Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 December 2000

57 articles found

House committee invites President on Jan. 17

House committee invites President on Jan. 17 JAKARTA (JP): A House of Representatives special committee has invited President Abdurrahman Wahid to clarify his alleged involvement in two financial scandals on Jan. 17, the committee's deputy chairman said on Wednesday. "Refusal to meet the invitation means the President disrespects the House and democracy," Alvin Lie of the National Mandate Party (PAN) said after meeting with a group of students from the Indonesian Student Consortium.

Anti-luxury car rally turns sour

Anti-luxury car rally turns sour JAKARTA (JP): About 20 people protesting against imported luxury cars clashed with 30 customs officers outside the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in East Jakarta on Wednesday. The clash was the climax of the protest by the Anti-Luxury Cars Movement (GAMM) which had demanded that the government destroy smuggled 172 luxury cars which have been seized by the customs agency. The group's leader, M.

200 Kamra members to be sent abroad

200 Kamra members to be sent abroad SURABAYA (JP): In response to the disrupting demonstrations held by members of the police-sponsored civilian militia (Kamra) who face unemployment after their working contract ends this month, East Java governor Imam Utomo promised on Wednesday to have 200 Kamra sent abroad as unskilled workers. "For the first batch, as many as 200 Kamra members will be sent to Malaysia.

30 military trucks for travelers

30 military trucks for travelers JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Slamet Kirbiantoro said on Wednesday that the command would provide 30 military trucks to help transport holiday travelers to their hometowns for the upcoming Christmas and Idul Fitri festivities. "The trucks will help transport holiday travelers to wherever their hometowns are.

The nation's treasures are being looted

The nation's treasures are being looted JAKARTA (JP): The monetary crisis afflicting the country for the past few years has contributed to the chronic looting and theft of national treasures, officials said here on Wednesday. Chief of Documentation and Publication of the Ministry of National Education's Archeology Directorate, Junus Satrio Atmodjo claimed that the frequency of looting of statues and other artifacts from ancient temples and sites across the country has increased.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Painting Women After Women, at Seniwati Showspace, Ubud Main Street, until Dec. 26. * Painting by German artist Peter Dittmar, at Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl Raya Sayan (Phone: 0361 979253), Dec. 28 to Feb. 10. * Painting Wings and Excursions by Astari Rasjid, at Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran, Denpasar, until Jan. 12. * Sartori's masks in the Commedia dell'Arte, at Agung Rai Museum of Arts (ARMA), Pengosekan, Ubud, until Dec. 20.

Bodybuilder Ade Rai to take two-year break

Bodybuilder Ade Rai to take two-year break JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian bodybuilder champion Ade Rai hopes to take a two-year break from competitions starting early next year in order to fulfill his desire to popularize bodybuilding throughout the country. The reason to quit competitions is not because he is satisfied with having won many titles in international events. "I have gained success in competitions at international level.

Yogya mulls building large fishery port

Yogya mulls building large fishery port YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Yogyakarta administration is studying the possibility of constructing a large fishery port to raise revenue ahead of the full implementation of regional autonomy. There are at least three sites in three regencies which are being considered for the planned port.

Security in Aceh intensified ahead of Gus Dur visit

Security in Aceh intensified ahead of Gus Dur visit JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Wednesday that they were beefing up security in Aceh ahead of President Abdurrahman Wahid's visit to the troubled province on Tuesday. "We are going to clean up places that are going to be visited by the President three days before he arrives," National Police Chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro told journalists before a Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office.

6,000 bullets seized from ship

6,000 bullets seized from ship AMBON, Maluku: As many as 6,042 bullets, of various calibers, were confiscated by the military from a Dobonsolo passenger ship docked at the Ambon Naval base on Wednesday, an official said here. John Tomasoa, an expert in charge of information on state civilian emergencies at the Naval Base, said that most of the bullets were 5.56 millimeter (mm) caliber.

Susanto wins in boys contest

Susanto wins in boys contest JAKARTA (JP): Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia produced his second victory in the Asian Continental Boys Under-16 Championships at the National Power Corporation (NPC) training center at Bataan, in the Philippines on Wednesday. Top seeded Susanto defeated host player John Paul Gomez on the 31st move using his Sicily Sveshnikov defense. Four players managed to earn two points in the second round.

