Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 February 2000

57 articles found

Peace bus disappears in Kashmir flashpoint

Peace bus disappears in Kashmir flashpoint By John Chalmers NEW DELHI (Reuters): The warm rhetoric and neat symbolism of Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's journey of peace to Pakistan last February has been consigned to the history books. One year on, Kashmir is once again convulsed by violence and there is more talk of war than amity.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 TV Series 3:00 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Documentary 5:30 Sports 6:00 Music 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 8:00 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:30 Music 11:30 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Children's Program 5:00 City News 5:30 Music 6:00 TV Drama 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama TPI 5:30 a.m.

Young designers lighten up capital's fashion scene

Young designers lighten up capital's fashion scene By Agni Amorita JAKARTA (JP): Two young and promising designers opted for other colors for St. Valentine Day's instead of conventional pink at their debut fashion show at Grand Mahakam Hotel. Barli Perdana Asmara, 20, from Nuimasu Clothing and Ivan Gunawan, 18, of Studio 18 Boutique delighted the audience at the South Jakarta hotel last Friday with their innovative and impressive collections.

Opponents fault plan to erect heroes monuments

Opponents fault plan to erect heroes monuments JAKARTA (JP): The city administration's plan to erect monuments of several national heroes on major streets in the capital bearing their names has met with outspoken opposition. Contacted separately by The Jakarta Post on Monday, these critics urged Governor Sutiyoso to drop the plan because the monuments would do nothing to enhance the city or the lives of Jakartans.

On freedom of worship

On freedom of worship "All religions must be tolerated," the eminent 18th-century Prussian monarch Frederick the Great is said to have once instructed his religious department officials. "Every man must go to heaven in his own way." In present-day Indonesia, such an open plea for religious freedom might be considered by many to be rather revolutionary, even in this era of democratic reform.

Council to propose draft bylaw on asset management

Council to propose draft bylaw on asset management JAKARTA (JP): In a move to prevent losses of city assets, the City Council will soon submit a draft bylaw on city asset management, a councilor said on Monday. "We find it necessary to submit and deliberate such a draft city bylaw because there is no regulation at all to regulate city asset management," councilor Amarullah Asbah of the Golkar Party faction announced at his office.

Arun LNG plant

Arun LNG plant With regards your report titled Two Arun LNG trains to be shut, on Feb. 19, 2000, we hereby would like to comment and make a correction as follows: 1. I was telephoned by your reporter at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18, asking me to confirm information from media sources in Singapore reporting that two trains of the Arun LNG plant soon would be closed. 2.

Govt told to step up fight against copyright infringement

Govt told to step up fight against copyright infringement JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Intellectual Property Society called on the government on Monday to take tougher action in curbing copyright infringement in Indonesia or face possible retaliation in the near future. Gunawan Suryomurcito, chairman of the Indonesian Intellectual Property Society, warned that retribution may be forthcoming as copyright infringement of products from many countries is rampant here.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000 Performances * Music at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32, 7:30 p.m.: Paris Combo, March 2. Trio La Tache, March 9. * Sundanese Traditional Performance by Dewi Murni Group, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 8 p.m., Feb. 26. * Theater: Anarkis Itu Mati Kebetulan, Actors Unlimited, at CCF - French Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24 - 25.

Rise in haj pilgrims from North Maluku

Rise in haj pilgrims from North Maluku TERNATE, North Maluku: The number of haj pilgrims from the riot-wracked province increased by 50 percent this year, Governor Surasmin said on Monday. In a speech read by provincial secretary Thayib Armayn, Surasmin expressed surprise the year-long sectarian clashes that have rocked the territory did not discourage Muslims here from making the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Cotton mission in town

Cotton mission in town JAKARTA (JP): A delegation from the Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) is visiting Indonesia to initiate an international market development program aimed at highlighting its growing bilateral cotton trade with Indonesia. The Australian embassy said on Monday that the visit to Jakarta and Bandung was in recognition of the country's importance as the largest destination for Australian cotton exports.

Sjahril vows not to step down from BI

Sjahril vows not to step down from BI JAKARTA (JP): Embattled Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin stressed on Monday that he would not resign from his post despite increasing criticism over the alleged mishandling of billions of dollars in emergency liquidity support to ailing banks between November 1997 and early 1998. Sjahril said that according to the new central bank law, his office term is for four years. "I won't step down.

Is North Sumatra's Lake Toba really as sick as it sounds?

