Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 June 2000

54 articles found

China to compete in Indonesia Open

China to compete in Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): Chinese badminton players are expected to compete in the annual Indonesia Open in July after being absent for the last three years. Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) secretary-general Leo Chandra Wiranata said on Wednesday that executive secretary of the Badminton Association of China Bao Tong had confirmed the presence of Chinese players.

Asian marts close mixed; JSX surges

Asian marts close mixed; JSX surges HONG KONG (AP): Asian stock markets closed mixed Thursday, with shares in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea losing ground amid sluggish demand from investors. In Jakarta, Indonesian shares climbed as foreign investors snapped up blue-chip stocks made cheaper by recent losses. The JSX Composite Index ended up 18.748 points, or 4.1 percent, to 478.20.

Robbers in Bali net Rp 100 million

Robbers in Bali net Rp 100 million DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Two men made off with Rp 100 million in cash after a daylight robbery here on Thursday afternoon. The robbery, on Jl. W.R. Supratman, occurred just 300 hundred meters from Bali Police Headquarters. It took place after three company employees withdrew money from Bank Dagang Bali's central office on Jl. Gajah Mada and transported it by car to the Bank Dagang Bali branch on Jl. W.R. Supratman.

Strong aftershock rocks Bengkulu for some 15 minutes

Strong aftershock rocks Bengkulu for some 15 minutes JAKARTA (JP): A powerful aftershock measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale jolted earthquake-stricken Bengkulu early on Thursday as locals protested the slow supply of emergency relief. The tremor, which was also felt in the South Sumatra provincial capital of Palembang and the town of Lahat, shook the area for some 15 minutes at about 6:45 a.m.

Weapons seized from burglars

Weapons seized from burglars BOGOR (JP): Detectives of the Bogor Regional Police have confiscated eight pen guns with six bullets and 59 bullets of different calibers from a member of a noted gang of burglars specializing in villa burglaries in the area. Chief Col. Edi Darnadi briefed reporters on Thursday that suspect Eko, who allegedly had a role in assembling the handmade guns, was arrested during a raid on Tuesday.

Direct election

Direct election Mr. John Hargreaves' letter On direct elections (The Jakarta Post, June 3, 2000) should be considered by the government as a means of achieving true democracy. Any person entering the office of the presidency without a mandate directly from at least 50.01 percent of the people serves without the required credibility.

Sutiyoso defends firm actions against rioters

Sutiyoso defends firm actions against rioters JAKARTA (JP): While suggesting that the city authority has had enough of all persuasive approaches, Governor Sutiyoso defended on Thursday the city police's plan to take firm action against any violent demonstrations during the upcoming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). "We have asked the residents, through their informal leaders and the mass media, to restrain from taking part in any violence, but to no avail.

House told to pick nine supreme justice candidates

House told to pick nine supreme justice candidates JAKARTA (JP): A group of nongovernmental organizations suggested the House of Representatives on Thursday pick nine out of around 40 supreme justice candidates now under its close watch. Chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) Bambang Widjojanto told the House commission III for legal and domestic affairs the nine supreme justice hopefuls deserve the posts due to their moral integrity, legal expertise and political independency.

Military remains cautious with Australia

Military remains cautious with Australia JAKARTA (JP): The government seems to be making symbolic steps toward repairing diplomatic ties with Australia, but for the Indonesian Military (TNI) the neighboring country remains a source of concern and apprehension. Senior military officials maintain that their wariness is not without reason.

Three bodies found in 2 days

Three bodies found in 2 days JAKARTA (JP): City police have recorded three dead bodies which were dumped at different places across the capital over the past two days, according to police reports. Evidence of assault made by sharp and blunt objects were found on all three male bodies, the reports said. The latest fatality was 32-year-old Derek Nauwe, who was found bleeding to death in front of the Gedung Bisnis building on Jl. S. Parman in West Jakarta at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Palestine has yet to move in maid abuse case

Palestine has yet to move in maid abuse case JAKARTA (JP): Palestinian Ambassador Ribbi Awad said on Thursday that he had yet to receive an instruction from his government to start an investigation into the alleged abuse of a female Indonesian migrant worker by her employer in Gaza last March. "I sent letters to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Minister of Foreign Affairs Farouq Qouddomi on May 25, telling them of the allegations and asking the government to initiate an investigation.

