Archive: 19 February 2000
50 articles found
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bank Mandiri mulls buying IBRA's credit portfolio
Bank Mandiri mulls buying IBRA's credit portfolio By Reiner S BATAM (JP): Stated-owned Bank Mandiri was considering buying the "good" bank loans held by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) as part of efforts to expand its credit portfolio, the bank's president Robby Djohan said on Friday. Robby said the bank would use the government's bank recapitalization bonds to purchase IBRA's credit assets.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Nurturing a fledgling democracy
Nurturing a fledgling democracy This is the second of two articles based on an address to the Indonesian Council on World Affairs by Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General in Jakarta on Feb. 16, 2000. JAKARTA: Separatism is a challenge facing many countries. Each case involves different realities and conditions; each requires a different approach. But most of them do have one thing in common; although they may have security implications, they are, in essence, not security problems.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Jail sentence sought for alleged smuggler
Jail sentence sought for alleged smuggler TANGERANG (JP): The director of an export company was indicted on Friday at Tangerang District Court for attempting to smuggle cobras to neighboring Malaysia and Singapore last November. "The defendant was trying to smuggle 540 cobras to Malaysia and Singapore by means of counterfeited export documents," prosecutor Supriati said at the initial hearing in the trial of Yuliana binti Hasan of CV Winada Pratama.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Half of Tangerang's roads damaged
Half of Tangerang's roads damaged TANGERANG (JP): About half of the 550 kilometers of main streets in the Tangerang mayoralty have been seriously or slightly damaged, head of the Bina Marga road development agency Engkan Lengkana reported on Tuesday. "Of the total 550 km, 250 km are damaged," he told reporters. The damaged roads, he added, excluded those located within housing complexes.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Two Arun LNG trains to be shut
Two Arun LNG trains to be shut JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina and its American partner Mobil Oil Indonesia will soon close two of their six liquefied natural gas (LNG) trains in Arun, Aceh, industrial sources in Singapore said on Friday. The sources told The Jakarta Post that one train would be closed on Monday, followed by another around March.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Weltevreden complex still stands proud
Weltevreden complex still stands proud By Ida Indawati Khouw Preservationists have been very upset after noticing the rear of the former Supreme Court building in Central Jakarta has been damaged by a developer. Their distress is not surprising, though, since the protected Dutch inheritance, together with the other offices in the Ministry of Finance complex, are known as the oldest government office complex that still exists and, up until now, has been well-managed since the Batavia period.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Legislators prevented from meeting Soeharto
Legislators prevented from meeting Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): A lawyer representing Soeharto was fuming on Friday after an unexpected visit by legislators to the former president's residence to question him about his alleged channeling of loans to certain banks. Seven legislators from House of Representatives Commission IX for financial and development planning affairs traveled to Jl. Cendana in Central Jakarta in an attempt to meet with the former president.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Annan shocked by devastation
Annan shocked by devastation DILI (AFP): Visibly shocked, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Friday the scorched-earth policy carried out in East Timor by Indonesian groups was worse than he had imagined as he ended a brief visit here. "The devastation I have been able to see so far is worse than what I had imagined from the reports and what I saw on television. Reconstruction is an immense task," he said, before departing for Australia.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Fair competition urged in PDI Perjuangan congress
Fair competition urged in PDI Perjuangan congress JAKARTA (JP): Officials of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) have urged party supporters to allow the election of its next chairman to be contested fairly and with an emphasis on regeneration. Deputy chairman Dimyati Hartono said all candidates should be given an equal opportunity to run against party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri for the chairmanship. "Democracy should be upheld.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pornography and rape
Pornography and rape From Suara Karya Recent sexual violence cases are not unrelated to the influence of pornographic films which circulate freely in the community. One offender admitted that he raped Mrs. S. in South Jakarta some time ago as his sexual desire was aroused after he had watched a pornographic film on VCD. A similar case happened a few years ago when a small boy violated a small girl after he had seen a film with hot scenes.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Short films strengthen RI-German cultural ties
Short films strengthen RI-German cultural ties By Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): In a celebration of cultural relations between Germany and Indonesia, the Goethe Institute, in cooperation with various local educational organizations in major cities, is holding a German-Indonesian Short Films Festival from Feb. 15 through to March 3. The festival features 35 short films from various genres under four categories: Tricky Germany (12 films), Politics? Politics!
