Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 April 2000

49 articles found

New service to pamper prepaid simPATI cards

New service to pamper prepaid simPATI cards JAKARTA (JP): The extraordinary expansion of Internet-enabled cellular telephone facilities owes much to factors peculiar to humankind, making consumers receptive to a handset-based online experience. To some extent, cellular phone users in Indonesia are already able to browse and surf the Internet with their palm or pocket- sized communication sets.

Central Java fisheryfolk sink in debt

Central Java fisheryfolk sink in debt By Haryoso SEMARANG (JP): The Central Java high seas are rich in marine resources; most notably fish but, ironically, loan sharks, who prey on local fisherfolk by throwing them into the jaws of sheer poverty. Sarman, 35, Tarmin, 40, and Yasno, 34, who are fishermen living in Tambak Lorok village, East Semarang, are good examples of the typical hard life that tens of thousands of Central Java fishermen lead.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Tuesday. The Post will appear again on Wednesday. -- Publisher

Wullems to help PSM Makassar

Wullems to help PSM Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Henk Wullems of the Netherlands, a former coach of the national soccer team, signed a contract with the PSM Makassar club on Saturday. Williams, who also coached the Bandung Raya and Pelita Bakrie (now Pelita Solo) teams, and Dutch teams Vitesse Arhaen and Willem Tilburg, was paid US$30,000 to help PSM Makassar for four months improve the club's standing -- they are in second place in the Eastern Group.

Study center to be established at Jakarta Historical Museum

Study center to be established at Jakarta Historical Museum JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Historical Museum will have a study center for Jakarta history, an official said on Saturday. The museum director, Tinia Budiati, said the center is expected to become the place for research activities, including library and archive searches on city history. "Data on Jakarta history has been so spread out in different places that those who need access, must go to several institutions.

'Democracy' vs democracy

'Democracy' vs democracy There was never any question that Megawati Soekarnoputri would be reelected chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) this weekend. Before PDI Perjuangan held its congress in Semarang last week, Megawati commanded such immense support from the party's rank-and-file. But while her election was only a formality, somehow it has left a bitter aftertaste, and also some disturbing thoughts.

Landslide kills six

Landslide kills six WONOSOBO, Central Java: A landslide resulting from torrential rains hit Gerangan village late on Thursday, leaving at least six people dead and six others injured. Rescue workers and locals managed to unearth the six bodies from the mud on Friday afternoon, Antara reported on Saturday. Locals were asleep when the mudflow poured into the village. The calamity took place after two small hills above the village collapsed from erosion, the news agency quoted witnesses as saying.

PDIP comes under fire from experts

PDIP comes under fire from experts SEMARANG (JP): The first congress of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) crossed the finishing line unimpeded, but has raised criticism from both insiders and outsiders over its failure to live up to people's demands. Senior PDI Perjuangan members Suparlan and Aberson Marle Sihaloho expressed their disappointment with the congress for its inability to touch on fundamental problems the party and the nation are facing.

Five die in car accident

Five die in car accident TANGERANG (JP): Five passengers of an angkot (public minivan) were killed when a truck speeding in the wrong direction hit the vehicle on Jl. Daan Mogot at Tanah Tinggi area on Saturday around midnight, police and witnesses said. Five other passengers of the angkot suffered serious wounds and are still being treated at Tangerang General Hospital. The driver of the angkot managed to escape after the fatal accident and is still at large. Capt.

Soeharto's lawyers 'can be arrested'

Soeharto's lawyers 'can be arrested' JAKARTA (JP): Observers and legal practitioners said on Saturday that Soeharto's lawyers could be arrested for hampering the investigation into the former president's alleged corruption case. The chairman of the Indonesian Bar Association (Ikadin), Sudjono, said the Attorney General Marzuki Darusman had the authority to put the lawyers under his office's custody due to their noncooperative acts, including leaking Soeharto's medical record.

Mob burns house of 'witch'

Mob burns house of 'witch' PURWOKERTO, Central Java: About 100 angry residents in Karangtengah village in Cilongok of Banyumas regency burned down on Saturday the house of a local named Muhidi Watim, 50, for allegedly practicing black magic. No fatalities were reported in the incident as Muhidi and his family escaped the fray shortly before the arson attack.

UMNO celebrates by-election victory

UMNO celebrates by-election victory KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Leaders of Malaysia's ruling party on Sunday celebrated their victory in a closely watched by-election, trumpeting the win as a rebuke of opposition claims that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was losing the people's support. In what was widely seen as a test of Mahathir's popularity among Muslim Malays, 11,639 voters in the rural district of Sanggang in eastern Pahang state cast ballots Saturday to choose a new state assemblyman.

