Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 May 2000

64 articles found

'Poros Indonesia' members could be sacked: Theo

'Poros Indonesia' members could be sacked: Theo JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) deputy chairman Theo Syafei threatened to dismiss party members who join splinter group "Poros Indonesia" and pursue policies contrary to the party.

Akbar dismisses DPA's first minister plan

Akbar dismisses DPA's first minister plan JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Akbar Tandjung dismissed the Supreme Advisory Council's proposal for the appointment of a first minister to assist the President on the grounds that it violated the 1945 Constitution and would only increase political instability...

Cable Modem: New media to surf Internet world

Cable Modem: New media to surf Internet world Perhaps the cable network is not well known in Indonesia, but a cable network with a background from CATV network is very popular in the United States and Europe to deliver high speed Internet access with cable modem.

Army to raise money to improve soldiers' welfare

Army to raise money to improve soldiers' welfare JAKARTA (JP): Internal reforms now underway will allow the Army to raise trust funds for use in improving the welfare of its personnel, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto said on Tuesday.

Asian currencies mostly lower ahead of likely U.S. rate hike

Asian currencies mostly lower ahead of likely U.S. rate hike SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mostly lower late Tuesday in quiet trade ahead of an expected interest rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve.The Indonesian rupiah was slightly weaker, but well above its intraday low.

The World Bank in Indonesia: What else to be done?

The World Bank in Indonesia: What else to be done? This is the second of two articles based on a presentation by Indonesia's World Bank Country Director, Mark Baird, at a seminar on Indonesia's recovery held by the Kapital business tabloid in Jakarta on May 11.

PDI-P faces lawsuit after assault on reporter

PDI-P faces lawsuit after assault on reporter BANDUNG (JP): Pikiran Rakyat daily plans to file a lawsuit against the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in Purwakarta on Monday after an internal dispute between party members led to an assault on a reporter.Chief editor H. AM.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Performances* Concerts, at Balai Adika Balroom, Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 5454333): Midas Ensemble by Clara de Vries, Gerard Zuyderhoff, Steven Faber, 7:30 p.m., May 19. Quirine Viersen, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 29.

JAPFA meets Bali Jeff in league final

JAPFA meets Bali Jeff in league final JAKARTA (JP): JAPFA chess team will face Bali Jeff on Wednesday in the final of the Indonesian Chess League 2000 at the Novotel, Surabaya.JAPFA, who hired Grand Master (GM) Alex Wojkiewicz of Poland and GM Darryl Johansen of Australia for this event, narrowly...

Money puts legislation program on hold

Money puts legislation program on hold JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives is now exercising its political function far better than its predecessors, but it fares little better when it comes to its legislation program -- because of a lack of money.

Telkomsel: providing new technology as it happens

Telkomsel: providing new technology as it happens Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications provider PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel) has proven itself a leading operator since its establishment five years ago, with a market share of 47 percent nationwide.

Aceh: More challenges from Geneva

Aceh: More challenges from GenevaBy Aboeprijadi Santoso GENEVA (JP): It is a breathing space in what could become a long journey toward a final solution for Aceh. The agreement signed by the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Geneva last Friday (May 12), marks President...

GDP forecast by BPS too low: Experts

GDP forecast by BPS too low: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Experts have unanimously disagreed with the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) over its extremely low 1.5 percent gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for 2000.

Hands-free means radiation-free?

Hands-free means radiation-free? JAKARTA (JP): The booming trade of mobile cellphone always sparks controversy. The latest issue over cellphones, which are now used by about one billion people, is whether hands-free kits also emit radiation to the brain.

After Geneva, what next?

After Geneva, what next? It is obvious that many politicians in Jakarta are not content to let the ink dry on the joint understanding which the government signed with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Geneva last week.

Forkot demands release of three arrested friends

Forkot demands release of three arrested friends JAKARTA (JP): With dozens of teenage street children marching in front of them, some 200 members of the City Forum (Forkot) university students group rallied on Tuesday outside the Jakarta Police Headquarters in South Jakarta, demanding the release...

Gus Dur enjoys breakfast at Mega's official residence

Gus Dur enjoys breakfast at Mega's official residence JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid breakfasted at Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri's official residence on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday in a clear attempt at refuting rumors of worsening relations with her.

