Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 June 2000

54 articles found

Tangerang police arrest six alleged rapists

Tangerang police arrest six alleged rapists TANGERANG (JP): Police arrested six men accused of committing a number of rapes in the large park located at the Citra Raya housing complex in Cikupa, Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto said on Wednesday. Pudji identified the six, between the ages of 24 and 30, as Maulana, Syaiful Anwar, Abdul Aziz, Syaruddin, Tohiruddin and Rochmat. "The six are currently being detained at the Cikupa Police station.

City administration told to focus on stability, security

City administration told to focus on stability, security JAKARTA (JP): Observers and residents called on the city administration on Wednesday to place more focus on maintaining stability and security in the capital, and less on holding celebrations to commemorate the capital's 473rd anniversary on Thursday. Many city residents claimed they had lost their enthusiasm for celebrating the city's anniversary, saying deteriorating living conditions in the city was far more important a topic.

BAM chief, secretary quit over Thomas Cup failure

BAM chief, secretary quit over Thomas Cup failure JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Abdullah Fadzil Che Wan and secretary Datuk Mohamed Al Amin Majid finally resigned from their posts Tuesday evening after nearly a full month of pressure from local press. The resignation was made due to the failure of the country's team to reach the semifinals of the Thomas Cup championships at the Putra Indoor Stadium in Kuala Lumpur last month.

Annual Bali Art Festival aims to be a 'cultural bridge'

Annual Bali Art Festival aims to be a 'cultural bridge' DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Taman Budaya Bali Arts center in Denpasar, which is usually quiet, has been transformed into an animated and zesty art venue hosting the annual Balinese arts festival starting from June 17 through July 10. Hundreds of artists are now taking part in series of performances ranging from classic pieces including the rare Gambuh dance drama to the more popular artistic creations like Joged Pingitan and Drama Gong.

Tourism tabloid relaunched

Tourism tabloid relaunched JAKARTA (JP): Bali & Beyond (B&B), a monthly tabloid in English for tourists, has been relaunched in Bali with the June/July 2000 edition. The tabloid, first published last year under the auspices of Bali Promo and Bali's tourism, art and culture office, produced three issues before ceasing publication due to financial constraints, the tabloid said in a statement.

President given clean bill of health by team of doctors

President given clean bill of health by team of doctors JAKARTA (JP): Just a few hours after his arrival from a two- week trip to eight countries, President Abdurrahman Wahid received a clean bill of health from the team of presidential doctors.

Matori to testify at Tarmo's trial

Matori to testify at Tarmo's trial JAKARTA (JP): National Awakening Party chairman Matori Abdul Djalil is expected to appear at the South Jakarta District Court next Wednesday as a witness in the hearing of a man charged with complicity in the attempted murder of Matori on March 5. Prosecutor Abdul Kamar Badrun announced on Wednesday that the court would present at least 20 witnesses, including Matori as the victim, to testify in connection with the case.

World Bank provides US$5m book loan for three provinces

World Bank provides US$5m book loan for three provinces JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank has agreed to provide a US$5 million "Learning Innovation Loan" for the National Library to buy new books for three provinces. The library's head Hernandono disclosed on Wednesday that the loan will be distributed evenly to provincial libraries in Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sumatra.

Megawati scheduled to make first formal overseas trip

Megawati scheduled to make first formal overseas trip JAKARTA (JP): After complaining about President Abdurrahman Wahid's frequent trips abroad, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri will eventually make her first formal overseas trip on Sunday: a three-day visit to Singapore. According to her official itinerary, issued by the Vice Presidential office on Wednesday, Megawati's visit will be a combination of work and private matters, because she will also undergo a general medical check-up there.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 21, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 675 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 325 0 2,623,000 Alakasa Industrindo 600 0 6,500 Alfa Retailindo 875 -25 63,500 Alter Abadi 175 0 60,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 25 5,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 3,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,125 100 6,348,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Observers urge war against KKN in judiciary

Observers urge war against KKN in judiciary JAKARTA (JP): Legal observers called on authorities in the country's legal circle on Wednesday to apply thorough and strong measures to combat chronic and acute judiciary mafia practices. Speaking at a law discussion, they said the measures must not only target changing the judiciary system, but also battle the areas of the law allegedly involved in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) practices while exercising the supremacy of the law.

