Archive: 22 December 2000
84 articles found
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Focus shifts on Estrada's aide
Focus shifts on Estrada's aide MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada's alleged custodian for illegal gambling bribes deposited shopping bags filled with millions of pesos at several banks, according to bank officials who testified on Thursday at the leader's corruption trial. They said the woman, identified as Yolanda Ricaforte, opened more than two dozen accounts in five branches of Equitable PCI Bank over the past 13 months.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
KL palm oil down on short covering interest
KL palm oil down on short covering interest KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed off their lows on Thursday on short covering interest, helped by private forecaster Ivan Wong's projection of lower stocks at the end of December, traders said. The benchmark third-month March futures contract ended down five ringgit at 785 ringgit ($206.58) a ton after trading as low as 780. Overnight losses in Chicago soyoil futures had weighed on early prices.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
India's anti-dumping move
India's anti-dumping move NEW DELHI (AFX-ASIA): The government has imposed an anti- dumping duty of US$44.27 per metric ton on phthalic anhydride imports from Indonesia with effect retroactively from May 23, 2000, the Ministry of Finance said. It said the duty will be in force for five years.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
The thorns in the sides of the oil and mining industries
The thorns in the sides of the oil and mining industries By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): The country's oil and mining industries was in deeper trouble this year as local communities, supported by non- governmental organizations, continued their attack on the industries amid the lingering reform euphoria.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta hotels wait and see for tourists to make a return
Jakarta hotels wait and see for tourists to make a return By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): Dutchman Edward Douwes Dekker first described the islands of the Indonesian archipelago as a string of emeralds on the equator. But it was only much later, long after the Dutch had left these shores, that the government realized the country's beauty could be the bait to lure tourists.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ailing banking industry off the critical list
Ailing banking industry off the critical list By Reiner S. JAKARTA (JP): The financial condition of domestic banks has improved after the government completed its costly bank recapitalization program, but experts warn that the industry is not out of the woods yet as their internal condition is still weak and external factors can still become a danger.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Should Indonesia consider new ties with Australia?
Should Indonesia consider new ties with Australia? By Siswo Pramono CANBERRA (JP): The recently released Australian defense white paper calls for new defense ties with Indonesia. Indonesia- Australia relations have crashed since East Timor crisis. Deep suspicion, rather than trust, is now the basis of the bilateral relationship. Should Indonesia consider the call? Mutual distrust is acute in the relations of the two nations.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
RP economy may slow down
RP economy may slow down MANILA (AFP): Philippine economic growth is expected to slow down in 2001, the economic planning secretary said on Thursday, although the quick resolution of President Joseph Estrada's corruption trial may help pull up growth figures. Economic Planning Secretary Felipe Medalla said that gross domestic product (GDP) in 2001 would range from 3.0 to 3.5 percent compared to an estimated four percent this year.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
West Java falls short in tourism designs
West Java falls short in tourism designs By Yuli Tri Suwarni BANDUNG (JP): With implementation of regional autonomy looming in 2001, West Java tourist businesses are still experiencing problems concerning their tourist attractions and infrastructure. While other provinces are already recording their potential tourist attractions to be promoted, West Java has yet to develop a clear proposal.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
An airline with a fleet of one... Why not?