IBRA told to divest its ownership in three banks

IBRA told to divest its ownership in three banks JAKARTA (JP): The Financial Sector Policy Committee (KKSK) has recommended that the government divest its ownership in three publicly listed banks, including Bank Internasional Indonesia, Bank Niaga and Bank Universal. KKSK secretary Sjafruddin Tumenggung said on Thursday that the committee had asked the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to make the disposal plans.

IMF upbeat on RI economy

IMF upbeat on RI economy TOKYO (Dow Jones): The managing director of the International Monetary Fund Horst Koehler expects the Indonesian economy to exceed the IMF's growth forecast and expand by 4.5 percent through 2000, the president of Indonesia said on Thursday at a seminar in Tokyo. "Mr. Koehler said we could exceed our current estimate of economic growth.

Six nations to join football c'ships

Six nations to join football c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Host Indonesia and five other countries from Asia will compete in the Asian Australian Football Championships at Cibubur Cricket Ground, West Java, on June 17. The five other countries are Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

BI insists bad bankers cannot lead state bank

BI insists bad bankers cannot lead state bank JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia insisted on Thursday that any bankers who failed the central bank's fit and proper test could no longer lead a bank in the country even if the banker was President Abdurrahman Wahid's close friend. Bank Indonesia director for banking supervision Fadjrijah warned the government not to force its will by installing people who had not passed the central bank's test to lead a state bank.

Perawang Lumber to float shares

Perawang Lumber to float shares JAKARTA (JP): Plywood producer PT Perawang Lumber Industri plans to sell about 180 million new shares or about 20 percent of its enlarged stocks next month to repay debts of Rp 64 billion. The company said on Thursday it expected to raise about Rp 90 billion (US$10.58 million) from the initial public offering (IPO).

Indonesia, Australia look ahead for close ties

Indonesia, Australia look ahead for close ties TOKYO (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and Australian Prime Minister John Howard agreed on Thursday to shun past acrimony between the two countries and focus on efforts to bolster relations between the neighbors.

Sutiyoso launches Rp 63.4b project

Sutiyoso launches Rp 63.4b project JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso launched on Thursday a Rp 63.4 billion (US$7.46 million) integrated project to reduce poverty and develop slum areas in the city's 15 subdistricts. "This is a new approach in alleviating poverty and developing the city's slum areas, as all related city agencies are focusing their projects on a specific area," Sutiyoso said at the project's launching ceremony in Manggarai, South Jakarta.

RP says won't give in to hostage-takers

RP says won't give in to hostage-takers JOLO, Philippines (Reuters): Philippine negotiators said on Thursday Manila will not give in to rebels holding 21 mostly foreign hostages, dashing hopes of a quick release of the captives, four of whom need urgent hospital treatment. Chief negotiator Roberto Aventajado told Reuters the rebels could sink negotiations if they insisted on their demand for a independent Muslim homeland.

BMW, Mercedes expect robust sales

BMW, Mercedes expect robust sales JAKARTA (JP): The sole agents of BMW and Mercedes-Benz expect bullish sales this year thanks to market recovery and a more favorable government automotive policy. The sole agent of BMW in Indonesia, PT Tjahja Sakti Motor, said on Thursday that sales were expected to reach about 2,500 vehicles this year, up from about 900 last year.

Quakes strike Asia, but are they linked?

Quakes strike Asia, but are they linked? TOKYO (Reuters): The earth moved in Asia on Thursday as powerful aftershocks rocked the west coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island, and a series of earthquakes jolted China, Myanmar and Japan. Experts said last Sunday's quake in Indonesia's Bengkulu province, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, may have led to a shift in the huge tectonic plates deep under Asia's seas, prompting the burst of seismic activity this week.

VISA/BNI Card

VISA/BNI Card As a VISA/BNI Card holder, I went to shop at Makro Pasar Rebo on June 5, 2000. After filling my trolley with merchandises, I went to a cashier for check-out. To my surprise my BNI Card was not accepted even though with a surcharge as I requested. When I asked the supervisor, he confirmed the cashier. In short Makro doesn't welcome the BNI Card.

