Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 March 2000

59 articles found

Samsung launches new handset

Samsung launches new handset JAKARTA (JP): Korean-based electronics company PT Samsung Electronics Indonesia launched on Thursday its new handset, the Samsung SGH-2400. The handphone uses two bandwidth technologies the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 and offers a large high resolution graphic LCD screen. The company said that the new SGH-2400 had been appointed as one of the official communications devices to be used in the Sydney Olympics 2000.

KL media curbs condemned

KL media curbs condemned KUALA LUMPUR (AP): International press rights groups called on Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday to lift curbs on an anti-government magazine, saying that Malaysia's trend of muzzling media violated international conventions.

Albert fifth in Asian Swimming C'ships

Albert fifth in Asian Swimming C'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's swimmer Albert Christiadi Sutanto finished fifth in his favorite discipline of the 200 meters butterfly at the Sixth Asian Swimming Championships in Pusan, South Korea, on Thursday. Albert clocked two minutes 04.02 seconds, which is 0.06 seconds faster than his time in the World Cup Short Course meet in Berlin, but 03.23 seconds slower than his best time in the meet in Paris last month.

Council endorses Budget

Council endorses Budget BOGOR (JP): The Bogor mayoralty council endorsed on Thursday a 2000 city budget of Rp 85.04 billion in a plenary session led by council speaker M. Sahid. Twelve council factions agreed to approve the mayoralty- proposed budget, which was presented by Mayor Iswara R. Natanegara in a session on March 15.

President supports 10-year ID cards

President supports 10-year ID cards JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon issue citizen identity cards (KTP) valid for 10 years, sparing people the task of renewing every three years. President Abdurrahman Wahid quickly gave his approval on Wednesday when the plan was put to him by the State Minister of State Administrative Reform Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi. The new system would encourage more people to obtain ID cards, thus improving the government's population census, the President said.

Challenges to Indonesian foreign policy

Challenges to Indonesian foreign policy By Ali Alatas This is the first of two articles based on a presentation by the former minister of foreign affairs at the Aksara Foundation, which focuses on the development of an interactive civil society. The function was held on March 23. JAKARTA: As we progress into the new century, Indonesia is being confronted with a host of daunting and complex challenges.

PLN's levies

PLN's levies I am a client of state electricity company PLN, No DD2260082, KWH no 6352106. As I always pay my bills on time, I expect to receive maximum service from PLN. But unfortunately, on Feb. 19, 2000, our electricity suddenly went off. After checking we found that sparks were shooting out of the electricity meter. Fearing a possible fire, I reported the case to PLN's 24-hour service department in Jatinegara and I was nicely served Bapak Yunus.

Telkom unveils vandal-beating ploy

Telkom unveils vandal-beating ploy JAKARTA (JP): Learning that its public payphones have repeatedly been the target of vandals, the Jakarta office of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) has decided to install phone booths in protected areas, an official said on Thursday. "We'll continue to provide public telephones, but only in places where there are people responsible for taking care of them," Telkom Jakarta's external public relation official Asep Tatang told The Jakarta Post.

Asia states worried over plant patents

Asia states worried over plant patents MANILA (AFP); Rice-eating Asia is concerned that plant patents may lead to a monopoly of the world's rice germplasm pool and hamper research to breed higher-yielding varieties, the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said Thursday.

OPEC move good for all

OPEC move good for all Indonesia stands to benefit greatly from the OPEC agreement on Tuesday to raise its oil production by 1.45 million barrels per day (mbpd) beginning in April even though the country has no spare production capacity. The country's 2000 state budget relies on oil and natural gas for almost 29 percent of its revenue, assuming that crude export prices will average $20 for the April- December period.

Agrakom names commissioners

Agrakom names commissioners JAKARTA (JP): Former Astra International chief executive officer Rini M.S. Soewandi and finance director Dorys Herlambang have been appointed commissioners of PT Agrakom Multi Citra Siberkom, a local company that owns news portal www.detik.com. Agrakom also said on Thursday that analyst Wimar Witoelar and PT Timah Tbk president Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas had been named commissioner and chairman of the board of commissioners, respectively.

