Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 May 2000

56 articles found

BHP sells IT unit

BHP sells IT unit MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): Broken Hill Proprietary Co. (BHP), an Australian steel, energy and mining company, said Wednesday it sold its information technology division to U.S.-based Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC). The sale includes BHP Information Technology Pty. Ltd. and BHP's Indonesian-based information technology business. BHP Information Technology employs around 1,700 people and has operations in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and the U.S.

Grand plan for library a step ahead of times

Grand plan for library a step ahead of times JAKARTA (JP): After thinking deeply, Hernandono, the head of the National Library -- home to a lofty number of historical documents -- finally realized that his dream of developing the institution into a world-class library might be too ambitious.

Foreign affairs ministry undergoes reshuffle

Foreign affairs ministry undergoes reshuffle JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is undergoing a quiet reshuffle of its top echelon with a signatory of the recent Aceh accord, Hassan Wirajuda, replacing senior diplomat Nugroho Wisnumurti as Director General for Political Affairs. Nugroho, who once served as Indonesia's ambassador to the United Nations in New York, handed over his post on Tuesday. Unlike other hand over proceedings, there was no official public announcement.

First quarter GDP numbers mark uneven Asian expansion

First quarter GDP numbers mark uneven Asian expansion SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Fresh growth figures released by Asian countries for the first quarter highlight the uneven nature of the region's economic expansion. At the head of the class are South Korea and Taiwan, which have capitalized on their technology-rich markets to post impressive increases in gross domestic product. Close behind are Singapore and Hong Kong.

'Mad' puppeteer's reworked 'wayang' a success

'Mad' puppeteer's reworked 'wayang' a success By Agus Maryono PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Dalang (puppet master) Entus Susmono has been the target of endless name-calling: controversial, eccentric, unconventional, humorous, mad. For the 34-year-old dalang from Tegal, Central Java, who loves to grow his hair long, the criticism has brought very good luck. He is sure all the mockery comes mostly from admirers. The proof: his performances always attract huge crowds. Humor is his main appeal.

Athletes told to follow victors' path

Athletes told to follow victors' path JAKARTA (JP): Training director for the 2000 Olympic Games Arie Sudewo urged athletes to follow their compatriots lead in winning the Thomas Cup on four consecutive occasions, and a total of 12 times, after defeating China 3-0 Sunday. Arie will also ask athletes from 11 separate sports events to follow the shuttlers' road to victory. "Their success story should give the other athletes a lot of inspiration.

Two men commit suicide separately

Two men commit suicide separately JAKARTA (JP): Kemayoran Police detectives in Central Jakarta are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 27-year-old man on Monday from severe burns, an officer said on Tuesday. "We have collected a little information from his relatives, which is still inadequate for us to figure out the motive," Kemayoran Police detective Second Lt. H. Duha said.

BII lands loan facility

BII lands loan facility JAKARTA (JP): Bank Internasional Indonesia announced on Wednesday it secured a revolving loan facility from Standard Chartered Bank. The bank said the interest rate on the US$50 million loan would be based on the London Inter Bank Offered Rates plus an agreed margin. It said the loan reflected the international bank's confidence in its operations. The agreement on the revolving loan facility between the banks was signed on Wednesday. (cst)

IMF comes under fire over RI reforms

IMF comes under fire over RI reforms JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund's far reaching involvement in the country's economic reform program is often counterproductive to the overall efforts in lifting Indonesia out of its worst ever crisis, economists have said. An economist at the University of Indonesia, Anton Gunawan, said on Wednesday that the fund's negative judgment of the reform program, for example, often created more losses than benefits.

Illegal foreign footwear products concern Aprisindo

Illegal foreign footwear products concern Aprisindo JAKARTA (JP): Footwear industry executives are warning of mass layoffs if the government fails to curb the influx of illegal footwear from abroad. It is estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 workers in the footwear industry could soon be laid off every month if restrictions are not tightened.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 24, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 725 0 14,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 350 -25 24,500 Alakasa Industrindo 1,250 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 825 0 121,500 Alter Abadi 150 0 15,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 25 53,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,050 25 1,121,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Governor rejects islets leasing

Governor rejects islets leasing PEKANBARU, Riau: The governor of Riau Saleh Djasit refused to rent out small islands in the province to foreign investors, Antara reported on Wednesday. Saleh labeled the proposal a desperate attempt by the central government to raise funds for the country's development program. "If renters can do whatever they want to on the islets, it means we loose our sovereignty," Saleh told reporters.

