Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 April 2000

59 articles found

Man exonerated after 14 years

Man exonerated after 14 years LONDON (AFP): A man who has spent 14 years in jail for rape was cleared on Friday after Britain's appeal court ruled that his alleged victim had probably made up her story. Roy Burnett, 56, a gardener, had been jailed for life in 1986 after a jury accepted evidence from a 20-year-old nurse that he had raped her. Burnett refused to admit guilt but had no grounds for an appeal until 1998 when the same woman made a false complaint of rape against someone else.

Drivers strike over threats by hoodlums

Drivers strike over threats by hoodlums PEKANBARU, Riau: Hundreds of public transportation drivers here continued their strike on Friday to protest the presence of hoodlums along their routes. The strike began on Wednesday following the assault of a driver by several hoodlums. Antara reported the protest has left many passengers, mostly students, stranded during the day.

Teachers issue strike threat

Teachers issue strike threat CIANJUR, West Java: Some 12,000 teachers here have threatened to go on strike and hold mass demonstrations next week to denounce the government's lack of attention to their welfare. Antara reported the teachers were fully prepared for the action. "We are serious about the threat because we are tired of being politically and socially suppressed," one of the teachers said on Friday.

Two-year jail term sought for Zarina's boy

Two-year jail term sought for Zarina's boy JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor demanded on Friday the West Jakarta District Court sentence an alleged accomplice of drug suspect Zarina Mirafsur to two years in jail and fine him Rp 5 million (US$714) for possessing and carrying psychotropic substances. Prosecutor Hasan Madani earlier indicted defendant Ahian Santoso alias Yeye for violating Article 62 of the 1997 Law on psychotropic substances.

BRI to disburse Rp 500b rice credits

BRI to disburse Rp 500b rice credits JAKARTA (JP): State-run Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) promised on Friday to begin disbursing Rp 500 billion (US$66.6 million) in credits to village cooperatives on Monday to help them buy unhusked rice from farmers, Antara reported. The special credit scheme will be made available to cooperatives in areas that are still harvesting, BRI president Djoko Santoso Mulyono said after meeting National Logistics Agency (Bulog) chairman Rizal Ramli on Friday.

ASEAN auto sales predicted to rise up to 50 percent in next 10 years

ASEAN auto sales predicted to rise up to 50 percent in next 10 years MANILA (AFP): Auto sales in Southeast Asia are projected to grow by 50 percent in the next 10 years as economies recover from the 1997 financial crisis, industry experts said here Friday. The experts from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum said that as vehicle sales in Europe and the United States remained steady, the focus would be on the Southeast Asian market as the region returned to the growth track.

Govt to disburse Olympic training fund

Govt to disburse Olympic training fund JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) would receive Rp 4.2 billion (US$545,000) from the government next week to support the 2000 Olympic Games training program, said official in charge of planning and budgeting Togi Hutagaol on Friday.

Oil spill halts activities of fishermen in Cilacap waters

Oil spill halts activities of fishermen in Cilacap waters CILACAP, Central Java (JP): Thousands of fishermen here complained on Friday that they haven't been able to catch any fish following an oil spill by a fuel tanker MT King Fisher last week. A number of fishermen who fish the waters of Teluk Penyu told The Jakarta Post that they had not caught a single fish since last week, for the spill had not yet been properly dealt with. "The fish disappear.

Three killed in clashes at East Timorese refugee camp

Three killed in clashes at East Timorese refugee camp JAKARTA (JP): Three people were shot dead and two others sustained injuries in clashes at a camp housing East Timorese refugees in Kupang, capital of East Nusa Tenggara, Antara reported on Friday. Police investigating the violence have ruled out food shortages following the Indonesian government's termination of its aid relief operation, or political motives as being responsible for the fatal clashes at the Tuapukan refugee camp.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on April 7, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Oil prices fall in Asia

Oil prices fall in Asia TOKYO (Dow Jones): The average pricing standard of the Tokyo Commodity Exchange Asian Petroleum Index, or Tapix, fell Friday 12 cents a barrel from Thursday to $23.79 per barrel, according to Tocom, Japan's largest commodity futures exchange. Tapix Light & Sweet was at $24.49 per barrel Friday, down 41 cents from Thursday, while Light & Sour was $23.35 per barrel, up 8 cents.

China joins Bangkok Accord

China joins Bangkok Accord BANGKOK (AFP): China has joined the United Nations' Bangkok Agreement on trade, bringing the total membership of the Asian preferential trading framework to six, the UN said Friday. China acceded to the 1975 trade pact earlier this week, joining current members India, South Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Laos, the UN said in a statement.

