Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 March 2000

53 articles found

RI and China work at cooperation

RI and China work at cooperation JAKARTA (JP): Senior officials from Indonesia and China have completed three days of bilateral consultations which resulted in a draft document on the framework of cooperation as the main foundation for enhancing bilateral relations in the 21st Century. An Indonesian Foreign Ministry statement said on Wednesday that the meetings concluded in Beijing on Tuesday.

Nabire clash claims two more lives

Nabire clash claims two more lives NABIRE, Irian Jaya (JP): Two people who were shot in Monday's clash in Nabire died on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to three. Sources at Sri Wini General Hospital identified the latest casualties as Maximus Bunay, 27, and Dapius Sani, 16. The first victim killed in Monday's melee was Manase Erary, 28. At least nine others, all aged between 17 and 35, were still being treated at the hospital for gunshot wounds received during the three days of unrest.

Unbowed Sutiyoso says 'becak' must go

Unbowed Sutiyoso says 'becak' must go JAKARTA (JP): Undaunted by strong resistance from becak (pedicab) drivers, Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday that the city administration would soldier on with its plan to clear the three-wheeled vehicles off the capital's streets. "We'll continue the operation to net the pedicabs, as mandated in the 1988 Bylaw No.

Spokesman removed amid protest

Spokesman removed amid protest BOGOR (JP): Bogor Mayor Iswara Natanegara decided on Wednesday to remove municipality spokesman Yus Herdiyus from his post. He said the decision followed mass protests by locals and students accusing the official of skimming profits from the distribution of hundreds of tons of rice in a government- sponsored operation during his tenure as South Bogor district chief from 1998 until last year.

Bank posts positive interest margin

Bank posts positive interest margin JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Bank Universal reported on Wednesday it had posted a positive net interest margin since December, compared to negative margin of 50 percent in the last quarter of 1998 and minus 1.02 percent as of September 1999. "This improvement resulted from the better management of the costs of our fund and the resumption of lending," the bank's president, Stephen Z. Satyahadi, said.

On Soeharto's team

On Soeharto's team I would like to comment on the letter Soeharto syndrome by Gandhi Sukardi in the Feb. 22 edition of The Jakarta Post. He wrote in the letter: "Soeharto's family members, medical team and lawyers refused to give permission to meet with the former strongman on the grounds that he was too sick to talk coherently. An independent team of doctors appointed by the House Representatives was not allowed to see even a shadow of the speechless man".

PLN optimistic about contract compromise

PLN optimistic about contract compromise SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Endro Utomo Notodisuryo, director general of Electricity and Energy Development in Indonesia's Ministry of Mines and Energy, said he is confident state-owned utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara, or PLN, will reach a compromise with independent power producers to renegotiate past power purchase agreements.

Gus Dur wants Mega to function as PM

Gus Dur wants Mega to function as PM JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid emphasized on Wednesday his determination to give Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri a significant role in government and even likened her role to that of a prime minister. Speaking to journalists after chairing a Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office, Abdurrahman said Megawati was constantly involved in the decision making process.

Wiranto gives testimony before House committee

Wiranto gives testimony before House committee JAKARTA (JP): Former chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Gen. Wiranto starred in a House of Representatives hearing on Wednesday, convincing legislators of his innocence in last year's East Timor violence. Dressed in a dark suit, a cool and neat looking Wiranto fulfilled the House's invitation without the presence of a troupe of his defense lawyers.

State-appointed doctors to examine Soeharto soon

State-appointed doctors to examine Soeharto soon JAKARTA (JP): A team of doctors appointed by the Attorney General's Office will examine former president Soeharto at his home later this week. "The medical team has reported to Attorney General (Marzuki Darusman) that it has finished studying (Soeharto's) medical report and that the examination will be conducted this week," the Attorney General's Office spokesman, Soehandoyo, told The Jakarta Post by phone on Wednesday.

Price for Minas crude rises

Price for Minas crude rises TOKYO(Dow Jones): Indonesia's crude pricing index for February Minas crude is unofficially US$26.24 a barrel, up $1.67 from the January Minas index, a Tokyo-based industry source with ties to Pertamina said Wednesday. The Indonesian Crude Price, or ICP, for its other crude grades are unofficially up $1.55-$1.73, with the February Duri ICP at $24.90/bbl.

