Archive: 24 February 2000
53 articles found
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Medical aide bludgeoned to death in troubled Aceh
Medical aide bludgeoned to death in troubled Aceh PIDIE, Aceh (JP): Local residents found the body of a medical assistant near his home in Teupin Raya here on Wednesday. Zulfan was discovered at about 5 a.m. "We saw bruises on the body and assumed that he had been beaten to death with a blunt object. There were no gunshots or stab wounds to the body," a resident said. Relatives of the 45-year-old man said the victim left with four unidentified armed men from his home at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Abdurrahman still silent on KONI fund-raising scheme
Abdurrahman still silent on KONI fund-raising scheme JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has yet to issue a response to Damura (the People's Fund for Sports), a fund-raising program to develop sports nationwide as proposed by the National Sports Council (KONI).
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
BI to appoint market makers to push treasury bond trading
BI to appoint market makers to push treasury bond trading JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, said on Wednesday it would soon appoint "market makers" to help activate the current dormant secondary market for treasury bonds. Bank Indonesia deputy governor Miranda S. Goeltom told journalists that the central bank was currently short-listing potential candidates for market markers.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Astra Sedaya to issue fixed rate bonds
Astra Sedaya to issue fixed rate bonds JAKARTA (JP): Finance company PT Astra Sedaya Finance announced a plan here on Wednesday to issue fixed rate bonds worth Rp 300 billion to strengthen its vehicle financing service. The company's president Gunawan Geni said the bonds called Astra Sedaya Finance bonds, rated A minus with stable outlook by local rating agency Pefindo, would be offered to the public from March 20 through March 22.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Australia-led force leaves East Timor
Australia-led force leaves East Timor DILI, East Timor (Agencies): The Australian-led multinational force formally left East Timor on Wednesday and handed over to United Nations peacekeepers, five months after going in to end a wave of mass killings. At a departure ceremony at the former East Timor governor's office, now being used as UN offices, its commander said the force had been lucky to have achieved its task with relatively little violence. Maj. Gen.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Astra Graphia, SAP tie up
Astra Graphia, SAP tie up JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed information technology company PT Astra Graphia and SAP Indonesia, a subsidiary of Germany's SAP, agreed here on Wednesday to form an alliance in providing electronic commerce solutions for Indonesian businesses. Astra Graphia said that it would cooperate with SAP to deliver e-commerce solutions over the Internet via mySAP.com. marketplace and MySap.com business solutions.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Residents rally for employment
Residents rally for employment JAKARTA (JP): More than 3,000 residents from the area surrounding the Cibitung industrial complex, some 35 kilometers east of Jakarta, staged a rally on Wednesday to demand more employment opportunities in the complex's factories. The rally blocked traffic around the industrial area for more than three hours. Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said the crowd dispersed after an agreement was reached at 3 p.m.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 23, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 825 -75 5,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 725 25 4,515,000 Alakasa Industrindo 525 50 1,000 Alfa Retailindo 850 0 447,000 Alter Abadi 400 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 975 0 112,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 500 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,200 -25 3,023,500 Anwar Sierad 300 -25 50,000 APAC Centertex Corp.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ensuring better justice
Ensuring better justice Suggestions that a law be passed to guarantee the independence of public prosecutors should not be rejected right away. One proposal, which was suggested by a legal expert, is to authorize the House of Representatives to appoint the attorney general, as is already the case with several other state institutions. We further propose that public prosecutors be declared officials of the state, rather than the government, which would further ensure their independence.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Government may use only 85% of $4.7b in loans
Government may use only 85% of $4.7b in loans JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Bambang Sudibyo said on Wednesday that the government would use only up to US$4 billion of the $4.7 billion in loans pledged earlier this month by the country's major donors amid heightened concern among legislators over foreign assistance and the already high debt level. Bambang said that actual utilization of the loans might even be less than $4 billion if the international oil price remained high.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rioters sent to prison
Rioters sent to prison MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The local district court sentenced on Wednesday three rioters to between 40 days and two months in jail for their role in unrest here in January. Presiding Judge Saodah said the three were guilty of looting during the unrest, which saw more than 10 churches attacked or burned. Prosecutors had demanded between one month and two months in jail for Lalu Laduni, Muhajar and Ramli. The crime carries a maximum penalty of nine years in prison.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur to tour Central Java
