Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 December 2000

63 articles found

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.

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 9,440.00 Austrian schilling 1 583.95 Australian dollar 1 4,917.30 Belgian franc 1 199.19 Canadian dollar 1 6,115.97 Swiss franc 1 5,316.51 Deutschemark 1 4,111.86 Danish krone 1 1,086.23 French franc 1 1,224.97 Poundsterling 1 13,365.15 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,210.32 Italian lira 100 414.98 Japanese yen 100 8,487.68 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,484.28 Dutch guilder 1 3,646.29 New Zealand dollar 1 3,803.38 Norwegian krone 1 1,008.32...

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. Merpati said on Monday that it was adding 11 extra services, comprising 129 flights and 8,960 seats, between Dec. 20 and Jan. 10.

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.

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. Puteh gave assurances, however, that Islamic law would not be applied to non-Muslims in the predominantly Muslim province, also known as the "Terrace of Mecca". "The ruling is effective only for Muslims.

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 special budget for resettling people whose homes were swept away by floods.

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. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab, Minister of Industry and Trade Lt. Gen.

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. "It's pretty much an established downtrend for the Taiwan dollar and the Korean won," said Chi Lo, a senior economist at Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong.

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 Monday.

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. Bank Indonesia attributed the increase to a rise in oil revenues. The primary money supply showed an increase of Rp 3.68 trillion to Rp 100.6 trillion due to a seasonal increase in the circulation of bank notes at the end of the month.

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. Singapore's prosperity "will depend not just on its own efforts but also on the political stability and growth of its neighbors," The Business Times said, quoting a report by PAP policy makers.

Indosat to start mobile service early next year

Indosat to start mobile service early next year By 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 Monday.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

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. "We have done some sensitivity analysis and we are looking at these worst-case scenario figures," Pardo said. Such a deficit would be twice as much as the 62.5-billion-peso deficit ceiling that was originally agreed to under an International Monetary Fund program.

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. The government, which fears the races are becoming too polarized, is planning nine "vision schools" to bring together Malays, Chinese and Indians at primary school age.

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. Tarwo said the grounds to file the appeal were that the South Jakarta District Court judges had misinterpreted the indictment the prosecutors had made against the defendant. "The judges should have treated the indictment against Djoko S.

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 the contraband.

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. The Central Java chapter of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) secretary-general Toegimin said on Sunday that PBSI gave four tickets to the clubs from the province to compete in the event.

The stakes between Singapore and Indonesia

The stakes between Singapore and Indonesia By 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. Yet Singaporeans, according to The Straits Times, should worry that the President might have been dressed down by his countrymen not for the substance of his remarks but for the undiplomatic way in which he exploded.

New mode of deception

New mode of deception From Republika I 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 located in the Marcopolo zone. He was received by my male servant, the only one in the house at the time.

Taxing times

Taxing times From Bisnis Indonesia The 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. It also means that justice and prosperity for the common people will be improved. It is not possible, however, to carry out this policy successfully unless the tax apparatuses are clean.

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.

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. It has showed its commitment by scheduling daily flights to Indonesia, especially to Jakarta and Denpasar.

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. "I swear I don't know Tommy's whereabouts, but I'm sure that he's still here.

Why Indonesia needs to phase out leaded gasoline now

Why Indonesia needs to phase out leaded gasoline now By Ahmad Safrudin JAKARTA (JP): Lead compounds are added to gasoline in Indonesia as a low cost solution to improve its combustion properties (octane number). Unfortunately, the majority of lead added to gasoline is discharged into the atmosphere in the form of the fine particles of inorganic lead compounds, which enter the human body through inhalation.

Step up night patrols

Step up night patrols From Suara Karya I 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. I am suggesting that people take the necessary action when they witness a crime or hear someone crying for help or shouting "robbers".

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. Last week police apprehended Sukarno, a resident of Karangklesem subdistrict south of here, following claims that he had been selling firecrackers bearing the image of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid.

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. The powerful Myanmar army chief headed a high-ranking 19- strong delegation, which included Foreign Minister Win Aung, for the three-day visit, Lao sources said.

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. Judge Soe Thein of the Yangon Division Court withdrew his earlier decision to hear the case without representation by Suu Kyi after she failed to appear in court on Nov. 21 in response to a subpoena.

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$228.95) a ton. Market volume, however, fell to 1,082 lots against 2,286 on Friday, as concern over large domestic stocks and prospects of slower exports limited buying interest.

