Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 September 2000

55 articles found

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Olympics Program 12:00 p.m. Interval 2:00 News 2:30 Olympics Program 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Talks Show 8:00 Olympics Program 9:00 News 9:30 TV Drama 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 TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Music and Information 7:30 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

RI needs more international experience, says Arie Sudewo

RI needs more international experience, says Arie Sudewo JAKARTA (JP): Psychological barriers and a lack of international experience have been blamed for Indonesia's poor performance at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Indonesia chef de mission Arie Sudewo said during a media teleconference on Monday the national athletes "were mentally unready to challenge world-class rivals", despite the money spent by the Indonesian Sports Council (KONI) to fund their overseas training prior to the Games.

More people buying originals: Microsoft

More people buying originals: Microsoft JAKARTA (JP): PT Microsoft Indonesia said on Monday it expected sales of its software to increase 30 percent this year as more local consumers purchased original products. "Finally, good people are buying original products," company president Richard Kartawijaya said. Richard, however, declined to provide details of the company's sales figures for 1999 or the projected sales figures for this year.

Attorney General's Office seizes choppers from Gatari

Attorney General's Office seizes choppers from Gatari JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said on Monday his office would seize helicopters belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as evidence in a Rp 23.3 billion fraud case involving the misuse of reforestation funds and government property.

Man burned for stealing

Man burned for stealing TANGERANG (JP): A 28-year old man was burned to death by an angry mob in Cipondoh, here last Friday, for stealing a motorbike belonging to a local resident, while his friend managed to get away with the loot. Local residents said that an eyewitness, who was on the way to mosque for Friday noon prayer, saw the victim, later identified as Inpiat, a 28-year-old Bekasi Selatan resident, with another friend hanging around the mosque compound where many motorcycles were parked.

Supreme Court justices pretrial motion begins

Supreme Court justices pretrial motion begins JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers representing two Supreme Court justices accused the government-appointed Joint Anti-Corruption Team (TGPK) on Monday of illegally investigating a bribery case.

Government support sought for medical products

Government support sought for medical products JAKARTA (JP): Local producers of medical and laboratory devices badly need government support to provide cheap, high- quality products to the public, according to the Ministry of Health. Speaking at a meeting of the Association of Medical and Laboratory Device Entrepreneurs (Gakeslab), Sampurno, director general of food and medicine supervision at the ministry, said such support would help the country to lower the use of such products from overseas.

Council opposes helicopter offer

Council opposes helicopter offer MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Five factions at the South Sulawesi provincial legislative council have criticized a state cooperative's offer to buy a helicopter for Governor HZ Palaguna. They have demanded that he turn down the "foolish" bid.

Indonesians visiting S'pore up

Indonesians visiting S'pore up SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore's tourist arrivals in August rose 10.3% to 695,186 from a year earlier, the Singapore Tourism Board said over the weekend. Arrivals from Indonesia registered a growth of 5.7 percent, totaling 96,863 visitors, the highest ever for Indonesia for the month of August. Growth in Singapore's tourist arrivals in August was less than the 12 percent growth posted in July, when visitor arrivals reached an all-time high of 706,318.

Top Thai general starts Cambodia trip

Top Thai general starts Cambodia trip PHNOM PENH (AFP): Thailand's armed forces supreme commander Gen. Mongkol Ampornpisit started a two-day visit to Cambodia on Monday with a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, officials said. Spokesman Eang Sophalleth said Mongkol, who retires at the end of this month, made the trip to say farewell to Hun Sen and introduce his successor, adding the neighbors had always enjoyed good relations.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Soegeng Toekio, at Galeri Bandung, Jl. Siliwangi 16 (Phone: 022 2036515), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Sept. 29 to Oct. 14. * Japanese Pottery Wadah features 71 works of Japanese contemporary ceramics artists, at Galeri Soemardja ITB, Oct. 2- 15. Performances * Sundanese Drama Tatangga, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 4 p.m., 8 p.m., Sept. 30 to Oct. 6.