Is North Sumatra's Lake Toba really as sick as it sounds? By Pasi Lehmusluoto JAKARTA (JP): "Danau Toba sakit" (Toba Lake is Sick), screamed the headline of Medan Patriot Indonesia on Jan. 26, 2000. The newspaper explained that the "sickness" reduced the lake's value as a tourist attraction. That morning began a workshop on Lake Toba in Tuktuk, Samosir, North Sumatra. I will never forget my first visit to Lake Toba more than ten years ago.

Talks on e-commerce security

Talks on e-commerce security JAKARTA (JP): The Computer Associates will hold a seminar on e-commerce security in Jakarta on Thursday to address the potential security issues related to Internet usage and e- commerce in Indonesia. The company said speakers at the seminar, to be held at the Jakarta American Club, would include Richard Jacobson, a senior Internet analyst with IDC and Lloyd Tanaka, CA's eTrust product marketing manager.

Police shoot, arrest car theft suspects

Police shoot, arrest car theft suspects JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta police detectives shot dead a car theft suspect and arrested his two accomplices after being caught offering a stolen vehicle to undercover officers on Monday afternoon. South Jakarta Police Chief of Detectives Maj. Rycko Amelza Daniel identified the dead suspect as Lukman, 40, allegedly a former Army officer, and the other two as Naisafuri Ibra, 36, and Robert, alias Ahmad Fauzi, in his 60s.

Let the Irianese choose how to live

Let the Irianese choose how to live I would like to comment on the article about Irianese life expectancy (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 16, 2000), reflecting my own experiences while traveling in Irian Jaya. A life expectancy of 40 years is quite normal under the circumstances in which remote tribes live, and is comparable to other indigenous groups elsewhere on the planet. In Irian Jaya, these circumstances differ quite a lot between different areas.

Anwar trial postponed

Anwar trial postponed KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The sex trial of former Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim was adjourned on Monday for two weeks after his lawyers asked for more time to prepare their case for calling Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as a witness. High Court judge Arifin Jaka adjourned the trial until March 6 after Anwar's lawyers said they also needed the rest of the week to prepare Anwar's appeal against an earlier conviction for corruption.

Arun to cut LNG output by 37% from April

Arun to cut LNG output by 37% from April SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): PT Arun, Indonesia's second largest liquefied natural gas producer, said the company will cut LNG output 37 percent to 18 million cubic meters a year from April because of a decline in reserves at its Arun gas fields. "We are cutting back because of a natural decline in gas resources," said Ariffin Nawawi, president of P.T. Arun. The company is a joint venture, with Exxon Mobil Corp.

Kofi Annan's statement

Kofi Annan's statement From Pelita United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Indonesia only one day after coordinating minister for political affairs and security Gen. Wiranto was suspended from office by President Abdurrahman Wahid. This near coincidence must be questioned and reflected upon.

Car sales grow 77%

Car sales grow 77% JAKARTA (JP): Domestic vehicle sales grew by 77 percent to 94,023 vehicles in 1999 from just 53,032 a year earlier, according to data at the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries released on Monday. Meanwhile, exports for 1999 totaled 31,660 vehicles. New car sales -- both domestic and exports -- totaled 125,683 vehicles, of which 60 percent were supplied by auto giant PT Astra International.

Asian currencies mostly down on U.S. rate hike fears

Asian currencies mostly down on U.S. rate hike fears HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Unease over the impact of higher U.S. interest rates on Asian economies, tumbling local stock markets and a data shock in Singapore combined to force most regional currencies lower Monday.

Telstra enters East Timor

Telstra enters East Timor SYDNEY (Dow Jones): Telstra Corp., Australia's dominant telecommunications concern, said Monday it has rebuilt a substantial part of the communications infrastructure to provide local calls in Dili, the capital of the former Indonesian province of East Timor. The company said international calls to and from East Timor have also been reestablished with Telstra's installation of an international exchange. East Timor now has its own country access code, 6729, Telstra said.

Minimum wage set to rise 15% to 55%

Minimum wage set to rise 15% to 55% JAKARTA (JP): Official minimum wage levels throughout the country will increase between 15 percent and 55 percent from April 1, the Ministry of Manpower announced on Monday. Although representing significant increases, the new minimum wages for most regions barely cover the monthly living expenses of a single person, the ministry said.

