Archive: 17 February 2000
54 articles found
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian Military Chief meets Thailand premier Chuan
Indonesian Military Chief meets Thailand premier Chuan BANGKOK (AFP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Adm. Widodo A.S. (left) met Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai (right) on Wednesday during his first official visit to Thailand. "He came to introduce himself as he just took the office," Thai Supreme Commander Gen. Mongkon Ampornpisit told reporters after the meeting with Chuan, who also serves as defense minister.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
House denies approval of Damura
House denies approval of Damura JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives' Commission VI on Religion and Human Resources, chairman Ma'ruf Amin, denied on Wednesday that the House has given its approval for the distribution and sale of coupons, called Damura (the People's Fund for Sports). "The reports have turned the facts upside down. The commission has not approved the matter. If there is a letter, it should have been signed by the commission chairman," he said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
One dead in Irian Jaya unrest
One dead in Irian Jaya unrest JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): One person was killed and two other civilians were injured when a clash erupted in Merauke after police tried to disperse demonstrators rejecting the government's offer of wide-ranging autonomy, activists said on Wednesday. The Institute of Human Rights Studies and Advocacy (IHRSTAD) identified the dead person as 18-year-old Paskalis Betayob.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mahesa may stop operations
Mahesa may stop operations BANDUNG (JP): The Mahesa business-class train serving the Bandung-Purwokerto-Semarang route may stop operations next month due to a lack of passengers, a railway official said. Akhmad Sujadi, the head of the PT Kereta Api Indonesia Regional II office in Bandung, said here on Wednesday only about 40 percent of the 344 seats on the train were sold each day. "We collect only Rp 4.7 million per day from the Mahesa train," he said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Man allegedly kills stepdaughter
Man allegedly kills stepdaughter TANGERANG (JP): Police arrested a 36-year-old man who allegedly beat his five-year-old stepdaughter to death, an officer said on Wednesday. The officer, who asked not to be named, said Bambang Wahono was arrested on Tuesday following the death of Aprihartini on Wednesday. The victim was allegedly beaten by her stepfather Bambang four days earlier. The victim's mother, Isroh, 26, said the incident took place at their house at about 9 p.m.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asia still a long way from precrisis ratings
Asia still a long way from precrisis ratings SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asia's unexpectedly speedy recovery has sparked hopes of further ratings upgrades, but beyond the positive headlines and data, much still needs to be done for a return to pre-crisis credit ratings. Many countries -- notably Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea -- need to clean up their messy financial sectors before they can regain the confidence of investors, analysts say.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Islamic party puts moderate foot forward in newly won state
Islamic party puts moderate foot forward in newly won state By Ranjan Roy KUALA TERENGGANU, Malaysia (AP): In his turban and long robe, Abdul Hadi Awang looks very much the Islamic preacher he is. So, many people were surprised when his first act as head of the new Islamic-oriented government in the northern state of Terengganu was to cancel plans for a huge mosque, calling it un- Islamic extravagance.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Theater Festival exposes violence and destruction
Theater Festival exposes violence and destruction By Putu Wirata SINGARAJA, Bali (JP): Violence and destruction were the major themes of the recent Biennale Theater held by Singaraja Teaching College in North Bali recently. This biannual festival on contemporary theater presented numerous artists from Bali including Nyoman Erawan, Nanoq da Kansas, Putu Satria Kusuma and the Buleleng art community.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Nokia not innovative
Nokia not innovative I am a fan of Nokia mobile phones. I've always used Nokia since my first phone: from the N2110, N3110, N8110 to finally the N6110 and Communicator 9110. Recently, Nokia launched three new models, the N8210, N8850 and the latest, the N7110. After observing these three models, I did not find any "new" features, except for the size and price.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stop plagiarism (1)
Stop plagiarism (1) The Sunday Post published on Nov. 28, 1999 an article titled Finding the funny side of things, a good reason to laugh. I highly appreciated the article by Otong S. Djuharie, a lecturer at Sunan Gunung Djati State Institute for Islamic Studies in Bandung. His article was very good. It was easy to understand and full of analyses. Besides, he viewed things from several aspects, testifying to his wide knowledge. However, one day I came across a book titled Reader's Choice.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Wushu body hopes for return of athlete Zaenab from France
