Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 June 2000

55 articles found

Legal debate heats up on issue of state of emergency

Legal debate heats up on issue of state of emergency JAKARTA (JP): The state of civil emergency in Maluku declared on Monday came in the wake of a row within the government about which law to invoke. The government was faced with an outdated 1959 legislation or a controversial 1999 law which was approved by the House of Representatives, but not signed by the President.

RI, Australia to work together

RI, Australia to work together JAKARTA (JP): The governments of Indonesia and Australia have agreed to establish a joint working group to coordinate and supervise cooperation between universities in the two countries.

Enforced family planning deplored

Enforced family planning deplored YOGYAKARTA (JP): The National Family Planning Board (BKKBN) chief, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, has called for an end to past practices of coercing people to become family planning (KB) acceptors, saying that it was a form of human rights abuse. "We have to admit that in the past, repressive methods were employed to force a person into becoming an acceptor," Khofifah, who is also state minister of the empowerment of women, said on Monday.

Makindo changes core business

Makindo changes core business JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed securities company PT Makindo approved on Monday the management's proposal to transform the company into a holding company which will focus on investment banking. The company said it would transfer its assets and liabilities related to brokerage activities to a new securities company as part of the change in its business orientation.

Computers at Lontar Foundation stolen by a group of crooks

Computers at Lontar Foundation stolen by a group of crooks JAKARTA (JP): Three armed robbers took away two computers and one computer printer in a midday robbery at Lontar Foundation secretariat on Jl. Danau Maninjau in Bendungan Hilir area, Central Jakarta, on Sunday. Achmad Luthfi, a finance employee at the foundation, said the robbery occurred at around 1 p.m. while no one was inside the secretariat.

Government urges police to be stern

Government urges police to be stern JAKARTA (JP): The government urged on Monday the police to take tougher actions against protesters to protect the operations of coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal in East Kalimantan and gold mining company PT Newmont Minahasa Raya in North Sulawesi.

National records renewed in PON's track and field

National records renewed in PON's track and field By Ivy Susanti SURABAYA (JP): Three Olympic Games qualifiers -- men's pole vaulter Nunung Jayadi, women's long distance runner Supriati Sutono and men's sprinter Yanes Raubaba -- performed impressively on the third day of track and field events at the 15th National Games (PON) on Monday.

Becak driver named Gus Dur's guest

Becak driver named Gus Dur's guest PADANG, West Sumatra. An unlikely pair, Adriyasman, a becak (three-wheel pedicab) driver, and Indriani, a cowherd, may be part of the story of poverty in the countryside, but their success in family planning program will take them to a state honor. The pair will represent West Sumatra in a function at the State Palace to be hosted by President Abdurrahman Wahid on June 29 in commemoration of National Family Day.

Railway firm skeptikal of crime in Oloan's death

Railway firm skeptikal of crime in Oloan's death BANDUNG (JP): The state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has yet to find criminal motives behind the death of Oloan Sianturi, the father of national gymnast Jonathan Sianturi, an official said on Monday.

Factory besieged over fake promises

Factory besieged over fake promises TANGERANG (JP): Hundreds of residents from four villages in Cikupa, Tangerang, besieged a garment factory on Monday asking the management to fulfill its promise to employ local villagers. Residents from the villages of Bojong, Budimulya, Sukamulya and Sukanegara surrounded garment factory PT Tuntex Garment Indonesia (TGI) on Jl. Raya Serang, Bojong. "The factory management has promised four times to recruit locals after several negotiations.

EU, ASEAN prepare ministerial meeting

EU, ASEAN prepare ministerial meeting LISBON (AFP): Senior officials from EU and ASEAN member states were in talks on Monday in Portugal to prepare a meeting of foreign ministers from the two blocs later this year in Asia, a Portuguese EU presidency spokesman said. If successful, the talks -- taking place in the seaside resort town of Estoril, near Lisbon -- will lead to the first EU-ASEAN foreign ministers' gathering since Singapore in 1997.