Gus Dur to tour Central Java SEMARANG: President Abdurrahman Wahid is slated to make a two- day visit on Friday and Saturday to several regencies in Central Java, provincial spokesman R.B. Sutrisno said on Wednesday. During his trip to Demak, Semarang, Grobogan, Pekalongan and Brebes, the President, popularly known as Gus Dur, and First Lady Sinta Nuriyah will hold talks with community leaders and ulemas.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Councilor queried over side job
Councilor queried over side job BANDUNG: The provincial legislature here is waiting for clarification from a legislator who is accused of practicing law instead of conducting his official duties. Saparuddin from the Unity and Justice Party has reportedly opened a law practice in his office at the legislature. Witnesses said Saparuddin's office was filled with prospective clients almost daily. The legislator denied the allegation. "I'm not running a law firm here. I am a lawyer.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Strengthening economic cooperation in East Asia
Strengthening economic cooperation in East Asia By Li Tieying The following article is based on a presentation at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences in Jakarta on Feb. 16. This is the first of two articles. JAKARTA (JP): From the late 1960s to the late 1990s, the economics of the vast East Asian region, including Japan, China, the four small dragons and ASEAN countries, witnessed unprecedented, fast and sustained development and accomplished remarkable achievements.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
SIA signs new alliance
SIA signs new alliance SINGAPORE (AFP): U.S. aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney on Wednesday formalized an alliance with two Singaporean firms that will bring in advanced aerospace coating technologies into Asia. Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lim Swee Say said the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. firm, SIA Engineering Co. of Singapore Airlines Ltd.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bidders for 40% stake in Astra announced
Bidders for 40% stake in Astra announced JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) named on Wednesday three consortia of bidders qualified to buy a 40 percent stake in the country's largest automaker Astra International.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rexy mulls quitting players' board
Rexy mulls quitting players' board JAKARTA (JP): Undisciplined behavior of national squad badminton players has led the shuttlers' board chairman, Rexy Mainaky, and deputy Hendrawan to consider resigning from their positions. Rexy told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that he and Hendrawan discussed the possibility of quitting. "We told the shuttlers in Monday's meeting that we would quit the positions and let them pick others.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Modern Kuwait welcomes its sixth millennium
Modern Kuwait welcomes its sixth millennium The land of Kuwait, over 3,000 years ago linked to the ancient civilization of Dilmun, is today bordered by three much larger countries and by the richly productive waters of the Arabian Gulf. From a history dominated by pearling and the vicissitudes of maritime trading, Kuwait has been transformed by the relatively recent discovery of oil, and has developed into a modern state that enjoys a relationship with Indonesia that strengthens every day.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bob Hasan queried over US$2b forestry fraud
Bob Hasan queried over US$2b forestry fraud JAKARTA (JP): Business tycoon Mohamad "Bob" Hasan was questioned at the Attorney General's Office on Wednesday over his alleged involvement in a Rp 15 trillion (about US$2 billion) fraud of forestry funds. Speaking to reporters after two hours of questioning, Hasan acknowledged that he borrowed reforestation funds from the government but denied any wrongdoing.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Students, police clash at Attorney General's Office
Students, police clash at Attorney General's Office JAKARTA (JP): Thirteen people were injured when students and police clashed outside the Attorney General's Office in South Jakarta on Wednesday in the first violent protest in the capital this year. Nine students, who were taking part in a demonstration demanding the government prosecute corruptors and human rights abusers, suffered wounds to the head and body after they were beaten by police with batons.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Clarity needed on state affairs on religion
Clarity needed on state affairs on religion A religion does not need government's recognition to exist, says President Abdurrahman Wahid. The following is an excerpt of an interview with Bahtiar Effendy, the deputy director of the Indonesian Business Ethics Study and Development Institute, who has written a book on Islam and the state. Question: On Saturday, President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, said government recognition of religions was not needed.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Telkom denies Soros plans to buy shares
Telkom denies Soros plans to buy shares BANDUNG (JP): PT Telkom president A.A. Nasution dismissed on Wednesday media reports claiming that American financier George Soros was planning to buy shares in the state-owned telecommunications company. "They (Soros' financial team) didn't say a single word about investing or anything like that," Nasution said on the sidelines of a human resources management seminar held here.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mob slays alleged shaman
Mob slays alleged shaman CILACAP, Central Java: A crowd beat Karmiat, 70, a resident of Cisalak village in Cimanggu district here, to death on Tuesday night for allegedly practicing black magic. Witnesses said some 100 people broke into Karmiat's house at about 10 p.m. and dragged him outside before killing the old man. Karmiat's son Suradi told the police another black magic practitioner, Sukriyo, joined the mob in an effort to deflect attention from him.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Story of Kongco lives on in Balinese temples
Story of Kongco lives on in Balinese temples By Myra Sidharta and Claudine Salmon SINGARAJA, North Bali (JP): Who is this man, who has three temples in Bali and four in East Java devoted to him?
