Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 March 2000

53 articles found

IBRA hands over Rp 4.7 trillion in cash to govt

IBRA hands over Rp 4.7 trillion in cash to govt JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has transferred in cash to the government Rp 4.7 trillion out of about Rp 10.5 trillion raised by the agency since April last year. IBRA deputy chairman Arwin Rasyid said on Friday that the agency would transfer the remainder to the state coffers by the end of this month. "IBRA has raised Rp 10.5 trillion, of which Rp 4.7 trillion has been given in cash to the government," Arwin said.

Manulife expects 20% growth

Manulife expects 20% growth JAKARTA (JP): A subsidiary of a Canadian-listed life insurance company, PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia, expects a growth in new policy holders of between 20 percent and 30 percent over the next five years. Company president Philip Hampden-Smith said on Friday the company expected to collect Rp 120 billion (US$16 million) in revenue from new premiums this year. "We are very confident about our business here.

Shenny needs to reach best 5 in Asian C'ships

Shenny needs to reach best 5 in Asian C'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian women's diver Shenny Ratna Amelia is expected to reach the best five at the Asian Swimming Championships in Pusan, South Korea, late March as a warm-up for the Olympic Games in September. Coach Harly Ramayani said during training at the Senayan swimming pool Friday that if Shenny failed to reach the best five, the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) threatened not to send her to the Olympics.

Movement leader dies from wound

Movement leader dies from wound NABIRE, Irian Jaya (JP): An alleged mob leader identified as Willem Manimwarba died on Friday, a day after being shot in a drive-by. Phil Karel Erary, an advisor to the province's State Minister for Human Rights Office, told The Jakarta Post that Willem died while under medical treatment at the Sri Wini Hospital. Serious bleeding from a gunshot wound in his leg was the cause of Willem's death, Karel said.

Adaro picks 'Mincom' software

Adaro picks 'Mincom' software JAKARTA (JP): Coal mining company PT Adaro Indonesia has chosen Mincom's software, Minescape 4, for its mine planning system in its coal mine in South Kalimantan. "We believe that Mincom's Minescape will allow us to effectively address all the technical complexities and challenges posed by our coal reserve," Adaro's operation manager Putu Sastrawan said in a media release.

Snags in consumer protection law

Snags in consumer protection law By Destivano Wibowo JAKARTA (JP): The passing of Law No. 8/1999 on Consumer Protection, which will become effective on April 20, indicates the government's earnestness in protecting the rights of consumers to obtain and consume quality goods and/or services. This law will provide consumers with convenience, health and security.

Aceh massacre trial delayed again

Aceh massacre trial delayed again BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): State Minister of Human Rights Affairs Hasballah M. Saad confirmed here on Friday that the trial of a massacre in West Aceh allegedly committed by soldiers has again been postponed another month. Speaking after a meeting with heads of the Aceh Prosecutors Office and Provincial Court in Banda Aceh, Hasballah confirmed that the joint military and civilian tribunal could be delayed until April.

Immigration office helps Australia keep out illegals

Immigration office helps Australia keep out illegals JAKARTA (JP): The Immigration Directorate General announced on Thursday that the office had so far prevented 291 foreigners from illegally entering Australia and had deported 114 of them. "The foreigners were netted between July 1999 and February 2000 at the country's immigration posts.

Experts say three-in-one should stay on the roads

Experts say three-in-one should stay on the roads JAKARTA (JP): The city administration should cancel its plan to revoke the three-in-one traffic restriction zone policy as it would only create new problems for the city, experts said on Friday. Interviewed separately by The Jakarta Post, an expert on transportation engineering, Alan Marino, and an expert on urban planning, who declined to be named, said the administration should instead concentrate on improving the quality of traffic management.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 03, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 750 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 625 0 1,419,500 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 850 25 530,500 Alter Abadi 300 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 900 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,075 50 2,412,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 11:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 English Lessons 5:00 Students' Quiz 5:30 Sports 6:00 Music 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Quiz 8:00 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show 11:00 Film 12:00 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Dance 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.

