Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 June 2000

49 articles found

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Performances * Theater: Les Porteurs D'Eau, organized by CCF - French Cultural Center (Phone 4212417), at Taman Budaya Jawa Barat, 8 p.m., June 22. * Theater: Ura-Ura Ngudarasa, by Studio Taksu Solo, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Phone 4212417), 8 p.m., June 26-27. Film * French Film Festival, organized by CCF - French Cultural Center (Phone 4212417), at the theater of Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP), Jun.13: Les randonneurs, 6 p.m., Les visiteurs 2, 4 p.

Qatar-RI friendly match postponed

Qatar-RI friendly match postponed JAKARTA (JP): The Qatar soccer team put off a friendly match with the Indonesian team which was scheduled for Friday as part of the training program for the upcoming Asian Cup in Beirut, Lebanon, from Oct. 12 to Oct. 29. Spokesman of the All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) Eddie Elison said on Monday that the Qatar team had to return home after finishing its Asian tour in Bangkok on Monday.

PDI-P councillor killed in Aceh

PDI-P councillor killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A member of the South Aceh council and head of the local chapter of PDI Perjuangan, Harun Aldy, has been found dead in South Aceh from gunshot and stab wounds. Local police chief Maj. Supriadi Djalal said the body of Harun Aldy, 57, was found on Sunday morning by locals in Ruak village of North Kluet district, about 40 kilometers from Tapak Tuan, the main town of South Aceh.

Bogor minivan drivers launch sudden strike

Bogor minivan drivers launch sudden strike BOGOR (JP): Hundreds of minivan drivers went on strike on Monday along Jl. Semeru, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. The drivers of the minivans were reportedly angry as they were told other minivans would take over their routes and many passengers were not paying attention to the new fare, which is Rp 200 higher than before.

Indonesian Axis aiming at middle classes: Eros

Indonesian Axis aiming at middle classes: Eros The following is an excerpt of an interview with Eros Djarot, a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and a founder of the new Indonesian Axis (Poros Indonesia) group: Question: What do you think about the changes in Indonesia? Answer: The current situation needs wise, mature and directed leadership.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June. 12, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 625 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 325 25 4,245,500 Alakasa Industrindo 1,025 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 825 0 103,000 Alter Abadi 125 -25 35,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 -25 2,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 5,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,000 -25 418,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Farmers seek return of land

Farmers seek return of land BANDUNG: Claiming they feared "tough" action from their wives, about 15 Lengkong villagers, from Sukabumi regency, demanded on Monday that they get a written assurance from the West Java provincial council about getting their land back. Amas, the leader of the villagers, told legislator Ali Rahman they would occupy the legislative building if Ali failed to give them a written guarantee that they would ask private plantation firm PT Tugu Cimenteng to return their land.

Rupiah weakness is 'incomprehensible': Kwik

Rupiah weakness is 'incomprehensible': Kwik JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said on Monday that the current weakness of the rupiah was "incomprehensible" because it contradicted the improvement in the country's macroeconomic indicators. "Based on the development in macroeconomic indicators, the drop in the exchange rate of the rupiah is incomprehensible," Kwik told a media conference following a meeting with senior economic ministers.

Portuguese cartography expo

Portuguese cartography expo JAKARTA (JP): The Embassy of Portugal, in cooperation with the Jakarta Historical Museum, will hold an exhibition of ancient Portuguese nautical cartography next Thursday, the embassy announced on Saturday. The six-week exhibition, titled Cartography of the West-East Encounter, will feature over 150 facsimile images of nautical charts and figures related to Portuguese voyages in the Asia- Pacific region during the 16th and 17th centuries.

'Sinful' business plagues Bandung mosque

'Sinful' business plagues Bandung mosque By Kafil Yamin BANDUNG (JP): The Bandung grand mosque (Mesjid Agung) has just been renovated, providing more convenience to regular worshipers and passersby. A Muslim who happens to pass through Bandung's main city park at prayer time can drop in the grand mosque and fulfill his religious duty. But right after getting in touch with Allah, and walking down to the mosque park, he will meet with the seeds of evil.

RP, U.S. to conduct naval exercise

RP, U.S. to conduct naval exercise MANILA (AFP): Some 4,000 Filipino and U.S. servicemen are to participate in two weeks of joint naval exercises this month, the second large-scale maneuvers between the allies this year, officials said on Monday. The exercises will be held at the Philippine navy headquarters in Manila and four other military bases, said navy spokesman Commander Benjamin Tancio. Some 1,700 U.S. servicemen will take part in the exercises on board five U.S. ships, headed by U.S.

