Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 March 2000

59 articles found

In search of the indigenous in Betawi arts

In search of the indigenous in Betawi arts By Ida Indawati Khouw Most residents of the capital are familiar with Lenong theater, ondel-ondel puppets and the Gambang Kromong musical orchestra. But not many people are aware of their histories or whether they are indeed the original arts of Jakarta. This is the 31st story in a special series on Jakarta appearing in the Saturday edition of The Jakarta Post.

Discriminative laws still abound

Discriminative laws still abound By Ester Jusuf The following article is adopted from a presentation at the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights in Geneva on March 24, 2000. GENEVA (JP): Indonesia's ethnic minorities have had to face the stigmatic smudge of racism and discrimination ever since the New Order came to power 35 years ago. The new regime immediately churned out a series of regulations and laws to disseminate racial sentiments within the society.

Chilly words for ice skating rink

Chilly words for ice skating rink On March 16, 2000, and March 19, 2000, my two children and I visited the ice skating rink at Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta. The entrance tickets cost Rp 17,000 each for two hours of skating. As beginners we often had to cling to the iron bar running around the rink, as did many other visitors. One should know that a quarter of the Sky Rink is blocked off for ice skating lessons.

Boss has sympathy for BKKBN worker

Boss has sympathy for BKKBN worker KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The minister in charge of the family planning program was upset when an employee told her he had not received his salary since last year. State Minister of the Empowerment of Women, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, also the head of the National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN), was attending a discussion forum with field workers when she received the complaint, Antara reported Friday.

Repeal of discriminative laws on citizenship urged

Repeal of discriminative laws on citizenship urged JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives is being urged to repeal two laws on citizenship and replace them with one which is nondiscriminative. The demand for the repealing of Law No. 3/1946 and Law No. 62/1958 arose during a round-table discussion held by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Anti Discriminative Struggle Movement (Gandi) on Friday.

High-profile names star in this week's movies

High-profile names star in this week's movies JAKARTA (JP): Pacino is ready to chew up Jakarta's screens in another Oscar-nominated film opening this week, while heartthrob Leo begins to generate some heat through his new movie. The following reviews and grades are by Oren Murphy (OM), Rayya Makarim (RM) and Tam Notosusanto (TN). American Beauty. Dark comedy, 120 minutes; starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Chris Cooper, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley and Peter Gallagher.

In Search of religious harmony in Indonesia

In Search of religious harmony in Indonesia By Harkiman Racheman MEDAN (JP): Though the all-accommodating Abdurrahman Wahid was democratically elected as the fourth president of Indonesia, it has not seemed to help end riots with religious overtones. Sporadic interreligious riots reflect "social banditry" traceable to religious feelings, which has shattered the image of friendly, tolerant Indonesians.

Where to go in Yogyakarta:

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Exhibitions * Handicrafts exhibition: Pameran Kerajinan Lombok Abang, at Benteng Museum, until March 27. * Painting exhibition: Evil, by Popok Tri Wahyudi, CCF French Cultural Center, Jl. Sagan 3 (phone: 0274-566520), until March 31. * Painting exhibition: Portrait of a Residency in Cardiff, by NindityoAdipurnomo, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (phone: 0274-371015), until April 15. * Photo exhibition: by Agus Leonardus, at Benteng Vredeberg Museum, Jl. A.

E. Timor riots cost PT Pos Rp 5.5b

E. Timor riots cost PT Pos Rp 5.5b BANDUNG: The rampages in East Timor last year have inflicted a Rp 5.5 billion (US$743.243) financial loss to the state postal company PT Pos Indonesia, its management announced on Thursday. Quoting a report from the Development Finance Controller (BPKP), the company director Alinafiah said the losses accrued from the company's assets, including office buildings and inventory vehicles, which were destroyed during the mayhem that followed the Aug.

Singapore's CCL wins Astra stake

Singapore's CCL wins Astra stake JAKARTA (JP): An investor consortium led by Singapore's automotive distributor Cycle & Carriage Ltd. (CCL) finally won on Friday the bid for the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) 39.5 percent stake (1.02 billion shares) in publicly listed PT Astra International.

Bogor detective chief shot in raid against gang of robbers

Bogor detective chief shot in raid against gang of robbers BOGOR (JP): Bogor City Police Detective chief, First Lt. Santun Marpaung, was wounded during a raid against a gang of robbers known as "Safri Group" at Kampung Lemah Dalam in Cibungbulang district in the early hours of Friday. Santun survived a desperate struggle with the notorious gang leader named Rojak, 40, who died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Cars for the President

Cars for the President The presentation of two Enterprise cars at the Merdeka presidential palace on Thursday was realization of a promise made earlier by the (South Korean) KIA car manufacturers to Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid). When the promise was made during Gus Dur's visit to Korea some time ago the news did not attract much attention.