The dilemma in hiking oil prices

The dilemma in hiking oil prices By David E. Sumual JAKARTA (JP): The price of oil is of critical importance to today's Indonesian economy, given that oil is the largest traded commodity, both in volume and value terms. It is generally known that we depend on a "hydrocarbon economy". In addition, the prices of energy-related goods and services are linked to hydrocarbon prices, of which oil makes up the single most important share.

Collector offers wide range of rare books

Collector offers wide range of rare books By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Having trouble locating books and other printed materials dealing with the history of Indonesia? Browsing the virtual bookstores on the Web might prove helpful. Or you can simply ask Djaja Laras, a noted bookseller who specializes in antique books on Indonesia.

SNYL expects 40% growth

SNYL expects 40% growth Insurance company PT Asuransi Jiwa Sewu New York Life (SNYL) said it expected its new individual sales to grow by 40 percent this year amid the growing demand for life insurance. The company booked Rp 96 billion in first-year premium income in 1999, a 85 percent increase from Rp 52 billion in 1998.

Singh wins Rally Indonesia

Singh wins Rally Indonesia MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Malaysian racer and top seed Karamjit Singh and navigator Allen Goh won the final stage of the Gudang Garam Rally Indonesia here on Sunday. Singh, driving the Proton PERT, finished first with a total time of 3:01:00.5. He led from the first day of the race on March 31 in the Special Stage (SS) 1 until SS11 on Sunday.

PDI Perjuangan: So much to learn to become a modern party

PDI Perjuangan: So much to learn to become a modern party The leadership of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) have been talking about making the party into a "modern" one. Mochtar Buchori, the chief organizer of the party congress which ended on Saturday, talked to The Jakarta Post about the issue at the congress in Semarang. An excerpt of the interview follows: Question: What does a "modern" party mean, particularly for the PDI Perjuangan?

Free circumcision for students

Free circumcision for students JAKARTA (JP): The student senate at the Medical School of the University of Indonesia held a one-day free circumcision service for teenagers living near the Salemba campus in Central Jakarta on Sunday. The team of doctors used the cafeteria tables to circumcise over 48 boys from the nearby Paseban elementary school. According to one of the committee members, Irfan Taufik, the mass circumcision service was an annual event in the senate's agenda.

Berau Coal restructures US$40 million in debt

Berau Coal restructures US$40 million in debt JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed heavy equipment distributor PT United Tractors said its coal mining subsidiary, PT Berau Coal, had signed an agreement with its creditors on the restructuring of a debt worth US$40 million. "The event is undoubtedly the first step in realizing the debt restructuring program of United Tractors and all of its subsidiaries," the company said in a statement.

Save Kartini and baby's lives

Save Kartini and baby's lives The photos of brides and grooms, most with babies in arms (The Jakarta Post , March 20, 2000) spoke volumes about the tolerance of the world's largest Muslim society. Here were hundreds of couples, most already blessed with the gift of new life, being gracefully accepted into the fold. My congratulations go to the brides and grooms and to the humane society that recognizes the value of life in all its permutations, poverty included.

Investors, where are you?

Investors, where are you? From Pelita When President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid went on successive tours of many countries, many people, including Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Amien Rais, voiced sharp criticism. They said Gus Dur should focus on the situation at home instead of traveling abroad. Gus Dur replied nonchalantly that the visits were in the context of evaluating the chaotic conditions in the country.

Asia enters new era in digital audio service

Asia enters new era in digital audio service A group of Indonesian journalists were invited by WorldSpace Corp. to witness the live broadcast in Singapore recently of the launch of its digital satellite in Kourou, French Guiana. The following is a report from The Jakarta Post's Hyginus Hardoyo. SINGAPORE (JP): Asia is entering a new era in digital audio service due to the successful launch of the AsiaStar satellite owned by U.S.-based WorldSpace Corp.

Human skeletons found in separate graves in Aceh

Human skeletons found in separate graves in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): A joint team of policemen and military personnel found eight human skeletons -- some dressed in military uniforms -- during search operations in Aceh Besar, North and West Aceh on Saturday, a military source said. Lt. Col.

Matraman residents called to settle battle themselves

Matraman residents called to settle battle themselves JAKARTA (JP): City police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi regretted the seemingly endless dispute between two neighboring residents in the Matraman area, East Jakarta, urging the disputed parties to settle the prolonged battle on their own. The police, Nurfaizi said, would do their best to stop the never-ending battle but could not do it without the help of the warring neighbors.