IIU plant closed 'only temporarily'

IIU plant closed 'only temporarily' JAKARTA (ANTARA): The government has shut down giant pulp maker PT Inti Indorayon Utama (PT IIU) in Porsea, North Sumatra, temporarily pending a permanent settlement of its case by an arbitrator, an Indonesian environmental activist said here. The temporary nature of the plant's closure was indicated by President Abdurrahman Wahid to Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) chairwoman Emmy Hafild at a meeting here Thursday.

Comic figures now on unique postage stamps

Comic figures now on unique postage stamps By Yuli Tri Suwarni BANDUNG (JP): The launch of a new series of stamps featuring five comic strip characters from national and local newspapers is sure to put a smile on the face of every stamp collector. Having printed hundreds of thousands of stamps, PT Pos Indonesia for the first time launched comic-themed stamps -- a milestone in Indonesia's philatelic world -- on March 13.

Brother denies Taufik's powerful role in congress

Brother denies Taufik's powerful role in congress SEMARANG (JP): A younger brother of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas denied allegations on Thursday that Taufik had maneuvered behind the scenes to campaign for his wife's reelection as chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

Court rules IBRA's takeover of bank Bali illegal

Court rules IBRA's takeover of bank Bali illegal JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta State Administrative Court ruled on Thursday that the takeover of Bank Bali by the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency (IBRA) last July was illegal and the bank should be returned to its former controlling owner, Rudy Ramli.

Vice President's ability

Vice President's ability For more than 30 years we were in the New Order regime. The position for president at that time had huge authority. There was almost absolute power in the president's hands. The position of vice president did not mean more than being a substitute for the president if he became incapable of carrying out his tasks. Now we are in the reform era. We want to rebuild our country for the better. We not only need a good president but also a good vice president.

More autonomy, more responsibility

More autonomy, more responsibility YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengku Buwono X called on local officials on Thursday to take on more responsibility with the implementation of the new regional autonomy law. The government is now planning to implement the decree. (44)

The Kamoro strive to regain lost culture

The Kamoro strive to regain lost culture By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): At least there is one American who is not trying to preach the merits of liberal democracy to people here. For Kal Muller realizes that a lot of traditional societies are not all backward and barbaric. In their level of organization, or political hierarchy, many follow an informal, egalitarian government where decision-making is communal.

Flour producers seek exclusive import rights

Flour producers seek exclusive import rights JAKARTA (JP): Local flour producers called on the government on Thursday to give them sole import rights in order to stay afloat amidst stiffer competition from abroad, Antara reported. Bustanil Arifin, president of PT Sriboga Ratu Raya Flour Mills, said such exclusive rights should be given unless the government agreed to producers' demand for a 30 percent import duty to stem dumping practices.

$20m set for Internet firms

$20m set for Internet firms JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia Online, a local group of Internet companies and the parent firm of news portal Astaga!com, said on Thursday it would allocate US$20 million in venture capital for Indonesian Internet start-up companies. Jonathan Morris, chief executive officer of Indonesia Online, said the company would leverage the resources of Astaga!com to help raise the funds, which would be used to assist entrepreneurs in developing their Internet businesses.

U.S. automakers question govt's ban on luxury cars

U.S. automakers question govt's ban on luxury cars JAKARTA (JP): The United States Automotive Trade Policy Council said on Thursday international automakers were concerned by Indonesia's recent decision to reimpose a ban on the import of luxury vehicles. Stephen J. Collins, president of the council which groups American automakers DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, said foreign automakers also questioned the government's plan to revive its national car project.

Insurance for village chiefs

Insurance for village chiefs TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang regency administration has covered life insurance payment for 316 village chiefs here in a bid to uplift their welfare and boost their spirit to serve the public. Tangerang regent H. Agus Djunara said the insurance have been effective since March 1.

Concert, workshop at Teater Utan Kayu

Concert, workshop at Teater Utan Kayu JAKARTA (JP): Violinist I Gusti Bagus Wismakarma and pianists Ary Sutedja and Iswargia R. Sudarno will perform works for piano and for violin and piano by the German composer Detlev Glanert at Teater Utan Kayu, East Jakarta, on Friday (March 31).

Watching Indonesian short films on the Internet

Watching Indonesian short films on the Internet By Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): The 13th Singapore International Festival which takes place between March 31 and April 15, will also feature the Asian Digital Film Festival, an event that can be accessed on the Internet. By logging on to http://www.filmfest.org.sg., one can connect to Digital Film and a double click will take one to 8 arts.com for a preview of a selection of short films taking part in the festival.

