Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 July 2000

59 articles found

Authorities to hold fit-and-proper test for directors at city's firms

Authorities to hold fit-and-proper test for directors at city's firms JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will hold a fit-and- proper test to streamline the current members of the boards of directors at all city-owned and jointly-owned companies, an official said on Tuesday.

Rupiah's rebound helps lift regional currencies

Rupiah's rebound helps lift regional currencies SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Tuesday, with the beleaguered Indonesian rupiah regaining some ground as investors unwound their long-dollar positions, dealers said.

Workers resume blockade at KPC as talks collapse

Workers resume blockade at KPC as talks collapse JAKARTA (JP): Coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) stopped operations on Tuesday for a second time in less than five weeks after striking workers resumed their blockade in the Sanggata regency, East Kalimantan.

Garuda's new era service

Garuda's new era service Garuda must be the only airline in the world that could shut the doors of an airplane while my daughter (three-and-a-half years old), my husband and myself were exactly five steps away from the plane, and another five steps away from our seats.

Thailand to challenge ASEAN policy taboo

Thailand to challenge ASEAN policy taboo BANGKOK (Reuters): Thailand is likely to ruffle a few feathers at next week's ASEAN foreign ministers meeting by pushing for regional action on cross-border crime and trafficking in drugs and people.

Evacuations likely due to hazardous haze in Sumatra

Evacuations likely due to hazardous haze in Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): While claiming that they have successfully contained the spread of forest fires, officials admitted that evacuations maybe necessary in some areas along the Riau and North Sumatra provincial border due to hazardous haze.

Direct presidential election 'is okay'

Direct presidential election 'is okay' BANDUNG (JP): Noted Muslim intellectual Nurcholish Madjid said here on Tuesday that Indonesian people are culturally and socially ready for direct presidential elections, suitably to be held in 2004.

Foreign carmakers tried to buy Proton: Mahathir

Foreign carmakers tried to buy Proton: Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Foreign auto makers have sought to take a 100 percent stake in Malaysia's national carmaker Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. (Proton) as part of plans to dominate the world market, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Tuesday.

Politeness still counts

Politeness still counts On June 22, 2000, I went to the Japanese Embassy for information on a master's program for my niece, who was doing an assignment that day. At the embassy, I went to the department of education.

Family planning program not yet popular among men

Family planning program not yet popular among menBy Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): If you take a close look at a family planning clinic in your neighborhood you will find that almost all of the participants are women.

Astra CMG launches credit cards

Astra CMG launches credit cards JAKARTA (JP): PT Astra CMG Life and Bank Universal joined forces to launch on Tuesday a product that incorporates life insurance and credit card facilities.Astra CMG president Steve Heald said traditional insurance and banking companies were slowly being taken over...

Police to change its recruitment system

Police to change its recruitment system JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to establish a professional force, the Police Academy will introduce a new recruitment system this year, National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo said on Tuesday.

Political conflict 'no longer scares foreign investors'

Political conflict 'no longer scares foreign investors' JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investors in the manufacturing sector were more concerned about poor security and law enforcement than rivalries among the political elite, an analyst said.

Only 17 candidates pass justice test

Only 17 candidates pass justice test JAKARTA (JP): Sources said here on Tuesday that a House of Representatives working committee screening Supreme Court justice candidates had recommended only 17 of the 46 nominees, including former justice minister Muladi and Human Rights Commission member...

Council okays amendments to 1999/2000 budget

Council okays amendments to 1999/2000 budget JAKARTA (JP): The City Council voted on Tuesday to accept Governor Sutiyoso's proposal to amend the administration's budget, which ended on March 31 and saw a surplus of Rp 879 billion (US$96 million).

Merrill sees Asia gains from gradual U.S. slowdown

Merrill sees Asia gains from gradual U.S. slowdown BANGKOK (Reuters): The U.S. economy is likely to slow down only gradually and will continue to draw high technology products from Asia, U.S. investment bank Merrill Lynch said on Tuesday.

BMW Asia sales jump 51%

BMW Asia sales jump 51% SINGAPORE (DPA): BMW sales in Asia's emerging markets surged 51 percent from last year's first half to 10,549 cars in the first six months of this year, the German carmaker said on Tuesday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 18, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 550 0 3,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 310 0 343,000 Alakasa Industrindo 900 0 0 Alfa...

Asia airlines may hike fares on higher fuel costs

Asia airlines may hike fares on higher fuel costs KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Asian carriers may have to increase air fares to cope with rising jet fuel costs despite improving passenger and freight load factors, an industry official said on Tuesday.

Megawati to PDI-P: Go easy on Gus Dur

Megawati to PDI-P: Go easy on Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri has appealed to her party's legislators to go easy on President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid when they exercise their interpellation rights on Thursday.

Garbage fight goes to Medan court

Garbage fight goes to Medan court MEDAN, North Sumatra: A young man was forced to face the Medan district court on Tuesday after hitting a middle-aged woman over a dispute involving garbage.The young man, identified as Jn, 34, allegedly struck Korina, 50, who was in a heated argument with future...

