Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 November 2000

67 articles found

RI to get ITTO grant for forestry projects

RI to get ITTO grant for forestry projects JAKARTA (JP): The government will receive a grant of more than US$2 million from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) for the improvement of wood products and the conservation and rehabilitation of the country's forests.

Union needed to improve welfare

Union needed to improve welfare JAKARTA (JP): A journalists' association and a union of newspaper publishers said on Tuesday it was important for journalists to set up unions in their respective offices to strengthen their bargaining position with their publishing companies.

Asahi Glass buys Thai firms

Asahi Glass buys Thai firms TOKYO (AFP): Japan's top glass maker Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. (AGC) said Tuesday it had bought out its local partner in four Thai joint ventures for US$41 million.AGC said it had taken majority ownership in three Thai glass firms by buying all the shares held in them by the...

Australia welcomes Indonesian tourists

Australia welcomes Indonesian tourists I wish to clarify a number of points in your article RI ponders fees for visas on arrival of Nov. 3. 2000 edition.Australia welcomes Indonesian tourists and encourages genuine tourists to travel to Australia.

President Estrada not quitting despite threats

President Estrada not quitting despite threats MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Joseph Estrada, hardening his stance not to resign despite threats of an impeachment trial, said on Tuesday that opponents demanding he quit over a bribery scandal were hallucinating.

Police again urge Lasykar Jihad to leave Maluku

Police again urge Lasykar Jihad to leave Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): Police reiterated their call on Lasykar Jihad (Jihad Force) to leave Maluku and let the governor, as head of the civil emergency state and the people, settle the lengthy sectarian clamor.Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen.

Thief burned to death

Thief burned to death BOGOR (JP): An angry mob burned to death a man for stealing electronic goods from a neighbor in the village of Rawa Panjang, Bojong Gede, Bogor on Tuesday.An eyewitness said that a new neighbor, Mardi, reported that a thief had broken into his house and made off with...

Govt must provide public services: Minister Ryaas

Govt must provide public services: Minister Ryaas JAKARTA (JP): The government must provide public transportation, clean water and free identity cards as part of the services it has to offer the public in compensation for the collection of taxes and exploration of natural resources, says State...

IMF expected to disburse $400 million next month

IMF expected to disburse $400 million next month JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to disburse before the end of December another US$400 million of the $5 billion committed to bail out Indonesia, according to Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli.

Angry farmers set fire to four Caltex oil wells in Rokan Hilir

Angry farmers set fire to four Caltex oil wells in Rokan Hilir JAKARTA (JP): Oil and gas company PT Caltex Pasific Indonesia said on Tuesday that protesting farmers had set fire to four of its oil wells in Rokan Hilir regency, Riau.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Interval 2:00 p.m News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Talk Show 5:30 TVRI News 6:00 Village News 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Hawaiian Charity for Maluku 9:00 News 9:35 Economic...

What's on at JiFFest this Thursday

What's on at JiFFest this Thursday Pak Prawiro (TIM 1, 7:05 p.m.)Raden Prawiro, better known as Pak Prawiro, lives a happy life with his two daughters. During a village meeting, Pak Prawiro suggests people start saving their money.

U.S. Embassy in Jakarta reopens

U.S. Embassy in Jakarta reopens JAKARTA (JP): The United States Embassy in Jakarta was reopened to the public on Tuesday after a two-week closure, with the embassy saying that although threats remained, security had been upgraded."On Tuesday, November 7, 2000, the embassy opened for public services.

Rupiah Rates Nov. 7

Rupiah Rates Nov. 7 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,593.00 9,593.00 9,048.00 9,138.00Australian dollar 1 4,524.21 5,055.51 4,763.77 4,815.73Austrian schilling 1 540.24 603.80 568.84 575.16Belgian franc 1 184.28 205.96 194.04 196.

Mahathir wants to monitor MPs

Mahathir wants to monitor MPs KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's parliamentary Speaker has defended Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's right to follow legislative proceedings from his office via a closed-circuit television link.

Man gets 16 months for 'shabu-shabu'

Man gets 16 months for 'shabu-shabu' TANGERANG (JP): Rizal Indra Krisna, a friend of comedian Sudarmaji, alias Doyok, got a 16-month prison sentence on Tuesday for the possession of 2.5 grams of crystal methamphethamine, locally known as shabu-shabu.

