Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 June 2000

45 articles found

Ambon now resembles battlefield

Ambon now resembles battlefield AMBON, Maluku (JP): Ambon began to resemble a battlefield on Sunday, as violence entered its fifth consecutive day with security forces seemingly powerless to stop it. Another 14 people died in the city as heavily armed rioters continued their attack on several areas, causing thousands to flee to the mountains or to Halong Naval Base.

Yanes doesn't mix sport and politics

Yanes doesn't mix sport and politics SURABAYA (JP): Short-distance runner Yanes Raubaba from Irian Jaya doesn't believe in mixing sports and politics, despite calls for independence from his fellow Irianese. "I don't want to combine sport and political affairs. Sport is sport, politics is politics.

Govt voices concern over KPC miners' strike

Govt voices concern over KPC miners' strike JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Mines and Energy, expressing concern over the prolonged workers strike at coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal in East Kalimantan, called on both parties to settle their dispute amicably. "We keep calling on both the protesting workers and the company to be flexible, continue dialog, push ahead with efforts to find a win-win solution," the ministry's coal director, Suryartono, told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

Attorney General's performance

Attorney General's performance I refer to the article in The Jakarta Post titled Syahril's resistance on June 23, 2000 (a translated version from Bisnis Indonesia). This paper voiced its criticism on Marzuki Darusman's move to detain the former Bank Indonesia governor, and asked why then other culprits in the Bank Bali affair are still enjoying the freedom to move about?

Megawati arrives in Singapore for a three-day working visit

Megawati arrives in Singapore for a three-day working visit SINGAPORE (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri arrived in Singapore on Sunday for a three-day working visit. During her stay in the island state the Vice President is scheduled to meet Singapore President S.R. Nathan, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, among other people. On Tuesday Megawati will speak before the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Forum regional conference.

Oil prices strengthen on supply increase

Oil prices strengthen on supply increase LONDON (AFP): Crude prices bounced back after the kingpin OPEC producers gathered in Vienna agreed to a modest increase in supply and dismissed the price-setting formula that had been drafted earlier this year. Crude oil prices surged above 30 dollars in London and rose above US$32 in New York as the market reacted to the dismissal by OPEC of a price-setting mechanism and to a promise of a modest production increase.

Striving to protect the witness amid calls for trials

Striving to protect the witness amid calls for trials By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): There is a lot of clamor nowadays to bring those guilty of abusing power and violating human rights to trial -- those involved in abduction, arbitrary detention, corruption, torture, rape and killings. And the list keeps growing.

The 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous

The 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous JAKARTA (JP): "What are the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous?" is always the most frequently asked question by addicts, families and the general population. 1. We admit that we are powerless over our addiction, that our lives have become unmanageable. 2. We come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. 3. We make the decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him. 4.

Local doctors concentrate on making money, not on research

Local doctors concentrate on making money, not on research JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian doctors tend to ignore scientific work and devote themselves to making money, a medical observer said on Saturday. Former chairman of the Indonesian Doctors Association Kartono Mohammad said fewer quality medical scientific reports had been produced in the last decade, placing the country far behind other Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand.

Narcotics Anonymous program poses way out

Narcotics Anonymous program poses way out By David Gordon JAKARTA (JP): On April 1, 1997 in South Jakarta, eight people attended the first ever meeting held in Indonesia of the most successful and respected program known worldwide to help drug addicts to become, and remain, clean. That day introduced the renowned 12-Step Program of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to Indonesia.

Don't separate refugees: Mar'ie

Don't separate refugees: Mar'ie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Red Cross Chairman Mar'ie Muhammad urged the Central Sulawesi administration on Sunday not to segregate Muslim and Christians refugees, saying that it would heighten religious and ethnic discord in the province. "I hope the refugees will not be separated into different barracks," Mar'ie, who was former minister of finance, said while visiting refugee camps in Poso, Central Sulawesi.

ASEAN automotive sector bouncing back

ASEAN automotive sector bouncing back JAKARTA (JP): The ASEAN automotive sector is now bouncing back from the devastating economic crisis of 1997/1998 which crippled the region's automotive industry, according to a new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). After falling by 63 percent in 1998 to a third of peak 1996 levels, new vehicle sales in the ASEAN region recovered strongly in 1999 - up by 49 percent.