An airline with a fleet of one... Why not? JAKARTA (JP): The country's skies are becoming crowded like at no other time in recent years. New commercial airlines are considered a lucrative enterprise, with investors rushing in, even if they have only one aircraft. In Indonesia, a company may become an airline operator by owning only one aircraft. The airline can hire pilots and flight attendants from other airlines and obtain catering from other companies.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Economy still troubled despite sign of recovery
Economy still troubled despite sign of recovery By Reiner S. JAKARTA (JP): The economy is still facing several critical challenges in 2001 despite continuing signs of the economic recovery process. Economists said that one of the most important challenges is the restructuring of the country's huge corporate debt which had been progressing at a snails pace so far.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan releases SIA pilots: Airline
Taiwan releases SIA pilots: Airline SINGAPORE (AFP): Taiwan has freed the three Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilots detained more than seven weeks since the crash of an SIA plane that left 83 people dead in Taipei, an airline spokesman said on Thursday. "We wish to thank the Taiwanese authorities for allowing the three pilots to return to Singapore. We are pleased that the pilots have been released," an SIA spokesman said.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Sex aids seized at Soekarno-Hatta
Sex aids seized at Soekarno-Hatta TANGERANG (JP): Customs and Excise officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have foiled several attempts to smuggle sexual aids and pornographic VCDs into the country over the past six months, an official said on Thursday. Director General for Customs and Excise Permana Agung said the devices were seized from several arriving passengers who carried them in their baggage, or from packages mailed into the country.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Most banks put their faith in risk-free promisory notes
Most banks put their faith in risk-free promisory notes JAKARTA (JP): The fact that most of banks still prefer to invest their money in the relatively risk-free SBI notes rather than lend money to the real sector could also add to the economic uncertainty. Indeed, the amount of bank money invested in SBI notes jumped by Rp 7.28 trillion to Rp 79.52 trillion in Augut this year from the level prevailing in December last year.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
65 soldiers sacked this year
65 soldiers sacked this year MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: As many as 65 soldiers under the auspice of the Wirabuana Military Command have been sacked for various reasons this year. Quoting records made from January to November, chief of legal section Capt. Rasyid told reporters here on Thursday that the 65 officers were among 150 soldiers punished by the military tribunal for different offenses.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ringing in the era of competition in telecommunications
Ringing in the era of competition in telecommunications By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): The implementation of Telecommunications Law No. 36/1999 in September this year ended the era of monopoly of the country's telecommunications sector. The new rule directly affects state-owned international telecommunications provider PT Indosat and domestic operator PT Telkom, which will now have to compete to survive locally and globally.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
C. Java targeting three cyclist for SEA Games
C. Java targeting three cyclist for SEA Games SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI) Central Java chapter is targeting three of its seven cyclists to join the country's 2001 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad. "We hope at least three cyclists would be able to join the country's main team for the SEA Games," said the chapter official in charge of athlete development, Seno Soedamar, on Thursday.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Don't bring relatives: Sutiyoso
Don't bring relatives: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso urged all Jakartans spending the week-long festive holidays at home not to bring relatives or friends back with them to the capital. The arrival of new migrants here will only be a burden to the city, he said during a visit to several major traditional markets, bus terminals, train stations and the Tanjung Priok seaport.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
'We must free ourselves from the shackles of pessimism
'We must free ourselves from the shackles of pessimism The Indonesian capital market, one of business sectors hardest hit by the economic crisis, is showing signs of recovery. Below are excerpts taken from an interview with the president of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Mas Achmad Daniri on stock trading in 2000 and its outlook in 2001. Question: How did the stock market fare for the year 2000? Answer: From the companies side, there has been significant improvement.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Banten to have governor soon
Banten to have governor soon TANGERANG (JP): Acting Banten governor Hakamuddin Djamal said on Thursday that he was trying to complete his task in less than six months set by the central government, so as to allow a gubernatorial election to be held ahead of schedule. He said that establishing a new provincial legislative council was his top priority, because the council would be responsible for electing a governor and provincial secretary.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Looking skyward for future housing needs
