Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 March 2000

49 articles found

Matori leaves hospital, police widen search

Matori leaves hospital, police widen search JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Matori Abdul Djalil was released from Pasar Rebo Hospital on Tuesday after three days of intensive treatment for head and arm injuries sustained in a Sunday morning attack. "I have no grudges against anybody ... and I will not step up security for my benefit. I just want things to go on the way they were," Matori, who is also deputy speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, said.

27 firms face delisting from JSX

27 firms face delisting from JSX JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-seven companies which received a disclaimer from auditors in their 1998 financial reports will be delisted from the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) if their 1999 reports show no improvement. "If these companies receive disclaimers again in their December 1999 audited financial statement, they will automatically be delisted," said the Jakarta Stock Exchange in a statement on Tuesday.

Gus Dur welcomes differences

Gus Dur welcomes differences By Harkiman Racheman MEDAN (JP): In an unprecedented celebration for the Chinese New Year at the Hyatt Regency Surabaya on Feb.

Former top govt officials named in loan scam report

Former top govt officials named in loan scam report JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives concluded on Tuesday there was the possibility former president Soeharto, his associates and former top government officials were involved in a multibillion dollar scam involving Bank Indonesia liquidity support to ailing banks.

Padang eateries: Traditional fast-food

Padang eateries: Traditional fast-food JAKARTA (JP): The popularity of Minangkabau restaurants has lured small-time traders with good business senses to try their luck running similar ventures. Some of the Minangkabau food stalls still bear West Sumatran names. But the owners are not native of West Sumatra, but usually Javenese and Sundanese.

Police hold Afghans

Police hold Afghans MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Sumbawa Police placed 29 Afghans in custody over the past week for entering Indonesia without proper documents. Sumbawa Police chief Lt. Col. Erlan Lukmanul told Antara news agency on Monday the Afghans entered Indonesia along with 17 Iraqis aboard a wooden boat that landed on Maluk beach on Sumbawa island. Erlan said the Afghans were unlikely to be questioned due to language difficulties.

'A good heart' diagnosis for Abdurrahman

'A good heart' diagnosis for Abdurrahman JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid was told he had a good heart after undergoing a six-hour medical checkup at Harapan Kita Cardiac Hospital in West Jakarta on Tuesday. Speaking to journalists after his arrival at his official residence in Merdeka Palace, the President said the medical checkup had been scheduled since last month and he quoted doctors as telling him the condition of his heart was excellent.

Opposition forces

Opposition forces The passing of the 2000 state budget by the House of Representatives should be seen as a historic milestone in the country's democratic life. Nobody has really expressed satisfaction with the allocations for the respective segments of development. Some optimism stems from the increase in the price of crude oil by US$2 per barrel, perhaps more in the international market which may serve as a bonanza.

Protests planned as film opens

Protests planned as film opens BANGKOK (AP): Leonardo DiCaprio's latest movie, The Beach, was savaged in the courtroom and by environmentalists on Tuesday ahead of its first screening in the country where it was made. The screening and protests brought to a climax the year-long controversy over The Beach for the alleged destruction of a once- pristine island paradise that went into the making of it.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Indonesian Lessons 5:00 Teen Program 5:30 Sports 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Music 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:35 Film 12:00 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m. Student'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.

Asian currencies finish mostly stronger against U.S. dollar

Asian currencies finish mostly stronger against U.S. dollar HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies finished local trading hours Tuesday a touch stronger against the U.S. dollar, but activity was relatively subdued and regional markets generally trendless. Enthusiastic buying of the won by foreign equity investors lifted the Korean currency steeply in early trading. Within an hour of the open, heavy dollar sales had pushed the U.S.

Lawmakers rethink security after Matori attack

Lawmakers rethink security after Matori attack JAKARTA (JP): The attack on deputy speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Matori Abdul Djalil stirred debate among legislators on Tuesday about whether they should be allowed to carry weapons. Some insisted that they be allowed to keep firearms for protection purposes only, but others feared it would lead to more problems.

Taufik expected to reach All England finals

Taufik expected to reach All England finals JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat is expected to at least repeat his achievement of last year by reaching the men's singles final of the Yonex All England Championships, which starts on Wednesday.

Fast, fiery Padang restaurants fit the bill

Fast, fiery Padang restaurants fit the bill By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Pinched for time for a bite to eat, but your taste buds tired of the same old fast-food meals? For a taste of tradition served up quickly, try a Minang restaurant. No sooner have you sat down than an assortment of dishes are laid before you. There is no need to order, or hide the embarrassment of a grumbling stomach in an interminable wait for the food to materialize.

