Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 May 2000

57 articles found

Export credit facilities to be improved

Export credit facilities to be improved JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut Panjaitan said on Tuesday he was seeking to increase export credit facilities to boost the country's export earnings. "Our exports are like a locomotive that can move the economic recovery," Luhut told reporters after meeting members of the Indonesian Textile Association (API).

Lampung print media suffering

Lampung print media suffering BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: At least half the 37 news publications in the province do not publish on a regular basis due to economic reasons. Chairman of the Lampung branch of the Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) Harun Muda Indrajaya said the print media in the province comprised four newspapers and 33 tabloids. "However, only 11 of the 33 tabloids are operating," Harun said as quoted by Antara.

Public still grappling with free press

Public still grappling with free press JAKARTA (JP): While well-established media have generally practiced restraint in using press freedom, the public often shows it is not ready for the relatively new openness, media observers and journalists said. And with the government no longer formally supervising the press, media bodies, in their infancy, are striving to take over the government's role in protecting readers' interests.

New law focuses on more responsible baby food ads

New law focuses on more responsible baby food ads By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Advertisements targeting kids are omnipresent. TV stations air them on prime time and the print media carry them in glossy pages. Many parents, especially those who are busy, accept anything claimed by the ads without much question. They rely on the commercials for information on what they think is best for their children.

Social conflict stems from poor education, say experts

Social conflict stems from poor education, say experts JAKARTA (JP): Social conflict recently wracking the country reflects the failure of the national education system to encourage respect for differences and pluralism, experts concluded on Tuesday. Franz Magnis-Suseno of Driyarkara Institute of Philosophy and former education and culture minister Fuad Hasan were of the opinion that the government's education policy could not live up to the country's multicultural characteristics.

Hope for asthma sufferers who want to get active

Hope for asthma sufferers who want to get active JAKARTA (JP): Asthma is incurable but can be controlled. Most people with the disease can still enjoy an active life without suffering its symptoms. Characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, the disease varies in severity and frequency from one person to another. An attack may come at any time. Twenty-five-year-old Puspita Andrini, for instance, suffered acute asthma during childhood.

Wicaksana's profit surges

Wicaksana's profit surges JAKARTA (JP): PT Wicaksana Overseas International, the publicly listed consumer product distributor, booked a net profit of Rp 99 billion (about US$13.20 million) in 1999, swinging from a net loss of Rp 347 billion in 1999. The company said in a statement that the sharp increase in the net profit was caused by a significant rise in net sales and foreign exchange earning.

Elephant exploitation (2)

Elephant exploitation (2) The big family of WWF-Indonesia would like to wish you a happy birthday and prosperous future on the occasion of your 17th birthday. As a birthday gift, we are sending you this letter of concern regarding events celebrating your birthday. Like other conservation organizations, we are deeply concerned with your tug-of-war event at Senayan Main Stadium on April 23, 2000.

Summitplast offers 42m shares

Summitplast offers 42m shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Summitplast Interbenua, a plastic component producer, expects to sell about 42 million shares during its initial public offering (IPO) in early June. The company said in a statement on Tuesday that the shares, with a nominal value of Rp 500 each, would be sold at between Rp 850 and Rp 1,000 to raise about Rp 42 billion from the IPO.

Soeharto's health to be checked again

Soeharto's health to be checked again JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors on Tuesday instructed a team of doctors from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) to conduct a complete medical check-up on Soeharto to determine once and for all if questioning of the former president can be resumed.

Polgar victorious in JAPFA Classic

Polgar victorious in JAPFA Classic By Ivy Susanti SANUR, Bali (JP): Both joy and sadness filled the air when nine world Grand Masters (GM) and one International Master (IM) ended their round-robin games at the JAPFA Classic International Tournament 2000 at the Grand Bali Beach hotel here on Tuesday. GM Judit Polgar of Hungary could not hide her excitement when rival GM Gilberto Milos Jr. of Brazil gave up in 44 moves with the Sicilian defense.

