Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 December 2000

63 articles found

Appeal statement on Pande signed

Appeal statement on Pande signed JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutor Tarwo Hadi Sadjuri signed on Monday an appeal against a Nov. 23 court ruling which acquitted Pande Nasorahona Lubis from all graft charges in the Rp 546 billion (US$57 million) Bank Bali scandal.

Environmentally friendly technology abound in Yogya

Environmentally friendly technology abound in YogyaBy Heru Prasetya YOGYAKARTA (JP): You need water and electricity but live in a remote barren area? Don't worry, just drop in at the Langit Lintang Samodra Foundation in Sambisari village, Sleman, some 17 kilometers east of here.

KL palm oil extends gains on soyoil profits

KL palm oil extends gains on soyoil profits KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures extended their gains on Monday on the back of further strength in Chicago soyoil futures, traders said.The benchmark third-month February futures contract ended up 22 ringgit at 870 ringgit (US$228.

Suu Kyi in property suit

Suu Kyi in property suit YANGON (AP): A Myanmar judge ruled on Monday that opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi can contest a lawsuit brought by her brother over ownership of the Yangon house where she lives.

Myanmar leader visits Laos

Myanmar leader visits Laos VIENTIANE (AFP): The number two in the Myanmar military junta, Maung Aye, held talks in Vientiane on Monday as European Union ministers prepared to end a three-year-old boycott of the junta's representatives in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Political fireworks

Political fireworks PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): The explosive quarreling exchanges between Indonesia's political elite have raised anxiety levels among many people in the country, except for a local firecracker producer who is taking the opportunity to benefit from the discord.

Step up night patrols

Step up night patrolsFrom Suara KaryaI am writing to warn everyone that the crime rate in this country is increasing now that the Idul Fitri holiday, the feast celebrating the end of the fasting month, is approaching. Crimes are also especially rampant during this fasting month of Ramadhan.

Why Indonesia needs to phase out leaded gasoline now

Why Indonesia needs to phase out leaded gasoline nowBy Ahmad Safrudin JAKARTA (JP): Lead compounds are added to gasoline in Indonesia as a low cost solution to improve its combustion properties (octane number).

I'm sure Tommy still in Indonesia: Police

I'm sure Tommy still in Indonesia: Police JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro said on Monday that he didn't know the whereabouts of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, but was sure that the fugitive son of former President Soeharto was still in the country.

Thai Airways leads as a cultural ambassador

Thai Airways leads as a cultural ambassador Thailand and Indonesia have been enjoying a long and harmonious relationship for years. Thai Airways International Public Company Limited as Thailand's national flag carrier has played a vital role as a cultural ambassador for the Indonesian people.

GAM vows to continue to fight for freedom

GAM vows to continue to fight for freedom BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Free Aceh Movement (GAM) commander Abdulah Syafi'i led a military ceremony to commemorate the movement's 24th anniversary in Batee Iliek in the regency of Bireuen, Aceh, and pledged to continue the struggle for freedom.

Taxing times

Taxing timesFrom Bisnis IndonesiaThe editorial in Bisnis Indonesia on Nov. 24, 2000, says the directorate general of taxation will examine 100 corporate taxpayers and 50 private taxpayers. This is a good policy as it may increase the state revenue through increased tax collection.

New mode of deception

New mode of deceptionFrom RepublikaI am a new resident at the Legenda Wisata housing complex in Bogor, West Java. I live with my wife and a 20-year-old male servant. At 7 a.m. Nov. 16, 2000, a man claiming to be a Phillips television serviceman from Glodok, Jakarta, came to our house, which is...

The stakes between Singapore and Indonesia

The stakes between Singapore and IndonesiaBy Irawan Abidin JAKARTA (JP): Of President Abdurrahman Wahid's tirade against Singapore just over a week ago, much was said by Indonesians, most of it by way of lamentation, rebuke and outright condemnation.

Djarum, PMS to join national c'ships

Djarum, PMS to join national c'ships SEMARANG (JP): Central Java clubs Djarum Kudus and PMS Solo will compete in the Interclub National Badminton Championships in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, in February next year.

