Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 July 2000

54 articles found

Drivers stage one-day strike

Drivers stage one-day strike PADANG, West Sumatra: Land communications between Bukittinggi and Padangpanjang were practically paralyzed on Thursday, as the drivers of inter-city mini vans, which connect the two cities, staged a one-day strike on Thursday. The drivers protested the decision made by Bukittinggi authorities which prohibited L-300 Mitsubishi vans from entering the Simpang Airkuning bus terminal.

PT Inco sees jump in second quarter unaudited net earnings

PT Inco sees jump in second quarter unaudited net earnings JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco) announced on Friday unaudited net earnings of US$29.2 million in the second quarter of 2000, or 12 cents per share, up from $4.1 million (2 cents per share) a year earlier. Net earnings for the first half of 2000 were $47.3 million, or 19 cents per share, compared to $2 million (one cent per share) in the corresponding period in 1999, Inco said in a statement.

Gomies, Saparipan reach quarterfinals

Gomies, Saparipan reach quarterfinals SANUR, Bali (JP): Indonesian boxers Bara Gomies and Juan Saparipan helped the host country save face by reaching the quarterfinals of the 19th President Cup after defeating their rivals on Friday at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel. Competing in the welterweight division, Bara, representing the Inti Garuda team, won convincingly over Ton Tun Oo of China with a score of 18-9.

Local labor unions to help protect RI workers overseas

Local labor unions to help protect RI workers overseas JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Labor Exporting Companies (Apjati) and 18 labor unions signed on Friday an unprecedented memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide protection and improve the bargaining position of Indonesian workers overseas.

Alarming attitude of minister

Alarming attitude of minister From Suara Karya Minister of Mines and Energy's instruction to Pertamina for import of premium at any cost to overcome the scarcity of fuel in East Java and Bali caused by the breakdown of Balongan refinery (Bisnis Indonesia July, 20), seems too responsive; it even disregarded the already miserable government's impoverishment. This instruction looked impetuously made, because "at any cost" reflects an irrational, wasteful, hasty, alarming measure.

Abdurrahman approves questioning of generals

Abdurrahman approves questioning of generals JAKARTA (JP): The President has issued an approval for a joint Indonesian Military/National Police investigative team to question several high-ranking military officers allegedly involved in the 1996 attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters, a senior officer said on Friday. "We have received the President's written permission to question the generals," Maj. Gen.

Police detect log theft spots

Police detect log theft spots PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Local police here have located six areas prone to log smuggling to neighboring Malaysia and 21 other areas where rampant border violations are the norm. Police spokesperson Ass. Supt. Suhadi SW said on Friday that his office has established security posts at Paloh, Seluas, and nearby Sungai Bening in Sambas regency, Jagoi Babang in Bengkayang regency, Senaning in Sintang regency, and Nanga Badau in Kapuas Hulu to foil log smuggling.

JSX delists 4 companies

JSX delists 4 companies JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) delisted four companies on Friday after they failed to disclose their 1999 financial statement to the public by the extended deadline of July 24. The four companies being delisted are PT Super Mitory Utama, PT Dharmala Sakti Sejahtera, PT Daya Guna Samudra and PT Bintuni Minaraya. The JSX said it had given numerous warnings before imposing the delisting measure on the four companies.

Fiji's new govt shuts out Speight's men

Fiji's new govt shuts out Speight's men SUVA (Reuters): Fiji appointed a new interim government on Friday without any rebel backers of jailed coup leader George Speight, who caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said no longer posed a threat. Speight, arrested by the military on Wednesday and facing possible treason charges, had threatened further civil unrest unless his supporters dominated the new government.

Govt steps in on Hanoi's 1st trading

Govt steps in on Hanoi's 1st trading HANOI (DPA): Vietnam's stock exchange finally began trading Friday, but regulators stepped in to cap rising share prices as buyers scrambled to find sellers during the historic opening day. "Vietnam has successfully conducted its first stock trades," Tran Dac Sinh, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Securities Trading Center (STC), told Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) by telephone.