Mass violence and the problem of managing pluralities

Mass violence and the problem of managing pluralitiesBy Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): Each eruption of mass violence across the country signals the government's inability to contain such violence, raising fears of disintegration.

RI men's chess team gains higher standing

RI men's chess team gains higher standing JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's men's chess players improved their ranking to 35th from 41st position with a total Victory Points (VPs) of 20.0 at the 34th Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.Indonesian players finally took another victory by defeating Vietnam 2.

Free ID cards soon

Free ID cards soon JAKARTA (JP): City officials are prepared to carry out the free identity card renewal scheme immediately after City Council endorses the policy, Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday."The free ID card scheme has been one of my commitments to improve public services.

Petronas to refine RI crude

Petronas to refine RI crude SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd. (P.PET), or Petronas, will begin processing crude for Indonesia's Pertamina in early December, a source close said.

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in SurabayaExhibition * 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.

Myanmar to avoid ILO sanctions

Myanmar to avoid ILO sanctions YANGON (AFP): The Myanmar government said Tuesday it had issued a powerful directive banning forced labor, in a sign of its deep concern over sanctions threatened by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Environmental analysis a must for new industries

Environmental analysis a must for new industries BANDUNG (JP): Starting on Tuesday, new industries are subject to the Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) to be conducted by a commission which involves local communities, a government regulation stipulates.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 7, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,175 250 1,216,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 125 5 165,000 Alakasa Industrindo 350 -50 10,000...

Natural way to control fertility

Natural way to control fertility JAKARTA (JP): An increasing demand for natural ways of dealing with health issues makes a book titled The Billings Method: Using The Body's Natural Signal of Fertility to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy a hot item.

RP economy to suffer if crisis drags on

RP economy to suffer if crisis drags on MANILA (AFP): Economic growth in the Philippines will slump and inflation and interest rates climb the longer the political crisis spawned by bribery allegations against President Joseph Estrada drags on, the country's economic planning secretary said Tuesday.

KL palm ends down, eyes on India

KL palm ends down, eyes on India KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower on Tuesday after a keenly awaited crop report for October came within expectations and left players with few leads.

Disguised swindle

Disguised swindleFrom Warta KotaLast October, three con jobs were carried out under the guise of buying cigarettes. Two happened in Depok Timur Dalam, and one on Jl. Kranggan, Bekasi.As part of the con, two fierce-looking middle-aged men, both wearing motorcycle safety helmets, drop by a stall...

Aussie firm interested in compost project

Aussie firm interested in compost project JAKARTA (JP): An Australian company is likely to process the huge amount of garbage at the Bantar Gebang dump in Bekasi, east of here, into marketable compost, a city official said on Tuesday.

Police neglect proper procedures

Police neglect proper procedures MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Provincial legislators met South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacob and head of the provincial prosecutors' office T.A. Panggabean on Tuesday in connection with an investigation into Ambas Syam, chairman of the legislature's...

RI juniors to 2nd round in World C'ships

RI juniors to 2nd round in World C'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian shuttlers reached the next round of the individual events in the World Junior Badminton Championships for the Bimantara Cup in Guangzhou, China, on Tuesday.

Landslide affected residents to be resettled: Regent

Landslide affected residents to be resettled: RegentBy Israr Ardiansyah PURWOREJO, Central Java (JP): Purworejo regent HM Marsaid says that the areas devastated by the recent landslide are not suitable for living in and resettlement of the residents is a must.

Judicial inquiry sought

Judicial inquiry sought We believe that the time has come for a full judicial inquiry, with broad terms of reference, into the murder of the Balibo Five journalists, Gary Cunningham, Brian Peters, Malcolm Rennie, Greg Shackleton and Tony Stewart, on Oct.

Gus Dur to delay trip to Australia

Gus Dur to delay trip to Australia JAKARTA (JP): In observance of the Ramadhan fasting month, beginning later this month, President Abdurrahman will delay his visit to Australia until January, Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab said on Tuesday.

Acehnese gear up for mass gathering

Acehnese gear up for mass gathering BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): With the Acehnese mass gathering approaching, more people are heading to the capital of Banda Aceh, leaving many areas in the strife-torn province paralyzed and unguarded, residents said on Tuesday.

