Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 December 2000

53 articles found

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in Surabaya Education * A presentation on Study in the UK at BCITS Surabaya, led by Education Counsellor Ria Widjaja, on Dec. 9. Contact Ria at The British Council Surabaya on (031) 5689958 for more information. Music and Entertainment * The Westin Surabaya, Jl. Embong Malang 85-89 (Phone: 031 5458888): - Java Jimmy's Irish Pub: Live music, Sunday to Thursday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend.

Fifteen killed in Aceh violence

Fifteen killed in Aceh violence BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): At least 15 people have been killed and five others injured in separate violent incidents here following the Free Aceh Movement (GAM)'s 24th anniversary on Monday, the security forces and residents said on Tuesday. On Monday, hundreds of GAM rebels took part in ceremonies simultaneously held at 30 places across the province to mark the movement's anniversary.

Govt to tighten permits for foreign fishing vessels

Govt to tighten permits for foreign fishing vessels JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Tuesday that it would soon issue new fishing regulations to tighten up the regulatory scheme governing the operation of foreign fishing vessels, in an effort to curb illegal foreign fishing. Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries spokesman Zukafril said that the foreign fishing permits issued under the new regulations would be more difficult to manipulate or misuse.

Bees and bats left homeless by Bogor storm

Bees and bats left homeless by Bogor storm BOGOR (JP): A storm here last Friday toppled some 40 trees in the vast Bogor Botanical Gardens, leaving animal lovers worried that large numbers of bees and bats would be left homeless.

Judo aims for six SEAG golds

Judo aims for six SEAG golds SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI) has set itself the target of taking at least six gold medals in the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. PJSI official in charge of athletes development Subardi Suar said Monday evening that the association has groomed 33 athletes -- 19 men and 14 women -- to join the decentralized training program. They will be selected through the National Championships in Jakarta early next year.

More support pours in for Bulogate probe

More support pours in for Bulogate probe JAKARTA (JP): A group of students expressed support for the House of Representatives to carry on its inquiry into financial scandals linked to President Abdurrahman Wahid, asking the House to continue the investigation during the next recess which begins on Monday.

President Gus Dur to delay Aceh visit until Dec. 19

President Gus Dur to delay Aceh visit until Dec. 19 JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Tuesday that President Abdurrahman Wahid's planned visit to the volatile province of Aceh would be delayed by four days to Dec. 19. Abdurrahman was initially scheduled to travel to the western tip of Sumatra on his way back from Bangkok on Dec. 15.

KL palm oil ends lower on EU news

KL palm oil ends lower on EU news KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower on Tuesday on renewed selling as the European Union (EU) decided not to ban the use of animal fats in feed rations. A ban would have boosted exports of vegetable oils. The EU on Monday formally banned the use of meat-based animal feed following Europe's latest scare over mad cow disease.

'Interference' furor: Out on a limb

'Interference' furor: Out on a limb By Martin R. Jenkins JAKARTA (JP): Given that Indonesia is a nation born out of an independence struggle against Dutch colonialism, it is perhaps understandable that the country is prone to nationalist sentiments and xenophobia. For years, founding president Sukarno, pursued a policy of konfrontasi with the United States and Europe, memorably telling the West to "go to hell" with its aid.

Koreas exchange accord on avoiding railway clashes

Koreas exchange accord on avoiding railway clashes SEOUL (AFP): South and North Korean military officials on Tuesday made a breakthrough in attempts to prevent clashes during the rebuilding of a cross-border railway, Southern defense ministry officials said. The ministry said the two sides had exchanged draft accords on averting unintentional fighting when restoring the railway and building a new four-lane road alongside.

Rupiah Rates Dec. 5

Rupiah Rates Dec. 5 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

2001 draft budget revised

2001 draft budget revised The revised 2001 state budget proposal, which was approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, increases total spending by about 7 percent to Rp 315.75 trillion (US$40.48 billion at the average rate of Rp 7,800 per dollar assumed for the fiscal year beginning in January). But the increased spending will not increase the Rp 52.5 trillion budget deficit envisaged in the original proposal due to significant changes in basic assumptions for several major items.

A cold: Better let your doctor decide

A cold: Better let your doctor decide By Donya Betancourt SANUR, Bali (JP): A sore throat, stuffy nose, fever and cough are often the symptoms of a cold. But the common cold typically improves within a week and is all gone within two weeks, and does not require special medical attention. What if a cold gets worse in the second week, or lasts for months? If a cold will not go away, it may not be a cold at all.

Residents attack shaman's house

Residents attack shaman's house CILACAP, Central Java: Hundreds of people mobbed and destroyed on Monday a house belonging to a 65-year-old man whom they believed was responsible for the death of a woman in the village of Kalikude. Cilacap Police chief Supt. Bambang Sudarisman told reporters here on Tuesday the villagers believed that Tanto Prawiro was a shaman who had killed a 50-year-old woman, Kaisah, with his black magic.