Bank Bali recapitalization plan delayed

Bank Bali recapitalization plan delayed JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives refused to approve on Monday the government's proposal to recapitalize publicly listed Bank Bali until a legal dispute with the bank's former owner has been settled. Head of House Commission IX Sukowalujo Mintorahardjo expected the court to immediately settle the legal dispute so that a decision on the fate of Bank Bali could be taken.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on June 26, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Dharmala Sakti seeks to annul bankruptcy status

Dharmala Sakti seeks to annul bankruptcy status JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Dharmala Sakti Sejahtera has asked the Supreme Court to annul its bankruptcy status, claiming that the verdict is legally flawed. Dharmala Sakti's lawyer Jimmy Chandra Maschur said on Monday that the verdict issued by the Jakarta Commercia Court in early June breached standard procedures.

Bulog scandal probe might hurt Golkar

Bulog scandal probe might hurt Golkar JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) faction chairman at the House of Representatives Rusydi Hamka acknowledged on Monday that the party's proposal for a special inquiry into the Rp 35 billion State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal might blemish the Golkar Party. "We ask that all of Bulog's nonbudgetary funds be revealed. We were told that it could blemish Golkar," Rusydi said. "But that's okay.

Refugees facing outbreak of disease

Refugees facing outbreak of disease PALU, Central Sulawesi: Thousands of refugees of riot-torn Poso sheltering in Lore Utara subdistrict here are wary of contracting diseases after 20 of them became ill with diarrhea, malaria or upper respiratory track infection in the past week, Antara reported. Head of the subdistrict Udji Mondolu said the patients are now being treated at the local community health center, but with limited facilities and drugs.

Street brawls affect business in Matraman

Street brawls affect business in Matraman JAKARTA (JP): Continuous clashes between neighboring residents of Kebon Manggis and Palmeriam in the Matraman district of East Jakarta have badly affected business in the area. Interviewed separately by The Jakarta Post on Monday, several offices and owners of hotels, car showrooms, a bookstore and a pharmacy said the fate of their business was unknown. Some have planned to leave the area and run their business in a safer place.

Civil emergency imposed in Maluku

Civil emergency imposed in Maluku JAKARTA (JP): The government has imposed a state of civil emergency in Maluku and North Maluku to put an end to renewed sectarian clashes which have heightened in intensity and voracity. Speaking to journalists after meeting top Cabinet and security ministers at the State Palace on Monday evening, President Abdurrahman Wahid said the civil emergency status would begin at midnight on Monday.

Minivan drivers go on strike over illegal levy

Minivan drivers go on strike over illegal levy JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of mikrolet (public minivan) drivers serving the Tanah Abang-Kebayoran Lama and Tanah Abang-Kebon Jeruk routes went on strike on Monday in protest over the application of a new illegal levy. The strike was held in stages as some drivers began to disappear from the streets at around 10 a.m. while others drove their minivans back to their respective pools at around 12 a.m.

Residents injured in gang robbery

Residents injured in gang robbery SEMARANG: At least 16 residents of Kalimoro village in Grobogan, some 45 kilometers east of here, were injured in a one- sided fight against a group of robbers on Sunday. Spokesman for Central Java Police Lt. Col. M. Ramlie said on Monday an armed gang of about 50 people were making away with a quantity of swallow nests worth Rp 70 million from a local when villagers intercepted them.