Education: Sad facts in Indonesia

Education: Sad facts in Indonesia By Nirwan Idrus JAKARTA (JP): Reports on the Fourth National Education Convention last week not surprisingly showed that education in this country is never going to get better.

RP hostage rescue operation expected to take a month

RP hostage rescue operation expected to take a month JOLO, Philippines (Agencies): Philippine troops have killed 105 Muslim guerrillas in a hostage rescue bid, but recovering the captives who include an American and three Malaysians may take a month, officials said on Monday. President Joseph Estrada originally said the rescue would take a week but on Monday, the 10th day of the assault, said "unforeseen circumstances" like heavy rain and difficult terrain had hampered the operation.

DHL launches new service

DHL launches new service JAKARTA (JP): Freight company PT Birotika Semesta/DHL Worldwide Express announced on Monday the introduction of its new direct shipment service connecting Bali and Singapore, Toyko and Sydney. The company said the introduction of direct flights from Bali, available every weekday, was to anticipate the growth in export companies, especially those in the handicraft and textile business, on the island.

Street justice worries police

Street justice worries police BANYUMAS, Central Java: Rampant street justice in the Banyumas jurisdiction, with dozens alleged criminal killed by the mob, seven of them were burned to death in public this year, has worried local police. Amid the frustration, police officers and some 10,000 local Muslims, including the ulemas, met on Sunday at an event called istigotsah (unofficial gathering). The event took place at the Cilacap Police office yard. Deputy chief of Central Java Police Brig. Gen.

Police seize firearms from Soeharto's family

Police seize firearms from Soeharto's family JAKARTA (JP): Police on Monday seized 108 guns belonging to former president Soeharto and his family because their permits had expired. "Fifty seven (of the seized guns) came from Soeharto's private gun collection," National Police spokesman Sen. Supt. Timbul Sianturi said, adding that the confiscated weapons were of various makes and types, including Walters and Colts.

KL says 33 nabbed Filipinos not refugees

KL says 33 nabbed Filipinos not refugees KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Thirty-three Filipinos detained while entering Malaysian waters last week were not refugees fleeing fighting in the southern Philippines, a news report said Sunday. The Filipinos were detained by the Royal Malaysian Navy and handed over to the police.

Two more suspects arrested for JSX bombing

Two more suspects arrested for JSX bombing JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Gen. Suryo Bimantaro revealed on Monday that two more suspects had been arrested over the bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange building. At least one of the suspects is believed to be a military officer. The two add to the 25 earlier arrested in connection with the bombing.

Toyota to boost infotech weight

Toyota to boost infotech weight TOKYO (Reuters): Toyota Motor Corp, Japan's largest automaker and a budding investor in Internet businesses, said on Monday it would set up an infotech research company with other Toyota group firms. The Toyota InfoTechnology Center Co Ltd, to be set up in January, will be two-thirds owned by Toyota. It will be capitalized at two billion yen ($18.77 million) with plans to increase that to three billion by next April when a U.S.

Officers detained for assault

Officers detained for assault SEMARANG: Central Java Police internal affairs department has detained 19 policemen for allegedly assaulting three street vendors, who were said to have harassed a police officer last Thursday. "We are still probing the case and if they are found guilty, we will take stern measures," Central Java Police spokesman Supt. Moch. Ramlie said on Monday. The three vendors, who all sell keys, are still being treated for serious facial injuries.

Students protest fuel price hike

Students protest fuel price hike MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Around 200 students took to the streets here on Monday protesting the fuel price hike, effective next month. The students, from the Student Movement for People, said the policy was not popular and would "kill the people with low incomes." The rally started at 10 a.m. local time, congesting the traffic on Jl. Urip Sumohardjo thoroughfare.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 25, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 800 -75 332,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 170 -30 1,021,500 Alakasa Industrindo 430 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 775 -25 117,500 Alter Abadi 190 0 1,000 Alumindo Light Metal 800 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 275 0 35,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 985 0 323,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

JSX gives money to bomb victims

JSX gives money to bomb victims JAKARTA (JP): The management of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building shared out on Monday Rp 114 million (US$13,103) collected from the building's "community" to families of victims killed and wounded in the Sept. 13 bomb blast. "This is a spontaneous act from the stock exchange community here," JSX president director Mas Achmad said. Each family who lost a member in the blast received Rp 5.25 million.