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police generals get new posts
Police generals get new posts JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Lt. Gen. Rusdihardjo installed on Friday five major generals and three brigadier generals in their new posts at National Police Headquarters. "I hope the repositioning of the officers in their new posts will help the police force in the coming days," Rusdihardjo said in his speech during the installation ceremony here. Among the eight police generals involved in the reshuffle was former North Sumatra Police chief Brig. Gen.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
House, govt agree on average 29.43% hike in power rates
House, govt agree on average 29.43% hike in power rates JAKARTA (JP): The government reached agreement on Friday with the House of Representatives' special team on electricity rates to propose an average rate increase of 29.43 percent starting April 1. Legislator Pramono Anung, who led the team, said they also agreed to protect low-income households with maximum electricity feed of 900 kilowatts per hour.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
City races on with pedicabs mass operation
City races on with pedicabs mass operation JAKARTA (JP): Undeterred by a lawsuit filed by becak (pedicab) drivers, Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday the city administration would continue with its plan to clear the vehicles off the streets. The governor defended the mass operation as in accordance with the 1988 City Bylaw No. 11 on Public Order. "We will conduct a mass and simultaneous operation against becak on Feb.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rights group protests shooting
Rights group protests shooting JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A rights group in Jayapura protested on Friday the shooting of demonstrators by policemen in Merauke on Wednesday. John Rumbiak, spokesman for the Institute of Human Rights Studies and Advocacy, told The Jakarta Post the shooting in Merauke was a clear violation of human rights. "We also want the Irian Jaya Police chief to explain the shooting to the public before punishing the shooters," John said.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Persija ties 0-0 with Indocement
Persija ties 0-0 with Indocement SEMARANG (JP): Persija Jakarta tied 0-0 with Indocement Cirebon in an expulsion match of the sixth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) at Jatidiri Stadium here. No spectators were allowed to watch the match. Persija, who was backboned by national young striker Bambang Pamungkas and his senior, Widodo C. Putro, was in poor form and could not earn any goals. Bambang could not make use of the cross pass from Widodo to kick a goal for his new team.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Max Tamaela surprised at rumored tour of duty
Max Tamaela surprised at rumored tour of duty AMBON, Maluku (JP): Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela said on Friday that he was surprised at press reports that his time as chief of the Pattimura Military Command overseeing Maluku and North Maluku would soon come to an end after less than 10 months. "I have not been officially informed. Therefore, I can't comment on the reports," he said when reporters sought confirmation about his removal.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
24% urged for basic wage
24% urged for basic wage JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has proposed to the Ministry of Manpower that the monthly minimum wage (UMR) in the Jakarta area be increased by 24 percent, an official says.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Golkar's defiant politicians signal possibility of return
Golkar's defiant politicians signal possibility of return JAKARTA (JP): Several Golkar politicians who deserted the party during the past general election attended an official party gathering on Friday, signaling the possibility of their return. Rachmat Witoelar and Indra Bambang Utoyo were among the defiant politicians who left Golkar but were seen again conferring closely with their former party colleagues at the Golkar headquarters in Slipi, West Jakarta.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Eight people die in two days of violence in city
Eight people die in two days of violence in city JAKARTA (JP): Eight people have died in violent clashes across the city in the past two days. Their bodies were admitted to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital morgue on Friday. Three people jumped into the Cakung Drainage in North Jakarta on Thursday morning to escape pursuing local residents angry because the trio allegedly attempted to steal a truck's tires, a duty officer of the Cilincing Police subprecinct told reporters.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur discounts role of daughters over his actions
Gus Dur discounts role of daughters over his actions YOGYAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid dismissed accusations on Friday his daughters had an overpowering influence over his actions, including his recent claim of a clandestine meeting of military generals in Jakarta. The President also denied his second daughter, "Yenny" Zannuba Arifah, had told him about the alleged meeting on Jl. Lautze earlier this month.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Presidential 'whisperers'?
Presidential 'whisperers'? It would be interesting to know what President Abdurrahman Wahid would have said had he been present at Thursday's hearing of the House of Representatives Commission I for defense, foreign and political affairs and some of the President's closest aides. It has taken much less pointless talk than was heard at this latest entertaining exchange in the House for our irrepressibly outspoken President to brand the national legislature a "kindergarten".
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Batam immigration catches foreigners
Batam immigration catches foreigners BATAM, Riau: The local immigration office said on Friday it had prevented 129 foreigners from entering the country through Batam over the last two months. The foreigners include 47 Iraqis, while others were from India, China and Singapore, immigration official Wachdiyat was quoted by Antara as saying. He said most of the foreigners were prevented from entering the country because they possessed either a fake visa or were using an expired passport.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 18, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 900 75 35,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 725 -25 8,856,000 Alakasa Industrindo 575 -125 500 Alfa Retailindo 850 -25 1,057,000 Alter Abadi 300 -75 12,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 0 288,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,250 -25 2,940,000 Anwar Sierad 325 0 12,500 APAC Centertex...