Goods, service consumption slides

Goods, service consumption slides JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta office of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) hinted on Friday that city residents were facing serious threats of malnutrition and poor health if the economic crisis continues. "The economic crisis has seriously affected people's purchasing power and has lowered their consumption of goods and services," the head of the population division at the city office of the bureau, Rusmandesiar, told The Jakarta Post.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, April 8, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, April 8, 2000 Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Tilo Kaiser, at Duta Fine Arts Foundation, Jl. Kemang Utara 55A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7990226), Tuesday to Saturday at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Monday at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until April 20. * 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.

Asian currencies higher, rupiah gains ground on reform hopes

Asian currencies higher, rupiah gains ground on reform hopes SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were higher across the board Friday with the rupiah gaining ground on optimism that Indonesia will be able to meet a weekend deadline for economic reforms sought by the International Monetary Fund. Indonesia missed the IMF's original March 31 deadline, triggering a wholesale rupiah selloff earlier this week. This led the rupiah to fall to its lowest level in six months as the U.S.

Rectors told to promote freedom of speech, thought

Rectors told to promote freedom of speech, thought SEMARANG (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid urged the country's rectors on Friday to promote freedom of thought and freedom of speech on their campuses. "Rectors must not let bureaucratic interests invade the campus. Rectors must be able to work together properly," the President said in his address to the Rectors Forum's fourth meeting at the Diponegoro University campus here.

Nazif appointed new president of PT Telkom

Nazif appointed new president of PT Telkom JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed telecommunications company PT Telkom approved on Friday the appointment of former banker Muhammad Nazif as new company president, replacing A.A. Nasution, despite objections from some public shareholders.

Berets and pens: Civil-military ties in SE Asia

Berets and pens: Civil-military ties in SE Asia This is the second of two articles by Southeast Asian historian Hermawan Sulistyo, Ph.D, the executive director of the Research Institute for Democracy and Peace in Jakarta. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian history has so far only emphasized the political aspects of dwifungsi or dual function, while the term also touches on societal issues such as ethnicity and religion. Ethnic relationships were one of the major problems facing the new country.

Military court opens hearing in drug prosecution of Agus Isrok

Military court opens hearing in drug prosecution of Agus Isrok JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Military Court began on Friday the very long-awaited military trial of Army Special Force's (Kopassus) Second. Lt. Agus Isrok over his alleged possession and trafficking of drugs last August. Scores of military police were present guarding Agus, who appeared in the courtroom in an Army uniform and a service cap, but not in his Red Beret, the pride of his corps.

Bridge to Mandalay airport opened

Bridge to Mandalay airport opened YANGON (DPA): A six-lane bridge connecting the long-delayed Thai-built Mandalay International Airport to the 35-kilometer road to the city has been officially opened for traffic, news reports said on Friday. The Panluang Bridge was opened for business on Thursday in a ceremony presided over by State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Second-Secretary, Lt. Gen. Tin Oo, said the New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Akbar advises 'jihad' volunteers

Akbar advises 'jihad' volunteers JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Akbar Tandjung called on a Muslim organization to cancel its plan to send trained warriors to launch a jihad (holy war) in strife-torn Maluku. "Sending men to Maluku will create a new problem. Let the government, local religious and informal leaders handle the problem," Akbar told reporters on Friday. Those wanting to help Maluku people should contribute in the form of financial donations, he said.

President to discuss truth body with Mbeki

President to discuss truth body with Mbeki JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid plans to discuss the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission with his South African counterpart Thabo Mbeki during a visit to the country this weekend, an official said on Friday. Head of State Protocol Rahmat Ranudiwijaya told a briefing on the eve of Abdurrahman's four-nation tour that the President would meet with Mbeki in the South African administrative capital of Pretoria on Sunday morning.

Shenny set for three int'l events before Olympics

Shenny set for three int'l events before Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian women's platform diver Shenny Ratna Amelia is scheduled to compete in three international events and the 15th National Games (PON) before having an overseas stint in Beijing in July. Shenny will compete in the Pacific School Games in Melbourne at the end of April, the Diving Grand Prix series in Xian City, China from May 28 to May 30 and in Hong Kong from June 2 to June 4.

Newmont agrees to pay taxes to Minahasa regency

Newmont agrees to pay taxes to Minahasa regency JAKARTA (JP): Gold mining company PT Newmont Minahasa Raya said on Friday it was ready to pay Rp 550 million (US$71,000) in overdue taxes on building material to the Minahasa regency in North Sulawesi, much less than the amount demanded by the regency. "We've simply miscalculated our tax payments and are willing to pay the remaining sum," company spokesperson Yonaniko Salim told The Jakarta Post.

