Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 November 2000

59 articles found

Manulife rejects bankruptcy claim

Manulife rejects bankruptcy claim PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) totally rejects the allegation of bankruptcy brought about as a result of PT AJMI's decision not to pay out a life insurance policy from 1994 (Page 3 of The Jakarta Post on Friday 17 November).

... and more changes needed

... and more changes needed JAKARTA (JP): The need to introduce changes is widely accepted and the current House of Representatives (DPR) has already made the first tentative steps by removing one whole wing of confusion/conflict in management by determining that the KPU may not include people with partisan interests. The process of selecting new KPU members is now in train with the government completing its duty of providing the DPR with 22 names of potential members.

Yuso wins in Livoli

Yuso wins in Livoli JAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta's Yuso defeated DPPK on Friday, the fifth day of the second leg of the 2000 Samator Indonesian Volleyball League (Livoli) at the Senayan Basketball Hall in Central Jakarta. Yuso defeated DPPK 25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 25-14 in the men's division. In other matches, Bandung's Perhutani easily topped Apacinti of Semarang 25-15, 25-16, 25-22, while Bank BNI worked hard for its 28-26, 25-21, 15-25, 17-25, 15-5 victory over Samator.

Former Japanese comfort women want apology

Former Japanese comfort women want apology YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesians who were made to serve as comfort women during World War II have reiterated their demand here for both compensation and an apology from the Japanese government.

When will RI sell motorcycles?

When will RI sell motorcycles? From Pikiran Rakyat Chinese-made motorcycles of a variety of trade marks are now flooding the Indonesian market. They are generally cheaper than motorcycles made in Japan and other countries. I'm not sure whether our people are really keen on buying these Chinese motorcycles or just showing some interest in them. One thing for sure is that the promotion of these products has been very intensively conducted.

Broader-based recovery

Broader-based recovery The 5.12 percent economic growth in the third quarter, as reported by Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, is thoroughly amazing. This is not only because the expansion surpassed most analysts' expectations, but the growth, previously fueled mainly by private consumption, has become broader based, with exports becoming the main locomotive.

Illegal fees

Illegal fees From Warta Kota Although the demand for the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) is intensifying, KKN still prevails. Illegal fees through bureaucratic mechanisms inherited from the New Order's brutal era are still being imposed. The reform movement spearheaded by youths and students -- not by senior citizens or politicians who are now holding top positions in the government-- have urged that KKN be wiped out, but what are the results?

Eastern fleet exercise begins

Eastern fleet exercise begins SURABAYA: The Navy's Eastern Fleet launched a large-scale exercise on Friday centered in waters near the country's easternmost province of Irian Jaya. Code named Dalla 2000, some 32 naval vessels along with three helicopters, four aircraft and 2,700 personnel are involved in the combat-readiness exercise. Speaking to journalists after the launch of the exercise, Eastern Fleet Commander Rear Adm.

Fujimori visits Japan amid rumors of seeking asylum

Fujimori visits Japan amid rumors of seeking asylum TOKYO (AP): Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, fresh from a summit of Pacific-rim nations in the Southeast Asian nation of Brunei, flew to Tokyo on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said. The Peruvian Embassy in Tokyo said Fujimori planned to meet with Japanese government officials to discuss loans for disbursement in the 2001 fiscal year. But Japanese Foreign Ministry official Hisashi Ueno said Fujimori was only changing planes.

Be relaxed, don't get too emotional: Centennial man

Be relaxed, don't get too emotional: Centennial man JAKARTA (JP): The phrase which says that life is too short may not apply to Hendrik Willem Rattu. While many men over 60, or even below, are susceptible to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke, and 79-year-old former president Soeharto is apparently suffering from brain damage; Hendrik passed his 100th birthday recently in a happy and healthy state.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 8:30 TV Series: Labyrinth 9:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Cartoon 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Music 5:30 TVRI News 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 8:30 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Film: One of the Own 10:30 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. TVRI News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