Gade Christensen aims high at Open

Gade Christensen aims high at Open JAKARTA (JP): A poor performance makes athletes eager to break the jinx. This is the case with Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark, who wants to improve on his past performances in the US$150,000 Sanyo Indonesia Open at the Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium.

U.S. sees S'pore growth at 7%

U.S. sees S'pore growth at 7% SINGAPORE (AFP): The U.S. government on Tuesday projected Singapore's economy would grow by 6.5 to 7.0 percent this year on strong external demand, but expansion was seen slowing in the second half.The forecast, contained in a report by the U.S.

Man gets 8 months for molestation

Man gets 8 months for molestation JAKARTA (JP): Defendant Nasir Salim, 49, flashed a small smile on Tuesday after the judge presiding over his case at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced him to eight months in prison for physically abusing a prospective foreign worker.

RP separatists kill seven soldiers

RP separatists kill seven soldiers COTABATO CITY, Philippines (DPA): At least seven soldiers were killed and 26 others wounded on Tuesday when Muslim separatist guerrillas attacked a military truck in the southern Philippines, an army spokesman said.Capt.

A bowl of porridge makes school a little brighter

A bowl of porridge makes school a little brighter JAKARTA (JP): A bowl of green bean porridge is enough incentive to attend class, principals of elementary schools in South Jakarta said.If a child was absent his or her mother would come and ask to collect the share, Ratih Wahyu, principal of SDN...

Police to deploy snipers in Matraman

Police to deploy snipers in Matraman JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police will soon deploy 15 snipers in the Matraman area of East Jakarta to prevent fresh brawls in the riot-prone area, an official said on Monday.

Government completes IMF reform target: Kwik

Government completes IMF reform target: Kwik JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said on Tuesday that all reform targets agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had been finalized.

A nation of pirates

A nation of pirates Piracy in Indonesia is a far more common occurrence than most people in this country care to think. The kind of piracy for which Indonesia has become globally notorious, however, is not limited to the recurrent attacks on ships plying the Strait of Malacca.

Laser beams and music bring life to Malaysia cemetery

Laser beams and music bring life to Malaysia cemeteryBy Chisa Fujioka KAJANG, Malaysia (Reuters): Imagine a funeral bathed in laser beams inside a 1,000-foot (300-metre) dragon structure painted the colors of the rainbow.

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in SurabayaExhibitions * Photo Exhibition at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), until July 30. * Textile Exhibition, Workshop: Gedog Tuban woven textile, at Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 545 4333), July 19.

Local businessman attacks Chilean soccer player at disco

Local businessman attacks Chilean soccer player at disco JAKARTA (JP): Chilean soccer player Nelson Hernan Leon Sanchez was admitted to hospital early on Tuesday morning after allegedly being attacked by a man at Stadium discotheque on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Central Jakarta.

Officials query police commitment in backup

Officials query police commitment in backup JAKARTA (JP): City officials blamed the police and military on Tuesday for providing inadequate numbers of personnel to back up an operation against public order violators on the capital's streets.

Mar'ie leads IBRA's committee

Mar'ie leads IBRA's committee JAKARTA (JP): Former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad has been named chairman of the oversight committee of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo said on Monday his office had also appointed Syafruddin Arsyad Temenggung as...

Over 55,000 refugees flee violence in Aceh

Over 55,000 refugees flee violence in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Over 55,000 refugees are temporarily sheltered in makeshift tents across five regencies in Aceh following unceasing conflicts involving security forces, separatists rebels and armed gangs in the province.

Gasoline disappears in the city of Malang

Gasoline disappears in the city of Malang MALANG, East Java (JP): A shortage of gasoline continued to disrupt urban transportation in the city of Malang, some 90 kilometers south of Surabaya on Tuesday.

Soccer clubs gear up for league's semifinals

Soccer clubs gear up for league's semifinals JAKARTA (JP): PSM Makassar of South Sulawesi and home favorite Persija remained the strongest candidates to win the Bank Mandiri national soccer league semifinals at Senayan Stadium Thursday.

Alwi plans Maluku diplomacy at ASEAN meeting

Alwi plans Maluku diplomacy at ASEAN meeting JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab plans to use next week's meeting with world and regional leaders in Bangkok to explain Indonesia's efforts to restore peace in Maluku.

Bakrie Finance survives claim for bankruptcy

Bakrie Finance survives claim for bankruptcy JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court has overruled its earlier decision that declared PT Bakrie Finance Corporation bankrupt, according to Bakrie's lawyer.Jonson Hutajulu said on Tuesday that the verdict was issued by the Supreme Court's review panel of three...

Golkar attacks government policy

Golkar attacks government policy JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar Party launched a stinging attack on the government of President Abdurrahman Wahid on Tuesday saying that inconsistent and controversial policies have pushed the nation closer to the brink of the country's worst multidimensional crisis.