Golf training at Imperial Golf Club

Golf training at Imperial Golf Club JAKARTA (JP): If you are still green at playing golf, you can join the Saturday Clinic at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the 18-hole Imperial Golf Club at Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang. The clinic offers golf training after a buffet lunch at La Terrazza in the clubhouse. The package, worth Rp 250,000 (US$34) per person, is limited to 16 players each Saturday and is open to juniors, women and amateurs.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Mar. 3, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

PBSI hopes to serve up two titles in All England

PBSI hopes to serve up two titles in All England JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) is holding out hope for its shuttlers to take the men's singles and doubles at the All England championships in Birmingham, England, next week. PBSI training director Christian Hadinata said on Friday that based on last year's experience, Indonesia held an outstanding chance of retaining the men's doubles title and triumphing in the men's singles.

Lack of transportation a bane for Jakarta Fairground

Lack of transportation a bane for Jakarta Fairground JAKARTA (JP): The frequent exhibitions and sociocultural events at the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, have led to call for the city administration to consider establishing bus routes to and from the area. Rudi Hendra, deputy coordinator of exhibition operator PT Jakarta International Trade Fair said on Friday bus routes were needed to serve the fairground's visitors and employees.

Freeport told to donate 20% of shares for locals

Freeport told to donate 20% of shares for locals JAKARTA (JP): Outgoing Irian Jaya Governor Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi petitioned mining-giant PT Freeport Indonesia on Friday to donate 20 percent of its shares and profits to the regional administration in Irian Jaya to support the community where the company exploits the natural resources. The current contract stipulates that approximately 20 percent of the company's operation be owned by the Indonesia government and another Indonesia company.

Peace reigns in old Dutch cemeteries

Peace reigns in old Dutch cemeteries By Ida Indawati Khouw Jakartans bored with conventional recreational spots such as Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta may want to consider Dutch cemeteries as an alternative. This is the 28th article in a series on old and protected buildings and sites in Jakarta.

No reprieve for finance ministry in illegal demolition lawsuit

No reprieve for finance ministry in illegal demolition lawsuit JAKARTA (JP): A senior city official overruled on Monday a proposal that the city administration not prosecute the finance ministry for its failure to prevent damages to the former Supreme Court building. City secretary Fauzi Bowo said the city administration would continue with its plan to take the case to court.

Local shipowners oppose Hutchison's takeover plans

Local shipowners oppose Hutchison's takeover plans JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Shipowners Association (INSA) has strongly opposed plans by Hongkong's Hutchison Port Holdings to purchase a 48 percent interest in PT Humpuss Terminal Petikemas (HTP), an operator of a container terminal at Jakarta's Port, Tanjung Priok.

Govt should enact regional autonomy

Govt should enact regional autonomy JAKARTA (JP): The Association of the West Kalimantan Community in Jakarta (IKKB) warned the government to fully prepare for the implementation of regional autonomy otherwise it would only worsen the economic disparity in resource-rich provinces.

Love a splendored, spiteful thing at films

Love a splendored, spiteful thing at films JAKARTA (JP): A story of a mother who knows best and a daughter who knows better, and a forbidden love in films currently playing at local cinemas might amuse moviegoers this weekend. The following reviews and grades are by Rayya Makarim (RM), Oren Murphy (OM) and Tam Notosusanto (TN). Anywhere but Here:; Comedy/drama, running time 114 minutes; starring Susan Sarandon, Natalie Portman, Eileen Ryan, Ray Baker, John Diehl. Directed by Wayne Wang.

How to manage or mismanage state companies

How to manage or mismanage state companies Some say politicians would be able to practice what they preach if they controlled state firms, while others raise warnings of worse inefficiencies. The Jakarta Post talked to political economist Revrisond Baswir of the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, the director of the Institute of Development and Economic Analysis and newly appointed deputy for economic rights at the State Ministry of Human Rights Affairs.