Strong electoral commission crucial to democracy

Strong electoral commission crucial to democracy By Julia Suryakusuma The current economic and political crisis should not distract Indonesia from the urgent task of establishing strong foundations to democracy, including a strong electoral commission. Julia Suryakusuma, the executive director of the API Foundation for Political Research, Information and Publications, argues for a commission powerful enough to exercise authority over all political players.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 17, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 2,500 -300 4,351,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 105 0 28,000 Alakasa Industrindo 350 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,050 25 8,932,000 Alter Abadi 165 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 900 -75 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 280 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,000 0 1,354,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Mask: Sartoris' Masks in the Commedia dell'Arte, at Museum Nasional Jakarta, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat 12, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3868172), daily except Monday, until Nov. 27. * Artisans at work at ICAC (International Community Activity Center), Jl. Bonavista Raya, Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta (Phone: 75816710). See crafts in process and shop for Christmas, on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Businessmen want to regain permits

Businessmen want to regain permits JAKARTA (JP): Kebayoran Baru businesspeople demanded on Friday that the Jakarta administration allow them to reopen their businesses in areas zoned for residential use. A group of 10 people, representing more than 500 businesspeople from the Kebayoran Baru Businessmen Association (P2KB), attempted and failed to meet with city councilors.

'SmarTV' to begin service in Bali

'SmarTV' to begin service in Bali JAKARTA (JP): The SmarTV cable television operator will begin its service in five-star hotels in Nusa Dua, Bali, by April next year before expanding to other tourist resorts in Bintan, Riau. David Irwan, the president of PT Nuansa Kelir (NK), the owner of the TV cable operator, said in Jakarta on Friday that SmarTV expected to provide services to at least 3,200 hotel rooms in the first year, with an annual revenue of about US$2 million.

Another blast shakes Omni Batavia Hotel

Another blast shakes Omni Batavia Hotel JAKARTA (JP): Less than 16 hours after an explosion at the residence of Governor Sutiyoso, the capital was rocked by a blast at a four-star hotel in West Jakarta, giving Jakarta an unwanted new title: the city of terror. No fatalities were recorded in the blast, which occurred at 1:15 p.m. on Friday on the fifth floor of the Omni Batavia Hotel. The blast is believed to have been caused by firecrackers.

JIHD to restructure $70m in debts

JIHD to restructure $70m in debts JAKARTA (JP): PT Jakarta International Hotels and Development (JIHD) and its creditors signed a deal here on Friday outlining the restructuring of the company's US$70 million in debts, the hotel operator said on Friday. Under the agreement, the company's debts will be extended seven years from the original due date of January 1998, with a five-year put option.

Bengkulu school wins English debate contest

Bengkulu school wins English debate contest JAKARTA (JP): State-run SMUN 2 Bengkulu won the national senior high school English debate contest defending the notion that sex education must be made a compulsory subject at high schools. The three-person team from a town which is still recovering from the devastating earthquake in June beat SMUN 34 Jakarta in the final on Wednesday night held at the Convention Hall of the University of Indonesia campus in nearby Depok. M.

S'pore economy grows 10.4% in 3rd quarter

S'pore economy grows 10.4% in 3rd quarter SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's economy grew at an annual rate of 10.4 percent in the third quarter of this year, prompting the government to raise its target for the year to 9.5 percent. The ministry of trade and industry said the stronger-than- expected figures reflected robust domestic and external demand and a strong export performance. Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 9.8 percent in the nine months to September, the ministry said.

Answering the Gus Dur question

Answering the Gus Dur question By Ignas Kleden JAKARTA (JP): The horizon of Indonesian politics is apparently static. The entire political focus is now narrowed down to one single question: the resignation of President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), yes or no? The unofficial gathering of some 200 members of the House of Representatives and People's Consultative Assembly which was organized by Kwik Kian Gie recently was unable to advance the political thinking any further.

Asian currencies close mixed late as rupiah ends lower

Asian currencies close mixed late as rupiah ends lower SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were weaker Friday as investors expressed caution over political developments and the pace of corporate restructuring in the region. The Philippine peso was the exception, closing marginally higher despite continued selling pressure.

Minister urges public not to panic over virus

Minister urges public not to panic over virus JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health and Social Welfare Achmad Sujudi urged calm on Friday over reports of the possible spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), saying the disease had not reached epidemic proportions in the country. "We have not yet categorized the spread of the disease as dangerous because it is still under control and we should not cause the general public to panic because of the disease," he told The Jakarta Post in his office.

KL, Kyrgyzstan seal three pacts

KL, Kyrgyzstan seal three pacts KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan sealed three pacts on Friday to boost bilateral ties. The pacts were signed during a visit here by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Amangeldi Muraliev. Muraliev and his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad witnessed the signing of agreements on air transportation, cooperation in tourism and the avoidance of double taxation, the national news agency Bernama said.