TPJ sends team to Bengkulu

TPJ sends team to Bengkulu JAKARTA (JP): British tap water company Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ) is sending a technical team to help Bengkulu earthquake victims by supplying fresh water and repairing damaged water pipes, a company official announced on Tuesday. "We're sending a 16-member team including an expert on water leaks. They will be there for two weeks to repair the damaged pipes," company communication director Rhamses Simanjuntak said.

Fire razes slum area

Fire razes slum area PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Fire razed the Bengkel slum here on Wednesday afternoon, leaving thousands of families homeless. As of 7.30 p.m., the fire remained unabated due to the difficulty faced by fire engines accessing the packed neighborhood, Antara reported. Residents, many loaded down with possessions, were injured as they scrambled through small alleys to reach Jl. Murjani, the area's main road.

Lisa follows mother's footsteps to be a mighty woman

Lisa follows mother's footsteps to be a mighty woman SURABAYA (JP): As the saying goes, like mother, like daughter. After winning a gold medal in the 48-kilogram division at the 15th National Games (PON) here on Tuesday, young weightlifter Lisa Rumbewas finally outclassed the achievement of her mother 12 years ago. "I learned about weightlifting from my mom. She used to be a weightlifter. She once told me 'you can follow my track. You can be my substitute.' That was in 1991," she said.

Government criticized for Soeharto negotiations

Government criticized for Soeharto negotiations JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts have criticized the government for seeking a deal with former president Soeharto while stalling in bringing his case to court. Constitutional law professor Ismail Suny said on Wednesday that before insisting that former president Soeharto give up his wealth, he must first be proven guilty by the court.

Eyeing Papua

Eyeing Papua From Forum Keadilan Learning that the participants of the National West Papua Congress II unanimously demanded to be separated from the Republic of Indonesia and establish a free Papua state, I wondered whether the congress was proportionally represented. There was an indication that the anti-independent groups were not permitted to enter the congress arena and were prevented from doing so with the application of various measures including terror.

Police guardian angels watch over Island of the Gods

Police guardian angels watch over Island of the Gods By Bernard Estrade NUSA DUA, Indonesia (AFP): Patrolling beaches on horseback, following tortuous routes by car or motorbike, members of a new Indonesian police unit are watching over the safety of tourists visiting Bali, the "Island of the Gods." The police unit was set up to counter the damage done to the idyllic island's tourist trade as a result of the violence and anarchy associated with the rest of Indonesia.

Asia recovering faster than expected

Asia recovering faster than expected TOKYO (AP): Southeast Asian economies are recovering faster than expected on strong exports of components such as semiconductors and computers, the Japanese government said Wednesday. South Korea and Malaysia have rebounded especially fast because their economies are geared to supply components for the Internet-led boom in the U.S. and Japan, the Economic Planning Agency said in its annual white paper on Asian economies.

Malaysia embarks on Asiad bid campaign

Malaysia embarks on Asiad bid campaign KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has launched a campaign to drum up public support for its bid to host the Asian Games in 2006, the official Bernama news agency said on Wednesday. It said 120 students from the International Islamic University in Selangor state traveled by road to the northernmost state of Perlis to canvass support.

News of Sjahril's detention prompts rupiah to end weaker

News of Sjahril's detention prompts rupiah to end weaker SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Wednesday, with the Indonesian rupiah jolted as the latest twist in the tussle between the country's central bank and the government unfolds. The rupiah, which was slightly firmer earlier in the day, was pressured to the weaker end of its narrow trading band before slowly losing more ground on news, late in the day, that central bank Governor Sjahril Sabirin had been detained.

Painter blends culinary and cultural experiences

Painter blends culinary and cultural experiences By Pavan Kapoor JAKARTA (JP): For a painter, the priority for selecting a venue to exhibit art would usually be a place feasible for a large number of people to convene. But painter Widodo Soenarko has interestingly chosen, instead, to release his work in an atmosphere which is synchronous with the Balinese theme of his paintings.

