Archive: 14 February 2000
48 articles found
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Amien Rais reelected PAN chairman
Amien Rais reelected PAN chairman By Sri Wahyuni and Asip Agus Hasani YOGYAKARTA (JP): The expectations spoke for themselves when Amien Rais remained virtually unchallenged in his bid to retain the National Mandate Party chairmanship on Sunday. Amien won 584 of the 786 votes cast in the election that marked the final day of the party's first congress. Outgoing secretary-general Faisal Basri earned 124 votes, while the other candidate qualifying for the race, A.M. Fatwa, took 77.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
One dies in stove explosion
One dies in stove explosion JAKARTA (JP): A boy died and his brother suffered serious burn injuries on Friday morning when a stove exploded in a house on Jl. Kayumanis, in Kramat Jati district, East Jakarta. Supario, the victims' uncle, said the incident happened when Suarti, 26, was cooking in the kitchen, which is located seven meters from the bathroom.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Islamic magazine survives tough press competition
Islamic magazine survives tough press competition By Ati Nurbaiti The following is part of a series of articles and interviews on the often fiery Islamic media, to be published in the next editions. JAKARTA (JP): Maluku has been deadly ground for a year, and when a young reporter was given an assignment there, he must have thought that it might be his last. Attempting to glean information among the Muslim community in Ambon, people pounced on him when they learned he was a reporter.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Japan aids grassroot projects
Japan aids grassroot projects JAKARTA (JP): Japan will extend its financial aid of Rp 1.4 billion (US$191,716) to help six grassroot projects in Indonesia. The Japanese Embassy said here last week the aid will be channeled to Indonesian nongovernmental organizations and a governmental institute.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's clamorous tour
Gus Dur's clamorous tour President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur as he is popularly called, is back home after a 16-day working tour which took him to Mid East, European and Asian countries. During the trip, despite his frail health, the President energetically tried to boost bilateral economic cooperation, hoping to increase foreign investment in an effort to revitalize Indonesia's ailing economy.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
ACILS says Smith was only questioned
ACILS says Smith was only questioned JAKARTA (JP): Roger Anthony Smith of the American Center for International Labor Solidarity (ACILS) has a valid work permit and residence permit and was only questioned by the police for allegedly violating existing immigration regulations, representatives of the center said. "He was never arrested, only questioned over the matter. Not a single staff member of ACILS has been arrested," ACILS said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Friday.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bali money changers take heat
Bali money changers take heat JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Money Changers (APVA) in Bali said it has received constant complaints from foreign tourists regarding the activities of unauthorized money changers. Chairman of APVA in Bali Tenterem Wisnawa said over the weekend that many foreign tourists were complaining they were deceived while exchanging their foreign currencies at local money changers. "Fraud activities like this can harm Bali's image," Tenterem told Antara.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Troops guard steel company
Troops guard steel company CILEGON, West Java: Dozens of military and police personnel patrolled the compound of state steel company PT Krakatau Steel here over the weekend, following a mob attack on Wednesday. Antara reported that hundreds of local residents were seen scavenging iron scraps, but were prevented from entering the factory. No clashes were reported.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
West Java denies responsibility for pollution
West Java denies responsibility for pollution BANDUNG (JP): West Java Governor R. Nuriana insisted his administration was not responsible for the mercury that is said to have contaminated Cisadane River, whose water finds its way into homes across Jakarta. Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Nuriana said a shortage of employees prevented his office from stopping the illegal gold mining on Cipongkor Mountain in Bogor.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Portuguese president holds talks on rebuilding E. Timor
Portuguese president holds talks on rebuilding E. Timor DILI, East Timor (AFP): Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio met with East Timorese leaders on Sunday to discuss the difficult challenge of rebuilding the territory, ravaged by last year's militia violence. Sampaio is the first Portuguese head of state to visit the tiny half-island which was a colony of Lisbon for more than 400 years, before Portugal's abrupt withdrawal in 1975 triggered Indonesia's invasion and 24-year occupation.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Jabotabek trains offer exciting rides for commuters
Jabotabek trains offer exciting rides for commuters By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): The sight of passengers hanging in doorways, while others risk their lives riding on the roof of overcrowded trains make people who are unfamiliar with the scene hesitate to jump on. Regular passengers consist of people from all walks of life. Men in neat shirts, blue-collar workers, women in classy fragrant office outfits and sweating food hawkers -- all mingle in the same carriage.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stockholders to sue KLSE
Stockholders to sue KLSE SINGAPORE (AP): The association which represents the Singaporean holders of shares frozen by Malaysia said Saturday it is setting up a fund to pursue legal action against the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE). David Gerald, president of the Securities Association of Singapore, said the fund will be for individual investors to take legal action against the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange and its subsidiaries.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