Bonit and Sulistyo cruise to Futures doubles semis

Bonit and Sulistyo cruise to Futures doubles semis JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's veteran pair of Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo made their way to the semifinals of the US$15,000 Indonesia Futures-2 at the Kemayoran Tennis Center in Central Jakarta on Friday. Bonit and Sulistyo, the only host players to have survived in the event, had to fight hard before upsetting second seeds Rik De Voest and Haydn Wakefield of South Africa 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4 in the second round.

Asian monies mostly lower, peso up on tighter policy

Asian monies mostly lower, peso up on tighter policy HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies ended regional dealing hours Friday lower against the U.S. dollar following a nearly featureless trading session. In Southeast Asia, the Singapore dollar, the Thai baht and the Indonesian rupiah all closed slightly lower, but the Philippine peso gained ground after the country's central bank tightened monetary policy a notch.

Dengue outbreak kills five

Dengue outbreak kills five JEPARA, Central Java: At least five children have died from dengue fever here in February, while 15 others were hospitalized and reportedly in critical condition. The regency's health agency chief, Gunawan W, revealed on Friday that dengue fever has affected 20 villages in three districts, namely Bangsri, Mlonggo and Jepara. The fatalities were Rika, Didot, Viviayu Damayanti, Dian Agustina and Asmelia. They were aged from three to 14 years old.

Bank Bali to decide rights issue plan this month

Bank Bali to decide rights issue plan this month JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Bali expects to hold an extraordinary meeting later this month to approve its rights issue plan. The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Thursday that the agency was still waiting for approval from the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) to proceed with its limited public offering.

UGM to decide on alleged plagiarism

UGM to decide on alleged plagiarism YOGYAKARTA (JP): A Gadjah Mada University (UGM) team is to inquire into an alleged case of plagiarism involving a doctorate student, Ipong S. Azhar, and will complete its investigations on March 25. A team member, Sunyoto Usman, said on Friday the four-member team needed more time to reread Ipong's thesis after questioning M. Nurhasim, a National Institute of Science (LIPI) staff member, who claims to hold the copyright to the data allegedly used by Ipong.

Slovakian scholars nabbed in Palawan

Slovakian scholars nabbed in Palawan PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (AFP): Four Slovakian scientists were arrested here on Friday for attempting to smuggle out rare insects from the western Philippine province of Palawan, environment officials said.

Suspects arrested for gang rape

Suspects arrested for gang rape JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Police detectives have arrested two casual public minivan drivers suspected of raping a mute and nearly deaf girl, Chief Warrant Officer Purwani said on Friday. "The first suspect, Joko, was arrested on Thursday morning, while the second, Yanto, was arrested later in the night. "They are the (alleged) rapists of Ti," the policewoman said.

Govt unaware of antipregnancy pill

Govt unaware of antipregnancy pill JAKARTA (JP): The government is unaware of the existence of pills which can effectively prevent pregnancy if they are taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The morning-after pills were introduced as an emergency contraceptive in 1998 by the National Family Planning Board (BKKBN).

Workers strike enters third day

Workers strike enters third day BOGOR (JP): Some 5,000 factory workers from three different companies in Cileungsi here continued on Friday with wage-related strikes and protests for the third consecutive day. The protesting workers are from PT Aspex Paper, PT Roda Vivatex and PT Daria Varia Laboratory.

U.S. wants trial over E. Timor mayhem

U.S. wants trial over E. Timor mayhem JAKARTA (JP): The United States warned on Friday that military cooperation between Washington and Jakarta would only be restored if those responsible for atrocities in East Timor last year were brought to justice. "There are serious requirements that have to be established before this (the military cooperation) can be carried out, and that includes the accountability for what happened in East Timor," visiting U.S.

Handheld PC lost at hotel

Handheld PC lost at hotel I work for an American company. On Tuesday, Feb. 29, my colleague and I were sitting in front of the Bogor restaurant at Borobudur Hotel from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Afterward, I headed to the parking lot at the back of the hotel and stopped at the toilet for a minute. As I walked to the rear entrance, I realized that my Cassiopeia E-105 handheld personal computer (EPIC), serial number T4971850693314, was not in my pocket.