Fake rupiah notes confiscated

Fake rupiah notes confiscated BOGOR (JP): Local police raided a rented house in the Pasir Angin area of Cipayung village which allegedly was used in the production of counterfeit rupiah notes. The man who leased the house, identified as Alfian, alias Sofyan, managed to elude police involved in the early Monday morning raid. Police, however, seized Rp 1.875 billion in counterfeit Rp 50,000 notes and a roll of paper as evidence. Cisarua Police chief First Lt.

Bandung prostitutes netted

Bandung prostitutes netted BANDUNG: As many as 53 suspected "high-class" prostitutes and four pimps were arrested when West Java Police raided four separate locations late on Monday. The raids took place at four reported brothels on Jl. Pasteur, Jl. Ciateul and Jl. Cibadak. West Java Police chief of detectives Lt. Col. Wahyu Siswaya said on Tuesday the suspected prostitutes were between the ages of 17 and 25. He added that many of the women came from Indramayu and Cirebon.

WB questions Djoko decision

WB questions Djoko decision JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank has questioned the decision of the South Jakarta District Court on Monday to drop all charges against a main suspect in the high profile Bank Bali scandal, according to a senior official at the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA). IBRA legal division chief Pandoe Djajanto said on Tuesday that the Bank was questioning the ability of Indonesia's courts to resolve the financial crime.

Raids against traders to continue: Sutiyoso

Raids against traders to continue: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday his administration would continue to crack down on residents violating existing rules in an effort to uphold the law and restore public order. "I want to remind Jakartans that this operation is intended for our mutual benefit.

Labor union: No political motive behind Humpus' deal

Labor union: No political motive behind Humpus' deal JAKARTA (JP): The labor union that foiled the controversial acquisition of PT Humpus Terminal Petikemas by Hong Kong-based Hutchison Port Holdings denied on Tuesday the alleged backing of businessman Sofyan Wanandi. M.

Thai woman may get jail term for heroin smuggling

Thai woman may get jail term for heroin smuggling TANGERANG (JP): A prosecutor demanded on Tuesday that the Tangerang District Court sentence 29-year-old Khanchana Thiangtum to 15 years in jail and order the Thai woman to pay a Rp 150 million (US$21,428) fine for her alleged attempt to smuggle pure heroin into Indonesia last August.

Ten officials injured in Senen incident

Ten officials injured in Senen incident JAKARTA (JP): At least 10 city officials were injured on Tuesday morning after being beaten by angry street vendors operating around the busy Senen market in Central Jakarta, a police officer said. Head of the Central Jakarta Police Command and Operation Control Center, Maj. Ricky F. Wakanno, said the traders first upturned the officials' vehicle before chasing and beating them up.

Talks with GAM to continue, says Alwi Shihab

Talks with GAM to continue, says Alwi Shihab JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian foreign minister Alwi Shihab said talks with leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) resistance to find a solution to the violence-hit province would continue in Geneva at the end of the month. Alwi claimed that Indonesia's permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Hasan Wirayuda was expected to hold a second round of talks with self-exiled GAM leader Hasan Tiro later this month in Switzerland.

How to stop smoking in a totally new and different way

How to stop smoking in a totally new and different way By Clare E. Urwin This is the first of two articles offering tips on how to quit smoking. The second will appear on this column next week. SURABAYA (JP): If the title of my column makes you curious enough to look at what follows, please do yourself the biggest favor in your life and continue to read it. Don't worry, this article is not full of dire warnings about the evils of tobacco.

Scholar opposes presidential ruling amendment

Scholar opposes presidential ruling amendment JAKARTA (JP): A constitutional law professor lashed out on Tuesday at a proposal to amend Article 8 of the 1945 Constitution on the crucial role of the vice president. Bagir Manan of the Bandung-based Padjadjaran University said on the sidelines of a People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) ad hoc commission session here that he suspected political motives behind the plan, targeted at Megawati Soekarnoputri. "That's so.

Banks to open more ATMs

Banks to open more ATMs JAKARTA (JP): The demand for new Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Indonesia has increased by over 150 percent a year, according to ATM equipment and service provider NCR Corporation Indonesia. Subbaraman Iyer, the director of marketing and development at the company, said on Monday that opening ATMs now had become a necessity in local banks' expansion programs.

Number of abortions performed last year 'astonishing'

Number of abortions performed last year 'astonishing' JAKARTA (JP): Abortion is strictly prohibited under both the Criminal Code and the Health Law. But despite the legislation, women continue to seek abortions. The latest study by the Indonesian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (POGI), the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health revealed there were an estimated 2.3 million abortions performed each year in Indonesia.