Siemens a pacesetter in mobile data in Indonesia

Siemens a pacesetter in mobile data in Indonesia Cellular communications and data transmission have been flourishing issues. The growth rate of cell-phone users has reached significant figures in recent years, so that by the end of this year half billion people worldwide will be using mobile cell...

Two broking firms suspended

Two broking firms suspended JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) temporarily suspended on Tuesday the operations of two securities companies, PT Sekuritas Namalatu Ronesina and PT Intifikasa Securindo, due to alleged market manipulation.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Buddha's Day of Enlightenment, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Thursday. The Post will appear again on Friday. -- Publisher

Police to close unregistered clinics

Police to close unregistered clinics JAKARTA (JP): East Jakarta Police will close down nine unregistered maternity clinics operating illegally in the area, an officer said on Tuesday.Police detectives chief Capt.

Telkom, Amex issue joint card

Telkom, Amex issue joint card JAKARTA (JP): American Express Travel Related Services (TSR) and PT Telkom will soon launch their co-brand credit card, offering a range of benefits to the latter's subscribers.

Rioting erupts in Semarang

Rioting erupts in Semarang SEMARANG, Central Java: Hundreds of people ran amok in the Tawang Mas area here on Tuesday morning, vandalizing a cinema in the Semarang Recreation and Exhibition Center.The reasons for the riot remain sketchy, but it is believed to have been triggered by local people's...

Indonesian telecommunications need a paradigm shift

Indonesian telecommunications need a paradigm shiftBy Zatni Arbi If the world were a perfect place, W.W. Rostow's theory of development stages might not have looked so ridiculous after all. The fruit of development would have trickled down to the masses, and our social and economic pictures would...

Goindo's e-commerce service

Goindo's e-commerce service JAKARTA (JP): Internet company PT Goindo.net introduced on Tuesday its new e-commerce services for businesses wishing to expand on the Internet.The new services facilitate transactions from one business to another (B2B) as well as from business to customers (B2C)Goindo...

Man detained for killing father

Man detained for killing father JAKARTA (JP): An officer said the Cipayung Police arrested a secondhand goods vendor on Tuesday morning for killing his father during a family dispute.East Jakarta Police chief of detectives Capt.

Fresh violence erupts in Ambon, two dead

Fresh violence erupts in Ambon, two dead AMBON, Maluku (JP): Fresh clashes flared up here on Tuesday following a car accident in which a teenager in Paso subdistrict was killed.The violence, which was continuing as of 8 p.m. local time, has left two people killed and 11 others injured.

Inco, Antam operate normally

Inco, Antam operate normally SYDNEY (Dow Jones): Nickel operations at PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk and PT Aneka Tambang on Sulawesi island, Indonesia, weren't affected by a strong earthquake that hit the island Monday, officials with the two companies told Dow Jones Newswires by telephone.

Mahaka SM loses out again in ABC Champions Cup

Mahaka SM loses out again in ABC Champions Cup JAKARTA (JP): Mahaka Satria Muda of Jakarta was forced to head home early after its loss to Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia in a group B match in the ABC Champions Cup at Ghazir Club Court in Beirut, Lebanon.

Quo vadis RI?

Quo vadis RI?From Forum KeadilanFollowing President Abdurrahman Wahid's proposal to lift MPRS Decree No. XXV/1966 banning the propagation of communism because it is considered a violation of human rights and democracy, a question arises: Quo vadis the Indonesian nation?Democracy does not...

Mangunwijaya's wealth in dispute

Mangunwijaya's wealth in dispute SLEMAN, Yogyakarta : The death of well-known social activist and Catholic priest Y.B. Mangunwijaya last year has been followed by legal wrangling between the church and six of his 11 children.

Wiranto grilled for 7 hours over Timor violence

Wiranto grilled for 7 hours over Timor violence JAKARTA (JP): Former Indonesian Military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto said he was relieved to "spell out the truth" of last year's violence in East Timor while being interrogated on Tuesday by a special Attorney General's Office investigative team.

