Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 August 2000

60 articles found

Government told to sell assets quickly

Government told to sell assets quickly JAKARTA (JP): International economists urged the Indonesian government to accelerate sales of assets to speed up the pace of recovery and strongly warned against resorting to any form of exchange control as a quick fixer to stabilize the rupiah's exchange rate.

Wrong verdict

Wrong verdict When is a thief not a thief? When he returns the loot after being caught. That seems to be the message Judge Soedarto of the South Jakarta District Court sent by clearing businessman Djoko Tjandra of all criminal charges in the high-profile Bank Bali scandal on Monday.

Man burned for borrowing motorbike

Man burned for borrowing motorbike CILACAP, Central Java: A 25-year-old man was burned to death for being late in returning a motorbike he borrowed from a friend in Cilacap on Monday.Cilacap Police chief Supt.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Aug. 29, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,810.00 8,810.00 8,268.00 8,352.00Australian dollar 1 4,485.28 5,063.99 4,748.31 4,800.73Austrian schilling 1 509.63 575.52 539.51 545.

No decision on Aceh humanitarian pause

No decision on Aceh humanitarian pause JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Tuesday they had not decided whether to extend the humanitarian pause in Aceh, accusing Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists of having abused the three-month accord.

The use of contact lenses, not just for beauty

The use of contact lenses, not just for beauty This interactive health column is jointly run by The Jakarta Post and Singapore-based Parkway Group Healthcare. Readers are encouraged to ask questions through features@thejakartapost.com or direct to Parkway's san-san@gleneagles.com.sg.

Heavy punishment for rape defendants urged

Heavy punishment for rape defendants urged TANGERANG (JP): Dozens of activists from the Sexual Crimes Handling Network rallied at the district court here on Tuesday, demanding the court hand down heavy punishment to two Pakistanis charged with raping a local pregnant woman.

City bureaucracy

City bureaucracyFrom Warta KotaI have been a resident of an urban village in one corner of Jakarta since 1950 and have therefore witnessed how this capital city has developed.After the 1960s I was a little relieved when Jakarta was led by Ali Sadikin.

Drug smugglers 'deserve death'

Drug smugglers 'deserve death' TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Mayor HM Thamrin expressed his support on Tuesday for stiff sentences imposed on drug smugglers by the local court."Drug smugglers deserve the heaviest punishment. They cause the decay of the moral fiber of the younger generation ...

Suu Kyi, military in war of words

Suu Kyi, military in war of words YANGON (Agencies): Myanmar's military government launched a stinging attack on pro-democracy opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday as she entered the sixth day of a roadside confrontation with the authorities.

Hugo Chavez's aspirations

Hugo Chavez's aspirations The tour by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez through OPEC countries which finished last week has taken the president to visit the Iran of Mohammad Khatami, the Iraq of Saddam Hussein, the Libya of Moammar Gadhafi and the Algeria of Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

New chief economy minister to directly rule state firms

New chief economy minister to directly rule state firms JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli said on Tuesday his office would be directly in charge of the country's 155 state enterprises.

Open-air performance for orchestral group

Open-air performance for orchestral group SURABAYA (JP): Four years and 11 performances after it was establishment, the Surabaya Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was conducted by a foreign musician. Robin Clavreul, from France, had been teaching at a master-class workshop for six weeks before being given...

Abdurrahman brushes aside extramarital affair charge

Abdurrahman brushes aside extramarital affair charge JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid, when asked by journalists on Tuesday, brushed aside questions about news reports claiming he had an extramarital affair.He neither confirming nor denied the report.

Government studying plans to open free trade zones

Government studying plans to open free trade zones BANDUNG (JP): The Ministry of Industry and Trade is studying the possibility of establishing free trade zones in Sabang, Dumai, Batam, Bintan, Karimun, Natuna, Bitung, Morotai and Biak.Minister Luhut P.

Japanese firms extend Indonesian LNG contract

Japanese firms extend Indonesian LNG contract TOKYO (Dow Jones): Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Tohoku Electric Power Co. said Tuesday they have agreed with Indonesia's state-owned Pertamina to extend their existing term liquefied natural gas contract for five years through the end of 2009.

Damaged track disrupts trains

Damaged track disrupts trains BANDUNG: Damage to a railway track stretching between Padalarang and Purwakarta, West Java, disrupted trains on Tuesday.The Parahyangan and Argogede trains serving Bandung-Jakarta were among the trains affected by the railway track damage on Tuesday.

IBRA pays Rp 25.84t in guarantee fund

IBRA pays Rp 25.84t in guarantee fund JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has paid out some Rp 25.84 trillion (US$3.11 billion) since the government's guarantee scheme for the obligations of commercial banks began in early 1998.

A bad precedent

A bad precedent Joko Tjandra was exonerated of all charges (of corruption) -- a fact that demonstrates the rotten state of our judiciary. Joko Tjandra was standing trial in connection with the Rp. 904.6 billion Bank Bali scandal.