IBRA to begin selling bank offices in April

IBRA to begin selling bank offices in April JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will start selling the first group of offices of closed down banks next month in a bid to raise more than Rp 29 billion (US$3.92 million), according to the agency's senior official. Head of administration at IBRA's Asset Management Credit (AMC) division Godlip Pasaribu said on Tuesday that a total of 28 bank offices in Jakarta would be sold through a public auction.

Singaporean pleads guilty to abusing her Indonesian maid

Singaporean pleads guilty to abusing her Indonesian maid SINGAPORE (Agencies): A Singapore woman pleaded guilty to yanking her 24-year-old Indonesian maid by the hair in the middle of the night, dragging her to the toilet and beating her with a shower head, it was reported on Tuesday. When executive secretary Chung Poh Chee saw that Sulastri Suhedi was bleeding, she stopped hitting her and pinched her earlobes instead before ordering her to do household chores, the District Court heard.

Soeharto ready for checkup: Marzuki

Soeharto ready for checkup: Marzuki JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto is expected to appear at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital on Wednesday evening for a medical examination to be conducted by a team of doctors appointed by the Attorney General's Office. Facing a stern demonstration at his office, Attorney General Marzuki Darusman told student protesters on Tuesday that Soeharto, a suspect in a high-profile corruption case, had agreed to have his health checked.

Death sentence for getting pregnant

Death sentence for getting pregnant I refer to the article on page 2 of The Jakarta Post of March 3, entitled No help for maid on death row. I wish I had not bought the Post. I wouldn't feel that tang of responsibility I now feel after reading the short article in which somebody who is responsible for doing his job stated that his office was not responsible.

State firms satiesfied with KONI's report

State firms satiesfied with KONI's report JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) secretary general Rudolf S. Warouw said on Tuesday that treasurer of state enterprises Qoyum A. Tjandranegara had no objections to KONI's audited financial reports on its budget to send athletes to the 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam. "After receiving an explanation from us, Pak Qoyum accepted the explanation and said there was no problem at all.

Minister awaits response from MUI, YLKI on Damura

Minister awaits response from MUI, YLKI on Damura JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Social Affairs and National Board of Social Welfare head Anak Agung Gde Agung is waiting for the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) and the Indonesian Consumers Agency (YLKI) to respond to proposed fund-raising program Damura (the People's Fund for Sports).

Richard aims to finish third in Pusan

Richard aims to finish third in Pusan JAKARTA (JP): Veteran Indonesian swimmer Richard Sam Bera is aiming to finish third in both the individual and team events at the Asian Championships in Pusan, South Korea, later this month.

JSX, AEX ink deal on mutual listings

JSX, AEX ink deal on mutual listings JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) and the Amsterdam Exchanges (AEX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) here on Tuesday to facilitate mutual listings. "With the agreement, companies listed on the JSX will in the long run be able to trade their shares on the AEX without passing through listing procedures," JSX president Mas Achmad Daniri told a news conference after the signing of the agreement.

Police seize marijuana

Police seize marijuana MEDAN, North Sumatra: Belawan Port Police seized 36 kilograms of marijuana on Monday. The chief of the port police, Lt. Col. Saut Usman Nasution, confirmed the seizure, saying the marijuana was confiscated from the ship KM Samiang. "But we cannot get the owners," he added. Port police also confiscated 48 kilograms of marijuana on Saturday and arrested a suspect in the case. Port police chief of detectives First Lt.

Irawati, Wukirasih join Fed Cup team

Irawati, Wukirasih join Fed Cup team JAKARTA (JP): Veteran women's tennis player Irawati Moerid Iskandar and up-and-coming Wukirasih Sawondari will join Yayuk Basuki and Wynne Prakusya in the Fed Cup team, spokesman of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) Benny Mailili announced on Tuesday. Benny said Irawati and Wukirasih were picked after their strong performances in the Niaga Cigna Open 2000, the first and the second Indonesia Women's Circuit here in the past three weeks.

L&M signs MOU for RI stake

L&M signs MOU for RI stake SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore-listed L&M Group Investments Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a stake of up to 85 percent in Indonesia's PT Artimas Kencana Murni, L&M said on Tuesday in a statement. PT Artimas holds a 52.5 percent stake in PT Ariawest International, which operates a fixed phone line service in the Indonesian province of West Java.

BI to maintain tighter monetary policy

BI to maintain tighter monetary policy JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Tuesday that it would continue to adopt a tighter monetary policy over the coming months amid an inflationary threat from the excess in bank liquidity. The central bank said in a statement that the move was aimed at maintaining price and exchange rate stability.