Indonesia beats China, meets Denmark in semis

Indonesia beats China, meets Denmark in semisBy Primastuti Handayani KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Defending champion Indonesia cruised into the final four after surprisingly overcoming favorite China 4-1 in the last round-robin yellow group of the Thomas Cup championships at Putra Indoor Stadium here on...

RI Uber Cup players not to lower standards: Manager

RI Uber Cup players not to lower standards: ManagerBy Primastuti Handayani KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Indonesian team manager Sumaryono urged shuttlers on Wednesday not to lower their standards in the semifinals against China in the Uber Cup Championships at the Putra Indoor Stadium.

The new communications era we have to face

The new communications era we have to face Indonesia is one of the biggest country to enter into a new telecommunications era. We know that voice and data technology increases rapidly. Now, the speed of technology develops quicker than ever before.

Prestasi ties up with Cisco

Prestasi ties up with Cisco SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): IPCO International Ltd. said on Tuesday PT Prestasi Cipta Pertiwi, the company it is in the process of acquiring, has signed a memorandum of understanding with PT Cisco Systems Indonesia, the Indonesian unit of Nasdaq-listed Cisco Systems Inc..

New instant mushrooms sprouting up in stores

New instant mushrooms sprouting up in storesBy Joko Sarwono BOGOR (JP): Instant noodles are nothing new, but what about instant mushrooms? Hold onto your saucepan, as they are set to appear at a supermarket near you anytime now.

Antam books Rp 97.52b in first quarter profit

Antam books Rp 97.52b in first quarter profit JAKARTA (JP): Gold and nickel mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) reported on Tuesday that its unaudited first quarter net profit increased to Rp 97.52 billion (about US$11.6 million), from Rp 36.39 billion in the same period last year.

Glodok are shakes off the gloom once again

Glodok are shakes off the gloom once again JAKARTA (JP): Business activities at Harco Glodok electronics center in West Jakarta stated to show signs of life on Tuesday amid fears of further rioting in the predominantly ethnic-Chinese business district.

Computer snag may delay JFX trading

Computer snag may delay JFX trading JAKARTA (JP): A problem in the installation of a computer system might cause a delay in the operation of the country's first commodities futures operator, the Jakarta Futures Exchange (JFX).

KONI vows to get tough on athletes found using drugs

KONI vows to get tough on athletes found using drugs JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has spelled out its stance concerning athletes who are caught taking illegal drugs to enhance their performance.

Albright pledges aid to support Aceh peace pact

Albright pledges aid to support Aceh peace pact WASHINGTON (AFP): United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright hailed last week's accord between Indonesia and separatist rebels in Aceh, pledging U.S. humanitarian aid to support the pact.

Militaristic civilians?

Militaristic civilians?From Media IndonesiaThe increasing demand that the task forces of political parties and mass organizations, which often imitate military behavior and carry military insignias, be dissolved is welcome news. The demand should be followed up.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on May 16, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,095.00 9,095.00Australian dollar 1 4,654.63 5,238.72Austrian schilling 1 533.93 600.15Belgian franc 1 182.13 204.72Brunei dollar 1 4,678.38 5,259.35Canadian dollar 1 5,444.

Telkom's net profit up in first quarter

Telkom's net profit up in first quarter JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed domestic telecommunication provider PT Telkom Indonesia announced on Tuesday a consolidated net income of Rp 751.94 billion (US$94.22 billion) for the first quarter of this year.Telkom said the figure reflected an increase of 145.

Chicken used to protest KKN

Chicken used to protest KKN DENPASAR (JP): Deputy head of Bali Prosecutor's Office Soediro was presented with a chicken by a group of demonstrators expressing displeasure at the office's slow investigations into corruption, collusion and corruption (KKN) in the province."I am sorry.

Laos inks sea deal with Vietnam

Laos inks sea deal with Vietnam HANOI (AFP): Landlocked Laos has signed an agreement with Vietnam to provide it with improved communications to the outside world through the central Vietnamese port of Vung Ang, the official VNA news agency said on Tuesday.

Independence Day to be marked in low-key style

Independence Day to be marked in low-key style JAKARTA (JP): The country's major national commemoration, Independence Day on Aug. 17, will not be marked by a lavish ceremony at Merdeka Palace this year to cut costs.