Sepaktakraw to be medal sport in Asiad

Sepaktakraw to be medal sport in Asiad KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Sepaktakraw has been included on the list of medal events for the 2002 Asian Games in Pusan, a South Korean sports official said on Friday. Secretary-general of the South Korean Sepaktakraw Association Lee Qoea-gyu said four gold medals would be at stake -- two for men and two for women. Lee is the Korean team manager for the World Cup Inter-Regu Sepaktakraw Championship being held in the eastern town of Kuantan.

Major firms take part in job expo

Major firms take part in job expo JAKARTA (JP): Asia Expo and PT Jobs DB Indonesia are holding a job fair called "Career 2000" on March 29 and March 30 to enable job seekers to meet prospective employers face-to-face and apply for jobs online.

Law enforcement needed to curb hooliganism

Law enforcement needed to curb hooliganism JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and security officers must apply stern measures against soccer fanatics who turn violent during matches, experts and soccer officials said. Sociologist Paulus Wirutomo and PSSI's member of the research and evaluation board, R. Adang Ruchiatna, told a discussion on Friday that PSSI and club officials should also start reforming themselves to help curb hooliganism.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 24, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 775 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 625 25 1,357,500 Alakasa Industrindo 325 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 950 -25 1,426,000 Alter Abadi 325 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 0 42,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 6,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,125 -25 386,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Over 30,000 expatriates work illegally in Indonesia

Over 30,000 expatriates work illegally in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The Manpower Ministry revealed on Friday that more than 30,000 expatriates from numerous countries are working illegally in Indonesia without having to fear strict measures from authorities. Director General for Labor Placement Din Syamsuddin said the country's poor bureaucracy, weak law enforcement and promising remuneration were the common reasons for foreigners to enter Indonesia illegally.

Private firms control parking by purpose

Private firms control parking by purpose JAKARTA (JP): The management of city-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya hinted on Friday that the decision to handover the parking management at its seven traditional markets to private companies was for service improvement and efficiency purposes. "We started the cooperation in February with a three-month trial period.

Malay rulers to act 'to reunite Muslims'

Malay rulers to act 'to reunite Muslims' KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's traditional rulers have agreed to act to "reunite Muslims", Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday. Mahathir, quoted by the official Bernama news agency, said he briefed the Conference of Rulers on national affairs on Thursday, "especially on problems facing Muslims in Malaysia".

Kua Etnika play around with tradition

Kua Etnika play around with tradition By Singgir Kartana YOGYAKARTA (JP): The audience gave an extended ovation as Djaduk Feriyanto and his group Kua Etnika finished their last piece, Arigato. The musicians, who performed seven other compositions, all taken from their album Ritus Swara (Rites of Voices), stunned the hundreds of spectators with their unique music during their recent performance at the Purna Budaya Building on the campus of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.

'Dangdut' music beats liven up Yogyakarta nights

'Dangdut' music beats liven up Yogyakarta nights By Asip A. Hasani YOGYAKARTA (JP): Bathed in colorful footlights, a young girl dressed in a tight, short dress swings her hips to the right and left, and then moves in a circular motion to the dynamic beat of dangdut music. Once in a while, she exposes her thighs. And every time she does, hundreds of spectators, mostly from the lower classes, cheer. Some even shout dirty words.

PDI Perjuangan needs to fulfill its namesake

PDI Perjuangan needs to fulfill its namesake On Tuesday, barely a week ahead of the congress of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the party's central board blocked the candidacy of the main challenger for the chairmanship, Eros Djarot. Hours before he knew of the decision, the musician, film director and publisher talked to The Jakarta Post about his candidacy.

Bosowa to start motorbike production soon

Bosowa to start motorbike production soon JAKARTA (JP): Bosowa Group, a diversified business group based in Makassar, South Sulawesi, said on Friday it would start the commercial production of its motorcycle plant next month. Aksa Mahmud, the president of the business group, said the company would cooperate with South Korean motorcycle producer Hyosung Motors & Machinery Inc. in motorbike production.