Opportunism

Opportunism I read Mr. G.N. Brown's letter (There is no violence in Bali, The Jakarta Post, May 23, 2000) with a mixture of admiration and sadness. Admiration, because Mr. Brown has seen a "window of opportunity' in a situation where I see only grief and a need for tolerance; and sadness, for precisely the same reason. Mr. Brown seems like an honorable man, his words and deeds stemming from the highest possible motives -- a genuine desire to promote Bali.

Group vandalizes, loots East Timor NGO office

Group vandalizes, loots East Timor NGO office JAKARTA (JP): A group of around 30 people from an unidentified group vandalized the office of Solidamor on Wednesday afternoon leaving two staff, including Solidamor chairman, injured. Besides vandalizing the office on Jl. Pramuka Jayasari in east Jakarta, the attackers, believed to be East Timorese, also stole about Rp 20 million (US$2,350) and personal items, such as clothes and shoes, from the Solidamor staff, witnesses and victims said.

Soemarjono denies part in fake money business

Soemarjono denies part in fake money business SURABAYA (JP): The main suspect in the counterfeit money case, Soemarjono, denied on Wednesday all accusations against him, saying that he knew nothing about the scandal and that police had no supporting evidence. Speaking to reporters before being escorted to a cell, the retired Army colonel, repeatedly denied any role in producing and circulating counterfeit money. "There is no single evidence until this very moment.

Laskar Jihad rejects calls to leave Maluku

Laskar Jihad rejects calls to leave Maluku YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Laskar Jihad Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah (Jihad Force) has rejected calls from Maluku authorities and residents to leave the riot-torn islands, saying the request was groundless. "We will not pull Laskar Jihad out of Maluku, unless Muslims in the islands secure a safety guarantee during the rehabilitation period," spokesman for the jihad force Ayip Syarifuddin told The Jakarta Post by phone from the force's headquarters here.

Fire kills four in Medan

Fire kills four in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: Four people were killed as fire ravaged their auto parts store on Jl. Ahmad Yani in Tanjung Balai regency on Wednesday. Police identified the fatalities as Hendra alias Lim Gulling, 11, Lay Chi Peng alias Buruk, 80, Tong Min Mi, 17, and Lie Hua, 40. Only the body of Lim Gulling had been evacuated as of Wednesday afternoon. It took fire fighters four hours to put out the fire, which started at 2:00 a.m. and caused part of the shop to collapse.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, May 25, 2000

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, May 25, 2000 Exhibition * Painting Exhibition at Seniwati Showspace, Jl Raya Ubud, until May 31. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. * Museum of Bali, Jl. Letkol Wisnu, downtown of Denpasar (Phone: 0361 2277271), Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Critics not after accountability of president: Amien

Critics not after accountability of president: Amien JAKARTA (JP): The likelihood of a political confrontation that could topple the government looks increasingly distant after President Abdurrahman Wahid's harshest critic affirmed that the coming People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) would only demand a "progress report" from the president. Assembly Speaker Amien Rais continued to tone down his rhetoric against Abdurrahman saying on Wednesday that the general session from Aug.

Arja dance tells of the need to love and respect

Arja dance tells of the need to love and respect By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The beautiful teenage girl, Ida Ayu Prihandari, donned in an elaborate and lavish Galuh costume of the classical Balinese dance-drama Arja, appeared on the stage playing an exquisite Balinese gamelan instrument last Saturday night. This eleven-year old prodigy, intensely absorbed in her gamelan instruments, produced heavenly tunes on the chilly full- moon night.

Freeport to cut output by 30,000 tons a day

Freeport to cut output by 30,000 tons a day JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday that U.S.-based cooper and gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia has agreed to cut its daily output by about 30,000 tons of ore from 230,000 tons at present. "This morning I received the news that Freeport has committed to reduce its output.

