Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 July 2000

59 articles found

World told not to meddle in Maluku

World told not to meddle in Maluku JAKARTA (JP): Just several hours after the European Parliament endorsed a call for possible international intervention in the provinces of Maluku and North Maluku, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab strongly warned the international community not to intervene...

Lokon volcano getting active

Lokon volcano getting active MANADO: A North Sulawesi vulcanologist has warned Kinilow and Kakaskasen villagers living near Lokon volcano to stay alert because the mountain was showing signs of activity.The mountain, some 25 kilometers from Manado, last erupted in 1991.

'TVRI' takes the plunge into public television

'TVRI' takes the plunge into public televisionBy Antariksawan Jusuf JAKARTA (JP): After years of heated debate, state-run television station TVRI finally declared as a nonprofit company, posing a larger challenge for its employees to meet insistent public demand for quality public television.

Sony defends decision to fire workers

Sony defends decision to fire workers BEKASI (JP): The management of PT Sony Electronics Indonesia (SEI) defended on Friday its decision to dismiss 928 employees, who have been involved in a protracted strike since April 26, 2000.The company's administration manager Lessy S.

Ambon residents flee after overnight raid

Ambon residents flee after overnight raid AMBON, Maluku (JP): Thousands of terrified residents fled the already ravaged village of Waai on Friday, following a murderous overnight raid by a group of heavily armed people.

Weekend lineup

Weekend lineup Following are sports competitions to be broadcast live this weekend on local stations (all times are in Jakarta time):Saturday Tennis Wimbledon women's final (tape delayed) RCTI at 11.30 p.m.Sunday Tennis Wimbledon men's final RCTI at 8.00 p.m.England GP 500 ANteve at 6.30 p.m.

Woman tells of ordeal with Salemba prison officers

Woman tells of ordeal with Salemba prison officers JAKARTA (JP): Dirty business knows no forbidden place. It takes place even in prison.Several prisons in and around Jakarta, also those located in other parts of the country, are widely known for rampant bribes and crooked guards and staff.

Dairy plans Indonesian outlet

Dairy plans Indonesian outlet SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd said it is planning to open 10 hypermarkets in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia over the next three years through unit Giant TMC Bhd.

RI benchmark bond spread widens

RI benchmark bond spread widens HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian benchmark bonds - apart from Indonesia's - tightened against U.S. Treasurys this week on a technical rebound thanks to the combined effect of rising U.S. bond yields and tighter swap spreads.

To the government and the Army

To the government and the Army I am taking advantage of freedom of speech which I heard was now available in my beloved country, something that still feels strange to me after decades of so-called tolerance and buried honest opinion. Nevertheless, allow me to share with you my burning thoughts.

Police deny starting riot

Police deny starting riot SURABAYA: Police have denied starting Wednesday's clash between themselves and members of the National Awakening Party's (PKB) civilian guard over a disputed building.East Java Police chief Insp. Gen.

Fashion shows, American food and the 4th of July

Fashion shows, American food and the 4th of JulyBy Danielle Bray JAKARTA (JP): The Star Spangled Banner it was not, however on July 4th, the Hyatt Aryaduta in Central Jakarta hosted the "All American Dream Party" to coincide with American Independence Day.

City seeking approval of stern security measures

City seeking approval of stern security measures JAKARTA (JP): City authorities called on Friday for City Council to issue a decree that will grant security agencies the authority to take stern action against rioters and criminals during the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly...

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 7, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 675 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 310 0 691,000 Alakasa Industrindo 800 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 875 -10...

Growth prospects

Growth prospects Both private-sector and government analysts as well as international economists, including those of the International Monetary Fund, remain optimistic that Indonesia's economy would be capable of expanding by at least 4 percent this year, despite the return of rupiah volatility and...

Pindad, police give conflicting account on AG office bomb

Pindad, police give conflicting account on AG office bomb BANDUNG (JP): State-owned weapons manufacturer PT Pindad denied on Friday reports it produced the bomb found at the Attorney General's Office in Jakarta on Wednesday."PT Pindad does produce explosives.

Fuad and Siswono to be queried over graft case

Fuad and Siswono to be queried over graft case JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman confirmed on Friday that two legislators of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will be summoned as witnesses in corruption cases involving former president Soeharto.

Vietnam to have stock market

Vietnam to have stock market HANOI (AP): Vietnam will launch its long-awaited stock market in Ho Chi Minh City on July 20 but so far only two companies are listed, State Securities Commission Chairman Nguyen Duc Quang said Friday.

Independent watchdogs question lineup of wealth auditing body

Independent watchdogs question lineup of wealth auditing body JAKARTA (JP): Opposition from leading independent watchdogs is mounting against the lineup of the 45-member Audit Commission on Officials' Assets, which was announced on Thursday by the House of Representatives (DPR).

The rising cost of transportation

The rising cost of transportation The government is planning to increase the economy class fares of four-wheeled vehicles by between 49.4 percent and 72 percent beginning in September.Given the present situation, with its load of uncertainties, the interests of all involved parties should, of...