Wushu body hopes for return of athlete Zaenab from France JAKARTA (JP): Wushu Association (WI) chairman Mediteransjah expressed hope national wushu athlete Zaenab of North Sumatra would represent Indonesia in international events. Mediteransjah said Zaenab had left Indonesia for France for an undetermined period of time after marrying a Frenchman last year. However, he does not know when Zaenab, the 1995 World Wushu Championship silver medalist, flew to France or where she currently is residing.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Investors cold shoulder launch of treasury bonds on SSX
Investors cold shoulder launch of treasury bonds on SSX JAKARTA (JP): No transactions have been made of the treasury bonds launched on the Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSX) early this month, an exchange executive said on Wednesday. SSX president Anton Natakoesoemah said most investors still considered the bonds unattractive for profit taking. "Although several investors showed interest, their bids were far below the face value of the bonds," he said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
The world is watching us
The world is watching us Indonesia may find it comforting to learn that the United Nations Security Council will not set up an international tribunal for people responsible for the campaign of terror and destruction in East Timor in September.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Government to teach gender matters to provincial officials
Government to teach gender matters to provincial officials JAKARTA (JP): The government will spend Rp 8.75 billion (US$1.25 million) in the next nine months to educate provincial officials and legislators about gender sensitivity. Discourses on gender issues will be held for government officials and legislators in 13 provinces, while another three provinces will hold lectures only for government officials.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Banten province draft bill stuns authorities
Banten province draft bill stuns authorities BANDUNG (JP): West Java officials say they are shocked that a proposal for a draft bill on establishing Banten as a province has circulated among House members without first being submitted to the provincial administration. West Java deputy governor for administrative affairs Moch. Husein Jahjasaputra said on Tuesday that his office had not received an official proposal for the establishment of Banten province. "I am very surprised.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
East Timor trial in three months
East Timor trial in three months JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Wednesday that trials of those accused of involvement in the campaign of terror and destruction in East Timor last year would start in three months. "We have given a general picture that within three months the trials could have started," Marzuki said after a 30-minute meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the Attorney General's Office.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bali, a paradise for dining
Bali, a paradise for dining DENPASAR (JP): Life is indeed too short to eat bad food. Bali is a paradise for dining. When you visit this beautiful island, you can find the perfect place to dine out. Some of the best restaurants in Bali such as the Bali Inter- Continental Resort in Jimbaran offers a special seafood menu at its famous Singaraja Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant offers a high standard selection on its menu, highlighting its originality and freshness of produce.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir summons hangs in balance
Mahathir summons hangs in balance KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prosecutors in the sodomy trial of Malaysia's fired deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday they would oppose defense attempts to call Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as a witness on Thursday.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Islam should not be used for political interest: PKB
Islam should not be used for political interest: PKB JAKARTA (JP): The Muslim-based National Awakening Party (PKB) has condemned the politicization of Islam, which it said contributed to fomenting the current ethnic and sectarian strife in the country. PKB's secretary-general Muhaimin Iskandar said the politicization of Islam and its symbols detracted from the religion itself and undermined the value of its fundamental teachings.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Man loses eye to irate orangutan
Man loses eye to irate orangutan SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A farmer from Sebulu Kutai regency in East Kalimantan lost his left eye and was hospitalized after being attacked by an orangutan. Kasito, 40, told Antara that the primate attacked him Monday as he was trying to scare a group of the animals from eating his crops. He said he struck the back of one of the animals. "The orangutan suddenly turned around, grabbed my feet and bit my face," he said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Six killed in Aceh strife