The Nommensen case

The Nommensen case From Republika A student demonstration ending in violence took place again at the campus of HKBP Nommensen University in Medan. The clash between the police and students, resulting in the death of two students, happened on May 1, 2000. Many people have strongly criticized the violence and the police were again accused of human rights violations. It is unfair that the evaluation be solely based on the results of the incident.

Conversion Rates

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

Gus Dur set to make another trip in June

Gus Dur set to make another trip in June JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman is scheduled to make another overseas trip next month, including stopping over for medical treatment in the United States. Without specifying the exact timetable, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab announced on Wednesday that the president would also go to Japan, France and Egypt.

NGOs seek support through mass media

NGOs seek support through mass media By Joko E. Anwar JAKARTA (JP): Legislators and employees of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) office were reportedly annoyed when hundreds of forms kept coming through their facsimile machines. They can probably expect many more until the scheduled Assembly session in August. The forms saying "Yes! I agree to a direct presidential election!" turned out to be from the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro).

Widayanto pays homage to love of mother and child

Widayanto pays homage to love of mother and child By Mulkan Salmona JAKARTA (JP): It was a bright Sunday morning for a visit to the unique and shady studio of a noted ceramics artist in Ciganjur, South Jakarta. F. Widayanto invited a number of journalists and art lovers to view final preparations for his exhibition at the National Gallery from June 6 through June 16. Ibu dan Anak (Mother and Child) will showcase his most recent works after a two-year hiatus in exhibitions.

Bayer books higher sales

Bayer books higher sales JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Bayer Indonesia booked gross sales of Rp 173 billion (US$20.8 million) in the first quarter of this year, up from Rp 161 billion in the same period in 1999. Company president Wolfgang Piroth said in a statement that the rise was partly due to an increase in domestic demand for its products. He added that export revenue dropped to Rp 11.5 billion the first quarter from Rp 23.3 billion in the corresponding period last year.

PT MII launches new software solution

PT MII launches new software solution JAKARTA (JP): An information technology provider, PT Mitra Integrasi Informatika, launched on Wednesday new software, Business Planning Control System (BPCS), amid growing demand for system integration solutions in the country's software market. Company director Wilson Hasyim said that BPCS would provide an integrated solution in the form of financial systems, supply chain management and multi-mode manufacturing used in Internet transactions.

Envoys urge release of Fiji's captive PM

Envoys urge release of Fiji's captive PM SUVA (Reuters): Commonwealth and United Nations envoys visited Fiji's captive Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry on Wednesday and urged coup leader George Speight to free him and other hostages unconditionally. Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon and the UN's Sergio Vieira de Mello met Chaudhry, Fiji's first ethnic Indian prime minister, in the country's thatch-roofed parliament complex where he has been held since last Friday.

Renewed clash erupts in Poso

Renewed clash erupts in Poso PALU, Central Sulawesi: Uneasy calm returned to the town of Poso in Central Sulawesi on Wednesday, following a fight between locals from Sayo Atas and Sayo Bawah subdistricts which left a policeman injured earlier in the day. Local police chief Lt. Col. Achmad Abdi said that Second Sgt. Rudi was wounded when trying to disperse the fighting residents from Sayo Atas and Sayo Bawah. "Hundreds of armed mobs from both villages were attacking each other.

KL urges U.S. to open normal trade ties with all of ASEAN

KL urges U.S. to open normal trade ties with all of ASEAN KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia on Wednesday urged the U.S. to open normal trade ties with all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to help boost the region's economic development. ASEAN countries were eager for enhanced economic relations with the U.S., which is one of the region's biggest trading and investment partners, said Abdul Kadir Mohamed, the secretary- general of Malaysia's Foreign Ministry.

Brimob, battalion officers come to blows over dispute

Brimob, battalion officers come to blows over dispute BOGOR (JP): Senior officers of the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit in Kedung Halang have contacted their counterparts from the 10th/76 Artillery Battalion in Ciluar to settle a dispute between the two groups following a violent clash between their men on Sunday night. Deputy commander of the Kedung Halang regiment, Lt. Col.