Looking skyward for future housing needs JAKARTA (JP): Expatriates love apartments. Indonesians, as observed by those who make such overly general observations, prefer landed housing; i.e. they like to live close to the ground. Given these factors, take away the expatriates and there is not much of an apartment sector here, which was the case between 1997 and May 1998.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
'Jamu' business started pure and simple
'Jamu' business started pure and simple JAKARTA (JP): It all started probably with those pretty women who have been going around town with a basket of bottles tied to their back for centuries. It is said that these women are capable of conversing with trees and plants who whisper back to them numerous secrets wrapped in leaves, stored in roots and lying hidden in barks.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Tempo makes successful debut in stock market
Tempo makes successful debut in stock market JAKARTA (JP): The initial public offering (IPO) of PT Tempo Inti Media, the first Indonesian print media company to float its shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), has been oversubscribed by 81 percent. Vice president of Tempo's lead underwriter PT Trimegah Securities, Notariza Taher said on Thursday that the successful debut in the capital market partly resulted from the strong brand image of the company's product.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Environment watchdog demands ban on leaded gas
Environment watchdog demands ban on leaded gas JAKARTA (JP): Environmentalists wrapped up the year with a demand for an end to the use of leaded fuel and the holistic management of rivers, seas and forests to reduce the problem of pollution. "Air and water pollution contribute to various illnesses such as respiratory problems and diarrhea, which have become common causes of death for our children," the chief of the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi), Emmy Hafild, said.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Something for everyone in beautiful Bandung
Something for everyone in beautiful Bandung Despite increasing traffic and a swelling population of more than three million, Bandung retains the charm which made it a favorite posting and retirement area for the Dutch during the colonial era. Yet while it proudly embraces its history seemingly on every corner, the city also offers very modern attractions.The Jakarta Post's Bruce Emond finds that Bandung beckons to a wide variety of travelers.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Councilors who receive payoffs asked to resign
Councilors who receive payoffs asked to resign JAKARTA (JP): Councilors receiving payoffs from city officials and business people while conducting official duties must resign, an activist said on Wednesday. "It is about moral standards. City officials and councilors have violated their vows not to receive any kind of payoff which may influence their work," coordinator of Government Watch Farid R. Faqih told The Jakarta Post.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
BI may open on Dec. 29 if necessary: Official
BI may open on Dec. 29 if necessary: Official JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Thursday that its office may open on Dec. 29 if it is necessary to help banks meet their cash demand during the year-end holidays. "This is one of the steps taken by Bank Indonesia to anticipate a possible surge in cash demand during the holidays," the central bank public relations chief Halim Alamsyah said in a media statement.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Magnificent Bromo needs respect -- and protect
Magnificent Bromo needs respect -- and protect By Simon Marcus Gower BROMO, East Java (JP): A little after 3 a.m. is not ordinarily a time that one would choose to take a walk, but then there is nothing ordinary about a trip to Mount Bromo. Having entered the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park via the remote villages of Sukapura and Ngadisari, a hot cup of tea is a welcome boost to brace oneself against the predawn cold of this, as yet, dark and chilly land.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Outlets bringing in domestic tourists
Outlets bringing in domestic tourists By Kafil Yamin BANDUNG (JP): "Irma" played a part in Bandung's notorious traffic congestion on a recent weekend. She bundled all her family members into two vans, and headed from their home in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, to Bandung, a three-hour drive. And all the 32 year old was in search of, as she put it, were "very friendly priced clothes". She said she was not an avid shopper, but she could not resist a bargain.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Political conflict bites into stock market price index
Political conflict bites into stock market price index By David Gordon JAKARTA (JP): Brilliant, daring and assertively intelligent, higher education (frequently education abroad), bank checking and saving accounts, business ventures, stock market investments, real estate investments and speculations, BMW's and Blazers, computers, cell phones and e-mail, hair and beauty salons, golf and tennis clubs, gyms and aerobics for healthy mind and body, fancy people - fancy weddings, Hard Rock Cafe,...