TNI formally closes Dili military district command

TNI formally closes Dili military district command KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) formally closed the military district command in Dili, East Timor, on Thursday, ending a process that began in October. Udayana Military Chief Maj. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri led the emotional ceremony to dissolve the Korem 164 Wira Dharma, calling on servicemen, including those of East Timorese origins, to be proud of being part of Indonesia and the Army.

Govt satys firm on fuel, perk hikes

Govt satys firm on fuel, perk hikes JAKARTA (JP): The government stood firm with its plans to slightly raise fuel prices and astronomically increase the structural allowances of high-ranking officials beginning on Saturday despite a nation-wide strong opposition to the measures.

Wie Wie aims to win drag race

Wie Wie aims to win drag race JAKARTA (JP): Local driver Wie Wie Rianto is looking to win the second stage of the national drag race at the Sentul circuit near Bogor on April 9. Wie Wie said on Thursday he was ready to defend his victory in the first stage at Sentul circuit on March 19. "I am ready to win the second stage of the drag race and try to improve on my time of 9.575 seconds in the first stage. I will use the same car (Ford Capri) and it is in top form," Wie Wie said.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, March 31, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, March 31, 2000 Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Pameraya 2000 by H. Widayat at the National Gallery, Central Jakarta, 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.

Abdurrahman lashes out at his Cabinet in public

Abdurrahman lashes out at his Cabinet in public JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid openly criticized his Cabinet -- particularly the economic team -- on Thursday, banning ministers from overseas travel until they are able to resolve a pressing problem with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Client accuses lawyer of fraud

Client accuses lawyer of fraud JAKARTA (JP): The capital has been hit by outstanding cases of fraud and embezzlement this month, four of which were reported within the past two days at Jakarta Police headquarters. While one case still remains under tight security, sources have disclosed three other major fraud cases. A man lodged a complaint on Tuesday against his own lawyer in connection with the embezzlement of US$20,000 in cash, a land use permit and a land ownership certificate.

Davis Cup team 'to qualify' for Group I

Davis Cup team 'to qualify' for Group I JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti), Tanri Abeng, said on Thursday that he targeted the national Davis Cup team to qualify for Group I of the Asia Oceania Zone. Tanri told reporters after visiting National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar that there had been no conflict between players, coaches and Pelti officials and all the squad members were highly motivated to win the Davis Cup tie.

Ban on headdress revoked

Ban on headdress revoked BOGOR (JP): Karya Bhakti Foundation director Soebagio has apologized for all inconveniences and blamed a hospital staffer for all the problems concerning a female doctor who was prohibited from wearing a headdress on duty. "There were no such explicit rule on headdress apparel. "It's only a joke by one of my staff who said that it's not appropriate to wear the headdress in the hospital," Soebagio told a group of visiting Bogor councillors in his office on Tuesday.

Fresh natural disasters add to Aceh miseries

Fresh natural disasters add to Aceh miseries BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): No less than 600 people in strife-torn Aceh have fled their homes in the past few days after parts of the province were ravaged by cyclones, landslides and floods. Violence, meanwhile, continues to plague the area. A total of nine people have been killed since Wednesday, including three Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers in Aceh Besar and North Aceh.

Motorola touts new handset

Motorola touts new handset JAKARTA (JP): The United States-based mobile communications firm PT Motorola Indonesia launched on Thursday a new handset; the Motorola Talkabout T2688. The company's marketing manager for consumer solutions group, Yanty Agus, said the new handphone was designed for people who were not expecting advance features as they simply needed the handsets for making and receiving calls.

Focus shifts to PDI-P secretary-general

Focus shifts to PDI-P secretary-general SEMARANG (JP): With Megawati Soekarnoputri's reelection to the top post in the Indonesian Democratic of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) a foregone conclusion, everyone is now anticipating who will become secretary-general.

Pakistanis admit to raping pregnant woman

Pakistanis admit to raping pregnant woman JAKARTA (JP): Two Pakistani nationals who were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly raping a five-month pregnant woman in Tangerang have admitted their wrongdoing, secretary to the Jakarta Police detectives unit said on Thursday. "The victim made the report on Tuesday ... we immediately started searching for the suspects, and got them," Lt. Col. Tjiptono told reporters. "We're still questioning the suspects.