Pakistani Embassy car stolen

Pakistani Embassy car stolen JAKARTA (JP): A driver at the Pakistani Embassy allegedly stole on Friday afternoon a Toyota Corolla sedan belonging to the embassy, the embassy said on Monday. The driver was identified as Rafli Jaffar, who allegedly stole the white sedan, registration number CD 21 18. "The 1992 model sedan also contained a briefcase of Nafees Zakaria, first secretary at the embassy," said the embassy in a statement sent to the The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 2, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 775 -25 500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 425 50 340,500 Alakasa Industrindo 750 -150 66,500 Alfa Retailindo 825 25 605,000 Alter Abadi 200 25 189,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 0 25,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 50 122,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,050 50 3,122,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex...

Unhappy PDI-P accepts Laksamana's dismissal

Unhappy PDI-P accepts Laksamana's dismissal JAKARTA (JP): Despite being discontented with the recent Cabinet reshuffle, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) elected on Tuesday not to withdraw its representatives from the Cabinet.

Guerrillas attack navy camp in northern Sri Lanka

Guerrillas attack navy camp in northern Sri Lanka COLOMBO (Agencies): Tamil Tiger rebels attacked a northern navy camp on Tuesday in a lightning advance to retake their former capital of Jaffna as pressure grew on the government to seek military help from neighboring India and the United States.

Credit Lyonnais appointed BNI financial advisor

Credit Lyonnais appointed BNI financial advisor JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed state Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) announced on Tuesday that it had appointed Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia Ltd. as financial advisor to help turn around its money-losing operation. BNI president Saefuddin Hasan said that Credit Lyonnais would help the bank in meeting several targets set in its business plan agreed upon with the government as a precondition to its recapitalization.

Four new commercial courts to be opened next week

Four new commercial courts to be opened next week JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Law and Legislation Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday that four new commercial courts would be opened next Monday in Surabaya, Semarang, Medan and Makassar to help accelerate the resolution of the massive corporate debt overhang. "I will officially open the new courts on May 8," he told reporters following a meeting with senior economics ministers.

Robbery in DPR/MPR complex

Robbery in DPR/MPR complex JAKARTA (JP): Police are investigating the Tuesday morning robbery of computers worth hundreds of millions of rupiah from the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR) complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The robbery reportedly occurred in a hall of the Nusantara V building, which is usually occupied by members of the Ad Hoc Committee of the MPR Working Committee.

Shakily does it

Shakily does it The country's international trade statistics for the first quarter are bolstering the view that the economy is slowly but steadily recovering from its deep crisis. If this trend continues until December, the 4 percent growth target for this year will be within reach.

Minivan fares on the rise

Minivan fares on the rise BOGOR (JP): Bogor administration has decided to increase public minivan fares from Rp 400 to Rp 600 soon, an official said on Tuesday. "We'll decide on the new fare in the next two weeks," head of the Bogor Land Transportation Owners Organization (Organda), A. Chotib Malik, said. "We're now still waiting for the West Java governor's decree on the planned fare hike.

President to take charge of economy

President to take charge of economy JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Tuesday he would take a "hands-on" role in guiding the economy following various hiccups in the government's economic team. "In the past, I let the economy go naturally, but it can't be like that anymore and now there must be direct guidance from me to keep the economic recovery on track," Abdurrahman said.

Lippo e-Net investigated over 'misleading information'

Lippo e-Net investigated over 'misleading information' JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) is investigating whether listed firm PT Lippo e-Net presented misleading information to the public, an agency official said. "We are studying all the statements and public announcements made by Lippo e-Net.

No deadline set for delay in fuel price hike: Minister

No deadline set for delay in fuel price hike: Minister JAKARTA (JP): The government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed to delay fuel price increases for an indefinite period, Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday.