PT General Motors Indonesia launches second CBU model

PT General Motors Indonesia launches second CBU model JAKARTA (JP): PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI) launched the 1,800cc multipurpose vehicle (MPV) Chevrolet Zafira on Tuesday to cash in on Indonesia's rapidly growing market for completely built-up (CBU) cars.Zafira, priced at Rp 207.

Rupiah sets weaker tone on Asian monies

Rupiah sets weaker tone on Asian monies SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies slipped late on Tuesday, with the Indonesian rupiah setting a weaker tone amid lingering political doubts.But stronger-than-expected second-quarter economic growth in the Philippines cushioned the peso's slide,...

Soeharto ready to face trial, his lawyer says

Soeharto ready to face trial, his lawyer says JAKARTA (JP): "Soeharto is eager to attend," Juan Felix Tampubolon, one of president Soeharto's defense lawyers, said on Tuesday to end speculation over the former ruler's presence at the initial hearing on Thursday.

KL police meet RI counterparts

KL police meet RI counterparts YOGYAKARTA (JP): A one-day meeting between Indonesian National Police commanders and their counterparts from Malaysia was held at the Yogyakarta Garuda Natour Hotel on Tuesday.

Astra books 121% surge in net revenue

Astra books 121% surge in net revenue JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed automotive conglomerate PT Astra International announced on Tuesday its first-half net revenue jumped 121 percent to Rp 12.9 trillion (US$1.55 billion) from Rp 5.84 trillion in the same period last year.

Police to summon four 'missing' agrarian activists

Police to summon four 'missing' agrarian activists JAKARTA (JP): City Police will soon summon for questioning four activists in a bid to learn the truth about their whereabouts since the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), an officer said on Tuesday.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Music and Entertainment * Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 5454333): - Indigo Restaurant & Bar: Music You Can Talk To, live show at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Jazz Music on Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.* The Westin Surabaya, Jl.

ASEAN needs East Asian regionalism

ASEAN needs East Asian regionalismBy Eric Teo SINGAPORE (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is clearly at a crossroads. Its foreign ministers met in Bangkok at the end of July for its 33rd annual meeting.

C. Java shuttlers for world meet

C. Java shuttlers for world meet SEMARANG (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has selected five young Central Java shuttlers to join the national training center for the World Badminton Junior Championships in Beijing in November.

UN peacekeepers clash with militia in E. Timor

UN peacekeepers clash with militia in E. Timor DILI (Agencies): Australian peacekeepers exchanged fire with armed militia in the East Timor border area on Tuesday, the eve of the anniversary of the territory's independence vote, senior UN officials said.

Gus Dur stubborn

Gus Dur stubbornFrom Jurnal IndonesiaThe Cabinet that was announced on Aug. 23, 2000 demonstrates President Abdurrahman Wahid's stubbornness. As many know, he is considered stubborn and overconfident. He no longer listens to his close advisers.

Luwu riot instigators being hunted

Luwu riot instigators being hunted MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Police started on Tuesday to hunt the instigator of the Luwu riot after arresting 22 people for their involvement in the mayhem.Parepare Police chief Sr. Supt.

House to probe president over Bulog-gate scandal

House to probe president over Bulog-gate scandal JAKARTA (JP): Legislators expect an inquiry into the Bulog- gate and Brunei-gate scandals, which could be linked to President Abdurrahman Wahid, to be completed within two months.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 29, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 620 -30 15,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 260 -20 363,000 Alakasa Industrindo 815 0 0 Alfa Retailindo...

Union settles dispute with foreign tap water companies

Union settles dispute with foreign tap water companies JAKARTA (JP): Members of city-owned tap water company PD PAM Jaya's workers union have decided provisionally to accept PAM Jaya's two foreign partners.

Strong earthquake jolts Maluku islands

Strong earthquake jolts Maluku islands AMBON, Maluku (JP): A strong tremor measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale jolted the Maluku islands in the early hours of Tuesday, causing panic among residents.The earthquake, which hit at 12:05 a.m.

AIDS group protests screening

AIDS group protests screening KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia's biggest AIDS awareness and prevention body has protested a proposal by officials in a southern state to subject Muslim men to HIV tests before they are allowed to get married, a news report said.

Dengue fever kills 47 in Bangladesh

Dengue fever kills 47 in Bangladesh DHAKA (Reuters): Mosquito-borne dengue fever has killed at least 47 people in Bangladesh over the past six weeks, health officials said on Tuesday."We have so far received information of 47 deaths and 2,657 people affected by the disease all over the country...

Social agency proposes reallocation of iddle funds

Social agency proposes reallocation of iddle funds JAKARTA (JP): The City Social Agency is proposing using the currently idle Rp 1.6 billion (US$188,235) fund in the city budget to improve social services.

S'pore to spend $1.17m promoting RI tourism

S'pore to spend $1.17m promoting RI tourism SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore said Tuesday it has earmarked S$2 million (US$1.17 million) to help promote giant neighbor Indonesia as a tourism destination.The Tourism Cooperation Package aims to invite travel agents from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan as...

Indonesia confident of second victory

Indonesia confident of second victory JAKARTA (JP): A winning start on Monday has given host Indonesia a precious boost ahead of its second match in the Independence Cup soccer tournament against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.