Sophisticated corruptors

Sophisticated corruptors Although Indonesia is often sarcastically said to be the nation that is most averse to using its brains, where corruption is concerned it seems to be the most brilliant -- so brilliant that it is difficult to detect acts of corruption or take them to the courts. Various managerial systems are constructed as if to open the door to corruption. And this system, that was built during the New Order administration, is partly still in place.

No massacre in Tanjung Priok?

No massacre in Tanjung Priok? Our sense of justice was wounded on learning of the conclusion drawn by KP3T (Commission to Investigate Past Human Rights Abuses in Tanjung Priok) that no proof has been found of mass killings during the 1984 tragedy. Furthermore, according to the commission, the incident was an accident and was not planned in advance. The troops were forced to shoot because the crowd resisted. Nor was that all.

Village chief admits selling supplies

Village chief admits selling supplies BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Chief of Gunung Agung village in South Bengkulu, Sahari J., returned on Wednesday Rp 250,000 of earthquake relief funds to Bengkulu Deputy Governor Iskandar Ramis. But he denied any wrongdoing and complained about media reports that had taken allegations he had sold quake relief supplies for his own benefit out of proportion.

Exploring the meaning of reconciliation

Exploring the meaning of reconciliation By Degung Santikarma DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Rekonsiliasi(reconciliation): perhaps no other word in Indonesia's political vocabulary has become so loaded with meaning and importance. But at the same time, perhaps no other word has created quite as much confusion as to what, exactly, it might mean when translated into practice.

Prisoners face transfer after riot

Prisoners face transfer after riot JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-seven prisoners, who are believed to have provoked other inmates to start a riot at the overcrowded Bulak Kapal penitentiary in Bekasi on Sunday, will be transferred to Nusakambangan, an official said on Wednesday. "The transfer will be conducted soon, but the date is still confidential," Hasanuddin, the director general of correctional institutions under the Ministry of Law and Legislation, told The Jakarta Post.

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, June 22, 2000

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, June 22, 2000 Exhibition * Painting Exhibition by Made Duatmika, at the Chedi Gallery, until Jun. 30. 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.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on June 21 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Bentoel issues bonus shares

Bentoel issues bonus shares JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cigarette producer PT Bentoel International Investama has won approval from shareholders to pay a cash dividend of Rp 0.25 per share or Rp 125 per 500 shares for 1999 financial year. The company also said on Wednesday that the shareholders also approved the management's proposal to issue two bonus shares for each existing share.

Five Irian proindependence activists named suspects

Five Irian proindependence activists named suspects JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Irian Jaya Police have named five independence movement activists suspects in a treason investigation. Irian Jaya Police chief of detectives Col. Tukarno said on Tuesday that chairman of the Papuan presidium Theys Hiyo Eluay, his secretary Thaha Alhamid and the presidium's members Don Flassy, John Mambor and Rev. Herman Awom would soon stand trial. Except for Theys, all the suspects have undergone questioning.

BI expects to book Rp 4 trillion surplus in 2000

BI expects to book Rp 4 trillion surplus in 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia expects to book a surplus of some Rp 4 trillion (US$465.12 million) in the 2000 financial year if the current exchange rate and interest rate levels persist throughout the year, according to a senior official at the central bank.

Five more dead in continued Maluku mayhem

Five more dead in continued Maluku mayhem AMBON, Maluku (JP): Five people, including a police officer, were killed when armed villagers attacked a police housing complex in Ambon on Wednesday. In Halmahera, North Maluku, three people were killed as soldiers beat back Christian villagers trying to exact revenge against Muslims for Monday's clashes in Duma village which left more than 100 people dead.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Children's Performances 10:00 Comedy 11:00 Variety Show 12:30 p.m. Film 2:00 News 2:30 Children's Program 3:30 Soccer: Indonesian League (live) 5:30 TVRI News (in English) 6:00 Variety Show 7:00 MTQ Nasional XIX (live) 9:00 World News 9:50 TV Series: Hotel 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.