Nitiprayan, a suburban artists' village

Nitiprayan, a suburban artists' village By Anis Suryani YOGYAKARTA (JP): Vincent Meyer, a French musician once wrote to his Indonesian friend, Yanto. Part of the letter was quoted in Yogyakarta CCF French Cultural Center's La Revue publication of the April-May 2000 edition. Meyer wrote: "September 1988, I had just come to Yogyakarta to teach note harmony at the School of Music of the city's Indonesian Institutes of the Arts (ISI) and I was looking for a house to rent.

UNPATTI vows to stay open despite damage

UNPATTI vows to stay open despite damage AMBON, Maluku (JP): State-run Pattimura University vowed on Friday to remain open despite massive damage to its 30-hectare campus. Most buildings were gutted when the campus came under armed attack on July 4, raising doubts about whether classes could resume when the semester holiday ends in September. The university, once seen as a symbol of neutrality in the Christian-Muslim conflict in Maluku, became the latest victim of arbitrary violence this month.

S'pore mission to Cambodia

S'pore mission to Cambodia SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore would send a trade mission to Cambodia from August 1-4, the Trade Development Board (TDB) said Friday. The four-day visit is in conjunction with Minister for Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo's visit to the country, it said. "The political and business situation in Cambodia has stabilized," said TDB's Deputy Director Cheang Kok Yun for the Southeast Asia region.

Where to go in Yogyakarta:

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Exhibitions * Painting exhibition Trouble Obsession Product by Yani Halim, Cemeti Art House, Jl D.I. Panjaitan 41 (phone: 0274-371015), July 5-31. * Artwork exhibition by Kontras Group ISI Yogyakarta, Beteng Vredeburg Museum, Jl A. Yani (phone: 0274-586934), July 15-22. * Midori Hirota Fine Art Exhibiton, Galeri Benda, Jl. Kemetiran Kidul 62 A (phone 0274-512795, e-mail: benda@angelfire.com http://benda.faithweb.com), from July 16 to Aug. 1, 2000, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Action to combat piracy urged

Action to combat piracy urged JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should join forces to combat rampant copyright and trademark piracy in the region, officials and experts on intellectual property rights said on Friday.

Ethnic groups plot along Thai border

Ethnic groups plot along Thai border BANGKOK (Reuters): Anti-government ethnic groups in Myanmar met on Friday on the Thai border to discuss plans to counter a new military offensive, ethnic leaders told reporters. Leaders of Karen National Union (KNU), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), Shan State Army (SSA) and Arakan Army met at a KNU base near Thailand's northern provinces of Mae Hong Son and Tak, 800 km north of Bangkok.

Gus Dur to take part in summit

Gus Dur to take part in summit JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid confirmed on Friday that he would take part in a meeting of political leaders in Yogyakarta next week. People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, meanwhile, continued his campaign to have the summit expanded to involve a more representative group of leaders, warning of problems ahead for the country unless leaders from outside Java were invited.

Laos, Cambodia accede to accord

Laos, Cambodia accede to accord BANGKOK (DPA): Laos and Cambodia acceded to the 1980 European Community-ASEAN Cooperation Agreement on Friday, opening the two desperately poor countries up to further development assistance from the European Community.

Comedian Doyok to stand trial soon: Officer

Comedian Doyok to stand trial soon: Officer JAKARTA (JP): The dossiers on comedian Doyok Sudharmaji, a self-confessed drug user, will soon be handed over to the Tangerang Prosecutor's Office, an officer said on Friday. "We are working on it. It will be handed over to the court very soon," City police detectives chief of narcotics Lt. Col. Abdullah said. He dismissed speculations that Doyok had not signed the dossiers.

Asian currencies mixed; expected lower next week

Asian currencies mixed; expected lower next week SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Friday, with the Thai baht and the Philippine peso resuming their recent downtrend, heralding more weakness for these Southeast Asian units. The dollar had rebounded above the 41 baht psychological resistance level, to trade at 41.225 baht in late trading, up from 40.925 baht late Thursday.