Massive raids on firecrackers

Massive raids on firecrackers JAKARTA (JP): Worried about the harmful impacts and annoyance caused to the public by the growing use of firecrackers in the capital, Governor Sutiyoso ordered, on Monday, all of the city's five mayoralties to immediately conduct massive raids on the sale and use of...

US$52m seized from Apkindo for graft case

US$52m seized from Apkindo for graft case JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office confiscated on Monday fixed deposits and accounts, worth more than US$52 million and Rp 3 billion, belonging to the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo) as evidence in a graft case involving...

KL to press on with multi-race schools despite Chinese protest

KL to press on with multi-race schools despite Chinese protest KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia will continue with its planned multiracial schools despite objections from a Chinese "extremist" educational group, Prime Minister Mahathir said on Monday.

RP deficit may hit $2.53b

RP deficit may hit $2.53b MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' budget deficit this year could hit 126.5 billion pesos (US$2.53 billion) under a "worst-case scenario" Finance Secretary Jose Pardo said here Monday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 4, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 2,500 -450 2,640,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 110 0 121,000 Alakasa Industrindo 300 -85 5,000...

Indosat to start mobile service early next year

Indosat to start mobile service early next yearBy Tantri Yuliandini HONG KONG (JP): State-owned international telephone operator PT Indonesia Satellite Corporation (Indosat) will be ready to start the first phase of its mobile phone service in the third quarter of 2001, an executive said here on...

S'pore prosperity linked to neighbors' health, says PAP

S'pore prosperity linked to neighbors' health, says PAP SINGAPORE (AFP): Political unrest in Malaysia and Indonesia could seriously damage Singapore's economic health, the state's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has warned.

BI forex reserves up again

BI forex reserves up again JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's gross foreign exchange reserves rose again to US$29.02 billion in the week ending on Nov. 30 from $28.96 billion in the previous week, the central bank said in its weekly report.

Palyja to hike drinking water rates soon

Palyja to hike drinking water rates soon JAKARTA (JP): PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja), a French water management firm, expected to reach an agreement by the end of this month with its local partner, city-owned PAM Jaya drinking water company, for a hike in water costs, its executive disclosed on...

Won, Taiwan dollar continue falling, rupiah unchanged

Won, Taiwan dollar continue falling, rupiah unchanged SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The South Korean won and the New Taiwan dollar extended their falls late Monday on domestic and international pressures, while other Southeast Asian currencies staged a mixed performance.

RI, Australian ministers to have high-level talks

RI, Australian ministers to have high-level talks JAKARTA (JP): Ministers from Indonesia and Australia are to meet at the end of the week in a high-level discussion in an effort to further jump start ties which have been on a downward slope since the East Timor issue last year.

Government overwhelmed by cost of floods

Government overwhelmed by cost of floods JAKARTA (JP): The government has complained about its lack of funds to finance reconstruction projects in provinces recently racked by floods and landslides.Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Erna Witoelar said on Monday that there was no...

President to impose Islamic law in Aceh

President to impose Islamic law in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid will declare the imposition of Islamic law for Aceh when he visits the restive province on Dec. 15, Aceh's new governor Abdullah Puteh says.

Official confirms RI meat supply

Official confirms RI meat supply JAKARTA (JP): The country's supply of meat is sufficient to meet the nationwide demand for 94,000 cows, 26 million chickens and 37,000 tons of eggs for Christmas, Idul Fitri and New Year's Eve, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture said on Monday.

Garuda, Merpati add more flights for holidays

Garuda, Merpati add more flights for holidays JAKARTA (JP): In anticipation of the expected surge in passenger numbers over the upcoming holiday, Garuda Indonesia and Merpati Nusantara Airlines are both adding more flights to their schedules.

Rates for tax payment, valid from Dec. 4 to Dec.10

Rates for tax payment, valid from Dec. 4 to Dec.10 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 9,440.00Austrian schilling 1 583.95Australian dollar 1 4,917.30Belgian franc 1 199.19Canadian dollar 1 6,115.97Swiss franc 1 5,316.51Deutschemark 1 4,111.86Danish krone 1 1,086.23French franc 1 1,224.97Poundsterling 1 13,365.

