Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 July 2000

59 articles found

Laser beams and music bring life to Malaysia cemetery

Laser beams and music bring life to Malaysia cemetery By 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. Inside the narrow interior, mourners and visitors can watch a statue of a Buddhist deity slowly emerging from smoke and flashing laser beams surrounded by soft music before the ashes of the cremated dead in urns are laid to rest.

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. Far worse than this, Indonesia ranks among the world's worst offenders of intellectual property rights.

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. "We've already met the IMF's deadline," Kwik told reporters. Kwik was commenting on an internal government deadline which falls this Thursday, to implement all reform programs as set out by the IMF.

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. "The snipers will be equipped with rubber bullets to prevent more brawls in the area," East Jakarta mayor Andi Mappaganty told reporters at City Hall.

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 Manggarai 18 said.

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. Noel Detoyato, spokesman of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said up to 100 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels staged the ambush along a major highway in Matanog town, Maguindanao province, 960 kilometers south of Manila.

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. "The (four months) the defendant spent at Salemba penitentiary is automatically subtracted from the sentence," presiding judge Hoepojo told the court.

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. embassy here, is on the upper end of the Singapore government's projection of a 5.5 to 7.5 percent growth in the city-state's gross domestic product (GDP).

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. Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, Gade Christensen said competing in the Indonesia Open was difficult because Indonesian shuttlers always did well at home.

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 mother-in-law Maria, 45, over garbage disposal problems. "I hit the victim because she insulted my future mother-in-law and said bad words to her.

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. "I ask PDI perjuangan members at the House to behave normally and properly during the hearing," Megawati was quoted by party legislator Heri Ahmadi as saying on Tuesday.

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. "Ultimately, like any business, if your costs go up, then that has to be reflected in the prices charged to the customer," Richard Stirland, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), said at a news conference.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock 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 Retailindo 885 0 0 Alter Abadi 265 -20 352,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,225 0 6,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 29,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,190 0 225,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

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. "These positive figures reflect the dynamic economic environment," said Luder Paysen, director of overseas sales for the BMW Group. They justified the strategy of investing during the downturn to "fully benefit when the economies recover", he said.

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.

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).

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 Benjamin Mangkoedilaga.

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.

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. The new system will replace one which enables recruits to join the Police Academy without first having field experience.

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 by those offering one-stop services.

Family planning program not yet popular among men

Family planning program not yet popular among men By 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. If you ask most men why they are reluctant to practice birth control -- or, in the local jargon become an akseptor -- they will probably say they support the state-sponsored family planning program but are reluctant to actively participate in it.

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. There was a young Indonesian woman there, whom I eventually found out I had to see first. This woman was surrounded by some Indonesian high school students who were there for information on a scholarship program.

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. Mahathir told parliament the large foreign firms, which he did not identify, claimed they would be able to make cars more cheaply and benefit buyers.

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. Speaking at a one-day seminar on Direct Presidential Election, Nurcholish refuted many beliefs that it was not the right time for Indonesians to elect a president directly.

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.

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. Bangkok wants to flesh out a proposal it made two years ago to move the bloc from a policy of mutual "non-interference" to more active cooperation, Thai and regional officials say. The ASEAN meetings begin on July 24 and end on July 29.

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. A ground official, standing on the airbridge, put his arm out to stop us while we watched in amazement as two flight attendants closed the airplane door. Then GA 831 backed up and was out of the gate ahead of schedule.

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. KPC representative for Jakarta Bambang Susanto said the workers resumed the blockade on late Monday after a deadlock in one-day negotiations. "We ended our negotiations at about 5 p.m.

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. The rupiah's recovery helped lift the Thai baht, the Philippine peso and the Singapore dollar off their intraday lows in late trading. In late trade, the dollar was at Rp 9,285, down from Rp 9,520 late Monday.

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. William Belchere, head of Merrill's Asia Economic & Fixed Income Research and Strategy, told Reuters the region's technology sector was expected to benefit from U.S. demand for electronics.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on July 18, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

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. Doctors said she suffered several broken bones after the 15 meter fall. Lina was apparently filled with grief and desperation just minutes before her fall.