Expo expected to help boost flower business

Expo expected to help boost flower business JAKARTA (JP): Rawa Belong used to be an ordinary residential area, mostly home to the native Betawi until the 1980s. The locals who would pedal their bicycles several kilometers away to Cikini where they traded flowers, decided to run their businesses closer to home.

Philippine, Indonesian bonds weaken

Philippine, Indonesian bonds weaken HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Philippine and Indonesian benchmark bonds dipped this week because of continued social, political and economic concerns, while other Asian benchmark bonds held firm in overall thin summer trading. The spread on Indonesia's 2006 benchmark against equivalent U.S. Treasurys widened by 60 basis points Friday from a week ago while the spread of the Philippines' 2008 bond widened by 45 basis points.

Four police chiefs get new postings

Four police chiefs get new postings JAKARTA (JP): Four chiefs of police in the capital and several senior officers at Jakarta Police Headquarters will officially assume new posts beginning next Tuesday, about a week prior to the start of the Aug. 7 through Aug. 18 annual General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). A spokesman at National Police Headquarters, Sr. Supt. Saleh Saaf, said on Friday that the chiefs consisted of Sr. Supt. Timur Pradopo of Central Jakarta, Sr. Supt.

Government says PLN makes progress in talks with OPIC

Government says PLN makes progress in talks with OPIC JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PT PLN is making progress in its negotiations with American state insurance firm Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) over an outstanding US$290 million claim, Coordinating Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said on Friday. Kwik slammed U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Gelbard for his statement indicating the U.S.

No business, no friendship

No business, no friendship When browsing through my diary I came across the following memo. More than three decades ago, when I held the distributorship of Tiga Durian safety matches (there were only two distributors) this commodity had no competitor (in fact the import was banned) especially in West Java; So business was brisk.

NGO protests gun trade

NGO protests gun trade JAKARTA (JP): Government Watch (Gowa), a nongovernmental organization which keeps tabs on the government's performance, protested on Friday the National Police's decision to openly sell guns to public. Gowa coordinator Farid R. Faqih said the decision was incompatible with the effort to create peace and order in society. "Gun possession encourages people to commit anarchic acts," Farid told The Jakarta Post.

Sharing India's experience

Sharing India's experience By G.S. Edwin JAKARTA (JP): Democracy is peoples' aristocracy. As is the case with every aristocracy, it has its downside, which wrecked Indonesia's brief association with democracy, soon after it gained independence in 1945. Unfortunately, this downside seems to be a possibility even today. But there is no alternative to democracy, despite its imperfections and vulnerability. The appeal and the natural yearning of mankind for democracy make it a mighty brand equity.

Companies extend park conservation agreement

Companies extend park conservation agreement JAKARTA (JP): Eight East Kalimantan-based companies united in the Friends of Kutai National Park (Mitra TN Kutai) have agreed to continue their partnership in managing and developing the park, which has been damaged by forest fire and illegal logging.

Educated people go insane

Educated people go insane BANYUMAS, Central Java: Director of the state-run Banyumas Hospital, Sutoto, disclosed a surprising fact on Friday that the majority of psychiatric patients are educated people from the middle and upper income groups. According to Sutoto, most of the 53 patients treated at the mental hospital, went insane as they could not longer cope with the impact of the country's severe economic crisis.

Rich nations treating Asia as 'the cesspit'

Rich nations treating Asia as 'the cesspit' BANGKOK (AFP): The world's rich nations are treating Asia as the cesspit of the industrialized world by paying developing countries to take their toxic wastes, Greenpeace said on Friday. "Industrialized countries are spending money to dump waste in less developed Asian countries, and to buy incinerators in those countries to burn rich states' waste," said Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

Australia PM urges RI to tackle Timor militias

Australia PM urges RI to tackle Timor militias CANBERRA (Agencies): Australian Prime Minister John Howard called on Indonesia on Friday to beef up efforts against pro- Jakarta militias on the East Timor border after a New Zealand soldier was shot dead this week. "There are militia who are out of control. We urge the Indonesian government to redouble their efforts to bring them under control," Howard told Perth radio station 6PR.

Calm before the storm?