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
TPP needs $900m in fresh fund
TPP needs $900m in fresh fund SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's Trans Pacific Petrochemical Indotama, which is majority owned by the Tirtamas Group, will require US$900 million to complete the construction of its stalled petrochemical complex in East Java, a Tirtamas official told Dow Jones Newswires Friday. "We're currently negotiating with several groups of foreign investors, with our Japanese partners showing keen interest," he said.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pressures mount for more Cabinet shake-up
Pressures mount for more Cabinet shake-up JAKARTA (JP): Although there has been no confirmation of swirling reports of an impending Cabinet reshuffle, leading politicians said on Friday that President Abdurrahman Wahid should fire incompetent ministers. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said the President should dismiss ministers who failed to perform up to expectations. But the party's faction chairman Dimyati Hartono said the changes should be minor.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Textile and Fiber Art Indonesia - Korea at Textile Museum, Jl. Karel Satsuit Tubun, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5606613), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 19. * Instalation Exhibition: Pangaradeon Ni Oroan (Persiapan Pengantin Perempuan, by Altje Ully Panjaitan, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), Feb. 17 to March 17. * Painting Exhibition by Agus Budiyanto, at World Trade Center, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Judge warns Malaysia PM
Judge warns Malaysia PM KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The judge in former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim's sex trial told Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Friday to refrain from commenting on the case after the leader said his testimony was not needed. High Court Judge Arifin Jaka put off a decision on whether to accept a defense request and call Mahathir to the witness stand in the nine month trial that has split Malaysia.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Banks' losses total Rp 38.7t
Banks' losses total Rp 38.7t JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's 164 commercial banks suffered losses of Rp 38.70 trillion (about US$5.3 billion) in 1999, which is a sharp turnaround from Rp 62.49 trillion in the previous year. Despite the massive losses, profitability of the country's banking industry showed an improvement, according to the research department of Infobank magazine. The monthly magazine reported that 72 banks recorded meager profits but the other 92 still suffered significant losses.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Sexual harassment on public bus on the rise
Sexual harassment on public bus on the rise JAKARTA (JP): The recent robberies and rapes of women in taxis serve as a good reminder to female commuters to be careful in using public transportation in the capital. Much more, it is widely known that the sexual harassment of women often occurs on public buses, particularly during rush hour when the buses are crowded. However, most victims of sexual harassment are unwilling to file complaints with the police, choosing instead to suffer in silence.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Veterans survive women's doubles
Veterans survive women's doubles JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's singles tennis players crashed out of the US$10,000 Women's Circuit-1 at the Danamon Tennis Center in Kemayoran, Jakarta on Friday, while in the doubles event only the veteran national pair Yayuk Basuki and Irawati Moerid Iskandar managed to advance to Saturday's semifinal. The first women's circuit here also saw the rise of South Korean players in both the singles and the doubles events.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Feb. 18, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Irian Jaya sends 220 athletes for PON
Irian Jaya sends 220 athletes for PON JAYAPURA (JP): The Irian Jaya sports council has decided to send 220 athletes and 224 officials to the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya, East Java, council spokesman Steven Dumbon said. Steven said the contingent would include Irian Jaya Governor Freddy Numberi, the state minister of administrative reforms, the provincial secretary, the council's chairman and his deputies, regents, their secretaries, regency councilors and their wives.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Soedjono missing since Nov. 29
Soedjono missing since Nov. 29 JAKARTA (JP): In a startling revelation, it was disclosed on Friday that key suspect in the alleged military massacre in West Aceh, Lt. Col. Sudjono, had disappeared nearly two months before the military admitted he was missing. Information obtained by The Jakarta Post indicates Sudjono went missing on Nov.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Challenge, not avoid your enemies!