Scientists, cultural critics awarded with 'Satya Lencana'

Scientists, cultural critics awarded with 'Satya Lencana' JAKARTA (JP): Eight scientists and cultural critics were honored on Wednesday for their outstanding contributions to education and culture. Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin presented the Satya Lencana Pembangunan, Satya Lencana Wirakarya, Satya Lencana Kebudayaan and Satya Lencana Hadiah Seni awards on behalf of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

7 C. Java cyclists join SEAG training

7 C. Java cyclists join SEAG training SEMARANG (JP): Seven cyclists from Central Java have been undergoing training for the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. They are Nurrachman, Andi Wibowo, Febiyanto, Teguh EP, Mujiono, Sri Suhemi and Rini Suyatni.

Honorary doctorate for Gus Dur

Honorary doctorate for Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is due to leave for Thailand on Thursday morning to receive an honorary doctorate from the Asia Institute of Technology, the presidential press bureau said in a statement on Wednesday. During his two-day visit to Bangkok, Abdurrahman is also scheduled to meet with Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. The statement said that Abdurrahman would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab.

Integral system needed to secure sea

Integral system needed to secure sea JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia badly needs an integrated sea security system to maintain its sovereignty over its sea territory and curb fish theft, Minister of Maritime and Fishery Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said on Wednesday. Speaking after a meeting with Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Sarwono said the security system involved the use of satellite and radio equipment as well as people's participation.

Six still missing after landslides in Kulon Progo

Six still missing after landslides in Kulon Progo YOGYAKARTA (JP): As of Wednesday afternoon, rescue workers had yet to recover the bodies of six villagers believed to be buried in the mud left by Monday's landslides in Kalibawang district, Kulonprogo regency. The head of the Kulonprogo neighborhood security unit, Afnan Zamhari, said on Wednesday that the six missing persons were all residents of Semagung.

Mapping Indonesia's legal reform

Mapping Indonesia's legal reform By Meuthia Ganie-Rochman JAKARTA (JP): How do we kick off legal reform in Indonesia? The whole system looks messy. The court system is still widely regarded as a state-run mafia. The police as the investigating authority are considered incompetent and lacking credibility. The reform era has inherited a legal system which is abused by the authorities for their personal advantage. The whole system has been virtually untouched and still lives for itself.

Govt vaccinates children in volatile provinces

Govt vaccinates children in volatile provinces JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) is running an immunization program, which is expected to cover around 2.52 million children aged below five living in five riot-torn provinces. Called the Sub-National Immunization Day (SNID), the program in general is meant to provide polio and measles vaccines and vitamin A supplements for the children.

Badminton body mulls new hiring system for coaches

Badminton body mulls new hiring system for coaches JAKARTA (JP): Hoping to improve the performance of its shuttlers in international events, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will use a new system in hiring coaches for its training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta. PBSI executive director Karsono said on Wednesday the system would become effective on Feb. 1, but he declined to comment on the details. "Let's wait until Feb.

Marzuki to brief House leaders on Timor MOU, joint communique

Marzuki to brief House leaders on Timor MOU, joint communique JAKARTA (JP): In an attempt to calm fears of foreign intervention, Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Wednesday he would brief the House of Representatives (DPR) on a joint investigation by his office and the United Nations into last year's violence in East Timor.

Mayor proposes new name for Ambon

Mayor proposes new name for Ambon AMBON, Maluku (JP): Ambon Mayor Chris Tanasale proposed on Wednesday Ambon be renamed National Disaster City because of the prolonged sectarian violence that has claimed thousands of lives and destroyed Maluku's provincial capital. In a meeting with members of House of Representatives Commission I for security and foreign affairs at Manggadua City Hall on Wednesday, Tanasale said Ambon had been victimized by the continuing clashes.

Artists deserve 'better treatment'

Artists deserve 'better treatment' DENPASAR (Antara): Balinese artists performing in public and entertainment centers should receive adequate payment and should be treated properly, demanded Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardhika. Minister Ardhika said he was so concerned to see how the Balinese artists have to work very hard and receive a very meager payments from event organizers.