Calm before the storm? An eerie calm prevails as the countdown to the annual meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) begins. It seems that just about every party is going out of its way to ensure a successful meeting of the country's highest state institution, which opens on Aug. 7. The agenda seems to merit the efforts: This is a gathering where President Abdurrahman Wahid will present a progress report of his first year in office.

Pedicab drivers gear up for verdict

Pedicab drivers gear up for verdict JAKARTA (JP): Over 1,000 people, mostly becak (pedicab) drivers, will be waiting at the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday for the outcome of a lawsuit filed on their behalf against Governor Sutiyoso. "If the plaintiffs (pedicab drivers) lose the lawsuit, we will appeal to the Jakarta High Court. If they win, then there will be a sort of (pedicab) parade around the city," Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) spokeswoman Wardah Hafidz said on Friday.

Competition drives insurance premiums too low

Competition drives insurance premiums too low JAKARTA (JP): The Insurance Council of Indonesia (DAI) has expressed concern over the unhealthy competition among insurance companies in the domestic market that has caused the premiums for general insurance to fall to an unreasonable level. "The premium fees are so low that it could endanger the whole insurance industry," said chairman of DAI Munir Sjamsoeddin earlier this week.

Hendri goes to Future-4 singles and doubles final

Hendri goes to Future-4 singles and doubles final JAKARTA (JP): Rising Indonesian tennis star Hendri Susilo Pramono advanced to the men's singles and doubles finals on Friday at the Extra Joss Future-4 at the Kemayoran Tennis Center. Hendri sweated out a tight semifinal match against teammate Suwandi, emerging with a 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-4 triumph.

Employees in Sunter rushed to hospital with food poisoning

Employees in Sunter rushed to hospital with food poisoning JAKARTA (JP): Some 186 employees of PT Pulogadung Pawitra Laksana, an assembler of Isuzu Panther minivans located on Jl. Gaya Motor in Sunter district, North Jakarta, were rushed to three separate hospitals on Friday after complaining of nausea and giddiness. Both the victims and medical practitioners said food poisoning was the most probable cause of the incident. "The menu for Thursday's lunch were meat, soup and butter- fried shrimp.

Ginandjar clarifies role in recent graft allegation

Ginandjar clarifies role in recent graft allegation JAKARTA (JP): Former coordinating minister for economy and finance Ginandjar Kartasasmita visited the Attorney General's Office on Friday to clarify recent allegations that he was involved in graft concerning several dubious government contracts.

Bridging gap between leaders

Bridging gap between leaders YOGYAKARTA (JP): The revered Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Yogyakarta is scheduled to host a meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais on Tuesday. The Jakarta Post talked to the Yogyakarta ruler on Saturday about his initiative.

School for poor children opened

School for poor children opened By Joko E.H. Anwar JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of children between four and 10 years old gathered under the Gedung Panjang 2 flyover in Penjaringan district, North Jakarta, on Friday morning. They neatly stood in line while observing the opening ceremony of a new School for Poor People. The school is a 4.5 by 3.5 meter plywood classroom, erected below the flyover. The ceremony also initiated the school activities for the 2000/2001 school period. Farid R.

Nail 'mine' trap

Nail 'mine' trap From Suara Karya I also got annoyed because of the accident experienced by my friend when riding his motorbike on Jl. M.T. Haryono (from Tebet to Cawang, East Jakarta) around 9 p.m. recently. In front of Sinar Pagi office, the tire of my friend's motorbike deflated. The puncture occurred when he unintentionally ran over a mine field of nails. The nails seemed to have been purposefully spread on the road by mischievous hands.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on July 28, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Landasan Terus slams bankruptcy ruling

Landasan Terus slams bankruptcy ruling JAKARTA (JP): PT Landasan Terus Sentosa of the Ongko Group challenged on Friday the bankruptcy ruling issued by the Jakarta Commercial Court. John K. Azis, a lawyer representing Landasan Terus, said the court's bankruptcy ruling not only breached the spirit of the Bankruptcy Law but also directly interfered with the company's good-faith efforts to reach a debt settlement with creditors.

