Archive: 15 September 2000
54 articles found
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt must take real action
Govt must take real action When reading statements from the President and ministers, especially about how rebellions are being handled in certain areas one cannot escape a feeling of satisfaction for the resoluteness shown in those statements. But after a few days, optimism dies down and doubts regain the upper hand. The President has many times issued tough warnings, like arresting those rebels and stating that the government has no intention of compromising with law breakers.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Sjahril visits ailing father
Sjahril visits ailing father PADANG, West Sumatra: Sentiment dominated the reunion between suspended Central Bank governor Sjahril Sabirin and his ailing 91-year-old father at Yarsi Islamic Hospital in Bukittinggi on Thursday. Sjahril, a suspect in the high-profile Bank Bali scandal, has been granted a five-day leave by the Attorney General's Office to visit his father, Ahmad Sabirin, who has been in hospital for 10 days for a heart condition.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
New Order agents 'might be behind bomb blasts'
New Order agents 'might be behind bomb blasts' JAKARTA (JP): The government pledged on Thursday to get to the bottom of a series of bomb attacks here and was cautiously suggesting that remnants of the New Order regime or wayward military personnel might be behind the senseless acts. Attorney General Marzuki Darusman told reporters after a biweekly Cabinet meeting that President Abdurrahman Wahid has instructed the Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Forum organizer
Forum organizer Thank you very much for the photograph of Junior Minister Cacuk Sudarijanto and myself on page 12 of the Sept. 14 issue of The Jakarta Post. We sincerely appreciate the coverage of our Forum. I would like to point out, however, an error in the caption as the Forum was jointly organized by Castle Group and PT InterMatrix, not Castle Group alone. JAMES CASTLE Castle Group Jakarta
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta blast sends Asian shares lower
Jakarta blast sends Asian shares lower TOKYO (AFP): Share prices in most Asian markets ended lower on Thursday with sentiment in southeast Asia hurt by the deadly bomb blast at the Jakarta Stock Exchange building a day earlier. The Jakarta market was closed Thursday after 10 people were killed by a bomb in the basement of the exchange building and would be reopen on Monday. Tokyo share edged up 0.1 percent as Japanese high-technology shares got a boost from the US Nasdaq market.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Sons of Chinese president, Taiwan tycoon join forces
Sons of Chinese president, Taiwan tycoon join forces TAIPEI/SHANGHAI (Reuters): Sons of Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Taiwan plastics tycoon Wang Yung-ching will build a landmark US$1.6 billion chip fabrication plant in China -- a venture sure to test political limits in Taipei. Jiang Mianheng and Winston Wang will jointly set up a foundry in Shanghai with a monthly production capacity of 35,000 eight- inch wafers, Tim Chuang, spokesman for Wang's plastics and electronics firm Grace T.H.W.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
MPR members' planned overseas trip questioned
MPR members' planned overseas trip questioned JAKARTA (JP): The countries two largest political parties slammed on Thursday a planned trip to dozens of countries by 90 members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) working committee as extravagant and unnecessary. The legislators are planning to go on tour to promote the results of the recent MPR Annual Session to Indonesian citizens living abroad.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Possibility of disintegration
Possibility of disintegration It would appear, quite ominously, that history could well repeat itself in Indonesia. Although decentralization, devolution and autonomy may enhance the cause of democracy in many other countries, in Indonesia it may do quite the opposite.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
S. Sumatra needs Rp 140b to host PON
S. Sumatra needs Rp 140b to host PON SEMARANG (JP): South Sumatra's authorities have allocated some Rp 140 billion (US$16 million) to stage the 16th National Games (PON) in 2004, Governor Rosihan Arsyaad said on Wednesday. "The budget is bigger than that spent by the East Java authority to host the 15th PON, because we have limited sports facilities," he said during a visit to Semarang and Surabaya. He said that the budget would be obtained from local businessmen or investors.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
C. Java sends 12 karatekas
C. Java sends 12 karatekas SEMARANG (JP): Central Java is sending 12 karatekas to fight in the KSAD (Army Chief of Staff) Cup national karate championships in Palembang, South Sumatra, from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Governor uninformed of fuel subsidy
