Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 June 2000

54 articles found

Night spots get Euro 2000 bonus

Night spots get Euro 2000 bonus JAKARTA (JP): With the commencement of Euro 2000, night spots in the city are allowed to open longer than their usual business hours, an official of the City Tourism Agency told reporters on Tuesday. "They are allowed to operate until 4 a.m. from their usual limit of 2 a.m. to enable soccer fans to watch their favorite teams in the night spots," the agency's head of the tourism business control division Suparlan said.

Ongoing unrest linked to former president: Minister

Ongoing unrest linked to former president: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono suspected on Tuesday that the ongoing violence across the country has something to do with the prosecution against former president Soeharto, who is alleged of massive graft during his 32-year rule. "This is a fact, that most riots are connected with the investigation process concerning the Pak Harto case or some other cases," Juwono remarked.

Febi, Hendri hoped to lift RI's Davis Cup performance

Febi, Hendri hoped to lift RI's Davis Cup performance JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian tennis players Febi Widhiyanto and Hendri Susilo Pramono are expected to help the country's Davis Cup team reach Group I in its next tie against China Taipei in October. Coach Deddy Prasetyo said on Monday: "We aim to lift Indonesia's position in group II to reach group I as we did in the 1980s." Taipei will likely be backboned by Liem Bing Chiao, formerly Indonesian player Benny Wijaya, and Tsai Chia Yen.

State-owned buildings among quake wreckage

State-owned buildings among quake wreckage JAKARTA (JP): The earthquake and its aftershocks in Bengkulu have ruined 19 out of 69 state buildings, the Ministry of Settlement and Territorial Development announced on Tuesday. A press statement released by the ministry said that the structures included the provincial legislative building, the Garuda Mas Provincial Military Command headquarters, the province's Ministry of Health office and the M. Yunus state hospital.

Bapedalda warns industrialists

Bapedalda warns industrialists TANGERANG (JP): A number of industrialists here ignored an invitation from Tangerang's Regional Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda) to attend a ceremony held in commemoration of World Environment Day at City Hall on Tuesday. "I'll send letters of reprimand to them. Their absence could be considered an insult to municipality authorities," Bapedalda secretary Mochammad Harun said.

Corrupt police and immaturity

Corrupt police and immaturity On the evening of June 11, my wife and I were returning from a well-known restaurant in Kota, North Jakarta, with my sister and her boyfriend, who were visiting from Hong Kong. As we approached the Glodok electronics stores, we noticed police officers were pulling every vehicle over and duly did so with the taxi we were in. An officer approached my side of the car and asked me to alight. He said he wanted to see our passports.

Government plans another Rp 105.65t in bonds to recapitalize banks

Government plans another Rp 105.65t in bonds to recapitalize banks JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to issue another Rp 105.65 trillion in bonds to complete the country's bank recapitalization program, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Finance. Director general of financial institutions Darmin Nasution said on Tuesday that the bonds would be injected into three state and two private banks.

Terrorism handbook alarms police

Terrorism handbook alarms police JAKARTA (JP): A senior police intelligence officer revealed on Tuesday that copies of a handbook on terrorism were circulating in the capital. Speaking at a hearing with legislators, assistant to the National Police chief for intelligence affairs Maj. Gen. Guntur Sumastopo said that the book contained, among other things, instructions on how to assemble explosive devices.

Papuan presidium to meet with Abdurrahman over congress

Papuan presidium to meet with Abdurrahman over congress JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The presidium of the Papuan People's Congress plans to meet with President Abdurrahman Wahid on June 25 to submit the result of the recent congress which declared their desire to separate from Indonesia. The presidium's secretary-general, Thoha Al Hamid, said on Tuesday that the delegation would be led by presidium chairman Theys H. Eluay and his deputy, Tom Beanal.

Indofood takeover plan halted

Indofood takeover plan halted JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed food giant PT Indofood Sukses Makmur has decided to postpone its plan to acquire an affiliated noodle plant in Saudi Arabia to avoid breaching the capital market regulations.