EC chief defends antidumping action against RI products

EC chief defends antidumping action against RI products JAKARTA (JP): European Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy defended on Friday the antidumping measures imposed on some Indonesian products, saying they were made in congruence with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Chinese loan to buy buses falls through

Chinese loan to buy buses falls through JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has failed to clinch a soft loan from the Chinese government for the purchase of new buses from the country but will still buy Chinese buses under a new scheme, Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday. "We attempted to secure the Chinese soft loan but to no avail and now there is a consortium. "I hope everything will go smoothly with this new scheme," the governor told reporters at City Hall.

TNI gear up security for MPR session

TNI gear up security for MPR session JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo Adisucipto has called on all regional military commanders to help police maintain security in the run up to the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in August. Widodo also said that the TNI would also concentrate on handling security in troubled areas in Aceh, Maluku, Irian Jaya and Central Sulawesi so the regional matters would not disturb the session in Jakarta.

ASEAN praised for its action on crisis

ASEAN praised for its action on crisis By Meidyatama Suryodingrat BANGKOK (JP): Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were praised here on Friday for taking tough action to overcome its economic crisis, but were also warned that further structural reform was needed to achieve a sustainable recovery.

Hotel Indonesia's history filled with art

Hotel Indonesia's history filled with art By Ida Indawati Khouw In the early years of Hotel Indonesia, one of Jakarta's most important landmarks, the hotel dealt very much with art. The hotel will celebrate its 38th anniversary on Aug. 5. This 49th article on old and protected buildings in Jakarta highlights the hotel's commitment to promoting the arts.

S'pore patriarch Lee to visit KL

S'pore patriarch Lee to visit KL BANGKOK (Reuters): Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew will make his first visit to Malaysia in 10 years, probably next month, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said on Friday. Syed Hamid said in an interview the trip by Lee, prime minister of Singapore for 31 years until 1990, would be informal.

Gus Dur ignores Amien's impeachment fulmination

Gus Dur ignores Amien's impeachment fulmination JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid lightly dismissed on Friday a suggestion by People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais that he could face an impeachment process in three months' time. The President, however, restrained himself from attacking Amien, saying he would abide by the wishes of the MPR as the highest state institution. The President is scheduled to appear before the MPR General Session on Aug.

Govt provides Rp 2b for SEAG training

Govt provides Rp 2b for SEAG training JAKARTA (JP): The government has allocated some Rp 2 billion (US$222,000) to help the National Sports Council (KONI) stage its four-month training program for the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur. KONI official in charge of athletes' development Mochamad Hindarto said the fund would be disbursed to some 27 sports organizations, whose sports have been ensured a place at the biennial event.

13 RP preachers no longer hostages, says negotiator

13 RP preachers no longer hostages, says negotiator JOLO, Philippines (AFP): Thirteen Christian preachers held by extremist kidnappers here for almost a month are no longer considered to be hostages, the government's chief negotiator said on Friday. Roberto Aventajado said he was assured by Abu Sayyaf leader Galib Andang the Jesus Miracle Crusade group were at the guerrilla hideout to help resolve the hostage crisis.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jul. 28, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 675 10 21,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 310 0 1,076,500 Alakasa Industrindo 900 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 895 -10 62,500 Alter Abadi 285 -10 112,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 -150 2,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 335 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,195 30 1,337,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Puppet craftsmen turn to farming

Puppet craftsmen turn to farming By Bambang Trisno YOGYAKARTA (JP): Tracking down handicrafts around and about this ancient city, you will arrive in Gendeng village in the Bantul area, which has been well-known for its wayang or leather puppet production for years. Located some 15 kilometers south of the city and three kilometers further on from the ceramic center of Kasongan, the village accommodates some 35 wayang puppet craftsmen.

Rupiah won't drop during MPR session: Economist

Rupiah won't drop during MPR session: Economist JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah is not likely to weaken much in the run up to the Aug. 7 through Aug. 18 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) General Session as some have feared, according to an economist at a state bank. Bank Mandiri chief economist Martin Panggabean said on Friday that the current weakening of the rupiah was only temporary as the country's economic fundamentals had improved.