Aprilia, Bayu train overseas

Aprilia, Bayu train overseas JAKARTA (JP): Women's judoka Aprilia Marzuki and men's judoka Kresna Bayu will go to either Europe or Japan for six weeks training prior to the Olympic Games in Sydney in September, said the Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI) official in charge of athletes development, Subardi Suar. "They are scheduled to leave Indonesia after competing in the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya next week.

House proposes bills to start up two new provinces

House proposes bills to start up two new provinces JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives proposed on Monday two bills to establish two new provinces -- Bangka and Belitung Islands in South Sumatra and the Riau Archipelago off Riau mainland -- to prepare for economic development in the two territories. The two new bills were submitted by legislators to the House's plenary session presided over by House Deputy Speaker Soetardjo Soeryogoerito.

Counterfeit seized in C. Java raids

Counterfeit seized in C. Java raids MAGELANG, Central Java: Police here said they have seized some Rp 200 million in fake bills and arrested 51 people for laundering counterfeit money in the province in separate raids over the past two months. Magelang Police chief Col. Buchoding A.M. said on Monday the latest raid took place on Sunday when four people were arrested -- Siti Aisyah, Mukhotib, Sugeng Sutrisno and Suwarni.

TV broadcast in Papua

TV broadcast in Papua From Kompas We, the Papuans, are very unfortunate. Since Feb. 1, 2000, we have no longer been able to receive RCTI , the only private television station to broadcast here, despite the use of an ordinary satellite dish, which we bought with our hard-earned money. We cannot afford to buy a digital parabola, which is very expensive.

Postpone PTPN firms' privatization plan, House says

Postpone PTPN firms' privatization plan, House says JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) has asked the government to delay the privatization of state-owned plantation companies PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (PTPN III) and PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV). Speaking on Monday at a hearing with executives from the two companies, House Commission V said that selling government stakes in the current unfavorable market conditions would not make for good results.

Megawati vows significant improvements for next year

Megawati vows significant improvements for next year JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri asked on Monday the public to be patient, saying it would take time to solve the complex problems inherited from the past regime. The Vice President, however, expressed her confidence that the Cabinet would be able rebuild the country's economy and that the people would see significant improvements in their life in the next year. "This is not a statement of self-defense.

NGOs protest nepotism in Bali

NGOs protest nepotism in Bali DENPASAR (JP): About 30 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) marched on Monday to the Bali provincial council to protest the suspected recruitment of new civil servants in the province. Putu Suasta, one of protesters, said many councillors were often promoting their own relatives for civil servant posts rather than thinking about the province's development.

Donation from Brunei questioned

Donation from Brunei questioned JAKARTA (JP): Legislators and observers on Monday censured President Abdurrahman Wahid's acceptance of millions of dollars in personal donations saying that while it is currently not unlawful, it is ethically questionable. The censure came following Abdurrahman's insistence that he accepted a US$2 million humanitarian assistance for Aceh from Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as a personal donation.

Journalists get life insurance

Journalists get life insurance JAKARTA (JP): Sports journalists received a life insurance policy worth Rp 50 million (US$5,800) from the National Sports Council (KONI) and the state-owned PT Jasaraharja Putera insurance company. The memorandum of understanding was signed by KONI chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar and PT Jasaraharja Putera director HM Tabrani Toha at KONI's office in Senayan, Central Jakarta, Monday.

Domestic helper drowned

Domestic helper drowned JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police are still investigating the death of a domestic helper, who is said to have been drowned on Sunday while trying to swim in the swimming pool of the house while her employers were out. Witness Eti Kusniati told the police that Nur Cholifah, 19, her fellow domestic helper at the house on Jl. Danau Indah Barat in Sunter Jaya, was trying to swim in the pool at about 7 p.m.

Clarification of fake money

Clarification of fake money From Republika The plastic Rp 100,000 banknote, which is considered counterfeit money by the public is indeed genuine money, which, unfortunately, is defective. This banknote is considered "counterfeit money" because it has been found that in a certain part of the banknote the ink will come off when rubbed with either your nail or a sharp object. It is true that some of the banknotes are not properly printed and the ink on certain parts of the banknotes can smudge.

Defendant tries to commit suicide

Defendant tries to commit suicide JAKARTA (JP): A defendant tried to jump off the second floor of the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday upon hearing the prosecutor's demand that the court sentence her to nine years in jail for her alleged attempt to smuggle 20 kilograms of marijuana into the capital last December. Defendant Linda Manurung, 36, broke into tears and started screaming: "I don't want to ...

Plenty of unfinished business after Asian crisis eases

Plenty of unfinished business after Asian crisis eases By Eileen Ng SINGAPORE (AFP): Regional policymakers and development specialists are warning there is no guarantee Asia's financial crisis will not recur despite the return of growth, and are calling for intensified action on poverty, corruption and restructuring.