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Marwah says Habibie not pulling strings
Marwah says Habibie not pulling strings MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Defiant Golkar politician Marwah Daud Ibrahim refuted on Wednesday allegations that former president B.J. Habibie was behind the idea of establishing a breakaway party to accommodate Golkar cadres dissatisfied with Akbar Tandjung's leadership. "This idea has nothing to do with Pak Habibie.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Spirituality differs from religiosity
Spirituality differs from religiosity By Rahayu Ratnaningsih JAKARTA (JP): Religious demonstrations that lead to violence seem to have gained momentum in Indonesia. From the one that demanded the closure of night entertainment premises, perceived to be the center of vice and prostitution, to the one demanding the dismissal of certain high-ranking officials, perceived to be lacking in moral values, to the one calling for a holy war and the annihilation of followers of other religions.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
China's past maritime glory
China's past maritime glory It is good to know that Mr. Santo does not believe the Chinese are evil, but he believes that China is seeing increased opportunities to reclaim its past maritime glory and, like any other nation, China strives for power.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Sewerage system concept introduced
Sewerage system concept introduced JAKARTA (JP): A group of Australian companies held a one-day workshop at Hotel Borobudur in Central Jakarta on Tuesday to introduce comprehensive concepts of the Total Integrated Wastewater and Sewerage System (TIWASS). The workshop was jointly organized by the city administration and the state government of New South Wales, Australia, under a sister state-province agreement.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Security jitters leave capital abuzz
Security jitters leave capital abuzz JAKARTA (JP): Cabinet ministers along with military and police top brass scrambled on Wednesday to explain President Abdurrahman Wahid's startling remarks on a full security alert in the capital. Abdurrahman sprang yet another surprise by telling Indonesian and Japanese businesspeople at Bina Graha presidential office that the city police had declared a red-alert status in anticipation of mass demonstrations.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Suprapto taps into spiritual world of gongs for humanity
Suprapto taps into spiritual world of gongs for humanity By I Wayan Juniarta GIANYAR, Bali (JP): For artist Suprapto Suryodarmo, a gong is more than just a bronze gamelan musical instrument. For him it is rich in spiritual meaning. Suprapto believes the circular brass instrument represents the microcosmic world, a miniature world of human beings. Last Saturday night, the plaza of Samuan Tiga Pura in Gianyar, south of Denpasar, was filled with melodious sounds from a Balinese gamelan orchestra.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mohamad 'Bob' Hasan launches Canadian suit
Mohamad 'Bob' Hasan launches Canadian suit VANCOUVER, Canada (AFP): A Indonesian businessman is suing his Canadian associates for US$59 million over alleged bribes linked to the construction of a pulp mill in Borneo. The suit claims that Vancouver businessman John F. Huguet paid $2 million in bribes six years ago to secure the $102 million Kalimantan construction project which became one of the largest of its kind in Asia.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Feb. 23, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Exclusive economic zone
Exclusive economic zone From Neraca The media reported recently an interesting admission by Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo. He told the budget commission of the House of Representatives that the 2000 draft state budget does not include revenue from fishery activities in the Indonesian exclusive economic zone, and its revenue is budgeted at a relatively small Rp 500 million.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police hope to learn motive behind fiery death
Police hope to learn motive behind fiery death TANGERANG (JP): With police no closer to making sense of the burning to death of a public minivan driver on Monday, the three suspects persisted that setting the man alight was an attempt to exorcise a bad spirit. Speaking at Benda Police substation, the suspects, aged between 22 and 29 years, reportedly claimed they set fire to Mohamad Ridwan Harahap before attacking him with a knife in an effort to purge a bad spirit called "Ucci".