Governor uninformed of fuel subsidy JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso is in the dark about the government's plan to provide cash to the city's poor to protect them from the effects of fuel price hikes due in two weeks. "Although it is already mid-September, the central government has not contacted me, and the city administration cannot prepare anything to anticipate the fuel hikes because there are no guidelines at all," Sutiyoso said on Wednesday.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Two injured in rally near Soeharto's home
Two injured in rally near Soeharto's home JAKARTA (JP): Students from pro- and anti-Soeharto groups met in another face-to-face confrontation near the former president's residence in Central Jakarta on Thursday, leaving at least two anti-Soeharto protesters injured by the police. The presence of the two rival groups at the site left local residents in the plush Menteng area nervous.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Monagro goes ahead with plan on transgenic cotton
Monagro goes ahead with plan on transgenic cotton JAKARTA (JP): PT Monagro Kimia said it would go ahead with its plan to sell transgenic cotton seeds in South Sulawesi despite the suspension of a cooperation agreement with the government. PT Monagro Kimia spokeswoman Tri Sukirman said the suspension had no effect on the company's plan to supply cotton seeds to farmers' plantations in the province.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Marlboro to reveal winter adventure
Marlboro to reveal winter adventure JAKARTA (JP): Cigarette producer Philip Morris Indonesia has introduced a new challenge for Indonesian adventurers with its Marlboro Adventure Team Winter Challenge 2000. "The program has always been staged during the summer and now it's about time for us to make a difference this year. That's why we decided to have the winter theme," the company's marketing manager, David Tjokro, said during a media conference on Thursday.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
IDI legal advisor defends members' independence
IDI legal advisor defends members' independence JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) defended on Thursday the independence of its members examining whether former president Soeharto is fit to stand trial for corruption. "Doctors are independent and they are professionals. They must be free from any coercive offers when they perform their duties.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Judge tells prosecutors to produce Soeharto in court
Judge tells prosecutors to produce Soeharto in court JAKARTA (JP): Presiding judge Lalu Mariyun ordered prosecutors in the trial of former president Soeharto's US$571 million graft case to bring the defendant before the court at the next hearing on Sept. 28, 2000. The move was taken after Soeharto failed to show up for the second court hearing on Thursday due to his allegedly poor mental condition.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Retreating to 'New Order speak'
Retreating to 'New Order speak' By Damien Kingsbury MELBOURNE (JP): When Indonesia was still under the rule of president Soeharto, one of its most notable characteristics was the government's use, or misuse, of language. In simple terms, what was said by political leaders about sensitive situations rarely reflected what was actually happening, creating a sense of unreality in public discourse. Under Soeharto, information became misinformation or, more accurately, propaganda.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Most airports managed by Angkasa Pura suffer losses
Most airports managed by Angkasa Pura suffer losses JAKARTA (JP): State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I, which manages 13 airports in the central and eastern parts of the country, said only three of its airports were profitable.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Microsoft makes deal with India's Infosys
Microsoft makes deal with India's Infosys NEW DELHI (AFP): Bill Gates on Thursday announced a strategic global partnership for software development between his firm Microsoft Corp. and Indian information technology (IT) company Infosys Technologies Ltd. The announcement was made the day after Gates arrived here for a two-day visit, which coincided with the 10th year of Microsoft's Indian operations.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies mixed late after rupiah recoups loss
Asian currencies mixed late after rupiah recoups loss SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Thursday, after the Indonesian unit's failure to test the psychologically-important Rp 9,000 support level helped most of its other Southeast Asian counterparts recoup their losses, dealers said. The rupiah, the Singapore dollar and the Philippine peso were firmer, while the Thai baht continued to be weighed on by dollar demand from corporates and offshore players, dealers said.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Drought hits 11 regencies
Drought hits 11 regencies SEMARANG: A prolonged drought has extended its sphere of influence in Central Java as residents living in 11 regencies in the province began to run out of water, a provincial legislator said on Thursday. Secretary of Commission B for Economic Affairs Sutoyo Abadi said based on his recent field study, the drought-stricken regencies were Wonogiri, Boyolali, Pemalang, Sragen, Tegal, Blora, Cilacap, Purworejo, Kebumen, Klaten, Demak and Grobogan.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian palm oil pulls off low in technical bounce
