimantan have urged the Indonesian Military (TNI) to send a rapid deployment force to the province in anticipation of unrest. The request was the highlight of the initial congress of the Association of City Administrations in Indonesian Region V overseeing Kalimantan, held here recently. Also during the congress, Banjarmasin Mayor Sofyan Arpan was elected chairman of the organization.

Indonesia sweetens oil terms to lure investors

Indonesia sweetens oil terms to lure investors VIENNA (Reuters): Indonesia hopes to lure fresh interest from foreign investors to its mature upstream oil and gas sector by sweetening exploration terms, Energy and Mines Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Sunday. OPEC's only Asian producer plans to offer 28 exploration blocks out for bidding early in 2001 and will work on a case-by- case basis to improve fiscal and production-sharing terms to attract investors, Yusgiantoro said.

Council to look after small-scale traders

Council to look after small-scale traders JAKARTA (JP): The City Council reminded officials that its members would directly supervise the implementation of the imminent new bylaw on privately-owned shopping centers which will take effect in January next year, a councillor said on Monday.

Detonator, timer found at Medan bomb blast site

Detonator, timer found at Medan bomb blast site MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): A damaged detonator and timer along with other objects related to a homemade bomb were found by Medan Police at the bomb site on Jl. Syailendra on Monday, head of Medan Police Laboratory Supt. Anto Sugiarto said. Anto said the lab officers were combing the site soon after the bomb exploded on Sunday afternoon. "We also found a cover to the bomb.

Bank Mandiri to go public in fourth quarter of 2001

Bank Mandiri to go public in fourth quarter of 2001 JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli said the government was currently making preparations to privatize state Bank Mandiri through an initial public offering (IPO) some time in the fourth quarter of next year. Rizal told a business conference on Monday that the privatization plan would help accelerate the completion of the "consolidation process" at the bank.

Disputes cause drop in Caltex oil production

Disputes cause drop in Caltex oil production JAKARTA (JP): Continued disputes with locals have caused crude oil output of the country's largest oil producer PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia in Riau province to drop by an average of 30,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), the company said on Monday. Caltex president Humayunbosha blamed the production decline on disturbances, such as blockades, hostage-takings and the arson of equipment and vehicles.

KL authorities raid pro-opposition publisher

KL authorities raid pro-opposition publisher KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysian authorities raided the newsroom of a pro-opposition publishing firm and confiscated hundreds of copies of a tabloid that the government has declared illegal, an editor said on Monday. About 13 officials of the Home Affairs Ministry entered the headquarters of Pemuda Publications with a search warrant on Friday and took 640 copies of the Malay-language Islah newspaper, Ahmad Lutfi Othman said.

Bogor nightspots told to close for Ramadhan

Bogor nightspots told to close for Ramadhan BOGOR (JP): The Bogor administration called on the management of local entertainment centers to cease operations from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30 to allow Muslims to perform their religious duties in peace, an official said on Monday. Bogor administration spokesman Dewi Kurnia said the policy was issued following an agreement between the administration and operators of entertainment centers over the weekend.

House names seven candidates for chief justice

House names seven candidates for chief justice JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives announced on Monday the names of seven candidates for Supreme Court chief justice, including President Abdurrahman Wahid's preference, former judge Benjamin Mangkoedilaga. The names of the candidates were announced to allow the public to give their opinions of the nominees.

Gus Dur and Amien Rais must meet

Gus Dur and Amien Rais must meet From Republika It's time now for Kyai Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Prof. Syafii Maarif (Muhammadiyah's chairman) to invite President Abdurraman Wahid (or Gus Dur) and Amien Rais for a get-together. This would be an important step for the state's and the nation's unity and stability.

Analysts upbeat about SE Asian bourses

Analysts upbeat about SE Asian bourses SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): While there is a sea of red across Southeast Asian stock indexes Monday after sharp falls Friday on Wall Street, technical analysis suggests there may soon be reason for optimism on some regional bourses. These hopes are tempered somewhat by a bearish close Friday on the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite index.

Trial begins for ex-Aspac director

Trial begins for ex-Aspac director JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court initiated on Monday the corruption trial of the former director of credit at Bank Aspac. The charges involved the misallocation of Rp 583.4 billion (US$63.4 million) of Government Liquidity Support (BLBI) funds for liquidated banks. Prosecutor Soetantyo said defendant Hendrawan, 46, violated Article 1 of Law No. 3/1971 on corruption. The Article carries a maximum punishment of life in prison.