RI shuttlers hope for greater percentage of sponsorship money

RI shuttlers hope for greater percentage of sponsorship money JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian badminton players have to bury their dream of obtaining individual sponsorships as they are currently only able to request a change in the contract money percentage given to the players from the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

Why can't we sort out this mess?

Why can't we sort out this mess? I have just returned from a trip to Bangkok after an interval of ten years, and wow what a difference! From the beginning to the end, I totally enjoyed the experience, and was certainly impressed. Ten years ago Jakarta was better-off than Bangkok as Bangkok then was polluted, congested and disorganized. Now the reverse is true.

Be a national hero

Be a national hero From Republika In view of the uncertainty enveloping our beloved Indonesia, I, as an individual with the right and the obligation to help build a civilized united Indonesia, feel terribly sad over the behavior shown by our political elite in leading this country. They have glaringly demonstrated their greed and avarice for power in their daily activities. Mass mobilization to shape an opinion or a show of force are not the only way toward democracy.

Stock quotations on JSX

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

Prijadi seeks House support to keep budget credibility

Prijadi seeks House support to keep budget credibility JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Prijadi Praptosuhardjo has asked the House of Representatives for political support to maintain the credibility of the 2001 state budget. Prijadi said on Tuesday that a credible fiscal policy would help revive the confidence of the business sector and the financial market, a crucial element in achieving economic recovery.

Widow of famed poet lives in sheer poverty

Widow of famed poet lives in sheer poverty By Simon Sudarman YOGYAKARTA (JP): The woman is thin but healthy. She laughs softly, a demonstration of her resigned attitude. However, whenever the memory of her late husband returns, her eyes will slowly dim and her voice trembles. "I believe it is good enough to live this kind of life. After my husband's death, I began to sell spices to survive," said Hartati, who is affectionately called Bu Tatik, the widow of noted poet Kirjomulyo, who died on Jan.

Singapore in free trade deal with U.S.

Singapore in free trade deal with U.S. SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore fought back against APEC and ASEAN criticism of its packed free-trade agenda Tuesday as it began rushed negotiations with Washington to complete an agreement by the end of the year. Both economic blocs, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) stood to gain from the initiative, head Singapore negotiator Tommy Koh said in Washington in his opening remarks, a copy of which were received here.

Australia to focus on defense ties with northerly neighbors

Australia to focus on defense ties with northerly neighbors SYDNEY, Australia (AFP): Australia is likely to restrict future military intervention to an arc of islands stretching through Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the southwest Pacific, in the most significant policy review in decades, sources and reports said on Tuesday.

Immigration official nabbed for drugs

Immigration official nabbed for drugs JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested an Immigration officer at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for stealing drugs contained in packages which were being processed by his office, Jakarta Police Detectives chief Sr. Supt. Harry Montolalu said on Tuesday. Harry said the officer, Muhammad Hidayat, who worked in the intelligence department, had been using and selling the drugs he obtained from the packages for quite a long time.

Rusdihardjo asked to clarify media reports

Rusdihardjo asked to clarify media reports JAKARTA (JP): Undeterred by public demands that the police be proactive in investigating the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal, National Police Headquarters on Tuesday asked former police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo to clarify media reports by himself over his testimony before the House of Representatives (DPR) special committee last week. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

Air Force cargo planes back in the air: Hanafie

Air Force cargo planes back in the air: Hanafie JAKARTA (JP): Several Air Force cargo planes will be back in the air after the United States eased a military assistance suspension on Indonesia last September, Air Force chief of staff Air Marshal Hanafie Asnan said on Tuesday. "We are glad that some of our cargo planes will be flying after they have been parked for several months due to the U.S.

Haj pilgrimage for pregnant women

Haj pilgrimage for pregnant women From Kompas A number of mass media publications have published the government's statement that pregnant women can go on haj pilgrimage as long as their pregnancy is between 14 and 26 weeks. The haj pilgrimage is the heaviest physical religious duty for a Muslim, the performance of which will require a person to be in prime condition (just check the mortality rate in previous years, which ranges between 600 and 800 people).

India awards insurance permit

India awards insurance permit NEW DELHI (AFX-ASIA): Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co's joint venture with Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd has been given a license for non-life insurance business, said Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority member H Ansari. Ansari told AFX-Asia that Tokio Marine-IFFCO was given the license yesterday. IFFCO-Tokio Marine is the sixth private sector company to get a license since the domestic insurance sector was privatized.

The candidate and the trump card

The candidate and the trump card A recent issue of Tempo conjectured that Tommy Soeharto has a "trump card", that is, some move he can make that would supercede any move the government might make as it tries to subject him to the court's authority. Tempo speculates that this trump card may be a recording of the now infamous Hotel Borobudur meeting between Tommy and President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. I would like to suggest a second trump card that Tommy may have: Mr. Muladi as chief justice.