Police arrest man, seize one million pirated VCDs

Police arrest man, seize one million pirated VCDs JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police Mobile Detectives (Resmob) raided a building on Jl. Pangera Jayakarta in West Jakarta on Monday, arresting a suspect for the possession of one million pirated video compact discs (VCDs). City police chief of detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo identified the suspect as Yoel Setiawan Tedianto, 30, a resident of Bekasi. He was arrested on suspicion of selling pirated VCDs in Greater Jakarta.

Forestry ministry 'rejects autonomy'

Forestry ministry 'rejects autonomy' JAKARTA (JP): The assistant to the state minister of regional autonomy criticized the forestry ministry for its unwillingness to distribute its powers to local administrations. "I'm very disappointed with the forestry ministry's refusal to decentralize its authority in managing the forests to local administrations," Andi A. Mallarangeng told The Jakarta Post after presiding over a two-day consultation meeting with a Ministry of Forestry team here on Tuesday.

Former Vietnamese PM dies

Former Vietnamese PM dies HANOI (Agencies): Former Vietnamese prime minister Pham Van Dong, one of the giants of the country's independence struggle, has died aged 94 in Hanoi, the communist party announced on Tuesday. Dong, one of the architects of Vietnam's communist revolution, died Last Saturday, a day before the 25th anniversary of the communists' biggest victory, Vietnamese officials said.

Dong: Vietnam's Marxist mandarin

Dong: Vietnam's Marxist mandarin HANOI (AFP): Pham Van Dong, who has died aged 94, served as Vietnam's prime minister for more than 30 years and was one of the giants of the country's struggle for independence and reunification. Dong died in Hanoi on Saturday, on the eve of celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the fall of Saigon -- now Ho Chi Minh City -- to communist forces and the end of the Vietnam War.

The paradox of freedom in Southeast Asia

The paradox of freedom in Southeast Asia By Lukas Luwarso UNITED NATIONS: Southeast Asia is a paradoxical region. Democratic, communist, feudalist and authoritarian states coexist and have come to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Temples real boost to the sale of handicrafts

Temples real boost to the sale of handicrafts By Singgir Kartana YOGYAKARTA (JP): The popularity of the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples as tourist resorts have given a real boost to the sale of handicrafts in Yogyakarta and its neighboring areas. For Anjarini, 47, the immense and ornate structures of the Borobudur Buddhist temple and Prambanan have become her primary sources of inspiration for her art.

ASEAN, China, Japan, S. Korea agree to boost ties

ASEAN, China, Japan, S. Korea agree to boost ties YANGON (Agencies): Economic ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan, and South Korea Tuesday agreed to strengthen broad economic cooperation in view of the huge potential for expanding trade and investment flows among them.

Choose truth, rather than a side

Choose truth, rather than a side By Mia Doornaert The Jakarta Post joins the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3 by looking at the media in areas of conflict and areas post-conflict. Two articles, one on page 4, the other on page 5 were distributed to the press by the advisory group on press freedom of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNITED NATIONS: It's so easy to be balanced and sensible about other people's conflicts.

State enterprises' privatization plan unaltered: Rozy

State enterprises' privatization plan unaltered: Rozy JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Development Rozy Munir said on Tuesday his office's privatization program would go ahead as scheduled. He said the government's commitment to privatize eight state companies was unaltered despite the change in his office's leadership.

Rector vows to sue police over students' deaths

Rector vows to sue police over students' deaths MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Rector of Nomensen Christian University Ericson Simarmata is planning to sue the North Sumatra Police chief for a fatal clash on campus on Monday. Simarmata said the police chief, as the highest official responsible for security in the province, should be held accountable for the death of two university students and casualties resulting from a police raid on the campus.

Swedish mission in town

Swedish mission in town JAKARTA (JP): A Swedish business mission organized by the International Council of Swedish Industry is in Indonesia to explore business opportunities in the country.