Champs Yuso beaten in Livoli opener

Champs Yuso beaten in Livoli opener JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Yuso club of Yogyakarta was dramatically beaten in both the men's and women's divisions on the first day of the second leg of the Samator 2000 Indonesian Volleyball League (Livoli) on Monday at the Senayan Basketball Stadium, Central Jakarta. Currently, Samator of Surabaya and Petrogres of Gresik, East Java, top the men's and women's division with 12 points each after the first series held in Surabaya from Oct. 8 to Oct. 14.

Govt approves PT Timor Putra debt restructuring

Govt approves PT Timor Putra debt restructuring JAKARTA (JP): The government has approved the debt restructuring of automaker PT Timor Putra Nasional (TPN), allowing the company to continue its Timor national car project in a joint venture with South Korean Kia Motors Corporation.

PGN expects lower profit

PGN expects lower profit JAKARTA (JP): State-owned gas company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) estimates a 29 percent decrease in its net profits to Rp 287 billion (US$31.9 million) this year from Rp 407 billion in 1999. PGN president Qoyum Tjandranegara said on Monday that the decrease was caused by loan repayments and an increase in the purchasing price of gas.

Soeharto goes into deep relapse: Aide

Soeharto goes into deep relapse: Aide JAKARTA (JP): Doctors and family members gathered around former president Soeharto's bedside on Monday when he went into a deep relapse prompting fears of a worsening health condition. Five doctors, instead of the usual two, were on standby at Soeharto's residence on Jl. Cendana in Central Jakarta, and at least three of his six children also were present.

Security forces at fault in Aceh

Security forces at fault in Aceh Dozens have been killed in various spots in the troubled province of Aceh during two days of pro-independence rallies in the capital Banda Aceh. The assembly ended peacefully last Saturday. Lesley McCulloch, a researcher at the Bonn International Center for Conversion and at the Australian National University in Canberra, was with the Acehnese who risked their lives to attend the gathering.

Popular participation in Tommy's manhunt

Popular participation in Tommy's manhunt JAKARTA (JP): The manhunt for fugitive Hutomo 'Tommy' Mandala Putra, convicted in a land scam, has led many parties to take part, either seriously or jokingly, in the search. In a front-page advertisement, Rakyat Merdeka daily offered a reward worth Rp 100 million (US$11,000) to anyone who could provide evidence about a possible collusion between Tommy and law enforcers to keep the fugitive out of jail. The contest will be open until Dec. 24.

PAL to resume Jakarta flights

PAL to resume Jakarta flights MANILA (Dow Jones): Philippine Airlines Inc said Monday it will resume Dec. 2 flights from Manila to Jakarta that were suspended two and a half years ago. PAL said the service will operate four times a week via Singapore. "PAL will have full traffic rights between Singapore and Jakarta - a sector it will be serving for the first time," the carrier said in a communique. The run will deploy Airbus 330-300 aircraft.

Rupiah Rates Nov.13

Rupiah Rates Nov.13 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Subardi wins President Cup

Subardi wins President Cup SEMARANG (JP): Subardi of Semarang won the President Cup national marathon championship in Wonogiri, about 220 kilometers southeast of here. Subardi clocked a winning time of two hours, 37 minutes and 44.67 seconds in Sunday's race. Subardi also won the Central Java Governor's Cup and a cash prize of Rp 2 million (US$215). Suyono of East Kalimantan finished second with a time of 2:37:46.85, while Basri of East Java finished third in a time of 2:39:11.11.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 8:30 Music 9:00 Interval 12:00 p.m. Interval 2:00 News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Talk Show 5:30 TVRI News 6:00 Sports 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 TV Drama 10:30 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

PBSI to call Taufik's coach on statement

PBSI to call Taufik's coach on statement JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) clarification team will call Taufik Hidayat's coach, Mulyo Handoyo, to attend a hearing on Wednesday due to Taufik's statements two weeks ago.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 13, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,275 100 1,009,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 110 -10 675,500 Alakasa Industrindo 350 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 950 0 619,000 Alter Abadi 185 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 975 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 275 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,025 0 1,358,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

House mulls review of nicotine and tar limits

House mulls review of nicotine and tar limits JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives proposed on Monday the establishment of a special team to review the government's restriction on nicotine and tar content in clove cigarettes. Legislators from the House's Commission V for industry and trade affairs agreed in a hearing with the Federation of Indonesian Cigarette Producers (Gappri) that the team was needed to ensure the restriction was fair to local cigarette makers.

