Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 September 2000

64 articles found

Indosat ready to go ahead with divestment

Indosat ready to go ahead with divestment JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed international telephone operator PT Indosat said on Wednesday it was optimistic it would be able to meet the government's requirement to divest of its holdings in at least two non-core businesses by the end of this year.

Microsystems, Metrodata tie up

Microsystems, Metrodata tie up JAKARTA (JP): Sun Microsystems Inc of Singapore announced on Wednesday its plan to form a joint venture with PT e- Metrodata.Com to distribute its products and services in Indonesia.

Cimande bridge closed for repairs

Cimande bridge closed for repairs BOGOR (JP): The 45-meter-long and seven-meter-wide Cimande bridge, the major connection between Ciawi and Sukabumi, will be temporarily closed to traffic from next Thursday until end of this year.

Analysis of chaos in regent elections

Analysis of chaos in regent elections The election of regents is one important feature of autonomy. But chaos colored the election recently in Sampang on Madura, East Java, and earlier in several other regencies, such as Malang and Mojokerto.

Clean Up Bali 2000 targets precious coastline

Clean Up Bali 2000 targets precious coastline DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Several private companies, NGOs, schools, and concerned individuals joined forces this week for Clean Up Bali 2000, a massive event aimed at cleaning Bali's precious yet polluted coastline, and raising the level of people's...

Wake up call for Indonesia's President Abdurrahman

Wake up call for Indonesia's President Abdurrahman NEW DELHI: It's true that Abdurrahman Wahid took on the challenge of being Indonesia's first elected President in four decades in a bit of a mess.In July this year, government auditors came up with the revelation that 46 percent of the country's...

The future of toll road investment

The future of toll road investment This is the first of two articles on Indonesia's toll road sector by Heru Dewanto, the executive director of the Jakarta- based Center for Technology and Industry Development.

About garbage fees

About garbage feesFrom Warta KotaWarta Kota reported on Sept. 7, 2000 that the Jakarta administration was planning to increase the garbage fee and that it would be paid along with electricity bills, not through the executive boards of neighborhood community/associations (RT/RW), as is the practice...

Conoco-Premier row 'not to affect Malaysian gas sales'

Conoco-Premier row 'not to affect Malaysian gas sales' JAKARTA (JP): The dispute involving gas producers in the West Natuna section of the South China Sea would not affect the current negotiations for gas sales between the Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina and its Malaysian counterpart...

Bank Muamalat sues IBRA

Bank Muamalat sues IBRA JAKARTA (AFX-ASIA): Bank Muamalat has filed a civil suit with the South Jakarta District Court against the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) and Bank Tiara Asia for an alleged unpaid debt of Rp 25.4 billion (about US$2.

Stop terrorism!

Stop terrorism!From Suara KaryaAfter the bomb blast in front of the Philippine ambassador's residence on Jl.Imam Bonjol, Central Jakarta, early in August, an even larger bomb was detonated in the Jakarta Stock Exchange building on Jl. Sudirman, Jakarta, on Sept. 13.

No problems on gasoline stock, says Pertamina

No problems on gasoline stock, says Pertamina JAKARTA (JP): State-owned oil company PT Pertamina has beefed up its stock of gasoline around the capital in case of panic buying ahead of a 12 percent increase in prices next month.

Disarmament of Timor militias starts next week

Disarmament of Timor militias starts next week UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): Indonesian officials presented to the UN Security Council its timetable for disarming militias cloistering in West Timor, but continued its rejection on the sending of a council mission to Jakarta to discuss the crisis.

Supporters of jailed Anwar hold rally in Kuala Lumpur

Supporters of jailed Anwar hold rally in Kuala Lumpur KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): About 100 supporters of jailed former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim shouted anti-government slogans in Malaysia's capital on Wednesday to mark the end of his second year in custody.

Bogor hookers arrested

Bogor hookers arrested BOGOR (JP): Bogor police arrested 167 prostitutes, 14 alleged customers and two brothel operators in a raid on several places in three districts on Tuesday.Bogor City Police chief Supt.

S'pore ministry in graft scandal

S'pore ministry in graft scandal SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) failed to report payments of up to S$1 billion (US$581 million) to the Auditor-General's office, The Straits Times reported on Wednesday.

