Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 April 2000

43 articles found

V-Kool to open RI outlets

V-Kool to open RI outlets JAKARTA (JP): V-Kool Franchise International is to open outlets in Indonesia under franchising agreements with local companies to meet the growing demand for its window coating films. Andrew K.T. Kwan, director of V-Kool Franchise International, said here on Friday the company had formed a joint venture with a local company to manage the franchising business in the country.

PDI-P pledges to train cadres for challenges ahead

PDI-P pledges to train cadres for challenges ahead SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) will intensify training and consolidation programs over the next three years to prepare for the 2004 general election, party activists said. A member of the commission for organizational matters at the congress, F. Maizano, said all party chapters and branches would soon convene to elect new officials responsible for the implementation of the programs.

Fuel hike delay a blessing in disguise

Fuel hike delay a blessing in disguise JAKARTA (JP): While the central government announced on Friday afternoon a postponement of the fuel price hike, the city administration stated earlier in the morning that it was not ready to carry out the fuel subsidy scheme due to lack of written instruction. "We haven't received information from the central government on how to carry out the subsidy," city spokesman Muhayat told reporters at his office.

PBSI extends contract deal with Yonex

PBSI extends contract deal with Yonex JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) extended its contract with Japanese sports equipment giant Yonex starting from October 2000. PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo said on Friday at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, that the new contract stipulated PBSI would receive US$1 million, which will be paid based on a rupiah exchange rate of 8,000. A four-year renewable contract, signed by PBSI on Nov.

U.S. rights groups file lawsuit against TNI general

U.S. rights groups file lawsuit against TNI general JAKARTA (JP): Lt. Gen. Johny Lumintang was notified of a lawsuit filed against him by two human rights groups in the United States representing victims of atrocities committed in East Timor last year, a New York-based human rights group said on Friday.

Police officer takes on street thieves

Police officer takes on street thieves JAKARTA (JP): Armed with a gun, a police sergeant apprehended a group of five young men who attempted to rob the officer and his female friend at a traffic light in Permata Hijau, South Jakarta early Friday morning.

Western Java's history written on stones

Western Java's history written on stones By Ida Indawati Khouw Many may be unaware that flood problems in the capital date back to ancient times. The evidence is on ancient boulders, which also show that Jakarta was part of the Tarumanagara kingdom. This is the 32nd article in a special series on Jakarta and its historical sites and buildings, appearing in the Saturday edition of The Jakarta Post.

RI hands over E. Timorese refugees to UNHCR

RI hands over E. Timorese refugees to UNHCR JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia handed over responsibility for some 140,000 East Timorese refugees in the western half of Timor island to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday, saying that the cost of caring for them has become too expensive. East Nusa Tenggara Governor Piet A. Tallo gave notice to UNHCR senior officer Craig Sanders in Kupang to take charge of the refugees.

Billet makers face closure

Billet makers face closure JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Steel Billets and Concrete Bars Producers (ABBESI) said on Friday most of its 27 members would close down their operations if state electricity company PLN continued with its plan to increase it rates on April 1. "The government should review the planned rate increase. Otherwise most of our members will be closed down," the association said in a statement.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Mar. 31, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

ABN AMRO Bank opens model branch in Jakarta

ABN AMRO Bank opens model branch in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The Netherlands based ABN AMRO Bank opened on Friday a newly designed branch in Kemang, South Jakarta, a forerunner for all of the bank's other branches throughout the South Asia Pacific region. ABN AMRO country manager of Indonesia, Pieter van den Akker said the bank's Kemang branch applied a new concept that would enable the bank to deal more efficiently with customers.

University boys tried for drugs

University boys tried for drugs BOGOR (JP): A prosecutor at Bogor District Court here demanded 10-month jail terms for two university students accused of illegally possessing and consuming several grams of marijuana. During the hearing on Thursday, prosecutor Uri Sobari told the court that Aprianto, 20, and Luthfi, 21, students at the Bogor Pakuan University and Indonesia Business Institute respectively, were arrested by police at Aprianto's house on Jl.