UMNO launches Internet paper

UMNO launches Internet paper KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) launched on Wednesday an Internet newspaper that will also give its 2.7 million members a live broadcast of major meetings. E-UMNO News will carry a live telecast of May's general assembly which will select leaders in UMNO, including speeches by UMNO president and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the official Bernama news agency said. The website address is wwwAumno.org.my/e-umno.

Merpati to fly back to Dili

Merpati to fly back to Dili DILI (AFP): Indonesia's Merpati Nusantara Airlines will resume it flights linking Dili to Denpasar in Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday, officials said here Wednesday. "Merpati services would start again on Friday, from Dili to Denpasar with flights two times a week initially, on Fridays and Mondays," said Peter Galbraith, director of political affairs of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor.

East Timorese on Java demand residency

East Timorese on Java demand residency SEMARANG: About 250 East Timorese people who are currently sheltered here demanded on Wednesday that the local administration treat them as residents of the province. "We need certainty about our status as this is a requirement to obtain Indonesian nationality," coordinator of East Timorese People in Central Java, Adelio Anjos, said after meeting with deputy governor Mulyadi Widodo here.

Kissinger's friendship toward Indonesia

Kissinger's friendship toward Indonesia I have a friend who once worked for Freeport in Tembaga Pura. One of the things he noticed when he was there was that there is now a massive hole in the ground where a rather large mountain used to be. He also observed that the local people were reaping very little benefit from having the world's largest copper and gold mine on their doorstep, and that the rivers around the mine were an interesting (albeit rather unnatural) color.

State firms mull sponsoring crop of junior tennis players

State firms mull sponsoring crop of junior tennis players JAKARTA (JP): State enterprises are interested in sponsoring training programs for young Indonesian tennis players to lay the foundations for success in the future, treasurer of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) Qoyum A. Tjandranegara said on Wednesday.

Workers unhappy with Marsinah probe

Workers unhappy with Marsinah probe SEMARANG: The Federation of All Indonesia Workers Union (FSPSI) threatened on Wednesday to call for a huge labor protest in Jakarta if the government failed to uncover the truth behind the murder labor activist Marsinah in 1993. "If police fail to complete their investigation by June 14, we will take to street to express our concern," federation chief Jacob Nuawea said on Wednesday during the organization's anniversary celebration here.

Replacement 3-in-1 system sought

Replacement 3-in-1 system sought JAKARTA (JP): As the three-in-one policy in restricted areas has only created a problem with traffic jockeys, the city administration is now looking for a new, more suitable system to handle traffic congestion during rush hours, an official said on Wednesday.

Hasan strong candidate to chair AAAA

Hasan strong candidate to chair AAAA JAKARTA (JP): The ongoing chairman of the Asian Amateur Athletics Association (AAAA), Mohamad "Bob" Hasan, remains the strongest candidate to be elected in the association's congress in August. AAAA secretary-general Maurice Nicholas told a media conference on Wednesday that Hasan was very helpful to other developing countries and supported AAAA in conducting its programs. "There is no opponent for Mr. Hasan now or in the next presidential candidacy.

Students demand friends' release

Students demand friends' release BANDUNG: A group of students claiming to represent seven student organizations demanded here on Tuesday the release of nine of their colleagues arrested in connection with unrest on the Sumatra island of Bintan in January. Spokesman for the group Rafael Situmorang condemned the arrests as arbitrary, saying the students were advocating local residents seeking fair compensation for the land they had sold to investors. "We were concerned about the people's fate.

Palyja ensures water from Cisadane is safe

Palyja ensures water from Cisadane is safe JAKARTA (JP): Private water company Pam Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja) ensured the public on Wednesday that treated water from the Cisadane River was safe for consumption. The company's technical operations manager Pierre Etienne Segre said the company had taken samples of water from the Cisadane River to the Tirta Cisadane laboratory to have them checked.

