Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 December 2000

60 articles found

IMF to send mission to RI to discuss LoI

IMF to send mission to RI to discuss LoI WASHINGTON (Reuters): The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it would send a mission to Indonesia next week to discuss a letter of intent with authorities and set fresh economic targets. "The dialogue with the Indonesian authorities in specific reform areas of importance to the economic program will be carried forward next week when a staff team is expected to visit Jakarta," IMF spokesman Vasuki Shastry said in a brief statement.

'DGS defaults on payment'

'DGS defaults on payment' HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Indonesian fishing concern P.T. Daya Guna Samudra will only pay half of its coupon payment due Friday, bankers in Hong Kong said. According to the bankers, the company said it would pay the other half Jan. 5, 2001. One trader noted the market had already priced in Daya Guna's potential default and the bond, which is due in 2007, last traded at between 25 and 35 cents to the dollar.

Stern measures to be taken against officials

Stern measures to be taken against officials JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso vowed on Friday to impose stern measures against officials proven to have received Rp 4 billion (US$425,500) from the Ancol leisure complex developer, and then used to finance overseas trips for six councillors and 11 city officials. "If the investigation proves these officials are guilty, I will not keep them anymore (as city officials)," Sutiyoso said.

Men vital in fight against AIDS

Men vital in fight against AIDS By Wita Krisanti JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia were struck in 1987 when the country's first AIDS case was uncovered in Bali, when a tourist died due to an "unknown" illness. It was only a few years later that HIV/AIDS campaigns began in Indonesia. Cultural values, lack of information and a lack of proper surveillance systems have led to the belief that HIV/AIDS figures here are just the tip of the iceberg.

Most Asian currencies close higher against U.S. dollar

Most Asian currencies close higher against U.S. dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies finished local trading hours a touch stronger against the U.S. dollar Friday, with the slumping South Korean won getting help from a state-run bank. Market players trimmed their long dollar positions ahead of the weekend after deciding a recent run-up had perhaps pushed the U.S. currency a bit too far, dealers said.

Clarification

Clarification With regards to the news story published in The Jakarta Post dated Nov. 30, 2000 on page 1, titled Govt issues higher coupon rate bonds, there was a mistake in the introduction of Mr. Krishna Suparto, a member of Bank Danamon's new management team. He is not a former executive of the now defunct Bank Putera but a former executive of Bank Bumiputera. We hope this letter clarifies the matter. CHRISTIANA M. DAMANIK Corporate Communication Bank Danamon Jakarta

Jakarta hotels occupancy rate on the rise

Jakarta hotels occupancy rate on the rise By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): The season of fun and games may be upon everyone else, but for the city's hotels the holiday is over. There is plenty to do as corridors crowd up once again and the business is brisk. As the sun sets more and more lights are switched on in rooms occupied by guests, making the city's Central Business District twinkle as if studded with a thousand stars.

Rupiah Rates Dec. 30

Rupiah Rates Dec. 30 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Menembus Batas by Teguh Ostenrik, at Goethe-Institut, Jl. Matraman Raya 23, 8 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, until Dec. 14. * Painting Menangkap Bayang-Bayang, by Balinese artists, Galeri INA, Jl. Simprug Garden Blok G no. 1, South Jakarta, until Dec. 3. * Painting, Drawing, Sketch by Bambang Sriyanto, Galeri Sriyanto, Jl. Gedung Hijau Raya 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 7503117), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Dec. 22.

Disabilities should not hinder rights

Disabilities should not hinder rights JAKARTA (JP): Physical accessibility in public life for the country's six million disabled persons is needed to improve their welfare, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Achmad Sujudi said on Friday. "Anyone can become disabled or crippled and being handicapped should not hinder a persons rights in their daily lives," Sujudi told a media briefing on the commemoration of International Day for Disabled Persons which will fall on Sunday.

Farikha to report Rusdihardjo over defamation

Farikha to report Rusdihardjo over defamation JAKARTA (JP): Siti Farikha, a Semarang-based businesswoman who is closely related with the multibillion rupiah State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal, is planning to report former police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo to the National Police Headquarters for alleged defamation.

Brunei agency sells stake in Malaysia Airlines

Brunei agency sells stake in Malaysia Airlines KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Brunei Investment Agency has sold its stake in loss-making Malaysia Airlines Systems Bhd. (MAS), the national carrier announced Friday. The Brunei agency sold its 9.09 percent equity in MAS, or 70 million shares, to an unidentified "beneficial owner" for an undisclosed sum, it said in a statement to the stock exchange. MAS did not say when the stake was sold. It is unclear how the sale affects MAS foreign shareholding.

