Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 March 2000

59 articles found

PDI-P major posts race heating up

PDI-P major posts race heating up SEMARANG (JP): The race for key posts in the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) heated up here on Wednesday as senior official Bondan Gunawan announced his candidacy. Claiming to be a follower of founding president Sukarno's teachings, Bondan, the acting state secretary and a close aide of President Abdurrahman Wahid, told an evening conference that he was prepared for any position in the party's central executive board.

Australia wants refugees freed from W. Timorese camps

Australia wants refugees freed from W. Timorese camps SYDNEY, Australia (AFP): Australia will push for the return of East Timorese refugees held against their will in West Timor at UN-led talks in Jakarta on Friday, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said on Wednesday. Australian officials will attend the talks at which Jakarta is expected to decide if it will withdraw aid to the tens of thousands of refugees still living in West Timor after fleeing militia violence in East Timor last September.

Police name 13 suspects in July 27 case

Police name 13 suspects in July 27 case BOGOR (JP): The National Police have named 13 suspects, five of whom have been detained, in the July 27, 1996, bloody takeover of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters, an official said on Wednesday. "Police have questioned 70 people in connection with the PDI headquarter's takeover. "We have concluded 13 of them are suspects, five of whom have been detained," National Police's general crime detective chief Brig. Gen.

House endorses Aulia as new BI deputy governor

House endorses Aulia as new BI deputy governor JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives unanimously approved the reappointment of Aulia Pohan as deputy governor of the central bank in a plenary session on Wednesday, despite protests from employees, including several deputy governors, of Bank Indonesia itself. The decision was made through a vote after legislators disagreed with an earlier assertion made by House Commission IX for budget and finance to approve the reelection of Aulia.

Asian markets mostly lower, Tokyo rises

Asian markets mostly lower, Tokyo rises HONG KONG (AP): Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Wednesday, but Tokyo's key stock index surged to a three-year high on better-than-expected economic data. Tokyo's 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 332.31 points, or 1.6 percent, to close at 20,706.65 points. The Nikkei has jumped 5.1 percent in the last four sessions, closing Wednesday at its highest since Dec. 10, 1996, when it finished at 20,822.12. On Tuesday, the Nikkei had risen 0.5 percent.

Makro set for RI expansion

Makro set for RI expansion BANGKOK (DPA): The Netherlands-based SHV Group, owner of Makro cash-and-carry stores, announced plans to opens three new stores in Indonesia, three in Thailand two in the Philippines, and one each in Malaysia and China in the year 2000. The company would invest 2 billion baht (US$52.6 million) in the three new outlets in Thailand, news reports said.

Runway overlay work delays 18 flights

Runway overlay work delays 18 flights YOGYAKARTA (JP): Runway repair at Adisucipto airport here caused the delay of 18 flights to and from Yogyakarta on Wednesday. The head of technical division of PT Angkasa Pura I Yogyakarta, Johny T. Palopana confirmed the delay and said all departing passengers were then taken by bus to the Adisumarmo airport in the neighboring town of Surakarta.

Amex launches new service

Amex launches new service JAKARTA (JP): Leading credit card company American Express announced on Wednesday the launch of a new direct debit service for phone bills. The service allows cardholders to directly charge their telephone and cell phone bills to their American Express Cards, the company said in a statement. With the new service, phone bills will be immediately paid by American Express while cardholders only need to pay on the due date of the card bill.

On muddled tale

On muddled tale I refer to Y. Santo's letter A muddled tale in The Jakarta Post on March 29, 2000. Please check your history. It's such a shame when an error of fact casts doubt upon the veracity of the whole letter. Much as I hate to vindicate the Dutch, the Boers found themselves on the inside of those "Boer concentration camps" which were created by the British. RICHARD WARD Jakarta

A muddled tale indeed

A muddled tale indeed In his letter published in The Jakarta Post on March 29, 2000, titled A muddled tale, Y. Santo claims I overlooked a few basic facts. Rest assured I did not, and I surely do not need to watch romanticized movies to realize the "Dutch" became filthy rich at the expense of their colonies. But my point was that they were not the only culprits in our colonial history. Muddling this message with the religious context of that time will make that message more difficult to grasp.

Lippo e-Net 'gives misleading info'

Lippo e-Net 'gives misleading info' JAKARTA (JP): Equity analysts accused listed life insurer PT Lippo e-Net on Wednesday of presenting misleading information to fool the public into believing it had transformed itself into an Internet company.