Six killed in Aceh strife BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Violence continued in Aceh as six people died in separate incidents on Tuesday. Police said they shot dead A. Manan, 19, as he was about to set fire to a sports stadium in the grounds of the Mobil Oil complex in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh. "Two of his friends fled the scene soon after we shot Manan," local police chief Lt. Col. Syafei Aksal said on Wednesday.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Most Asian currencies fall as firms sell rupiah
Most Asian currencies fall as firms sell rupiah HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Some strong economic numbers and waning near-term political fears helped the Indonesian rupiah off its worst levels of the day, but it still lost ground Wednesday. The Singapore dollar also weakened a touch against the U.S. currency, as did most of the other regional Asian currencies. But dealers say the markets are rangebound and likely to remain so ahead of key testimony from the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Thursday.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Independent team to decide Indorayon's fate: Minister
Independent team to decide Indorayon's fate: Minister JAKARTA (JP): The government will form an independent audit team to decide whether to close or relocate PT Inti Indorayon Utama's pulp and rayon fiber factory in Porsea district, North Sumatra. State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Development Laksamana Sukardi said on Wednesday he would coordinate with State Minister of Environment Sonny Keraf and Minister of Industry and Trade Yusuf Kalla in forming the team.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Three Pelti chapters want Tanri's ouster
Three Pelti chapters want Tanri's ouster JAKARTA (JP): Three provincial chapters of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) plan to request an extraordinary congress to replace current association chairman Tanri Abeng, who has been named a suspect in the Bank Bali scandal. Pelti spokesman Benny Mailili said representatives from the Yogyakarta, West Nusa Tenggara and West Java chapters wanted to ask for the congress.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
City gets tough on taking errant taxi firms to task
City gets tough on taking errant taxi firms to task JAKARTA (JP): The City Land Transportation Agency has revoked the operation license of a Kotas taxi, which, according to police findings, was used in last month's robbery and rape of a woman passenger, an official said on Wednesday. The head of the agency, Buyung Atang, told reporters at City Hall that his office decided to take the stern measure, considered the first ever in the capital, to crack down on unscrupulous taxi drivers in Jakarta.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
MPR questions advisory council's relevance
MPR questions advisory council's relevance JAKARTA (JP): A People's Consultative Assembly working committee on constitutional amendments questioned the relevance of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) because of its poor image in the past. In a meeting with council members, committee member Valina Singha said DPA, a state institution which offers advice to the President, had been the subject of much public scrutiny.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
GDP in black for '99, 4th quarter best
GDP in black for '99, 4th quarter best JAKARTA (JP): The country's economy continued to book strong growth in the fourth quarter of 1999, pushing it back into the black for the entire year. The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Wednesday that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in the fourth quarter grew by 5.76 percent compared to the same period of 1998. But if compared to the previous quarter, the GDP grew 0.9 percent.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Government mulls raising import duty on sugar
Government mulls raising import duty on sugar JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said on Wednesday the government was considering increasing the import duty on sugar in response to demands from the country's sugar industry. "Basically we're flexible with the import duty policy," Kwik said during a break in a business gathering.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Investigator vows to submit Agus dossiers soon
Investigator vows to submit Agus dossiers soon JAKARTA (JP): The dossiers of Army Second Lt. Agus Isrok, an alleged accomplice in last August's drug abuse case, will be submitted before the end of next week, an official said on Wednesday. "We'll submit the dossiers of Second Lt. Agus Isrok to the Jakarta Military Prosecutor's Office by next week at the latest," Col.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Provincial budgets set for KONI chapters
Provincial budgets set for KONI chapters JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) provincial chapters have received an instruction letter from the ministry of home affairs to include sports development funds in each provincial budget. KONI vice chairman, Oyong Kramayudha, said on Wednesday on the sidelines of the two-day KONI national plenary meeting that the instruction letter would help chapters to continue their training programs.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Retired general's son caught with drugs, gun