Specter of AIDS looming over Indonesia

Specter of AIDS looming over Indonesia By David and Joyce Djaelani Gordon BOGOR, West Java (JP): All across the entire greater Jakarta area the nightmare of addiction has fully awakened. We are now face to face with the haunting reality of addiction and addicts: HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. There is no escape, there is nowhere to run, there is nowhere to hide. The nightmare is real, and the crisis of the addiction nightmare is as horrifying as your imagination can perceive.

Thai fishermen detained

Thai fishermen detained SEMARANG: Indonesian Navy personnel aboard the KRI Nuku detained 16 Thai fishermen for fishing illegally in the waters off Tanjung Puting, South Kalimantan, warship commander Col. Herman F. Diman said on Tuesday. He said the fishermen were aboard a medium-sized trawler flying an Indonesian flag when they were detained. "They were charged with fishing illegally in Indonesian waters and using a trawler to fish," he said, adding that the Thais were detained on Monday.

Retailer Matahari books Rp 200b in net profit

Retailer Matahari books Rp 200b in net profit JAKARTA (JP): PT Matahari Putra Prima booked Rp 200 billion (about US$26.6 million) in net profit in 1999, a turnaround from the Rp 150 billion net loss the previous year, company president Antonius Hanafiah Komala said on Tuesday. Hanafiah said this year's net profit was expected to reach between Rp 230 billion and Rp 250 billion on expected increase in sales.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 7, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 700 -50 1,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 650 0 3,194,000 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 825 -25 504,500 Alter Abadi 275 -50 231,000 Alumindo Light Metal 925 -50 5,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 400 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,150 -25 1,418,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

APP, US Internet tie up

APP, US Internet tie up SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): New York-listed Asia Pulp & Paper Co. (PAP) said late Monday it has entered into three Internet-related ventures with U.S. companies to improve its global supply chain. The company said it will go into electronic commerce through a joint venture with U.S.-based Commerce One Inc. (CMRC) called Asia Trade Alliance. The new unit will provide business-to- business e-commerce services in Asia Pacific. Under a separate alliance with PaperExchange.com Inc.

Bank Indonesia sued for causing economic turmoil

Bank Indonesia sued for causing economic turmoil JAKARTA (JP): A monetary consultant testified in court on Tuesday that Bank Indonesia was responsible for the country's economic turmoil because it failed to head off the rupiah's free fall starting in August 1997. "The central bank's policy to float the rupiah exchange rate caused the collapse of the country's economy," Humala M.T.

LIPI: Nothing to fear from genetically modified food

LIPI: Nothing to fear from genetically modified food JAKARTA (JP): Scientists have called for cool heads, both government and public, over fears of genetically modified crops and stocks, saying that the gains from such technology far outweigh the potential dangers. Soefjan Tsauri, head of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), said on Tuesday that the technology was the answer to the country's problems of providing food in the future, while its negative effects have yet to be proven.

Telkom, Indosat promise no rate hikes this year

Telkom, Indosat promise no rate hikes this year JAKARTA (JP): State-owned listed domestic telecommunications firm PT Telkom and international direct dialing (IDD) operator PT Indosat said on Tuesday they would not endeavor to increase their rates this year. The president of Telkom, A.A.

Bambang resigns as chess body chairman

Bambang resigns as chess body chairman JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) chairman, Bambang N. Rachmadi, has resigned from his post and has handed the job over to executive director Machnan R. Kamaluddin. Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Machnan said his taking over the chairmanship was only temporary and he would have to wait for Percasi provincial chapters if they wanted to stage a special congress following the succession.

Real looking to revenge painful Bayern defeat

Real looking to revenge painful Bayern defeat PARIS (AFP): The omens may not be encouraging but seven-time holder Real Madrid is hoping to exact sweet revenge on Bayern Munich when they meet in the Champions League Wednesday. This is the return leg in the two side's Group C second phase games, the first leg last Tuesday having fallen to Bayern 4-2 at Real's Santiago-Bernabea stronghold. RCTI will broadcast live the match on Thursday at 2:30 a.m. Jakarta Time.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank notes rates on March 7, 2000 Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,428.00 7,502.00 Australian dollar 1 4,466.46 4,514.70 Austrian schilling 1 517.36 523.06 Belgian franc 1 176.48 178.42 Brunei dollar 1 4,318.86 4,364.42 Canadian dollar 1 5,106.91 5,161.33 Swiss franc 1 4,427.75 4,474.53 Deutschemark 1 3,639.94 3,680.04 Danish krone 1 956.11 966.01 Euro 1 7,119.00 7,197.42 French franc 1 1,078.59 1,090.52 Poundsterling 1 11,687.22 11,808.90 Hong Kong dollar 1 954.27 963.90...