Challenge, not avoid your enemies! It was with an audible sigh of national relief that 200 million people welcomed home President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur last weekend after a breathtaking two-week tour of European, Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Many felt that the President was once more doing a dangerous balancing act on a slippery circus rope. Many heads of state would have instantly flown back home on hearing rumors of possible coup d'etat.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Death toll in Aceh tumult reaches 179 this year
Death toll in Aceh tumult reaches 179 this year BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Nine more people were reported killed in Aceh in the last two days, raising the death toll for the year to 179. A total of 151 civilians, 15 Indonesian Military (TNI) members and 13 policemen were recorded as casualties in the continuing violence in the restive province. The toll is expected to rise and may well exceed last year's total of 293 as a political solution to end the violence has yet to be found.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
IPB receives 39 students from Ambon
IPB receives 39 students from Ambon BOGOR (JP): The Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) has received 39 students from Pattimura University in riot-torn Ambon in a bid to help them complete their studies, IPB academic and student affairs bureau chief Eddi Sendjaja said on Thursday. "The students started their studies on Feb. 14," Eddi said, adding that besides Pattimura University, IPB was also expecting students from Syah Kuala University in Aceh, another violence- torn province.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
On plagiarism
On plagiarism The Jakarta Post, Feb. 17's letter on plagiarism has opened a Pandora's box. How can The Jakarta Post prevent this widespread phenomenon? Universities are also having to cope with this enormous task of detecting such dishonesty in education. A method of computerized finger-printing has been invented and can be obtained on the web: http://plagiarism.org/ from U.C. Berkeley.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies lower on U.S. rate fears
Asian currencies lower on U.S. rate fears HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Ruffled by hawkish commentary from the U.S. Federal Reserve chief, and edgy as investors dump yen, Asian currencies are weaker Friday. Indonesian government officials offered up some soothing words to shore up confidence in the rupiah, and dealers say most other currencies have stabilized around current levels. But many add it'll be a few days before the bad mood lifts. "So long as (the U.S.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
President supports Agus in argument with Wiranto
President supports Agus in argument with Wiranto YOGYAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid on Friday threw his support behind Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusumah, who is facing disciplinary measures for openly criticizing former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto. Speaking during a dialog with local leaders, the President said he did not think that the chief of the Wirabuana Military Command overseeing Sulawesi should be punished for his remarks.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Human rights to get 'respect' in Constitution
Human rights to get 'respect' in Constitution JAKARTA (JP): A People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) committee working on amendments to the 1945 Constitution will propose the specific inclusion of the words "respect for human rights" in its proposals. "We agreed to insert 'respect for human rights' among the already existing articles or it could be a separate new article in itself," Slamet Effendi Yusuf, deputy chairman of MPR's working committee on constitutional amendments, said here on Friday.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
WB upbeat government can fight corruption
WB upbeat government can fight corruption JAKARTA (JP): World Bank president James Wolfensohn expressed confidence on Friday that the Indonesian government would be able to confront and root out corruption, reduce the foreign debt burden and boost economic recovery.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
S'pore launches RI aid scheme
S'pore launches RI aid scheme SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore on Friday launched a S$400 million (US$235.3 million) finance scheme to encourage local companies to invest in Indonesia. The scheme is run by the Economic Development Board (EDB), Singapore's state investment promotion arm and caters to both large companies and small and medium enterprises which have at least 51 percent local equity.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Damura not gambling, says Mutiara Mandala
Damura not gambling, says Mutiara Mandala JAKARTA (JP): PT Mutiara Mandala Mahardhika (3M) has set up a verification team which claims the Damura (the People's Fund for Sports) coupons will not encourage people to gamble. Acin Yasin, the chairman of PT 3M verification team, said in a meeting with the media on Friday that buying Damura coupons was not gambling because the proceeds are meant to help sports development in the country.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
No delay in Ambon airport expansion
No delay in Ambon airport expansion AMBON, Maluku (JP): Officials here on Friday said the expansion of Pattimura Airport was continuing on schedule despite the turmoil which has swept across the city in recent months. "We will continue to develop the airport as there is no order to delay the plan," the head of the local office of the Ministry of Communications, M.J. Manuputty, said.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Central Java optimistic over hosting PON
Central Java optimistic over hosting PON SEMARANG (JP): Central Java Governor Mardiyanto remains hopeful of the province winning the right to host the 16th National Games (PON) in 2004 despite losing in preliminary voting. "Central Java still has the chance to host the 2004 PON and the decision will be up to President Abdurrahman Wahid," he said here on Friday following Wednesday's voting during the plenary meeting of the National Sports Council (KONI).
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian shuttlers advance to the Uber Cup semifinals
Indonesian shuttlers advance to the Uber Cup semifinals JAKARTA (JP): Top seed Indonesia advanced to the semifinals by defeating third seed Chinese Taipei 4-1 in third-day action at the Thomas and Uber Cup qualifying round in New Delhi on Friday. First singles Lidya Djaelawidjaja, who lost her previous two matches, exploited her technical skills to top Huang Chia-Chi 11- 5, 11-7.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
On HIV/AIDS cases
On HIV/AIDS cases It appears that your article 37 HIV/AIDS cases reported from The Jakarta Post, Feb. 16, 2000, has suffered at the hands of the editor's scissors. I suspect that the last sentence of the third paragraph should read: Of these 37 new cases, ten people are known to be infected with HIV through this behavior sharing needles among drug users], of whom four have AIDS.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bumi Modern gets approval for rights issue
Bumi Modern gets approval for rights issue JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) finally gave approval on Friday to publicly listed tourism and hotel concern PT Bumi Modern's controversial rights issue plan. "Bapepam has issued a letter giving allowing us to go ahead with the rights issue plan," the company's president, Jay Abdullah Alatas, said after the extraordinary shareholders' meeting on Friday evening.
Sat, 19 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Residents stand by doctor in opposing transfer order
Residents stand by doctor in opposing transfer order BOGOR (JP): An official at the Ministry of Health's Bogor office rejected a demand on Thursday by residents of Mulyaharja village that their favorite doctor is not transferred. "Doctor Abdul Mughni is not a permanent employee of the health ministry.