Gus Dur meets Chinese party delegates

Gus Dur meets Chinese party delegates JAKARTA (JP): In an event which would have been almost unthinkable just a few years ago, President Abdurrahman Wahid met on Wednesday with visiting delegates from the Chinese Communist Party.

Oil sails higher, U.S., EU, OPEC meeting urged

Oil sails higher, U.S., EU, OPEC meeting urged LONDON (Reuters): Oil prices vaulted to another 10-year high on Wednesday prompting the International Monetary Fund to warn that rising fuel costs are casting a shadow over the global economic outlook.

Prosecutors' office 'too slow'

Prosecutors' office 'too slow' MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Anti Corruption Committee (ACC) members marched to the Provincial Prosecutors' Office on Tuesday in protest against the office's sluggish handling of corruption cases.

Proton recalls top model amid scandal

Proton recalls top model amid scandal KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton said Wednesday it would recall for inspection all 6,210 Proton Perdana models produced in 1995 following a cover-up scandal by its manufacturing Japanese partner Mitsubishi.Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd.

Sang Timur school wins English debate contest

Sang Timur school wins English debate contest JAKARTA (JP): SMU Sang Timur from Jakarta won the inaugural English debating competition among high schools in Indonesia on Tuesday after successfully defending a position that "developed countries should have a monopoly over nuclear weapons".

BI revises rules on overnight loan facility

BI revises rules on overnight loan facility JAKARTA (JP): Banks facing funding problems can now get an overnight loan facility from Bank Indonesia (BI) as a lender of last resort by ceding the central bank's SBI promissory notes or treasury bonds as collateral.

Return of state funds halts inquiry into Rp 7.1b scam

Return of state funds halts inquiry into Rp 7.1b scam JAKARTA (JP): Assistant to the Head of Special Crimes at the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office Andi Sjarifuddin said on Wednesday that the return of "unaccounted" funds established that his office had no case in the Rp 7.

Xenophobic nationalism

Xenophobic nationalism The attack on the United States consulate in Surabaya last week and the burning of the U.S. flag by protesters outside the American Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday are disturbing signs that xenophobic sentiments are on the rise again in this country.

MAS-Qantas talks abandoned

MAS-Qantas talks abandoned KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Talks between loss-making flag carrier Malaysian Airline System (MAS) and Qantas on a possible investment by the Australian airline are "as good as abandoned," a report said Wednesday.The Business Times quoted a senior official of Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

Conversion Rates

Conversion RatesBank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 20, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,205.00 9,205.00 8,661.00 8,749.00Australian dollar 1 4,446.29 4,992.79 4,693.40 4,745.46Austrian schilling 1 507.08 569.21 535.26 541.

SLP Penabur wins quiz contest

SLP Penabur wins quiz contest JAKARTA (JP): A team of students from privately-owned SLP Penabur junior high school beat 80 other teams competing in the English Quiz competition on Wednesday.They were followed by rival teams from SLP Bellarminus, also a private school, and state SLP Negeri 29.

To William Cohen

To William Cohen Sir, you have issued a stern warning to Indonesia to control the East Timorese militia. But what did you do when East Timor was still under Indonesian administration in respect of the so- called clandestine rebels? You and the West granted them refugee status, provided political...

Father, son show individual art styles

Father, son show individual art stylesBy Pavan Kapoor JAKARTA (JP): Every once in a while, in the garden of the art world there blossoms a new fragrance - a new art gallery has opened it's doors. It is an occasion for painters and art lovers to feel an uplifting of the spirit at the revelation that...

E. Asian recovery 'encouraging' but concerns remain

E. Asian recovery 'encouraging' but concerns remain GENEVA (AFP): The pace of East Asian economic recovery following the 1997 financial crisis has been "encouraging" but reasons for concern remain, a new United Nations report said.

Panasia outshines CLS 85-67

Panasia outshines CLS 85-67 JAKARTA (JP): Bandung-based Panasia Indosyntec met little opposition in its third match against Wismilak Citra Lestari Surabaya (CLS) of East Java, which it beat 85-67 in the third leg of the 2000 Nuvo Kobatama national basketball league on Wednesday.

Forex reserves fall to $27.2b

Forex reserves fall to $27.2b JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's international reserves and foreign currency liquidity fell by US$85.50 million to $27.30 billion in the week ended on Sept. 15, according to the latest data issued by Bank Indonesia.