Strength in diversity

Strength in diversity From Irian Jaya, or West Papua as its inhabitants call it, to Aceh, the challenges to Indonesia's unity have never been so grave as at present. Increasingly powerful separatist struggles are tearing at the five-decade-long attempt by Jakarta to create a unified nation out of the diverse peoples of the former Dutch East Indies. At the root of Indonesia's problems lies the resentment minorities feel about the political and economic influence of the Javanese.

PDI attack was ordered by superiors: Sutiyoso

PDI attack was ordered by superiors: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso, a suspect in the July 27, 1996 violent attack on the Megawati Soekarnoputri-led PDI headquarters, insisted on Tuesday that the attack was based on the order of his superiors at the time.

All trains to be behind schedule during holidays

All trains to be behind schedule during holidays BANDUNG (JP): The state-owned railroad operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) confirmed on Tuesday that all trains would experience delays ahead of the triple holiday of Christmas, Idul Fitri and the New Year. "We can be sure that all trains will be delayed. But, passengers do not need to rush because the most important thing for them is to reach their hometowns," PT KAI spokesman Gatot Wibowo said.

UPC wins Yap Thiam Hien rights award

UPC wins Yap Thiam Hien rights award JAKARTA (JP): The Urban Poor Consortium (UPC), a non- governmental organization helping to protect the rights of those victimized by city administration development programs, is this year's recipient of the Yap Thiam Hien human rights award. "The consortium, led by Wardah Hafidz, will receive the award on Dec.

Gus Dur's sworn testimony read out during Bulog trial

Gus Dur's sworn testimony read out during Bulog trial JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors read out on Tuesday the sworn testimony of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, given to Jakarta Police chiefs in June, after calmly informing the South Jakarta District Court that the President would not be required to testify in court for the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) graft trial. "We have not summoned the President. We don't need his presence in court as we had earlier informed this court.

Forestry firms help victims

Forestry firms help victims JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Forest-based Companies (APHI) on Tuesday sent a special team to West Sumatra to deliver Rp 550 million worth of aid to the victims of recent floods and landslides in the province. The association said the team, headed by association chairman Adiwarsita Adinegoro, would distribute food, medicines and other basic needs and donate cash to the suffering families through local natural disaster relief centers.

Directorate General of Culture to join Ministry of Culture

Directorate General of Culture to join Ministry of Culture JAKARTA (JP): Directorate General of Culture at the Ministry of National Education will merge with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Dec. 20, an official said on Tuesday. "The decision was made (last October) after careful consideration and preparation. It is best for the directorate general (of culture) to develop with the new ministry," secretary-general of the Ministry of National Education Hidayat Syarief said.

Indonesia's insurers review policy on natural disasters

Indonesia's insurers review policy on natural disasters JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's insurance industry is reviewing its policy with regard to natural disasters, including the level of premium, after Singapore's reinsurance companies refused to accept insurance against damages caused by such calamities. The Indonesian Insurance Council (DAI) said on Tuesday that it had set up a joint task force on Nov. 30 with the Directorate of Insurance at the Ministry of Finance to look into the matter.

Councillors, officials to be questioned

Councillors, officials to be questioned JAKARTA (JP): Some 40 people involved in a questionable recent official trip, including 14 councillors and a number of senior city officials, will be interrogated at the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, an official said on Tuesday. The head of the office, Fachri Nasution, said he had signed the summonses for the officials allegedly involved in the so- called Ancol scam.

Pertamina to lay off up to 40% of its staff next year

Pertamina to lay off up to 40% of its staff next year JAKARTA (JP): State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina announced on Tuesday that beginning next year it would gradually reduce its workforce by 30 percent to 40 percent in a move to streamline its massive organization. Pertamina president Baihaki Hakim said Pertamina's employees would be cut to an "ideal" number of 18,000 from the present 26,000 in a retrenchment program that would be carried out within five years.

BI to tighten monetary policy to help rupiah

BI to tighten monetary policy to help rupiah JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said Tuesday that it would further tighten its monetary policy in a bid to help the ailing rupiah and curb inflation ahead of the year-end festivities. "Bank Indonesia will adopt a tighter monetary policy to contain inflationary pressures and the weakening of the rupiah," the central bank said in a statement issued following a monthly board of governors meeting.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 6:01 p.m. Thursday Imsak 3:58 a.m. Subuh 4:08 a.m.

Tantalizing Arabian fare served at Seasons Cafe of The Regent

Tantalizing Arabian fare served at Seasons Cafe of The Regent By Grace Segran JAKARTA (JP): Strains of Islamic music and wafts of Middle Eastern spices ushered us into Seasons Cafe at The Regent. At the entrance to the cafe, carpets were laid out on the floor for sale. They are presumably Middle Eastern -- it is difficult to tell the difference these days simply by looking at them because carpet makers from other parts of the world tend to reproduce these great designs.

