Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 April 2000

46 articles found

Koran, sunnah and hadith

Koran, sunnah and hadith In reference to the letter of Mr. Richard Manson (The Jakarta Post, April 20, 2000, On concept of 'syura'), I fully agree with him that the sentence for the Indonesian maid in U.A.E. is not in accordance with the Holy Koran. But that does not mean that in Islamic jurisprudence sunnah and hadith do not have any importance at all (as Mr. Manson tried to give impression by quoting Koranic verses).

Warning shots fired to stop protest in Batam

Warning shots fired to stop protest in Batam JAKARTA (JP): Police on Batam island fired warning shots on Monday to disperse a rowdy crowd protesting the government's decision to impose value added tax and luxury sales tax on the island earlier this month.

Cambodia, Laos to start marking border

Cambodia, Laos to start marking border PHNOM PENH (DPA): Laos and Cambodia will begin marking sections of their disputed common border next month for the first time and hope to have all border disputes solved by the end of 2000, officials said on Monday after a meeting of the two country's prime ministers. Visiting Lao Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh met for more three hours with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Hariyanto joins Thomas Cup team

Hariyanto joins Thomas Cup team JAKARTA (JP): Hariyanto Arbi finally joined the Thomas Cup team on Monday after defeating compatriot Budi Santoso 15-8, 15- 8, in an internal selection at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta. The complete list of both Thomas and Uber Cups teams will be announced by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) on Wednesday evening at the latest, prior to the simulation at the Padjdjaran Stadium in Bogor on Thursday.

Hundreds demand friends' release

Hundreds demand friends' release PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Some 300 residents of Canduk village rallied in front of the local police station on Monday, demanding the release of 16 of their neighbors who were accused of the murder of a black magic practitioner. The villagers turned angry after hearing reports that their neighbors were tortured during police questioning.

Inhutani seeks Miyazawa Plan loan

Inhutani seeks Miyazawa Plan loan JAKARTA (JP): State owned forestry companies PT Inhutani I, II, and III have asked the Japanese government for a US$533 'Miyazawa Plan' loan to finance the development and the rehabilitation of its forest concession, a top executive of one of the state companies said. "We have held talks regarding the loans," said PT Inhutani II's development director Syahrul on Monday.

Court approval anticipated for seizure of Soeharto's assets

Court approval anticipated for seizure of Soeharto's assets JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office is awaiting approval from the South Jakarta District Court to seize assets belonging to former president Soeharto as evidence of his alleged graft. Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Monday his office had asked for the court's approval a week ago. He said the assets were located in South Jakarta.

Tourists abducted from Sipadan 'safe'

Tourists abducted from Sipadan 'safe' SEMPORNA, Malaysia (AP): Two Americans who escaped abduction from a remote island off northeastern Borneo arrived in the Malaysian capital Monday night to brief authorities, while the whereabouts of 20 other foreign tourists and local resort workers remained a mystery more than 24 hours after their capture. Information relayed to authorities said the hostages were safe, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar. He would not elaborate.

Review asked of Freeport environmental analysis

Review asked of Freeport environmental analysis JAKARTA (JP): A legislator urged the government on Monday to review the environmental impact analysis (Amdal) certificate awarded to gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia for its expansion plan. Legislator Pramono Anung of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle said terms of the analysis were too weak to protect the environment.

Hong Kong antisubversion law at crossroads

Hong Kong antisubversion law at crossroads By Peter Lim HONG KONG (AFP): Fears are growing in Hong Kong that the government may soon succumb to a demand from Beijing to enact a controversial anti-subversion bill following a warning to local media not to publicize the issue of Taiwanese independence. Mainland officials recently demanded Hong Kong media to the official line on Taiwan, and especially not give space to advocates of the island's independence.

Indonesia to reopen trade center in Osaka

Indonesia to reopen trade center in Osaka JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will reopen its trade promotion center in the Japanese city of Osaka next month to bolster exports of non-oil commodities, Antara news agency reported on Monday. The head of the National Agency for Export Development, Gusmardi Bustani, said the Ministry of Finance had approved the Rp 1.8 billion (US$225,000) budget required by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to open the center.