Col. Kawilarang buried in Bandung

Col. Kawilarang buried in Bandung BANDUNG (JP): Col. (ret) Alex Evert Kawilarang, who passed away at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Jakarta on Tuesday, was buried in Cikutra Heroes Cemetery here on Thursday. The funeral was accompanied by a full military ceremony led by Siliwangi Military Commander Maj. Gen. Slamet Supriyadi. Before the funeral, Kawilarang's body was laid in the Soedirman Room at Siliwangi Army Area Command Headquarters on Jl. Aceh, Bandung.

Marsinah witnesses face lie detector

Marsinah witnesses face lie detector SURABAYA: Alleged witnesses to the murder of labor activist Marsinah have taken lie detector tests in a bid to unveil the eight-year old mystery. Polygraph tests were performed on Wednesday on the main witness and former suspects in the case: a security guard of PT Catur Putra Surya, the watch factory where Marsinah worked, and two company executives -- Yudi Susanto and Yudi Astono.

Bakrie fights bankruptcy suit

Bakrie fights bankruptcy suit JAKARTA (JP): Listed PT Bakrie Finance Corporation is going to ask the Supreme Court to annul its bankruptcy status, by filing a Civil Review, a lawyer said. "We will lodge the Civil Review suit on Friday or next Monday with the Supreme Court," Jonson Hutajulu, a lawyer representing Bakrie Finance, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. A Supreme Court Civil Review is the final level of the Indonesian bankruptcy court after the appeal level, also at the Supreme Court.

Street justice claims another victim

Street justice claims another victim TANGERANG (JP): A suspected motorcycle thief was beaten to death by a mob in Jatiuwung on Wednesday evening, the latest victim of the capital's trend for street justice. Sarwan, from Serang, West Java, was caught by local man Suwarni, allegedly trying to steal a Honda Astrea motorcycle belonging to Haris Rianto. "At first I thought he was trying to fix the motorcycle. But when I looked at him closely, I saw he was trying to pick the lock.

Arguments with police

Arguments with police I refer to an article by Parlindungan Sibarani (The Jakarta Post, Sunday, June 4, 2000, Living in Jakarta's crime-ridden jungle). What he said in his article about his friend's experience with police officers mirrored my experience on May 12, 2000. I even suspect it was along the same stretch of road. Indonesian friends I told about the incident shrugged knowingly, admitting it to be common knowledge. I wrote to the Post at the time, but my letter was not printed.

Car sale fraud

Car sale fraud On April 19, 2000, I bought a new Daihatsu Taruna CL from Astra's licensed distributor PT Adira Dinamika at Jl. Fatmawati 25, South Jakarta. The decision to buy the CL model, the cheapest one, was made after Adira's sales agent, Yusuf, suggested that I could save money buying my own accessories instead of getting the completely accessorized CX model.

Aris Juanedi denies knowledge fo Rp 35m Bulog fund

Aris Juanedi denies knowledge fo Rp 35m Bulog fund JAKARTA (JP): A businessman admitted to having received a Rp 5 billion cheque from President Abdurrahman Wahid's masseur Suwondo but said he had no idea if the money was part of the scandalous Rp 35 billion fund of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog). Aris Junaedi, a South Jakarta-based businessman, told police during a two-hour questioning by City Police detectives on Thursday that Suwondo claimed he got the money from a foreign loan.

LG Electronics, LG Info merge

LG Electronics, LG Info merge SEOUL (Reuters): South Korea's LG Electronics said on Thursday it has endorsed a merger plan with affiliate LG Information & Communications at a board meeting. LG Electronics said in a statement its board had approved exchanging one common share of LG Information for 2.12 LG Electronics' shares. The tie-up is subject to approval by a general shareholders' meeting slated for July 21, with the aim of completing the merger by Sept. 1.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 8:30 Music 10:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 3:00 Documentary Film 3:30 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Variety Show 5:30 TVRI News (in English) 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 9:00 World News 9:35 Music 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 8:30 Variety Show TPI 5:30 a.m.