Danamon merger 'won't affect creditors'

Danamon merger 'won't affect creditors' JAKARTA (JP): The merger of publicly listed Bank Danamon and eight other smaller banks will not affect their obligations to creditors. The banks' joint communication team said on Thursday that creditors would be protected and their funds in the respective banks would remain safe despite the merger.

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on March 30, 2000:

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on March 30, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

PD Pasar Jaya to let 56 markets go it alone

PD Pasar Jaya to let 56 markets go it alone JAKARTA (JP): City-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya will convert the 56 government-supported markets under its management into self-supported ones by April 1, in expectation of doubled revenue, officials said on Thursday. "The planned conversion will give advantages to traders although there will be consequences," head of the City Economic Development Office's market and small enterprises development section Indrianto said at his office.

Learn to honor others as individuals

Learn to honor others as individuals By Harry Bhaskara JAKARTA (JP): People who live in a pluralistic society like Indonesia find it difficult to imagine social conflicts in more homogeneous societies. There are so many things which can trigger social conflict in pluralistic societies, as the numerous riots and bloody clashes in Indonesia have attested. Curiously, however, the same can be true in homogeneous societies.

Kerosene supplies in city sufficent

Kerosene supplies in city sufficent JAKARTA (JP): State-owned oil company Pertamina has set aside 10 to 11 million kiloliters of kerosene for household usage in anticipation of the government's decision to hike the fuel price on April 1, an official said on Thursday. "Pertamina has increased its daily supply from 12,500 kiloliters to 14,320 kiloliters," head of the City Economic Development Office Dameria Saragih told The Jakarta Post.

Tourist workers protest graft

Tourist workers protest graft DENPASAR, Bali: Hundreds of members of the Indonesian Tourism Workers Association (HPI) protested at the gubernatorial office on Wednesday calling for firm action against graft by officials in the industry. "Many crucial problems have not been properly addressed, such as the presence of unlicensed guides and foreigners working illegally in the tourism industry," association chairman Made Sudira said.

Unauthorized use of car

Unauthorized use of car I am very disappointed with the Hard Rock Beach Hotel in Kuta, Bali, and its valet parking service. This incident took place on March 18, 2000, at about 9 p.m. local time. I had my car parked by the hotel's valet parking service in the lobby. I checked in and remained in the hotel until I decided to go out later in the evening. However, I was completely annoyed to find that my car had already been taken by someone else.

Fishermen complain of modern vessels

Fishermen complain of modern vessels DENPASAR, Bali: Traditional fishermen in Bali have complained about the operation of big fishing vessels in their seas. A group of fishermen met with local legislators, saying that foreign fishing boats have been breaching the six mile shore-to- sea zone. "They fish in our territory all the time," Dwi Agus Siswa Putra, head of Benoa Tuna Cooperative, said.

Soeharto's a no-show

Soeharto's a no-show JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office has pledged to force former president Soeharto's appearance for a questioning over alleged corruption and abuse of power on Monday after he failed to turn up on Thursday. Director of Corruption Affairs Chairul Imam told a group of student protesters in front of his office that the third and final summons had been sent to the former ruler shortly after the planned questioning of Soeharto failed to materialize.

Past deeds of the Dutch

Past deeds of the Dutch I refer to Mr. Y. Santo's letter titled To Mr. Oltmans in The Jakarta Post on March 28, 2000, and to Mr. Oltmans' letter Soeharto's crime in the Post edition of March 27, 2000. I would like to say that what Mr. Santo wrote about the bad deeds of the Dutch in Indonesia during 350 years of colonization is possibly true. Nevertheless, you cannot put all of those bad things on Mr. Oltmans' shoulders. Mr. Oltmans is only a freelance reporter. Mr. Oltmans is Dutch. Mr.

Student, workers plan huge fuel price protest

Student, workers plan huge fuel price protest JAKARTA (JP): Seven student and labor organizations have vowed to bring some 10,000 people to the streets on Saturday to protest the government's plan to raise fuel prices the same day.

Pertamina to boost fuel and kerosene supplies

Pertamina to boost fuel and kerosene supplies JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina has boosted supplies of diesel oil and kerosene in the domestic market to keep their prices from soaring due to speculation and hoarding, company president Baihaki Hakim said on Wednesday.