Maluku violence

Maluku violence Sincere respect and praise should be addressed to the chief of Pattimura Military Command Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela for his fair and persistent stand over the violence in Maluku. He is one of the few officers who can differentiate rioters from demonstrators and knows when and in what conditions soldiers have the right to open fire. The recent violence in Maluku was no doubt triggered by the provocative Laskar Jihad Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

Another student dies in brawl

Another student dies in brawl JAKARTA (JP): East Jakarta Police detectives are searching for suspects in the killing of 17-year-old student who was struck with a machete to death on Wednesday. The student, identified as Anoos Fuadi, 17, was caught in the middle of a student brawl at HEK intersection on Jl. Raya Bogor, East Jakarta Police chief said. Col. Hidayat Fabanxio said Fuadi, a student of vocational high school STM Respati in Kramatjati, was killed at about 10:30 a.m.

Store owners invited to join Discount Fair

Store owners invited to join Discount Fair JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is calling on businesses to participate in the Discount Fair, which starts on June 14 to commemorate the city's anniversary and Independence Day. Kadin president Pungky Bambang Purwadi said on Wednesday the organizer would use the event to promote Jakarta as a tourist shopping destination.

Asian gold sales sparkle amid recovery

Asian gold sales sparkle amid recovery SINGAPORE (AFP): Gold demand in Asia rose in the first quarter as economies continued to rebound and the lunar new year boosted jewelry sales, the World Gold Council said in a report received here Wednesday. Key Southeast Asian markets Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore collectively posted the highest growth in the region, with demand rising 35 percent from a year ago to 72.4 tons.

Fatal virus feared in East Timor

Fatal virus feared in East Timor CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian health authorities issued an urgent warning on Wednesday to people traveling to East Timor after one person died of the mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis and three other cases were reported. The Communicable Diseases Network Australian New Zealand (CDNANZ) advised people to ensure they were fully vaccinated before spending a prolonged period in East Timor where a United Nations peace-keeping force is currently stationed.

Airline opens Bangkok's golf courses to Indonesian golfer

Airline opens Bangkok's golf courses to Indonesian golfer JAKARTA (JP): A new and unique golf holiday package was announced by Thai Airways International (THAI) on Tuesday. It enables Indonesian enthusiasts to play at Bangkok's exclusive golf courses while entertaining the family with fantastic tours of the city.

Soeharto neighbors sick and tired of student rallies

Soeharto neighbors sick and tired of student rallies JAKARTA (JP): Residents living near the private residence of former president Soeharto and his family in Menteng, Central Jakarta, are appealing to students to halt their protests in the upmarket neighborhood. Interviewed by The Jakarta Post separately, the neighbors urged the students to hold their protests at other sites, such as the Attorney General's Office or the House of Representatives. The residents, particularly those from Jl.

Asian monies mixed as weakness persists

Asian monies mixed as weakness persists HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian currencies are mixed in late Wednesday trading as afternoon profit-taking brought some respite from the U.S. dollar's relentless gains. The Korean won is higher after climbing back from its lows of the session as the stock market in Seoul recovered some of the ground it lost in a downturn earlier in the day. The Indonesian rupiah was also up slightly on the day.

Bank Bali taps online payment

Bank Bali taps online payment JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Bali launched on Wednesday a new online payment system amid uncertainty over the prospect of its recapitalization program. Bank Bali will provide secured Internet real time payment processing for customers who purchase goods through the Internet by credit card.

MPR sizes up direct election of president

MPR sizes up direct election of president JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) members began tabling proposals on Wednesday for a Constitutional amendment on presidential elections, with a majority of factions supporting a new system in which the people directly elect the president.

Pertamina delays plan to fix fuel prices

Pertamina delays plan to fix fuel prices JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered on Wednesday state oil and gas company Pertamina to withdraw its plan to impose international prices on fuel sold to export-oriented companies. "I have instructed Pertamina to delay the plan, as we still have to coordinate it with other parties," he told reporters.

Hotel's security

Hotel's security Starting in the late 19th century, the Savoy Homann Hotel in Bandung has been host to kings, princes and dignitaries from around the world. It has been considered a four star hotel and even received ISO 9002 accreditation. Lately, however, perhaps because of changes in ownership and management, or because of the monetary crisis, the quality has slipped away. The hotel amenities are almost invisible.