Indocement books profit

Indocement books profit JAKARTA (JP): Cement maker PT Indocement Tunggal Perkasa announced on Monday a net consolidated profit of Rp 523.4 billion (US$60.8 million), reversing a net loss of Rp 634.1 billion for the previous year. The company said in a statement that last year's low profit was mainly caused by a foreign exchange gain of Rp 527 billion following the strengthening of the rupiah. In 1998, the company suffered a foreign exchange loss of Rp 1.08 billion, the statement said.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 26, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 675 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 350 0 6,794,500 Alakasa Industrindo 850 250 2,000 Alfa Retailindo 900 25 1,022,000 Alter Abadi 200 0 109,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,150 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 35,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,100 0 5,976,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, June 27, 2000

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, June 27, 2000 Performances * Theater: Ura-Ura Ngudarasa, by Studio Taksu Solo, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman No. 32 (Phone 4212417), 8 p.m., June 26-27. * Piano Recital by Ananda Sukarlan, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman No. 32 (Phone 4212417), 7:30 p.m., July 10. Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 390 (Phone: 022 2500303): - SOB Fun Pub, at 9 p.m.

Aceh has new police chief

Aceh has new police chief BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Col. D. Sumantyawan H.S. was installed on Monday as the new Aceh Police chief, replacing Brig. Gen. Bahrumsyah Kasman, who will hold the top post in East Kalimantan. The handover ceremony was presided over by Deputy National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Bimantoro on behalf of National Police Chief Gen. Rusdihardjo.

BI plays down significance of rate increase

BI plays down significance of rate increase JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia deputy governor Subarjo Joyosumarto said on Monday the country's bank restructuring program was in no danger as long as the interest rate of Bank Indonesia's short-term promissory notes (SBIs) remained below 15 percent. Subarjo said the current increase in the interest rate was still relatively "small".

Kerinci Seblat park lures nature lovers

Kerinci Seblat park lures nature lovers By Bambang M. JAMBI (JP): The famed Kerinci Seblat National Park always has been associated with rich biodiversity, while its beautiful and refreshing scenery has often been overlooked. There is a number of beautiful spots in the vast jungle of the park, such as Mount Kerinci, Gunung Tujuh Lake, Kumbang Lake, Rawa Ladeh Lake, Telun Berasap Waterfall and Napal Licin cave. The park is a virtual Eden for nature lovers.

DHL's service

DHL's service What is happening to DHL? Lately, especially in Bandung, its service has become very erratic. I sent an important package to Italy on June 8, 2000, airway bill No. 342 2408706, and it only reached my customer on June 16, 2000. I suffered major losses as a result because the package contained important samples that had to reach the customer on time.

Open letter to Indovision

Open letter to Indovision 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.

Some 120 drivers to take part in off-road races

Some 120 drivers to take part in off-road races JAKARTA (JP): About 120 four-wheel drive cars and motorcycle drivers will compete in the two-day Super Off-Road & Enduro Motocross IOF-Kopassus Bhakti Sosial 2000 in Serang, West Java, on July 29 to July 30.

IDB to extend loans to Mandiri

IDB to extend loans to Mandiri JAKARTA (JP): Islamic Development Bank (IDB) president Ahmad Mohamed Ali said here on Monday the bank would extend export- financing loans to Bank Mandiri, which would channel the money to Indonesian exporters. Ali, however, did not disclose the amount of the loans.

Gus Dur calls for people's understanding

Gus Dur calls for people's understanding JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid renewed his call on Monday for the public to be patient and understanding of the slow pace of the reform movement. Speaking at the opening of a symposium held by the Association of the University of Indonesia Alumni (Iluni-UI), Abdurrahman said a total reform of a system which ruled the country for more than 32 years could not take place overnight.

Final exams of junior high schools in the city scored

Final exams of junior high schools in the city scored JAKARTA (JP): SLTPN 115 in Tebet Utara, South Jakarta, has been named the top academic scorer among public junior high schools in the capital as its final-grade students passed the recent national examination with an average student evaluation score (NEM) of 6.67.

BNI expects Rp 1.4t loss due to program delay

BNI expects Rp 1.4t loss due to program delay JAKARTA (JP): Listed state Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) said on Monday it expected to book a Rp 1.4 trillion loss this year due to a delay in the commencement of the bank's recapitalization program. BNI president Saefudin Hasan said the estimated loss in 2000 would be attributed to the bank's lingering negative spread caused by the bank's recapitalization program delay, from an initially scheduled September 1999 date to June 2000.