Alice Day performs from the heart

Alice Day performs from the heart By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): The Regent is having a party. And it is not just any party but a jazz party. In fact the party started nearly four months ago with the arrival in town of the melodious Monica Crosby, Florida's first lady of jazz. Monica returned home recently after having converted a considerable number of people here into hardened jazz fans with the promise that Alice Day will continue to provide to the city its daily dose of jazz.

Foreign fishing fleets are depriving locals of food

Foreign fishing fleets are depriving locals of food By Mark V. Erdmann MELBOURNE: For decades now, Indonesia's rich marine natural resources have been plundered at will by foreign fishing vessels. Some operate under "official" licenses purchased from Indonesian middlemen and even fly the Indonesian flag.

Illegal fee

Illegal fee From Neraca Lately, city transport vehicles traveling from Bekasi to Pondok Gede terminal are required to enter the Pondok Gede market to get to the terminal. I have come to know that the aim of this ruling is to illegally levy the vehicles. This is quite disadvantageous for both the drivers and the passengers, because it only means a waste of time and energy and is very tiring. I hope the authorities can explain the matter and review this regulation. SAIFUL Bakasi, West Java

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on June 8, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Global currencies

Global currencies Value Net Changes 1 Day 1 Month 2000 Japanese yen 105.845 +0.5300 -0.50% +3.16% -3.15% Euro 1.0425 +0.0033 -0.32% +6.86% -4.67% Poundsterling 0.6586 +0.0017 -0.26% -0.96% -6.16% Singaporean dollar 1.7215 -0.0005 +0.03% +0.32% -3.23% Australian dollar 1.6928 +0.0083 -0.49% +0.89% -10.04% Base Currency: USD; Date: Jun. 8, at 13:39 GMT Source: Bloomberg

Why Jeffrey Archer?

Why Jeffrey Archer? Why would you want to bring Jeffrey Archer over here to untangle the Bank Indonesia plot? Because he writes novels of a sort? Or because he's up to his neck in a scandal of his own making? DAVID JARDINE Jakarta

Oil in Asia slips in thin trade

Oil in Asia slips in thin trade SINGAPORE (Reuters): Crude oil prices softened in Asia on Thursday with the market watching the Organization Of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) closely for a supply hike as prices breached the cartel's target band. Bearishness also hit the rangebound market due to news the United Nations (UN) looks prepared to let Iraqi oil exports flow without gaps in June as an oil-for-food deal expires.

Asian airlines to grow faster

Asian airlines to grow faster BANGKOK (AFP): Airlines in the Asia Pacific region will see the fastest growth rates in the world over the next two decades, raising demand for thousands of new planes, British aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce said Thursday. Visiting Rolls-Royce chairman Ralph Robins forecast passenger traffic growth rates of about 7.7 percent a year -- higher than the world rate estimated at 5.0 percent.

Body of Cisadane duck hunter found

Body of Cisadane duck hunter found TANGERANG (JP): Local residents living along Cisadane River fished out the dead body of 19-year-old Rocky, alias Kiki, who drowned during a traditional Chinese duck catching festival on Tuesday. Relatives and residents said on Thursday that the victim's body was dragged out from the bottom of the river during the wee hours of Wednesday by using a hook-shaped tool fastened to the end of a rope. "My boy just graduated from school.

KONI to set ruling on PON participants

KONI to set ruling on PON participants JAKARTA (JP): The excitement surrounding the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya is less than the upcoming Euro 2000 in the Netherlands and Belgium. However, the importance of national athletes competing in the quadrennial event remains an interesting discussion at home.

Meeting of minds in Tokyo

Meeting of minds in Tokyo While in Tokyo to attend the funeral of the late Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, one of President Abdurrahman Wahid's main agenda items will be to patch up Indonesia's relations with Australia -- again, because patching up strained relations with Australia has become something of a routine job that every Indonesian president since the 1950s has had to perform.