Student working as taxi driver murdered

Student working as taxi driver murdered JAKARTA (JP): Efendi Manurung, a college student who earned his living driving a taxi, was killed by two thieves pretending to be passengers on Saturday evening. According to a police report, the crime took place at about 7:30 p.m. on a spot of Jl. Raya Marunda Cilincing in North Jakarta. The robbers fled with an unspecified amount of money. "Efendi died of wounds to his neck and stomach.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, April 3, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, April 3, 2000 Exhibitions * Sculpture Exhibition: Mother of Earth, at Galeri Lawang, 8th floor of block L building, Campus I Tarumanegara University, Jl. S. Parman no. 1, West Jakarta, until April 21. * 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.

IMF does not object to delay in fuel price hikes: Kwik

IMF does not object to delay in fuel price hikes: Kwik JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not object to the government's decision to delay fuel price hikes, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said. "When we consulted them (IMF), they showed no reaction," Kwik said on Saturday following a cabinet meeting of economic ministers at the presidential office.

JSX to be quiet due to religious holidays

JSX to be quiet due to religious holidays JAKARTA (JP): The religious holidays on Tuesday and Thursday will drive trading activities on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) to a very quiet state this week, according to equity analysts. "This week's trading will be very slow, affected by the two holidays during the week," head of research at state BNI Securities Adrian Rusmana said.

Govt plays down lawsuit against Johny

Govt plays down lawsuit against Johny JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab played down on Saturday a lawsuit filed by two U.S. human rights groups against an Indonesian Army general, saying it was an ordinary case in the United States. The minister expressed his confidence that the legal action against Lt. Gen. Johny Lumintang would not affect the close relations between Indonesia and the superpower country. Alwi said U.S.

Asia needs biotechnology to boost rice yields: Experts

Asia needs biotechnology to boost rice yields: Experts MANILA (DPA): Asia needs to turn to such "cutting-edge science and technology" as genetic engineering to boost rice production and feed its growing population, scientists attending a rice research conference in the Philippines said Sunday.

Cruelty of PKI

Cruelty of PKI From Pikiran Rakyat What? Gus Dur has apologized to the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI)? You must be wrong! Have you heard correctly? So, in what capacity has Gus Dur made the apology? As a private person or as the President and leader of the Indonesian people? Gus! Have you forgotten the terrors and cruelty practiced by the PKI? Gus, have you not undergone the bitterness and revenge of the Indonesian people who have been victimized by the traitor of the nation, the PKI?

No more medals for RI swimmers in Pusan

No more medals for RI swimmers in Pusan JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia failed to earn more medals in the Sixth Asian Swimming Championship's final day at Pusan, South Korea after its swimmers only managed to finish below the top three. Sprinter Richard Sam Bera finished sixth in the men's 50m freestyle, clocking in at 23.73 seconds, which was 0.24 seconds slower than his best time in the 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam.

Doctors demand ruling on legal abortion to curb illegal practice

Doctors demand ruling on legal abortion to curb illegal practice JAKARTA (JP): Lack of a government regulation in performing abortions has led to the uncontrolled illegal practice in Indonesia, obstetricians stated Saturday in a symposium on abortion. "It has been eight years since (the issuance of) Health Law No. 23/1992 and the government hasn't issued a regulation yet," obstetrician and gynecology expert Sudarji Sumapraja from the University of Indonesia said.

E-commerce boom expected in RI in three years

E-commerce boom expected in RI in three years JAKARTA (JP): E-commerce is expected to start booming in Indonesia in three years thanks to a better telecommunications infrastructure, a growth in the number of computers and more Internet users, an international consulting firm has said.

RP tops in expat survey on quality of life

RP tops in expat survey on quality of life SINGAPORE (AFP): Despite its chronic economic and political problems, the Philippines offers the best overall quality of life for expatriates in Asia, according to a new survey. Most countries in the region have made progress over the past year in improving the living environment for expatriates, the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) said in its latest report.

Irian seeks only eligible migrants

Irian seeks only eligible migrants JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The province will only accept transmigrants who can help local people achieve prosperity, Governor Freddy Numberi said here on Saturday. Freddy said the new approach of the resettlement program in the easternmost province was a response to allegations that the local government had been paying more attention to outsiders than locals.

Government to set up anticorruption body

Government to set up anticorruption body JAKARTA (JP): The government is to set up an anticorruption body within two weeks as part of its commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Saturday. "We will be setting up a joint anticorruption team within two weeks, which will be the embryo of the independent anticorruption body," Marzuki told journalists. The team is expected to involve police and prosecutors, among others.