WFP distributes rice to the poor

WFP distributes rice to the poor JAKARTA (JP): United Nations World Food Program (WFP) executive director Catherine Bertini (right) distributes rice during a visit to Cipinang Besar Selatan, East Jakarta. Bertini announced on Monday that the WFP was extending its Indonesian relief program here for 18 months. However, she said there would be a shift in the focus of the program -- from an emergency one to a rehabilitation one -- as socioeconomic conditions here had improved significantly.

Agus appears in court, declares his innocence

Agus appears in court, declares his innocence JAKARTA (JP): Only one day after his father vowed not to interfere in the investigation and prosecution process, Army Second Lt. Agus Isrok appeared at West Jakarta District Court on Monday to defend his innocence in a drug abuse and trafficking case.

Government told not to meddle in religious affairs

Government told not to meddle in religious affairs By Febiola Desy Unidjaja and Ahmad Junaidi JAKARTA (JP): Religious groups, observers and legislators supported calls to limit the role of the state in religious affairs to that of a facilitator to curb radical sects which could disrupt social harmony.

Tyasno plays down rift between Wiranto and Agus

Tyasno plays down rift between Wiranto and Agus MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Army chief of staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto plays down tension between Gen. Wiranto and Chief of Wirabuana Military Command Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusuma, saying that it's just a matter of miscommunication. Tyasno said here on Monday that there was nothing between Wiranto, former coordinating minister for political and security affairs, and Agus. Tyasno was here to evaluate the performance of Wirabuana Military Command.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Feb. 21, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Mob kills alleged thieves

Mob kills alleged thieves MEDAN, North Sumatra: A mob beat two alleged thieves to death and injured another early on Monday in Tanjung Rejo village in Deli Serdang regency, some 40 kilometers south of here. One of the deceased was identified as Prayitno, 55, while the man wounded in the attack was identified as Suheri, 26. The other casualty has not yet been identified. The three men were caught stealing a black-and-white television set and a tape recorder from a resident of Jl.

Wife accused in burning death

Wife accused in burning death TANGERANG (JP): Public minivan driver Mohamad Ridwan Harahap, 29, of Benda district here allegedly was burned to death by his wife and two of her relatives in the early hours of Monday. Local police detectives are looking for a motive for the brutal murder, Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto said.

Military says GAM leader Abdullah Syafi'ie 'dying'

Military says GAM leader Abdullah Syafi'ie 'dying' JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) claimed on Monday to have wounded Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group leader Tengku Abdullah Syafi'ie in a gunfight in the North Aceh district of Pidie last month. TNI spokesman Air Rear Marshal Graito Usodo said the military learned of his condition from a captured guerrilla who disclosed that Abdullah had suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and was "dying".

A Cabinet reshuffle pending?

A Cabinet reshuffle pending? Despite denials, rumors of a pending reshuffle continue to spread. Because nothing has been done to clear up the issue, it is only natural that diverse speculations regarding the possible changes are widely circulating.

Government expects GDP to grow 3%

Government expects GDP to grow 3% JAKARTA (JP): Finance minister Bambang Sudibyo said on Monday the economy was expected to grow by 3 percent in 2000, lower than the 4 percent forecast made by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) last week. Bambang said that based on the 1993 constant prices, the country's real gross domestic product (GDP) was expected to grow to Rp 387.4 trillion (US$53 billion) in 2000 from Rp 376.1 trillion in 1999.

Developing SMEs in the digital era

Developing SMEs in the digital era By Daniel Kingsley This is the second of two articles on advancing small and medium enterprises. JAKARTA (JP): The next issue is comparative advantages and a level playing field. New e-trade companies are beginning to enter the rural market. Trade Management Indonesia is aware of several e-trade start-ups that have very sophisticated marketing plans; they have recently identified the rural market as having strong potential.

Uber Cup team members come under fire

Uber Cup team members come under fire JAKARTA (JP): Despite the Indonesian Uber Cup team's success in reaching the final stage of the event in Kuala Lumpur in May, it has drawn criticisms from former athletes, the National Sports Council (KONI), and a former official of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

BPGS declines offer from owner of Hilton

BPGS declines offer from owner of Hilton JAKARTA (JP): The Gelora Senayan Management Board (BPGS) will not accept an offer from PT Indobuildco, owner of the Hilton International Hotel, to lengthen its lease until the company accepts certain conditions set by BPGS. The chairman of the Gelora Senayan Executive Board, Yasidi Hambali, said on Monday PT Indobuildco offered to pay US$50,000 in annual fees, or 3 percent of its land-use permit for 30 years.