JSX to continue upward movement: Analysts

JSX to continue upward movement: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): Equity analysts said the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index would stay above the 500-point level this week as more investors -- shrugging off concerns over political instability sparked by feuds among elite politicians -- would take a bullish view of the market.

Two new local airlines begin their operations

Two new local airlines begin their operations JAKARTA (JP): Lion Airlines and Awair International launched their inaugural flights last week, becoming the first of seven new airlines to start operation. President of PT Lion Mentari Air (Lion Airlines) Rusdy Kirana said on Saturday that his airline would serve the Jakarta- Pontianak, West Kalimantan, route twice a day starting June 30.

Rebel attacks still widespread in Aceh, says police chief

Rebel attacks still widespread in Aceh, says police chief BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Outgoing Aceh Police chief Brig. Gen. Bachrumsyah Kasman warned of dangerous security disturbances here despite the humanitarian pause that came into effect on June 2. Bachrumsyah said that although the number of disturbances had decreased following the peace agreement between Jakarta and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels, more security personnel had been killed in attacks then before.

How to deal with the past

How to deal with the past The following is the first of two articles based on a presentation by Peter R. Baehr, emeritus professor of human rights at Utrecht University and Leiden University, the Netherlands. He spoke at a recent seminar here in Jakarta, held by the Foundation of Human Rights and Law Supremacy. JAKARTA: What should happen to persons who are accused of gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law?

Yogya elects AJI chief

Yogya elects AJI chief YOGYAKARTA: Raihul Fadjri was reelected on Sunday as chairman of the Yogyakarta branch of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) for the second consecutive two-year term. The provincial congress also agreed to slim-line the organization, which will now have four deputies and a secretariat consisting of three persons. Among the decisions and programs set during the conference was to insist that the murder of slain journalist Fuad M.

Govt attacked for neglecting fishing

Govt attacked for neglecting fishing JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Fishing Companies (Gappindo) has criticized the government for its lack of concern about promoting the country's lagging fishing industry. Gappindo executive Bambang Suboko said here on Saturday that the government often talked too much about the prospects of the sector but failed to take concrete action to make the sector attractive to investors.

Jakarta still trying to catch up with E. Java

Jakarta still trying to catch up with E. Java By Ivy Susanti SURABAYA (JP): Jakarta was trailing by a wide margin in the 15th National Games (PON) medal tally on Sunday, still trying to catch up with host East Java at the 15th National Games (PON). East Java is leading with 80 golds, 58 silvers and 53 bronzes while Jakarta is in second place with 53 golds, 44 silvers and 57 bronzes. West Java is third with 42 golds, 46 silvers and 49 bronzes.

Seasonal workers still lack protection

Seasonal workers still lack protection JAKARTA (JP): The lack of a clear-cut regulation on industrial labor relationships and poor control from the government have led to the vast exploitation of workers, especially those hired on a seasonal basis, according to legal expert Apong Herlina.

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, June 26, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, June 26, 2000 Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Ekspresi Nuansa 15 untuk Kemanusiaan, at World Trade Center, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 29-31, South Jakarta (Phone: 5211320), until July 1. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Teka-Teki, Silang, Pendapat yang Digambarkan, by Isa Perkasa, Koong Gallery, Hotel Gran Melia Jakarta, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, until August 10. * Painting Exhibition: Orientalisme dalam Gambar Kolonial, Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jl.

Observers condemn Friday's attack on Komnas HAM

Observers condemn Friday's attack on Komnas HAM JAKARTA (JP): Political observers Hermawan Sulistyo and Johannes Kristiadi have condemned Friday's violent attack on the headquarters of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) by members of the Front for Defenders of Islam (FPI). Hermawan and Kristiadi said on Saturday that the incident should be deeply deplored and FPI members have no legal rights at all to carry out such an act of vandalism.

Victims of Poso riot

Victims of Poso riot From Neraca The flaring of riots in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, has left 200 people dead and 3,000 houses as well as 80 places of worship razed by fire. Three occasions of rioting in Poso have inflicted losses estimated to total some Rp 100 billion. Poso residents have to sustain not only material losses but also the trauma of the riots.