Asian currencies mostly down on yen fall; IDR bucks trend

Asian currencies mostly down on yen fall; IDR bucks trend SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Japanese yen's slump to its lowest level this year dealt a blow to most Asian currencies late Wednesday, with the South Korean won and the New Taiwan dollar feeling the brunt of the pain, dealers said. While all the other regional currencies were weaker, the Indonesian rupiah bucked the trend, thanks to support from local state banks, dealers said.

BI to continue to supply dollars to help ailing rupiah

BI to continue to supply dollars to help ailing rupiah JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia plans a fresh intervention to protect the rupiah from the expected surge in the demand for U.S. dollars at the year-end, deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said on Wednesday. Miranda said that the measure was also aimed at helping contain the stronger inflationary pressure, which traditionally occurs during the year-end.

Half-hearted ban on firecrackers

Half-hearted ban on firecrackers From Bisnis Indonesia In the days before the national holidays to observe Christmas, the post-fasting Idul Fitri festivities and the New Year, firecrackers and fireworks are to be found everywhere. Until now there has been no ban on the production and use of firecrackers and fireworks although there have been many victims of all ages.

National coaches to be certified by KONI

National coaches to be certified by KONI JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) will issue certificates for coaches in a bid to standardize coaching methods, KONI's officer in charge of research and development Imam Sujudi said on Wednesday. Imam said the certificates would be needed by any coaches who wanted to train national athletes for international multisports events such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and Asian Games.

Candra, Sigit to team up at the Korean Open

Candra, Sigit to team up at the Korean Open JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will partner Olympics gold medalists Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto for the Korean Open early January. Candra is separated from regular partner Tony Gunawan in the championships due to limited preparation time.

Youths exposed to HIV/AIDS through intravenous drug use

Youths exposed to HIV/AIDS through intravenous drug use By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): On Tuesday morning David was informed that once again a young drug-user had died of an overdose, while another young user was dying in a hospital bed after shooting up low-quality heroine. "This job is not getting any easier by the day. We keep witnessing young guys we know fall prey to a painful death caused by drug addiction.

RI eludes U.S. dumping charge

RI eludes U.S. dumping charge JAKARTA (JP): The United States Embassy in Jakarta announced on Wednesday that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has rejected a proposal to impose antidumping duties on imports of expandable polystyrene resins from Indonesia. It said in a statement that the commissioners determined that the evidence of injury to U.S. industries did not suffice to allow investigations to continue.

Australia says it fears 163 boatpeople drowned

Australia says it fears 163 boatpeople drowned CANBERRA (Reuters): Up to 163 boatpeople en route to Australia from Indonesia are believed to have drowned when their two vessels sank in stormy seas, Australian Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock said on Wednesday. He said Australia was investigating reports that a Japanese tanker had picked up four survivors from one boat.

AmCham elects new president

AmCham elects new president JAKARTA (JP): The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Indonesia elected its new board members for 2001-2002 on Wednesday, with chairman of the Castle Group James Castle being reelected as president. Castle was joined on the board by Arthur Andersen's Frank Shea as first vice president, Asuransi AIU Indonesia's Peter Meyer as second vice president, and George Whitfield of Executive Orientation Services as secretary, the chamber said in a statement.

Keep off firecrackers

Keep off firecrackers From Suara Karya Although massive raids on firecrackers have been carried out several times, the sound of firecracker' explosions is still heard in many places. In the present holy fasting month of Ramadhan, the firecracker business (especially on the roadsides) has intensified so that the booming sound of firecrackers disturbs the solemnity of the observance of our religious duty of fasting. I am one of the residents strongly against firecrackers.

Malaysian police 'must testify' at brutality inquiry

Malaysian police 'must testify' at brutality inquiry KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's human rights commission said Wednesday it would use its legal powers to force certain policemen to testify at an inquiry into alleged brutality against protesters. Police and prosecutors are boycotting the inquiry, the first of its kind in Malaysia, which has heard evidence from demonstrators who say they were punched, kicked and sprayed at close range with tear gas.