S. Sulawesi farmers to quit growing rice

S. Sulawesi farmers to quit growing rice SIDRAP, South Sulawesi (JP): Thousands of farmers in Sidrap regency, some 230 kilometers north of the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, have threatened to stop growing rice if the price of unhusked rice does not improve before the next harvest in October. Frustrated by the fact that they had not benefited from planting rice this harvest, the farmers claimed they would prefer to plant cacao. H.

Market refurbishment projects

Market refurbishment projects JAKARTA (JP): Milk and food producer PT Nestle Indonesia inaugurated its second traditional market refurbishment project on Thursday in a ceremony centered at Jatinegara market in East Jakarta. Assistant to Nestle's vice president for public relations Tika Bisono said the facelift project at five traditional markets involved the markets being painted red and yellow, the colors of Nestle's Maggi products.

Dutch Embassy to donate soccer balls

Dutch Embassy to donate soccer balls JAKARTA (JP): The Dutch Embassy, through Ambassador Baron Schelto van Heemstra, will donate 500 soccer balls on April 3. In a press release on Thursday, the embassy said that of the 500 balls, 200 would be presented to the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI). The balls are to be used by PSSI's junior teams.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 30, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 825 -50 17,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 575 0 9,165,000 Alakasa Industrindo 375 -100 1,000 Alfa Retailindo 925 -25 606,000 Alter Abadi 325 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 -25 43,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 10,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,150 0 567,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Medical supply for RSCM

Medical supply for RSCM JAKARTA (JP): International social fund raiser Rotary Club Jakarta Menteng's president Kris H. Sulisto donated on Thursday medical supplies worth US$200,000 to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM). The medical supplies were received by the hospital's director Hermansyur Kartowisastro in a ceremony at Hotel Mandarin Oriental in Central Jakarta.

OPEC output boost draws mixed reaction in Asia

OPEC output boost draws mixed reaction in Asia By James T. Areddy and Heather Draper HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The move by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) early Wednesday to boost output to levels of a year ago should push Asia's retail prices down and provide some relief to regional economies, but the increase is insufficient to lower prices much, said Asian energy officials and analysts.

Trade ties profit from Clinton's visit

Trade ties profit from Clinton's visit By Madhu Nainan BOMBAY (AFP): Indo-U.S. economic ties were the big winner from President Bill Clinton's state visit to India, with US$4 billion in business agreements heralding the beginning of a new trade relationship. "The number of signings are testament to a new and fresh initiative in Indo-U.S. commercial and economic relations," U.S. Commerce Secretary William Daley said prior to Clinton's departure last Saturday.

City to be free of leaded gasonline by 2001

City to be free of leaded gasonline by 2001 JAKARTA (JP): An international environment agency official hinted on Thursday that the capital would be free of leaded gasoline by Jan. 1, 2001, and nationwide by 2003. "The decision is stipulated in the 1999 Decree of the Minister of Mining and Energy No. 1585, which states there will be no lead in premium and high octane premix in 2003," said Dollaris Riauaty of Swisscontact -- an international agency sponsored by the Swiss government -- on Thursday.

Batam checks car imports

Batam checks car imports JAKARTA (JP): The Batam Industrial Development Authority is requiring that all imports of both used and new vehicles pass a preshipment inspection. Authority chief Ismeth Abdullah said here on Thursday the move was important to prevent the industrial bonded zone from becoming a dumping site for used cars from other countries. The regulation affects all four-wheeled vehicles and motorbikes, he said.

ADB launches new strategy

ADB launches new strategy MANILA (AFP); Asia's premier development bank on Thursday launched a new strategy aimed at strengthening the role of the private sector as the driving force to sustain the region's recovery from financial crisis. The new strategy announced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is seen as a complement to its main thrust of reducing the region's massive poverty because it can free much-needed government funds for health services, education and social safety nets.

No one killed in Mimika forest

No one killed in Mimika forest TIMIKA, Irian Jaya: The local military said on Thursday that no one was killed in an attack by an unidentified group on a number of farmers collecting firewood in Kali Kopi forest in Mimika regency on Sunday. Mimika Military Chief Lt. Col. Fransen Siahaan said one of the two farmers who were reported to have been killed was found alive on Tuesday. Fransen also quoted Lukman as saying that the other suspected death was only injured but was still out in the forest.