Queen gives awards for Timor service

Queen gives awards for Timor service CANBERRA (Reuters): Britain's Queen Elizabeth on Saturday will present awards to six Australians who played key roles in restoring peace in East Timor after last August's explosive vote for independence. An Australian-led multinational force was drafted in after pro-Jakarta militias, supported by Indonesian troops, reduced the territory to charred ruins and killed hundreds of East Timorese after a vote for independence after 24 years of Indonesian rule. Maj.

City to face bad weather during transitional span

City to face bad weather during transitional span JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta residents will experience drastic climatic changes during the transitional period before the dry season, which begins end of April, an official said on Friday. Waan Tarmin, a staff member at the public information department of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG), said the city would be dominated by mostly hot weather and brief showers during the transitional period, which starts within the next few days.

Agency to distribute insecticide

Agency to distribute insecticide JAKARTA (JP): The City Health Agency, stretched to contain an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever, will distribute insecticide and continue fumigation in subdistricts with known high mosquito infestation. Head of the agency's animal-related disease section Tini Suryanti said on Friday the plan was adopted because there were increasing reports of people suffering from the disease.

Gus Dur to attend royal wedding

Gus Dur to attend royal wedding SURAKARTA, Central Java: President Abdurrahman Wahid, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri and House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung will head up the honored list of guests at the wedding of the son of Paku Buwono XII, the traditional sultan of Surakarta, on Sunday. The marriage of GPH Dipokusumo to Roro Febri Aryuabsari will be celebrated in a ceremony filled with traditional grandeur.

GM Utut falls to amateurs

GM Utut falls to amateurs JAKARTA (JP): Grand Master Utut Adianto ultimately bowed out to amateur chess players during his warm-up tour prior to the JAPFA Classic International Chess Tournament 2000 in Sanur, Bali, from April 22 to May 2. Michael and M. Arief Ujianto, both JAPFA employees, beat Utut in a three-hour match in his 200th chess game on Thursday. Overall, Utut played 200 chess games and only tied seven times.

Hendro welcomes reopening of Lampung case

Hendro welcomes reopening of Lampung case JAKARTA (JP): Responding to the growing demand for the reopening of past human rights abuses in the country, the former chief of Lampung Military Command Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono said on Friday he welcomed an investigation into alleged military abuse during the quelling of a rebel group in the province in 1989. "If I don't agree (with the demand), people will accuse me of hiding something," Hendropriyono told a news conference here.

Logging companies ready to share revenues with locals

Logging companies ready to share revenues with locals JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires (APHI) supported on Friday the government's call to give part of their revenues to locals as a solution to end growing conflicts over land ownership. APHI chairman Adiwarsita Adinegoro said, however, the revenue- sharing arrangement should be stipulated in a government regulation so that all timber companies would have clear guidelines to carry out the program.

Singapore group wins Astra

Singapore group wins Astra The drama surrounding the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA)'s efforts to sell its controlling stake (almost 40 percent) in PT Astra International ended on Friday, with Singapore's Cycle & Carriage Ltd. (CCL)-led consortium coming out the winner against the Newbridge-led group.

Indonesian illegal immigrants held in Malaysia raid

Indonesian illegal immigrants held in Malaysia raid KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian security forces rounded up almost 600 Indonesian illegal immigrants in a pre-dawn raid on their jungle squatter settlement Friday. The group -- 589 Indonesians, three Bangladeshis and one Pakistani -- was detained near the site of the international airport at Sepang, south of Kuala Lumpur.

EU satisfied with President Abdurrahman over East Timor

EU satisfied with President Abdurrahman over East Timor LISBON (Reuters): European Union president Portugal said on Thursday it was satisfied that Indonesia's new president wanted to help secure a lasting peace in East Timor. Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Guterres said the bloc was in a permanent dialog with Indonesia, aimed at clearing obstacles to independence in the former Portuguese colony.

Workers say demands not met

Workers say demands not met TANGERANG (JP): About 600 workers of cooking oil factory PT Cisadane Raya Chemical (CRC) staged a protest at the Tangerang Council on Thursday, demanding the councillors help them clarify the status of their demands for better welfare. The group marched about five kilometers from the factory at Jl. Imam Bonjol 88 in Karawaci, Tangerang, to the council, waving banners and chanting. "There was no joint agreement between us and the employer.

'Political tragedy' dogs PDI Perjuangan

'Political tragedy' dogs PDI Perjuangan SEMARANG (JP): Alleged money politics and an internal rift have cast a shadow over the maiden congress of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), which begins on Sunday. Calling the turbulent prelude "a political tragedy", noted political observer Johanes Kristiadi warned the party on Friday of a major setback in the next general election if it failed to agree on a radical reform within itself.