Rice traders to meet in Bali

Rice traders to meet in Bali SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Rice traders and exporters will seek answers to the slack demand for rice at an annual rice conference in Bali this week.The Fifth Asia International Rice Conference, Nov. 8-9, organized by IBC Asia Ltd.

Hundreds ransack police station

Hundreds ransack police station BOJONEGORO, East Java: An angry mob ransacked a police sub- precinct here on Tuesday after the release of a group of people accused of assaulting a martial arts guru.Antara reported that at least one police officer was injured in the incident.

An address to President Gus Dur

An address to President Gus Dur Mr. President, you keep on making controversial statements despite the fact that Indonesia is still in the grip of many problems: disintegration, economy, collusion, corruption, nepotism, law, and the community taking the law into their own hands.

Expert blames landslide on environmental damage

Expert blames landslide on environmental damage CILACAP, Central Java (JP): A leading marine expert has blamed the recent floods and landslides here on environmental destruction in the forms of erosion, sedimentation and deforestation in the regency.

Unocal hopes to raise oil production in E. Kalimantan

Unocal hopes to raise oil production in E. Kalimantan SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Unocal Corp.'s (UCL) Indonesian unit is producing 4,000 barrels a day of crude oil from its Mahoni field in the southern portion of Unocal's East Kalimantan production sharing contract area, Unocal Indonesia Co.

BCA responds

BCA responds First of all, thank you to Mr. Adrianus Hiyung Tjung for his complaint about the BCA ATM in Wisma Indocement, which was published in The Jakarta Post of Oct. 13, 2000.Please be informed that at the time of the publication of the complaint, the space rental contract for the BCA ATM in...

RI wants wrestling in SEA Games

RI wants wrestling in SEA Games SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Wrestling Association (PGSI) is still fighting to have the sport included in the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur."Wrestling may not be included in the SEA Games, but PGSI and the chairman of the National Sports Council...

Major provinces guarantee existing foreign investments

Major provinces guarantee existing foreign investments JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to woo foreign investors, officials from the Regional Investment Coordinating Board (BKPMD) of seven major provinces, including Jakarta, gave their guarantee on Tuesday to maintain and protect all existing foreign...

E. Timor gets oil royalties from Australia

E. Timor gets oil royalties from Australia SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Newly independent East Timor received its first oil royalty payment from Australia last week, according to an Australian official at the department of Industry, Science and Resources.The payment of A$6 million (about US$3.

Public warned on illegal Xenical

Public warned on illegal Xenical JAKARTA (JP): PT Roche Indonesia has warned customers that Xenical, its antiobesity drug, is being sold on the black market without a registration number from the Ministry of Health and is being imported through illegal channels.

Japan's quest for its security

Japan's quest for its securityBy Santo Darmosumarto JAKARTA (JP): This past week, the Japanese Self-Defense Force (SDF) celebrated its anniversary by showing some of its sophisticated weaponry. Having been deprived of its "normal state" status since the end of World War II, Japan has lately looked...

Edi denies meeting discussed violent PDI HQ takeover

Edi denies meeting discussed violent PDI HQ takeover JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of defense and security Edi Sudradjat admitted on Tuesday that a ministerial meeting discussing efforts to put a halt to an ongoing free speech forum, was held prior to the attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party...

Euphoria of provincial status

Euphoria of provincial status DENPASAR, Bali: A kind of euphoria has erupted among people who are demanding provincial status for their areas but they have not considered certain criteria required by the law, Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Soerjadi Sudirdja said.

Megawati to close women's league

Megawati to close women's league JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to close the Kobanita women's basketball league at Sumantri Brojonegoro Hall on Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, on Saturday.

Councillors want nightspots closed during Ramadhan

Councillors want nightspots closed during Ramadhan JAKARTA (JP): Councillors from Muslim-based parties countered on Tuesday Governor Sutiyoso's recent decision to allow nightspots to remain open during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Three sports will not yield gold: KONI

Three sports will not yield gold: KONI JAKARTA (JP): Vice chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI) Arie Sudewo has expressed the pessimistic view that three sports -- sepak takraw, hockey and squash -- would probably miss the chance to win gold medals in the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games...

Futures exchange boss threatens to resign

Futures exchange boss threatens to resign JAKARTA (JP): The president of the Jakarta Future Exchange (JFX) threatened Tuesday to resign if the government does not issue the exchange's operating license by the end of this year.