Malaysian palm oil pulls off low in technical bounce KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil prices pared losses on Thursday in a technical rebound after recent sharp losses. The benchmark third-month November futures contract closed eight ringgit down at 964 ringgit ($253.68) a ton after hitting a low of 950 ringgit. Traders pegged immediate support at 950.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
MPR entreated to rule on Soeharto's political status
MPR entreated to rule on Soeharto's political status JAKARTA (JP): In order to prepare for a long and complicated trial of former president Soeharto and its consequences, it is necessary for the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to decide on the political status of the former ruler, an observer said on Thursday.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina to cut employees
Pertamina to cut employees YOGYAKARTA (JP): State-owned oil and gas company, Pertamina, will gradually, in the next five years, reduce the number of its employees to reach an ideal number of around 17,000, an official said. Wawan Irawan, head of Pertamina's Human Resources Development Division said in Yogyakarta on Wednesday that offering an early pension scheme would be the best way to reduce the number of employees. "Dismissals or layoffs will be the last option.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Samaranch denies statement on Hasan
Samaranch denies statement on Hasan JAKARTA (JP): President of the International Olympics Committee (IOC) Juan Antonio Samaranch told a press conference in Sydney on Thursday that he never issued a statement, which became headlines in Australian newspapers, asking the Indonesian government to release Mohammad "Bob" Hasan to enable him to attend the Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
PITI urges an end to societal segregation
PITI urges an end to societal segregation YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesians must overcome the imposed colonial legacy of social divisions if the relationship between ethnic Chinese and non-Chinese is to prosper, the caretaker chairman of the Association of Indonesian Chinese Muslims (PITI) Usman Effendy said.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Farmers struggle to bring back citrus glory
Farmers struggle to bring back citrus glory By Kartika Bagus C KARANGANYAR, Central Java (JP): Those visiting the scenic Tawangmangu resort in the 1980s would have sweet recollections of the famous local citrus. In the past, it would be incomplete for people frequenting Tawangmangu to return home without the Tawangmangu citrus as oleh-oleh (gifts) for friends and relatives. The Tawangmangu oranges were highly priced for its sweetness and large size.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ministers' teamwork lacking
Ministers' teamwork lacking From Jurnal Indonesia Reports that President Abdurrahman Wahid was planning to buy a presidential aircraft like Air Force One of the United States have come as a great shock because our country is still in a devastated condition. Gus Dur, the nickname of Abdurrahman Wahid, is indeed noted for his penchant for strange things. Fortunately, he has aborted this plan.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
C2C signs MOU with Telkom
C2C signs MOU with Telkom SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore-based telecommunications consortium C2C Pte. Ltd. said Thursday it had signed a memorandum of understanding with PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) to explore a joint venture. Under the accord, PT Telkom will seek approval from the Indonesian government for C2C, a major undersea cable operator, to land its cable in Anyer, Java.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P office attacked
PDI-P office attacked PALU, Central Sulawesi: Some 150 Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) supporters attacked the office of the party's provincial chapter on Wednesday to protest what they called the undemocratic election of Dahyar Alatas as chairman. The protesters pelted the office on Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin in Marawola district, causing severe damage to its windows and wooden gate.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
People urged to join fight against illiteracy
People urged to join fight against illiteracy JAKARTA (JP): A noted sociologist called on Thursday for the people's active participation in helping the government deal with the illiteracy problem. Paulus Wirutomo, a sociologist from the University of Indonesia, said the government could not solve the problem of illiteracy alone as there were other prime factors outside the education system that led to such a large number of illiterate Indonesians.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Local cosmetic giants in dispute over name
Local cosmetic giants in dispute over name JAKARTA (JP): What's in a name? Shakespeare may well dismiss the significance of a name, but two local cosmetic giants, PT Mustika Ratu and Martha Tilaar (owner of PT Tiara Permata Sari) appear to be heading for a legal collision over just that. Lawyer Todung Mulia Lubis, representing Mustika Ratu, wrote a letter on Sept. 11 reprimanding Martha Tilaar for using the name "Taman Sari" on some of its cosmetic products.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Xanana demamds countries stop aiding Indonesia