Singapore locates hot spots in Riau

Singapore locates hot spots in Riau SINGAPORE (Agencies): The Singapore Environmental Ministry has sent satellite pictures of "hot spots" - forest fires on the Indonesian island of Sumatra - to authorities in Jakarta in hopes of warding off another environmental debacle, officials said on Friday.

Lippo Life responds

Lippo Life responds First of all, we would like to thank Mr. Mark William Riddett for placing his trust in us through taking part in our program insurance. We have read and studied the contents of his letter published under the title Lippo Life service in the Feb. 29 issue of The Jakarta Post. And from our telephone conversation with Mr. Riddett on the same day, we also gained valuable input from him in our efforts to improve our service. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr.

Cemex to become majority shareholder in Semen Gresik

Cemex to become majority shareholder in Semen Gresik JAKARTA (JP): The government tentatively agreed to a proposal by Mexico's Cemex SA de CV to increase its stake to become the majority shareholder in state-owned cementmaker PT Semen Gresik. "Cemex wants to raise its stake (in Semen Gresik) to become the majority shareholder and the government has agreed in principle to this," State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Development Laksamana Sukardi said on Friday.

Sutiyoso proposes 11.11% decrease in new budget

Sutiyoso proposes 11.11% decrease in new budget JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso submitted to the City Council on Friday a draft city budget for the 2000 fiscal year worth Rp 3.295 trillion (US$438.6 million), an 11.11 percent decrease on the current budget of Rp 3.69 billion. The proposed budget includes routine spending of Rp 2.3 trillion and development spending of Rp 930.1 billion. Last year's routine spending was set at Rp 2.7 trillion while development spending was Rp 953.3 billion.

RI forex reserves rise

RI forex reserves rise JAKARTA (JP): The country's net foreign exchange reserves rose by US$54.2 million to $16.9 billion in the week ending Feb. 29. Bank Indonesia said in its latest weekly report that the increase was mainly due to revenue from oil exports. The central bank said the country's gross foreign exchange reserves also increased to $28.16 billion from $28.10 billion the previous week.

Criteria for chief justice

Criteria for chief justice I fully agree with Faisal Baasir's criticism of the United Development Party (PPP) concerning President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's supporters, who always try to justify his ideas, including his wish to appoint Benyamin Mangkoedilaga as the new chief justice to replace Sarwata. The pro and con groups have each stated their arguments, which essentially concern Law No.

1,000 students quit school

1,000 students quit school SEMARANG: At least 1,000 students have dropped out of universities in the past couple of years mostly due to economic crisis, students affairs director of the ministry of education Sudarmaji said on Friday. "Most of them are unable to pay the tuition fees. Actually some of them have been awarded scholarships, but not enough." He said the scholarship budget for the current fiscal year reached Rp 104.24 billion, distributed to a total of 135,730 students nationwide.

600 E. Timorese murdered in 1999

600 E. Timorese murdered in 1999 DILI, East Timor (AFP): More than 600 people were murdered in East Timor last year, UN officials said here on Friday. A total of 627 victims, killed between January and October last year, were the only cases known to the UN civilian police, said Rafik Hodzic of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). "It is likely to rise," Hodzic told AFP. Local human rights experts expect the final death toll from last year's terror campaign to be far higher.

Timber firms halt work due to conflicts with locals

Timber firms halt work due to conflicts with locals JAKARTA (JP): At least 50 timber companies have stopped their logging activities due to security uncertainty and growing conflicts with local communities, according to the Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires (APHI). Association chairman Adiwarsita Adinegoro said the local residents not only claimed ownership of the association members forest concession areas but also often threatened their workers.

'Amend discriminative Article 6'

'Amend discriminative Article 6' JAKARTA (JP): A group of Chinese Indonesians have urged the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to amend Article 6 of the 1945 Constitution on presidential nominations, which they claimed was discriminative. The chairman of the Association of Chinese Indonesian Families told the Assembly's ad hoc I committee for constitutional amendment on Friday the Constitution was restrictive in that it required the president to be an Indonesian native.