Environmentally friendly technology abound in Yogya

Environmentally friendly technology abound in Yogya By 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. Here you will find a laboratory of nature, whose creations have spread across the country and even overseas.

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 timber tycoon Mohammad "Bob" Hasan.

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. "I'm not sure if I will join the SEA Games squad but I am preparing myself for it. I want to run in the event. My coach and the Indonesian Amateur Athletic Association (PASI) will decide about my participation," she said on Monday.

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. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 8 p.m., Dec. 9. * Sundanese Drama Dewi Anjani, LS. Sri Murni Group, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 8 p.m., Dec. 16.

Photos by West Kalimantan children bring reconciliation

Photos by West Kalimantan children bring reconciliation By 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. His eyes were glued to the photographs taken by Desy Anggraini, 16, who hails from Sinam village in Pemangkat subdistrict, Sambas regency. Agus is one of thousands of children who fled their homes with their parents following the riot that rocked Sambas in March 1999.

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.

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. companies largely support a free trade agreement, but some U.S. businesses have expressed concern about the quick deadline and have warned President Bill Clinton against tacking environmental and labor issues onto an agreement.

Reflections on the first APA

Reflections on the first APA By 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 members of the regional grouping convened for the inaugural ASEAN People's Assembly (APA) in Batam, Riau. The idea of having a people's forum has long been in the wings.

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 the legislature has sufficient legal grounds to do so.

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 Majesties the King and Queen, which were among the masterpieces painted in 1961 by the late renowned Indonesian artist, Raden Basuki Abdullah.

Savings campaign

Savings campaign From Kompas Before 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 accounts at Bank Niaga. Many students took this opportunity gladly and my son was one of them. He deposited a sum of Rp 25,000, which was all the pocket money he had at that time.

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. Latief. Head of public relations at Blue Bird Arvin Hardian said Mintarsih's arrest by South Jakarta Police on Friday was not related to her decision to maintain the old fare.

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. Indonesian police shot dead seven pro-independence supporters in a remote area near the Papua New Guinea border on Saturday when Irianese tore Indonesian flags and attacked with bows and arrows after police pulled down the independence "Morning Star" flag.

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. The opening of the inquiry under the EU Trade Barriers Regulation follows a detailed examination of a complaint lodged October 24 by the Committee of European Union Shipbuilders Association, it said.

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. Perbasi secretary-general Yudhi Suyoto said on the weekend that all the players would undergo a physical endurance test. However, he declined to name the players, saying the list would be announced in January.

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. Responding to the allegations, Ciputra said he believed the management of PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, the developer of the Ancol recreation park, was "still working as professionally as when I left it in 1997". He was meeting with Governor Sutiyoso at City Hall when he made the statement.

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, 1.5, were all in a stable condition Monday evening but were still being treated at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Antara reported.

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. MAS, saddled with over US$2 billion of debts and facing a fourth straight year of losses, needs the financial muscle and know-how of a foreign partner to stay aloft.

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 economist on Monday.

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 against the firm.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

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

Rupiah Rates Dec.4

Rupiah Rates Dec.4 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

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. It is an indication of how fragile the unitary state is that the relative calm, bar some arrests, is celebrated as some sort of success. Tension there had been, but the Indonesian military was prepared.

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. GM and partner Fiat are in talks with Daewoo's creditors on buying the firm, which sold over 945,000 vehicles last year and has sprawling operations spanning 12 countries.

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. The House is expected to approve the bill amending Law No.18/1997 on regional taxes and levies on Thursday at a plenary session. The revised tax law would come into effect on Jan.

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 delayed until after the Idul Fitri holidays, legislators said on Monday. Head of the House special team on the amendment of the central bank law, Theo F.

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. The nominees' names will then be forwarded to President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), who will make the final decision on the appointment.

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. But Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was quick to deny that he was among the discontent.

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: Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. You can reach the islands by boat from Benoa, Bali.

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. President Abdurrahman Wahid, who has refused repeated summons to testify in the investigations, has now given a new twist to this story: he is questioning the legality of the House's two special commissions which are conducting the investigations.

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 prevent an outbreak of fresh attacks. Mardika is known to be one of the riot-prone areas in Ambon with the latest violence erupting on Sunday. No fatalities were reported in the outbreak.

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 Sukron. All suffered from burns and were rushed to Purbalingga General Hospital. Purbalingga Police Precinct chief Supt.

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.