Retired general's son caught with drugs, gun JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta Police detectives arrested the son of a retired Army lieutenant general for possession of guns without a legal permit and possession of drugs on Wednesday morning, officers said. Sources at the West Jakarta Police and the Jakarta Police identified the suspect as Haryogi Maulana, the son of former State Intelligence Coordinating Body chief Lt. Gen. (ret) Zaini Azhar Maulani.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Telkom plans single tariff
Telkom plans single tariff JAKARTA (JP): PT Telkom Indonesia, the country's only domestic telecommunications provider, is waiting for the government to introduce a single tariff for the greater Jakarta area beginning this year. Telkom's president AA Nasution said here on Wednesday the introduction of the single zone tariff was important to provide fair treatment to users in the capital and its neighboring areas of Tangerang, Bekasi and Depok.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Drunk soldiers beaten by mob
Drunk soldiers beaten by mob JAKARTA (JP): Two drunk Army privates suffered serious injuries during a brawl with a group of men in a notorious section of Kemayoran district in Central Jakarta early on Wednesday, police said. The brawl occurred at the site of a disused Merpati Nusantara Airlines hangar which now houses drinking establishments frequented by prostitutes. Second Pvt. Almada, 23, First Pvt.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt slow in eradicating KKN
Govt slow in eradicating KKN We are very much concerned with the fact that President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur as he is popularly known, and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri have been quite slow in eradicating corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). After leading this country for more than 100 days, they have not had even one of the "looters" of the people's money incarcerated or shot dead.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian maids tell of abuse
Indonesian maids tell of abuse KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Two more Indonesian maids on Wednesday told of sexual abuse or near-torture by Malaysian employers -- the latest in a series of incidents which have prompted a shocked national response. Immigration authorities in the southern state of Johor presented the two women at a press conference in the state capital Johor Baru.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Debate on human rights tribunal bill continues
Debate on human rights tribunal bill continues JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts debated on Wednesday the appropriateness of a retroactive clause within a new bill on a human rights tribunal saying that the term is uncommon in present Indonesian law. Article 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, for example, stipulates that an offense can only be tried under a law that has been in place before the crime occurs.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Feb. 16, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Festival * Contemporary Theater Festival: Workshops, performances, at Sai Sai Bar, Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, in March. For further information contact the organiser Mai at 0361 975869 or e-mail g.gepeng@mailcity.com. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan - Yayasan Ratna Warta, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt to audit retail chains
Govt to audit retail chains JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to audit foreign retail chains to ensure they are following existing regulations. Minister of Industry and Trade Yusuf Kalla said here on Wednesday his ministry wanted to ensure the foreign retailers had local partners for their operations in the country.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
BFC again sued by foreign creditors
BFC again sued by foreign creditors JAKARTA (JP): Four Hong Kong-based creditors filed a bankruptcy suit against finance company PT Bakrie Finance Corporation (BFC) for the second time on Wednesday for the company's failure to pay US$13.5 million in debt. The creditors' lawyer William S.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Officer rules out mass outbreak of unrest in city
Officer rules out mass outbreak of unrest in city JAKARTA (JP): A senior officer at the Jakarta Military Command dismissed on Wednesday the possibility of violence breaking out in the city following the recent suspension of Gen. Wiranto from his post as coordinating minister for political affairs and security. "We have yet to find indications that any groups are attempting to create unrest in the city following the suspension," Jakarta Military Command chief of staff Brig. Gen. A.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Military looking for dignified way out of politics
Military looking for dignified way out of politics The military is seeking a dignified way to exit politics, lecturer in politics Cornelis Lay of Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University says of recent developments. The following is an excerpt of the interview with The Jakarta Post: Question: What about the eventual decision of President Abdurrahman Wahid to suspend Gen. Wiranto from the Cabinet?