ASEAN told to abondon non-interference policy

ASEAN told to abondon non-interference policy SINGAPORE (AFP): Southeast Asian nations should change their policy of non-interference in other member countries where internal political problems have regional implications, former Philippine president Fidel Ramos suggested on Friday.

Military to check illegal gun sales to GAM: Graito

Military to check illegal gun sales to GAM: Graito SURABAYA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Rear Marshal Graito Usodo said on Friday that the military would recheck the Jakarta Police's discovery of illegal gun sales to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) allegedly involving TNI personnel. "If the Jakarta Police chief has announced it (the finding), we will just believe him for the time being. We (TNI) have yet to hear or read the report on the finding.

Manila unfazed by marine issue

Manila unfazed by marine issue KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): The Philippines is not unduly concerned about its security in the South China Sea as the United States has pledged to protect it in the event of an attack, Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon said on Friday. Siazon, in Kuala Lumpur for a bilateral meeting, was asked whether the Philippines was worried that the exit of U.S. troops from its bases had emboldened China into intruding in areas of the Spratly islands claimed by the Manila.

BNI opens retail center

BNI opens retail center JAKARTA (JP): State Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has officially launched a retail business service center located at the bank's Jakarta Kota branch. "We want to be a universal bank with retail business as part of our focus in our credit portfolio," the bank said in a statement. It said the bank was currently restructuring its operation and would proceed with opening consumer loan centers, small business centers and clearing centers in 18 major cities in Indonesia.

Govt denies rumors of Cabinet reshuffle

Govt denies rumors of Cabinet reshuffle JAKARTA (JP): The government denied on Friday there was about to be a Cabinet reshuffle amid strong speculation that Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie was about to tender his resignation.

Police puzzled by reward offer in painting theft

Police puzzled by reward offer in painting theft JAKARTA (JP): The Cilandak Police in South Jakarta have decided to review their investigation into a robbery at a residence on Jl. Anggur following the appearance of a Rp 100 million reward advertisement for a painting stolen in a New Year's Eve burglary. Head of the precinct Maj.

Raids catch 12 for unlicensed gun possession

Raids catch 12 for unlicensed gun possession JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta police have arrested 12 men suspected of possessing guns and bullets without legal permits, during raids over the last five days, the chief said on Friday. Col. Nono Suprijono said the 12 men, including two soldiers, are believed to have supplied weapons to members of the Free Aceh Movement Forces (AGAM) in the northern tip of Sumatra. "Two have already confessed to being middlemen for GAM," Nono told reporters.

Government urged to delay Consumer Protection Law

Government urged to delay Consumer Protection Law JAKARTA (JP): Business associations urged the government on Friday to delay the implementation of the Consumer Protection Law, saying that most industries were not yet well prepared enough for it. Executive director of the Association of Indonesian Retailers (APRINDO) Kustarjono Prodjolalito said it would take about three years for the business community and consumers alike to prepare themselves for the implementation of the law.

Can we put an end to plagiarism in Indonesia

Can we put an end to plagiarism in Indonesia By Setiono JAKARTA (JP): A serious intellectual crisis seems to have struck the academic world here, centered on the fact that plagiarism is now perceived as a common practice. A recent report on a doctorate candidate of Gajah Mada University accused of plagiarizing a student's thesis was stunning. Two letters to this newspaper on Feb. 17 also accused a lecturer in Bandung of plagiarism in an article appearing in The Jakarta Post.

Armed gang robs basic supplies

Armed gang robs basic supplies JAMBI, Jambi: A group of six armed men robbed a truck loaded with basic necessities and Rp 3.6 million (US$486) in cash in quiet Mudo village here on Thursday, police said. Quoting witnesses, Tanjung Jabung Barat Police chief Lt. Col. Suedi Husein said the robbers shot the truck's tires and windows to force the driver to stop. It remained unclear what kind of weapons were used by the criminals.