BPS management reshuffled

BPS management reshuffled JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed PT Bakrie Sumatra Plantations (BSP) approved on Wednesday the appointment of Irwan Sjarkawi and Ambono Januarianto as presidents of the company's board of commissioners, and board of directors, respectively. Sjarkawi replaced Indra U. Bakrie while Ambono filled the position left by Hari Witono.

Tambang Timah forced to renegotiate supply

Tambang Timah forced to renegotiate supply SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's PT Tambang Timah, the world's largest tin producer, is forced to re-negotiate and reduce contracted supplies to its customers as a result of the company's decision to cut output by 5,000 metric tons in 2000, Prasetyo, the company's corporate secretary told Dow Jones Newswires Wednesday. Tambang Timah expects tin output to decrease to 35,000 tons in 2000 from a total production of 40,000 tons in 1999.

Eight arrested in fake money raid

Eight arrested in fake money raid SURABAYA: Police have arrested eight alleged members of a counterfeiting gang in a series of raids over the past couple of weeks. Police chief of detectives Maj. Edwin M.B. said on Wednesday the eight men were arrested at their homes and were currently being detained at Surabaya Police Headquarters.

Ramli installed as Aceh governor amid protests

Ramli installed as Aceh governor amid protests BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Ramli Ridwan was swore in on Wednesday as the acting Aceh governor replacing Syamsuddin Mahmud in a ceremony presided over by Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja. "The acting governor has been given between three and six months to prepare for the election of a new governor. And I hope everyone here will support him in his efforts conduct a fair and democratic gubernatorial election," Surjadi said after the inauguration.

Akbar: The sooner the Cabinet is reshuffle the better

Akbar: The sooner the Cabinet is reshuffle the better JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung suggested on Wednesday any Cabinet reshuffle take place before the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly in August, citing the urgency to solve the crucial problems facing the country.

Indonesia: How to restore confidence

Indonesia: How to restore confidence This is the first of two articles on restoring confidence by Laksamana Sukardi, former state minister of investment and state enterprises development. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's general election of 1999 generated tremendous promises and corresponding hopes. For investors -- both foreign and domestic -- the expectations were high as well. It now appears that they were too high. The new government has performed far below expectations.

Councillors want action against illegal vendors

Councillors want action against illegal vendors JAKARTA (JP): City councillors urged the administration on Wednesday to take stern action against vendors operating illegally on the streets of Jakarta, whom they accuse of causing disorder and insecurity among residents. Blaming newcomers for swelling the number of street vendors in the capital, some councillors told The Jakarta Post that the administration should send them back to their hometowns.

Kramat Tunggak ex-workers return despite slow business

Kramat Tunggak ex-workers return despite slow business JAKARTA (JP): Several former prostitutes from the Kramat Tunggak red-light district in North Jakarta, which was shut down by the authorities in December, have returned to their previous place of employment to wait for customers. Interviewed by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday, the women, their pimps and locals said business at the complex, which used to bring in at least Rp 400 million a day, was still sluggish.

Regional news in Australia

Regional news in Australia The Australian media remains focused on disturbances in Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomons and the Korean summit. On June 21, the latest flare up in Halmahera was broadcast by the BBC. There were 100 more deaths reported in the latest outbreak. But the reunification efforts made by North and South Korea have surely stolen the show. Australia can only benefit commercially from a united North and South Korea.

Will McDonald's and 'Warung Tegal' over meet?

Will McDonald's and 'Warung Tegal' over meet? By H.S. Dillon JAKARTA (JP): The recent exchange between Kwik Kian Gie and John Dodsworth on the heels of an understanding to release another batch of funds by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) caught me somewhat by surprise. Kwik had appeared to be always willing to accommodate the IMF, but obviously this time he thought that enough was enough.

Unggul pays dividend

Unggul pays dividend JAKARTA (JP): PT Unggul Indah Cahaya won shareholders approval on Tuesday to pay a cash dividend of Rp 1 per share and a bonus share for every 10 existing shares. The company's president Hartono Gunawan said that the cash dividend would be paid beginning August 16 while the bonus shares would be given to shareholders registered as of July 7 at the latest.