Public asked to help control fuel cash aid

Public asked to help control fuel cash aid JAKARTA (JP): The government has invited the public to participate in monitoring the distribution of cash to the poor and public transportation owners in order to prevent irregularities. "We invite the people to jointly watch over the implementation of the cash aid system," Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Friday.

Doctor fights 'jilbab' rule

Doctor fights 'jilbab' rule BOGOR (JP): A woman doctor has balked at repeated warnings from Karya Bakti Hospital to remove her Islamic headdress or be fired. "The hospital administration has always tried to make me remove my headdress since I started wearing it in June 1999," Dr. Yunida Ratnawati said after a hearing with Bogor City Council on Thursday.

Refugee teachers' salaries assured

Refugee teachers' salaries assured MANADO, North Sulawesi: Almost 300 teachers who have fled riot-hit areas and now are teaching in North Sulawesi are ensured of their rights to their wages, an official confirmed. Antara reported Friday that 290 teachers from East Timor, Ambon, Ternate, and Lombok are now teaching in North Sulawesi. The head of the provincial office of the Ministry of National Education, D.P.

Thai court upholds publisher jail term

Thai court upholds publisher jail term BANGKOK (AP): Thailand's Supreme Court has upheld a verdict sentencing the publisher of Thai Playboy men's magazine to six years in jail for organizing wife-swapping parties at his clubs in Bangkok. The ruling follows a five-year legal battle between Chuchart Thanamongkolchai, 60, a controversial advocate of sexual freedom, and Thai state prosecutors, who accused him of profiting from activities that corrupted public morals.

Unocal boosts Thai operation

Unocal boosts Thai operation BANGKOK (Dow Jones): Unocal Corp. plans to continue investing US$150 million to $200 million a year in its Thailand operations for at least the next several years, thanks to renewed enthusiasm about the nation's economic growth potential, subsidiary Unocal Thailand Ltd. President Randy Howard said Friday.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on March 24, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

East Timor refugees to join transmigration program

East Timor refugees to join transmigration program KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Most of the remaining East Timor refugees taking shelter here have chosen to join the local transmigration program as Indonesian citizens, an official said. Vice Governor Johanes Pake Pani told reporters recently an estimated 75,000 refugees would join the resettlement program, with some already relocated to two transmigration sites in the province.

Dutch colonialism

Dutch colonialism I would like to comment on the article E. Timor: Dutch war crimes replayed by Aboeprijadi Santoso (The Jakarta Post, March 22, 2000, and March 23, 2000.) The article is too superficial and simplifies the history of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia, and is an overexaggeration of Indonesia's occupation of East Timor.

Performing arts with a kampong backdrop

Performing arts with a kampong backdrop Text and photos By Tarko Sudiarno MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): Nothing special. That might be the impression one gets after seeing Studio Mendut in Magelang, an hour drive from Yogyakarta. But that was exactly the desired atmosphere for the two-day World Artists' Day Arts Performances held at the studio on March 13 and 14. The informality and lack of strict protocols made the festival different.

OPEC meeting will be tough, Bambang says

OPEC meeting will be tough, Bambang says JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the approaching ministerial meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries (OPEC) could be very tough as the camps for and against oil output increases were equally strong in the group. "I've heard that OPEC is divided over the issue of a quota increase. I think there will be a heated debate during the meeting," Bambang said on Friday.

President backs greater Naval stronghold

President backs greater Naval stronghold MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid, whose 5-hour visit here on Friday was marred by student protests, said that he supported the Indonesian Military's (TNI) plan to increase the number of naval bases throughout the country. Abdurrahman said a stronger Navy would ensure better protection for the country's territorial integrity.

Patuan expected to stay at PRSI

Patuan expected to stay at PRSI JAKARTA (JP): Athletes and coaches expressed hope on Friday that the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) official in charge of athletes development, Patuan Simatupang, would change his mind and not resign from his post.

Council OKs 2000 fiscal year budget

Council OKs 2000 fiscal year budget JAKARTA (JP): The City Council agreed on Friday to pass a 2000 City Budget of more than Rp 3.389 trillion (US$ 451.86 million), which will consist of Rp 2.362 trillion for routine spending and Rp 1.026 trillion for development spending. The endorsed budget is higher than the city administration- proposed budget of Rp 3.29 trillion.