RP says hostages safe, hopeful of breakthrough

RP says hostages safe, hopeful of breakthrough JOLO, Philippines (AFP): All 37 hostages held by Moro extremists in this southern Philippines island are safe with a breakthrough expected soon in the 10-week long crisis, President Joseph Estrada's government said on Friday.

GABSI eyes runner-up position at Olympics

GABSI eyes runner-up position at Olympics JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (GABSI) is optimistic its athletes can retain the runner-up position at the 11th Contract Bridge Olympics in Maastrict, the Netherlands, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 9.

RI rubber trees face axe for oil palm

RI rubber trees face axe for oil palm TEBING TINGGI, North Sumatra (Reuters): Security guards with automatic rifles patrol quiet forests of rubber trees on the island of Sumatra in the most stark reminder all is not well in Indonesia's rubber industry.

Students join the Navy for four days

Students join the Navy for four days JAKARTA (JP): Under the escort of their teachers, a group of 216 students from 33 high schools in Jakarta and several other provinces began a four-day excursion on a Navy warship on Friday evening.

KL concerned over investments in RI palm oil

KL concerned over investments in RI palm oil KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Indonesian assurances that Malaysian palm oil firms operating there will be safe have failed to comfort investors who have to deal with looting, red tape and political risk, industry sources said on Friday.

Government has no special plans to boost rupiah

Government has no special plans to boost rupiah JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said here on Friday that neither the government nor Bank Indonesia would take any special measures to shore up the ailing rupiah.

Gus Dur to answer interpellation motion

Gus Dur to answer interpellation motion JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung confirmed on Friday President Abdurrahman Wahid had agreed to attend a House plenary session on July 20 to answer an interpellation motion.

UI expert worries on mutilation cases

UI expert worries on mutilation cases JAKARTA (JP): Criminologist Erlangga Mesdiana from the University of Indonesia is worried that the failure to solve mutilation cases would lead others to imitate such sadistic killings.

Three telecom firms invest up to $1b in RP

Three telecom firms invest up to $1b in RP MANILA (Reuters): Singapore Telecom, Globe Telecom and Deutsche Telekom will invest US$800 million to $1 billion in the next 18 months in a Philippine mobile phone venture, National Telecommunications Commission chief Joseph Santiago said on Friday.

Iraq to select Indonesian firms for trading

Iraq to select Indonesian firms for trading JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government expects the Iraqi government to decide next week on which Indonesian companies qualify for the UN-sponsored "oil-for-food" program, Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut Pandjaitan said on Friday.

OPEC president to visit RI

OPEC president to visit RI SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Venezuela's oil minister, Ali Rodriguez, will arrive in Indonesia Sunday to speak at the Indonesian Investment Summit On Mining and Energy, or JIEC-2000, and to meet his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, according to a source at the...

RP, N. Korea to forge ties

RP, N. Korea to forge ties MANILA (AP): North Korea and the Philippines will sign an agreement next Wednesday establishing diplomatic ties, clearing the way for the communist country to participate in a regional security forum later this month, officials said on Friday.

Kurniawan, Mursyid and Kuncoro to play soccer again

Kurniawan, Mursyid and Kuncoro to play soccer again JAKARTA (JP): After weeks of uncertainty, the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has announced a shock decision to allow Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto and Kuncoro of the PSM Makassar soccer club and Mursyid Effendi from Persebaya Surabaya to return...

'Gardu' on 'Indosiar'

'Gardu' on 'Indosiar' On June 23, Indosiar televised a Gardu 30-minute program titled Quarreling All the Time, which was hosted by Emha Ainun Nadjib, better known as Cak Nun, and Gus Wahid. Syafi'i Ma'arif and Audi Wuisang were invited to appear on the program, and so were dozens of others.

Pertina has yet to prepare boxers for President Cup

Pertina has yet to prepare boxers for President Cup JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) deputy secretary general Didit Soedijoto said Friday that the organization had yet to prepare its boxers to compete in the President Cup in Bali by the end of this month.

Korpri and trade unions

Korpri and trade unionsFrom Media IndonesiaConvention No. 87/1984, ratified through Presidential Decree No. 83/1998, contains, among other things, the status of workers and individual businesspeople. Regardless of their status, they have the right to establish and follow whatever kind of...

Sunda Kalapa: The port where Jakarta began

Sunda Kalapa: The port where Jakarta beganBy Ida Indawati Khouw Sunda Kalapa Port in North Jakarta has a history as one of the most important international harbors in the world. Its existence dates back to the old kingdoms that once ruled over the city.

Locals loot chickens

Locals loot chickens TANGERANG (JP): Angry locals of Babat village here vandalized and looted the chicken breeding firm PT Sari Jaya Farm (SJF) late Thursday, following the recent arrest of two residents accused of stealing 45 chickens from the farm.

Suba Indah to build corn processing plant

Suba Indah to build corn processing plant JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed food and beverage company PT Suba Indah is to soon embark on the construction of a corn processing plant in Cilegon industrial estate in West Java.