Xanana demamds countries stop aiding Indonesia DILI, East Timor (AP): East Timor's independence leader on Thursday demanded donor countries withhold crucial economic aid for Indonesia until it disbands pro-Jakarta militia gangs in West Timor. Jose "Xanana" Gusmao said in a statement the militias were still roaming Indonesian-controlled West Timor with impunity after killing three U.N. foreign aid workers and three Indonesians on Sept. 6.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Military retains resources to make come back: Report
Military retains resources to make come back: Report JAKARTA (JP): Despite its waning political influence, the military -- especially the Army -- retains several "political resources" which could enable it to come back in the future, an international policy research group warned in a recent report.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
PRD hearing postponed over technicality
PRD hearing postponed over technicality JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court adjourned on Thursday the hearing of a Rp 5.2 billion (US$612,000) lawsuit against former president Soeharto and 11 other defendants. The court session, held simultaneously with the former president's US$571 million graft trial at the South Jakarta District Court, was to hear a statement from the defense in response to the suit filed by the Democratic People's Party (PRD).
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Construction permit policy still hamstrung
Construction permit policy still hamstrung JAKARTA (JP): A policy aimed at encouraging citizens to seek construction permits for small homes is still hamstrung by a lack of preparation both from officials and residents. Permits from district offices for the construction of 200- square-meter or smaller houses, had become compulsory on Sept. 1. The permits now can be issued in nine days if the applicant has all the necessary documents, compared to the earlier processing period of 24 days.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Court dismisses Nestle's lawsuit against Andec
Court dismisses Nestle's lawsuit against Andec JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District Court dismissed on Thursday the lawsuit filed by Swiss-based food products producer PT Nestle Indonesia against New Zealand-based milk producer PT New Zealand Milk Indonesia Andec over an advertising flap. Presiding judge M.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Vilifying Wiranto
Vilifying Wiranto The relentless vilification of Pak Wiranto over the East Timor saga is typical of a society thirsting for a scapegoat. Everyone, it seems, is jumping on the "get Wiranto" bandwagon. Why? Because he was head of the Indonesian Military at the time. Surely a leader can only wield so much influence over his subordinates. Pak Wiranto, as far as I understand, responded appropriately and professionally to each and every crisis during East Timor's protracted and traumatic balloting.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Maan and Danny share lead in JJGF Open
Maan and Danny share lead in JJGF Open BOGOR (JP): Defending champion Maan Nasim of Indonesia and Malaysian Danny Chia shared the lead on the first day of the JJGF Open Golf Championships 2000 - Epson Cup with three-under-par 69 on Tuesday. Maan produced two birdies in the first nine at holes five and six but spoiled his chances by hitting three bogeys at holes two, seven and eight.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
RP Gas stations hit by bombs
RP Gas stations hit by bombs COTABATO, Philippines (AP): At least five people were injured when homemade bombs exploded Thursday at gas stations in three southern Philippine towns, police and radio reports said. The bombings came on the eve of a planned protest against rising oil prices. No group claimed responsibility for the blasts. The first bomb exploded at a Shell station in Pikit in North Cotabato province, injuring gasoline station attendants.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conditions in Indonesia put SE Asia at stake
Conditions in Indonesia put SE Asia at stake By Marvin Ott SINGAPORE: Since the fall of Soeharto's New Order regime, a question has been heavy in the air: Can Indonesia survive as a viable, coherent nation? The bloody secession of East Timor, followed by communal warfare in Maluku and elsewhere, put the issue into high relief.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bomb blast, gunfight add to fears in Aceh
Bomb blast, gunfight add to fears in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): A gunfight in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, and an explosion in Banda Aceh further shook the province on Wednesday evening. No fatalities were reported in the incidents as a campaign of terror believed to be the work of armed rebels continued, a police officer said on Thursday. The deputy chief of operations with the Banda Aceh Police, Supt. Y. Suyatmo, said a homemade bomb exploded at an office complex on Jl.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
'Angkot' drivers in Bogor upset