Saving orangutans not an easy job

Saving orangutans not an easy job By Carola Frentzen BOHOROK, North Sumatra (DPA): Branches crack, leaves fall and among the treetops, red-haired tufts can been seen moving. It's Minah, a female orangutan, climbing through the thick jungle flora. She is enormous, agile and very noisy. The ape scratches her head with leathery hands, takes a bunch of bananas from the ranger and sits down with legs spread on the branches of a big tree. It's quite a spectacle.

City Council removes protesting squatters

City Council removes protesting squatters JAKARTA (JP): Some 60 protesters, who had stayed in the City Council compound on Jl.Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta since Monday, have been finally removed by authorities to the city-owned Kedoya rehabilitation center in West Jakarta. No clashes were reported during Friday's expulsion which was carried out by dozens of officials from the Central Jakarta mayoralty administration office and police personnel.

Dot-com group plans 1,000 Net kiosks

Dot-com group plans 1,000 Net kiosks JAKARTA (JP): PT Pointers Indonesia, a subsidiary of publicly listed PT Myohdotcom Indonesia, said on Monday that it plans to build 1,000 Internet kiosks throughout Indonesia next year. Myohdotcom chief commissioner Jaegopal Hutapea told reporters the company hoped to have one Internet kiosk, or what it calls pointers, short for pojok internet (internet corners), in every subdistrict in the archipelago.

Fund management firms expect brisk business next year

Fund management firms expect brisk business next year JAKARTA (JP): Fund management companies expect a brisk business next year as more people have now turned to their services to invest their money, a senior executive of an asset management company said here on Monday.

Sampoerna may withdraw Indomarco takeover bid

Sampoerna may withdraw Indomarco takeover bid JAKARTA (JP): Publicly cigarette listed company PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna will withdraw a plan to buy a majority stake in retail operator PT Indomarco Pristama if the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) fails to give a response by Wednesday, the company's executive said on Monday.

Indonesia's naval force below standard: Admiral

Indonesia's naval force below standard: Admiral JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia could face serious security and defense problems in the next five years due to a shortage of warships and Navy personnel, Navy Chief Admiral Indroko Sastrowiryono said on Monday.

Anwar hospitalized for back pain

Anwar hospitalized for back pain KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Jailed former Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim is receiving out-patient hospital treatment for severe back pain, one of his lawyers said on Monday. "Anwar is suffering from severe back pain with shooting pains to his left foot," Sankara Nair said. Nair, who makes regular visits to his client at Sungai Buloh prison just north of Kuala Lumpur, said he saw Anwar limping during last week's visit.

Traffic comes to a halt on capital's streets

Traffic comes to a halt on capital's streets JAKARTA (JP): The capital saw thousands of disgruntled motorists and commuters on Monday afternoon as the city was trapped in a severe traffic jam due to the street blockade by student protesters, who strongly demanded the re-investigation of the death of their fellow friends in the November 1998 shooting at the Semanggi area.

Asia sticks to nuclear energy amid public fears

Asia sticks to nuclear energy amid public fears BANGKOK (AFP): Asian nations said on Monday they were committed to developing more nuclear power plants but admitted they would have to overcome public fears surrounding the risks of atomic energy. At Asia's first forum on nuclear cooperation, Japan, China and South Korea said they planned to expand the number of plants in their countries to meet growing energy needs.

Don't be sarcastic!

Don't be sarcastic! I am responding to Mr. Mark Riddett's letter to The Jakarta Post of Nov. 10 edition, titled Income tax for expatriates. The issue to impose 35 percent income tax to expatriates to me is ridiculous. Not because I'm married to an expatriate, but I just don't trust the Indonesian government will spend it. I doubt it will go to the welfare of the people in this case. I agree with Mr. Riddett. But I was shocked with the way Mr. Riddett expressed his protest.

Market brawl leaves 16 injured

Market brawl leaves 16 injured JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Clashes in the Abepura traditional market have left 16 people severely injured as of Monday, Antara reported. The news agency did not identify the victims, but said they had suffered stab wounds. The market reopened for business on Monday after security personnel restored order. The security forces were seen standing on alert throughout the market. Witnesses said the clashes involved locals and migrants from Bugis, South Sulawesi.