House passes property right bills into law

House passes property right bills into law JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives passed on Monday three bills on industrial design, integrated circuit space design and trade confidentiality in the hope of regaining trust and support from foreign investors and the international market.

Mom, baby suffer food poisoning

Mom, baby suffer food poisoning BANDUNG: A mother and her two infant children had to be treated in hospital on Monday suffering from what was believed to be food poisoning after drinking a carton of milk.Eva, 40, and her two daughters Silvia, 3, and Rinjani, 1.

Firecracker blast injures five

Firecracker blast injures five PURBALINGGA, Central Java: At least five people were injured when hundreds of firecrackers exploded in Purbalingga market on Sunday, police said on Monday.The five victims were identified as Sodri, Misto, Mansyur and two children, namely Erni and her younger brother...

Ambon military warns of provocation

Ambon military warns of provocation AMBON, Maluku: The chief of the Pattimura Military Command Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa called on residents of the Mardika area, Sirimau district, here on Monday not to be easily provoked into violence and promised to conduct round-the-clock security surveillance to...

Never-ending story

Never-ending story The story of the House of Representatives' investigations of alleged improprieties in the presidential palace, known as Bulog- gate and Brunei-gate, is turning into a long-running and, one might add, boring saga.

Shilling for the Gilis

Shilling for the Gilis If you are a foreign tourist visiting Indonesia or an expatriate who works and lives in this country, it would be a loss if you did not take advantage of the opportunity to come to Gili Indah, a village much like an earthly paradise which consists of three beautiful islands:...

Susilo denies resignation report

Susilo denies resignation report JAKARTA (JP): Another rumor of several ministers considering withdrawal from the Cabinet over disappointment with President Abdurrahman Wahid's management of his team has spread throughout the capital.

House to endorse chief justice candidates

House to endorse chief justice candidates JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives is set to formally nominate Muladi and Bagir Manan as the two candidates for the chief justice post at a plenary session on Wednesday.

Appointment of BI board of governors 'delayed'

Appointment of BI board of governors 'delayed' JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives may not approve the amendment to the central bank law this week, according to a key legislator.If the amendment is not approved this week, appointment of the central bank's new board of governors would be...

Govt and House agree on a new regional tax law

Govt and House agree on a new regional tax law JAKARTA (JP): The government reached agreement with the House of Representatives on Monday over a new version of the regional tax law which will give regency and mayoralty administrations greater powers in collecting taxes.

GM says Daewoo Motor part of its global strategy

GM says Daewoo Motor part of its global strategy SEOUL (Reuters): General Motors sees bankrupt Daewoo Motor as part of its global strategy and signed research pacts with South Korean universities on Monday to underscore its commitment to the local market.

Irian Jaya cannot go the way of East Timor

Irian Jaya cannot go the way of East Timor SINGAPORE: Last Friday, "independence" observances by separatists' supporters in the remote eastern Indonesian province of Irian Jaya passed with little trouble.

Rupiah Rates Dec.4

Rupiah Rates Dec.4 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 9,005.00 10,005.00 9,457.00 9,553.00Australian dollar 1 4,859.10 5,403.70 5,103.00 5,159.58Austrian schilling 1 575.23 639.62 604.11 610.73Belgian franc 1 196.22 218.18 206.07 208.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for JakartaTuesday Maghrib 6:00 p.m.Wednesday Imsak 3:57 a.m.Subuh 4:07 a.m.

Manulife agrees to pay settlement to plaintiffs

Manulife agrees to pay settlement to plaintiffs JAKARTA (JP): Life insurance firm PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) agreed on Monday to pay the rupiah equivalent of US$680,000 to an insurance policy holder and her beneficiaries on Tuesday, in an effort to settle a bankruptcy suit brought...

Foreign investors 'too pessimistic on Indonesia'

Foreign investors 'too pessimistic on Indonesia' JAKARTA (JP): European and American investors have taken a too pessimistic view on Indonesia's economic recovery and might find themselves missing investment opportunities here if they continue to shy away from this country, according to a French...

