Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 March 2000

54 articles found

Seven people questioned over Sunday's gang murders

Seven people questioned over Sunday's gang murders JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police detectives on Tuesday continued the investigation into the murder of a Police mobile brigade (Brimob) private and a civilian early on Sunday morning. Central Jakarta Police chief of detectives Capt. Hendra Suhartiyono said Police were questioning seven people, including the two sons of a youth organization chairman, as witnesses.

Nationalism, religion 'must go together'

Nationalism, religion 'must go together' SEMARANG (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid turned his attention on Monday to the differences between nationalist and religious elements in Indonesian society, saying they both complemented each other.

A lesson for PDI Perjuangan

A lesson for PDI Perjuangan From Sinar Pagi "Willing to be reelected." These words were uttered by former president Soeharto. At that time, he gave the impression of having failed in training anyone to take over the national leadership. There were indications he was going to be president for life. His failure was also the failure of Golkar in readying anyone for the leadership. This should serve as a lesson for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

Farming agency blasted for breaking its promise

Farming agency blasted for breaking its promise JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta Mayoralty expressed disappointment on Monday over the City Agriculture Agency's failure to keep its promise to provide trees for the reforestation program in the area. The protest was aired by Central Jakarta Mayor Andi Subur Abdullah in a statement, copies of which were made available to the press on Monday.

PGI formulates plan to end Maluku conflict

PGI formulates plan to end Maluku conflict JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) congress in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, is drafting a wide- ranging proposal to end the prolonged violence in Maluku and North Maluku, a church official said on Monday. PGI secretary-general JE Pattiasina said a Protestant church peace blueprint currently being drafted at the congress would help efforts to restore peace and security in the two riot torn provinces.

SEC chief to appeal ruling

SEC chief to appeal ruling MANILA (Reuters): The new chief of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission said on Monday it would appeal this week against a court injunction blocking broader investigations into an alleged share price fixing case.

Honey hunters give Lore Lindu National Park a helping hand

Honey hunters give Lore Lindu National Park a helping hand The Nature Conservancy (TNC) international conservation recently invited freelance journalist Richard Smithers for a 10- day visit to get a closer look at the micro-enterprise development scheme in Central Sulawesi's Lore Lindu National Park. The two following reports were written exclusively for The Jakarta Post.

RI to attend market meeting

RI to attend market meeting JAKARTA (JP): The president of the Jakarta provincial administration's market firm PT Pasar Jaya, Syahriar Tanjung, will attend the Council Meeting of the World Union of Wholesale Markets in Annapolis, Maryland, United States from April 1 to 6. Tanjung said in a statement it was the first participation of an Indonesian representative in the meeting.

Registered license plate allegedly sold

Registered license plate allegedly sold JAKARTA (JP): City Traffic Police allegedly have sold a car registration number already belonging to a city resident, to a top general at the National Police headquarters, a source at the city traffic police said on Monday. The source who requested anonymity said that the registration number B 1 MA, that was registered for a Land Cruiser on March 17 this year, has been allegedly sold by the city traffic police to a senior police officer.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 27, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 775 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 600 -25 6,179,500 Alakasa Industrindo 475 150 2,500 Alfa Retailindo 950 0 370,000 Alter Abadi 325 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 0 14,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 6,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,150 25 442,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Tiger Woods to play in Bangkok

Tiger Woods to play in Bangkok BANGKOK (AFP): Ace golfer Tiger Woods will be in Bangkok in November to try and regain the Johnnie Walker trophy from New Zealander Michael Campbell who won last year's event in Taiwan, the organizers said Monday. The Nov. 16-19 tournament is to feature a starting field of 156 players from the European, Australasian, and Asian Tours and leading names from China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Civil-military ties revisited

Civil-military ties revisited By Todung Mulya Lubis This is the first part of two articles based on a presentation at a symposium to honor the contribution of scholar Daniel S. Lev to the Southeast Asian Studies and Societies, University of Washington. The function was held on March 13 at the university campus in Seattle. SEATTLE, Washington: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has always believed that it has a role in the sociopolitical field.

'Bappenas must be dissolved'

'Bappenas must be dissolved' PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Former finance minister Fuad Bawazier called on the government on Monday to dissolve the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) because it had failed to carry out its function. He said Bappenas had pushed the government to obtain overseas loans to finance the development of its projects, many of which were not correctly planned and had consequently failed in their implementation. "Bappenas has simply squandered government funds.

Malaysian king in Thailand

Malaysian king in Thailand BANGKOK (AP): The king of Malaysia, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, arrived in Thailand on Monday for a four-day state visit to cement long-standing bilateral ties, Thai officials said. Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, and his wife Queen Sirikit gave the Malaysian king and Queen Tuanku Siti Ishah a red-carpet welcome at Bangkok's military airport.