Gus Dur's intervention in BI justified

Gus Dur's intervention in BI justified President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's conflict with Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin is another blow to the battered economy. Secretary of the National Economic Council (DEN) Sri Mulyani Indrawati thinks the conflict is a zero-sum game. Question: Is Gus Dur's recent request for Sjahril to step down a form of intervention in the central bank or an effort to boost the bank's performance?

Police to question Rudini, Mahadi over scam

Police to question Rudini, Mahadi over scam JAKARTA (JP): Police will question State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela and Rudini, the former chairman of the General Election Commission (KPU), over an alleged malfeasance in the purchase of flags for political parties during last year's general election. "We have sent a letter to President Abdurrahman Wahid (to ask permission) to question Mahadi," director of corruption affairs at the National Police Brig. Gen.

Message from the Ambassador

Message from the Ambassador Today will be the fourth time that I and my family have celebrated The Queen's Birthday in Jakarta. It will also be the last, since we shall be leaving Indonesia at the end of our assignment next month. We feel very privileged. During the last three years we have seen history being made. We have lived, according to the Chinese proverb, in interesting times. We have seen disaster: the full, awful impact of the Asian financial crisis on Indonesia and its people.

5,000 new firms in Vietnam

5,000 new firms in Vietnam HANOI (DPA): Vietnam registered 5,000 new enterprises in the first five months of the year, officials and media said on Monday, as the communist leadership continued to talk up an economic turnaround. Locals have committed 4 trillion dong (US$284 million) into the new businesses, with over half of that investment pouring into 2,035 new enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's economic hub.

More people killed in Ambon clash

More people killed in Ambon clash AMBON, Maluku (JP): At least eight people, including two Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers, were killed during three, likely related, raids by armed men on Monday. The attacks began when speedboats sped by shooting at Galala port in Ambon. Soon after an attack occurred at the nearby adjacent villages of Hative Kecil and Galala, just a few kilometers from Ambon. Sgt. Zeth Palibu of the Ambon Police and Sgt.

Constitutional change on equality urgent: Activist

Constitutional change on equality urgent: Activist JAKARTA (JP): A special section on human rights must be included in planned changes to the 1945 Constitution to enable the replacement of many discriminative laws, advocates for women's equality said. Nursyahbani Katjasungkana said Monday that a clause on equality must be added to the constitution because in 1984 the government had ratified the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

New axis a force to be reckoned with: Observers

New axis a force to be reckoned with: Observers YOGYAKARTA (JP): Political observers predicted the newly born "Indonesian Axis" could become a dominant political force in the future as long it constrains itself and avoids direct confrontation with the political elite until after the next general election. Political observer Cornelis Lay said here on Monday that the grouping's executives should not be tempted to instantly seek political gains.

Subarjo resigns from BI

Subarjo resigns from BI JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia deputy governor Subarjo Joyosumarto will resign from the central bank as of next month to head a Kuala Lumpur-based training department owned by the central banks of the Southeast Asian nations. Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Anwar Nasution said on Monday that Subarjo had submitted his resignation to Bank Indonesia's board of governors.

KL to cut palm oil output

KL to cut palm oil output KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia is considering cutting palm oil output by 450,000 tons a year to help support prices by replanting aging trees, Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said on Monday. "Perhaps it's time to think about replanting," Lim told reporters after a meeting with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien in Malaysia's capital.

Two killed in bus accident

Two killed in bus accident PACITAN, East Java: Two female teenagers were killed and several passengers suffered injuries when their bus hit a coconut tree near Sedeng hill, Pacitan regency on Sunday night. The victims, identified as Nur Fitri, 17, and Murni, 14, along with friends from the Sukorejo village youth group were on a field trip. Antara reported that the bus, driven by Kuswaji, was allegedly driving at high speed when it lost control at a sharp turn.

A bad precedent

A bad precedent How to read Gus Dur? This question has become a frequent topic of conversation around the country since President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid became Indonesia's first democratically elected president in October last year. During the seven months he has been in power, he has managed to upset friends and foes and politicians and legislators by making controversial statements.

Soeharto's 'poor memory' hampers questioning

Soeharto's 'poor memory' hampers questioning JAKARTA (JP): They say the first thing to go with age is memory. That, according to Soeharto's lawyers, is what is happening to the former president as Monday's questioning yielded only incoherent answers and a series of "I can't remembers". Most of the 32 questions posed by prosecutors on Monday during the seventh questioning of Soeharto were largely left unanswered due to Soeharto's apparent failing memory.