Indorayon to restart pulp plant operation

Indorayon to restart pulp plant operation JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed pulp and fiber rayon firm PT Inti Indorayon Utama expects to resume the operation of its pulp plant in Porsea, North Sumatra, next month following the government's recent decision to allow it to reopen the factory. Company finance director David Pile said on Tuesday that the pulp plant was expected to reach its full production capacity of 240,000 metric tons of paper pulp per annum in a three-month period.

U.S. agrees to help Indonesia with investigations

U.S. agrees to help Indonesia with investigations By Budiman Moerdijat NEW YORK (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid after a meeting with U.S. President Bill Clinton here on Monday claimed that Washington has agreed to assist Jakarta's investigations into the wealth of former top Indonesian officials, including former president Soeharto. Abdurrahman said Clinton had given him assurances during their meeting at the White House in Washington D.C. earlier in the day.

Conversion rates

Conversion rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on June 13, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

$340m of govt debts to be rescheduled

$340m of govt debts to be rescheduled JAKARTA (JP): The steering committee at the London Club of commercial banks has approved the Indonesian government's proposal to reschedule around US$340 million of debt falling due through March 31, 2002, Bank Indonesia deputy governor Dono Iskandar Djojosubroto said on Tuesday.

Sri Mulyani, Teddy named commissioners

Sri Mulyani, Teddy named commissioners JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of listed PT Unilever Indonesia approved on Tuesday the appointment of the secretary of the National Economic Council (DEN) Sri Mulyani Indrawati and chief executive of automotive concern PT Astra International Theodore "Teddy" P. Rachmat as new commissioners.

Rule of law through free press

Rule of law through free press By Todung Mulya Lubis JAKARTA (JP): Recently the Jawa Pos daily was occupied by members of the Banser civilian guards organization, and since then much criticism has been raised regarding the lack of professionalism in the press. Banser had protested a mistake in the daily's reporting of alleged corruption involving leaders of the Nahdlatul Ulama, the affiliate of Banser.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Exhibition * Miniature Ship Exhibition and Workshop, at Art Deco Lobby, Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, until June 27. Workshop at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Performance * Music: Fete de la Musique, at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10, 4 p.m. onwards, June 21. Film * French Film Festival, at Mitra 21 Theater, June 14-15. Music and Entertainment * Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl.

Employer drugged, robbed by maid

Employer drugged, robbed by maid PONOROGO, East Java: Patnawati, a resident of Dumai regency in Riau, has filed a report to police here that her maid, Astuti, drugged her and ran off with one kilogram of gold and Rp 6 million in cash. Patnawati claimed that she was accompanying her maid and her friend, Sriatun, to their hometown in nearby Siman district. When on the bus, she was given a drink by them which was probably drugged.

No paper

No paper In observance of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, The Jakarta Post will not be published tomorrow. The Post will appear again on Friday. -- Publisher

Indonesians need to learn how to use power wisely

Indonesians need to learn how to use power wisely By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): On Oct. 2, 1999 the newly established House of Representatives elected its speaker and four deputy speakers. Akbar Tandjung was sworn in as speaker, while Sutardjo Suryoguritno, Tosari Wijaya, Muhaimin Iskandar and A.M. Fatwa were inducted as deputy speakers.

Joint security body lays 'ground rules' for Aceh pause

Joint security body lays 'ground rules' for Aceh pause BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The joint committee on security modalities launched procedures on Tuesday for the three-month humanitarian pause which was agreed on in an accord by the government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebels. The ground rules, consisting of seven articles and 14 chapters, touch on basic security agreements and necessities in reducing violence in the province.

Bogor minivan drivers' strike in its second day

Bogor minivan drivers' strike in its second day BOGOR (JP): Public minivan drivers took their strike into the second day on Tuesday, with crews from four other routes joining the protest and adding to local commuter misery. The new recruits are drivers of minivan routes number 05 plying between Merdeka and Ciampea; number 05A (Merdeka - Leuwiliang); number 07 (Bojong Gede - Pasar Anyar); and number 32 (Cibinong - Taman Pagelaran).