The virtue of democracy indispensable

The virtue of democracy indispensable A number of friendly countries have suggested solutions to Indonesia's problems. Kusnanto Anggoro, a senior researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and a lecturer in the postgraduate studies program at the University of Indonesia in...

Cheap Indonesian cement seen as solid opportunity

Cheap Indonesian cement seen as solid opportunity JAKARTA (Reuters): Most foreign investors may have dropped Indonesia from their list, but in the cement world the country is attracting global players by offering some solid and cheap opportunities.

Councillors ask for land and cars

Councillors ask for land and cars JAKARTA (JP): City councillors took office less than a year ago, bringing with them high expectations from the public, but now stories are appearing in the media that these same councillors have picked up the bad habits of their predecessors.

Two great epics offer social guidance in Asia

Two great epics offer social guidance in AsiaBy Rita A. Widiadana JIMBARAN, Bali (JP): For several centuries, Ramayana and Mahabharata epics have remained as part and parcel of social milieu of many countries in Asia.

New doors open to the mystery of Rawana

New doors open to the mystery of RawanaBy I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Two scholars shed new light on the character of Rawana (or Ravana) during a three-day International Conference on Ramayana and Mahabharata held here last week.Rawana is the embodiment of evil.

Two Indonesian pairs move into finals, Hendrawan survives

Two Indonesian pairs move into finals, Hendrawan survivesBy Primastuti Handayani SYDNEY (JP): Hendrawan kept Indonesia's hopes of winning the badminton men's singles title in the 2000 Olympic Games alive after he edged out world champion Sun Jun of China 15-13, 15-5 on Wednesday for a place in the...

E. Java complains of numerous VIP visits

E. Java complains of numerous VIP visits SURABAYA (JP): The frequent visits of Jakarta VIPs have swallowed up the East Java annual protocol budget, an official said on Tuesday.East Java Provincial Secretary Soenarjo told reporters that this year his office allotted Rp 1 billion for special guests...

Violence in troubled Aceh claims more lives

Violence in troubled Aceh claims more lives BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The latest violence, which broke out in different parts of the troubled province over the past two days, has claimed at least five lives and injured four others, a police officer said on Wednesday.North Aceh Police chief Supt.

American arrogance

American arrogance East Timor is once again becoming a thorn in Indonesia's side. Even though it has become an independent country, the old thorn still hurts and is causing Indonesia's image to bleed. This time it is even threatening a halt in all international economic aid to Indonesia.

Notorious car thieves busted

Notorious car thieves busted JAKARTA (JP): City Police detectives have arrested two groups of car thieves earlier this month at separate locations, including the notorious gang known for always killing their victims after robbing them, spokesman Supt. M. Nur H. Usman said on Wednesday.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition Borneo: Air Mata Api, Borneo, Tears of Fire by Rama Surya at Komaneka Fine Art Gallery, Monkey forest, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali (Phone: 0361 976090), through Oct. 14. * Painting Exhibition: Kebiar Seni VI Bibit, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 20, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 835 85 479,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 205 0 498,000 Alakasa Industrindo 500 0 0 Alfa...

RI galleries to take part in ArtSingapore 2000

RI galleries to take part in ArtSingapore 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Four Indonesian galleries, along with another 17 galleries from Asia, will take part in ArtSingapore 2000 next week.The Darga Gallery, Embun Gallery, and the Graha/Siont Gallery will present contemporary artworks by Indonesia's best-known...

City expects surplus revenue of $77 million

City expects surplus revenue of $77 million JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso on Wednesday submitted a proposal to the council to amend the ongoing (April-December) 2000 city budget following an unexpected surplus in the city's revenue which could reach around Rp 669.

Oil price to slide with output increase

Oil price to slide with output increase JAKARTA (JP): Secretary-general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Rilwanu Lukman was upbeat OPEC members would be able to pump an additional 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) into the market next month and the oil price would,...

New team of medical doctors to check Soeharto's health

New team of medical doctors to check Soeharto's health JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General's Office spokesman Yushar Yahya announced on Wednesday that a new team of medical experts would thoroughly examine former president Soeharto before the next session of his corruption trial on Sept. 28, 2000.