Irregularities found in Bulog's funds

Irregularities found in Bulog's funds JAKARTA (JP): The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) has found irregularities of about Rp 166 billion (US$19.5 million) in the nonbudgetary funds belonging to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), a member of the House of Representatives said on Monday. Chairman of the House's Commission III Widjanarko Puspoyo said that Bulog's accounts at several banks showed a balance of Rp 416 billion instead of Rp 250 billion as recorded on Bulog's balance sheet.

KL palm oil closes lower

KL palm oil closes lower KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower, dragged down by a sharp drop in soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Project A screen trading amid forecasts for more rain this week in the U.S. Midwest. The benchmark third-position August contract ended down 22 ringgit at 1,044 ringgit ($274.74) a ton. Traders pegged immediate support at 1,040 ringgit.

Police name no suspects in street justice killing

Police name no suspects in street justice killing JAKARTA (JP): Like many other bloody street justice murders, police are still unable to name suspects in Saturday's fatal mobbing and burning of five alleged thieves near Kampung Rambutan inter-city bus terminal in East Jakarta. "We have yet to summon suspects. We've had difficulties locating and arresting them since they mixed with the crowd at the time," local police officer Sgt. Maj.

Decentralization not a better bet for environment

Decentralization not a better bet for environment JAKARTA (JP): Years of relentless exploitation of the country's rich natural resources have taken a terrible toll. Forests are gone, many species of flora and fauna are threatened or endangered and the archipelago's pristine coral reefs are dying. Non-governmental organizations and private institutions have sounded the warning, but they argue the government appears to be lacking a comprehensive plan to deal with the problem.

Alcatel awaits telecom reforms to unleash RI's potential

Alcatel awaits telecom reforms to unleash RI's potential By Berni K. Moestafa SINGAPORE (JP): French-based telecommunications company PT Alcatel Indonesia expects solid growth in the next two years after the Indonesian government completes its reform program in the telecommunications sector. Alcatel president Mazen Hamadallah expressed optimism that the reform program would be able to boost the telecoms sector, which has been severely hurt by the country's crisis.

Rates for tax payment, valid from June 12 to June 18

Rates for tax payment, valid from June 12 to June 18 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 8,460.00 Austrian schilling 1 582.66 Australian dollar 1 4,921.18 Belgian franc 1 198.75 Canadian dollar 1 5,720.08 Swiss franc 1 5,097.92 Deutschemark 1 4,101.42 Danish krone 1 1,081.69 French franc 1 1,222.26 Poundsterling 1 12,764.45 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,085.56 Italian lira 100 414.07 Japanese yen 100 7,882.97 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,226.37 Dutch guilder 1 3,638.22 New Zealand dollar 1 3,955.90 Norwegian krone 1 973.93...

Gus Dur to meet with Clinton

Gus Dur to meet with Clinton BALTIMORE, Maryland (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Bill Clinton at the White House, Washington D.C., on Monday (local time), officials said. Officials in the presidential entourage said Abdurrahman is scheduled for a 30-minute meeting with Clinton on Monday afternoon. A schedule distributed on Sunday to journalists traveling with the President on his U.S.

National census moves at a snail's pace in capital

National census moves at a snail's pace in capital JAKARTA (JP): As the month-long national census entered its 12th day on Monday, a census official suggested it possible that data on only 20 percent of the city's residents had been collected. Head of the population division of the city office of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) Rusmandesiar said that some census officials had encountered difficulties in carrying out their duties, while others had resigned or simply abandoned their jobs.

United and cohesive TNI

United and cohesive TNI Viewing the Indonesian Military (TNI) as a political enemy and thus trying to undermine and weaken it could create disaster at a time when a strong united military is needed. The role TNI played during the New Order era is a strong reason for this attitude taken by politicians.

PAL books first profit

PAL books first profit MANILA (AFP): Debt-saddled Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday reported a net profit of 44.2 million pesos (US$1.052 million) for the fiscal year ended March, its first profit in seven years. The figure was a "dramatic single-year" turnaround for Asia's oldest airline, which in the fiscal year 1998-1999 chalked up 10.181 billion pesos (US$242.4 million) in losses, PAL said in a statement.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on June 12, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

BP Amoco says Tangguh project to benefit locals

BP Amoco says Tangguh project to benefit locals BALTIMORE, United States (JP): Oil and gas company BP Amoco promised that its planned Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Irian Jaya would bring benefits to the locals. "We are sure the citizens and communities of Irian Jaya will benefit from the project along with the Indonesians.

Valuing BCA objectively

Valuing BCA objectively The two recent articles by Melville S. Brown on BCA's initial public offering certainly made for amusing reading (The Jakarta Post, May 29, 2000 and May 30, 2000). Although he raises some interesting points, it is obvious from the tone of his writing that he seems to bear some grudge against PT Danareksa and the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency. In his articles he suggests that Danareksa's research is biased and a "work of fiction".