Minister wants IBRA to coordinate sales program

Minister wants IBRA to coordinate sales program JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Investment and State Enterprise Development Laksamana Sukardi called on the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to coordinate its assets sales program with the privatization plans of state enterprises to gain optimum results.

Jail terms for looters

Jail terms for looters MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The local district court here sentenced on Wednesday six defendants to one and a half months imprisonment each for looting a chicken factory farm during the January riots. Setion bin Amaq Sehe, Nurdin, Kardi, Sarimah Amaq Nu, Sap and Munihat, were found guilty of violating the Criminal Code's Article 363 on robbery. The six will join seven other convicted looters whose sentences were passed at an earlier hearing on Monday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 1, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 800 25 62,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 700 0 897,500 Alakasa Industrindo 425 -100 5,000 Alfa Retailindo 875 0 423,500 Alter Abadi 300 -50 10,000 Alumindo Light Metal 950 -25 28,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 -100 1,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,150 -25 1,433,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex...

Bakrie Investindo sued

Bakrie Investindo sued JAKARTA (JP): An individual named Atas Rifara filed a bankruptcy suit on Wednesday at the Jakarta Commercial Court against PT Bakrie Investindo, the majority owner of publicly listed PT Bakrie & Brothers, a lawyer said. Dwi Ria Latifa from Rialatifa & Partners law firm said Bakrie Investindo allegedly failed to repay a Rp 1 billion promissory note that matured in January 1998.

Gus Dur, Wiranto dissatisfied over military reshuffle

Gus Dur, Wiranto dissatisfied over military reshuffle JAKARTA (JP): The controversy surrounding the reshuffle of 74 Indonesia Military (TNI) officers continued on Wednesday with President Abdurrahman Wahid and former military chief Gen. Wiranto expressing dissatisfaction over the changes. Monday's reshuffle was seen by many as a process of removing loyalists of Wiranto from the top ranks of the military.

`Channel NewsAsia' to go regional in September

`Channel NewsAsia' to go regional in September By K. Basrie SINGAPORE (JP): Marking its first anniversary here, Channel NewsAsia of the Singaporean government-linked Media Corporation announced on Wednesday its ambitious multi-million U.S. dollars plan to expand its broadcast to countries all over the Asian continent and Australia beginning September.

Iraq mulls plan to buy RI telecommunications equipment

Iraq mulls plan to buy RI telecommunications equipment BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Iraq is considering to buy telecommunications equipment from Indonesia to rehabilitate its telecommunications facilities. Iraqi Ambassador to Indonesia Sadoon Al Zubaydi said early this week his government was still studying the plan, which would involve transactions worth millions of U.S. dollars.

PSSI and Bank Mandiri sign Rp 7.3b agreement

PSSI and Bank Mandiri sign Rp 7.3b agreement JAKARTA (JP): After a long search, the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) finally received Rp 7.3 billion sponsorship from state Bank Mandiri for the remaining matches in the sixth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina). The deal was signed on Wednesday night by Bank Mandiri president Robby Djohan and PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar at PSSI office here. Following the deal, the sixth Ligina will be called Liga Bank Mandiri (Bank Mandiri Soccer league).

Pfizer expects Rp 12 billion from Viagra sales this year

Pfizer expects Rp 12 billion from Viagra sales this year JAKARTA (JP): Drug producer PT Pfizer Indonesia expects Rp 12 billion (US$ 1.6 million) from sales of the much hyped anti- impotence drug Viagra this year after reaping Rp 5 billion since first launching it in August 1999. Pfizer pharmaceutical division director Simon Tobing said here on Wednesday that sales had shown a significant improvement after the government eased the market restriction on Viagra's sales at the end of last year.

Bali remains attractive to investors: BI

Bali remains attractive to investors: BI JAKARTA (JP): Bali, whose image has been smeared by social tension, retains local and international investors' trust thanks to its stability, Bank Indonesia has reported. The trust is apparent in the foreign investment plans that the Balinese provincial government has approved over the past two years. Their value jumped from US$275 million in 1998 to $543 million in 1999, the bank's report said as quoted by Antara news agency.