Indorayon plans to reopen pulp mill

Indorayon plans to reopen pulp mill JAKARTA (Dow Jones): Officials at pulp producer PT Inti Indorayon Utama met over the weekend with community leaders and environmental critics in a last-ditch effort to reopen its mill in northern Sumatra. But faced with a continued standoff that has kept the US$600 million plant out of action since 1998, Indorayon's main shareholder is threatening to cut off funding, officials said on Monday.

Ships stopped with stolen logs

Ships stopped with stolen logs JAKARTA (JP): Police have seized nine cargo ships carrying 5,315 cubic meters of logs believed to have been stolen from various forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan last week, the chief of the Water Police, Brig. Gen. Mudji Santoso, said on Monday. "The ships were stopped in Jakarta Bay between Sept. 16 and Sept. 23 as they were about to distribute the logs in Jakarta and other locations in Java," Mudji said during a media conference.

Trimegah, BCA tie up securities payment

Trimegah, BCA tie up securities payment JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Trimegah Securities signed an agreement on Monday with publicly listed PT Bank Central Asia (BCA), allowing customers to pay share and mutual fund transactions through BCA's automatic teller machines (ATMs). "(The agreement) will hopefully increase local investor interest in investing in the stock market," Trimegah president Avi Y. Dwipayana said.

Fish breeding at Cirata Dam: Between hope and reality

Fish breeding at Cirata Dam: Between hope and reality By Yuli Tri Winarni CIRATA, West Java (JP): From the day water first began to collect behind the Cirata dam in 1986, the locals hoped that after the 6,000-hectare reservoir was filled, they could breed fish as a livelihood. The West Java administration and the state electricity company (PLN), which manages the reservoir, agreed to give locals, whose land had been appropriated, a chance to breed fish under the floating net "keramba" system.

KL palm oil futures resumes fall after gains

KL palm oil futures resumes fall after gains KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures resumed their fall on Monday after gains in the previous session, due to liquidation by players worried about a further build up in domestic stocks. Prices fell to the lowest level in nearly seven years before recouping some losses by the close.

Inter-Korean accords proposed

Inter-Korean accords proposed SEOUL (AFP): South Korea proposed an accord on investment guarantees in economic talks on Monday with North Korea on promoting cooperation between the two sides. The proposal came in the opening session of two-day talks to follow up on the milestone reconciliation agreement signed between the leaders of the two Koreas in June. The accord paved the way for the two Koreas, still technically at war, to put their economic exchanges on track.

Humanitarian pause in Aceh gets new life

Humanitarian pause in Aceh gets new life BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The Indonesian government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have agreed to extend the humanitarian pause in the restive province and begin talks on a political solution to the Aceh issue. The agreement was reached by representatives of the government and GAM during talks in Geneva on Sunday evening. The talks were hosted by the Swiss-based advocacy group Henry Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

Seminar urges new approach to health

Seminar urges new approach to health MEDAN, North Sumatra: An estimated Rp 559 billion in losses is incurred annually by people in the province due to illness. The losses are calculated by the total amount of money spent on medicine and productive days lost due to illness. The World Bank consultant for health issues in Indonesia, Ascobat Gani, said in a seminar here on Monday the provincial government needed to enhance its approach to health and focus more on ensuring people do not become ill.

IBRA sues two Dharmala units

IBRA sues two Dharmala units JAKARTA (AFX-ASIA): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it has filed bankruptcy suits against two Dharmala Group subsidiaries, PT Dharmala Agrindo and PT Muara Alas Prima, before the Jakarta Commercial Court, IBRA's lawyer Berto Edward said. Edward said IBRA filed the lawsuit against Agrindo's for its failure to repay debts of Rp 174.1 billion. The debts were originally owed to state-owned Bank Exim, prior to its merger with Bank Mandiri.