Now the healing process can truly begin

Now the healing process can truly begin BANGKOK: After eight long years the truth about the slaughter of innocent Thai citizens in the May 1992 uprising has finally been revealed. It marks another watershed in Thailand's march to a civil society and the all-important pillars of democracy: openness, transparency and truth, which are part of the process of coming to terms with our chequered history.

Park rapes at Citra Raya worrying

Park rapes at Citra Raya worrying TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Council will soon summon the management of the Citra Raya housing complex in Cikupa district to demand firm action against people loitering in the large park located within the complex, an official said on Monday. Head of the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction Habib Ali Alwi said the summons was in connection with the arrest of six men last Wednesday, who confessed to having viciously raped several women at the park.

Appeal by Anwar's assailant postponed

Appeal by Anwar's assailant postponed KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): An appeal by Malaysia's former police chief against a jail sentence for beating former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim has been postponed to September, his lawyer said on Monday. Lawyer K. Kumaraendran said former inspector-general of police Abdul Rahim Noor was not well and was under going treatment for chronic asthma. The High Court hearing on Rahim Noor's appeal, which had been fixed for Monday, was reset for Sept. 18.

Asian currencies mostly low, peso down on new rates system

Asian currencies mostly low, peso down on new rates system SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were slightly lower late Monday in cautious, range-bound trading ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy meeting. While the Federal Open Market Committee is widely anticipated to hold interest rates at its two-day meeting, which starts Tuesday, the market's focus has shifted to the FOMC's next meeting in August, when the Fed is expected to resume its tightening cycle, analysts said.

National Census to be extended until July 10

National Census to be extended until July 10 JAKARTA (JP): The decadal National Census is to be adjourned until July 10 as it is almost certain to fail to meet its June 30 deadline, an official said on Monday. In other provinces, however, the census is running on schedule, Rusmandesiar, head of the population division of the city office of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), said.

Gus Dur pours cold water on Cabinet reshuffle rumors

Gus Dur pours cold water on Cabinet reshuffle rumors JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid belied expectations of a Cabinet reshuffle, saying that he had not made any plans for one. "Rumors that I will replace many of my ministers in the near future are not true, because we have many problems and it (reshuffle) will only create new ones," Abdurrahman said at a seminar on Monday at the University of Indonesia campus in Depok, south of Jakarta.

WB sympathizes with govt over slow pace of reform

WB sympathizes with govt over slow pace of reform JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank country director for Indonesia, Mark Baird, has apparently taken sides with President Abdurrahman Wahid over growing criticism against the government's economic policy. Speaking at a business lunch with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Baird said most criticisms were focused on the government's weaknesses while ignoring its economic achievement.

Women's groups should be included in Aceh solution

Women's groups should be included in Aceh solution A truly democratic negotiation for solutions in Aceh should include different elements including women groups, says Jacqueline Aquino Siapno from the Philippines. The lecturer in political science and staff member of the Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies, at University of Melbourne, recently finished her book, Women, Nationalism, and Political Violence in Aceh.

DHL, PT Pos tie up

DHL, PT Pos tie up BANDUNG (JP): Freight forwarder PT Birotika Semesta/DHL Worldwide Express has signed a memorandum of understanding with state postal company PT Pos Indonesia to improve air delivery services from Indonesia. DHL's technical advisor, Mike Fitzpatrick, said on Monday that under the agreement both companies would work to develop new services for PT Pos to send documents and parcels door-to-door to various destinations overseas.

Talk little, work much

Talk little, work much From Media Indonesia When I was in elementary school, one of my teachers taught the class to "talk little, work much". This implied that it was better to work a lot and yield something useful, than to talk a lot without having any tangible results. Nowadays the youth of Jakarta like to say, "Don't only talk, you must come with proof of what you say." Bung Karno, Indonesia's first president, said "talk much, work much".