Amien hits out at foreign advisors

Amien hits out at foreign advisors JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais said on Wednesday Indonesia did not need foreign advisors, thus President Abdurrahman Wahid's appointment of several foreign dignitaries in that role was merely a symbolic gesture. "We don't need Kissinger, Lee Kwan Yew, Goh Chok Tong or Qaddafi," Amien remarked. "If Gus Dur appoints an outsider as an advisor it's merely symbolic.

Hot spots found in Riau forests

Hot spots found in Riau forests PEKANBARU, Riau: The local administration announced on Wednesday it had found at least 80 hot spots in plantations across the province after a day's monitoring. Head of the Sumatra chapter of the Environmental Management Agency (Bapedal) M. Alamsyah suspected that holders of forest concessionaires were intentionally burning areas of plantations area after the harvest.

Wise leader has emerged

Wise leader has emerged Twenty-five years ago, unofficially exiled Indonesian students started gathering in capital cities all over Asia. They talked and dreamed of a democratic, free and fair homeland, one where leaders were elected and income fairly distributed. Obviously, one without Soeharto and his gluttonous clan. Well, he's almost gone, but the fight is far from over. To succeed, you may all need the patience of those students, who, no doubt, are in the thick of reform today.

Purchasing goods on Internet is safe, experts say

Purchasing goods on Internet is safe, experts say JAKARTA (JP): People should not be worried about purchasing goods on the Internet because it is just as safe and convenient as shopping at nearby malls, according to e-commerce experts. Visa International's Asia Pacific market development manager for e-commerce, John Bauer, said here on Wednesday that customers, however, should be extra careful in examining terms and conditions of the transactions involved.

Two money forgers handed jail terms

Two money forgers handed jail terms JAKARTA (JP): A judge at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced on Wednesday defendants Cornelia Sugiono and Syamsurizal to 30 months and 24 months in jail respectively for counterfeiting money. "The defendants are guilty of violating Article 245 of the Criminal Code," presiding judge Manis Sudjono said in a hearing at the district court. The article carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail.

Query demanded for police generals accused of graft

Query demanded for police generals accused of graft JAKARTA (JP): Inspector general of the Ministry of Defense Lt. Gen. Suharto has requested intensive questioning of three police generals, allegedly implicated in mismanagement of the National Police's 1999 to 2000 Crash Funding Program, it was reported on Wednesday. The request was made in a recent top priority report following the ministry's investigation. The report was addressed to Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono.

IPTN, Fokker sign deal

IPTN, Fokker sign deal JAKARTA (JP): The nation's aircraft company, Nusantara Aircraft Industry (IPTN), signed on Wednesday a memorandum of understanding with Fokker Elmo BV, a subsidiary of Dutch aircraft company Fokker, to build electrical aircraft applications. Under the agreement, ITPN will build Fokker Elmo electrical aircraft applications after first sending its workers to the Netherlands to study the applications. IPTN's acting president, S.

Abdullah told how to avoid 'Habibie syndrome'

Abdullah told how to avoid 'Habibie syndrome' KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The deputy to Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has complained of a smear campaign likening the pair to Indonesia's former presidents Soeharto and B.J. Habibie in the run-up to party elections. "It is sheer nonsense to Habibie-ism simply because of my close association with Mahathir," Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was quoted by Wednesday's Sun newspaper as saying.

President, VP get big pay boost

President, VP get big pay boost JAKARTA (JP): The government and the House of Representatives budget committee agreed on Wednesday to raise the basic salaries of President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri by 78 percent and 120 percent respectively. This is part of the agreement reached by the two sides on major changes in the April-December 2000 state budget, which is expected to be approved at a plenary House session on Thursday.

Can export revival sustain recovery?

Can export revival sustain recovery? By Elwin Tobing BOSTON (JP): As it helped to fuel the economic crisis in 1997, the accelerating growth of exports among Southeast Asia's major economies has underpinned the region's economic recovery. The major regional economies in the region experienced rosy growth rates in exports last year.