'Angkot' drivers in Bogor upset BOGOR (JP): Dozens of angkot (public minivans) that usually operate from the busy Parung terminal here gathered at the Bogor Regency council on Thursday to request that authorities meet their promise to impose controls over street vendors at the terminal.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Telkom partners threaten to end KSO contracts
Telkom partners threaten to end KSO contracts JAKARTA (JP): PT Telkom's five foreign partners have threatened to pull out of their Joint Operation Schemes (KSO) contracts if the telecom giant fails to come up with a more reasonable deal.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock clearing at SSX halted
Stock clearing at SSX halted JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Central Securities Depository (KSEI) and the Indonesian Clearing and Settlement Agency (KPEI) said on Thursday they would halt all clearing and settlement activities at the Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSX) until trading at the Jakarta Stock Exchange resumed.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 14, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Floods and storms leave 600,000 people homeless
Floods and storms leave 600,000 people homeless HANOI (AP): Rescue workers distributed noodles, drinking water and mosquito nets on Thursday to people stranded by unprecedented floods that have left about 600,000 people homeless in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Officials said at least 88 people have died in Cambodia and eight in Vietnam in the floods and tropical storms since July.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Chase Manhattan gets added clout in Asia with J.P. Morgan purchase
Chase Manhattan gets added clout in Asia with J.P. Morgan purchase SINGAPORE (Reuters): Chase Manhattan Corp. will boost its Asian investment banking business with its US$35 billion acquisition of blue-blooded global player J.P. Morgan, but the deal won't catapult it to number one in some big markets. The companies employ nearly 9,000 in Asia with Chase accounting for almost 80 percent of that figure.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
The usual suspects
The usual suspects The bomb explosion at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building on Wednesday has set off another police investigation, which, in all likelihood, will end up going the same way as other investigations into recent atrocities: nowhere. With the police still in the dark about the blast outside the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta on Aug. 1, there is every reason to think that this probe will be just as fruitless and frustrating.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Susilo, Gusmao, de Mello meet to discuss E. Timor
Susilo, Gusmao, de Mello meet to discuss E. Timor DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Indonesia's top political and security officials held closed-door meetings here with East Timor leader Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao and United Nations officials late on Thursday. Held at the Sheraton Laguna Hotel in Nusa Dua, 15 kilometers south of here, the formal talks only began at 11.30 p.m. local time after dinner. They had already met for an informal meeting which took place between 8 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Procon Indah declares force majeure at JSX building
Procon Indah declares force majeure at JSX building JAKARTA (JP): PT Procon Indah, the property company which manages the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building, disclaimed on Thursday any responsibility for the deaths, injuries and damage caused by the blast in the building's underground parking lot on Wednesday. Procon Indah employee Carrey Alam expressed regret at the incident, but stressed that the explosion was beyond the company's control. "It was a force majeure.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 8:30 Music 9:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. Olympics Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony (live) 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 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 8:30 Variety Show TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Good Morning Indonesia 7:00 Music 8:00 Music 9:00 TV Drama 10:00 Music 11:00 Quiz 12:00 p.m.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rexy to carry RI flag in Games' opening ceremony
Rexy to carry RI flag in Games' opening ceremony JAKARTA (JP): The 1996 Olympic Games badminton men's doubles gold medalist Rexy Mainaky will carry the red-and-white banner for the Indonesian contingent in the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney on Friday. Chef de mission, Arie Sudewo, said in a teleconference from Sydney on Thursday that he personally would lead the contingent in the parade.
Fri, 15 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
JSX blast shatters investor confidence
JSX blast shatters investor confidence JAKARTA (JP): The blast at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building on Wednesday has further rattled investor confidence in the country and may slowdown the economic recovery process, analysts and government officials say. Stock analyst Dandossi Matram said on Thursday that the bombing further increased the risk associated with Indonesia. "When someone bombs a stock exchange building, it's bound to attract international attention," he said.