Truth commission's brief includes '65 killings

Truth commission's brief includes '65 killings JAKARTA (JP): A draft law proposes that the planned commission for truth and reconciliation focus its tasks on settlement of gross human rights violations which occurred between 1965 and 1989, a member of the team drawing up the bill said on Tuesday. Ifdhal Kasim from the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy, who represents the nongovernmental organizations in the team of drafters, said the limitation was a technical matter.

Minister Kwik questions Bapepam on Lippo e-Net

Minister Kwik questions Bapepam on Lippo e-Net JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie has sent a letter to chairman of Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) Herwidayatmo to question the investigation progress into PT Lippo e-Net, which has allegedly provided misleading information to the public. In his official letter dated May 29, Kwik also asked Bapepam to allow his ministry to help the investigation process.

Suwondo hands over car to city police

Suwondo hands over car to city police JAKARTA (JP): In attempt to pay back the Rp 35 billion (US$4.1 million) he allegedly took from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) employees foundation Yanatera, President Abdurrahman Wahid's masseur Suwondo handed over one of his three luxury cars to city police on Tuesday. The car, a Range Rover, was handed over by Petrus Loyani, a lawyer representing politician Suko Sudarso and Suwondo's business associate Hendrie Arioseno.

Talent scouting for SEA Games to start at PON, says Arie

Talent scouting for SEA Games to start at PON, says Arie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's failure to win the overall title in the 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is a good lesson for the country to better prepare itself before competing in any regional multisports events.

Government ponders revising economic aim

Government ponders revising economic aim JAKARTA (JP): The government may have to revise its macroeconomic targets for this year if the rupiah continues to weaken, a government adviser said on Tuesday. Anggito Abimayu, a member of the National Economics Council (DEN), said the targets seemed to be no longer realistic amid the current condition. "Yes, we'll review (the macroeconomic targets), checking to see if the exchange rate (of the rupiah to the U.S.

Check my paintings: Nyoman Gunarsa

Check my paintings: Nyoman Gunarsa DENPASAR, Bali: Noted Balinese painter Nyoman Gunarsa is calling on owners of his paintings to double check their purchases to determine if they are fakes. His remarks on Tuesday came after the discovery of dozens of forged paintings at a Denpasar gallery, claiming to be the works of Gunarsa. These forgeries were being sold at prices ranging between Rp 20 million and Rp 90 million.

Malaysia commits serious border violations: Widodo

Malaysia commits serious border violations: Widodo JAKARTA (JP): Malaysia's violations of Indonesian sovereignty along the border in Kalimantan are serious, said Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S.

TV programs

TV programs Today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 8:30 Music 9:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Documentary 3:30 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Documentary 5:30 TVRI News (in English) 6:30 Culture Program 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 TVRI News 9:35 News 10:00 Music 10:30 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News TPI 5:30 a.m.

Juwono defends business projects of TNI officers

Juwono defends business projects of TNI officers JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono defended the business activities of Indonesian Military (TNI) officers as a way to help improve its soldier's welfare, saying that it was needed given the government's inability to provide a sufficient budget.

Impending reshuffle in TNI denied

Impending reshuffle in TNI denied JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. poured cold water on rumors of an impending major shake-up in the Armed Forces. Speaking at a hearing on Tuesday with House Commission I for defense, foreign and political affairs, Widodo said he had not heard of any reports regarding the reshuffle. "I have not seen any meeting or read any document related to the planned reshuffle.

Golkar criticizes Marzuki over handling of BI chief case

Golkar criticizes Marzuki over handling of BI chief case JAKARTA (JP): Censured by almost daily student demonstrations for the slow pace of investigation into several high profile corruption cases, Attorney General Marzuki Darusman is also coming under fire from his own party ranks.