S'pore aims to be biotech hub

S'pore aims to be biotech hub SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore aims to attract about S$600 million (US$352.94 million) in investment commitments in biotechnology and the life sciences industry this year. The Business Times on Monday quoted government officials here as saying they aimed to make Singapore the regional manufacturing or research hub for biotech and pharmaceutical giants.

Agum Gumelar to cancel decree on broadcasting

Agum Gumelar to cancel decree on broadcasting JAKARTA (JP): Following protests on the infringement of press freedom, Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar agreed on Monday to annul his decree on broadcasting. In anticipation of an end to government intervention in broadcasting, Agum, however, warned that the public should be ready. "Don't engage in a conflict over it," he remarked in a panel discussion with members of the broadcasting community and print journalists.

Failure to deal with past crimes can bring about revenge

Failure to deal with past crimes can bring about revenge The question of dealing with past crimes, allegedly committed either by the government or the military, features high on the agenda of the new Indonesian government. The Jakarta Post talks to Aryeh Neier, president of New York- based Open Society Institute. The institute, funded by American financier and philanthropist George Soros, supports efforts to develop democracies in countries where the masses have previously been repressed.

The communist specter

The communist specter Raising the communist specter was a favorite pastime of the previous regime of president Soeharto. Time and again, the regime played up the threat of a communist revival to rally public support, and thus sustained its power for more than 32 years. Even with the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) long dead and gone and the teachings and books of Marxism-Leninism banned, Soeharto used the communist ghost until the end of his rule.

Celebrated peat farm project comes to nothing

Celebrated peat farm project comes to nothing A group of journalists and environmentalists visited the canceled "one million hectare peat land project" in Central Kalimantan at the invitation of Care International Indonesia last week. The Jakarta Post' Pandaya has this report. KUALA KAPUAS, Central Kalimantan (JP): After a rollercoaster ride down the tumultuous Kapuas River, we entered the canal bisecting the "million-hectare peat farmland" project.

Maumere airport renovated

Maumere airport renovated MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: The first F-28 aircraft, with Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar on board, landed at Waioti airport over the weekend to mark the completion of its renovation. During the test run, Agum checked how all support facilities at the airport, including the communications and safety equipment, worked. The airport now has a 1,850-meter-long runway, improving its status to second class.

Indonesia sends 6 players to Davis Cup in Malaysia

Indonesia sends 6 players to Davis Cup in Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): After two weeks of infighting, the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) announced it would send a six-player team to its Davis Cup tie against Malaysia -- including the controversial doubles pairing of Bonit Wirayawan and Sulistyo Wibowo.

Hike in civil servants pay 'no panacea for corruption'

Hike in civil servants pay 'no panacea for corruption' PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Former finance minister Fuad Bawazier entered the fray on Monday over the government's plan to raise high-ranking civil servants' salaries and structural allowances, believing it would not end corruption. He warned the policy would backfire by stirring up discord. "This could lead to a strike among the lower-ranked civil servants.

PSM Makassar denies exit from national soccer league

PSM Makassar denies exit from national soccer league JAKARTA (JP): The patron of PSM Makassar soccer club, Nurdin Halid, confirmed on Monday his club would continue competing in the Bank Mandiri national soccer league despite the resignation of team manager Kadir Halid. Nurdin also expressed hope the disciplinary commission of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) would review the sanction it placed on the club.

Govt told to be careful in lifting ban on communism

Govt told to be careful in lifting ban on communism JAKARTA (JP): A top government adviser and defense official welcomed on Monday efforts to reduce the fear of communism, but warned that the open propagation of the ideology could incite fissures in society. Both Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono and Supreme Advisory Council chairman Achmad Tirtosudiro conceded that communist teachings were not adverse to state principles or a political threat to the nation.

Aussie aids RI dairy farmers

Aussie aids RI dairy farmers JAKARTA (JP): More than 20 Indonesian dairy farmers began an Australian sponsored training program on Monday to improve their managerial skills aimed at raising Indonesia's milk production. The four-day program is jointly organized by the government of Victoria and the Ministry of Agriculture, the Victorian Government Business Office in Jakarta said in a statement.

Illegal land clearing leaves national park in jeopardy

Illegal land clearing leaves national park in jeopardy PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Urgent action is needed to save the protected forests in Central Sulawesi's Lore Lindu National Park from illegal land clearing, according to a news report from The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization.

PDI-P yet to learn about democratic basics

PDI-P yet to learn about democratic basics One of the biggest Indonesian political parties which bears the name of democracy, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), is holding its congress in Semarang. The Jakarta Post talked with Mochtar Buchori, columnist and deputy chairman of the party, about democracy. Question: Why should the issue of leader always feature prominently every time an organization holds a congress? Answer: It is the nation's culture.

