Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 July 2000

54 articles found

Bombs, bombers and the bombed

Bombs, bombers and the bombed By Sidhesh Kaul JAKARTA (JP): Nothing has changed. Not one bit. Indonesia has been rocked by bombs of varying types and intensities for the last five decades and nobody is listening. Social bombs. Economic bombs. Political bombs.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibition * Arts Exhibition: Point de vue, images du monde, by Renaud Auguste-Dormeuil, at the Fine Arts Gallery, West Java Cultural Center in Dago, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., until July 15. Performances * Performances by Bandung young artists, at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Phone 4212417), 4 p.m., July 11. * Concert by Leo Kristi, at CCF - French Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., July 14.

BNI's ATM robbed in Bekasi

BNI's ATM robbed in Bekasi JAKARTA (JP): Bekasi Police detectives have not made any significant progress in their investigation of the theft of Rp 196.2 million (US$21,325) from Bank BNI's automatic teller machine (ATM) at Goro wholesale outlet in Pekayon, South Bekasi, an officer said on Monday. "No progress yet. We're still investigating," Sr. Supt. Sutarman, chief of the precinct, said.

Sjahril's detention extended

Sjahril's detention extended JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office extended on Monday the arrest of central bank governor Sjahril Sabirin to another 40 days, pending the completion of the investigation into his involvement in the Bank Bali scandal. The extension takes effect on July 11, one day after Sjahril's first 20-day arrest ends.

Jakarta-N. Europe shipping

Jakarta-N. Europe shipping JAKARTA (JP): The world's largest container shipping alliance, the Grand Alliance, launched its first direct service to Indonesia with the arrival of OOCL Fortune at Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) last Friday to start a new direct service between the country's premier port and North Europe.

PTT, Petronas open talks on gas separation plant

PTT, Petronas open talks on gas separation plant BANGKOK (Reuters): State-run Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) is in talks with Malaysian state oil firm Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) on a 10 billion baht (US$252 million) gas separation joint venture plant in Myanmar, an official said on Monday.

Thai PM denies Laos rift

Thai PM denies Laos rift BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai played down on Monday reports of a rift between Thailand and Laos over the handling of border clashes between Lao troops and anti-government rebels. Chuan said the two countries had formed a committee to discuss last week's deadly gun battle between Lao troops and a band of dozens of rebels, and how they could cooperate to halt the trouble. "There is no problem between the two countries" he said.

Protesters vandalize governor's office

Protesters vandalize governor's office MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of impatient protesters who have camped out at the North Sumatra governor's office for four days, started to vandalize the complex on Monday. The residents of Deliserdang regency were apparently angry that their demands had not been met and began to vandalize garden walls and windows. They splashed red ink on the windows and walls of the 11-story building after their protests failed to get them a meeting with Governor T.

Malaysia's arms heist

Malaysia's arms heist Malaysian police continue to hunt for more members of the Al- Ma'unah Islamic cult following a daring arms theft on July 2 by the organization's firebrands. The incident itself has stunned Malaysia's neighbors, especially those grouped in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Of particular concern is the sloppiness of the Malaysian security system.

Anwar's lawyers make final plea

Anwar's lawyers make final plea KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Defense lawyers on Monday began their final submissions on why Malaysia's ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim should be acquitted of sodomy, saying fellow ministers had fabricated evidence against him. "It is beyond dispute that there was a high-level conspiracy by certain people to topple (Anwar) by procuring and using fabricated evidence," Christopher Fernando told trial Judge Arifin Jaka.

Parents prefer schools nearer to home

Parents prefer schools nearer to home JAKARTA (JP): Fearing for the lives of their children due to the growing number of violent student brawls, many parents have decided to enroll their junior high school-graduated children in schools closer to their homes.

Morning Star in Irian Jaya

Morning Star in Irian Jaya From Media Indonesia The Papuan People's Congress resulting in the Papuan Council Presidium under Theys FH Eluay's leadership seems to have added a large problem to the integrity and unity of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia. The republic is being threatened by national disintegration, economic and political ruin and severe moral hazards.

Warning from Customs

Warning from Customs From Media Indonesia A letter has recently been distributed claiming it came from a "Team for the Popularization of Legislation on Customs and Excise of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Republic of Indonesia" located at Jalan Jenderal A. Yani No. 31 Jakarta 132230, in it which is said there is a plan to publish a book titled Popularization of the Legislation on Customs and Excise Affairs.

Army set to send more troops to troubled Maluku

Army set to send more troops to troubled Maluku SEMARANG (JP): The Army is set to send more reinforcement troops to the war-torn Maluku Islands, including Ambon, if the situation remains out of hand, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto said here on Monday. "We are preparing additional troops.