Warning for diabetes patients

Warning for diabetes patients BANDUNG: An internist called on diabetes patients here on Wednesday to be more aware of their illness and to seek proper medical treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Sri Hartini KS. Kariadi of the University of Padjadjaran said that recent research conducted by the school of medicine of the university indicated that only 45 out of 220 diabetes patients, 20 percent, were aware of their illness and regularly saw their doctors.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 30, 2000

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, March 30, 2000 Exhibitions * Puppets Exhibition by Cindy South Czabania, at Seniwati Showspace, Jl. Raya Ubud, on March 30. * Painting Exhibition by Ni Made Suciarmi, Seniwati Showspace, Jl. Raya Ubud, on April 2 to 28. 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.

Delay signing protocol on biosafety: NGO

Delay signing protocol on biosafety: NGO JAKARTA (JP): Several non governmental organizations urged the government on Wednesday to delay the signing of the international protocol on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Speaking at a discussion organized by Indonesian Biodeversity Foundation, representatives of the NGOs said that Indonesia's regulation was still too weak to accommodate the consequences of the agreement.

Sutiyoso delays increase in 22 levies

Sutiyoso delays increase in 22 levies JAKARTA (JP): In weighing the burden on residents from impending increases in electricity rates and fuel prices, Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday he would delay a planned hike in 22 city levies until further notice. "I realize residents will face mounting burdens following the government's decision to hike electricity rates and fuel prices.

Govt raises cigarette prices and excise taxes

Govt raises cigarette prices and excise taxes JAKARTA (JP): The government will raise the excise taxes on cigarettes by between four and eight percentage points and their minimum retail prices by 10 percent on April 1, Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo said on Wednesday. "I signed the decree this morning," Bambang told reporters at a Cabinet meeting.

Profits are good; cash flow critical

Profits are good; cash flow critical By Djohan Pinnarwan JAKARTA (JP): "Don't take cash flow for granted" was certainly a lesson learned from the bankruptcy case of the W.T. Grant Company. The company showed a pattern of consistent profitability and even some periods of income growth. Between the first and fourth year, the net income for this company grew by 32 percent, from US$31 million to $41 million.

IMF to delay aid until mid-May

IMF to delay aid until mid-May JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Wednesday it was working all out to meet the targets of its reform measures as agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but hinted that the next US$400 million tranche of the IMF bailout fund could still be delayed.

'Ogoh-Ogoh' -- from evil symbol to hot business commodity

'Ogoh-Ogoh' -- from evil symbol to hot business commodity I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Nyepi, the Hindu day of silence, comes next Tuesday, but ogoh-ogoh fever has already hit the majority of Balinese. Ogoh-ogoh, big dolls shaped as fierce creatures to personify evil spirits, will be the stars in the upcoming parades along major streets throughout Bali a day before Nyepi. People will flock to the city streets carrying torches to watch their favorite dolls pass by.

RI seeks inclusion of canoeing in SEAG

RI seeks inclusion of canoeing in SEAG JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) secretary-general Rudolf S Warouw said on Wednesday the council would ask State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela to persuade Malaysia to include canoeing in the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Zarina insists she's not drug owner

Zarina insists she's not drug owner JAKARTA (JP): Drug suspect Zarina Mirafsur testified at a hearing of her alleged accomplice Ahian Santoso, alias Yeye, in West Jakarta District Court on Wednesday that she was not the owner of the drugs seized in a hotel room in West Jakarta last November. "Defendant Ahian Santoso admitted during the arrest that the drugs belonged to him," Zarina told the presiding judge, Sri Handojo.

Aceh, Irian and Maluku endorse Megawati speech

Aceh, Irian and Maluku endorse Megawati speech SEMARANG (JP): Delegates from Aceh, Maluku and Irian Jaya endorsed the accountability report by the outgoing leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) on Wednesday, but not before criticizing its failure in fighting for the interests of the three most volatile regions in the country.

Nyepi celebration changing with the times

Nyepi celebration changing with the times By Degung Santikarma DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Last week, I received a strange visit. The guests were familiar: a gang of neighborhood kids, ranging in age from five to twelve. It was the purpose of their visit and its formal quality that was unusual, for they were not there to yell for my daughter to come out to play, to ask to borrow a badminton racquet or to beg unsuccessfully for the keys to the motorbike.