Grand masters on show in JAPFA chess event

Grand masters on show in JAPFA chess event JAKARTA (JP): Grand masters from Indonesia and six other countries will compete in the US$56,500 (Rp 417 million) JAPFA Classic International Chess Tournament 2000 in Bali, from April 21 to May 1. Organizer Jeffrie Geovanie said on Monday that the tournament was included in the 16th category of events, or those which are reserved for grand masters with elo ratings between 2262 and 2696.

Minister appeals for foreign aid for reforestation

Minister appeals for foreign aid for reforestation JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry and Plantations Nur Mahmudi Ismail said on Monday the country needed some Rp 18 trillion in foreign assistance to restore 10 million hectares of damaged forest. Mahmudi said the cost of reforestation was estimated at Rp 22 trillion (US$3 billion), but the government could only allocate Rp 4 trillion from the reforestation fund.

Banks must make IT a priority

Banks must make IT a priority By Djoko Suryoko Ruslan JAKARTA (JP): The role of information technology (IT) in accelerating the recent regional economic crisis, through paving the way for the stampede of electronic bears, has been well- publicized. The foundation for this was set many years ago in the banking industry with the fast growth of both the customer base and branch distribution networks. On the other hand, the IT infrastructure was not sufficiently developed to support the operations.

DLLAJ decides to disregard traffic problems

DLLAJ decides to disregard traffic problems BOGOR (JP): The local Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) has decided not to take any measures to solve the chronic traffic congestion here because of the violent attitude of public transport drivers, an agency official said on Monday. Head of the agency's traffic section, Kosmana, said his men were also worried that if they punish traffic violators, including private motorists, they might be classified as human rights abusers.

RI students to compete in tae kwon do c'ship

RI students to compete in tae kwon do c'ship JAKARTA (JP): Seven students are being groomed in a training program in Batam in preparation for the 6th World Tae Kwon Do Inter-University Championship in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from March 29 to April 2. Chief executive of the training program, Adrian Lumowa, said the taekwondoins were Syafrisal Tanjung from Jakarta, Ramadhani from South Sumatra, Lambok and Bayu from West Java, Marce Latusalo from Maluku, and Alfian and Farida Yuni from Yogyakarta.

Market security guard allegedly rapes teenager

Market security guard allegedly rapes teenager TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Police foiled an attempt on Monday by hundreds of traders at the Cikokol market to burn down the house of a man who had allegedly raped a teenage girl. Chief of the Tangerang City police subprecinct, Capt. Sjamiarso, said that Marsilan, a security guard at the market, was accused by the residents to have raped the 12-year-old girl behind a gasoline station on Jl. Sudirman early on Monday morning.

Medan gets Fedex office

Medan gets Fedex office JAKARTA (JP): Federal Express, through its sole licensee in Indonesia, PT Repex Perdana International, has launched a new branch in Medan, North Sumatera, to accommodate the growing export business in the province. The company said the service center, which was officially opened on Saturday, would provide connectivity to international transportation services for the province's export products such as furniture and textiles.

Indorayon requests two months for audit preparation

Indorayon requests two months for audit preparation JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed pulp and rayon company PT Inti Indorayon Utama asked the government on Monday to give it two months to prepare for an environmental audit. Indorayon chief commissioner Palgunadi T. Setyawan said after having halted its operation for 18 months, the company would need two months to reach its optimum production level, a requisite for a thorough environmental audit.

RI has evidence against red chief

RI has evidence against red chief MANILA (DPA): The Philippines presented on Monday documentary evidence to the Dutch government of the alleged involvement in local terroristic activities of communist leaders living in self- imposed exile in the Netherlands . Foreign Undersecretary Lauro Baja summoned Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Theodore Eugene Richard Arnold and presented him with evidence to show that communist leader Jose Maria Sison directed terroristic activities in the Philippines.

JSX halts Bumi Modern trading amid rights issue questions

JSX halts Bumi Modern trading amid rights issue questions JAKARTA (JP): The management of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended on Monday trading of property concern Bumi Modern amid controversy over its massive rights issue plan. The exchange said in a statement it took the action because the company had not given a specific schedule for its limited share offering plan. "The trading suspension was effective as of Feb. 21, in the first session of trading, at 9:30 a.m.