Senior cops face school dismissal

Senior cops face school dismissal JAKARTA (JP): A National Police officer revealed on Monday the police would not issue advanced course certificates to some 14 middle-ranking police officers due to their alleged involvement in drugs. "The National Police is investigating the case. If (the officers) are proven guilty, they will be dismissed," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

11 firms suspended from trade

11 firms suspended from trade JAKARTA (Dow Jones): The Jakarta Stock Exchange on Monday suspended the shares of 11 companies from trade due to their failure to submit their 1999 financial statements, a JSX official said. "They failed to meet the July 10 deadline," the official at JSX corporate communication said. He said JSX management may lift the suspensions as soon as the companies submit their 1999 financial reports to JSX management.

Reforestation funds

Reforestation funds From Neraca It would be best if the reforestation funds totaling Rp 7.7 trillion that were collected from forest concessionaires were directly allocated to the regions for reforestation purposes. As far as the forest concessionaires are concerned, the funds could be kept either in the Ministry of Forestry and Plantations or go to the state coffers as nontaxable state income. What is important is that the funds are properly used, i.e. for reforestation.

KPC resumes coal production after workers end strike

KPC resumes coal production after workers end strike JAKARTA (Dow Jones): PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) has resumed coal shipments after striking workers agreed to lift a siege that had disrupted operations at the foreign-owned mine in East Kalimantan since June 20, President Director Grant Thorne said here on Monday. The miner has lifted a force majeure declared last week to international buyers, although the strikers continue to press their demands, he added.

PPP faction to reject Sutiyoso's speech

PPP faction to reject Sutiyoso's speech JAKARTA (JP): While questioning Governor Sutiyoso's ability to govern the capital, United Development Party Faction (PPP) faction at City Council hinted on Monday of a plan to reject the governor's accountability speech before the council last month.

Utut tied with Wang in opener

Utut tied with Wang in opener JAKARTA (JP): Grandmaster (GM) Utut Adianto of Indonesia failed to earn a full point in the first round of the sixth Tan Chin Nam Cup, a 16-category chess championship being held at the Hua Yuan Hotel in Beijing. He offered a draw to host player GM Wang Zili after playing for six hours and 20 minutes. Utut led the game until the 35th move when he managed to arrest Wang's black pawn in b4.

UK trade mission visits RI

UK trade mission visits RI JAKARTA (JP): A major British delegation from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) began a week-long visit to Indonesia on Monday to seek new business opportunities in the country.

Domestic issues raise risk concerns

Domestic issues raise risk concerns SINGAPORE (AFP): Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are the most politically risky nations in Southeast Asia because of domestic problems, foreign business executives surveyed by a risk consultancy firm said. Financial bulwark Singapore could be vulnerable to any fall- out from these political developments among its neighbors, the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. (PERC) said in its most recent report.

Provinces want more revenues from natural resources

Provinces want more revenues from natural resources JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Bambang Subianto said on Monday that regional administrations wanted a greater revenue share from their natural resources, but at the same time they also wanted the central government to continue to cover their spending. "Almost all provinces want their spending to be covered by the central government.

Top leaders meet in show of unity

Top leaders meet in show of unity JAKARTA (JP): Top political leaders confirmed here on Monday that they had held a private meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid to consolidate ranks and ensure the continuity of the government for the sake of national stability.

Toxic fish causes deaths

Toxic fish causes deaths BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: A nine-year-old girl died and six family members are being treated in Kalibening village after they unsuspectingly ate a toxic home-cooked fish on Sunday evening, police have said. Khotijah, 40, fried a dry-salted fish for her family's dinner. Soon after eating it, however, all seven suffered headaches and then vomited. Some of lost consciousness. A neighbor, Kaswan, said the sounds made while the family was vomiting alarmed the neighborhood.

Alarming rise in number of HIV carriers

Alarming rise in number of HIV carriers JAKARTA (JP): The number of those infected with HIV has shown an alarming increase this year, with the total number of new sufferers in the first five months of 2000 nearly equal to last year's 12-month total. Ministry of Health officials have revealed that there were 214 new cases of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) up to the end of May. The total number of those infected in 1999 was 225.

Djoko tells court how he spent Bank Bali money

Djoko tells court how he spent Bank Bali money JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Djoko S. Tjandra, a defendant in the high-profile Bank Bali scandal, told the South Jakarta District Court that he used Rp 434 billion (US$47 million) of Rp 546 billion paid to PT Era Giat Prima (EGP) to recoup interbank loans for Bank Bali.

IBRA to divest ownership in BCA and Bank Niaga

IBRA to divest ownership in BCA and Bank Niaga JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to further divest part of its ownership in publicly listed Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Bank Niaga this year in a bid to raise cash to help finance the state budget, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) Arwin Rasyid said on Monday. Arwin said that the plan was made last week by the Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC), but was yet to be approved by the House of Representatives.