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 16, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 900 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 775 -50 3,791,000 Alakasa Industrindo 700 125 2,500 Alfa Retailindo 925 -25 862,000 Alter Abadi 350 -50 12,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,075 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 475 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,300 -25 497,500 Anwar Sierad 325 0 30,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia trashes host India in Uber Cup ties
Indonesia trashes host India in Uber Cup ties JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia thrashed India 4-1 in the first match of the Thomas and Uber Cup qualifying round in New Delhi on Wednesday. However, team manager Christian Hadinata expressed disappointment with the result, saying he was worried that if his team failed to improve its play they would have trouble overcoming Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in the next match.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
S. Sumatra, C. Java top PON host bidding
S. Sumatra, C. Java top PON host bidding JAKARTA (JP): South Sumatra and Central Java won the 2004 National Games (PON) bidding on Wednesday in an open election at the National Sports Council (KONI) plenary meeting commission 2 on organization. South Sumatra won with 33 votes, followed by Central Java with 23, North Sumatra with four and West Java with only one vote.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia committed to upholding legal certainty, says Kwik
Indonesia committed to upholding legal certainty, says Kwik JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie reiterated on Wednesday that the government was committed to ensuring legal certainty in the country despite the clamor from some camps in the bureaucracy for revising or terminating business contracts made in the past.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Doctors to examine Soeharto
Doctors to examine Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Wednesday that a medical team would soon be sent to check the condition of former president Soeharto after the latter failed to show up for questioning at his office due to claims of illness. "We will send a medical team to Soeharto's residence soon to double check the information we received from his medical team," he told reporters after a Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
An homage to the life and career of Popo Iskandar
An homage to the life and career of Popo Iskandar By Wawan S. Husin BANDUNG (JP): If and only if Popo Iskandar had not been born into a Sundanese family in Garut, West Java, and instead born among the American Indian tribes, his name might have been Light Fire, Lightfoot, Brave Mustang, Dancing Wolf, or even Great Cat. If, and only if, I were a witch doctor among those tribes, or a godfather of the baby, I would have chosen his name: Great Cat.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Tolls on turnpikes to increase
Tolls on turnpikes to increase JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to raise tolls on turnpikes in the country by about 20 percent within the next few months to help operators cope with rising maintenance costs, a senior official said here on Wednesday. The secretary to the state minister of public works, Sunaryo Sumadji, said the proposal toll increase had been submitted to the Cabinet secretary for approval.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
RI-Korean artists launch 'back-to-nature' drive
RI-Korean artists launch 'back-to-nature' drive JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Korea have long been recognized as centers of textile production, yet the use of fibers as a medium for contemporary artistic creations was only developed a few decades ago. The development of modern textile-based arts in Indonesia quite possibly begins with the establishment of the textile design studio at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in l968.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Teachers demand years of unpaid salaries
Teachers demand years of unpaid salaries BOGOR (JP): Thirty teachers from Yapindo Foundation's Ganesha School in Bogor protested at the City Council building on Wednesday demanding the foundation immediately pay them 12 years owed salary. They claim the foundation owes some Rp 180 million (US$15 million) to teachers and employees of the school, saying they have not been paid since 1988. "We want the foundation to pay our salaries and we want details on every pay slip," a teacher said.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Big names probed for alleged abuse of forestry funds
Big names probed for alleged abuse of forestry funds JAKARTA (JP) A team of seven prosecutors from the Attorney General's Office are investigating the alleged misuse of reforestation funds by five major figures linked to former president Soeharto.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Waste problems bring hotels, NGOs together
Waste problems bring hotels, NGOs together By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Hotels and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are cooperating to save the environment of the paradise island of Bali. The rapid development of tourism in Bali has caused serious environmental problems to the once beautiful and serene island. The operation of hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities draws huge foreign exchange and provide job opportunities to the locals, yet it also creates troubles.
Thu, 17 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Regional autonomy in April
Regional autonomy in April JAKARTA (JP): Cabinet Secretary Marsilam Simajuntak said on Wednesday that the government would start implementing the laws on regional autonomy and fiscal balance between central and local governments on April 1. Speaking to journalists after a two-hour Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office, Marsilam said the government was finalizing all supporting government regulations as operational basis for the law.