KL, Bangkok to bid for INRO's buffer stock
KL, Bangkok to bid for INRO's buffer stock KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia and Thailand -- which have set up a fund to stabilize rubber prices -- will bid on the open market for buffer stock held by the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO), a Malaysian minister said on Saturday. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said purchases would be conducted in the "normal way" and they would not negotiate with INRO, which is to sell off its stock before winding up.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Top post open to indigenous
Top post open to indigenous DENPASAR, Bali: Indigenous people will be given more chances to hold the top post in provincial police offices in the future, National Police chief Lt. Gen. Rusdiharjo said on Saturday. Speaking after swearing in Brig. Gen. I Wayan Ardjana as Bali Police chief, Rusdiharjo said the policy to name a local for the post was a response to growing demand for regional autonomy and a manner to improve relations between police and the people.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police subprecinct chief killed in Aceh
Police subprecinct chief killed in Aceh SIGLI, Aceh (JP): A police subprecinct chief was shot dead in Pidie regency here on Sunday by an unidentified man believed to be a member of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Pidie Police chief Lt. Col. Endang Emiqail Bagus said the officer, Second Lt. Muhammad Djamil Yahya, who headed the Mutiara Police subprecinct, was killed when shopping at a Beureunuen market. "The victim was shot with a pistol at short range," Bagus said.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Microsoft W2K: Is it for your business PCs?
Microsoft W2K: Is it for your business PCs? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Now that the Y2K worries are virtually over, what is next on the agenda for IT managers? Their question is likely to be: "Are we ready for W2K?" What they have in mind is the question of whether they are ready to make the move to Windows 2000. Yes, in a few days -- on Feb. 17, to be precise, Microsoft is going to launch Windows 2000, the next generation of their operating system aimed at business users -- not home PC users.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Calls grow for trial of Soeharto despite state of health
Calls grow for trial of Soeharto despite state of health JAKARTA (JP): The investigation and possible trial of former president Soeharto for alleged corruption during his 32 years in power must go forward despite claims that he is physically unfit, observers said over the weekend. "This is not about taking revenge, but seeking truth and justice. The government must be able to prove that no one is above the law," human rights activist Hendardi told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Kuala Lumpur hotel rates cheapest in Asia: Report
Kuala Lumpur hotel rates cheapest in Asia: Report KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Hotel rates in Kuala Lumpur are the cheapest among major cities in Asia according to a recent survey, a news report said Saturday. But while the low rates are a cause for joy to tourists, hoteliers and Malaysian tourism authorities are concerned they have accelerated a price war among hotels desperate to attract guests.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
UI to ensure education for penniless students
UI to ensure education for penniless students JAKARTA (JP): University of Indonesia (UI) rector Asman Boedisantoso vowed on Saturday to ensure the continuation of education for its less privileged students despite its limited budget. "We'll try our best to ensure that no students drop out of school because of financial problems," he told reporters after leading a graduation ceremony of UI's 2,266 undergraduate students, held at its Depok campus.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rp 2.8m collected for Maluku refugees
Rp 2.8m collected for Maluku refugees BOGOR (JP): Some 700 local Muslims, mostly women, attended a tabligh akbar (mass gathering) in Semplak, north of here, on Sunday to raise money for refugees in the riot-torn province of Maluku. "We collected some Rp 2.8 million (US$383) at the gathering which will be sent to the people of Maluku affected by the riots," the gathering's organizer, Rachmat Syah M. Saleh of the Cooperation Forum for Bogor Mosques (FKMB), said after the event.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
People blamed for Makassar flood
People blamed for Makassar flood MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: An official denied on Sunday reports that claimed a burst dam was the cause of a flood here earlier this month. Suprapto Budi, head of the Bili-bili dam management, said heavy rains and continuing deforestation downstream from Jeneberang River were the causes of the flood, the worst the area has seen. Five people died and hundreds were left stranded.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Investors likely to stay away from the market
Investors likely to stay away from the market JAKARTA (JP): Analysts predicted share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) would lose ground this week in the wake of President Abdurrahman Wahid's decision on Sunday to retain Gen. Wiranto as coordinating minister for security and political affairs. The anticlimactic ending of the standoff between the two will be received negatively by the local stock market, the analysts said.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Soldiers face probe over blast
Soldiers face probe over blast JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Command spokesman Lt. Col. Djazairi Nachrowi said on Saturday that strict measures would be taken against any of its members implicated in the grenade blast in the Boker red-light district, Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, early on Friday morning. "We'll take stern measures against them, at the very least disciplinary sanctions, if we find that their presence at the red-light district was for having a 'good time'," he told The Jakarta Post.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia quivers over RI ethnic and religious strife