Hiker found dead in West Sumatra

Hiker found dead in West Sumatra PADANG, West Sumatra: A hiker was found dead on Mt. Merapi after falling 50 meters into a ravine on Sunday, rescue workers said on Thursday. Buyung Utih, 20, fell as he tried to descend in heavy fog, they said, adding that his body had yet to be removed from the site. Buyung, who was hiking up the mountain on Saturday night with seven others, was the fifth fatality on the mountain in five months.

Indonesia set for for place at CITES

Indonesia set for for place at CITES SURABAYA, East Java: Indonesia for the first time will participate in the 10-day Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on Monday in Kenya. The Animal Conservation Life Organization (KSBK) will represent Indonesia in the biennial event. The non-governmental organization (NGO) is one of 60 organizations grouped under the U.S.-based Species Survival Network.

Police question actor about treasures

Police question actor about treasures JAKARTA (JP): Tanjung Priok Port (KP3) Police have questioned famous local drama artist Anwar Fuady over the salvage of hundreds of ancient ceramic articles from a Chinese shipwreck found in the Blanakan waters off Subang, West Java. Anwar is a commissioner at PT Lautan Mas, the private company which, together with France's Comex S.A and the Indonesian Navy, salvaged the hidden treasures.

Five steps to corruption heaven

Five steps to corruption heaven From Warta Kota Suppose I was a corrupt government official in the New Order era, I would really feel elated with the present government under President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) because it has not taken any action against the likes of me. Just think that half a year has elapsed since the introduction of the new government and not one of my corrupt colleagues has been brought to court.

Anton hopes for KONI helping hand

Anton hopes for KONI helping hand JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's table tennis player Anton Suseno hopes the National Sports Council (KONI) will support him financially in an overseas stint in the United States and Brazil in July. The trip is planned as a warm up prior to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

JITF to restructure $10b in foreign debts

JITF to restructure $10b in foreign debts JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Initiative Task Force (JITF) is striving to help private companies to restructure some US$10 billion in overseas debts this year, according to newly appointed JITF chairman Laksamana Sukardi.

LNG plant design

LNG plant design Referring to your article on Feb. 11, 2000 entitled Pertamina picks Chiyoda, Betchtel designs for plant, there is misleading information quoted by your writer which has caused us to receive a claim from our client.

New wave of protests target plan on communism

New wave of protests target plan on communism JAKARTA (JP): The capital witnessed the second consecutive massive street rallies by thousands of Muslim youths on Friday to protest President Abdurrahman Wahid's plans to revoke the ban on communism in the country and to resume trade ties with Israel.

Indonesia holds court with lead in Davis Cup tie

Indonesia holds court with lead in Davis Cup tie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia made a good start in the opening of Group II of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania zone by overpowering Malaysia 2-0 at National Tennis Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday. Second singles Suwandi overcame Malaysian first singles Vasuthevan Ortchuan 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 while Indonesia's first singles Febi Widhiyanto thrashed Selvam Veerasingam 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.

Medan Jaya ties 0-0 against Persiraja

Medan Jaya ties 0-0 against Persiraja MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Supported by nearly a thousand local fans, Medan Jaya failed to satisfy them with victory and had to settle for a scoreless draw against Persiraja in the Bank Mandiri Soccer League on Friday. Persiraja's striker Irwansyah had great opportunities to score but Medan Jaya goalie Sugiar was too agile, denying every attempt. Persiraja increased its tempo and changed its strategy in the second half.

SingTel to buy stake in Time

SingTel to buy stake in Time SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel) on Friday announced it had entered into a "non-binding conditional" agreement to take a strategic stake in Malaysia's Time Engineering group. The agreement with Malaysian multi-industry firm Time Engineering Bhd., and its parent conglomerate Renong Bhd. would pave the way for SingTel to buy into debt-ridden Time Engineering and its telecoms unit, TimedotCom Bhd.

Contemporary music concerts keep on playing

Contemporary music concerts keep on playing By Y. Bintang Prakarsa JAKARTA (JP): A wave of contemporary music has been flooding into Jakarta in recent weeks. Last month it was concerts by West Sumatra-born Epi Martison, and a rising star from Germany, Detlev Glanert. But it isn't over yet. This month other exciting events will follow, beginning this Saturday with a performance by two extraordinary women in Gedung Kesenian Jakarta.