Malang's mask puppets wait for new talents

Malang's mask puppets wait for new talents By Tarko Sudiarno and Nugroho CH MALANG, East Java (JP): The charm of the mask puppet show is too strong for Mohammad Soleh Adi Pramono to resist, luring him away from his teaching career at Malang's Teachers Training Institute to develop and preserve the traditional show. It is not too surprising, really, considering it is in his show; the 49-year-old is a direct descendent of the pioneers of the mask puppet show in Malang.

Dilemma of taxi drivers

Dilemma of taxi drivers People in Jakarta are facing a new and strange phenomenon. There are people going around asking taxi drivers for money when they pick up passengers in areas that are supposedly their "territory". Usually the drivers grant their requests by giving them about one thousand or two thousand rupiah. Some taxi drivers have told me that they give in to this extortion so as to avoid having their vehicles scratched or damaged when in those areas in the future.

Poso suspects set for trial

Poso suspects set for trial PALU, Central Sulawesi: The provincial prosecutor's office filed the dossiers on the main suspects in the Poso violence with the Palu District Court on Thursday. The spokesman for the prosecutor's office, Firdaus Yahya, told Antara on Friday prosecutors also submitted as evidence thousands of weapons reportedly used in the sectarian violence, which took place between May and August.

Estrada denies all allegations against him

Estrada denies all allegations against him MANILA (AP): President Joseph Estrada denied all accusations against him in a brief response Friday to the impeachment complaint under which he will be tried by the Senate starting next week on corruption and other charges. Estrada is accused in the 270-page articles of impeachment of bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of the public trust and violation of the constitution.

Official issues warning on use of phenylpropanolamine

Official issues warning on use of phenylpropanolamine JAKARTA (JP): Prolonged use or an overdose of phenylpropanolamine (PPA), contained in flu and cough medicines, can cause hemorrhagic stroke, an official warned on Friday.

Two drug convicts escape, one injured

Two drug convicts escape, one injured TANGERANG (JP): In a daring escape attempt, three convicts climbed a four-meter wall surrounding the Tangerang Women's Penitentiary in the early hours of Friday. Two managed to escape, but the third, identified as Ranni Andriani, 25, a cocaine smuggler with a death sentence, was left behind after breaking her hip when she fell from the wall.

Government not to extend humanitarian pause in Aceh

Government not to extend humanitarian pause in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): The government confirmed on Friday it would not extend the humanitarian pause in restive Aceh province but would turn to stiff measures if the separatist rebel group failed to show commitment to peace. Defense minister Mahfud MD told The Jakarta Post the current humanitarian pause, which was aimed at restoring peace to allow humanitarian aid to reach the province, could be put to an end before its second extension period on Jan.

Japanese girl suicide over English

Japanese girl suicide over English JAKARTA (JP): A teenage Japanese girl was found dead in the parking lot of the Senayan Apartments in Central Jakarta early Friday morning. Tanah Abang subprecinct police chief Ass. Supt. Agusta Romano said on Friday that the girl, identified as Tsuyoaka, 17, had most likely committed suicide due to her failure in mastering the English language.

STM student murdered

STM student murdered JAKARTA (JP): A group of youths murdered on Friday morning Andri Respati Suisa, 17, in a field in the Ancol residential area in North Jakarta. The freshman at Tanjung Priok Shipping Engineering Vocational High School (STM) died of severe cuts to his body, concentrated on his chest and stomach, half an hour after being rushed to Tugu Hospital.

Distribute money based on achievements: Players

Distribute money based on achievements: Players JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian world-class shuttlers want the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) to distribute contract money from Japanese sports equipment producer Yonex, based on athlete's achievements instead of their chosen discipline within the sport. Men's doubles specialist Candra Wijaya said on Friday that players should still receive payment for the last three months of 2000 as agreed under the 1996-2000 sponsorship deal.

Inflation hits 7.26 percent in 2000

Inflation hits 7.26 percent in 2000 JAKARTA (JP): The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said on Friday that inflation from January to November had reached 7.26 percent, already higher than the government's target of 7.0 percent for the whole year. BPS deputy Kusmadi Saleh said that increases in all categories of the consumer price index pushed month-on-month inflation to 1.32 percent in November.