Astra sale puts IBRA under spotlight: Sri

Astra sale puts IBRA under spotlight: Sri JAKARTA (JP): The performance of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is in question amid market disappointment over the sale of its share in auto giant PT Astra International, economist Sri Mulyani said on Monday. Sri said public expectations were for IBRA to raise Rp 17 trillion (US$2.27 billion) for the current 1999/2000 budget year ending March 31, but the Astra sale sparked doubts about whether the target would be met.

Official denies role in graft cases

Official denies role in graft cases JAKARTA (JP): Assistant to City Secretary on Development Affairs Ongky Sukasah denied on Monday reports of his alleged involvement in corruption cases at the dissolved Outdoor Advertising Review Team (TPTPR). "I've never asked for money from advertising agencies," Ongky, former chairman of the team, told reporters in a media conference at City Hall. He emphasized that it wasn't necessary for him to receive bribes or ask for money from people.

Japanese banker nominated to lead BII

Japanese banker nominated to lead BII JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) approved on Monday the appointment of Hiroshi Tadano as the bank's new president. Tadano, a Japanese citizen who was previously the bank's vice president, replaced Hanafi Gan, a Malaysian banker appointed by BII last September. The bank's extraordinary shareholders' meeting also approved the appointment of six new directors.

Police search for clues to murder of French national

Police search for clues to murder of French national JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police detectives are searching for clues behind the alleged armed robbery and mysterious murder of a French national at her residence on the dead end road of Jl. Madrasah II, Cilandak Timur, South Jakarta, early on Monday morning. The police were questioning four maids, a security guard and a gardener, over the alleged murder, said Jakarta Police chief of violence and crime (Jatanras) detectives Maj. Dharma Pongrekun.

On Dutch colonialism

On Dutch colonialism Talk about unfounded allegations and false accusations! I refer to the letter from Chichi Marti in The Jakarta Post on March 25, 2000. Chichi Marti first denounces another writer for simplifying Dutch colonialism in Indonesia but then simplifies an almost 350-year period into a single sentence. Referring to the local inhabitants of those days as Indonesians and the different factions of colonialists from the "Lowlands" as the Dutch, shows historical incompetence.

Malaysia warns of crocodile

Malaysia warns of crocodile KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Bathers have told to keep away from a popular beach because an adult crocodile has been spotted in the sea, a newspaper reported on Monday. The State Wildlife and National Parks Department has advised swimmers that the beach at Klebang in the western state of Malacca is off-limits, the New Straits Times said. The department said the crocodile is believed to have slipped into the sea from a nearby river, the paper said.

Juana and Indriyani both on the mend

Juana and Indriyani both on the mend JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) official in charge of sports science commission, Carmen Jahja, hinted on Monday that women's taekwondo athlete Juana Wangsa Putri might continue training for the Olympic Games in Sydney in September. Carmen said the preliminary medical report from last weekend showed that Juana's condition was improving.

Soeharto due for second summons

Soeharto due for second summons JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office on Monday issued a second summons for Soeharto after the former president was declared fit to face questioning by an independent medical team. Soeharto is now due to be questioned at the Attorney General's office over alleged corruption during his 32 years in power on Thursday. "We sent the summons to the suspect's residence this morning.

Ports improvement needed to lure cruise ships

Ports improvement needed to lure cruise ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia must improve seaports near tourist destinations if it wishes to attract foreign cruise ships to the country, a senior tourism official said here on Monday. Udin Saifudin, the deputy state minister of tourism and arts, said most cruise ship operators had not included Indonesia on their itineraries due to the poor quality of the country's ports.

To Mr. Willem Oltmans

To Mr. Willem Oltmans The Jakarta Post on March 27, 2000 published your letter titled Soeharto's crime. Your wish cannot come true due to the role played by your country as a member of the dubious consortium called IGGI-CGI, and similarly in the United Nations. In fact, your country planted the seeds of destruction long ago through the Netherlands East Indies (VOC) and the Nederlands Oost-Indische Regering (Netherlands East Indies Government).

One killed in Entrop market fray

One killed in Entrop market fray JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A man has been killed in a fight near a market between migrants and local residents, police said on Monday. The fatality was identified as 42-year-old migrant Untung, who died after being stoned and stabbed by the rival crowd on Sunday, local police chief Lt. Col. Daud Sihombing said. Earlier reports said 11 people were injured in the clash, which sparked the fire at the nearby Entrop market.

Maid kidnaps baby in her care

Maid kidnaps baby in her care JAKARTA (JP): A 36 year-old domestic helper, desperate to have her own baby after nine years of marriage, ran away with a baby who had been left in her care by her employers. On Monday, Bariyah, alias Yuningsih, appeared in a West Jakarta District Court charged with kidnapping under Article 328 of the Criminal Code, an offense punishable with 12 months imprisonment.