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. In the latest fighting, heavily armed rioters penetrated the predominantly Christian Diponegoro and Mangga Dua districts, ransacking houses and setting fire to buildings and schools, they said.

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 Kemayoran Tennis Center, Central Jakarta. Indonesian young hopeful Febi Widhiyanto bowed out to Marcel Du Coudray of Mauritius 4-6, 4-6.

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. "We have evidence, such as the printing press and over Rp 1 billion in fake money. We also have 10 suspects.

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. The Malay Mail afternoon tabloid said the pimps had opened the Fire Phoenix restaurant in the working class district of Cheras as a front for a brothel, in an attempt to fool anti-vice squads.

Amendments to law on national films sought

Amendments to law on national films sought By 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. Half of those articles stipulate the government's involvement in the fostering of national films. Yet, the confirmation of film fostering is only stipulated in Paragraph VII, articles 36 and 37.

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. Dasa said on Tuesday that the one-tier tender sale would be handled by marketing agent CB Richard Ellis. He added that the winning bidder will be announced on Aug.

RI men still lackluster about contraception

RI men still lackluster about contraception By 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 campaigns.

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$273.68) a ton after trading as high as 1,055 ringgit. Volume was 1,062 lots. July (south) crude palm oil was offered at 1,020 ringgit a ton against bids of 1,015, and traded at 1,020. July (central) also traded at 1,020.

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. Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo appointed in a decree senior banker Rudjito as the new BRI president, replacing Djokosantoso Moeljono.

'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. The deceased, identified as Sukirman, 25, was caught stealing Dijo's trees on Monday evening. Sukirman was about to be taken to the village hall, when a vengeful mob gathered and beat the young man.

Rupiah must be replaced

Rupiah must be replaced From Bisnis Indonesia In 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. As a nation, we are worried about the weakening value of the rupiah because it exerts a direct impact on our microeconomic and macroeconomic condition.

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in Surabaya Exhibitions * 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. Performance * Summer Concert: Every Step of the Way by Glenn Bagus Zulkarnain at Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 545 4333), 8 p.m to 9 p.m., July 25.

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. But it said political uncertainty as well as an expected half a percentage point increase in U.S. interest rates are likely to weigh on regional currencies at least until the end of August.

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 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 9:35 Economic News 10:00 Comedy 10:30 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News TPI 5:30 a.m.

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. "The figure is for a stage one security level.

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 audit results.

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 match on Monday. Utut only finished last with 2.5 Match Points (MP). GM Viktor Bologan (2641) from Moldova earned the sixth cup after collecting 5.5 MPs.

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.

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 judges on July 13. The judges were Ketut Suraputra, Mariana Sutadi and Soeharto.

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. The tone of his diplomacy will underscore Indonesia's rejection of foreign intervention amidst growing foreign pressure on Jakarta to end the conflict or bring in international help. Alwi told reporters on Tuesday that he plans to meet with U.S.

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. But their roads to the final will not be easy as underdogs Persikota Tangerang and Pupuk Kaltim of East Kalimantan (PKT) have pledged to perform their best to clinch this year's title and earn Rp 75 million (US$7,895) prize money.

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. Owners of public transportation vehicles preferred not to operate; stranding would-be passengers on the roadsides. Public transport drivers who worked, took advantage of the situation by increasing fares by 100 percent.

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. The number of refugees who have sought refuge at Point-A area of the Exxon-Oil airport compound in Tanah Luas in North Aceh reached an estimated 20,000 people on Tuesday.

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 the oversight body's secretary.

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. The head of the City Public Order Office's public places division, Tony Boediono, said security officers did not even show up to help his men who were about to carry out the operation.

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. Sanchez, 33, suffered severe head wounds after businessman Munawar Akbar Ali allegedly pistol-whipped him on the disco's ground floor. The injured player was taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital.

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. The expected release of the seven remaining Malaysian hostages was reportedly put off on Tuesday due to the new demand by the Abu Sayyaf gunmen, the sources close to the negotiations said.