Luhut sees no problem with food supplies for holidays

Luhut sees no problem with food supplies for holidays JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut B. Panjaitan gave assurances on Friday that stocks of food supplies, such as rice, sugar, beef, and cooking oil, were sufficient to meet the expected surge in demand over the Christmas, Idul Fitri, and New Year holidays. "As you've heard, our food stocks are sufficient to get us through the holidays.

House probe into two scandals 'illegal'

House probe into two scandals 'illegal' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid struck back at the House of Representatives (DPR) on Friday saying that its probes into two financial scandals allegedly linked to him were "illegal". "DPR has formed illegal special committees," Abdurrahman said after Friday prayers at the State Audit Agency's Baitul Hasib mosque near the House complex.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 1, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,950 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 110 0 569,500 Alakasa Industrindo 385 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,125 0 2,348,000 Alter Abadi 175 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 925 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 270 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,000 0 360,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Thirteen have died of drug abuse in 3 months

Thirteen have died of drug abuse in 3 months JAKARTA (JP): Thirteen people have died from drugs overdose over the last three months, a senior doctor at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital says, describing the statistic as alarming. Agus Purwadianto, the head of Forensic Department at the hospital said on Friday that the victims had little knowledge about drugs. Data made available by the hospital morgue indicated that the 13 victims were between 20 and 35 years of age.

The tyranny of global economic development

The tyranny of global economic development This is the second of two articles on developing economies by Sidhesh Kaul, an observer of regional economic and political affairs based in Jakarta. JAKARTA (JP): The Truman strategy in effect is a continuation of the colonial past with the domestic economies of the Third World providing a market for the North's goods and a cheap source of raw material and labor.

ISP set to launch broadband Internet

ISP set to launch broadband Internet JAKARTA (JP): Internet service provider PT Speed Internet Digital (SpeedNet) plans to launch a fast broadband service in Jakarta either in January or February. SpeedNet general manager Haniana Loeis said broadband Internet would enable users to access the Internet without dialing up or waiting for a connection. "Broadband Internet service also allows the high-speed transmission of data, voice, as well as visual traffic," she said.

Beware, premium mixed with water

Beware, premium mixed with water From Warta Kota I had a bitter experience that the public should be aware of. On Nov. 26 at about 1 p.m., I bought 30 liters of premium at gasoline station No. 34-0695 in Cikuda village, Karya Mekar, Purwakarta subdistrict. Upon filling my tank, I was ready to drive off toward Bekasi. But after driving for three kilometers, my engine abruptly stopped, while prior to my stop at the gasoline station I had absolutely no engine trouble.

Gulf drills prolific Indonesian gas well

Gulf drills prolific Indonesian gas well CALGARY (Reuters): Gulf Canada Resources Ltd. said on Thursday that a newly completed well in Indonesia flowed natural gas at the highest rate of any it has drilled in the South Sumatra region. Gulf Canada said the Suban-4 delineation well, located on its Corridor Block production sharing contract area, flowed at a test rate of 80 million cubic feet a day from three different geological zones, a rate restricted by the test equipment.

City to create five holding companies

City to create five holding companies JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will establish five holding companies in a bid to restructure all of the 33 city- owned companies with the first one to be launched on Dec. 15, an official said on Friday.

EU anti-dumping on Asian PET

EU anti-dumping on Asian PET BRUSSELS (AFX): EU member states said they confirmed anti- dumping and countervailing duties, to counter unfair subsidies, on imports of certain types of polyethylene terephthalate from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. At the same time, the commission said it has accepted minimum price undertakings on PET from India's Pearl Engineering Polymers Ltd and Reliance Industries Ltd, and Indonesia's PT Polypet Karyapersada.

Electronic goods smuggling attempt foiled by customs

Electronic goods smuggling attempt foiled by customs JAKARTA (JP): Customs and Excise officials foiled an attempt on Thursday to smuggle eight containers of electronic goods through Tanjung Priok seaport in North Jakarta. The electronic goods, ranging from televisions to telephone devices, were transported in eight containers onboard the Singaporian ship, Uslan. The goods were packed in hundreds of boxes with "Compaq" computer labels.

Battles erupt over N. Korea in Seoul as families meet

Battles erupt over N. Korea in Seoul as families meet SEOUL (AFP): Student riots and political battles over North Korea erupted in Seoul on Friday as 200 people met with relatives they had not seen since Korea's Cold War frontier went up 50 years ago. The long-lost families shed tears in private hotel rooms on the second day of the exchange reunions in Seoul and Pyongyang.