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
President denies rumors of Cabinet shake-up
President denies rumors of Cabinet shake-up JAKARTA (JP): Speaking during the last Cabinet meeting of the year, President Abdurrahman Wahid reiterated on Thursday that there would be no Cabinet reshuffle. Cabinet Secretary Marsilam Sumanjuntak told a news conference after the meeting that the President had denied rumors of a Cabinet reshuffle. "This is mere speculation and should be discontinued," he said.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police declare war on scalpers
Police declare war on scalpers JAKARTA (JP): With the demand for tickets rising steadily, City authorities here on Thursday declared war against ticket scalpers exploiting the public rush for intercity transport during the holiday season exodus. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Mulyono Sulaiman urged scalpers to cease their activities at various departure points across the city, warning that police would not hesitant to shoot them on site if they resort to extreme action.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Revamped Merpati seeks to earn its wings
Revamped Merpati seeks to earn its wings JAKARTA (JP): Floating shares and becoming considered a world- class company is enough for most corporations to prove their efficiency and value. These goals are part of the vision of state-owned domestic air carrier Merpati Nusantara Airlines, which has just sidestepped a bankruptcy threat.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Natural way of things what counts for one business
Natural way of things what counts for one business JAKARTA (JP): It seems like an ideal partnership -- and a guaranteed recipe for business success. Bring in a body care store which prides itself on its natural products in a country of more than 200 million people, many of whom have grown up with traditional approaches to treating illness and sprucing up appearances. "We started off with the passionate belief that Nature is the biggest asset to our body.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Can Bandung be a trip down memory lane?
Can Bandung be a trip down memory lane? BANDUNG (JP): Far removed from the crowded tourist haunts of Bali and Jakarta, the provincial capital of West Java attracts its own unique type of tourists. It's not what is sparkling and new about Indonesia that draws them to the city cradled in a ring of mountains, but rather the historical legacy which lives on along Bandung's streets.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: A Letter from the Ocean by Mosista Pambudi at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), until Jan. 24. * Painting Estetika Desember 2000, Studio Seni BQ 27, Green Ville BQ 27, West Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Dec. 24. Further information phone 0811810180. * Painting Flying Horizon by Teguh Ostenrik, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Appeal to political elite
Appeal to political elite From Rakyat Merdeka As a freedom fighter of the 1945 generation, I, Let. Gen. (ret) M. Jasin, 80 years of age, have prepared an appeal to the political elite.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian tourism ready and waiting for business
Indonesian tourism ready and waiting for business By Tantri Yuliandini JAKARTA (JP): People tend to look back at the 1990s as the golden years of Indonesian tourism. And no wonder -- with tourist arrivals steadily growing at an average rate of 16 percent and bringing in as much as US$6.3 billion in 1996, tourism then was certainly a gold mine for prospecting foreign exchange.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Upset Kamra leave Jakarta, plan response
Upset Kamra leave Jakarta, plan response JAKARTA (JP): Angry with the government, approximately 1,000 People's Security Militia (Kamra) members from Central Java left the capital for their hometowns on Thursday, pledging to do "something" to express their dissatisfaction. "Let's see what we'll do back home," Putut Edi Sutrisno, a leader of the group, said as he broke into tears after meeting with related government ministers and a senior member of the House of Representatives.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
50 hopefuls will compete for MAT
50 hopefuls will compete for MAT JAKARTA (JP): PT Philip Morris Indonesia will hold the local competition for its adventure program Marlboro Adventure Team (MAT) Winter Challenge 2000 at Bromo Mountain, East Java, late January. "We have picked 50 candidates for the local competition which will determine the 10 participants for the Winter Challenge Adventure Team," marketing manager David Tjokro told reporters on Thursday during a breaking of the fast gathering.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Is recovery building for the property sector?