Gus Dur promotes democracy

Gus Dur promotes democracy From Media Indonesia President Abdurrahman Wahid, "Gus Dur", is the pioneer of democracy in Indonesia. Thanks to him people can talk freely and express their opinions freely. Democracy exists, even to the extent that there is too much of it. Criticizing or correcting people is good but it is not good to bring someone down or ruin someone's reputation.

Reform movement 'has borne no fruit'

Reform movement 'has borne no fruit' JAKARTA (JP): It has been more than a year since the repressive New Order regime was replaced by a more democratic government, but it has hardly made any progress a noted lawyer said over the weekend. Instead, the anti-reform spirit still casts a shadow over the newly reborn nation as shown, for example, by bureaucrats who have no clear direction and build their powers on the basis of sectarianism and hedonism.

Dossiers of 14 suspects in E. Timor done

Dossiers of 14 suspects in E. Timor done JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Monday that the team investigating the human rights abuses in East Timor last year had completed the dossiers on 14 of 23 suspects in the case. "The dossiers will be filed with an ad hoc human rights tribunal which has yet to be established," he said after the inauguration of a team to investigate human rights abuses in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.

2001 City Budget aims to improve general condition

2001 City Budget aims to improve general condition JAKARTA (JP): In anticipation of an upturn in the economy, the city administration is predicting revenues of up to Rp 7 trillion (US$750 million), mostly from tax and retribution, for the 2001 City Budget. City Secretary Fauzi Bowo said that annual estimates usually anticipated a revenue increase of about 10 percent. Thus with improving economic conditions in the capital, there is confidence that these expected annual increases can be surpassed.

Review price increase of LPG

Review price increase of LPG From Bisnis Indonesia In the last few days consumers in a number of cities across the country have experienced the soaring price of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) from Rp 18,000 per bottle to Rp 23,000 - Rp 25,000 per bottle. In many homes, therefore, kerosene stoves are again being used. The increase, between Rp 7,000 and Rp 9,000 per bottle, is much higher than previous hikes.

Rates for tax payment, valid from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19

Rates for tax payment, valid from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 9,160.00 Austrian schilling 1 569.55 Australian dollar 1 4,823.66 Belgian franc 1 194.28 Canadian dollar 1 5,913.05 Swiss franc 1 5,008.49 Deutschemark 1 4,009.45 Danish krone 1 1,059.14 French franc 1 1,194.78 Poundsterling 1 13,039.26 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,174.58 Italian lira 100 404.77 Japanese yen 100 8,507.48 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,410.59 Dutch guilder 1 3,556.42 New Zealand dollar 1 3,637.44 Norwegian krone 1 989.33...

Blind people seek protection

Blind people seek protection BANDUNG (JP): A dozen blind people, who are being trained at the Agricultural Training Center for the Blind in Cisarua Lembang, West Java, have approached the legislative council over intimidation by residents living around the training center. Victor Banuara, the spokesperson for the blind said that around 12 families of the Pasirhalang village, where the training center is located, had arbitrarily tilled the land belonging to the training center for about one year.

Decentralization in the health sector?

Decentralization in the health sector? By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Decentralization is a hot topic in the health sector. It is relieving for many but others welcome it rather pessimistically. In the national congress on epidemiology, organized jointly by the National Epidemiology Network (JEN) and Atmajaya Catholic University, held here from Nov. 7 through Nov.

Al-Zaytun center greens arid land with teak trees

Al-Zaytun center greens arid land with teak trees By Yusran Edo Fauzi INDRAMAYU, West Java (JP): Within two years, arid land covered with long dry grass in Indramayu regency, West Java has been transformed into a golden teak forest with Saudi Arabian date palms, Jordanian olive and tiin trees by the Al-Zaytun Islamic integrated educational center.

OPEC freezes oil output, sees prices easing

OPEC freezes oil output, sees prices easing VIENNA (Reuters): OPEC on Monday ratified an agreement on unchanged export quotas that at first sight appears to do little to soothe consumer concerns over high fuel bills this winter. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ministers decided not to top up production quotas that already have been raised four times this year.

Issues of minority Malay are Singapore's issues

Issues of minority Malay are Singapore's issues By Asad Latif SINGAPORE: If there is one face that symbolizes the Malay Singaporean, it is the face of a boy I saw some years ago. He was returning home from his weekly religious lessons. Pasted on the front of his white cap was a miniature flag of Singapore. I saw him around National Day, but the point he made held true for the rest of the year as well, and continues to do so.