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
What a hard lesson to learn
What a hard lesson to learn JAKARTA (JP): It was quiet a scene. Three junior high school students in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, dropped their pants in the classroom in the presence of their headmaster. They were not performing a striptease dance but were being punished after they were caught in the act of urinating in their classroom for fun. Principal of SLTP 13 Mataram, Syamsudin Arsyad, told Antara Wednesday that he was reinforcing the school's rules and teaching the nasty boys discipline.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia not ready for Asian U-19 c'ship: Official
Indonesia not ready for Asian U-19 c'ship: Official JAKARTA (JP): The national team director of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), Mohammad Zein, said on Wednesday that Indonesia was not fully prepared for the pre-qualifying round of the Asian under 19 championships. He was surprised upon learning that the competition would start in April in Szechuan, China. Indonesia is in Group 6 with China, Chinese Taipei and Myanmar. The championships final will take place in Tehran from Nov.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stop toll profits to the Soehartos
Stop toll profits to the Soehartos I think congratulations are in order to the Indonesian Volleyball Federation. They have, at last, thrown off the fear of the monster Soeharto, and have rejected his eldest daughter as chairwoman. Her successor says that most branches did not want her to serve. It would be nice to speculate the daughter is now quite aggrieved and cannot understand why she has lost a few million in honestly earned allowances from attending meetings.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Students protest chaotic traffic
Students protest chaotic traffic BOGOR (JP): About 60 Pakuan University students grouped under the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) staged a street protest on Wednesday, campaigning for orderly traffic in the city. The group walked its way along Jl. Ir. H. Juanda, Jl. Capt. Muslihat past Ramayana Department Store, Bogor market, the Kujang Monument, Baranangsiang bus terminal, Jl. Padjadjaran and back to City Hall.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Court hearing over Bank Bali scandal begins
Court hearing over Bank Bali scandal begins JAKARTA (JP): The hearing into the Bank Bali corruption scandal began in the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday with the reading of an indictment against one of six defendants. In front of some 40 people attending the session, prosecutor Ridwan Moekiat said Joko S.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia deports Indonesians
Malaysia deports Indonesians KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian authorities deported 1,122 illegal Indonesian immigrants on Wednesday. Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported that those deported, aged between three and 52, were put on five ships in the southern Malacca state and ferried to the Indonesian town of Dumai on Sumatra. Scores of policemen supervised the deportation, which was part of a campaign to evict illegal workers from Malaysia.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Suwandi and Hendri out of men's Futures-1
Suwandi and Hendri out of men's Futures-1 JAKARTA (JP): Davis Cup team members, Suwandi and Hendri Susilo Pramono, had to make an early exit from the first round of the Indonesia Futures-1 on Wednesday. Suwandi bowed out to top seeded Artem Derepasko of Russia 6-3, 5-7, 3-6 and Hendri was humiliated by unseeded Chung Seong-Yoon of South Korea 3-6, 5-7.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Puma returns to RI
Puma returns to RI JAKARTA (JP): Sports footwear brand Puma will reenter the Indonesian market in June after a seven-year absence, the company said on Wednesday. A Puma director for Asia, Ian Woodcock, said he was upbeat the company's products would receive a positive response from the market despite the fact that the public's purchasing power had yet to recover from the economic crisis.