East Timor suspects to be named within two days

East Timor suspects to be named within two days JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General Marzuki Darusman admitted that President Abdurrahman Wahid had recommended naming some two- star generals as suspects in the East Timor human rights violation case.

Government to review plan to hike fuel prices

Government to review plan to hike fuel prices JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Tuesday it would review its plan to hike fuel prices by an average 12 percent as of October this year, due to an expected windfall of Rp 11 trillion (US$1.3 billion) from oil exports.

Small, medium-scale firms doing well: Economists

Small, medium-scale firms doing well: Economists JAKARTA (JP): International economists shared their view here on Tuesday that small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) have played a central role in Indonesia's nascent economic recovery.

Government pledges to revitalize ailing tourism sector

Government pledges to revitalize ailing tourism sector JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika said on Tuesday that he would form a cooperation forum to help revitalize the country's ailing tourism sector.

Sofyan to create new forum to replace DPUN

Sofyan to create new forum to replace DPUN BANDUNG (JP): Sofyan Wanandi, renowned businessman and former chairman of the now defunct National Business Development Council (DPUN), said here on Tuesday he would create a new forum to fulfill DPUN's unfinished programs and obligations.

Yogyakarta cultural show in Jakarta

Yogyakarta cultural show in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, who is also the ruler of the sultanate, is slated to open a two-day arts and cultural show to commemorate the 253rd anniversary of Yogyakarta.

'Export' of female workers to continue

'Export' of female workers to continue JAKARTA (JP): Newly-appointed manpower and transmigration minister Al-Hilal Hamdi dismissed protests over the sending of female workers overseas, saying that labor exports were essential in helping to reduce the alarming level of unemployment here.

Kondo aims high in pole vaulting event

Kondo aims high in pole vaulting event JAKARTA (JP): To continually reach the height of competitions is the unproved ambition of women's pole vaulter Takayo Kondo of Japan.After winning her maiden international gold medal in the 13th Asian Track and Field Championships in Jakarta on Tuesday, the...

L&M group sues RI unit

L&M group sues RI unit SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): L&M Group Investment Ltd. said on Tuesday a US$19 million lawsuit has been filed by PT Jakarta Depot Satellite against its Indonesian unit PT VdH-Teguh Sakti, and not against it, contrary to press reportsL&M acquired PT VdH-Teguh Sakti from Van Der...

New Cabinet more secure now

New Cabinet more secure now With the Vice President now assigned to technical details of governance, allegations involving the President will not likely affect the new Cabinet, says Arbi Sanit, a political science lecturer at the University of Indonesia.

KL outing for table tennis players

KL outing for table tennis players JAKARTA (JP): Eight table tennis players will measure their skills in the Southeast Asia (SEA) Table Tennis Association Championships in Kuala Lumpur from Sept. 6 to Sept. 9.

Real estate business in Surabaya: How to survive the crisis

Real estate business in Surabaya: How to survive the crisisBy Sirikit Syah SURABAYA: The activities of Real Estate Indonesia (REI) members in East Java have not change much since the monetary crisis hit the country in 1997.

Eight major issues seen influencing rupiah rate

Eight major issues seen influencing rupiah rate JAKARTA (JP): The chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank in Indonesia, Raymond Ferguson, said here on Tuesday the country would have to live with a volatile rupiah at least for the short term.

Making efforts to boost North Sulawesi tourist sector

Making efforts to boost North Sulawesi tourist sectorBy Harry Bhaskara MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Even though this province first appeared on the international tourism map in the 1970s much of its potential remains untapped.

Worsening situation

Worsening situationFrom Jurnal IndonesiaI'm concerned that the economy is worsening. Many factors support my concern. After current developments, many people have voiced disappointment with President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's administration.

Kondo equals record, Irene fails in sprint

Kondo equals record, Irene fails in sprint JAKARTA (JP): Japan lived up to its status as one of the continent's athletics' powerhouses when it scooped two gold medals on the second day of the 13th Asian Track and Field Championships at the Senayan Madya Stadium on Tuesday.

Property sector reflects problems in Surabaya

Property sector reflects problems in Surabaya SURABAYA: While developed countries are moving forward, Indonesia is stepping backward, due to too much arguing over insignificant things, said an expert on city planning.

VCD vendors make killing with local skin-flick

VCD vendors make killing with local skin-flick JAKARTA (JP): A pornographic video compact disc (VCD) featuring young Indonesians is a fast selling item in the vicinity of the Glodok Harco electronics shopping complex in West Jakarta.

Susilo pledges to tackle conflicts in restive areas

Susilo pledges to tackle conflicts in restive areas JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Lt. Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said one of his top priorities would be to help resolve problems in the strife-torn provinces of Aceh, Maluku and Irian Jaya.

Councillors accused of receiving Rp 16b bribe

Councillors accused of receiving Rp 16b bribe JAKARTA (JP): Some 50 activists from the Communication Forum for Relatives of the 124 victims of the July 27, 1996 incident staged a protest at the City Council on Tuesday.