Malaysia quivers over RI ethnic and religious strife KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Ethnic and religious violence in Indonesia is unsettling neighboring Malaysia, fanning fears a rush of immigrants could undermine regional stability. Analysts and diplomats said Malaysian policymakers were concerned Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid might prove unable to put an end to sectarian violence which officials say has killed more than 1,600 people in the past year.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police arrest doctor, midwife over abortion
Police arrest doctor, midwife over abortion JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, arrested a doctor, his male assistant and a midwife for allegedly performing some 200 illegal abortions over the past 11 months. Speaking on Saturday, North Jakarta Police chief Col. Wisjnu Amat Sastro identified the suspects as doctor Agung Waluyo, 41, his assistant Arman Sasmita, alias Roby, and midwife Siti Jubaedah, alias Jujuk.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Development control agency comes under fire
Development control agency comes under fire JAKARTA (JP): The name is impressive, the City Development Control Agency. Its job is to maintain the supremacy of regulations on city planning, but many people have complained that it contributes to the city's disorganized planning. The agency has the greatest role to play in establishing successful city planning because it has the authority to control city development programs.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P urged to reject military's dual role
PDI-P urged to reject military's dual role SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is being urged to drop its support for the military's sociopolitical role during its congress in Semarang next month. Party deputy chairman Mochtar Buchori said in a seminar here that the commitment to maintain the military's dual role was no longer relevant in the current era when democracy was flourishing.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Fine Arts Exhibition: Desa Batu di Costabrava, by Hanafi, at Galeri Milenium, Golden Plaza complex, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until March 2. * Comics Exhibition: Ils revent le monde.., at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Salemba Raya 25 Central Jakarta (Phone: 3908585), until Feb. 29. * Painting Exhibition: The Spirit of Millennium, at the Mezzanine Lounge, Aston Atrium Hotel, Jl.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
City administration to cooperate with universities
City administration to cooperate with universities JAKARTA (JP): City administration signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday with a number of state universities to conduct joint research into improving services for residents. "City administration has to prepare its officials and also its residents with the latest development in science and technology.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Despite drawbacks, Indonesia's Net market rosy
Despite drawbacks, Indonesia's Net market rosy By Christiani Tumelap JAKARTA (JP): Despite its current lack of infrastructure and nascent computer-literate community, Indonesia is still a highly promising market for internet business, executives of foreign internet providers said. The newest foreign internet player in town, the Singapore- based search engine portal Catcha Group, said they decided to expand their business to Indonesia because they saw a great deal of internet opportunities here.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur told to be more thorough in building democracy
Gus Dur told to be more thorough in building democracy JAKARTA (JP): Noted Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid subtly criticized President Abdurrahman Wahid on Saturday for his controversial comments and urged the President to be more thorough in the painstaking process of building democracy.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Burglary suspect dies in cell
Burglary suspect dies in cell JAKARTA (JP): A burglary suspect died in a cell at Cilincing Police station in North Jakarta on Thursday evening after being beaten up by angry residents, a brother said on Friday. "My brother Joni Umbara, 22, was caught by residents in Sukapura area, North Jakarta, on Thursday evening as he was accused of attempting to burgle a house," the brother, who refused to be named, told reporters.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Russia's Proton rocket launches RI satellite
Russia's Proton rocket launches RI satellite BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan (Reuters): Russia resumed launches of its key Proton rocket booster on Saturday, with the workhorse of Moscow's space program lifting an Indonesian satellite into orbit from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN members warn of backlash on mega-mergers
ASEAN members warn of backlash on mega-mergers BANGKOK (Agencies): Southeast Asian countries said on Saturday they were concerned about developing nations being hit by a backlash from a current global trend for mega-mergers and acquisitions. Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said at a meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that because of this, alternative strategies for global economic development had to be found, a spokesman told reporters.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Man dies from speeding motorbike
Man dies from speeding motorbike JAKARTA (JP): A man died after being hit by a speeding motorbike on Jl. Raya Bogor, East Jakarta, which was allegedly driven by a member of the military, an official said on Saturday. One of the security personnel at the nearby depot of PT Mayasari Bhakti Bus, who refused to be named, said the victim, identified as Maman, 38, was crossing the street in front of the depot on Saturday morning, when suddenly a speeding motorbike struck him.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indorayon wins backing for controversial mill