Amien expresses dissatisfaction at reform movement

Amien expresses dissatisfaction at reform movement JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais expressed his discontent on Saturday over the foot- dragging reform movement which he had once set the pace of.

Bulog

Bulog Correction: In the story "Gus Dur questioned over Bulog scandal" that appeared in our paper on Sunday, we erroneously reported that the President had been named a suspect in the Bulog scandal. The President was actually questioned as a witness in the scandal. We apologize for the error and any inconvenience it may have caused. -- The editor

Vice President inaugurates 2MW nuclear reactor

Vice President inaugurates 2MW nuclear reactor BANDUNG (JP): Indonesia entered a new phase in its nuclear development on Saturday when the country's first two-megawatt reactor was inaugurated. The reactor, called Triga 2000, was inaugurated by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan) research center here. Also present was State Minister of Research and Technology A.S. Hikam.

Tanjung Priok revisited

Tanjung Priok revisited Sixteen years since the military opened fire on demonstrators on the streets of Jakarta's Tanjung Priok district, the ghosts of the victims continue to haunt the nation. Since the case has never been thoroughly resolved, it is not surprising that the massacre still evokes emotion among many people, evident from the attack on the headquarters of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) on Friday.

Porn VCD traders arrested

Porn VCD traders arrested JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta's Taman Sari Police detectives have arrested nine alleged traders of pornographic video compact discs (VCDs) in a five-day raid at Harco Glodok shopping center, an officer said on Saturday. Taman Sari Police chief of detectives First Lt. Samuel T. Toding identified the nine as Edward S., 26, Baringin Mute, 21, Charles Simanungkalit, 30, Agus Yusmanto, 19, Dwi Marbun, 27, Adi Kamra, 29, Kantorlemba, 23, Damir S., 36, and Imanuel Sinaga, 23.

More tremors hit Bengkulu

More tremors hit Bengkulu BENGKULU: Another large tremor measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale shook Bengkulu on Sunday nearly three weeks after the initial earthquake which caused nearly 100 deaths. "The latest quake was felt at around 9:23 a.m. here on Sunday," said Anang, an official at the local Meteorology and Geophysics Agency. He said four tremors actually occurred on Sunday, but only one could be widely felt. On Saturday, instruments recorded six small tremors.

Hikers, campers destroying Gede and Pangrango peaks

Hikers, campers destroying Gede and Pangrango peaks JAKARTA (JP): The Gede Pangrango National Park near Bogor is suffering increasing environmental degradation due to visiting hikers and campers, many of whom profess to be nature lovers, environmental experts said. The park is home to the 3,000 feet peaks of Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango. "Some visitors just come for pleasure, without trying to be one with nature," said resource and environmental economist Mubariq Ahmad in a recent interview.

Tension still grips Matraman area

Tension still grips Matraman area JAKARTA (JP): Matraman in East Jakarta was still tense on Sunday afternoon, with residents of Kebon Manggis and Palmeriam subdistricts preparing for attacks following fresh brawls early on Sunday morning. Scores of people from Tegalan, Palmeriam, were seen gathering at a security post on the end of Jl. Tegalan 1F at noon on Sunday in anticipation of further battles.

Slack investment worrisome for Malaysia

Slack investment worrisome for Malaysia By Sabyasachi Mitra KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Foreign investors are shying away from Malaysia while it drags its feet on corporate reforms, depriving industry of capital and technology needed for long-term growth. Foreign direct investment (FDI), jolted by the regional currency crisis of 1997-1998, is below pre-crisis levels despite a solid economic rebound.

Residents dream of clear blue sky and clean air

Residents dream of clear blue sky and clean air JAKARTA (JP): Most city residents may agree that it is rare to observe the beauty of a blue sky in the city and to breathe in clean air. Just pass along a highway and take a look at the surrounding areas, where you will notice that the only visible views are the shadows of skyscrapers shrouded in smog.

Sutiyoso launches first 'Delman' parade

Sutiyoso launches first 'Delman' parade JAKARTA (JP): In a campaign to establish an image of a capital that is safe to invest in and in connection with the city's 473rd anniversary, Governor Sutiyoso launched the first delman (horse- drawn carriage) parade on Sunday. Thousands of city residents assembled outside City Hall on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, where the Festival Delman Hias kicked off, and along Jl. MH Thamrin.