More funds needed for reforestation

More funds needed for reforestation BANDUNG: Director General of Site Rehabilitation and Social Reforestation Yaman Mulyana said here on Thursday that shortage of funds had hampered the reforestation programs for critical areas. Speaking to journalists after opening a discussion on Regreening and Reforestation Programs at the state Padjadjaran University campus in Jatinangor, Mulyana said that the Ministry of Forest and Plantation had spent more than Rp 4 trillion.

Butet's monolog probes diseased Indonesia society

Butet's monolog probes diseased Indonesia society By Rita A. Widiadana and Endi Aras JAKARTA (JP): Visitors to Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center last Monday turned their back on films of Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks, Kevin Spacey or Denzel Washington, which were playing at the on-site movie theater. They were drawn instead by local artist Butet Kertaredjasa.

More public involvement

More public involvement Nearly every piece of new legislation or government policy draws public protest as soon as it is announced. In a fledging democracy like Indonesia, this is somewhat expected. People who feel their interests will be harmed by a new law or policy will try their best to prevent its implementation by taking full advantage of their right to free expression, which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

Mahadi assures world racer safety in RI

Mahadi assures world racer safety in RI MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela guaranteed the security of world racers should Indonesia be appointed host to the 2001 World Rally Championship. Mahadi told reporters after opening the 2000 Gudang Garam Indonesia Rally at the parking lot of the Tiara Hotel convention hall here on Friday that the Indonesian government will forward the guarantee to the world automotive federation (FIA).

Irianese students meet in Manado

Irianese students meet in Manado JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Hundreds of Irianese students from all over Indonesia will hold a congress for four days beginning on April 3 in Manado, North Sulawesi. The event will take place prior to a planned Papuan Congress in July, to be attended by Papuans, officially Irianese, from both inside and outside the country. The first congress was held in February.

$100m needed to rebuild Maluku, official says

$100m needed to rebuild Maluku, official says JAKARTA (JP): The government can only provide US$40 million of the $110 million needed to rebuild ravaged Maluku, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication Basri Hasanuddin said on Thursday. "We are seeking funds from the international community," Basri said. The funds will be used to rebuild vital infrastructure such as water supply and sanitation systems, provide food and medicine and to help restart economic activities.

Bogus officer arrested at Blok M

Bogus officer arrested at Blok M JAKARTA (JP): Kebayoran Baru police detectives in South Jakarta caught a tattoo artist pretending to be a police officer in order to rob two street vendors on Friday morning. South Jakarta Police chief Col. Nono Suprijono said Simai, 33, and his accomplice, Eko -- who's still at large -- first approached the vendors at the popular Blok M shopping area and accused them of cheating. Simai and Eko were both wearing police uniforms.

Police declare high alert status to face mass rally

Police declare high alert status to face mass rally JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi said on Friday the capital would be on high alert from Saturday through until the end of April. "Waspada I (high alert) will be declared on Saturday, considering that mass protests are reportedly scheduled from Saturday onward. The alert will remain until the end of April," Nurfaizi said while addressing a meeting of about 4,000 police officers at city police headquarters on Friday morning.

Clark Hatch to open three new outlets

Clark Hatch to open three new outlets JAKARTA (JP): Clark Hatch International fitness center and life spa will open three new outlets, two in Jakarta and one in Denpasar, company representative Terje H. Nelson said here on Thursday. Nelson said the two new outlets in Jakarta would be at Hotel Gran Melia, Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, and Hotel Ambhara, Jl. Iskandarsyah Raya, also in South Jakarta. The outlet in Bali will be at Hotel Kartika Plaza in Tuban.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, April 1, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, April 1, 2000 Exhibitions * 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. * Painting, Furniture Exhibition by Hidayat and Jeremy Thomas, at Gallery TC - Twilite Cafe, Jl. Kemang Raya No.