Indonesia to face NZ in Fed Cup opener

Indonesia to face NZ in Fed Cup opener OSAKA, Japan (Agencies): Indonesia is scheduled to face New Zealand in the opening day of the preliminary round-robin of the Fed Cup tennis Asia Oceania Group One on the outdoor hard courts at the Utsubo Tennis Center here starting on Tuesday. Nonplaying captain Suzanna Arianto Wibowo said in a release on Monday that Indonesia had a better quality team than New Zealand and Singapore.

Stolen painting remains a mystery

Stolen painting remains a mystery JAKARTA (JP): After a three-month hunt, Cilandak Police are still in the dark over the whereabouts of a painting reportedly attributed to Indonesian master Affandi, which was stolen from a house in South Jakarta on Dec. 31, 1999.

Gus Dur fires two ministers

Gus Dur fires two ministers JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid axed Minister of Industry and Trade Yusuf Kalla and State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Development Laksamana Sukardi on Monday, appointing Lt. Gen. Luhut Panjaitan and Rozy Munir as their respective replacements. Luhut, the Indonesian ambassador to Singapore, and Rozy, the secretary-general in Laksamana's office, will be sworn in on Wednesday.

Pirated VCDs seized in Bandung

Pirated VCDs seized in Bandung BANDUNG: The customs and excise office here seized on Monday a steel container loaded with some 129,000 pirated Video Compact Discs (VCDs) of Indonesian movies transported from Singapore. Chief of the customs and excise office I Ketut Sidikarya said that the illegal freight had entered a checkpoint in Gedebage in Bandung on Thursday. "According to the document, the contents were supposed to be blank VCDs.

Not a single poster or brochure

Not a single poster or brochure April 21 was Ibu Kartini day, in honor of the Indonesian hero who inspired so many women and who died in childbirth. Despite some progress in combating maternal mortality, it remains a great problem in Indonesia. On April 20, I had the misfortune to spend five hours in the lobby of Rumah Sakit Bunda, one of Jakarta's better maternity hospitals.

Abdurrahman to delay trip to Australia

Abdurrahman to delay trip to Australia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia-Australia diplomatic relations declined further on Monday when the government here announced President Abdurrahman Wahid would postpone his trip to Australia next month, due in part to espionage activity in East Timor involving an Australian soldier. Foreign minister Alwi Shihab could not say if a new date had been set for the President's future visit, pointing out that it had to occur when relations were at its best.

Suspected thief arrested

Suspected thief arrested JAKARTA (JP): Tambora Police detectives in West Jakarta arrested one of four men in connection with the Monday morning theft of scissors and knives from an open pickup on Jl. Pejagalan Raya in Pekojan, West Jakarta. West Jakarta police chief Col. Adjie Rustam Ramdja identified the victim as Siantoro, 38. The suspect was identified as Udin. "Siantoro was riding in the Kijang pickup, registration number B 7971 LS, with driver Acim, 37.

Train passengers say security must be improved

Train passengers say security must be improved JAKARTA (JP): Last Friday's murder aboard a Parahyangan express train has raised doubts about security on the country's train system. Contacted separately on Monday, several regular train passengers, particularly those who often travel in the nonexecutive cabins, said robberies, sexual harassment and other crimes had become common on trains.

Kartini granted clemency by UAE court

Kartini granted clemency by UAE court JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian migrant worker Kartini binti Karim narrowly escaped death row after the Islamic high court in the United Arab Emirates town of Fujairah granted her appeal for clemency recently, foreign minister Alwi Shihab said on Monday. Alwi, who went to UAE and several other Gulf countries last week, said the 35-year-old woman would be allowed to return to her home in Karawang, West Java in the near future. "The case has been settled.

Mob vandalize Tangerang Council

Mob vandalize Tangerang Council TANGERANG (JP): Hundreds of people ran amok and vandalized the Tangerang Council building on Monday morning during a rally demanding the resignation of four councillors from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjaungan).

Four caught for executive's slaying

Four caught for executive's slaying JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Police detectives arrested four men on Saturday for the murder of a businessman whose body was found buried on remote Pulau Tikus in the Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) chain. North Jakarta Police chief Col. Wisjnu Amat Sastro identified the men as paranormal Hasyim, 56, Asmani, 35, Jaya Peot, 40, and Jawani, 38.

Leaded fuel ban unlikely before crisis ends

Leaded fuel ban unlikely before crisis ends JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sonny Keraf indicated on Monday that the switch to unleaded fuel would be applicable only after the prolonged economic crisis is over. "It's difficult to enforce the use of unleaded fuel nationwide because of economic constraints.