Suspected thief burned alive

Suspected thief burned alive SRAGEN, Central Java: A man was burned to death by a mob in Jabung village, Plupuh Sragen district, for allegedly stealing a television set on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Ratiyo, 30, was mobbed when he and two friends, Sarwono, 18 and Sumar, 24, were accused of stealing a television from Ratiyo's brother's house when they were visiting. Details of the incident were rather sketchy, but Antara reported that Ratiyo went to the house with his two friends.

Father kills daughter with mattock

Father kills daughter with mattock SURAKARTA, Central Java: Local police have arrested a man for allegedly killing his own daughter with a mattock in Laweyan village on Saturday. Antara reported that the deceased, Dewi Siti Halimah, 16, was struck with a mattock while asleep. The high school student was taken to a nearby hospital but died upon arrival. A neighbor, Sarmidi, 44, ran to the house after hearing Dewi scream.

No political bickering, please

No political bickering, please Looking at the situation in our country at this moment makes me very sad. What has become of the Indonesia we love so much and for which we are mentally and physically ready to sacrifice our lives. Where are the happy Indonesians, full of love and understanding, working together in the spirit of mutual help (gotong royong) to create a prosperous Indonesia?

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 8:30 Music 9:00 Sports News 11:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Sports News 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Music 5:30 TVRI News (in English) 6:00 TV Series: Hotel 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports News 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:00 Music 10:30 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. TVRI News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News 8:30 Variety Program TPI 5:30 a.m.

Philippines says rebels may accept autonomy offer

Philippines says rebels may accept autonomy offer MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines' biggest rebel group has indicated it may consider a government offer of autonomy to end a 28-year-old separatist rebellion, a government official said on Sunday. The apparent breakthrough in talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) came after another Islamic rebel group freed a Malaysian hostage among 21 mostly foreign captives being held in the jungles of southern Jolo island.

Debt collectors haunt store

Debt collectors haunt store JAKARTA (JP): An employee of a store selling water pumps filed a complaint to the police on Saturday of intimidation by debt collectors, fearing that they might return on Monday. Fiebe Parengkuan, a secretary at Injaya Dunia Pompa store in Senen Atrium, said six men, led by Rahman Marabessy, came on Monday demanding repayment of some Rp 138 million the store owner owed their client, Marshal Pratama.

Anwar called on to clean BI of corrupt practices

Anwar called on to clean BI of corrupt practices JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Anwar Nasution must act immediately to eliminate corruption from the central bank to make its monetary policy credible, according to a group of former Bank Indonesia employees.

Sjahrir says RI economy could grow by 6% this year

Sjahrir says RI economy could grow by 6% this year JAKARTA (JP): Despite the bleak political environment, Indonesia's economic growth this year could reach 6 percent as the country's real economy has been growing rapidly during the past few months, according to noted economist Sjahrir.

Indovision's explanation sought

Indovision's explanation sought Indovision has done it yet again, for the second time in a row. It has failed to negotiate a timely renewal of its contract with Sony Entertainment Television, resulting in the abrupt cessation of the channel's programs and, thereby, inconveniencing subscribers. They have neither given any prior intimation to their customers nor offered apologies. To add insult to injury, they have not even bothered to reply my fax in this regard, sent on June 5, 2000.

Good ink and media give fine results

Good ink and media give fine results By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): I was enjoying the ride in his white Fiat Uno when my friend, Happy, raised the classic question, "Can it really harm my printer if I use a refilled cartridge?" Happy runs a fast-growing graphic design business. It's no surprise then that he and his eight employees churn out a lot of printed color graphics and images every day. Perhaps, to cut corners, someone suggested that he try using refilled cartridges.

When will Soeharto case be settled?

When will Soeharto case be settled? From Pikiran Rakyat From the time Soeharto stepped down from his presidential seat in May 1998, an occasion which ushered in the reform era, there have been many demands that Soeharto be brought to court. When Soeharto was in power, corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) were rampant and these practices were very obvious to anybody.