PBSI requests KONI to provide firness equipment

PBSI requests KONI to provide firness equipment JAKARTA (JP): In preparation for the Thomas and Uber Cups in Kuala Lumpur in May and the Olympic Games in Sydney in September, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has requested the National Sports Council (KONI) provide fitness equipment. The association's official in charge of research and development, Tahir Djide, asked KONI to purchase a leg-press machine.

Rates for tax payment, valid from March 27 to April 2

Rates for tax payment, valid from March 27 to April 2 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 7,420.00 Austrian schilling 1 520.09 Australian dollar 1 4,486.87 Belgian franc 1 177.40 Canadian dollar 1 5,048.65 Swiss franc 1 4,434.62 Deutschemark 1 3,647.80 Danish krone 1 957.60 French franc 1 1,091.01 Poundsterling 1 11,641.24 Hong Kong dollar 1 953.07 Italian lira 100 369.61 Japanese yen 100 6,913.90 Malaysian ringgit 1 1,952.68 Dutch guilder 1 3,247.53 New Zealand dollar 1 3,602.41 Norwegian krone 1 876.49 Swedish...

Asmara Nababan

Asmara Nababan Correction: In our article "Right trials could mean curtains for TNI's top brass" published on March 27, Asmara Nababan was identified as speaking in his capacity as a member of the Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations (KPP HAM) in Tanjung Priok, which should have been secretary-general of the National Commission on Human Rights. We regret the error. -- Editor

RI forex reserves rise

RI forex reserves rise JAKARTA (JP): The country's net foreign exchange reserves rose by US$83 million to $17.08 billion in the week ending on March 23. Bank Indonesia said in its latest weekly report the increase was mainly due to revenue from oil exports. The central bank also said the country's gross foreign exchange reserves increased to $28.31 billion from $28.23 billion the previous week.

Medan authorities ban Aceh people's congress

Medan authorities ban Aceh people's congress MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The provincial authorities have banned the Aceh Community Congress (Konggres Masyarakat Aceh), scheduled to begin on Monday and last through Friday, citing security reasons. Spokesman for the North Sumatra administration Eddy Syofian said on Monday that the organizing committee submitted a request for a permit only on March 23.

Megawati urges her party to get active

Megawati urges her party to get active SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, asserted on Monday the need for the party to play a bigger role in coping with the nation's present challenges.

BI staff plan to protest against Aulia appointment

BI staff plan to protest against Aulia appointment JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia employees plan to meet with leaders of the House of Representatives to protest the reappointment of Aulia Pohan as deputy governor of the central bank, according to a senior official at Bank Indonesia. Bank Indonesia director for banknotes supervision H.Y. Susmanto said on Monday that Aulia Pohan was deemed not suitable for the position because he had created a clique and intimidated other staff at the central bank.

Depots needed to sell kerosene at fixed price

Depots needed to sell kerosene at fixed price JAKARTA (JP): Councillors called on the city administration on Monday to establish kerosene outlets in cooperation with state- owned oil company Pertamina to provide the oil at a fixed price. "It's the city administration's moral obligation to keep the price of kerosene low," said councillor Tjuk Sudono of the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction.

Post offices to disburse fuel subsidies

Post offices to disburse fuel subsidies JAKARTA (JP): The government will distribute Rp 495.8 billion (US$66 million) in fuel subsidies to poor families and public transportation owners through post offices, a senior government official said on Monday.

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 TV Drama 8:00 Music 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.

Court chief ill, Bank Bali appeal hearing delayed

Court chief ill, Bank Bali appeal hearing delayed JAKARTA (JP): An official at the Jakarta High Court disclosed on Monday that the Court had yet to appoint a panel of judges and set a date for the initial hearing over the South Jakarta District Court's decision to drop the indictment against Djoko S. Tjandra, the main suspect in the high profile Bank Bali scandal.

UGM strips Ipong of doctorate

UGM strips Ipong of doctorate YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has offered Ipong S. Azhar another chance to propose a new thesis for a doctorate after stripping him of the degree for plagiarism. "There is no opportunity for Ipong to revise his thesis but he can write a new one," the head of a special committee investigating the case, Boma Wikan Tyoso, said on Monday.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Mar. 27, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Zarina took drugs, court told

Zarina took drugs, court told JAKARTA (JP): Former TV actress Zarina Mirafsur took drugs in October, about five weeks before her arrest at a West Jakarta hotel, a close acquaintance said on Monday in a court hearing. Testifying in the trial of Ahian Santoso, alias Yeye, who is accused of using and possessing shabu-shabu (crystal methampethamine), Jantje Gustav Mustaman said that he, Zarina, the defendant, a second sergeant police officer and another person used shabu-shabu on Oct. 1.

Activists urge House to reject labor union bill

Activists urge House to reject labor union bill JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives is facing fresh demands to reject a bill on labor unions and instead ratify the 1948 International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of Workers' Right to Organize.