KFC set to tap coffee market

KFC set to tap coffee market KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Fast-food chain KFC said Thursday it would spend 20 million ringgit (US$5.26 million) to open a chain of coffee shops in the region as part of moves to diversify its business. Following a recent tie-up with U.S.-based Seattle's Best Coffee (SBC), KFC Holdings (M) Bhd. will open 36 coffee shops in Malaysia, four in Brunei and 15 in Singapore, said executive deputy chairman Abdullah Omar.

Bring to justice those responsible for killings: UN

Bring to justice those responsible for killings: UN JAKARTA (JP): A visiting UN Security Council mission called on the government here to speed up the judicial process of militia leader Eurico Guterres and those responsible for the killings of three international workers in East Nusa Tenggara in September.

Subagyo disappointed by Taufik's absence

Subagyo disappointed by Taufik's absence JAKARTA (JP): Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo and world number one men's singles shuttler Taufik Hidayat are playing their own personal game of hide-and-seek. Taufik demanded Subagyo attend the hearing on Wednesday about a statement he made after winning the Asian Badminton Championships earlier this month.

Asia's Pulp & Paper 3Q pulp output up 5%

Asia's Pulp & Paper 3Q pulp output up 5% SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore's Asia Pulp & Paper Co. produced 613,000 metric tons of pulp during the third quarter of this year, up almost 5 percent from 584,000 metric tons on year, according to preliminary figures provided in a company press release late Thursday. During the third quarter, APP's Indonesian subsidiary PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Corp.

Prosecutors to seize Tommy's assets in W. Java

Prosecutors to seize Tommy's assets in W. Java JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta prosecutors found out on Friday that all private assets belonging to fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra in Jakarta had been transferred to other parties. Head of the prosecutor's office, Antasari Azhar, said the prosecutors would now focus on Tommy's other properties in West Java, including two plots in Serang, some 90 kilometers west of here, and in Bogor, some 60 kilometers south of here.

Indonesia grabs six gold medals at silat c'ships

Indonesia grabs six gold medals at silat c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Host Indonesia harvested six golds -- two from fighting events and four from martial arts events -- in the final round of the 2000 Pencak Silat World Championships at Pencak Silat Center in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah on Friday. Neighboring countries Malaysia grabbed two golds while Vietnam brought home one.

Future of APEC summit doubtful after Clinton

Future of APEC summit doubtful after Clinton By Chris Johnson BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Reuters): It was Bill Clinton's Big Idea for the Pacific -- a summit of leaders of the region's top economies able to push the boundaries of free trade and build a political bridge across the world's greatest ocean. But the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit may not survive for long the departure of the 42nd U.S. president.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 17

Rupiah Rates Nov. 17 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Sacred dance performed for Queen's birthday

Sacred dance performed for Queen's birthday By Tiwi and Erry YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Sultan of Yogyakarta, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, observes the old customs by celebrating special days according to traditions passed from one sultan to the next. Ten years ago, when the Sultan's father, Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, was officially declared a national hero, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X commissioned a huge commemoration further honoring his father.

Bangkok asks to delay EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting

Bangkok asks to delay EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting BANGKOK (AFP): A landmark ASEAN-EU ministerial meeting due to be held next month in Laos may have to be postponed because of the poor level of EU representation indicated so far, the Thai foreign ministry said on Friday.

Reebok University to train instructors

Reebok University to train instructors JAKARTA (JP): Reebok University, a sport and fitness secondary educational institution, opened a training opportunity for Indonesian aerobic instructors to earn international acknowledgement from the American Council on Exercises and the Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

No rhinos in Gedung Sate

No rhinos in Gedung Sate BANDUNG, West Java: A bronze statue of the one-horned rhinoceros (rhinoceros sondaicus) which has become a feature of the Gedung Sate here was removed on Friday to its new home in Serang, West Java. The removal is due to Saturday's scheduled inauguration of the new Banten governor. The House of Representatives recently approved the formation of Banten province.