Hong Leong to buy Karimun

Hong Leong to buy Karimun SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): Hong Leong Asia said it has signed an agreement with PT Pendawa Sempurna, Savile Row Developments Ltd and Iwan Valiant Joesoef to acquire an 80 percent stake in PT Karimun Granite, the largest hard rock mine in southeast Asia, for US$27.20 million. The acquisition, which is subject to due diligence and approval by Indonesian authorities, is expected to be completed by Oct 31.

Restructuring not finished: Prijadi

Restructuring not finished: Prijadi PRAGUE (DPA): Indonesian Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said Monday in Prague that while the East Asian economic recovery is well underway, the process of restructuring in several countries is not finished. Speaking for the Southeast Asia Group at the Development Committee of the World Bank, he noted that the overall global outlook points to growth, but that risks remained.

A good token start

A good token start The highly publicized handover of weapons by pro-Indonesia East Timor militias to the police in the border town of Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, may come across as a public relations gimmick on the part of the government, but it is still a gesture of goodwill to resolve the problem of the militias.

Thailand calls for ASEAN mission to mediate in Myanmar impasse

Thailand calls for ASEAN mission to mediate in Myanmar impasse BANGKOK (Agencies): Thailand called on Myanmar on Monday to allow an ASEAN mediation mission help solve the political impasse between the ruling military junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

West Kalimantan governor faces no-confidence motion

West Kalimantan governor faces no-confidence motion JAKARTA (JP): The West Kalimantan provincial legislative council is set to vote this week on the future of governor Aspar Aswin following increasing student demonstrations demanding his dismissal. Silvanus Sungkalang, deputy chairman of the provincial legislative council, said the council had no other choice than to hold a plenary session to debate a no-confidence motion proposed by 38 of 55 members of the five factions at the council.

IFC denies commitment to Indonesia's international bonds

IFC denies commitment to Indonesia's international bonds JAKARTA (JP): The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank, has denied that it agreed to guarantee Indonesian sovereign bonds in international markets. IFC manager and regional representative for Indonesia and Malaysia Amitava Banerjee said here on Monday that IFC could not guarantee sovereign bonds because it would be against the agency's character.

Ericsson's satellite phone

Ericsson's satellite phone JAKARTA (JP): Cellular phone company PT Ericsson Indonesia launched its R190 satellite phone on Monday to be used with PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN)'s Byru network, a satellite service for the GSM network. Claimed to be the world's smallest and lightest satellite phone, the Ericsson R190 can operate in satellite and GSM-900 modes.

Pande was absent in meetings of Bank Bali

Pande was absent in meetings of Bank Bali JAKARTA (JP): Defendant Pande Lubis told a hearing on Monday that he was out of town when important meetings were held last year with regard to the disbursement of Rp 904 billion (US$103.9 million) to recoup Bank Bali's interbank loans from defunct bank BDNI.

BI to prevent rupiah from further tumble

BI to prevent rupiah from further tumble PRAGUE (Dow Jones): The Indonesian central bank would use all available policy tools to prevent the rupiah from falling beyond 9,000 to the dollar on political worries, the acting governor of the bank said Sunday.

Sending workers abroad

Sending workers abroad From Neraca Recently, State Minister for Women Empowerment Khofifah Indar Parawansa, insisted that the sending of Indonesian workers (TKI) abroad, particularly women (TKW), mostly to be employed as maid servants, be discontinued. Considering the reasons, it appears that it was wise of the minister to prohibit TKW from being sent abroad.

RI's debt spurs bond market development

RI's debt spurs bond market development JAKARTA (Dow Jones): Indonesia must push ahead to develop an active bond market as the cost of bailing out the crippled banking sector on the government becomes almost unmanageable, analysts say. State coffers are straining from the burden of a massive bank sector bailout which began in 1998, after decades of profligate lending brought most institutions to their knees.