Is recovery building for the property sector? By David Eyerly JAKARTA (JP): The country's property sector is, according to the experts, showing signs of recovery -- or so they have been saying for most of the year. On Feb. 3 The Jakarta Post quoted property consultant Procon Indah/Jones Lang LaSalle as saying the ailing property sector in the capital is expected to recover gradually this year, with the retail market leading the process.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Fasting can actually improve your health
Fasting can actually improve your health By Tri Hafiningsih JAKARTA (JP): Fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan can improve your overall health, new research shows. The research, which was presented early this week, showed that an average of 12 percent reduction of caloric intake during the month's fasting period can reduce the production of free radicals and at the same time improve the anti-oxidant level in the body.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Tunas Toyota responds
Tunas Toyota responds Referring to the letter from Mr. Vinanda Sanyoto dated Nov. 29 regarding the service he received from one of our Tunas Toyota branches, we would like to apologize for the inconvenience caused and advise that the Toyota Kijang in question has been repaired and returned to Mr. Sanyoto. We fully appreciate the rights of our customers and are certainly striving to improve our level of customer service.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Model management: What is right for Bali's tourism?
Model management: What is right for Bali's tourism? DENPASAR, Bali (JP): For years Balinese intellectuals have demanded that the government reevaluate the mass-tourism model, which has been applied as the basis for the island's tourism development. They believe that Bali must instead pursue the quality-tourism model. "Bali is a small island with very limited natural resources. It's too bad that almost everybody seems to forget this simple fact," said Prof. L.K. Suryani.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Half of W. Java crimes solved
Half of W. Java crimes solved BANDUNG: West Java Governor R. Nuriana says that police have solved less than half of the 14,443 crimes they had handled from January to October this year. Presenting the provincial development plan at the legislative council's plenary session on Wednesday, he blamed the insufficient number of personnel for the police's poor performance. He did not elaborate.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
New minister's daunting task is to lure back visitors
New minister's daunting task is to lure back visitors For more than three decades, the government has been trying in vain to make Indonesia the hottest tourist spot in the region. Thwarting its grand ambition is a poor management system, combined with the lack of a promotional budget and clumsily handled campaigns. The Jakarta Post's Rita A.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
What is the forecast for Indonesia and ASEAN tourism?
What is the forecast for Indonesia and ASEAN tourism? JAKARTA (JP): Most of the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have experienced the inclement weather of crisis in the last three years. Tourism, hotel and leisure industries consultant Horwath Asia Pacific looks at what lies in store for tourism in select markets in the region.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian cosmetics businesses sitting pretty
Indonesian cosmetics businesses sitting pretty Cosmetics is big business, with Indonesian firms finding that traditional approaches to beautifying the face and body are a winner at home and abroad. The Jakarta Post contributor Mehru Jaffer examines the handsome profits to be made from making people fair of face. JAKARTA (JP): It is a long way from the kitchen to the blue- chip.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina predicts drop in crude oil output next year
Pertamina predicts drop in crude oil output next year JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina and its foreign oil and gas production-sharing partners have forecast a drop in Indonesia's crude oil production to 463.2 million barrels (mmbo) next year from this year's output of 515.6 million barrels.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt won't be 'too aggressive' in taxing foreigners: Official
Govt won't be 'too aggressive' in taxing foreigners: Official JAKARTA (JP): The tax office "will not be too aggressive" at first in enforcing the new income tax ruling on foreigners working or living in the country, director general of taxation Machfud Sidik said on Thursday. Machfud said the tax authority had yet to disseminate fully the information regarding the country's new income tax ruling, and must meet with foreign tax authorities to discuss tax-treaty issues.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Government no longer effective: Golkar Party
Government no longer effective: Golkar Party JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's second largest political party, the Golkar Party, in its year-end reflection on Thursday fired a broadside at the government which it described as an ineffective administration and incapable of resolving the nation's problems.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Wanted: Trendsetters to put ecotourism on the map