Islamic school opens amid controversy

Islamic school opens amid controversy BANDUNG: Mayor Aa Tarmana officially opened on Tuesday a new Islamic boarding school (pesantren) built on the notorious Saritem red-light district complex, despite ongoing controversy. The new boarding school, named At-Taubah (repentance), with its 50 santri (students) is expected to gradually decrease the number of prostitutes in the complex, which was established during the Dutch colonial era. The mayor proposed building the pesantren in the area.

Mideastern states join RI investment forum

Mideastern states join RI investment forum JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople from eight Middle Eastern countries and three Asian ones are currently in town attending a government-sponsored investment forum. Jack S. Gaffar, the director for investment and financial cooperation at the foreign affairs ministry, said the government had invited the businessmen to join the forum as part of its effort to bring back foreign investment to the country.

Private parking operators told to comply with rules

Private parking operators told to comply with rules JAKARTA (JP): City administration will start on Wednesday a one-month campaign to persuade privately-run parking operators to comply with all city regulations regarding parking fees and business licenses, officials said on Tuesday.

Abdurrahman's trial balloon?

Abdurrahman's trial balloon? In a recent interview with Sydney Morning Herald correspondent David Jenkins, published on the Internet, President Abdurrahman Wahid said he was contemplating resigning in September. Up to the past weekend no one has confirmed the report. In light of the recent dismissal of two of his economic ministers, however, it could be that by making such a remark as reported by the Australian newspaper, Abdurrahman was aiming at achieving a number of objectives.

Firms told to make use of ADB loans

Firms told to make use of ADB loans JAKARTA (JP): Local companies should take advantage of the US$55.9 billion funds offered by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) this year for the region, an official of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) said on Tuesday. "ADB sees businesses in Indonesia have not taken full advantage of its funding schemes," Kadin secretary-general Iman Sucipto Umar said in announcing an upcoming ADB seminar.

Travel by train is safe: Official

Travel by train is safe: Official JAKARTA (JP): An official at state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) assured the public on Tuesday that it was safe for commuters to use trains. "We have urged our train dispatchers to ensure that there will be no trains speeding on single line tracks anymore," KAI spokesman for Greater Jakarta Zainal Abidin told The Jakarta Post. He said the company would do its best to cope with the problem.

Govt cuts import duties

Govt cuts import duties JAKARTA (JP): The government has cut import tariffs of raw materials for the production of automotive components down to five percent from a range of between 10 and 20 percent. The Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday that the cut in the import tariffs, which was effective beginning in April, was needed in order to support the local auto parts industry.

Residents want cheap recreational areas

Residents want cheap recreational areas JAKARTA (JP): City residents have voiced complaints over the limited number of inexpensive recreational sites available in the city, leaving them with few opportunities to enjoy long weekends. Interviewed separately last week, several residents expressed hope the city administration and other related institutions would find ways to satisfy the need for recreational areas with inexpensive entrance fees.

Street children's money

Street children's money After reading the article Mean parents, local mafia ... in the April 26 edition of The Jakarta Post, I feel that the last paragraph gives a completely false impression of the financial status of the street children in the "Alang-alang" group which I look after. It is true that they now have somewhere to stay, in a small rented house, instead of sleeping at the bus terminal at night.

Exxon halts activities in troubled Aceh

Exxon halts activities in troubled Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Giant American oil company Exxon-Oil, has temporarily halted exploration and administrative activities in Aceh due to rising concerns over security. Sources at the company, formerly known as Mobil Oil Indonesia, said several of the more 2,000 workers at the company's headquarters in Lhoksukon, an industrial regency in North Aceh located some 32 kilometers east of Lhokseumawe, would temporarily stay home until the situation improved.

Astra Graphia pays dividend

Astra Graphia pays dividend JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of PT Astra Graphia, publicly listed diversified technology company, approved in an annual shareholders meeting here on Tuesday the management's proposal to pay a dividend of Rp 1 per share for the 1999 financial year. The company's corporate secretary Handoyo Gunawan said that the company could not pay more than Rp 1 per share as part of its debt restructuring deal with creditors.