Government submits two more labor bills to House

Government submits two more labor bills to House JAKARTA (JP): The government submitted on Thursday to the House of Representatives two bills on labor protection and settlement of industrial disputes in a bid to provide both workers and employers with legal certainty. Minister of Manpower Bomer Pasaribu said the bill on settlement of industrial disputes would replace the outdated 1957 law which was considered ineffective to address disputes pitting workers against their employers.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 8, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 625 -25 10,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 300 25 537,000 Alakasa Industrindo 1,025 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 850 25 31,000 Alter Abadi 125 0 13,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 25 1,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 0 5,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,050 25 2,394,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

The French way of cooking fish by Frederic Vershoore

The French way of cooking fish by Frederic Vershoore JAKARTA (JP): Indonesians undoubtedly serve the most delectable fish in the whole world. However it is always exciting to try out how others prepare it. To demonstrate the French way, guest chef, Frederic Vershoore is in town on a 10 day visit at Shangri-La hotel's Margaux restaurant.

Soeharto celebrates 79th birthday under house arrest

Soeharto celebrates 79th birthday under house arrest JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto celebrated his 79th birthday on Thursday, receiving a truck load of flowers and bouquets from close friends and former aides. It is unclear if his successors B.J. Habibie and Abdurrahman Wahid sent any congratulatory notes. Last year Abdurrahman sent a bouquet. Security guards at his residence on Jl.

The buck likely to stop with Aceh, Papua

The buck likely to stop with Aceh, Papua The government has again been reminded of problems behind the controversial Papuan People's Congress. The following is an excerpt of an e-mail interview with Robert Cribb of the department of history at the University of Queensland, Australia. Question:Many observers have addressed the issue of Indonesia's disintegration. How much greater is the threat today?

'Matra' editor receives 5-month suspended term

'Matra' editor receives 5-month suspended term JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court sentenced on Thursday chief editor of Matra monthly Robertus Riantiarno to a five-month suspended jail term for publishing semipornograhic pictures in its June and July editions last year. "By publishing the pictures, the defendant violated Article 282 of the Criminal Code," said presiding judge T.H.S Pardede during the hearing at the district court.

S'poreans caught off-guard by quake

S'poreans caught off-guard by quake SINGAPORE (DPA): Public emergency warnings in Singapore will be sped up after panic-stricken residents had to wait more than two hours for guidance after shockwaves from an Indonesian quake sent them fleeing their apartments this week, it was reported on Thursday. "After Monday's incident, we realize and recognize there is a need for us to push out the messages more quickly," said Assistant Commissioner Soh Wai Wah, the police director for operations.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Bali, an Endless Fascination, by Widodo Soenarko, at Bebek Bali Cafe, Taman Ria Senayan, Central Jakarta, until Jun. 30. * Painting Exhibition by Eddy Sundara, at Negeri Lama Gallery, Jl. Cinere Raya A-36, South Jakarta (Phone: 7543133), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., until Jun. 25. * Painting Exhibition: Merebut Kemenangan by Bob Yudhita Agung, at Galeri Milenium, Golden Plaza complex, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No.

Currencies mixed late; rupiah steady

Currencies mixed late; rupiah steady SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Thursday, as the market groped for direction amid persistent worries the problems in Indonesia could explode, dealers said. Market participants held back their dollar-selling amid lingering anxiety over Indonesia's political problems and as optimism the U.S. Federal Reserve would be less aggressive in its rate hikes ebbed.

Bali-bound ferry sinks, over 30 still missing

Bali-bound ferry sinks, over 30 still missing DENPASAR, Bali (JP): More than 30 people are missing after the Citra Mandala Bakti ferry traveling from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java sank in the Bali Strait in the early hours of Thursday, leaving at least four passengers dead, officials said. Jembrana Police chief Lt. Col. Happy Kartika said as of 6 p.m. on Thursday a total of 51 survivors were found in the ordeal.

Pelti to expand mini tennis activities

Pelti to expand mini tennis activities JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) will expand its mini tennis activities to include children and their parents who do not have a full knowledge of tennis. Pelti official in charge of tennis development, promotion and foreign affairs Martina Widjaja said on Thursday that mini tennis would be introduced to children in kindergarten and the first year of elementary school to help them decide if they want to choose tennis as a career.

Northern Myanmar shaken by quake

Northern Myanmar shaken by quake YANGON (AP): A strong earthquake struck northern Myanmar early on Thursday, but no major damage or casualties were reported in the main town nearest the epicenter. The quake, which occurred at 4:17 a.m. (4:47 a.m. Jakarta time), was centered 150 kilometers north of Myitkyina, a remote town near the northern tip of Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country also known as Burma.