Wanted: Trendsetters to put ecotourism on the map By Grace Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Ever since he was a director general of tourism, current Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika has been a passionate advocate of the importance of maintaining a respect for God and the environment in developing the country's tourism. Early in his term as minister, he advocated the concept of "community-based tourism", in which a bottom-up approach is used.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Three original works grab awards for best Indonesian books
Three original works grab awards for best Indonesian books JAKARTA (JP): Three original Indonesian works of literature -- Modernisme Sebuah Tinjauan Historis Desain Modern, Renaisans Islam Asia Tenggara and Kembali Ke Akar Kembali Ke Sumber -- won on Thursday the best book awards in their respective categories. Two other books, translations of John Steinbeck's classic Nobel winning novel The Grapes of Wrath and Amin Maalouf's Cadas Tanois, won the Best Indonesian Translation Award.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Singapore says it does not control rupiah forex trade
Singapore says it does not control rupiah forex trade SINGAPORE (AP): Singapore officials on Thursday rebutted Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid's remarks that the Singapore government should rein in currency trading by commercial banks. Wahid claims such trading has dragged down the value of Indonesia's rupiah currency. "The Singapore government does not exercise any control over this currency trading," the Monetary Authority of Singapore or MAS said in a statement.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Up, up and away for a flock of fledging airlines
Up, up and away for a flock of fledging airlines The economic crisis clipped the wings of the country's airline industry, claiming at least one high-profile corporate victim and impacting the tourism industry with the elimination of many routes. The Jakarta Post contributor I. Christianto reports on the new airlines taking to the skies with recovery on the horizon.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Village people
Village people The annual exodus from city to villages reaches its peak this weekend. This year, with the Muslim Idul Fitri holiday falling in the same week as Christmas, a record number of city folks will head for their rural home towns to mark the festivities. Most factories and offices, including most commercial banks, have given their workers the entire next week off.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Surakarta hotels pick up the pieces after the 'sweep'
Surakarta hotels pick up the pieces after the 'sweep' By Sulistyo Budi N SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): It took the actions of one night to wipe out all that had been achieved by years of costly promotions. Groups of people went to several four and five star hotels in Surakarta on Oct. 29, reportedly searching for American citizens. Although no foreigners were hurt in an incident the media termed a "sweep", the reverberations were felt almost immediately.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Facing ticket scalpers
Facing ticket scalpers From Warta Kota The customary annual journey to one's home town, popularly known as "mudik", is being undertaken by a huge number of people this year, particularly in the most densely populated island of Java. Local governments have anticipated problems that may arise in terms of transportation and crimes. This year's mudik is special in that it takes place in the week of Christmas and Idul Fitri closely followed by New Year 2001.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Women have less seats in most govt offices: Report
Women have less seats in most govt offices: Report JAKARTA (JP): A report on gender statistics and indicators released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) on Thursday shows that women were very much underrepresented in influential public sector positions. Despite the fact that women make up over half of the total population of 209.5 million, their lack of inclusion in many fields is glaringly apparent. One example is the limited number of female employees in many government offices.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bali, Lombok count the costs from brief unrest
Bali, Lombok count the costs from brief unrest Bali has long been the shining star of Indonesian tourism, famed as the gentle "island of the gods". But its pristine reputation and that of Lombok, which became known as "Bali 30 years ago", has been tarnished by spates of unrest over the past 18 months. The Jakarta Post contributor I Wayan Juniarta examines what the tourist industry has done to heal the wounds.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Correction of Demak story
Correction of Demak story Thank you for printing my story Demak: A Javanese town of Islamic saints on the Post, Dec. 19. However, I'm moved to write this letter after I read my edited story carefully as I found some corrections from your copy editor are not correct in terms of fact. 1. The seventh paragraph of the printed story run: "Founded by Babad Demak in 1477, the main feature of the mosque is the 31- meter-long by 31-meter-wide main room".