No more factory outlets allowed

No more factory outlets allowed BANDUNG: The city administration here has suspended the issuance of licenses for factory outlets until January next year because of public complaints of traffic jams resulting from the stores. The spokesman for the city administration, Yuyus Suhaya, said on Thursday complaints had flooded into City Hall over the past few months from residents who said they became stuck in traffic on certain streets, particularly during weekends.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Saturday Maghrib 5:59 p.m. Sunday Imsak 3:56 a.m. Subuh 4:06 a.m.

Equity bulls poised for comeback in Asia

Equity bulls poised for comeback in Asia HONG KONG (Reuters): Equity bulls could be back in Asia in 2001, with nearly 92 percent of fund managers polled in a new survey backing them to be the best performing assets in the coming year, but the Philippines and Indonesia remain unloved.

Men, please take care of your reproductive health: Khofifah

Men, please take care of your reproductive health: Khofifah JAKARTA (JP): Chairperson of the National Family Planning Board Khofifah Indar Parawansa called on Friday for all Indonesian men to improve their awareness of the health of their reproductive system. "A survey shows that men are a little unaware of health care and are more reluctant to get medical treatment than women," she said during a ceremony marking this year's World AIDS Day, which bore the theme "Men Make A Difference".

Government approves debt restructuring for Chandra Asri

Government approves debt restructuring for Chandra Asri JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Friday that it had approved a debt restructuring deal for the petrochemical giant PT Chandra Asri under which businessman Prajogo Pangestu would get a 49 percent stake, the government 31 percent and Japan's Marubeni Corp., 20 percent in the company.

'Police must prevent attacks on entertainment centers'

'Police must prevent attacks on entertainment centers' JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso asked the city police on Friday to stop the rampant attacks on entertainment centers during the fasting month of Ramadhan. "I'm very disappointed with the attacks because when I ordered the closure of the nightspots during Ramadhan I had considered the interests of all parties. "The police should have done their jobs and put an end to such attacks," he said.

Cry freedom

Cry freedom The much anticipated clashes between security forces and the pro-independence movement in Irian Jaya on Friday failed to materialize, thanks to cool heads prevailing among leaders on both sides. The commemoration of the anniversary of the 1961 declaration of independence proceeded in Jayapura and other major towns in Irian Jaya -- or West Papua as locals prefer to call their homeland -- peacefully, albeit on a much scaled down level at the insistence of the authorities.

York Life enters Vietnam

York Life enters Vietnam HANOI (DPA): U.S. insurance giant New York Life opened its representative office in Hanoi Friday, and pledged substantial long-term investment in the country as Vietnam and the United States forge closer economic ties under a recently signed trade agreement. The firm, one of the world's largest insurance companies, will be looking to invest some its 131-billion-dollar investment portfolio in Vietnam, said executives from the company's overseas arm.

Utut bows out to Peng in World Chess C'ships

Utut bows out to Peng in World Chess C'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grand Master Utut Adianto had to bow out to Chinese GM Peng Xiaomin in the first match of the second round at the 2000 FIDE World Championships in New Delhi on Thursday. Utut, who held the white pieces, was unable to counter Peng's new move of 10...Kd7 which seemed at first to be nothing special.

Inpex, Petrobras plan tie-up

Inpex, Petrobras plan tie-up TOKYO (AFX-ASIA): Nissho Iwai Corp and Indonesia Petroleum Ltd (Inpex) have reached agreement with Brazil's Petrobras to help develop an offshore oil field near Rio de Janeiro. The companies will spend a combined US$173 million to buy the drilling rights to obtain $20 million barrels of crude oil until end-June 2009.

Seven islands in the Seribu chain to disappear

Seven islands in the Seribu chain to disappear JAKARTA (JP): A senior researcher with the Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said on Friday that seven islands in the Seribu Islands chain will perish if the authorities fail to implement preventive measures. Research professor for the coastal environment Otto S.R. Ongkosongo said the seven were Nyamuk Kecil, Damar Kecil, Kelor, Air Besar (Ayer), Sakit, Kapal Onrust and Bidadari. "The sea continuously bombards the islands causing erosion.

Anwar still a threat behind bars

Anwar still a threat behind bars KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim is being treated again for a bad back after officials relented and allowed his family to visit him in hospital this week, his lawyer said on Friday. Anwar was transferred to hospital from prison last weekend but refused treatment when his wife and children were barred from visiting him.

Just desserts

Just desserts Far be it from me to comment on any of the historical Facts on Israel in Your Letters in the Nov. 1, 2000, edition. But when Cynthia Cross observes that "the settlers ... made the dessert (Indonesian: makanan pencuci mulut) bloom" so that "as the desert (Indonesian: gurun pasir) turned green ... resentment reared its head", one just cannot help chuckling.