Sucofindo ties up with Belgium to boost services

Sucofindo ties up with Belgium to boost services JAKARTA (JP): State owned superintending company PT Sucofindo and ABX Logistics of Belgium agreed here on Tuesday to jointly provide transportation, logistics, warehousing and inspection and assessment services to Indonesian companies and their...

Banks told to help boost ailing rupiah

Banks told to help boost ailing rupiah JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has instructed finance minister Bambang Sudibyo to ask state banks to buy rupiah in a bid to shore up the falling currency.Abdurrahman reiterated on Tuesday that the current weakening of the rupiah against the U.S.

Excelcomindo Pratama (Pro-XL), a major cell-phone player

Excelcomindo Pratama (Pro-XL), a major cell-phone player Some people use their cellular phone occasionally, while others use theirs a lot. Whereas the communications requirements of large multinational corporations are perhaps even more diverse than an individual's.

Police ask for more fund from city administration

Police ask for more fund from city administration JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi asked the city administration on Tuesday to increase the allocated budget for city police because the annual budget was too small to finance police operations and activities.

IBRA draws up 10 financial groups as servicing agent

IBRA draws up 10 financial groups as servicing agent JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has shortlisted 10 groups of financial institutions as the servicing agent to help in restructuring Rp 5.42 trillion (US$634.66 million) in bank nonperforming loans (NPLs).

Government not broker in islets lease plan

Government not broker in islets lease plan MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Minister of Maritime Exploration Sarwono Kusumaatmadja resisted on Tuesday the mounting criticism against the government's plan to lease islands to investors, saying his office would not act as a broker in the business.

Government to increase fixed-line and mobile phone rates

Government to increase fixed-line and mobile phone rates JAKARTA (JP): The government will increase the rates of fixed- line and cellular telephone services by 21 percent and 41 percent respectively some time in June, to meet rising telecommunication costs.

Remember sweet old days at the Oen

Remember sweet old days at the OenBy Budi Sardjono MALANG, East Java (JP): A restaurant may be able to retain its original cuisine for one generation at the most, so the theory goes. As an additional note, this rule of thumb applies if the restaurant serves specialties that no other restaurant does.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May. 16, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 725 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 350 -50 420,500 Alakasa Industrindo 1,000 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 800 -25...

Victims of Bogor aftershock need aid

Victims of Bogor aftershock need aid BOGOR (JP): Officials revealed on Tuesday a shortfall in the amount of food aid for victims of a May 8 aftershock at Kampung Cileuksa Lebak, Jasinga district.Village chief Ade Ruhandi said the victims were supposed to receive five tons of rice, 100 kilograms of...

Fund raising

Fund raisingFrom Media IndonesiaOn Jl. Jembatan Besi II, Tambora, a mosque is being built. The construction of this mosque has been going on for a year or so. However, a shortage of funds has made the committee get its people to collect contributions from the community and from passersby by placing...

Kodak clarifies

Kodak clarifies I refer to Daripin Wongso's letter Not a pretty picture (The Jakarta Post, May 13, 2000). We would like to clarify certain points that were raised by the writer.MacIndo is the authorized distributor of Kodak digital cameras.

Dozens admitted to hospital for food poisoning

Dozens admitted to hospital for food poisoning JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of participants of two training programs held at Bumi Karsa Hotel in South Jakarta and at least two staff members of the hotel were rushed to the hotel's clinic and nearby hospitals after suffering nausea and vomiting.

It is 'm' now, succeeding the existing profound 'e'

It is 'm' now, succeeding the existing profound 'e' JAKARTA (JP): One of my grand aunts enthusiastically showed me her new PC set, saying that she could now browse the Internet and "more importantly, I can send e-mails to my children and grandchildren and receive m-mails from them.

Support for PKB?

Support for PKB?From PanjiStatements by President Abdurrahman Wahid published in various print media have confused me. Many of his statements are not in compliance with the 1945 Constitution and the state ideology of Pancasila.

Back to future: SE Asian stock collapse?

Back to future: SE Asian stock collapse?By Joshua Kurlantzick BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's stock exchange is rapidly falling through the floor, triggering fears in Southeast Asia that the region is heading towards another economic crisis, analysts said Monday.