Indorayon wins backing for controversial mill JAKARTA (JP): Pulp and rayon fiber producer PT Indorayon Utama has gained further backing for its controversial plant in the Porsea district, North Sumatra, with chairman of the National Economic Council Emil Salim warning the government on Saturday not to restrict operation of the factory without prior legal process.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Van Kalmhout wins Formula Ford Cup at Sentul
Van Kalmhout wins Formula Ford Cup at Sentul JAKARTA (JP): Marijn van Kalmhout of the Netherlands won the Formula Ford Euro Asia Cup First Division at the Sentul circuit near Bogor on Sunday. Kalmhout, of the Kalmthout Racing team and driving a Swift '97, clocked a time of 15 minutes and 59.738 seconds. Satrio Hermanto, the rising star of the local racing circuit, finished in second with a time of 16:00.935. Satrio represents the Smit Racing team and was driving a Van Diemen '97.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Manila sees rice shortfall
Manila sees rice shortfall MANILA (AFP): The Philippines is expecting a shortfall of about 350,000 tons of rice this year, Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban said Saturday. Asked on a government radio show if the country needed to import rice this year, Panganiban said the government estimated the Philippines could produce nine million tonnes, a shortfall of 350,000 tons.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Wukirasih, Andrian win at Cigna Open
Wukirasih, Andrian win at Cigna Open JAKARTA (JP): After winning the women's doubles with Irawati Iskandar, Wukirasih Sawondari also won the singles title at the Rp 35 million (US$4,800) Niaga Cigna Open 2000 at Senayan tennis stadium on Sunday. Wukirasih, ranked fifth in the nation, needed 90 minutes to defeat Frederika Girsang 6-4, 6-2. Wukirasih advanced to the final by defeating Irawati Moerid 2- 6, 6-4, 6-1 in the semifinals.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia gets tough on illegals
Malaysia gets tough on illegals KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Authorities detained 295 people as part of a crackdown on illegal immigrants after bloody clashes between foreign workers last week, news reports said on Sunday. Mostly Indonesians and Bangladeshis were rounded up in raids conducted over the weekend around the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Officials called it the year's biggest sweep of illegal immigrants. Those detained were expected to be deported, officials said.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pirates and Chinese frontier expansion
Pirates and Chinese frontier expansion I would like to comment on the letter from Mr. Santo Darmosumarto (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 3, 2000) titled Making sense of Beijing's conduct in the S. China Sea, as it contains not only inaccuracies but distorted facts. Mr.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur backs down on Wiranto
Gus Dur backs down on Wiranto JAKARTA (JP): An anticlimax was the result of the high-profile standoff between President Abdurrahman Wahid and Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto when the President stated on Sunday he would allow the minister to remain in the Cabinet, pending a probe into his alleged involvement in last year's East Timor violence.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
ANZ Panin's Olympic card
ANZ Panin's Olympic card JAKARTA (JP): Joint venture ANZ Panin Bank launched on Sunday an Olympic Visa card for Indonesia. The bank said in a statement the Olympic Visa card provided all the benefits of conventional Visa cards, with special features tied to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. "Being an Australian bank, ANZ Panin wants ... to immortalize the event with the launch of the unique card," it said.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
IBRA's challenge after the panic over Astra
IBRA's challenge after the panic over Astra After the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) took the controversial steps on what is regarded as its best asset -- PT Astra International -- The Jakarta Post interviewed Tony A. Prasetyantono from Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University on what he sees as IBRA's future performance. An excerpt of the interview follows: Question: How do you view the result of Astra's shareholders meeting?
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Lending fraud may drag down economic recovery
Lending fraud may drag down economic recovery By Reiner S. JAKARTA (JP): An alleged scandal in the extension of a multibillion dollar emergency liquidity support for ailing banks has left Bank Indonesia in a corner, and experts are saying it could risk the country's economic recovery.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Fair solution expected to Texmaco's credit scam
Fair solution expected to Texmaco's credit scam SUBANG, West Java (JP): Workers employed in factories belonging to the Texmaco Group called for an immediate and fair solution to the company's loan scandal so they could be more certain of their future.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
ACILS clarifies
ACILS clarifies The American Center for International Labor Solidarity Jakarta office (ACILS) issues the following public statement relating to the recent newspaper reports about it. ACILS has worked in Indonesia for more than 25 years and has at all times followed all the laws and regulations of Indonesia. It is a legally functioning organization in Indonesia and has always been so.
Mon, 14 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Market shuns T-bonds
Market shuns T-bonds Indonesian enterprises, which sorely need working capital to raise production rates amid heightened consumer confidence, may have to wait a longe time before significant bank lending resumes. The reason being recapitalized banks seem unable to sell the treasury bonds (T-bonds) which currently sit on their balance sheets as quasi capital. Even though the government, beginning on Feb.