Air Force jet crashes in training

Air Force jet crashes in training PEKANBARU, Riau: A Hawk-100 Air Force training jet crashed during an exercise at Simpang Tiga Air Base here on Wednesday. Air Force spokesman Commodore Bachrum Rasir confirmed the incident, but said the cause of the accident remained unclear. The pilot, Lt. Arif Hartono, a 1974 graduate of the Air Force Academy, ejected from the jet and suffered only minor injuries.

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on March 29, 2000:

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on March 29, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Jakarta out to retain PON title

Jakarta out to retain PON title JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta is looking to retain the overall champion title at the 15th National Games in Surabaya in June, with a target of 135 of the 544 gold medals at stake in 35 sport events. "We are still targeting to retain the overall champion title although PON is held in East Java.

Appeals alone won't stop child prostitution

Appeals alone won't stop child prostitution JAKARTA (JP): The First Lady said on Wednesday that moral appeals alone would not solve child prostitution. Opening a one-day workshop on the sexual exploitation of young girls, Sinta Nuriyah said that solutions focusing on morals and religion, "without understanding gender relationships within families, in which girls are more often victims" would not solve the real problem.

Marzuki threatens to force Soeharto over summons

Marzuki threatens to force Soeharto over summons JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman threatened on Wednesday to force former president Soeharto to answer a long- standing summons in connection with an official corruption investigation if he fails to appear again on Thursday. Marzuki said his office had the legal authority to subpoena Soeharto if he ignored three consecutive summonses from the office.

Losing money

Losing money From Rakyat Merdeka I would like to comment on the losses by the state through state-owned companies in 1999. The losses amounted to Rp 47 trillion. Of the 20 state-owned companies, Bank Mandiri occupies first place with losses of Rp 36 trillion. What is interesting to question is why it happened. A cursory observation shows that the managers of state-owned companies lead a life that reflects good or high earnings.

Divided OPEC opens the taps oil prices slide

Divided OPEC opens the taps oil prices slide VIENNA (Reuters): OPEC bowed to U.S. pressure for cheaper oil on Wednesday, agreeing higher output limits that sent petroleum prices into an immediate tailspin. Iran, the cartel's second largest producer opted out of the deal, saying it feared a price plunge and complaining about interference from Washington.

Evil colonialism

Evil colonialism In reply to Bart van Assen's letter of March 28 2000 regarding my two letters on Dutch colonialism in Indonesia, I am even more certain now that the Dutch always deny their colonial past and are even now very proud of occupying Indonesia for more than 300 years.

Kiosks dismantled

Kiosks dismantled BOGOR (JP): The Bogor City Public Order office started on Wednesday to dismantle dozens of temporary kiosks on Jl. Mekah here following th the completion of the once gutted Kebon Kembang market. The vendors were urged to return to the newly-renovated market. It was destroyed in a fire in 1996. "We have issued an order for over 2,000 vendors to voluntarily pack up their kiosks. The deadline was on Tuesday," Bogor secretary Ithoc Tohija said on Wednesday.

Awards for environmentally friendly firms

Awards for environmentally friendly firms JAKARTA (JP): The city administration awarded on Wednesday licenses to 27 companies and building operators allowing them to discharge their treated wastewater into rivers. The companies were given the awards after they passed the health standard requirement set by the City Environmental Impact Management Agency. Deputy Governor of Development Affairs Boedihardjo Soekmadi presented the licenses at a ceremony at City Hall.

Police raid gambling dens

Police raid gambling dens DENPASAR, Bali: Police said they have raided at least 18 gambling dens since February, arresting 30 suspects and seizing tokens and Rp 5 million cash as evidence. "We launched the raids because residents complained about the mushrooming gambling activities," police spokesman Lt. Col. Y. Suyatmo said on Wednesday. The operations were conducted in Karangasem, Tabanan, Jembrana, Bangli, Gianyar and Buleleng. (zen/edt)

'SimPATI' available on-line

'SimPATI' available on-line JAKARTA (JP): People using simPATI prepaid GSM cards of Telkomsel will soon be able to refill their cards electronically via the Internet. The new service, being prepared by Telkomsel in collaboration with Interactive Mall2000 and CommerceNet, is expected to be available in May. "We'll see the proliferation of e-commerce in every kind of business transaction. That's why we planned this service," said Telkomsel's president Mulia P. Tambunan.