New method cures drug addiction

New method cures drug addiction JAKARTA (JP): A new method of curing drug addiction which promises recovery within 24 hours is now available in Indonesia at a cost of Rp 13 million for a treatment. Linda Rahmat, an anesthecist with the Asa Bangsa Foundation which introduced the method in several Indonesian hospitals, said that Graha Medika hospital, where she worked, had successfully treated 200 drug addicts, aged between 14 and 50 years.

Leighton wins RI contract

Leighton wins RI contract SYDNEY (AFX): Leighton Asia, through its wholly owned subsidiary PT John Holland Constructions Indonesia, has been awarded a five year A$100 million contract for mining operations at the ABK Loajanan coal mine in East Kalimantan, Indonesia from PT Anugerah Bara Kaltim. Under the contract, Leighton is responsible for the open cut mining of 6. 7 million tons of coal over the five year period, the company said in a statement.

HSBC plans to open nine more branches in RI

HSBC plans to open nine more branches in RI JAKARTA (JP): The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) will open nine more branches in major Indonesian cities by the end of next year to further boost its growing network in the country. HSBC Indonesia deputy chief executive officer Alastair J. Bryce said in Jakarta on Friday that the expansion was part of the bank's global strategy to further develop its retail market.

BI board of governors resigns

BI board of governors resigns JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's Senior Deputy Governor Anwar Nasution and four other deputy governors resigned en masse here on Friday night to take what they called moral responsibility for several billions of dollars in emergency support loans extended to bail out commercial banks in 1997-1999.

GA-150 canceled after bomb threat

GA-150 canceled after bomb threat BATAM, Riau: Garuda Indonesia flight GA-150, remained isolated on a runway in Hang Nadim airport here on Friday following a bomb threat which canceled the departure of the Jakarta bound flight. Police here said they were taking the utmost precaution and had decided to await the arrival of a bomb squad from Pekanbaru in Riau province, about 280-kilometers west of here, as Batam did not have its own bomb squad.

Sutiyoso approves 45.54% increase in taxi fares

Sutiyoso approves 45.54% increase in taxi fares JAKARTA (JP): After two months of postponement due to strong opposition from the public and many taxi drivers, the 45.54 percent hike in taxi fares in the capital takes effect today. Governor Sutiyoso signed his approval for the significant hike on Tuesday but was only announced on Friday by head of the taxi unit of the Jakarta Chapter of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda), Izak Rumeidy.

WB opposes govt plan to raise rice import tax

WB opposes govt plan to raise rice import tax JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank opposed on Friday the government's plan to raise the rice import tax because it would disadvantage the country's poor. World Bank country director in Indonesia Mark Baird said that the relatively low domestic rice prices enjoyed by the poor now had been supported by access to cheaper imported rice.

Man beaten for corruption report

Man beaten for corruption report TANGERANG: A worker at the local Land Transportation Agency filed a police report on Friday accusing three of his coworkers of assault. In his report to the Tangerang Police, Ali said he had been assaulted for disclosing to the mayoralty and regency legislatures the alleged involvement of his three coworkers, identified as Ngd, Iyr and MS, in skimming money off the top of collected parking fees.

Remembering glorious 'Dongeng Dari Dirah'

Remembering glorious 'Dongeng Dari Dirah' By Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): Exactly 26 years ago choreographer Sardono W. Kusumo's dance drama Dongeng Dari Dirah (A Tale from Dirah) was performed for the first time. The debut was so successful that it was later performed in many places in Europe. This year, between Nov. 16 and Nov.

Siwani eyes L&M's projects

Siwani eyes L&M's projects SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): L&M Group Investments Ltd said PT Siwani Trimitra Tbk has offered to buy its pipeline projects in Indonesia. In exchange, PT Siwani has proposed to issue new shares to L&M at a price to be agreed by both parties, it said. The projects, including Surabaya Depot Satelit, Pipanisasi BBM Manggis Sanggaran and Kuala Tanjung Trnasit Terminal, were suspended in 1998.

RI waits for Vietnam, India before starting coffee retention

RI waits for Vietnam, India before starting coffee retention JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has delayed its plan to join the Association of Coffee Producing Countries (ACPC) coffee retention program. A source at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Friday that the government had told ACPC executives that it would only join the retention program if Vietnam and India did the same. "Otherwise, joining the retention program is as useless as putting salt into the ocean," he said.