Useful tips for you on avoiding malaria

Useful tips for you on avoiding malaria This interactive health column appears in cooperation with the Singapore-based Parkway Group Healthcare. Readers are encouraged to ask questions through features@thejakartapost.com.Question: Dear Dr.

Govt plans to divest 15% stake in Sucofindo

Govt plans to divest 15% stake in Sucofindo JAKARTA (JP): The government will divest 15 percent of its shares in surveyor company PT Superintending Company of Indonesia (Sucofindo) to Swiss company Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS).Sucofindo president director Didie B.

Gus Dur wants labor decree reviewed

Gus Dur wants labor decree reviewed JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid asked Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al-Hilal Hamdi on Tuesday to review the ministerial decree on higher severance pay for dismissed or resigning workers, saying it had hampered foreign investment.

'Year of Living Dangerously' to get first RI screening

'Year of Living Dangerously' to get first RI screeningBy Daniel Cooney JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP): Banned by Indonesia's former dictator Soeharto for graphically depicting his tumultuous and bloody rise to power in the 1960s, the movie, The Year of Living Dangerously, is set to be screened here for...

Soldier's gun to be handed over

Soldier's gun to be handed over WELLINGTON (AFP): The Indonesian Military is to ceremoniously hand over a New Zealand soldier's light machine gun stolen when he was murdered by a militia group in East Timor four months ago.

Higher fees for 3rd-class at private hospitals seen

Higher fees for 3rd-class at private hospitals seen JAKARTA (JP): Officials and members of the medical profession say the city's fees for third-class services at private hospitals are far too low to cover costs.The fees, which include the daily room charge of Rp 35,000, were set in 1996.

Asian currencies mostly down late; no U.S. election relief

Asian currencies mostly down late; no U.S. election relief SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies failed to hold on to their recent gains late Tuesday, with the Philippine peso feeling the brunt of the pain as it resumed its downward spiral following Monday's brief rally.

Fire in Sampang well put out

Fire in Sampang well put out SYDNEY (AFX): Santos Ltd said the fire in the Sampang well, offshore East Java, has been put out, although gas is still escaping from the well bore.Specialist well control personnel have been mobilized and are currently assessing the situation at the well site, with...

'Reveal identities' of check recipients

'Reveal identities' of check recipients JAKARTA (JP): Lawyer Muhammad Assegaf demanded on Tuesday that prosecutors find out more about the recipients of checks issued by legislator Suko Sudarso in connection with the disbursement of Rp 15 billion (US$1.

Malaysia, Vietnam dance in goal feast in soccer tourney

Malaysia, Vietnam dance in goal feast in soccer tourney BANGKOK, Thailand (Agencies): Rusdi Suparman scored in the 28th and the 53rd minutes to help Malaysia trounce lowly Laos 5-0 in its preliminary Group B Tiger Cup match Tuesday in the southern town of Songkhla.

Athletes arrive for pencak silat c'ships

Athletes arrive for pencak silat c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Pencak silat athletes from Belgium, Great Britain and Spain touched down in Jakarta seven days prior to the Pencak Silat World Championships.The European fighters arrived a week ahead of the competition in order to adjust to the climate in...

AS-IOP cruises in Aspirin Cup

AS-IOP cruises in Aspirin Cup JAKARTA (JP): Host team AS-IOP Apacinti cruised into the round of 16 by defeating Pondok Cipta 8-1 on the fourth day of the Under-13 Aspirin Cup soccer tournament here on Tuesday.AS-IOP tops Group A, followed by Pondok Cipta.

President launches health program

President launches health program JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid launched on Tuesday a nationwide health program calling on people to raise their awareness of health.Speaking in the ceremony which marked the national drive at National Monument (Monas) square in Central Jakarta, the...

Tommy to be arrested Wednesday morning

Tommy to be arrested Wednesday morning JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto's son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra would be arrested at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, a reliable source said at midnight Tuesday."Negotiations for Tommy's safety are ongoing.

UN team to observe refugee camps

UN team to observe refugee camps JAKARTA (JP): A United Nations' Security Council team is expected to arrive in Indonesia on Nov. 14 to observe refugee camps for East Timorese in East Nusa Tenggara, an official said on Tuesday.