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
MICE sector still looking for window of opportunity
MICE sector still looking for window of opportunity By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): The country's business events organizing community is dealing with an unpredictable future amid unstable economic and political conditions. Chairman of the Indonesian Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Iqbal Abdul said he wanted the country to rank as a preferred destination in Asia for both holidays and conventions.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
The younger beauty business queen
The younger beauty business queen JAKARTA (JP): Once upon a time Mooryati Soedibyo and Martha Tilaar, founder of Martina Berto, were friends. In fact they did business together. Today the bitterness between two of the most prominent houses of cosmetics has become talk of the town. Martina Berto has been sued by Mustika Ratu for violating intellectual property rights for allegedly trying to use Taman Sari, a brand name belonging to the latter's exotic spa.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Local hotel chains try to look on the bright side
Local hotel chains try to look on the bright side By Gedsiri Suhartono JAKARTA (JP): Having survived 40 months of a dire monetary crisis and ongoing political uncertainty, the Indonesian tourism industry has little choice but to remain optimistic that the hard times will eventually pass. The man in the street, government officials as well as local hotel chains have grown accustomed to earning lower revenues and coping with the reality that business, however tough, must go on as usual.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bali needs all 'classes' of tourists
Bali needs all 'classes' of tourists By Rob Goodfellow WOLLONGONG, Australia (JP): Bali Governor Dewa Made Berata made the very reasonable statement in November that he wanted to attract more high-spending, "value-added" tourists to the island. The governor's comments were unfortunately interpreted as a direct criticism of Australia and Australians, who for nearly three decades have made up the vast bulk of package and budget visitors to Bali.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Yogyakarta tries to branch out in tourism
Yogyakarta tries to branch out in tourism by Asip A. Hasani YOGYAKARTA (JP): There is no question that Yogyakarta has almost everything to develop its tourism industry. And there are those who contend that the city has more to offer than even the famed tourist destination of Bali. The big difference is that Bali is a separate island, far removed from the trouble and strife which have beset Java in recent years. And it has an airport capable of receiving direct international flights from abroad.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 6:09 p.m. Saturday Imsak 4:04 a.m. Subuh 4:14 a.m.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Queen of her own 'jamu' kingdom
Queen of her own 'jamu' kingdom JAKARTA (JP): Mooryati Soedibyo is a born princess. Pakubuwono the 10th, and ruler of the central Java court of Surakarta, was her maternal grandfather. But instead of whiling away her time at the court like an aloof member of the royal family, she spent much of her childhood with the staff in the kitchen at the palace.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Caltex renews hope after a gloomy year 2000
Caltex renews hope after a gloomy year 2000 By Berni K. Moestafa JAKARTA (JP): Bruised by conflicts with locals and labor, entangled in a political tug-of-war between the local and the central government, Indonesia's largest oil and gas company takes a look back at an eventful year 2000. "The year 2000 wasn't exactly our best year, no, it wasn't smooth sailing," president of PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, Humayunbosha said in an interview with The Jakarta Post.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
PT KA agrees to pay Rp 17.7b electricity bill
PT KA agrees to pay Rp 17.7b electricity bill JAKARTA (JP): State-owned railway company PT Kereta Api (PT KA) has agreed to pay Rp 17.7 billion (US$ 1.8 million) in electricity bills dating back to January 1999 for its Bogor railway station, an official said on Thursday. "We are still negotiating with PLN (the state electricity company), so we won't have to pay that much," PT KA spokesman Gatot Wibowo told The Jakarta Post by phone.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Kanzen motorcycles expects brisk sales next year
Kanzen motorcycles expects brisk sales next year JAKARTA (JP): The manufacturer of Kanzen motorcycles, PT Semesta Citra Motorindo (SCM), said on Thursday it expected to sell at least 60,000 units next year. "We've already sold around 1,000 units this year, which is pretty good since we only launched the product in November," SCM president Urwan Herlambang said during a breaking of the fast gathering here.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso's open house celebration
Sutiyoso's open house celebration JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso will be having an open house celebration at his official residence on Dec. 27, the first day of Idul Fitri. All Jakartans are welcome, a staffer said on Tuesday. The annual celebration at the state-funded house on Jl. Taman Suropati 7 in Central Jakarta would start at 10 a.m.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Explosion at home kills one, injures 3