Project launched for conservation ahead of regional autonomy plan

Project launched for conservation ahead of regional autonomy plan JAKARTA (JP): A pilot project on protecting the environment ahead of the enactment of regional autonomy has been launched in three West Java regencies -- Kuningan, Majalengka and Cirebon. The project is specifically designed to anticipate the implementation of regional autonomy, which many environmentalists fear could put conservation issues on the backburner.

Dairi farmers struggle to keep 'kemenyan' tradition

Dairi farmers struggle to keep 'kemenyan' tradition By Benget Simbolon Tnb. JAKARTA (JP): Kemenyan, incense from a plant that is locally known as kemenjen in North Sumatra, is more than a source of income for Dairi people. Its existence has also created cultural values concerned with dos and don'ts toward the environment.

Fresh violence kills two soldiers

Fresh violence kills two soldiers BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): It was business as usual after last weekend's peaceful rally when two military soldiers were killed and a police officer injured during the latest outbreak of violence in strife-torn Aceh, a police officer said on Monday. Police special operation Cinta Meunasah spokesman Sr. Supt. Kusbini Imbar said that apart from a grenade attack that wounded Padang Tiji Police Subprecinct chief Sgt. Maj.

Fishing firms lack fuel

Fishing firms lack fuel JAKARTA (JP): Many fishing boats on Aru and Kei islands, Maluku province, have been grounded due to a decrease in diesel oil supplied by state oil company Pertamina. Ronny Sikap Sinuraya, a commissioner of fishing company PT Daya Guna Samudera (DGS) at Benjina, southeastern Maluku, told reporters on Monday in Dobo, Aru island that the diesel oil supply his company received from Pertamina was only half of its actual need.

Students protest attack on seminar

Students protest attack on seminar YOGYAKARTA: Representatives of 50 student groups and non- governmental organizations here urged Governor Hamengkubuwono X on Monday to take stern measures against members of a Muslim group who raided an AIDS discussion on Saturday night. The incident at Kaliurang tourism complex left about 25 people injured, including two French nationals. "The governor is our last hope for justice without any discrimination.

SAARC dumps early summit amid Indo-Pak tensions

SAARC dumps early summit amid Indo-Pak tensions COLOMBO (AFP): Bilateral bickering between India and Pakistan is holding up a summit of a seven-nation regional grouping which is already a year overdue, Sri Lanka's foreign minister said on Monday. The summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was due to be held in Nepal in November 1999, but an escalation of clashes along the India-Pakistan border prevented the summit from going ahead.

RI men tie, women win in Istanbul

RI men tie, women win in Istanbul JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia men chess players only managed a draw, but the women won in their final matches Sunday at the 34th Chess Olympiad in Istanbul. Playing without Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto, whose elo rating is 2571, the men's team had to offer a 2.0-2.0 tie to Argentina. GM Edhi Handoko, with an elo rating of 2435, had to bow out to GM Daniel Campora in the 62nd move.

Tourists canceling trips to Yogyakarta

Tourists canceling trips to Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA (JP): Several travel agencies in Europe and the United States have canceled their clients' planned trips to Yogyakarta following an anti-American sweep in the neighboring town of Surakarta recently, a local tourist organization said on Monday. Chief of the Yogyakarta branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Stef. B.

'Opposition is unconstitutional'

'Opposition is unconstitutional' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid called on the nation on Monday to stick to the Constitution amid growing demands for his resignation. Speaking on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) summit in Doha, the President said he was not turning a deaf ear to the demands, but reminded that they should be raised in accordance with the existing laws.

S.Korea to lead APEC in 2005

S.Korea to lead APEC in 2005 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Dow Jones): The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum said Monday in a press release that the Republic of Korea would host the group's 17th summit, in 2005. The next meeting, in 2002 will be in Shanghai, to be followed by Thailand and Chile.

Team formed to probe Tanjung Priok killings

Team formed to probe Tanjung Priok killings JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman established on Monday a team of state prosecutors to investigate the 1984 Tanjung Priok human rights abuse in North Jakarta. "The investigation, which will start later this week, is based on an inquiry report from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). The investigation is due in three months," Marzuki said after installing the 40 team members at his office.