Sultan hints factors to invite investors

Sultan hints factors to invite investors YOGYAKARTA (JP): Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X asserted here on Wednesday that there were three key factors in attracting investors to the respective provinces: security, supremacy of law and labor issues. Hamengkubuwono remarked that once regional autonomy is fully applied next year, the onus will be on the respective provincial governments to ensure its success.

Rupiah Rates Dec.13

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

KL palm oil ends higher on technical rebound

KL palm oil ends higher on technical rebound KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed higher on Wednesday, reversing their morning trend on a technical rebound. Traders said short covering interest ahead of the release of fresh data later in the week helped push prices back above 800 ringgit a ton. The benchmark third-month February futures contract ended up 13 ringgit at 808 ringgit (US$212.63) a ton after trading as low as 783.

Krisna Murti turns family's memories into artwork

Krisna Murti turns family's memories into artwork By Aendra H. Medita JAKARTA (JP): White attending the 7th biennial International Fine Art Festival in Havana, Cuba, Indonesian video artist Krisna Murti managed to create a new work titled Family's Memories (Series I, Havana City, 2000) which highlights memories coming from 30 families in Cuba.

Insurer Manulife questions police's professionalism

Insurer Manulife questions police's professionalism JAKARTA (JP): Insurance company PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) questioned on Wednesday the police's professionalism in handling the case involving the disputed sale of a 40 percent stake in the company to its Canadian-based parent company. The insurance firm accused the police of excluding two "key players" in the alleged sales scam, currently under police investigation.

Bulog scandal suspect shifted to Cipinang jail

Bulog scandal suspect shifted to Cipinang jail JAKARTA (JP): While awaiting the trial of the multibillion rupiah State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal, the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday transferred suspect Alip Agung Suwondo from the city police detention house to the Cipinang penitentiary in East Jakarta. Assistant for general crimes at the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, Suhardjono, said Suwondo's initial detention will be until Jan. 1, 2001.

Property firm faults IBRA for illegal action

Property firm faults IBRA for illegal action JAKARTA (JP): A relatively small property firm called PT Geria Wijaya Prestige (GWP), which owns the Kuta Paradiso Hotel on the resort Island of Bali, has faulted the powerful Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) for a legal violation. GWP president Harijanto Karjadi said on Wednesday that IBRA had violated the law by trying to seize his hotel over a US$17 million debt with the now defunct Bank PDFCI because the Supreme Court ruled on Sept.

Bali called on to protect ancestral lands and religious sites

Bali called on to protect ancestral lands and religious sites By Putu Wirata DENPASAR, Bali (JP ): Balinese people will be cursed if they sell plots of lands belonging to traditional villages and religious temples because they are part of the valuable assets of the local Hindu people, said a leading religious leader.

TV today

TV today TVRI 3:30 a.m. Ramadhan Special: Uraian Syiar Sahur 4:30 Ramadhan Special: Koran Recital 5:30 Ramadhan Special: Pelajaran Iqro 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 8:30 Music 9:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Documentary 3:30 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:30 Ramadhan Special: Mutiara Ramadhan 6:00 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 News 9:30 Film: Touch of Truth 10:30 News Program 2 5:00 p.m.

Don't be emotional!

Don't be emotional! From Republika Once I happened to have a glance at the title of an article on the front page of a newspaper which read something like this: Gus Dur's followers are furious because a student is imitating the way he acts. Brothers, as members of society, why do you have to be emotional? If you get angry or emotional merely because someone is emulating your leader's mannerisms, it shows that you are immature. Let me remind you of something in the past. Former president B.J.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Thursday Maghrib 6:05 p.m. Friday Imsak 4:00 a.m. Subuh 4:10 a.m.

Council rejects hike in water fees

Council rejects hike in water fees JAKARTA (JP): A city council commission rejected on Wednesday a proposed 6 percent to 43 percent hike in tap water fees, saying many residents were still disappointed with the city's water service. The secretary of Commission C for economic affairs, Aziz Boeang, said: "The city water companies have yet to provide Jakartans with good quality water and service." The proposition will be further discussed by the council next month.