Explosion at home kills one, injures 3 TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): An early morning explosion tore through the home of a man involved in the production of firecrackers, killing his wife and injuring three others, an officer said on Thursday. The explosion took place on Wednesday at about 1:15 a.m. at the house of the 37-year-old Asep. He and his family live in the Bumi Asri Dirgantara Housing Complex in Indihiang district, Tasikmalaya regency.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Government to seek broader dialog with Acehnese
Government to seek broader dialog with Acehnese JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Thursday that it would seek an all-inclusive dialog with the Acehnese to defuse separatist sentiment in the troubled province. "The government is now developing a more comprehensive dialog and political communication between Jakarta and the Acehnese," Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said after attending the last Cabinet meeting of the year.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Human rights body demands end to alleged harassment
Human rights body demands end to alleged harassment JAKARTA (JP): A coordinator of a human rights body has demanded the National Police chief order an end to the alleged harassment of Institute for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Elsham) executive Johanes G. Bonay. "We condemn the security administration's actions for violating human rights and the law in their attempts to settle the Dec.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Cellular operators vie for a niche
Cellular operators vie for a niche JAKARTA (JP): A cellular phone for everyone: This may be at the heart of the campaign for cellular operators in Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta, the country's most promising cellular phone market, within the next few years. Yes, there will be more operators competing in the market place for a share of this wireless sphere.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Betawi unhappy with FPI
Betawi unhappy with FPI JAKARTA (JP): The Betawi (native Jakarta ethnic group) Consultative Body, or Bamus Betawi, has joined Muslim organizations in condemning the violence and anarchic acts carried out against various entertainment spots by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI). Bamus Betawi chairman Abdul Syukur said on Wednesday that the vandalism had destroyed people's property and injured others, which created worries for entrepreneurs in running their businesses here.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Newmont Nusa Tenggara enjoys quiet year amid reform euphoria
Newmont Nusa Tenggara enjoys quiet year amid reform euphoria By Berni K. Moestafa JAKARTA (JP): Copper and gold mining company PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (NNT) began its operation at a time when mining companies in Indonesia were badly affected by the unruly reform euphoria. NNT, however, was among the few mining companies that had enjoyed not only a relatively quiet year, but also better than expected first year results.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Economists upbeat on economic recovery
Economists upbeat on economic recovery By Reiner S. JAKARTA (JP) Despite the critical problems the country is facing, economists said the economy would continue its recovery process next year. The Econit Advisory group expressed confidence that the economy would grow by around 6 percent to 7 percent in 2001, which is higher than the government's forecast of 5 percent as stated in the 2001 state budget.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Burglars break into regency complex
Burglars break into regency complex BOGOR (JP): A group of unidentified people broke into the Bogor regency office complex in the early hours of Thursday, stealing five computers and four printers, an official said. The head of the information department at the regency office, M. Syahuri, said the burglars wrecked a room in the social affairs department. Syahnuri said the burglars entered the office complex through a broken window in the social affairs department.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 21, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,350 -50 23,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 105 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,000 0 118,500 Alter Abadi 125 15 4,500 Alumindo Light Metal 875 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 250 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 925 0 347,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Elisa to compete in Aerosports Olympics
Elisa to compete in Aerosports Olympics SEMARANG (JP): Central Java paraglider Elisa Manueke will compete in the Aerosports Olympics in Spain in July. "I was contacted by the Indonesian Aerosports Federation (FASI) to prepare for the event," she said on Wednesday evening. "I have been training in Wonogiri, Surakarta, Bogor, Semarang and Bali." Elisa was optimistic she could compete with European athletes. "I'm glad I have the chance to compete in my speciality in the Olympics.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Dec. 21
Rupiah Rates Dec. 21 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 22 Dec 2000, 00:00 WIB
Legal aid identifies new trend in disputes
Legal aid identifies new trend in disputes YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) has handled 461 cases this year, but only 46 percent of them have been settled, its director says. Speaking at the Institute's year-end press briefing, Budi Santoso said that only nine of the settled cases were resolved in court.