Indonesia fails to protect children's rights: Activists

Indonesia fails to protect children's rights: Activists JAKARTA (JP): A member of the National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas PA) reproached the government on Monday for its failure to protect children, pointing to the fact that many of them die each year of preventable diseases. Irwanto of the Center of Community Development Studies at Atma Jaya University charged that many of the policies concerning the protection of children in the health and education fields were merely slogans.

Prosecutors give arguments in Aceh trial of TNI troops

Prosecutors give arguments in Aceh trial of TNI troops BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Prosecutors in the joint civilian- military court here rejected on Monday the defense of 25 soldiers and civilians accused of the murder of a renowned Muslim figure and his followers last year. The team of three prosecutors, led by Nuraini A.S., told the court that the killings of Tengku Bantaqiah and 57 of his students "were prepared in a careful and clear-cut manner".

Train attack victim moved due to fears

Train attack victim moved due to fears JAKARTA (JP): Family members have moved Christianus Budi, the man injured during a fatal attack on his girlfriend on a train, from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital to a relative's home due to fears for his safety. His family said Budi's condition was improving although medical treatment was temporarily stopped.

Yang Plateau: The last bastion of endangered Javan deer

Yang Plateau: The last bastion of endangered Javan deer By Doni Istyanto Hari Mahdi SURABAYA (JP): Yang Plateau, also known as Iyang mountain range with the highest peak being Mount Argopuro (3,088m), lies between Mt. Bromo in Probolinggo and Mt. Raung in Banyuwangi. Yang Plateau comprises rolling land between 1800m and 2400m above sea level. Yang or Iyang comes from the old Javanese word Hyang - in Kawi language - meaning God.

BUMN directors

BUMN directors The government has been applying a new policy requiring all prospective directors of state enterprises (BUMN) to undertake a fit and proper test. It is a significant step, or leap, in the effort to find prospective directors of BUMN that in addition to having managerial and technical skills, are also expected to possess integrity and clean track records.

Utut beats Ehlvest, Ruben forces Khalifman to draw

Utut beats Ehlvest, Ruben forces Khalifman to draw By Ivy Susanti SANUR, Bali (JP): It was a great day for Indonesia's top chess player Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto on Monday when he outshone GM Jaan Ehlvest of Estonia in the 30th move in the third round of the US$56,500 JAPFA Classic International Chess Tournament 2000 at Grand Bali Beach hotel. But fellow countryman GM Ruben Gunawan failed to overcome the 1999 FIDE world champion Alexander Khalifman.

Security hiked in Maluku ahead of Megawati's visit

Security hiked in Maluku ahead of Megawati's visit AMBON, Maluku (JP): Security forces here began on Monday making final preparations to safeguard the visit of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the strife-torn provinces of Maluku and North Maluku. Security was tight especially after violence a day earlier in Masohi, Seram island, which claimed at least four lives. "I've ordered a sweep of the area of Binaya market in Masohi where the Sunday bomb blast was located.

Rupiah gets boost from IMF, others Asian currencies fall

Rupiah gets boost from IMF, others Asian currencies fall SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): International Monetary Fund acting chief Stanley Fischer gave the rupiah a shot in the arm Monday with upbeat comments about prospects for economic reform in Indonesia. But most other Asian currencies finished local trading hours lower under the weight of falling stock markets.

Groups clash during hearing

Groups clash during hearing MEDAN, North Sumatera: Dozens of members of two opposing groups clashed on Monday near the local Provincial Prosecutor's Office during the questioning of six Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) legislators who stand accused of bribery. A man was injured during the clash and was rushed to the local hospital.

Analysts skeptical of new economic ministers

Analysts skeptical of new economic ministers JAKARTA (JP): Analysts doubted the Cabinet reshuffle by President Abdurrahman Wahid on Monday would improve the ability of the government's economic team to lead the country out of its crisis. They also warned the move might create negative market sentiment. University of Gadjah Mada economist A.

Woman reports niece's rape

Woman reports niece's rape JAKARTA (JP): The aunt of a 15-year-old street singer reported the teenager's rape allegedly by another singer, identified as Leo, 17, to the West Jakarta Police on Monday. A source at the West Jakarta Police identified the victim by her initials SA, a resident of Kemanggisan Ilir, West Jakarta. "The victim's aunt, Yati, 40, reported to us that her niece was raped by Leo, also a singing beggar, on Sunday night, under the Grogol bridge," the source said.