BI governor's promise

BI governor's promise I would like to remind Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Syahril Sabirin of his promise made before House of Representatives Commission IX on Nov. 23, 1999. He promised that all members of the BI governor's council would "immediately" report their wealth" (Kompas, Nov. 24, 1999). The key word here is "immediately". But this word can mean more than six months. This may be because their wealth is so excessive that it would take a lot of time to enter each item on the list.

Vocational school lacks students

Vocational school lacks students PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The Sendang Mas Javanese art school here has seen its students dwindle down to only 58 this academic year from 500 when it was opened in 1989. The school's headmaster, Suhardi, said only 38 students are now left after 20 students graduated recently. Suhardi said nobody has enrolled for the school for the new academic year which starts in mid-July, but he remains optimistic about the future of the school.

Bank Universal books profit

Bank Universal books profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Universal booked a net profit of Rp 20 billion during the January-May period this year, the bank's director Djemi Suhenda said here on Monday. Djemi said about Rp 8 billion of the Rp 20 billion profit was raised from the collection of past nonperforming loans. "This year we have set a target of between Rp 25 billion and Rp 30 billion net income," said Djemi after the bank's annual shareholders meeting on Monday.

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 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Sports 4:00 Regional News 5:30 News (in English) 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 8:30 News 9:00 World News 9:35 Sport News 10:30 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. City News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Music and Information 7:30 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

What to do in dealing with the horrors of the past?

What to do in dealing with the horrors of the past? The following is the second 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: In the case of South Africa, the deeds of the African National Congress (ANC) were explicitly included in the investigation.

Metrodata to invest Rp 2.7b on e-businesses

Metrodata to invest Rp 2.7b on e-businesses JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed IT products distributor PT Metrodata Electronics said on Monday it would use Rp 2.71 billion (US$339,520) of fresh funds to finance the company's expansion into Internet businesses this year.

The conflict continues

The conflict continues To all honesty, "brawl" is too a mild word to describe what happened in Jakarta's Matraman area on Sunday. What with residents of the two clashing neighborhoods hurling not only rocks, but Molotov cocktails at each other and shooting at each other with arrows and air rifles, the incident was more than a common brawl. Given the ferocity of the fighting, it may be considered fortunate that no one was killed and not more people were injured.

Lippo's unit seek HK listing

Lippo's unit seek HK listing HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Across Asia Multimedia Ltd., which is 80 percent-owned by Indonesia-based Lippo Group, will raise up to HK$612 million from a floatation on Hong Kong's Growth Enterprise Market, an underwriting source told Dow Jones Newswires Monday. The Hong Kong-based company will place 180 million shares between HK$3 to HK$3.40 each with institutional investors.

Governor blames militant vendors for street disorder

Governor blames militant vendors for street disorder JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso blamed increased militancy among street vendors on Monday for the increasing disorderliness in the streets of the capital. Sutiyoso said he detected a growing trend among vendors, particularly those who were economically hard-pressed, to break the law.

Government's plan to curb air pollution targets private cars

Government's plan to curb air pollution targets private cars By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): A beautiful woman stands on the side of a busy street near a pedestrian bridge, while in front of her passing vehicles emit dark fumes into the air. Over time, her skin darkens and the bridge rusts. This scenario is featured in an advertisement for a skin lotion. While the ad was designed to sell a product, it still rings true.

Dreyfus helps RI exporters

Dreyfus helps RI exporters SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Paris-based global trading company Louis Dreyfus Et Cie is said to be offering Indonesia funding for a coffee retention plan, sources said Monday.

Military officers involved in July 27 incident: Yusril

Military officers involved in July 27 incident: Yusril JAKARTA (JP): A joint civilian-military court will try alleged perpetrators of the 1996 bloody takeover of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Headquarters, a minister said on Monday. Minister of Law and Legislation Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the decision to establish a joint tribunal was taken after the police found traces of the involvement of military officers.