'30 Minutes with a Friend' looks to boost foreign trade

'30 Minutes with a Friend' looks to boost foreign trade JAKARTA (JP): PT Cipta Televisi Pendidikan Indonesia (TPI) in cooperation with PT Pentas Berlian Bersama celebrated on Wednesday the launch of a new talkshow program called 30 Minutes with a Friend, aiming at boosting Indonesia's foreign trade.

Sutiyoso pledges to maintain security in the capital

Sutiyoso pledges to maintain security in the capital JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso renewed on Wednesday his commitment to maintain security in Jakarta and create a capital city safe to invest in. "We will deploy city administration public order and hansip (civilian defense) officials to help police officers maintain security in the city," Sutiyoso said at City Hall. "The officials will be deployed throughout the city along with police officers," he said.

East Java dominates, Olympic qualifiers win and lose

East Java dominates, Olympic qualifiers win and lose By Ivy Susanti SURABAYA (JP): Host East Java demonstrated its domination during the second day of competition at the 15th National Games (PON), increasing its medal haul to 21 golds, 10 silvers and 13 bronzes. East Java's impressive performance easily outpaced defending champion Jakarta, whose eight golds, eight silvers and 14 bronzes moved it to third behind West Java, which has claimed nine golds, nine silvers and nine bronzes.

Gosowong operates normally

Gosowong operates normally MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): Newcrest Mining Ltd. (A.NEW), an Australian gold miner, said Wednesday that its Gosowong gold mine on Indonesia's Halmahera Island is operating normally despite renewed sectarian violence on the island. The violence "hasn't had any impact on us at all," Newcrest executive general manager for eastern operations, Bruce Price, told Dow Jones Newswires, noting that the mine is some 40 kilometers away from where the violence occurred.

Tangle in Bank Mandiri

Tangle in Bank Mandiri From Bisnis Indonesia On May 25, 2000 I made a deposit at Bank Mandiri Wisma Metropolitan Sudirman branch office in Jakarta. I used my Mandiri savings book (the new book from former BDN Melawai branch office). However, the latest balance could not be printed in the savings book but, according to the teller, this posed no problem.

Sjahril detained, Anwar takes over

Sjahril detained, Anwar takes over JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office detained Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin on Wednesday in connection with its investigation into the Bank Bali corruption scandal. The move followed fruitless government efforts to unseat him from the central bank since December, and came only hours after President Abdurrahman Wahid returned home from an overseas trip.

Roche rules out withdrawal from RI despite legal fiasco

Roche rules out withdrawal from RI despite legal fiasco JAKARTA (JP): Multinational pharmaceutical company PT Roche Indonesia dismissed on Wednesday any possibility of pulling out of Indonesia even if it loses an appeal of a controversial Rp 281 billion (about US$33 million) fine at the Jakarta High Court. "Even if our appeal is rejected, Roche will not leave Indonesia," Roche president Dieter Garbade announced on Wednesday.

Press Council

Press Council From Republika The establishment of the Board of the Press Council for 2000- 2003, on May 17, 2000 in Jakarta is a realization of Law No 40/1999 on Press. This is in line with Article 15: "...in the framework to develop press freedom and to enhance the national press life, an independent Press Council shall be set up".

Urip says he killed woman, son out of frustration

Urip says he killed woman, son out of frustration JAKARTA (JP): Urip Ma'Muri told the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday he murdered a 21-year-old woman and her 3-year-old son in October last year out of frustration over being unemployed. "I was only 19 and I was extremely frustrated. I did not mean to murder the woman and her son. I unsuccessfully looked for a job for at least five months.

Jakarta's anniversary

Jakarta's anniversary Celebrating the anniversary of a city's founding has become something of a ritual for most big cities in Indonesia. For many, it is little more than an opportunity for merry making and festivities. But as Jakarta marks its 473rd anniversary today, it is useful to remember the reason why, in the 1970s, the Indonesian capital city decided to celebrate the event on June 22nd of each year. That date is taken to be the date on which Jakarta was founded in 1527.