IMF insists on good governance

IMF insists on good governance JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund's acting managing director, Stanley Fischer, reassured Indonesia on Monday of the IMF's strong commitment to supporting the country's economic recovery programs, but stressed that good governance was essential to maintaining its assistance. Fischer said the IMF could be flexible in modifying the programs if circumstances changed, but it had no flexibility to compromise on the issue of good governance.

Korean loans rescheduled

Korean loans rescheduled JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian and South Korean governments on Monday exchanged notes on amendments to their development-aid agreements that resulted in the rescheduling of the repayment of of US$38 million in Korean soft loans for projects in the country. The rescheduled soft loans consisted of $25 million for the mobile training unit's development project and $13 million for a bypass highway project in West Sumatra.

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on April 24, 2000:

Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on April 24, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Anniversary thoughts

Anniversary thoughts Turning 17 is always an exciting time. It is when one begins the transition to adulthood, an age when so many possibilities lie ahead and when crucial decisions are made. This is precisely the situation which The Jakarta Post finds itself in today. As we look back with pride and satisfaction at the progress we have made since we first hit the streets on April 25, 1983, we also use this occasion to prepare ourselves for a more exciting and challenging future.

BAT warns new excise tax a blow to cigarette firms

BAT warns new excise tax a blow to cigarette firms JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cigarettemaker PT BAT Indonesia said on Monday that the increase in excise taxes would hurt the country's cigarette industry, particularly small and medium-sized cigarette producers. Company president Mark Antony Jennings said the government's new tax policy, which raised the excise taxes on cigarettes and their minimum retail price, would cut the sales of all the country's cigarette companies.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 24, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 725 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 425 -50 416,000 Alakasa Industrindo 650 75 4,000 Alfa Retailindo 800 0 233,500 Alter Abadi 275 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 2,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,025 0 1,532,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Police hunt for two over vicious mugging

Police hunt for two over vicious mugging JAKARTA (JP): Kebayoran Lama Police detectives in South Jakarta are searching for two men in connection to a robbery and attack on a police investigator's wife on Monday morning in front of the Ministry of Defense housing complex in Cidodol Baru subdistrict. Kebayoran Lama Police chief of detectives First Lt. Ayep Wahyu Gunawan identified the victim as Titiek Dwi Putranti Handayani, 48, the wife of National Police chief of vice control subdivision Col.

Satelindo's target this year

Satelindo's target this year JAKARTA (JP): Cellular phone operator PT Satelindo will add some 800,000 new numbers for both its pre-paid Mentari GSM card and post-paid Satelindo card this year to meet growing demand. Satelindo general manager for marketing and commercial affairs T. Thinh Pham said on Monday that he expected over one million subscribers by the end of the year. "Of the 800,000 new capacity, we expect 75 percent from pre- paid cards and 25 percent from post-paid," he said.

RI looks east for investment offers

RI looks east for investment offers JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is looking east in an attempt to solicit investment and reduce its long-standing dependence on western aid. Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab, fresh from a tour of Middle Eastern countries, said on Monday Indonesia planed to host a high-level meeting of Gulf and Asian states here next month in an attempt to establish a special economic fund for the country.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Education Program 3:30 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Performance 5:30 News (in English) 6:00 Culture Program 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 9:00 World News 9:35 Music 10:30 News Program 2 3:30 p.m. Film: Living with Health 4:30 Music 5:30 City News 6:00 TV Drama 6:30 Documentary 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 8:30 TV Drama TPI 5:30 a.m.

Ex-prisoners wish to meet Gus Dur

Ex-prisoners wish to meet Gus Dur SURABAYA: At least 56 former political prisoners linked to the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) here said on Monday they would demand rehabilitation of their civil rights when they meet with President Abdurrahman Wahid. The group is slated to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday, accompanied by Sunarno Edi Wibowo of the Surabaya's Legal Protection Commission for the Military and Civilians.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, April 25, 2000

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, April 25, 2000 Exhibitions * Lithograph Exhibition: The Divine Comedy, at Galeri Hidayat, Jl. Sulanjana no. 36 (Phone: 022 4208257), until April 30. * Painting Exhibition by Cak Kandar, at Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 431631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until April 30. Performance * Music : Zithermania, by musician Dedy S. Hadianda, etc., at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32, 7:30 p.m., April 28.