Police baffled by armed robbery

Police baffled by armed robbery JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta police detectives are searching for two suspects in connection with an attempted armed robbery of Rp 273 million (US$36,400) on Wednesday afternoon, and the shooting of two people at the Grand Wijaya Center, located next to the South Jakarta police precinct. South Jakarta police chief Col. Nono Suprijono identified the victims as Agus Setiadi, who was shot in the back, and Parno, who was shot in the head.

Financial reform key to East Asian ratings level

Financial reform key to East Asian ratings level NEW YORK (Dow Jones): The pace of financial reform in East Asia will affect the ability of the region to utilize its high savings rate to improve sovereign credit ratings, Moody's Investors Service said in a report. The danger, Moody's warned, is that the pace of reform may be slowing because the sense of crisis felt in 1997-98 has passed, and economic recovery in many of these economies has taken hold.

AAAA proceeds with Asian C'ships despite Hasan case

AAAA proceeds with Asian C'ships despite Hasan case JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Amateur Athletics Association (AAAA) will proceed with its program to stage the Asian Athletics Championships and its congress here despite the detention of its president, Mohammad Bob Hasan, by the Indonesian government after he was named a suspect in a US$87 million corruption scandal.

PKI: Opening a new chapter, without closing book

PKI: Opening a new chapter, without closing book Revoking the ban on communism is urgent to turn a new page in the country's traumatic history, writes political analyst Kusnanto Anggoro, senior researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and lecturer in the postgraduate studies program at the University of Indonesia. JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has again put himself at the center stage of controversy.

Kirjomulyo, a great literary man

Kirjomulyo, a great literary man By Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): His works abound in books and his name appears in literary compilations for his outstanding contribution to Indonesian literature. But Kirjomulyo remained an extremely low-profile figure until he died in January. Born in Yogyakarta in 1930, and a prolific writer of the 1950s, Kirjomulyo was regarded as being of the same caliber as poet Chairil Anwar or modern poet-playwright WS Rendra.

Autonomy vital 'to avoid an influx of migrants'

Autonomy vital 'to avoid an influx of migrants' JAKARTA (JP): A city official stressed on Wednesday the importance of regional autonomy as a means to curb the influx of migrants into the capital and the accompanying social problems. The head of the city's street vendors and small-scale business section, Djaya Sukma, told The Jakarta Post that provincial governments would have greater authority to develop their regions once the ruling on autonomy comes into effect.

Rupiah falls in Asian trade on news of IMF delayed payment

Rupiah falls in Asian trade on news of IMF delayed payment HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The rupiah plunged to its lowest level since the beginning of February in Asian trading Wednesday after the International Monetary Fund confirmed it is to delay the payment to Indonesia of US$400 million in assistance funding. In other regional markets the new Taiwan dollar closed sharply higher, boosted by a surge of last minute buying just ahead of the close of Taipei's trading session.

Observers support MPR bicameral system

Observers support MPR bicameral system JAKARTA (JP): With independence demands on the decline, observers from natural resource-rich provinces suggested on Wednesday that the republic be changed to a federal state which applies a bicameral system.

KONI still hoping for govt approval of Damura

KONI still hoping for govt approval of Damura JAKARTA (JP): Despite controversy involving gambling, and the strict conditions applied by the office of the state minister of social affairs and the National Social Welfare Agency (BKSN), the National Sports Council (KONI) still hopes that the government will approve the fund-raising program called Damura (the People's fund for Sports). KONI secretary-general Rudolf S.

Ascott lifts stake in RI firm

Ascott lifts stake in RI firm SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore's The Ascott Ltd. said Wednesday it will increase its stake in Indonesian joint venture PT Bumi Perkasa Andhika to 85 percent from 28.5 percent for a total US$5.2 million cash. Ascott's unit Javana Pte. Ltd. will acquire a 37.5 percent stake in PT Bumi Perkasa from PT Menara Duta, and another 19 percent from Asean Strategic Capital Ltd. Both Menara Duta and Asean Strategic are also partners in the joint venture.

RI plays down chances of ABC c'ship

RI plays down chances of ABC c'ship JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is pessimistic about qualifying for the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) championship in Lebanon in May in light of the tough competition it will face in the qualifying round in Kuala Lumpur from April 19 to April 23.

Jasa Marga for toll road hike

Jasa Marga for toll road hike BANDUNG (JP): State-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga is scheduled to meet Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar on Friday to request his approval of their proposal to increase tolls for eight turnpikes. Company spokesman David Wijayatno said after a meeting between the company and consumers on Wednesday that PT Jasa Marga would also report the valuable input from the meeting.