Bun Yamin nominated for autonomy board

Bun Yamin nominated for autonomy board JAKARTA (JP): City Council on Friday elected Bun Yamin Ramto as the city's candidate for the membership at the Regional Autonomy Advisory Board, whose members will be elected in the upcoming National Consultative Forum next week.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Sculpture, Sketch Exhibition: Dua Perintis at Mon Decor Gallery, Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya no. 1 blok B 13-14, Central Jakarta (Phone: 6299660), Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until July 9.

RP's 2000 economic goals are achievable: IMF

RP's 2000 economic goals are achievable: IMF MANILA (AFX-ASIA): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the Philippines' 2000 gross domestic growth target for the year of 4-5 percent, its average inflation rate goal of 5-6 percent and its foreign exchange reserves target of over US$16 billion...

Govt to abolish airport tax

Govt to abolish airport tax JAKARTA (JP): The government will abolish next year the departure tax that is currently imposed on Indonesian citizens departing the country through airports or seaports, Minister of Tourism and Art Djaelani Hidajat said on Thursday.

Gus Dur says Indonesia will sell LNG to India and China

Gus Dur says Indonesia will sell LNG to India and China JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said Friday Indonesia would sell liquefied natural gas (LNG) products from the planned Tangguh LNG plant in Irian Jaya to China, and some LNG products from the Bontang LNG plant in East Kalimantan to...

Ministries asked to recruit more women for high posts

Ministries asked to recruit more women for high posts JAKARTA (JP): After nine months in office the State Minister for the Empowerment of Women is gaining insight into why her earlier appeals for ministries to recruit more women in high positions has not met with results.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on July 7, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,808.00 9,808.00 9,261.00 9,355.00Australian dollar 1 5,177.34 5,770.05 5,443.62 5,503.55Austrian schilling 1 608.42 677.78 639.71 646.

Raids may foreclose chances of Moro peace talks's success

Raids may foreclose chances of Moro peace talks's successBy Amando Doronila MANILA: President Joseph Estrada has confirmed that the military offensive to take the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s main base, Camp Abubakar, has been unleashed.

Thieves away with Rp 500m

Thieves away with Rp 500m BOGOR (JP): Police detectives are on the lookout for five men who made away with Rp 500 million (US$58,800) worth of cash, gold, diamond jewelry, and other valuables, during a Friday midday armed robbery at a private residence in the Villa Duta housing complex, East Bogor.

Asian monies down, uncertainty prompts demand for greenback

Asian monies down, uncertainty prompts demand for greenback SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mostly weaker late Friday as uncertainty over events in Indonesia and other countries prompted investors to stock up on dollars ahead of the weekend.

Daylight robbery on Jl. Sudirman

Daylight robbery on Jl. Sudirman JAKARTA (JP): Five muggers grabbed cash worth US$5,000 and Rp 1.8 million from businessman Syech Syarief Hidayat in a robbery under the flyover in front of the Bank Danamon building on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta on Thursday.

Indonesia and Israel: Beginning a new era

Indonesia and Israel: Beginning a new eraBy Eli Belotsercovsky JAKARTA (JP): During a recent seminar dedicated to ties between Israel and Indonesia at the University of Indonesia, a student asked why Indonesia should establish relations with Israel.

FPI members attack journalist amid protest

FPI members attack journalist amid protest JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Islamic Defender Front (FPI) attacked on Friday a journalist covering a protest by the group in front the National Police Headquarters on Jl. Trunojoyo in South Jakarta.

Astaga!com to offer its shares to public next year

Astaga!com to offer its shares to public next year JAKARTA (JP): Internet portal Astaga!com plans to offer shares to the public through the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), following the introduction of a development board in the exchange which allows prospective start-ups to raise funds on the market.

Govt must erase levies prior to transportation tariff hike: YLKI

Govt must erase levies prior to transportation tariff hike: YLKI JAKARTA (JP): New fares for sea and land transportation should take effect only after the government manages to eradicate illegal levies, an Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) executive said Thursday.

Cell phone mystery

Cell phone mystery While there has been some correspondence of late regarding the service of Garuda, both from the aspect of service and security of baggage in your paper, one area that desperately needs investigation is that of security from theft within the airport building.

Rubber producers join forces to lift falling prices

Rubber producers join forces to lift falling prices JAKARTA (JP): The world's three largest rubber producers, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, have agreed to join forces to combat falling rubber prices.

Capital punishment for drug dealers

Capital punishment for drug dealersFrom Media IndonesiaThe conditions in Indonesia remain uncertain and the most disturbing ones have been caused by drug circulation, counterfeit money and the problem of bad credit. Meanwhile, the legal system in Indonesia has dropped to its most worrying level.

244 HIV cases in Merauke

244 HIV cases in Merauke JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Merauke regent Jhon Gluba Gebze disclosed on Friday that there had been 244 recorded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the province until July this year.

Samsung launches new cell phone despite fall in its market share

Samsung launches new cell phone despite fall in its market share JAKARTA (JP): South Korean electronics giant PT Samsung Electronics Indonesia launched here on Friday a new model of its mobile telephone, the SGH-A100 amid its declining market share in the country.