Police scheduled to question Susilo as witness

Police scheduled to question Susilo as witness JAKARTA (JP): National Police detectives are to question Minister of Mines and Energy Lt. Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday in connection with the July 27, 1996 unrest, an officer said on Tuesday. Quoting official police instruction No. Pol. B/ND-103/IV/2000 Pidum, deputy National Police spokesman Col. Deddy S.K.

No Olympics athletes using illegal drugs: KONI

No Olympics athletes using illegal drugs: KONI JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) vice chairman Arie Sudewo announced on Tuesday that no Olympic athletes had been using illegal drugs. He based his announcement on the results of physical and medical tests conducted by the council's sports science commission in March. "The test results, which included urine and blood tests, were negative.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on May 2, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Asian currencies mostly lower on U.S. interest rates outlook

Asian currencies mostly lower on U.S. interest rates outlook SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mostly weaker late Tuesday as financial market participants continued to buy dollars on expectations of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Leading the currencies lower was the Singapore dollar, which was also weighed down by confirmation Keppel TatLee Bank Ltd. of Singapore may want to buy recently closed Urban Bank of the Philippines.

Looted Chinese art sold back to China

Looted Chinese art sold back to China HONG KONG (AP): Defying Beijing's objections and local protests, auction house Sotheby's on Tuesday sold two 18th century Chinese antiques looted from a palace back to the Chinese for US$4.67 million. Protesters scuffled with police outside the auction hall -- as they unleased anger at the idea of precious relics stolen from China by Europeans being sold off on Chinese soil.

Gus Dur's allegations

Gus Dur's allegations A week following the dismissal of yet another two ministers by President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) from his Cabinet, some questions remain unanswered. Will Gus Dur comply with the request for his ousted former assistants to retract his accusations that the motive behind the latter's sacking had been their alleged involvement in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN).

Students rally for support teachers' cause

Students rally for support teachers' cause JAKARTA (JP): Fears of nationwide teacher strikes to mark National Education Day on Tuesday were unfounded, but in some areas of the country students took to the streets on their teachers behalf. President Abdurrahman Wahid praised teachers for their meritorious service in educating students, but declined to touch on teachers' complaints about their meager wages and poor living conditions.

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, May 3, 2000

Where to go in Surabaya, for Wednesday, May 3, 2000 Performances * Concert: The Marvelous Sounds of China by Thai and Indonesian musicians at Balai Adika Balroom, Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 5454333), 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 3. * Ensemble Concert: Dutch musicians at Balai Adika Balroom, Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 10. * Oranje First Annual Choir Competition, at Balai Adika Balroom, Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, 6 p.m. to 9 p.

Shuttlers' physical regimen called into doubt

Shuttlers' physical regimen called into doubt JAKARTA (JP): A sports science expert said on Tuesday the six- week program for the country's top shuttlers to reach peak physical condition before the Thomas and Uber cups next week was too little, too late. The expert, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it would take six months of training and maintenance for players to achieve optimum results.

Miscommunication caused train collision: Police

Miscommunication caused train collision: Police TANGERANG (JP): Local police came to the conclusion on Tuesday that a train collision in which four people lost their lives on the previous day was caused by miscommunication between a dispatcher at Serpong Railway Station and the driver of the train heading its way from another station.

Elephant exploitation (1)

Elephant exploitation (1) We always thought The Jakarta Post was a newspaper that understood matters related to environmental conservation as it has frequently published articles on natural preservation. But we changed our opinion after we read the newspaper's article and advertisement on April 19, 2000 and April 22, 2000 on the "exploitation" of elephants by the Post in the context of celebrating its 17th anniversary.

Vegetable seller tells of life of endless toil and trouble

Vegetable seller tells of life of endless toil and trouble By A'an Suryana JAKARTA (JP): Many people refer to the capital as a magnet since it lures countless daring outsiders. These transmigrants, however, often end up struggling to realize their dreams of a better life. A great number of newcomers eventually realize that Jakarta is not as easy and friendly as they once thought.