Canon hopes to capture half of printer market

Canon hopes to capture half of printer market BANGKOK (JP): Canon will introduce four new premium "bubble jet" printer products in Indonesia at the end of this month. Its target is to control half of the printer market in the country this year, according to Merry Harun, Canon division manager at PT Datascrip, the distributor of Canon printers in Indonesia.

Try Sutrisno ready for questioning

Try Sutrisno ready for questioning JAKARTA (JP): Former vice president Try Sutrisno welcomed on Saturday plans by the National Commission on Human Rights to question him over the bloody 1984 incident in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. "I'm always ready (to be questioned), in my personal capacity and as part of the (military) institution," Try said after attending an executive meeting of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP).

Ballo, Stevie win first matches

Ballo, Stevie win first matches JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian boxers Hermansen Ballo and Stevie Binalay won their first matches at the Olympic Games third qualifying round in Bangkok on Saturday evening. Ballo defeated RMA Bratnayake of Sri Lanka while Stevie beat Namjil Munkshaikan of Mongolia. Indonesian assistant team manager, Didiet Soedijoto, quoted by Antara, said that Ballo, competing in the flyweight division, only needed one round to knock down Bratnayake.

Robbers steal a Lippo ATM

Robbers steal a Lippo ATM DENPASAR, Bali: A group of thieves made away with a Bank Lippo Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) containing Rp 85.5 million in cash on the northern outskirts of Denpasar in the early hours of Saturday. A senior Lippo officer said the financial loss was much higher as the cost of the machine itself was hundreds of millions of rupiah. The robbers reportedly smashed the floor the ATM was attached to before taking the money machine away.

IBRA sells Indovina stake

IBRA sells Indovina stake JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has sold a 50 percent stake in Vietnam's Indovina Bank to Taiwan's United World Chinese Commercial Bank for US$10.1 million, the agency said on Saturday.

S'pore officials say hospital water safe

S'pore officials say hospital water safe SINGAPORE (DPA): Environmental officials ruled out on Sunday any risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease from hospital tap water and urged people not to become alarmed by an American physician's theory on the origin of the bacteria. The Legionella bacteria grows in contaminated water, like the water in an air conditioning cooling tower," the Ministry of the Environment said.

Rev. Nathan named lawsuit against Johny

Rev. Nathan named lawsuit against Johny JAKARTA (JP): The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) elected Rev. Nathan Setiabudi from West Java the new chairman in the final day of its congress in Central Kalimantan's capital of Palangkaraya on Saturday. Protracted bickering among the congress' participants delayed the swearing in of Nathan and the communion's new lineup of executive board members until midnight.

S'pore to become technological hub

S'pore to become technological hub SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has announced new measures to strengthen its intellectual property framework aimed at supporting plans to transform itself into a technology hub. Minister for Education Teo Chee Hean said late Saturday that the National Science and Technology Board (NSTB) and other agencies would set up a bureau to assist companies in innovation and research and development activities.

TNI told to generate intellectuals

TNI told to generate intellectuals BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S. asserted on Saturday the need for TNI Staff and Command School (Sesko TNI) to find -- in the face of rapid change in the country -- intellectuals to help deal with many complex issues. Widodo said in his speech marking the commemoration of the school's 26th anniversary on Jl.

Job recruitment goes interactive

Job recruitment goes interactive By Tantri Yuliandini JAKARTA (JP): The advent of e-business is revolutionizing the way companies recruit their employees. Soon, companies will no longer have to spend heavily on newspaper advertisements. Nor will they have to wait months for responses to their ads. Through websites like JobsDB.com, companies can advertise job vacancies which will not only be read by locals, but also by people from all over the world.

Corporal detained for being 'trigger-happy'

Corporal detained for being 'trigger-happy' JAKARTA (JP): The city police have detained a police corporal over the shooting of an 18-year-old student in the midst of Saturday's street brawl in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, an officer said on Sunday. Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi identified the arrested officer as First Cpl. Suyitno and said the latter was not aiming at the student but that he had shot him by accident.

Rp 1m fake note found in Bogor

Rp 1m fake note found in Bogor BOGOR (JP): Residents at the BPPT housing complex on Jl. Pajajaran in Central Bogor handed over three men, along with bundles of fake bank notes worth Rp 1 billion, to the Bogor City Police headquarters in the early hours of Sunday, according to witnesses. But the Bogor police have not been willing to comment on the case.