Utut last at Beijing

Utut last at Beijing JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian top men's chess player Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto suffered a humiliating loss at the Tan Chin Nam Cup championships at Hua Yuan Hotel, Beijing, after bowing out to GM Alexander Onischuk (elo rating 2627) of the Ukraine in the 30th move of the last...

RI recovery: A distant mirage

RI recovery: A distant mirage The following is the first of two articles on economic recovery by Sidhesh Kaul, a regional commentator on political and economic issues based in Jakarta. JAKARTA (JP): The statutory auditors for the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) recently released their...

Force of 28,270 to secure MPR session

Force of 28,270 to secure MPR session JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo said on Tuesday 28,270 personnel from the police, the military and the People's Security (Kamra) would be deployed to secure the upcoming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) next month.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 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 Program 3:30 Music 4:00 News 4:30 Talk Show 5:30 TVRI News (in English) 6:30 Cultural Program 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sport News 8:30 Talk Show 9:00 News...

RI turmoil unlikely to spark currency contagion

RI turmoil unlikely to spark currency contagion SINGAPORE (AFP): The political crisis gripping Indonesia which has battered the rupiah is unlikely to spark another regional currency meltdown, European bank ABN AMRO said in a report received here Tuesday.

RP kidnappers raise ransom demand: Sources

RP kidnappers raise ransom demand: Sources JOLO, Philippines (Agencies): Moro extremist kidnappers on Tuesday raised their ransom demand for a group of Malaysians among 38 hostages they are holding in the southern Philippines, a day after releasing an ailing German woman captive, sources said.

Rupiah must be replaced

Rupiah must be replacedFrom Bisnis IndonesiaIn view of the performance of the rupiah to the U.S. dollar this year, which has dipped as low as Rp 9,500, efforts must be made to prevent it from sliding further in the region of Rp 17,000.

'Petai' thief mobbed to death

'Petai' thief mobbed to death BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: A young man from Wonocipto village, Sigaluh district, was mobbed to death for stealing some of his neighbor's petai tree, a bean tree with a sharp odor.

Govt finally reshuffles top management of BRI

Govt finally reshuffles top management of BRI JAKARTA (JP): After months of controversy, the government announced on Tuesday that it reshuffled the top management of state Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) to allow recapitalization of the bank to proceed.

Malaysian palm oil eases

Malaysian palm oil eases KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's palm oil market eased further at the close on Tuesday on lingering uncertainty following bearish July 1-15 export data.The benchmark third position October futures contract fell seven ringgit at 1,040 ringgit (US$273.

RI men still lackluster about contraception

RI men still lackluster about contraceptionBy Injil Abu Bakar DENPASAR, Bali (JP): On June 29, in honor of National Family Day, State Minister of the Empowerment of Women Khofifah Indar Parawansa spoke up for Indonesian women by decrying abuses that occurred during the Soeharto era family planning...

IBRA to invite tenders for BCA building today

IBRA to invite tenders for BCA building today JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will open the international tender sale of Wisma Bank Central Asia (BCA) office building from July 18 to Aug. 23, according to the agency asset disposal division head Dasa Sutantio.

Amendments to law on national films sought

Amendments to law on national films soughtBy Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): Law No. 8/1992 on films, containing 48 articles, is considered to be dominated by the administrative power in respect of national film development and growth.

Vice 'restaurant' busted in KL

Vice 'restaurant' busted in KL KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Police in the Malaysian capital busted a "restaurant" run by pimps which offered foreign prostitutes on the menu instead of regular meals, a news report said on Tuesday.

No need to summon Gen. Tyasno: Prosecutor

No need to summon Gen. Tyasno: Prosecutor JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutor Soejitno rejected on Tuesday a proposal to summon Army chief Gen. Tyasno Sudarto to testify as a witness in a Rp 19.2 billion (US$2.1 million) counterfeit money case at the Central Jakarta District Court.

Indonesia's Dede Suhendar advances in Future-3

Indonesia's Dede Suhendar advances in Future-3 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian tennis player Dede Suhendar Dinata cruised to the men's singles second round of the Extra Joss men's Future-3 on Tuesday after outclassing fellow countryman Andrian Raturandang 6-2, 6-2 in a second-day first round match at the...

Three die as Ambon conflict nears military HQ

Three die as Ambon conflict nears military HQ AMBON, Maluku (JP): Three people were killed on Tuesday as sectarian clashes in Ambon moved closer to the military headquarters in downtown Ambon, witnesses said.

Grieving woman survives fall

Grieving woman survives fall BANDUNG, West Java: A young women miraculously survived after throwing herself out of the fifth floor of the Al-Islam Hospital here on Tuesday in an attempted suicide.The woman, identified as Lina, 24, was still in coma Tuesday evening.

Conversion Rates

Conversion RatesBank Indonesia's conversion rates on July 18, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,995.00 9,995.00 9,448.00 9,542.00Australian dollar 1 5,257.58 5,847.08 5,522.36 5,582.07Austrian schilling 1 611.46 679.80 642.26 648.