Thu, 24 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 organizer 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, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Tourists flock to old furniture and statue gallery in Jepara
Tourists flock to old furniture and statue gallery in Jepara By Ahmad Solikhan JEPARA, Central Java (JP): The old building at Kartini beach, houses many antiques, mostly furniture and wooden statues. In the 500 square meter building, about 1,000 reproductions of antique statues are neatly arranged. Approaching the building in the village of Kauman, you can see fishermen at work as waves crash onto the beach nearby. A stranger to the building might think it a museum full of artifacts.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Forex transactions must be reported
Forex transactions must be reported JAKARTA (JP): Commercial banks will be required from March 1 to submit monthly reports to the central bank on their foreign exchange transactions, Bank Indonesia deputy governor Achjar Iljas said on Wednesday. He argued the requirement was a measure to provide Bank Indonesia with accurate, comprehensive and timely data on foreign exchange transactions to allow the central bank to devise better monetary policies. "This has nothing to do with forex control.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia needs a dictator for two years: Observer
Indonesia needs a dictator for two years: Observer JAKARTA (JP): Sick of the political wrangling and violence ravaging the country, a social scientist has suggested that Indonesia adopt an authoritarian leader, or even a dictator, to firmly resolve matters and put the country back on the right track.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police search for suspects accused of killing two men
Police search for suspects accused of killing two men JAKARTA (JP): City police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi said detectives were combing the Pulogadung and Kampung Rambutan bus terminals in East Jakarta for three suspects who shot two men dead during an armed robbery early on Wednesday morning. The incident took place on a bus on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road. Another man was injured on the bus bound for Slawi, Central Java.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Experts call for complete overhaul of Supreme Court
Experts call for complete overhaul of Supreme Court JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts called for a complete overhaul of the administration of the Supreme Court to increase the effectiveness of the publicly tarnished body. "We need people with credibility and integrity to replace those in the Supreme Court... We do not believe them anymore," the chairman of the Indonesian Lawyers Union, Trimedya Panjaitan, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Australia denies making illegal flyovers
Australia denies making illegal flyovers JAKARTA (JP): Australia denied on Wednesday claims by the Indonesia government that its aircraft had illegally entered Indonesian airspace. "The Australian government wishes to refute claims carried in the Indonesian media yesterday that Australian aircraft entered Indonesian airspace without authority," read a statement issued by the Australian Embassy here on Wednesday.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Houses in Menteng to make way for new roads
Houses in Menteng to make way for new roads JAKARTA (JP): At least 181 houses in Pegangsaan subdistrict and another 63 homes in Menteng area, both in Menteng district, Central Jakarta, will be demolished by local authorities for the construction of two streets 500 meters long.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
RP House speaker warns oil firms
RP House speaker warns oil firms MANILA (AFP): House Speaker Manuel Villar warned oil companies here Wednesday he would work to repeal the oil deregulation law, possibly reimposing fuel price controls, if the oil companies raised retail prices. "Do everything you possibly can to prevent another oil price hike. If this (increase) goes on, we may be forced to review the oil deregulation law," Villar said at a congressional hearing.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
Road accident kills seven
Road accident kills seven MANADO, North Sulawesi: A bus and a Kijang van collided in Ongkaw village in Minahasa regency late on Tuesday, leaving seven dead and one injured. Chief of the police traffic directorate Col. Haryono said an investigation into the accident was under way. "Several witnesses said the crash took place after one of the bus' tires burst and the driver lost control of his vehicle. At the same time a speeding Kijang came from the opposite direction," Haryono told Antara.
Thu, 24 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB
New education curriculum draws mixed responses
New education curriculum draws mixed responses JAKARTA (JP): The government's plan to introduce a new core education curriculum was met with mixed reactions on Wednesday, although it was agreed that proper implementation was the key to solving education problems. Noted educationist J. Drost SJ said the government's proposal was unnecessary because the current curriculum, introduced in 1994, could meet international standards if it was implemented in a flexible manner.