'Matra' to hold GT Radial Off-Road 2000

'Matra' to hold GT Radial Off-Road 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Matra magazine in cooperation with Puspita Off- Road Club will hold the GT Radial Off-Road 2000 at Cilalawi, Jatiluhur, West Java, from March 11 to March 12. Organizer Moko Karsono said on Tuesday the event would feature eight competitions: Show n' Shine, Trail Game, Slalom Off-Road, Mud Racing, Off-Road Racing, Mud Bogger and Rock Crawling. The events will be held at different sites around Mount Cilalawi.

All Aceh Congress to be held in April

All Aceh Congress to be held in April JAKARTA (JP): An All Aceh Congress will be convened early next April in a bid to select the best representatives for the province in future discussions with the central government. State Minister of Human Rights Affairs Hasballah M. Saad said on Wednesday that the congress was expected to be attended by the representatives of six key elements of Aceh society, including the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

1000 couples to join mass wedding

1000 couples to join mass wedding JAKARTA (JP): As many as 1000 poor couples living in Jakarta will take part in a mass wedding to be held on March 19 at the Senayan Sports Stadium, organizers said in a statement on Tuesday. President Abdurrahman Wahid is scheduled to attend the ceremony organized by the Student's Social Network of the University of Indonesia, the Jakarta chapter of the Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic social organization, Gema Pemuda Madani and other student organizations.

Scholars oppose amending decree on triumvirate system

Scholars oppose amending decree on triumvirate system YOGYAKARTA (JP): Noted political scientists condemned on Wednesday a planned amendment to a 1973 People's Consultative Assembly decree, which would allow top legislative officials to assume executive duties if both the president and vice president were incapacitated.

Cost of fires Rp 16b since January

Cost of fires Rp 16b since January JAKARTA (JP): A fire department official said on Wednesday that the city had lost Rp 16 billion (US$2.13 million) in 91 cases of fire over the past two months. "Most of the fires razed either houses or shophouses," spokesman for the City Fire Department Johnny Pangaribuan said on the sidelines of a ceremony to commemorate the department's 81st anniversary at its training center in Ciracas, East Jakarta.

Bali hotels help Lombok win back foreign tourists

Bali hotels help Lombok win back foreign tourists By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR (JP): Over the past few weeks, several major hotels in Bali have helped promote tourism in neighboring Lombok, which went back to square one in the wake of anti-Christian rioting in January. The Balinese hotels want to help tourism recover in Lombok by offering holiday packages to both islands.

Time for reconciliation

Time for reconciliation Given that it has taken some governments many years or even decades to publicly acknowledge the wrongs that their countries have done to others, President Abdurrahman Wahid can be said to have shown remarkable sensitivity by using his brief visit on Tuesday to apologize to the people of East Timor for the treatment they received during the 25 years that the territory was part of Indonesia. "You were oppressed. We also were living under tyranny.

Israeli-Indonesian ties: Still a long way to go

Israeli-Indonesian ties: Still a long way to go By Oei Eng Goan JERUSALEM (JP): Unless Israel achieves a breakthrough in its peace talks with its Arab foes and acknowledges the permanent status of an independent Palestinian nation, the Jewish state can hardly materialize its wish to have trade and diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 2, 2000

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 2, 2000 Exhibition * Painting Exhibition by Tracy Harrison, at Seniwati Showspace, Jl. Raya Ubud, March 5 to 17. 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.

Int'l art fest at TUK promises 'shocking' acts

Int'l art fest at TUK promises 'shocking' acts By Rudy Madanir JAKARTA (JP): Those who frequently skip chances to see performance art in Jakarta should not miss this festival starting today (Thursday) at Teater Utan Kayu (TUK), Jakarta. Featuring 25 local and foreign artists, the theater, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, will host the first Jakarta International Performance Art Festival (JIPAF) from March 2 until March 4.

Capital sees improved investment

Capital sees improved investment JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta office of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPMD) observed an increasing trend of investment since the end of last year, an official said on Wednesday. "The improved security condition in the capital has contributed to the upward trend in investment," head of BKPMD's Jakarta office, Albert Napitupulu, said. Data published by the office show that from Oct. 1999 to Feb. 2000, the city secured 26 investment schemes.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on March 1, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.