Consensus vital to support autonomy law

Consensus vital to support autonomy law JAKARTA (JP): Natural resource-rich provinces should be willing to subsidize poor regions if Indonesia wants to successfully adopt its autonomy law, an expert has said. The chief economist at the United Nations Support Facility for Indonesian Recovery, Satish Mishra, said here on Wednesday that the understanding from the rich provinces would ensure the smooth implementation of the autonomy law which would take affect in 2001.

Government submits 22 candidates for justices

Government submits 22 candidates for justices JAKARTA (JP): The government submitted to the House of Representatives on Wednesday 22 names, including 10 people who are not serving as judges, to fill 19 vacancies in the Supreme Court, including the post of the chief justice. The list includes Benjamin Mangkoedilaga, a highly respected former judge who currently serves on the National Commission on Human Rights.

DPR calls for delay of fuel price hike

DPR calls for delay of fuel price hike JAKARTA (Antara): House commission VIII for mines and energy called for a postponement of the fuel price hike, scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2000, as the government appeared to be lacking in readiness.

Three killed in Mimika forest

Three killed in Mimika forest TIMIKA, Irian Jaya: Three men were killed and four others injured when they were attacked by an unidentified gang while collecting firewood in Kali Kopi forest in Mimika regency on Sunday, the military said. The authorities also expressed concern over the fate of 41 men who were working in the forest at the time of the attack, fearing that they might now be hostages of the assailants. Mimika Military Command Chief Lt. Col.

Movie actor may head hostage talks

Movie actor may head hostage talks MANILA (DPA): A Philippine movie action star may be allowed to head negotiations for the release of 33 people being held captive by extremist rebels in the southern region of Mindanao, an official said on Wednesday. National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre said a local crisis management committee was already considering the Abu Sayyaf group's demand to designate actor Robin Padilla as chief government negotiator.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 29, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 875 75 123,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 575 0 1,419,500 Alakasa Industrindo 475 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 950 0 1,039,000 Alter Abadi 325 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 25 12,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 3,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,150 0 1,277,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Officers torture cafe owner to death

Officers torture cafe owner to death TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang military police office is questioning two low-ranking military officers, First Sgt. Roy and First Sgt. Ferry, for allegedly torturing to death Noveli Jimmy, owner of Cafe 168 in Jatiuwung district on Monday morning. The 45-year-old businessman was admitted to nearby Tangerang General Hospital after the incident, but died on Monday afternoon after receiving treatment at the hospital.

Persipura beats Pusam 2-0

Persipura beats Pusam 2-0 JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Local favorites Persipura Jayapura took revenge on Wednesday over Pusam Samarinda of East Kalimantan 2-0 in the second round of the Bank Mandiri national soccer league at the Mandala stadium here. Albert Yom of Persipura created the first goal in the 17th minute, while Adrianus Kuwaub sealed his team's victory in the second half.

Haryogi's dossiers to go to court soon

Haryogi's dossiers to go to court soon JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police will soon submit the dossiers of Haryogi M. Maulani over his alleged weapons possession to the West Jakarta District Court, an officer at the city police special crimes unit said. "It is nearly perfect. We just have to make a few alterations before handing it over to the court. I can't give you the exact date now, but it's going to happen really soon," the officer who requested anonymity said.

Life insurance to grow 30%

Life insurance to grow 30% JAKARTA (JP): The local life insurance industry is expecting a 30 percent increase in new premium income this year as the country's economy continues to recover, the Indonesian Board of Insurance Companies (DAI) said on Wednesday. Chairman of DAI's life insurance division Angger Yuwono said most life insurance companies believed the market here had started to grow again and would gain a full recovery this year.

Gus Dur urged to get serious about recovery

Gus Dur urged to get serious about recovery JAKARTA (JP): Despite its popular legitimacy, the government of President Abdurrahman Wahid has shown a lack of concern for economic recovery and made political moves that sowed uncertainty, a legislator and an economist said on Wednesday.

Thousands throng recruitment fair

Thousands throng recruitment fair JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of people showed up at the opening of job recruitment fair "Career 2000" at Bapindo Plaza on Wednesday to try their luck at finding a job or furthering their careers. While some of them came armed with CVs for the 600 jobs on offer. Others (above picture) brows vacancies on the Internet using 24 computers made available at the fair.