Wan Azizah: Battle is for women

Wan Azizah: Battle is for women BANGKOK (AFP): The wife of Malaysia's jailed former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday she hoped her struggle with the government would inspire more Asian women to enter mainstream politics. "I have to fight, not as a personal battle only, but for many of the downtrodden women," said Azizah Ismail, leader of the opposition National Justice Party at a seminar of women parliamentarians here.

Taking the law in one's own hands

Taking the law in one's own hands From Neraca I feel pity for a purse snatcher pictured in a newspaper photograph. He is being beaten by a group of people in front of the Immigration Office in East Jakarta. Who is responsible if the snatcher dies or is disabled for life? After all he is a fellow human. The beating of a criminal by a group of people, if not excessive, apparently has a deterrent effect toward criminal behavior. Everyone has feelings of fear.

ASEAN plus 3 states agree on Asian fund

ASEAN plus 3 states agree on Asian fund BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Southeast Asia as well as Japan, China and South Korea agreed on Friday to form an Asian support fund to help regional economies fight future financial crises, officials said. "There is a general consensus that we should have such a fund," Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) deputy secretary general Suthad Setboonsarng said.

No flights on Bali's 'Nyepi' day of silence

No flights on Bali's 'Nyepi' day of silence DENPASAR (JP): Domestic and international airline companies grouped in the Bali Airlines Representative Committee (BARC) agreed on Friday to suspend flights to and from Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport in observance of Nyepi, the Hindu day of silence, on April 4. BARC chairman Mohammad Nazar told reporters that all flights, including transit flights and refueling stops, would be directed to Surabaya and Jakarta.

New Order style bureaucracy

New Order style bureaucracy From Rakyat Merdeka Almost all government institutions, including the bureaucracy of the foreign affairs ministry, are still applying the old paradigm. The Agency for Consideration of Profession and Rank (BPJK), for example, a product of the New Order which was totalitarian in nature, still exists. What we need now is not a legacy of the New Order, but an agency for the inculcation of civil servants' mentality, to effect reform in mentality.

Corruption suspected in toll road construction

Corruption suspected in toll road construction JAKARTA (JP): An official at state-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga said on Friday he suspected irregularities in 20 out of 100 toll road construction contract agreements. "Most of the projects did not pass the required procedures when appointing the investors. A joint government team is focusing the investigation on seven out of the 20 projects that are suspected of causing the biggest losses to the state," Frans S.

PDAM project blocks water

PDAM project blocks water PADANG, West Sumatra: Upset farmers have vandalized the pipe installation of state-owned tap water company PDAM at Kubang Nan Duo Village, Payung Sekaki district, which they claim has caused some 115-hectares of paddy to run dry. "We need the water for our lives as well as for watering our rice field," Muchtar Malin Kayo, a local community leader, said on Friday.

Gang of burglars busted in Bogor

Gang of burglars busted in Bogor BOGOR (JP): Six suspected longtime burglars who targeted upscale villas in the recreational area of Puncak, Bogor, have been arrested, police said on Thursday. Bogor Regional Police chief Col. Edi Darnadi identified the men, aged from 20 to 39 years, as Udin bin H. Abdurrahman alias Abah Udin, Odang, Wawa, Niftah, Alen Gozali and Taha Suhanta. They were arrested in a raid early on Tuesday in Kampung Tarikolot in Cimande village here.

Damura given ultimatum to improve program soon

Damura given ultimatum to improve program soon JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Social Affairs and chairman of the National Social Welfare Agency (BKSN) Anak Agung Gde Agung has given an ultimatum to PT Mutiara Mandala Mahardhika (3M) to improve its fund raising scheme Damura (People's Fund for Sports) in two-weeks time starting from March 24. Speaking at a media conference on Friday, Anak Agung said PT 3M must be able to fulfill 12 conditions as formulated by his office.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Pameraya 2000 by H. Widayat at the National Gallery, Central Jakarta, until March 31. * Painting Exhibition by Satya Graha, at Galeri Milenium, Golden Plaza complex, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until April 2. * Painting Exhibition: Disini, by Andi Suandi, at Hazara Bar & Cafe, Jl. Wahid Hasyim 112, Central Jakarta, until April 30.

A call to lawyers

A call to lawyers From Rakyat Merdeka It is interesting to note the opinion voiced by legal expert Professor Satjipto Rahardjo. He says that lawyers, mainly those who counsel defendants in corruption cases, tend to slow down the process of eradicating corruption. Therefore he has urged lawyers to be committed to wiping out corruption and not to deflect the problem, or just follow the money. A lawyer's defense of a client should be based on conscience. The lawyer should not be a mere hired gun.