Election by the people

Election by the people Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid was cheered when he said recently that his government would propose that the next president and vice-president be elected directly by the people in 2004. The reason for the applause he drew was obvious. Megawati Sukarnoputri did not become president although her party won last year's parliamentary poll. She was elected vice-president, while Wahid, who was fielded by a coalition of small Islamic parties, was elected president.

Money politics popular in Medan

Money politics popular in Medan By Donna K. Woodward MEDAN (JP): In 1998 Indonesians joined forces against Soeharto, united in their belief that to overcome corruption a clean leader was needed. On the national level there is now an honorable president who has begun appointing persons of integrity to key positions; some of those appointees are in turn trying to cleanse their ministries. But what about in the provinces?

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 7, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 800 -25 1,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 550 0 3,345,000 Alakasa Industrindo 475 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 900 0 698,500 Alter Abadi 325 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 50 12,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 55,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,100 0 783,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

PMI lacks funds to supply blood

PMI lacks funds to supply blood JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Red Cross is seeking more funds to overcome blood supply expenses, its top executive said on Friday. Chairman Mar'ie Muhammad said the Red Cross (PMI) had to spend Rp 70 billion annually on blood supplies alone. He was speaking to reporters after the opening of a one-day seminar commemorating World Health Day, which falls on April 7.

RI men's doubles secure final place in Japan Open

RI men's doubles secure final place in Japan Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia secured a final ticket in the US$180,000 Yonex Japan Open men's doubles after world number one pairing Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan set up a showdown with veteran compatriots Bambang Suprianto and Tri Kusheryanto in Saturday's semifinals.

Temporary workers protest uniform change

Temporary workers protest uniform change TANGERANG (JP): Some 675 temporary employees with the Tangerang office of the City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ), brought on Friday their grievance to the local chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI). The complaint, filed by seven representing officials, opposed the agency's new regulation that they procure new uniforms for Rp 120,000 (US$17) each.

Man jumps to death from 7th floor

Man jumps to death from 7th floor JAKARTA (JP): A security officer was killed on Friday after he tried escape a fire by jumping from the seventh floor of a building at Jayabaya University in East Jakarta, an officer said. East Jakarta Police chief Col. Hidayat Fabanyo identified the victim as Eddy Komeng, 48, a security guard at the private university. Hidayat said officers had been assigned to probe the cause of the fire. "The case is still under investigation," he said.

Tale of Jl. Pecah Kulit more than skin deep

Tale of Jl. Pecah Kulit more than skin deep By Ida Indawati Khouw For those unfamiliar with the capital, its assortment of unusually named streets -- Jl. Gereja Ayam ("church chicken"), Jl. Gambar Hidup ("portrait of life") and Jl. Tiang Bendera ("flagpole") -- may sound more than a little odd. Our 33rd article in a special weekly series on Jakarta's historical and protected sites and buildings digs into the horrific tale of Jl. Pecah Kulit ("broken skin") in West Jakarta.

Jakarta braces for bus strike

Jakarta braces for bus strike JAKARTA (JP): Millions of commuters in the capital could be stranded beginning on Monday following a planned massive strike by owners of the over 8,000 private city buses, minibuses and mikrolet (minivans). The strike plan was announced on Friday by chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) Aip Syarifuddin in a meeting with city councillors at the City Council building.

Government assures LIPI's independence

Government assures LIPI's independence JAKARTA (JP): The government assured the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) on Friday that it will enjoy complete independence in carrying out its mission because freedom is a pillar of creativity. "The government will no longer interfere in LIPI's internal affairs," acting State Secretary Bondan Gunawan said after swearing in historian Taufik Abdullah as the institute's new chief to replace Soefjan Tsauri.

Two boxers qualify for Olympics

Two boxers qualify for Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Boxers La Paene Masara and Hermansen Ballo have joined the list of national athletes to qualify for the 2000 Olympic Games. La Paene outclassed Daniello Lerto Jr. of the Philippines 8-3 in the final of the Olympic third qualifying round in Bangkok on Friday to claim the light flyweight title. Ballo, competing in the flyweight division, finished third in a bout to claim third place on Friday, overpowering Srinevas Rao of India 16-3.

Aceh rights abuse trial rescheduled for April 17

Aceh rights abuse trial rescheduled for April 17 YOGYAKARTA (JP): After three delays, the joint military- civilian tribunal for alleged human rights violations in Aceh is slated to open on April 17 in Banda Aceh, Minister of Human Rights Affairs Hasballah M. Saad said on Friday. A total of 24 suspects -- 23 are soldiers of the Indonesian Military (TNI) -- will stand trial before a panel of six judges on charges of killing 65 people in West Aceh in July last year, Hasballah said.