The party is over for oil-rich Brunei

The party is over for oil-rich Brunei By Frank Brandmaier BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (DPA): The small nation of Brunei appears to be a mixture of the legendary 1,001 Nights and the Guinness Book of Records. Until a few years ago, Brunei's ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, was regarded as the world's richest man -- one who muttered to himself as he roamed about the globe's largest residential palace, holding court under golden roofs.

New Indonesia must accept religious, ethnic and cultural pluralism

New Indonesia must accept religious, ethnic and cultural pluralism JAKARTA (JP): A nationwide acceptance of religious, ethnic and cultural pluralism is a preliminary requirement for the peaceful and quick construction of a new Indonesia, according to two influential intellectuals.

Jl. Gajah Mada three centuries ago

Jl. Gajah Mada three centuries ago By Ida Indawati Khouw Jl. Gajah Mada and Jl. Hayam Wuruk in West and Central Jakarta respectively are streets that motorists avoid during office hours because of the horrendous traffic. This 67th article on old Batavia briefly describes this area during its early days some 300 years ago. JAKARTA (JP): Places around the present-day Jl. Gajah Mada and Jl. Hayam Wuruk were a filthy residential area infested with malaria three centuries ago.

Most fires caused by short circuits

Most fires caused by short circuits TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Fire Department chief H.E. Bachrudin disclosed on Thursday that Jatiuwung and Batuceper were the most fire-prone areas among the four districts in the municipality. From April to November this year, the two districts recorded at least 60 fires, with one resident killed. Most of the fires were caused by short circuits, Bachrudin said, adding that his office had seven fire engines and 30 firefighters. (41/lup)

Official vows for safety of Irish beef

Official vows for safety of Irish beef JAKARTA (JP): Despite a growing fear of mad cow disease from European beef, Jakarta will continue to import beef from Ireland based on the central government's recommendation. The imports are necessary to meet increased demand during the Ramadhan fasting month and the Christmas and Idul Fitri holidays.

KPKPN is set to audit wealth of 50,000 officials

KPKPN is set to audit wealth of 50,000 officials JAKARTA (JP): The newly established State Official Wealth Audit Agency (KPKPN) is set to audit the wealth of some 50,000 state officials, ranging from President Abdurrahman Wahid to officials at regency and mayoralty levels nationwide.

Mail expected to increase by 50%

Mail expected to increase by 50% JAKARTA (JP): The amount of mail sent by residents of Greater Jakarta is expected to increase by 50 percent during the upcoming Christmas and Idul Fitri holidays, an official at the state-owned mail service company PT Pos Indonesia said on Friday. The company's regional secretary for Greater Jakarta, Baharuddin, said the increase during this holiday season was higher than previous years because the two holidays would be celebrated at almost the same time.

Tjager named director general of state firms

Tjager named director general of state firms JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo officially installed I Nyoman Tjager as the director general of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on Friday. "The duty of the director general of SOEs will be very tough," Prijadi said at the inauguration ceremony. Tjager was previously the deputy of the now dissolved ministry for the development of SOEs and investments.

Vietnam's pipeline project

Vietnam's pipeline project HANOI (DPA): Vietnamese officials will sign agreements next Wednesday with a consortium of foreign investors led by British Petroleum for a pipeline project that forms part of a US$1.5 billion exploitation scheme, a government minister said Friday.

Governor to be reported to ILO

Governor to be reported to ILO SEMARANG: The All-Central Java association of textile, garment and leather trade unions is planning to file a complaint against Governor Mardiyanto with the International Labor Organization (ILO) for approving a low minimum regional salary.

Dec. 1 observed peacefully in Irian

Dec. 1 observed peacefully in Irian By Emmy Fitri JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Police on Friday evening lowered the Morning Star separatist flag in a tense but emotional ceremony which capped the day-long commemoration observance of the 1961 unrecognized declaration of independence. No incident broke out, except for shouts of protest in the crowd of hundreds of proindependence supporters as the five police personnel brought down the flag and handed it over to Irianese representatives.

Four killed in Minahasa floods

Four killed in Minahasa floods JAKARTA (JP): Four people were killed, two infants are still missing and four other people were injured when a huge flood hit the regency of Minahasa, North Sulawesi, on Friday morning. Meanwhile the floods which have hit many parts of Sumatra, killing at least 124 people, began receding. Minahasa Police Precinct chief Supt.