Financial director of 'Antara' fired for fraud

Financial director of 'Antara' fired for fraud JAKARTA (JP): Antara news agency chief Mohamad Sobary fired on Monday his finance director, Saiful Hadi, over an alleged Rp 350 million embezzlement. The news agency said that the decision was taken during a board of directors meeting on Monday morning, also attended by Saiful. Antara said that the money was earned from fees for the news agency's services and that it had been put in Parni Hadi's bank account.

Drinking water

Drinking water The article about mineral water on page 9 of the July 5 edition of The Jakarta Post contained an error. The writer says that "Purified, or reverse osmosis water must be distilled by a process in which the water is boiled, evaporated and the vapor condensed". This is not true. Water purification by reverse osmosis (RO) is probably the most widely used (non-municipal) method in the world for producing drinking water.

Saudi will not raise oil output, Rodriguez says

Saudi will not raise oil output, Rodriguez says JAKARTA (JP): President of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Ali Rodriguez Arague, confirmed on Monday that Saudi Arabia would not go ahead with its plan to raise oil output. Rodriguez said Saudi's Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi had told OPEC's Secretary General Rilwanu Lukman that the country would not raise its oil production as feared by many other OPEC member countries.

Tallo tells Ruteng people to be calm

Tallo tells Ruteng people to be calm KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): East Nusa Tenggara Governor Pieter A. Tallo called for calm on Monday and warned that anyone found to have been involved in the recent violence which claimed two lives in Ruteng, Flores, would be punished. He asked that all levels of society in the province not allow themselves to be provoked into action that would further worsen the situation.

Bengkulu victims say no more noodles

Bengkulu victims say no more noodles From Neraca A short time ago I went to Bengkulu as a member of a committee assigned to channel donated money to earthquake victims there. Most of the victims I met told me that they no longer needed instant noodles but building materials. "We have had several bouts of diarrhea because of eating too many noodles. If you don't want to donate to us what we really need, this does not matter. But, please, no more instant noodles," they said to me.

Witnesses quizzed over bombing of AG's Office

Witnesses quizzed over bombing of AG's Office JAKARTA (JP): Police have questioned nine witnesses over the bomb blast at the Attorney General's Office compound last Tuesday, which caused some minor damage to a lavatory on the ground floor of the five-story office building of the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, an officer said on Monday.

Navy, Air Force ready to secure Jakarta

Navy, Air Force ready to secure Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The Navy and Air Force are committed to providing full backup to the police and Army in securing the capital during next month's General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), senior officers said on Monday. Interviewed by The Jakarta Post after a joint meeting at City Hall to discuss security around the General Session, the assistant to the main naval base commander for operational affairs, Col.

Sunken vessel 'Ashigara' to be salvaged in August

Sunken vessel 'Ashigara' to be salvaged in August JAKARTA (JP): A massive salvage operation to raise the sunken Japanese warship Ashigara in the Bangka Straits is due to begin in August. The project, undertaken by Indonesian company PT Arimic Putra Pratama Mulia (APPM), which claims to have been given permission by the government, is expected to take up to three years and cost an estimated US$25 million.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 8:30 Music 9:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Performance 3:00 Documentary 3:30 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Culture Program 5:30 News (in English) 6:00 Sports 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 8:30 News 9:00 News 9:35 TV Drama 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.

India, Thailand agree on energy, investment

India, Thailand agree on energy, investment NEW DELHI (DPA): India and Thailand signed two agreements Monday on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and investment promotion and protection. The agreements were signed by visiting Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan and his Indian counterpart Jaswant Singh. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on developments in the South Asian and Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) regions and fighting terrorism.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on July 10, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Indonesian shuttlers see easy first round

Indonesian shuttlers see easy first round JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's singles shuttlers, including Thomas Cup hero Hendrawan, will have slight opening matches at the three-star Thailand Open beginning on Wednesday. Hendrawan, currently the world number four, will face little- known Michael Popov of Bulgary in the first round. The 28-year- old Indonesian is scheduled to face the winner of the match between Ian Maywald of Germany and Anuphap Thiraratsakul of Thailand.

New bill on right to form unions passed

New bill on right to form unions passed JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives on Monday unanimously passed a new bill on the rights of workers to unionize. Minister of Manpower Bomer Pasaribu and legislators separately said that the law gives more assurance to workers' rights to organize compared to previous laws. In a departure from previous policies, civil servants are now explicitly given the right to unionize.