Bank Mandiri shifts all bad loans to IBRA

Bank Mandiri shifts all bad loans to IBRA JAKARTA (JP): State-owned Bank Mandiri has transferred its remaining bad loans of Rp 16.5 trillion (US$2.2 billion) to the Indonesia Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), Bank Indonesia governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Friday. Sjahril said the central bank had issued a new ruling that enabled IBRA to take over the bad loans from the already recapitalized Bank Mandiri.

Government to establish Agrotourism complex

Government to establish Agrotourism complex JAKARTA (JP): In a move to help traders survive the continuing slump in business, the city administration is planning to develop the Flower and Decorative Plants Promotion Center in Rawa Belong, West Jakarta, into an Agrobusiness Tourism site, an official said on Friday. "We plan to develop the area as a tourist destination," the center's head Bambang Wisanggeni said.

Government submits general elections bill to the House

Government submits general elections bill to the House JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja submitted to the House of Representatives on Thursday the general elections bill which recommends that the government set up an independent election commission. During the House plenary session to hear the first reading of the bill, Surjadi openly labeled the current General Elections Commission (KPU) not independent and partisan.

Suspected killer arrested

Suspected killer arrested JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta police detectives arrested on Friday the primary suspect in the murder of Silvy Maugpin, a French national who was robbed and murdered on Monday at her residence, on Jl. Madrasah II in Cilandak Timur, South Jakarta. A police source identified the suspect as Budi Riyanto, who was arrested on Jl. Pangeran Antasari, South Jakarta. "Budi is the boyfriend of one of Silvy's maidservants, Nursita," the source said.

Govt told to put in place freedom of information law

Govt told to put in place freedom of information law JAKARTA (JP): A law allowing public access to information is essential to create transparent and accountable government institutions, a legislator and an observer said on Friday. Speaking at a discussion on "Public Accountability of Government Institutions", Deputy House Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar and law expert Mas Achmad Santosa said such a law was necessary to allow the public to observe the institutions.

Indorayon's foreign shareholders to sue govt

Indorayon's foreign shareholders to sue govt JAKARTA (JP): Foreign shareholders of publicly listed pulp and rayon firm PT Inti Indorayon have decided to file suit against the Indonesian government over the mid-1998 suspension of the factory's operations in Porsea, North Sumatra.

Some top city police officers accused of pocketing payoffs

Some top city police officers accused of pocketing payoffs JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Lt. Gen. Rusdihardjo vowed on Friday to conduct a thorough probe into a report that several top Jakarta Police officers took a percentage of illegal fees for driver's licenses. Rusdihardjo claimed he never received such a report and asked reporters to show him a copy, which was distributed on the same day to the media by a traffic policeman.

Aceh rebels attack Exxon-Mobil airfield

Aceh rebels attack Exxon-Mobil airfield BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Separatist rebels in Aceh province shot and wounded two employees of the multinational company Exxon- Mobil Inc. in an attack on an airfield run by the company in Lhokseumawe on Friday, officials said. Police said that a chartered plane operated by PT Pelita Air Service was attacked by two unidentified men shortly after it landed at the airfield in the North Aceh industrial city 7:45 a.m. local time. Aceh Police chief Brig. Gen.

Challenges to RI foreign policy

Challenges to RI foreign policy By Ali Alatas This is the second 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: The Non-Aligned Movement and other developing countries, including Indonesia, do acknowledge the basic right and responsibility of the United Nations to help relieve human suffering.

New investor CCL plans no shake-up in Astra International

New investor CCL plans no shake-up in Astra International JAKARTA (JP): The new investor in PT Astra International has no immediate plans for a management shake-up of the country's largest automotive company but has prioritized debt payment, Astra's president Theodore Permadi Rachmat said on Friday. "They said they had no intention to change the management.