Impression from Australia

Impression from Australia Images of Indonesia being a country in turmoil remain vivid among Indonesians in Australia. The main reason is that Australia's SBS TV station relays news every day from Indonesia's TVRI in the Indonesian language. The devastating effects of the earthquake in Bengkulu province can be seen, in addition to complaints of the local population that aid and rescue are coming in inconceivable slow, and too little and too late to prevent more suffering.

Malaysian consul dies in accident

Malaysian consul dies in accident PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: The Malaysian consul in Pontianak, Wan Ahmad Nazam Abdullah, was killed in a car accident on Monday night. Bernama news agency reported on Tuesday that Wan Ahmad Nazam, 43, died in a head-on collision between the car he was traveling in and a truck. The Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia, Rastam Mohamad Isa, along with an aide and the driver of the Mercedes-Benz involved in the collision were slightly injured.

Calculating the costs of the Mindanao war

Calculating the costs of the Mindanao war BACOLOD CITY: I joined Alay sa Kawal Foundation president Ramon Pedrosa and executive trustee Ed Santiago in this city the other day to award checks of P10,000 each to the widows of 12 soldiers from the 6th Special Forces Battalion of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, commanded by Col. Alphonsus Crucero, based in Negros.

Mother and Child series define Indonesia 'Baroque'

Mother and Child series define Indonesia 'Baroque' By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Galeri Nasional Indonesia, usually rather sterile in appearance, was transformed into an environment which one might mistake for a mountainside villa outside Jakarta. Once you pass through the main gateway, a large gebyok Javanese house facade, you enter a garden filled with elements from other traditional Javanese dwellings: doorways, large armoires, tables, chairs, placed in the midst of lush green plants.

Bridgestone opens Thai center

Bridgestone opens Thai center TOKYO (DPA): Japan's Bridgestone Corporation has opened a sales training center at the Nong Khae plant of Thai Bridgestone Company Ltd, a spokesman said on Tuesday. The new facility, Bridgestone/Firestone Training and Communication Center, will train personnel from throughout Asia and Oceania, the spokesman for the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products said.

Recent vigilante killings raise death toll to 103

Recent vigilante killings raise death toll to 103 JAKARTA (JP): The killing of five suspected robbers by a mob in East Jakarta on Saturday raised the number of victims of street justice sent to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) to 103 since the start of the year. Twelve of these bodies, including the five on Saturday, were charred as they were set on fire by the angry mob, according to statistics released by the hospital's morgue on Tuesday.

Jakarta athletes told retain overall title

Jakarta athletes told retain overall title JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said on Tuesday he expected his contingent members to contribute their best in the upcoming 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya, in terms of fair play, sportsmanship and principles of gallantry. "Jakarta has won the games' overall championship for eight consecutive times. We expect you to retain the overall champion title this year," he told the contingent at the City Hall before sending them away.

IBRA needs bank help to restructure loans

IBRA needs bank help to restructure loans JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will soon appoint two banks to help the agency restructure some Rp 8.4 trillion (US$976.44 million) of bank bad debts under its management, a senior official at the agency says. Anton Napitupulu said on Tuesday that this would be the third and final tranche of the agency's program to outsource the restructuring of some Rp 20 trillion in nonperforming loans.

Gus Dur's healer suspected of involvement in tender

Gus Dur's healer suspected of involvement in tender JAKARTA (JP): President of PT PLN Kuntoro Mangkusubroto admitted on Tuesday that an associate of President Abdurrahman Wahid's had asked him to back a consortium of companies in a bid to win a US$74 million project of the state electricity company.

Artist Yuswantoro kisses money motif goodbye

Artist Yuswantoro kisses money motif goodbye YOGYAKARTA (JP): Yuswantoro Adi's critics and admirers will have to stop singing the ABBA hit that goes "Money, money, money ... always money" in mockery or in praise of his art featuring banknotes to represent greed and materialism. Yus just bid farewell to money. He says he does not want to be nicknamed the "money copier" artist.