PSSI warns foreigners playing for local clubs to behave

PSSI warns foreigners playing for local clubs to behave JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) warned foreign players on Monday who are competing in the quarterfinals of the Bank Mandiri national soccer league in Jakarta to improve their behavior following an incident that occurred on Sunday between Persija Jakarta and Arema Malang.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 10, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 675 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 305 -5 447,500 Alakasa Industrindo 800 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 875 0 36,000 Alter Abadi 180 10 5,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 4,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,120 -20 194,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Four killed in Tangerang accident

Four killed in Tangerang accident JAKARTA (JP): Four people were killed and nine others were seriously injured when the driver of an angkot (public minivan) failed to control his speeding vehicle and crashed into a sand- laden truck on a bridge over the Jakarta-Merak toll road on Sunday evening, an officer said. Chief of the Tangerang Traffic Unit, Sr. Insp. Safrudin, identified the victims as driver Mujiono, 24, and passengers Dwi Yani Astuti, Miang and Lila Nurlila.

Missing Dutch vessel to be seized

Missing Dutch vessel to be seized BATAM, Riau: The local district court issued on Monday a verdict to seize the missing Dutch-flagged MV Amsterdam Zeist dredger and sentenced in absentia its Dutch captain, Leutscher Erick, to three years in jail with a Rp 500 million fine. The captain was found guilty of attempting to steal 3,000 cubic meters of sea sand in Teluk Jodoh on Batam island last year, before being intercepted by an Indonesian Navy patrol.

Sinar Mas unit to form CDT business

Sinar Mas unit to form CDT business JAKARTA (JP): Integrated logistics companies PT Bina Sinar Amity and PT Bina Sinar Utama plan to establish the country's first customs distribution terminal in the Cakung area of North Jakarta next year, a company official has announced. The director of both companies, Jo Liat Tjiang, said on Monday that the terminal, also called a bonded warehouse, would help importers and exporters to improve the efficiency of their logistical operation.

Tempo Scan to end lawsuit against Roche

Tempo Scan to end lawsuit against Roche JAKARTA (Dow Jones): Indonesian distributor PT Tempo Scan said Monday it has signed a preliminary agreement with partner PT Roche Indonesia to drop a Rp 280 billion (about US$30.2 million) lawsuit that led a Jakarta court to freeze Roche's fixed assets.

Poaching, cyanide fishing threaten Komodo National Park

Poaching, cyanide fishing threaten Komodo National Park By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): Once upon a time when man lived in complete harmony with the animals, a reptile queen named Putri Naga succumbed to the irresistible charms of Najo, a local fisherman. Soon the couple gave birth to twins, one of whom was a little boy and the other a dragon. The origin of this legend may have been long forgotten but not the special bond between man and the unique Komodo dragon which has prevailed ever since.

Planetarium offers virtual journey to faraway galaxy

Planetarium offers virtual journey to faraway galaxy By Boy de Waart JAKARTA (JP): Still wondering where to take your kids to fill in an afternoon during the long school holidays? What about on a trip to a faraway galaxy -- to the planetarium at Taman Ismail Marzuki in Central Jakarta. There your kids and you can enjoy pictures of celestial bodies, astronauts' voyages to the moon and replicas of their vehicles.

Muhammadiyah calls for national unity

Muhammadiyah calls for national unity JAKARTA (JP): In the wake of the threat of national disintegration, Muslim organization Muhammadiyah has reminded the government and all parts of the country to renew their commitment to the settlement of crises.

Akbar prepared to clarify housing savings scandal

Akbar prepared to clarify housing savings scandal JAKARTA (JP): House of Representative Speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Monday he was prepared to clarify his alleged role in irregularities found in a housing savings scheme. Speaking to journalists after arriving in Jakarta from Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Monday, Akbar said he was collecting information and data on the savings scheme and looking for the right time to publicly explain the graft allegations leveled against him.

Commonwealth raises RI stake

Commonwealth raises RI stake JAKARTA (JP): Commonwealth Bank of Australia announced on Monday it has acquired 99 percent interest in its Indonesian joint venture bank, Bank BII Commonwealth. The Australian bank, which already owned 50 percent in the joint venture bank, acquired the other 49 percent for A$13 million (about US$7.64 million).

Bomb threats downplayed

Bomb threats downplayed SURABAYA: Surabaya Police chief Sr. Supt. Sri Kresno Tjokrobawono down played on Monday a slew of bomb threats in the city in recent weeks, saying there was no critical political gain in attempting to plant bombs there. "There is no purpose to these threats, other than to raise anxiety among locals. Political issues here are not like in Jakarta," he told journalists.

Rupiah weakness hurting manufacturing: Kadin

Rupiah weakness hurting manufacturing: Kadin JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Aburizal Bakrie said on Monday that if the rupiah continued to stay at about Rp 9,000 per U.S. dollar, the country's manufacturing sector would have to cut production in a bid to halt losses. Aburizal said that the ideal exchange rate level for the manufacturing sector was about Rp 7,000 per dollar.