Asian currencies up on relief from oil, euro

Asian currencies up on relief from oil, euro SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were stronger late Monday, finding some reprieve from a retreat in oil prices and the Group of Seven leading industrial nations' resolve to bolster the euro, dealers said. However, the yen's gains and other domestic anxieties, which have unnerved investors for months, kept a rein on the Asian currencies' gains, dealers said.

Local farmers told to use natural pesticides

Local farmers told to use natural pesticides By Erry Prabandari YOGYAKARTA (JP): The use of chemical pesticides in Indonesian agriculture seems unavoidable as farmers, particularly those living in remote areas, find them cheaper and easier to obtain. But this environmentally unfriendly trend has taken a significant twist since the country was assailed by its multidimensional crisis, which has caused the rupiah to plunge in value against the U.S. dollar.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 25, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

City Hall's bomb training, equipment gets put to use

City Hall's bomb training, equipment gets put to use JAKARTA (JP): The City Hall office complex received another bomb threat on Monday morning but discovered it was only a hoax thanks to its trained personnel and newly purchased metal detectors and bomb disposal containers.

Government told to pay more attention to IT development

Government told to pay more attention to IT development JAKARTA (JP): The government's lack of vision and attention to Information Technology (IT) was contributing to the country's poor human resources, an observer said on Monday. "It's shameful that IT has not got its own department. It seems that Indonesia is not aware of the digital world. "It's coming in and we cannot avoid it," said Heru Nugroho of the Indonesian Internet Service Provider Association (APJII).

Input for BPK

Input for BPK The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) is the high institution of state which is charged with the task to auditing everything related to the state finances so as to ensure that they will be efficiently and transparently managed for the benefit of the state and the majority of the people. It is, therefore, only proper that the BPK set an example for other state institutions in respect of financial management.

Indonesia may face tough time at upcoming CGI meeting

Indonesia may face tough time at upcoming CGI meeting JAKARTA (JP): The government may have a hard time convincing the international donors grouped in the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) to support the 2001 state budget deficit, former finance minister Bambang Sudibyo cautioned here on Monday.

Susilo promoted to four-star general

Susilo promoted to four-star general JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was promoted to honorary four-star general on Monday by President Abdurrahman Wahid. Susilo, who resigned from the military when appointed as mines and energy minister in the previous Cabinet, was quick to point out that the promotion had nothing to do with his new position as top political and security officer in the Cabinet.

House leaders undecided over new police boss

House leaders undecided over new police boss JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives leaders failed to make a united stand on Monday on whether to endorse or reject President Abdurrahman Wahid's appointment of Gen. Suryo Bimantoro as the new National Police chief in place of Gen. Rusdihardjo.

Riau elephants under threat

Riau elephants under threat JAKARTA (JP): Amoi, a female adult elephant that died while being relocated from the Keritang forest to Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Riau, undergoes an autopsy. About 170 elephants found in the forest in 18 areas throughout Riau, will be relocated to the park. Priority are given to elephants living in 12 particular areas, including the Keritang district where there are some 22 elephants. The relocation project started in late July this year.

Four killed in Cimahi train crash

Four killed in Cimahi train crash BANDUNG (JP): Four people were killed when an Argogede train, serving the Jakarta-Bandung route, rammed into a minivan and pedicab at a railway crossing on Sunday evening. The signal man had apparently raised the level crossing gates too soon, not realizing that the train, which was running at full steam, was about to pass. The accident occurred at about 8:53 p.m., at the railway crossing in Cimahi.

Five injured in fresh clashes on Ambon island

Five injured in fresh clashes on Ambon island AMBON, Maluku (JP): A fresh community clash broke out in Ambon Island on Monday morning when residents from Tial and Tulehu villages attacked nearby Suli village, injuring at least five residents and destroying dozens of houses, an official said. Spokesman of the civil emergency post in Ambon Maj. M.