East Timor human rights trial should go on: Muladi

East Timor human rights trial should go on: Muladi JAKARTA (JP): A member of the defense team representing military officers accused of violence in East Timor last year said on Wednesday they would not use the "non-retroactive principle" recently inserted into the 1945 Constitution to dodge a trial.

Dibyo denies attending meeting at Cendana

Dibyo denies attending meeting at Cendana JAKARTA (JP): Former National Police chief Gen. (ret) Dibyo Widodo denied on Wednesday that he attended a meeting at Soeharto's house where the former president ordered several top officials from the military and the police to retake the Indonesian...

Spotlight

SpotlightPhoto A: ANZSYNERGY: Bank Danamon and ANZ Panin Bank sign a working contract on Best Nationwide Banking vision, where ANZ Panin credit-card holders can now pay their bills at any Bank Danamon branch. Present at the signing on Sept. 8, 2000, was (from right) Bank Danamon Directors Armand B.

Mulia restructures debt

Mulia restructures debt JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed floor tile and glass distributor PT Mulia Industrindo said on Thursday it and its subsidiaries had reached an agreement with creditors on terms for the restructuring of its US$260 million debt with them.

Flexible curricula

Flexible curricula The headline Kids learn boxing to stop brawling (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 9, 2000) has really intrigued me as I am interested in education and, more particularly, in curricula.Dudi Effendi, a teacher at SMK Grafica Lektur who watched the bout, said he was hopeful that the program...

Fire razes Bali's biggest market

Fire razes Bali's biggest market DENPASAR, Bali (JP): A fire ravaged Badung market, known as the biggest market on the paradise island of Bali, on Wednesday, destroying more than 1,800 shops and kiosks.

Moral decadence

Moral decadence The whole affair almost reduces me to tears but I can't help being deeply grateful for the patriotic concern expressed by Irawan Kadarman and the contempt and indignation set to paper by Donna K. Woodward (The Jakarta Post, Sept.

PSN introduces satellite-based cellular service

PSN introduces satellite-based cellular service JAKARTA (JP): Satellite-based telecommunications services provider PT Pasifik Satellite Nusantara (PSN) introduced on Wednesday the first Indonesian satellite service for GSM networks.

Bob Hasan faces life sentence over alleged scam

Bob Hasan faces life sentence over alleged scam JAKARTA (JP): Timber baron Muhamad "Bob" Hasan looked diminutive in his seat on Wednesday as he faced a possible life sentence after being accused by prosecutors of scamming millions of dollars from the state and the Association of Indonesian Forest...

Maan defies cold to take over lead

Maan defies cold to take over lead TANGERANG, West Java (JP): A cold did not stop Maan Nasim from playing his best game on Wednesday, shooting him to the top of the standings at the Andersen Consulting Challenge golf tournament at the Bumi Serpong Damai golf course here.

Aprisindo seeks fair remuneration system

Aprisindo seeks fair remuneration system JAKARTA (JP): Labor-intensive footwear companies called on the government on Wednesday to do away with minimum wages and set a fair remuneration system to help them become more competitive in global trade.

APEC economies to sustain region's economic rebound

APEC economies to sustain region's economic rebound BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Asia-Pacific economies will sustain the region's economic rebound but potential minefields lay ahead in terms of rising oil prices and a slackening in global demand, a report released here Wednesday said.

Two die, 17 injured in a boat attack

Two die, 17 injured in a boat attack AMBON, Maluku: At least two people died and seventeen others were injured when a passenger vessel KM Anda II was intercepted and attacked with a spray of bullets by gunmen in the waters off Dalam Bay on Tuesday.

Palm oil futures close with reduced gains

Palm oil futures close with reduced gains KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's palm oil futures closed with pared gains on Wednesday due to a lack of follow-through buying ahead of private forecaster Ivan Wong's crop estimates for September due on Thursday.

President discharges Fachrul

President discharges Fachrul JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid discharged Indonesian Military (TNI) deputy chief Gen. Fachrul Razi on Wednesday and left the position vacant as part of a military restructuring program, his senior aide announced on Wednesday.

French hostages back home after daring escape

French hostages back home after daring escape MANILA (Reuters): Two French television journalists flew home from the Philippines on Wednesday after escaping from the Abu Sayyaf rebel captors under cover of darkness and spending a nerve-wracking night hiding in the jungles under pouring rain.