Mayor faces inquiry over alleged graft

Mayor faces inquiry over alleged graft PADANG, West Kalimantan: Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja has approved a formal investigation into a corruption case allegedly involving Payakumbuh mayor Darlis Ilyas. The assistant to provincial secretary Rusdi Lubis told Antara the central government approved the legal procedure be taken in a letter dated Nov. 7. According to the law, Darwis will have to be suspended while undergoing investigation.

More athletes qualify for SEAG training

More athletes qualify for SEAG training JAKARTA (JP): Nine more senior athletes managed to qualify for the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games training program in the first Track and Field Grand Prix at Madya stadium here on Friday. Women's long-distance runner Supriati Sutono clocked 16 minutes 45.42 seconds to surpass the 'B' time limit of 17:10.00 in the women's 5,000m run.

Pencak silat to tie Indonesia - England

Pencak silat to tie Indonesia - England JAKARTA (JP): Pencak silat is more than just a sport as it is also regarded as a way to strengthen relations between two countries of different cultures, like Indonesia and the United Kingdom. "We have to admit there are differences of views between both countries.

Trisakti investigation continues: Adi Andojo

Trisakti investigation continues: Adi Andojo JAKARTA (JP): The head of the university team probing the May 12, 1998 shooting at Trisakti University, Adi Andojo Sutjipto, said on Friday that the House of Representatives (DPR) has agreed to form a special committee to investigate the fateful incident.

Best school chiefs gather

Best school chiefs gather JAKARTA (JP): Administrators from 23 "national-plus" schools gathered in Jakarta on Friday to exchange experiences about what make their schools different from ordinary schools. The Director General of Elementary and Secondary Education of the Ministry of Education, Indra Djati Sidi, in his keynote address gave the government's endorsement to the two-day gathering.

Army chief lashes out at bickering politicians

Army chief lashes out at bickering politicians JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto lashed out on Friday at bickering civilian politicians, who he said were grabbing power with utter disregard of the negative repercussions for the nation. Endriartono said political leaders in the country were currently consumed with attaining power. "What has come to the fore is how to get power.

Transgenic products tests needed: NGOs

Transgenic products tests needed: NGOs JAKARTA (JP): Non-governmental organizations demanded on Thursday that the government impose a five-year moratorium on tests of transgenic products and immediately formulate bills on the products. Council board member of the National Consortium for Nature and Forest Conservation (Konphalindo), Hira Jhamtani, told reporters that the moratorium on any field tests was needed to prevent illegal trade of transgenic products.

People unaware of sanitation

People unaware of sanitation TANGERANG: The local health office has stepped up its campaign to break the long-standing habit among residents of poor subdistricts near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport of using their gardens as toilets. The head of the office, Nuriman Machyudin, said on Friday that months of surveys by his staff in Sukatani and Kampung Bulak Kambing villages showed that residents of the slum areas were unaware of sanitation.

More killed in continued Aceh violence

More killed in continued Aceh violence BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Bloody violence coming amid Acehnese demands for a referendum continue to undercut the humanitarian pause, with seven more people, including three policemen, being killed in several locations in the restive province on Thursday, police said on Friday. West Aceh Police chief Supt.

RI out for revenge against Thailand in Tiger Cup final

RI out for revenge against Thailand in Tiger Cup final BANGKOK (AFP): Indonesia, drubbed 4-1 by Thailand in the first round of the Tiger Cup, is determined to avoid another humiliation in the final of the Southeast Asian championships here on Saturday. Indonesian team manager Muhammad Zein vowed Friday his squad would not make the same mistakes again. "We have learnt our lesson and we hope to avoid such a defeat in the final.

New cable to link RI, S'pore

New cable to link RI, S'pore SINGAPORE (DPA): A new submarine cable planned to link Singapore, Indonesia and Australia will have the capacity to handle 40 million simultaneous telephone calls, it was announced on Friday. Dubbed "Nava-1," the 9,000-km cable with a minimum design capacity of holding 2,560 megabits per second of data will be the largest linking the three countries, said Nava Networks Development chief executive Charles Jarvie.

TNI and political parties

TNI and political parties Lately the Indonesian Military (TNI) has come under the spotlight again, with articles appearing in several dailies about its role. Most comments have been negative, some positive and others neutral. The many articles about TNI indicate that TNI is still considered important and a force to be reckoned with. The TNI could become a strong ally or a powerful enemy of political organizations. Civilians don't know what to do with TNI.