165 rape cases in C. Java

165 rape cases in C. Java SEMARANG: At least 165 rape cases took place in 29 regencies in the province of Central Java between January and early December this year, an activist has revealed. Sri Nurherwati, coordinator of Central Java's branch of the Working Group for Gender Justice and Human Rights, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the number did not include unreported cases.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.

Meisya wins karate gold

Meisya wins karate gold JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian female karate competitor, Meisya, managed to grab the gold medal in the women's under-50 kilograms division at the eighth International Karate Championships in Venice, Italy, on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10. In the men's competition, Nurfan, took the bronze in the 60kgs division at the event. Two other fighters of Wawang Nur Rasyid and Ela Komariah failed to bring home any medals.

Arts council suspends Sulebar over scam

Arts council suspends Sulebar over scam JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Arts Council has suspended M. Sulebar Soekarman from the executive board pending the outcome of an investigation into his role in last month's aborted painting exhibition which was widely billed by art critics as a scam. Ratna Riantiarno, who chairs the board, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the council at a plenary meeting on Dec. 6 decided to withdraw its support for The Old Painting Exhibition Pre World War II.

Netherlands donate streetlights

Netherlands donate streetlights JAKARTA (JP): The Netherlands has donated 530 streetlights worth Rp 2.177 billion to the city, with officials saying the project would hopefully help boost investor confidence. The donation of the 400-watt and 250-watt streetlights is part of a pilot project involving a joint venture between Indonesian lighting manufacturer PT Artolite Indah Mediatama and Dutch electronics manufacturer Industria BV.

LBH asks UI rector to assure six students' status

LBH asks UI rector to assure six students' status JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Legal Aids Institute (LBH Jakarta) asked University of Indonesia (UI) rector Asman Boedisantoso on Wednesday to give an assurance that their clients could join classes for the upcoming semester. "This is the second time the UI rector has failed to meet our invitation to discuss the future of our clients," lawyer Christina Rini Yuliarti told reporters.

Malaysian base for N. Borneo

Malaysian base for N. Borneo KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Tun Razak said his ministry is considering establishing a small air base on the northeastern coast of Sabah state on the island of Borneo, the national Bernama news agency reported. The base would operate from a new airport that is currently under construction in the town of Tawau on Sabah's east coast, he was quoted as saying in the report late Tuesday.

Japan provides E. Timor scholarships

Japan provides E. Timor scholarships JAKARTA: The Japanese government donated on Wednesday US$658,000 in scholarships for East Timor students studying in universities and educational institutions throughout Indonesia. The trust-fund agreement was signed by Japanese ambassador Takao Kawakami and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) resident representative Ravi Rajan at the U.N. office here.

Tommy's proceedings illogical

Tommy's proceedings illogical From Warta Kota As a layman, I have no expert knowledge of law. Yet I have a feeling something is currently going wrong with the present legal proceedings involving the wanted Tommy Soeharto. To the best of my understanding, Tommy has demanded clemency from the President of the Republic of Indonesia. This indicates that he has admitted his wrong doing.

Stop this lawlessness

Stop this lawlessness The assurance which the public received on Tuesday from the chief of the National Police, Gen. Surojo Bimantoro, that his men would no longer tolerate any acts of anarchy perpetrated wherever, be it in Jakarta or elsewhere, or by whoever, must have come as a refreshing breeze amid the climate of fear that at present has many citizens in its grip.

Sutiyoso ready to go, to face sanctions

Sutiyoso ready to go, to face sanctions JAKARTA (JP): "I am ready to face any kind of sanction over the 1996 forcible takeover of PDI (the Indonesian Democratic Party). I have never hesitated or been ashamed of it," Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said without remorse. Sutiyoso made firm, clear and calm remarks during an interview with The Jakarta Post at his office on Wednesday. "I have repeatedly told my wife and children that this is a political case.

Detectives assigned to locate fugitive Tommy

Detectives assigned to locate fugitive Tommy JAKARTA (JP): In a move some say smacks of desperation, the National Police established on Wednesday five special teams to track down and arrest the fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra before 2001. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Saleh Saaf said each team would be headed by a senior police detective, including National Police director of general crimes Brig. Gen. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo; National Police director of drug investigations Brig. Gen.