Tax collections exceed target

Tax collections exceed target JAKARTA (JP): The government collected Rp 95.57 trillion (US$12.74 billion) in income, sales, value-added and property taxes in the fiscal year which ended on Friday, about 3 percent above the Rp 92.14 trillion target. Director General of Taxation Mahfudh Sidik announced the results as the deadline for people to send in their tax returns neared. "We still have until 6 p.m.

Sea crossing route closed for Nyepi

Sea crossing route closed for Nyepi SURABAYA, East Java: The sea route to Bali between the ports of Ketapang Banyuwangi and Gilimanuk in Bali will be closed on April 4 for 24 hours to respect the Hindu Day of Silence, observed by most Balinese, Antara reported on Friday. An official at the Ketapang port said the annual closure is scheduled from 6 a.m. "One day before the celebration, many people will leave Gilimanuk to Ketapang," Karngun Sedono of the transportation company, said.

Gus Dur holds firm on lifting communist ban

Gus Dur holds firm on lifting communist ban JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid repeated his demand on Friday that the ban on communism and Marxism be lifted on the grounds that it had often been abused to suppress people's political rights. Speaking in a dialog after Friday prayers at the Al Munawaroh Mosque near his residence in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, the President said he was firm in his opinion that the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS) decree No.

KONI seeks more sponsors for SEAG, Asiad

KONI seeks more sponsors for SEAG, Asiad JAKARTA (JP): Following its success in gathering sponsors for the 2000 Olympic Games, the National Sports Council (KONI) is now searching for sponsors to finance the training programs for the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur and the 2002 Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea.

State of emergency law

State of emergency law From Pelita As we know, the state of emergency bill was approved by the House of Representatives (DPR) during the Development Reform Cabinet in September 1999. It met with strong resistance from university students and people who led to the postponing of its enactment. However, many circles have been astonished because the bill, which was postponed, is going to be submitted to the President for immediate approval.

Govt backs down on fuel price hike

Govt backs down on fuel price hike JAKARTA (JP): The government bowed on Friday to widespread public opposition to a planned fuel price increase, indefinitely postponing the measure at the eleventh hour as the capital braced for mass demonstrations.

Israel urges Indonesia to end trade embargo

Israel urges Indonesia to end trade embargo JAKARTA (JP): Israel called on the Indonesian government on Friday to lift the trade ban imposed on the Jewish state so that people from the two countries could have greater opportunities to conduct business and enhance friendly ties.

99 foreigners and 10,750 locals netted in ID raid

99 foreigners and 10,750 locals netted in ID raid JAKARTA (JP): The City Population Agency netted 10,750 locals and 99 foreigners for failing to carry valid identification cards (KTP) and travel documents during a month-long operation which began in mid-February, an official said on Friday.

IMF holding out for RI progress on reform

IMF holding out for RI progress on reform SEOUL (Dow Jones): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said here on Friday that the need for further evidence of reform progress will far outweigh scheduling concerns in determining when Indonesia will receive its next loan installment. "That's the basic issue, it's not just a calendar issue," IMF Asia Pacific Director Yusuke Horiguchi said.

Swimmer Richard wins silver at Asian meet

Swimmer Richard wins silver at Asian meet JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian swimmer Richard Sam Bera won a silver medal on Friday in his favorite discipline, the men's 100 meters freestyle, at the Sixth Asian Swimming Championships in Pusan, South Korea. Richard clocked 51.37 seconds, behind Kim Min-suk of South Korea with 51.14 and ahead of Wu Nien-pin of China Taipei with 51.37. The 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games record holder swam 0.34 seconds slower than his best time recorded in Brunei Darussalam.

Megawati shoo-in to stay at helm of PDI-P

Megawati shoo-in to stay at helm of PDI-P SEMARANG (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri virtually clinched the top position of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) for the second successive term after a commission's session here on Friday unanimously agreed to allow for a nonvoting election.