Unique house of Dewa free from influences of 'asta kosali'

Unique house of Dewa free from influences of 'asta kosali' DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Dewa Nyoman Kuat lives in a unique house with a distinguished architectural style on a street in busy Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali. Unlike other Balinese homes, the layout of Dewa's two-story house located on Jl. Antasura does not adapt any asta kosali Balinese architectural guidances.

Recovery of closed bank assets tough

Recovery of closed bank assets tough JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Wednesday that it was facing various difficulties in its efforts to recover the assets of 16 banks liquidated by the government in November 1997. Bank Indonesia senior official, Sri Rahayu Wiwi, said that only Rp 2.9 trillion (US$343.19 million) worth of assets had so far been recovered -- around 20 percent of the total assets of the closed banks.

Expert warns against hasty regional polls

Expert warns against hasty regional polls JAKARTA (JP): A world-renowned expert on international politics said here on Wednesday that the hasty introduction of elections of local governments could ignite separatism in the country's provinces. Samuel P.

Community brawls

Community brawls From Forum Keadilan I refer to an article in Forum on April 16, 2000. I was sad to learn of the community brawls that took place in two areas of Matraman recently. We often witness students brawls in Jakarta and society has not found an effective way to stop them. Not to mention conflicts between ethnic groups and between different religious communities.

BI says economy still safe from fake banknotes

BI says economy still safe from fake banknotes JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia deputy director for banknote supervision Kaidi Thohir said on Wednesday that the amount of fake rupiah banknotes in circulation did not pose a threat to the economy. Kaidi said that the amount of the fake rupiah handed over by the police and the banking community from January to April amounted to Rp 6.43 billion, representing only about 0.0061 percent of the total banknotes in circulation.

Marubeni denies sweetened deal

Marubeni denies sweetened deal TOKYO (AFP) - Japanese trading house Marubeni Corp. reacted with fury to a newspaper report Wednesday that alleged it received political favors in a crucial Indonesian debt- restructuring deal. The company dismissed the Asian Wall Street Journal's charge that the deal was the result of political pressure on President Abdurrahman Wahid from Japan, Indonesia's biggest aid donor and creditor.

IMF boss to visit Asia

IMF boss to visit Asia WASHINGTON (AFP): International Monetary Fund managing director Horst Koehler will start a five-nation Asian tour May 31 to discuss IMF reform measures, the Fund announced here Tuesday. Koehler, who took over the top IMF job earlier this month, will be in Bangkok on March 31, Beijing on June 1, Seoul on June 3, Jakarta on June 4 and New Delhi on June 5. Koehler last week visited Latin America and also plans a similar trip to Africa, for which no date has been set.

Mining group warns all lose in court actions

Mining group warns all lose in court actions JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Mining Association (IMA) said on Wednesday that seeking court settlements in disputes between provincial governments and mining firms only caused losses to both sides. IMA executive Paul Louis Coutrier said resorting to filing suit in disputes was ultimately counterproductive.

Cilacap fish production drops

Cilacap fish production drops CILACAP, Central Java: Fish production in Cilacap regency has dropped drastically due to vanishing plankton and the depreciation of rupiah, an official said recently. Dwi Yuliono, the head of infrastructure and production at the Nusantara port here, said that between April 1999 to April 2000 fish products totaled 371 tons, dropping from 464 tons in the previous fiscal year.

Audit the military

Audit the military No one doubted the statement from Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono on Tuesday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) were so underfunded as to affect their overall performance. But when Juwono warned that the defense and security forces might resort to illegal means to supplement their meager budgets, it must have come across as a slice of political blackmail aimed at extracting more money from the government.

Eradicating corruption takes time, says Adi

Eradicating corruption takes time, says Adi JAKARTA (JP): Corruption eradication in Indonesia will take time due to rampant cases of the crime, newly installed chairman of the independent anticorruption team Adi Andojo Sutjipto said on Wednesday. Speaking at a media conference following the team's induction by President Abdurrahman Wahid, Adi said he was not optimistic that corruption cleansing could be carried out in a short time.

AIA expects higher premium income in 2000

AIA expects higher premium income in 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Insurance company PT Asuransi AIA Indonesia expects a 30 percent to 35 percent increase in total premium income in 2000 from Rp 178.94 billion ($21 million) achieved in 1999 through the opening of 10 new sales offices later this year. Outgoing general manager and director Mark S.