JICT aims to rival Singapore as hub port

JICT aims to rival Singapore as hub port JAKARTA (JP): Port operator Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) expects to rival Singapore in becoming a world hub for Indonesian routes. JICT president Simon Moore said here on Monday that the company planned to invest some US$200 million over a period of four years to expand and upgrade the services of its port in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. "All the expansion is designed to handle big ships," he told The Jakarta Post.

Bank Indonesia's independence

Bank Indonesia's independence The opinion offered by National Economic Council secretary Dr. Sri Mulyani is interesting. An independent (central) bank should not be taken to mean that the bank and the government must each go their own way. Rather, both should be sitting down together to discuss economic and monetary matters. Sri Mulyani also considered the granting of independent status to the bank as ill- timed as it was done at a time when the central bank had not put its house in order.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 13, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 675 50 11,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 325 0 600,500 Alakasa Industrindo 1,025 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 825 0 375,000 Alter Abadi 125 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 15,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,000 0 62,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Ex-gang leader arrested for alleged gun possession

Ex-gang leader arrested for alleged gun possession JAKARTA (JP): Hercules, a former gang leader at Tanah Abang regional market in Central Jakarta was arrested predawn on Tuesday for the alleged possession of an FN-45 handgun, said a city police officer on Tuesday. "City police arrested him at 3 a.m. at Cibitung tollgate in Bekasi," said Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo, chief of the city police detectives. He said the police seized from the suspect the FN-45 handgun, along with its seven bullets.

Irene expected to reach Olympic semis

Irene expected to reach Olympic semis JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian women's sprinter Irene Truitje Joseph is expected to reach the semifinals in the Sydney Olympic Games in September. Coach Pieter F. Noya said to achieve the target, Irene would warm up in the Asian Track and Field Championships at the Senayan Madya Stadium in August. "If Irene can reach the Olympics semifinals, she will be the second Indonesian woman to do so after Carolina Riewpassa in the 1972 Olympics in Muenchen.

Defendant denies allegations of abusing migrant workers

Defendant denies allegations of abusing migrant workers JAKARTA (JP): A panel of judges at the Central Jakarta District court laughed on Tuesday at the responses of a 49-year- old defendant charged with the physical abuse and sexual molestation of two prospective female migrant workers. Prosecutor Abdul Kadir Latief told the hearing that Nasir Salim, an Indonesian of Arab descent, sexually molested Yayan Yulianti and physically abused Iis binti Kanda in a drunken stupor on March 11, 2000.

President Estrada rushed to hospital

President Estrada rushed to hospital MANILA (Agencies): President Joseph Estrada was taken to hospital on Tuesday where tests found painful gallstones and high cholesterol levels, but doctors ruled out surgery and instead ordered him to go on a diet.

Mahathir says no to probe judge

Mahathir says no to probe judge KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Tuesday that a "political agenda" was behind efforts to topple Malaysia's No. 1 judge over allegations he compromised his duties while on holiday in New Zealand. Mahathir, quoted by the national Bernama news agency, accused the country's top legal association of trying to pit the judiciary against Malaysian political leaders.

Players banned, fined in Malaysia

Players banned, fined in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Four players and officials from the state of Kelantan have been banned for a year by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) after they were found guilty of violence against a referee at a recent tournament.

Korea Telecom form Asia network

Korea Telecom form Asia network SEOUL (Reuters): South Korean telecom giant Korea Telecom said on Tuesday it has formed an Internet network service with seven other major telecom carriers in Asia to provide direct Internet access around the region.

BUMN's must be strengthened

BUMN's must be strengthened Despite several analysts's skepticism that the government will be able to reach the target of Rp 6.5 trillion in privatization proceeds this year, the Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Development expressed his optimism that the target is achievable. To make good on his optimism, the state minister and his assistants have endeavored to attract domestic and foreign investors to participate in the privatization.