Governor vows to break tradition

Governor vows to break tradition SURABAYA: East Java Governor Imam Utomo reiterated on Tuesday that he would no longer attend gatherings held by mass organizations or political parties, as was the "tradition" during the New Order era. "Nowadays a governor is not affiliated with mass organizations and is not necessarily a member of a certain political party.

House approves new province of Gorontalo

House approves new province of Gorontalo JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday approved a bill establishing the new province of Gorontalo, formerly a part of North Sulawesi. Gorontalo has become the country's 32nd province after the House approved the establishment of Bangka-Belitung province, in southern Sumatra, last month, and Banten province, in Western Java, three months ago.

Freedom fighter dies aged 76

Freedom fighter dies aged 76 KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Mohammed Noor, a leading anticolonial activist who pressed for Sarawak's inclusion in Malaysia and ended up as governor of the eastern state, died on Tuesday aged 76. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad led official mourners in paying last respects to Ahmad Zaidi before his body was flown home to the state capital Kuching, Bernama news agency reported.

Taiwan to train Indonesians

Taiwan to train Indonesians TAIPEI (DPA): Taiwan on Tuesday launched a two-year vocational training program for 105 Indonesian youth as part of Taipei's plan to strengthen economic ties with Southeast Asian nations. The 105 youth, mostly college graduates, will learn manufacturing skills in the fields of electric engineering, garment making, metal processing and food processing. "They will get free board and a monthly living allowance of 200 U.S. dollars.

Lion Air fly to Malaysia

Lion Air fly to Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): Lion Mentari Airlines, one of the country's newly operating regular flight operators will begin flights to Malaysia later this week. The airline operator, which opened its Singapore routes last month, will fly to the Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and Penang from Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan. The airline said the daily Jakarta-Surbaya-Kuala Lumpur flights will start on Dec.

RI to ease timber imports

RI to ease timber imports JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is considering to remove the 10 percent import duties on timber, while simultaneously raising export taxes on the commodity, in order to help the local wood- processing industry cope with the shortage of raw materials. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli said that he had asked the minister of finance to research the possibility of introducing such tax measures.

Aid for Manado flood victims

Aid for Manado flood victims MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Governor HZB Palaguna, on behalf of the people of South Sulawesi, handed over Rp 50 million and 20 tons of rice for the flood victims in Manado, North Sulawesi on Tuesday. The aid was symbolically given to the head of the North Sulawesi Environmental Control Agency SA Kidangeng at the Sedona Hotel in Makassar. According to Palaguna, the Manado tragedy was also a tragedy for the people of South Sulawesi. "We are all brothers in Sulawesi.

Flights, sailings fully booked ahead of holidays

Flights, sailings fully booked ahead of holidays JAKARTA (JP): Preparations for year-end holidays are underway with airline and ship tickets hard to come by. According to several travel agents, flights to major domestic and foreign destinations are fully booked, starting this week until Dec. 23. Denpasar, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan, Balikpapan and Makassar are the most popular domestic destinations, and for overseas many Indonesians will be traveling to Singapore, Hongkong and Australia.

Sjahril released, plans to resume BI post: Lawyer

Sjahril released, plans to resume BI post: Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Suspended Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin was released from the custody of the Attorney General's Office on Tuesday and plans to resume his old position, a lawyer said. "This is a surprise and it is very good news for us. The official letter for his release was issued by Assistant for Special Crimes to the Jakarta Provincial Prosecutor's Office chief Andi Syarifuddin," Mohammad Assegaf told The Jakarta Post.

Bali decries U.S. travel advisory

Bali decries U.S. travel advisory DENPASAR, Bali: The Bali Tourist Association (BTB) has sent a letter to the president of the United States asking the U.S. government to review a travel advisory that suggests its citizens suspend visits to some parts of Indonesia. Copies of the letter, dated Nov. 21, 2000, also were sent to the U.S. secretary of state and the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, BTB secretary-general Adnyana Sudibya said on Tuesday.

KONI to disburse $1.9b for 2001 SEA Games training

KONI to disburse $1.9b for 2001 SEA Games training JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) will disburse the Rp 1.99 billion (US$209,500) training budget for the 2001 Southeast Asian Games in a decree to be issued by chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar. KONI deputy official in charge of planning and budget Sudharno said on Tuesday the decree would be issued this week.

Rectors Forum to facilitate talks on reconciliation

Rectors Forum to facilitate talks on reconciliation JAKARTA (JP): Troubled by the continuing failure to bring the members of the country's fractious political elite to the table of reconciliation, the Rectors Forum announced on Tuesday its readiness to facilitate such reconciliation talks. "This country is falling apart and the civilian politicians are busy fighting each other.