Timah suffers 39% fall in profit

Timah suffers 39% fall in profit JAKARTA (JP): PT Timah, the world's largest tin mining company, reported on Monday a 39 percent drop in its 1999 consolidated net profit to Rp 318 billion (US$43.86 million). As the consequence, the earning per share plunged to Rp 632 in 1999 from Rp 1,031 in 1998. The company attributed the lower profits to lower tin prices, the strengthening of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar and the decrease in tin production.

KONI calls sports bodies to prepare for SEA Games

KONI calls sports bodies to prepare for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) called sports organization officials to attend a meeting on Monday to discuss the country's preparation for the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur. KONI vice chairman, Arie Sudewo, told reporters after the meeting that the results would be brought to the SEA Games Federation council meeting in Kuala Lumpur from March 9 to March 12.

Son beats mom over tafu

Son beats mom over tafu JAKARTA (JP): Suprihatin, 55, had to be rushed to the emergency unit of a hospital on Monday after being badly beaten by her son, who fell over after accidentally slipping on a piece of tofu she had just bought at the market. After being treated at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for the head injury she had incurred, the widow told reporters that she had reported the assault committed by her unemployed son Yuspriadi, 30, to Tanah Abang Police.

Tire market 'to grow by over 40% this year'

Tire market 'to grow by over 40% this year' TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Indonesia's four-wheel tire market is expected to grow by over 40 percent this year on the back of the country's economic recovery, according to a senior official at publicly listed tire manufacturer PT Gajah Tunggal. Assistant to Marketing Director Aziz Pane said on Monday the domestic market would absorb about 11.2 million four wheel tires this year, compared to 7.6 million tires in 1999 and 5.7 million tires in 1998.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb.21, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 900 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 750 25 4,414,000 Alakasa Industrindo 575 0 15,000 Alfa Retailindo 850 0 203,000 Alter Abadi 300 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 975 -25 10,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,275 25 2,824,000 Anwar Sierad 300 -25 137,500 APAC Centertex Corp.

UI wins English debate contest

UI wins English debate contest SURABAYA: The University of Indonesia (UI) won the third Indonesian Varsities English Debate (IVED) contest here after an all-UI final. Team manager Ria Nuri Dharmawan said on Monday the trio of Idauli Hutasoit, Adhy Poetra Al-Hosen and Puguh Priambodo beat their university colleagues of Florence Yohana, Firliana Purwanti and Dyah Yasmina in the debate on Saturday on how to change the old system of democracy in the world.

Marwah threatens to quit Golkar

Marwah threatens to quit Golkar JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar Party continues to foment with internal disagreement, with a defiant politician warning that dissatisfied members could form a breakaway party. Marwah Daud Ibrahim, a backer of former president B.J. Habibie, charged the current Golkar leadership was indifferent to alternative views in the party. She warned of a breakaway faction forming unless the chairmanship of Akbar Tandjung was more responsive. "We will wait.

Course for Bogor councilors

Course for Bogor councilors BOGOR (JP): All 44 members of the Bogor Municipality Council are taking part in a four-day training course at Cipayung Asri 88 hotel in the mountain resort of Cipayung. Council speaker M. Sahid said on Monday that the course, which began on Sunday, would allow each member of the team to obtain in-depth knowledge about their respective tasks and was held as part of an effort to build effective and powerful councilors.

Soeharto syndrome

Soeharto syndrome Could it be that the medical world now has to solve a mystery called the Soeharto syndrome: loss of speech when charges of corruption, collusion and nepotism are made against him? Former president Soeharto last week was once again being investigated by a House commission into his complicity in the allocation of state funds to a number of private institutions under his command, notably to sons, daughters and cronies.

Government to push ahead with fuel price hike

Government to push ahead with fuel price hike JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Monday the government would push ahead with plans to increase electricity tariffs and fuel prices despite the public's protests, citing that it was part of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The President, also known as Gus Dur, said Indonesia would not cancel the plan as the measure could hamper the country's efforts to obtain loans from the IMF.

Eros vows to challenge Megawati again

Eros vows to challenge Megawati again KARANGANYAR, Central Java (JP): Outspoken politician Eros Djarot has continued his fight against the renomination of incumbent Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chief Megawati Soekarnoputri. Eros, the former chief editor of DeTik magazine, renewed his challenge on Sunday by calling for party members not to vote for Megawati in order to pave her way for the presidency.