More suspected thieves killed by residents

More suspected thieves killed by residents JAKARTA (JP): Three more men were mobbed to death by residents at separate incidents on Thursday, bringing the death toll of vigilante victims in Greater Jakarta to 30 this year. The Jakarta Police, who protect the capital and its surrounding area of Tangerang, Bekasi and Depok, said they had almost given up on controlling the situation. "We just don't know how else to approach the public.

Sports matches

Sports matches JAKARTA (JP): Following are sports competitions to be broadcast live this weekend on local stations (all times in Jakarta time): Saturday English soccer league: Bradford v Southampton SCTV at 9 p.m. Sunday Italian soccer league: Lazio v Perugia RCTI at 8 p.m., Udinese v Inter Milan RCTI at 1:30 a.m. Motorcycling: Japanese Grand Prix SCTV at 11:30 a.m. Monday: Italian soccer league: AC Milan v Fiorentina RCTI at 1:30 a.m.

IBRA's request for ad hoc judges denied

IBRA's request for ad hoc judges denied JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Commercial Court has rejected the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) request to assign independent "ad hoc" judges to examine the agency's three bankruptcy cases. Sihol Sitompoel, head of the bankruptcy court, said on Friday that none of the four ad hoc judges appointed by the government in early 1999 could examine IBRA bankruptcy cases because of a technical matter.

Indonesian music loses gifted Broery Pesolima

Indonesian music loses gifted Broery Pesolima JAKARTA (JP): Broery Pesolima, one of Indonesia's pop legends, died from a stroke at Puri Cinere Hospital in South Jakarta at 7:15 Friday. He was 56. Survived by his wife Wanda and two children, Broery had two strokes over the past months and had undergone medical treatment at the hospital.

Soeharto questioning to be resume Monday

Soeharto questioning to be resume Monday JAKARTA (JP): State prosecutors failed on Friday to resume the questioning of former president Soeharto due to his illness, but set a new date for Monday. Director of Corruption Affairs Chairul Imam said that the Attorney General's Office learned that the health of Soeharto, who is facing corruption charges, worsened on Wednesday and there was no indication that he could undergo the questioning on Friday.

Siemens opens new division

Siemens opens new division JAKARTA (JP): PT Siemens Indonesia, a supplier in the energy and communication industry, has opened a new business division to tap a growing demand for healthcare equipment in the country, the company's senior executive said here on Friday. Speaking at a press conference, the company director Osriman Oesman said that the new division which began operation early this week increased the number of the German company's business divisions to 13.

Road damage

Road damage A situation requiring careful attention is the damaged section of road at Ciputat Raya between the bridge and the Hero supermarket. The severe rupture in the road dramatically affects traffic on this major Jakarta thoroughfare. The surface of the road was repaired three weeks ago but is already in pieces again because the road repair team has not added the necessary drainage at the side of the road. Continual flooding on the road destroys it and clogs traffic for hours.

Bogor teachers plan mass strike

Bogor teachers plan mass strike BOGOR (JP): Some 300 teachers said on Friday they would hold a three-day strike next week to protest their meager salaries and the government's refusal to increase their benefits. Grouped in the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI), the teachers plan to begin the strike on April 13, chief of Bogor's PGRI Aim Halim Hermana said. "This strike is necessary since the government doesn't care about the welfare of teachers.

Pilgrimage to the west: When spirit of Earth, sky is awakened

Pilgrimage to the west: When spirit of Earth, sky is awakened By Wawan S. Husin BANDUNG (JP): Suprapto Suryosudarmo had traveled to Bandung, Ciamis and Padang in his journey to the west from Padepokan Lemah Putih in Surakarta, Central Java.

Matraman brawl causes Rp 10b losses

Matraman brawl causes Rp 10b losses JAKARTA (JP): Recent brawling between residents in Matraman district of East Jakarta has caused Rp 10 billion (US$1.3 million) in financial losses and left 336 people jobless, an official disclosed on Friday.

Oscar-winning turn on screens here

Oscar-winning turn on screens here JAKARTA (JP): Naughty angels, newborn psychics and gender confusion fills up our movie theaters. The following reviews and grades are by Rayya Makarim (RM), Oren Murphy (OM) and Tam Notosusanto (TN). American Beauty. Dark comedy, 120 minutes; starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Chris Cooper and Peter Gallagher. Directed by Sam Mendes. Forty-two-year-old Lester Burnham is having a mid-life crisis.