Brunei stake sale prelude to MAS facelift

Brunei stake sale prelude to MAS facelift KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's purchase of Brunei's stake in Malaysian Airline System (MAS) marks a major step toward preparing the ailing carrier for marriage with a financially- strong foreign airline, analysts said on Monday.

Juwono calls for political solution to Soeharto case

Juwono calls for political solution to Soeharto case JAKARTA (JP): Political observer Juwono Sudarsono proposed on Monday a political settlement to resolve the fate of former president Soeharto once and for all, and so allow the nation to move forward.

Jaya Ancol not linked with scam: Ciputra

Jaya Ancol not linked with scam: Ciputra JAKARTA (JP): Business tycoon Ciputra said on Monday he was positive a company he founded was in no way connected with an alleged scam involving city councillors.

Perbasi to summon 60 athletes

Perbasi to summon 60 athletes SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) will summon 60 male and female players to join the 2001 Southeast Asian Games training program in Jakarta early next year. The Games will be held in Kuala Lumpur.

EU opens probe into S. Korea shipbuilding

EU opens probe into S. Korea shipbuilding BRUSSELS (AFP): The European Commission said Monday it was opening an investigation into alleged unfair practices, including subsidies, within the South Korean shipbuilding industry.

PNG increases security near Irian Jaya

PNG increases security near Irian Jaya SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters): Papua New Guinea said on Monday it had stepped up patrols along its jungle border with troubled Irian Jaya and would repatriate people back to the Indonesian province.

Taxi firm Blue Bird Group denies internal dispute

Taxi firm Blue Bird Group denies internal dispute JAKARTA (JP): Taxi company PT Blue Bird Group denied on Monday that there was a split within its management following a decision of one of its subsidiaries, PT. Gamya Taxi, to refuse the fare hike, and the recent arrest of Gamya director Mintarsih A.

Savings campaign

Savings campaignFrom KompasBefore the 1999 school term ended, Bank Niaga conducted a savings campaign in a number of schools, among others, in SMU Negeri 81 Unggulan in East Jakarta. Apart from telling the students the advantages of saving, they also gave the students a chance to open savings...

Thai-RI relations in 1999-2000

Thai-RI relations in 1999-2000 On the auspicious occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Thai- Indonesian diplomatic relations, on Nov. 25, 1999, on behalf of the Indonesian Government, Dr. I Gede Ngurah Anom, Director- General for Culture handed over, to the Thai Ambassador, two portraits of Their...

Yusril says House's special committee not illegal

Yusril says House's special committee not illegal JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra defended on Monday the House of Representative's move to form a special committee (Pansus) to investigate two scandals in which the President has been implicated, saying that...

Reflections on the first APA

Reflections on the first APABy Meidyatama Soeryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): Nov. 24, 2000 could go down as a historic date in the annals of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).For three days close to 300 representatives, almost all of whom were non-government, from communities of the 10...

S'pore, U.S. free trade negotiations starts

S'pore, U.S. free trade negotiations starts SINGAPORE (AP): The U.S. and Singapore kick off negotiations Monday for a free trade pact and both sides will have to talk fast and furiously as they hope to seal a deal before the new year.Singapore and U.S.

India may extend truce if Pakistan cooperates: PM

India may extend truce if Pakistan cooperates: PM NEW DELHI (Agencies): India's prime minister said on Monday his country's cease-fire in Kashmir could continue after the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan if Pakistan created the right conditions, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Photos by West Kalimantan children bring reconciliation

Photos by West Kalimantan children bring reconciliationBy Erma S. Ranik PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan (JP): Sixteen-year-old Agus' eyes gleamed when he saw the photograph before him. "That is the rice field near my house," he said.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung:Exhibition* Fine Art, Painting by Popo Iskandar and Djuariah Iskandar, at Griya Seni Popo Iskandar, at Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi 268 (Phone: 022 2013662), until Dec. 8.Performances* Sundanese Drama Raja Pinilih, LS. Dewi Murni Group, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl.

Ruwiyati eyes SEA Games as her next event

Ruwiyati eyes SEA Games as her next event JAKARTA (JP): After winning the women's division at the 10th Singapore International Marathon on Sunday, Indonesian marathoner Ruwiyati expressed her hope of performing at the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur.