Archive: 5 September 2000
56 articles found
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Police doubtful about the agrarian activist kidnapping
Police doubtful about the agrarian activist kidnapping JAKARTA (JP): National Police Headquarters questioned on Monday the truth behind the testimonies of four agrarian activists who had returned home safely after going missing for 12 days. Head of the National Police Information Department Sr. Supt. Saleh Saaf said the police doubted that the four activists had really been kidnapped. "That's a dagelan (comedy)," Saleh told reporters in his office.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rates for tax payment, valid from Sept. 4 to Sept. 10
Rates for tax payment, valid from Sept. 4 to Sept. 10 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 8,225.00 Austrian schilling 1 531.92 Australian dollar 1 4,687.43 Belgian franc 1 181.44 Canadian dollar 1 5,544.69 Swiss franc 1 4,731.91 Deutschemark 1 3,737.79 Danish krone 1 985.91 French franc 1 1,115.83 Poundsterling 1 11,904.04 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,054.50 Italian lira 100 378.01 Japanese yen 100 7,713.59 Malaysian ringgit 1 2,164.53 Dutch guilder 1 3,321.43 New Zealand dollar 1 3,512.08 Norwegian krone 1 910.34...
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Three nabbed for kidnapping girl
Three nabbed for kidnapping girl JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta police have arrested three suspects charged for kidnapping and robbing a 13-year-old girl from her English college on Jl. Panglima Polim. Chief of South Jakarta Police, Sr. Supt. Edward Aritonang said on Monday that the police apprehended Mahendrata Gautama, alias Alldo, Wicky Asmoro Heandaru Bowo, alias Wiki, and student Muhamad Mirza, alias Edi. All of them are aged between 23 and 24 and the first two suspects are jobless.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
National Police separating the wheat from the chaff
National Police separating the wheat from the chaff JAKARTA (JP): The National Police announced on Monday a reshuffle of 25 high-ranking officers and 10 middle-ranking officers. The shake up includes several notable figures in the police including Insp. Gen. Adang Daradjatun, who is allegedly involved in a corruption case involving the Rp 300.77 billion National Police 1999-2000 Crash Funding Program.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Search for 'KM Mulya Star' ship survivors continues
Search for 'KM Mulya Star' ship survivors continues AMBON, Maluku (JP): Rescuers continued on Monday the search for survivors of the KM Mulya Star ship carrying no less than 43 passengers and crew that sank off the Manipa strait near Buru Island in Central Maluku regency on Friday night. As of Monday afternoon, 15 people were still unaccounted for, said Eastern Fleet security chief Commodore Djoko Sumaryono.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Six killed, 55 injured in Tangerang bus accident
Six killed, 55 injured in Tangerang bus accident TANGERANG (JP): Six people were killed and 55 others were injured in a bus accident on the Jakarta-Merak highway near Cikokol, Tangerang on Sunday night. Victims included the driver, 27-year-old Handoko, and a 10 year-old boy, Guntur, who died at the hospital. A bus from Jakarta, packed with 60 passengers, wheeled out of control after its right front tire went flat around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P suspends local board
PDI-P suspends local board PADANG, West Sumatra : The Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in Jakarta has issued an official letter temporarily suspending the provincial executive board due to a prolonged internal dispute. All duties and tasks relating to party matters in the province have been taken over by the central executive board according to a letter dated Aug. 16.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's new Cabinet and its challenges
Indonesia's new Cabinet and its challenges The Vice President's involvement in decision-making and the treatment of the legislature as an equal partner of the government are among the prerequisites for ensuring a good performance by the Cabinet, says Jusuf Wanandi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. JAKARTA (JP): At last Indonesia has an economic team that is united in itself and has President Abdurrahman Wahid's full support.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Over 100 taxis ticketed for charging unauthorized fares
Over 100 taxis ticketed for charging unauthorized fares JAKARTA (JP): City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) officials on Monday ticketed over 100 taxis, mostly from the biggest taxi company, Blue Bird, for ignoring the agency's warning letter not to charge passengers the new rates, an official said.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Palm oil ends mixed on thin volume
Palm oil ends mixed on thin volume KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed mixed on Monday on profit-taking and a lack of follow through support amid uncertainty over the market's direction and the government's planned duty-free concession. Traders said concern over the domestic stocks situation also capped prices. "With production picking up, people are worried about a possible stock build-up in the coming months.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
PGN hopeful of soft loan from Japan
PGN hopeful of soft loan from Japan JAKARTA (JP): State gas distribution company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) expects Japan to rule next month on its application for a US$722.5 million soft loan to finance the construction of a pipeline from Sumatra to West Java. PGN president Abdul Qoyum Tjandranegara said on Monday representatives from the Japanese government would arrive in Jakarta this week to conduct final checks.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
House told to question Marzuki over Baligate
House told to question Marzuki over Baligate JAKARTA (JP): Experts on Monday called for an investigation into reports that officials from the Attorney General's Office, including Attorney General Marzuki Darusman, had taken bribes to acquit prime suspect Djoko S. Tjandra from all charges.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Performances * Drama: Bersama Wajah Setan by Laskar Panggung Bandung group at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 8 p.m., Sept. 8-10. * Traditional Dance, Workshop by Rigas Dance Studio at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 3 p.m., Sept. 16-17. * Sundanese Traditional Music Competition, at Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 10 a.m., Sept. 19-20. Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rubber nations weigh withholding stocks
Rubber nations weigh withholding stocks PENANG, Malaysia (Reuters): The time has come for top rubber producing states and not consumers to dictate the rubber market, Indonesia said on Monday as officials met to consider withholding stocks to defend flagging prices.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Aceh poisoning baffles officials
Aceh poisoning baffles officials BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Local officials are still baffled by the widespread case of food and cigarette poisoning which has spread through the province since late June. Officials here revealed that at least five people have died due to the poisoning. Another 636 have complained of headaches, respiration problems, vomiting or have collapsed into unconsciousness after consuming contaminated food.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Ex-U.S. diplomat tells how he quashed rumors Anwar was spy
Ex-U.S. diplomat tells how he quashed rumors Anwar was spy KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): A former U.S. ambassador has told how he personally intervened with the Malaysian government to quash rumors that former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was a spy for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). John R. Malott says he warned a "very senior" official that if the government made any such claim it would be exposed as a lie.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Asian monies mostly down late
Asian monies mostly down late SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were weaker late Monday, with the Thai baht and Philippine peso sinking below key support levels, heralding more weakness for these two currencies, dealers said. The ailing Philippine and Thai currencies cast a shadow on the Singapore dollar, which slipped to the weaker end of its recent trading band.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Thailand to repay IMF debt
Thailand to repay IMF debt BANGKOK (DPA): Thailand will start repayments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) later this month on its US$17.2 billion bailout extended three years ago, the Bangkok Post said on Monday. The first payback to the IMF will amount to $201 million said Bank of Thailand Governor Chatumongol Sonakul. He said the repayments would not affect the value of the baht currency because Thailand currently had ample foreign reserves of $32 billion.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN motorcycle sales soar
ASEAN motorcycle sales soar BANGKOK (AFP): Motorcycle sales within Southeast Asia were up sharply year-on-year for the first seven months of 2000, industry sources said Monday. "Powered by a 101.5 percent increase in Indonesia, ASEAN motorcycle sales continued their strong recovery ... recording a 54.3 percent increase" for the first seven months of 2000, said a statement by Honda Bangkok, which serves as ASEAN's compiler of motorcycle information.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Nike workers in Indonesia an issue in Olympics
Nike workers in Indonesia an issue in Olympics JAKARTA (JP): An antiexploitation campaign against Nike sports shoes at the Sydney 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, has apparently kept executives of Nike Inc. Indonesia, a subsidiary of Oregon-based Nike International, extra busy.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Yogya hosts world-scale batik festival
Yogya hosts world-scale batik festival By Sri Wahyuni YOGYAKARTA (JP): Known for centuries as one of Indonesia's batik centers, Yogyakarta is to host an international-scale batik festival from Sept. 7 through Sept. 11. The five-day event, titled the Yogyakarta Batik Festival, will include a series of programs such as a batik competition on Yogyakarta styles and motifs, seminars, fashion shows, exhibitions on modern and antique batik, workshops and other activities.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
N. Korea, E. Timor invited
N. Korea, E. Timor invited SEOUL (AFP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have invited North Korea to attend their joint assembly panel to be held later this month, the IMF's head delegate here said Monday. The unprecedented invitation comes as the Stalinist North, isolated for decades from the world, is trying to reach out in an apparent bid to get help in overcoming its economic failures.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Mahakam festival begins Sept. 29
Mahakam festival begins Sept. 29 SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The three-day Mahakam Festival 2000 is scheduled to begin here on Sept. 29 in a bid to boost tourism in the province, Fachruddin Djafrie, head of local tourism agency said. According to Fachruddin the festival is expected to lure both local and foreign tourists, and will feature various activities along the Mahakam river such as jetskiing, boat racing and a decorative boats competition.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
KL's Digicom, Yahoo! tie up
KL's Digicom, Yahoo! tie up KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Malaysia's DiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd. said Monday it will team up with Yahoo! Asia to provide Internet content to DiGi mobile phone users. Digicom users will be provided with a tool kit to allow phones not equipped with wireless application protocol, or WAP, to access WAP services, as well as direct access to WAP platforms. "Yahoo!
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Wisma BCA sold to Singapore's Keppel Land
Wisma BCA sold to Singapore's Keppel Land JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) announced on Monday that the BCA headquarters building had been sold to Singapore's Keppel Land Ltd. for Rp 280 billion (US$33.73 million). IBRA said the selection was the result of an international open tender sale which began in the middle of July this year. "Keppel Land's bid was the highest we received," IBRA asset management investment director Dasa Sutantio said.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Government told to adopt flexible policy to revive economy
Government told to adopt flexible policy to revive economy JAKARTA (JP): The government should exempt selected banks from the legal lending limit to increase the availability of credits for the real sector and to revive sluggish business activities, a noted economist said on Monday. Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the move was risky but could provide a breakthrough to lift the country out of the three-year economic crisis.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Interfaith Forum: Bridging religious differences for peace
Interfaith Forum: Bridging religious differences for peace By Asip Agus Hasani YOGYAKARTA (JP): A young woman with a headscarf (jilbab) was seen riding a motorcycle with a nun to attend the recent mass prayers at Pakualaman Palace here to pray for peace in the riot- torn Maluku Islands. Hundreds of people of different faiths attended the prayer that evening, held by the Forum of Interfaith (FPUB) Yogyakarta.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Sandalwood on the brink of extinction
Sandalwood on the brink of extinction By Sapto HP JAKARTA (Antara): There is a sad story to tell about yellow sandalwood (Santalum album linn). Once considered the "maiden of the house", protecting the entire family with its fragrance, it is now a tree that brings about problems, and, as such, has to be eliminated. According to literature, sandalwood -- one of Indonesia's indigenous trees, has been popular since ancient Egyptian times for of its medicinal properties.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Suspects in East Timor case to be questioned
Suspects in East Timor case to be questioned JAKARTA (JP): The 19 suspects accused of human rights violations during last year's violence in East Timor are expected to face the first round of questioning next week. Attorney General's Office spokesman Yushar Yahya said a summons will be sent on Tuesday. This should give them enough time to come to Jakarta to face questioning by the joint team set up by the Office to investigate the case, Yushar added.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
House to decide on Gus Dur's statement
House to decide on Gus Dur's statement JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) will resort to a vote on whether to issue an opinion of discontent with President Abdurrahman Wahid's reply to a recent interpellation motion. "It's very likely we will conduct a vote because those who are disappointed with the President's reply insist on the move despite opposition from legislators who just rubber-stamp the government's policies.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Jakartans get a taste of Mexican soul and spirit
Jakartans get a taste of Mexican soul and spirit By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): Mexicans have always celebrated their independence anniversary with much enthusiasm. But this September, they decided to share their joy with the whole world. A feisty fiesta held in Jakarta recently had most people tapping away to Mexican tunes for days and helping themselves to meals topped with little else but garbonzo salad, and guisos a la Mexicana.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
APEC meeting to focus on Asian financial reform
APEC meeting to focus on Asian financial reform SINGAPORE (Reuters): With Asia's recovery comfortably in place, Asia-Pacific finance ministers meeting in Brunei this week can afford to put aside their fire-fighting garb and focus on the region's patchy progress on financial reform. "As far as I can see, there is no visible complacency.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Most councillors accept Sutiyoso's accountability
Most councillors accept Sutiyoso's accountability JAKARTA (JP): With a vote of 45 for and 37 against, the City Council on Monday accepted the revised annual accountability speech of Governor Sutiyoso, saying that the latter has shown significant improvement in his performance over the last 30 days. The Council reached its decision in a closed vote at the end of a nine-hour plenary session at City Hall.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Oil climbs again ahead of OPEC policy meeting
Oil climbs again ahead of OPEC policy meeting LONDON (Reuters): Overheated oil markets roared higher on Monday as dealers grew convinced that any OPEC supply increase agreed at an imminent policy meeting would fail to tame runaway prices. London Brent crude for October had moved 61 U.S. cents higher by midafternoon to US$32.46 a barrel -- stretching well past the $30 mark oil consumers the world over regard as extortionate.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
NZ urges expansion of ASEAN free trade area
NZ urges expansion of ASEAN free trade area KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A further expansion of the planned ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) to cover New Zealand and Australia would benefit both sides, New Zealand Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton said Monday. A task force set up last year between the 10 ASEAN nations and the Closer Economic Relations (CER) pact which links Australia and New Zealand found "considerable merit" in the proposal, Sutton said.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 4, 2000:
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 4, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 600 20 10,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 260 5 67,000 Alakasa Industrindo 600 -215 6,500 Alfa Retailindo 885 0 27,500 Alter Abadi 250 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 -5 12,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,090 5 797,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
SIA wooed by Airbus and Boeing
SIA wooed by Airbus and Boeing SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Airlines (SIA) said Monday it is being courted by rival aircraft manufacturers Airbus Industrie and Boeing as it prepares to replace 15 of the oldest jets in its fleet. The carrier, the most profitable in Asia, is planning to replace 15 Airbus A310-300 jets, a spokesman said. The twin aisle jets, which carry up to 184 passengers each, have been used to ply Asian routes since 1982.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Toyota sees continued success for Kijang vans
Toyota sees continued success for Kijang vans JAKARTA (JP): Carmaker PT Toyota-Astra Motor said on Monday it was upbeat its dependable family van marque Kijang, will maintain dominance in the local market despite the influx of vans imported in completely built-up (CBU).
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Aryanti seeking police clarification, protection
Aryanti seeking police clarification, protection JAKARTA (JP): After suffering a recent campaign of terror aimed at her and her family, Aryanti Sitepu, the housewife who allegedly had an extramarital affair with President Abdurrahman Wahid, requested police protection on Monday. Her lawyers went to the Jakarta Police Headquarters, asking the police to provide protection for her and clarify her status in the case.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
After the truce, what?
After the truce, what? The "humanitarian pause" agreed upon in Aceh looks increasingly more like an opportunity for both sides in the conflict -- the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) -- to bide their time for the inevitable ugly confrontation. The three-month agreement, which expired on Aug. 31, has done little to contain the violence.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
5,000 demonstrators occupy Sampang regent's office
5,000 demonstrators occupy Sampang regent's office SURABAYA (JP): Some 5,000 protesters from various areas in Sampang, Madura island, occupied the Sampang regency office on Monday to protest the delay of the inauguration of the newly elected regent. The protesters, who arrived on dozens of trucks and other vehicles, said they wanted Fadhilah Budiono to be sworn in as Sampang's regent soon, Antara reported.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Abdurrahman appoints 16 Supreme Court justices
Abdurrahman appoints 16 Supreme Court justices JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid has appointed 16 justices to the Supreme Court, including human rights activist Benjamin Mangkoedilaga and former justice minister Muladi. A press release issued on Monday by the presidential secretariat said the President gave his approval on Saturday through Presidential Decree No. 241.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Military Police officers attack reporter in Makassar
Military Police officers attack reporter in Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Around 70 journalists in Makassar marched to the headquarters of the Wirabuana Military Command on Monday to protest Sunday's attack on one of their colleagues. According to information gathered by The Jakarta Post, two Military Police officers, identified as Capt. Marpaung and Lt. Edward, assaulted Tahar, a reporter with the Harian Berita Kota.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Four GAM members killed in two separate shoot-outs
Four GAM members killed in two separate shoot-outs BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Security authorities in the restive province of Aceh shot dead on Sunday four suspected separatist rebels to further cast a shadow over the recently extended truce. Chief of the Pidie Police Precinct Supt. Endang Emiqail Bagus said three of the four men, believed to be members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), were killed while attempting to ambush a truckload of police patrolling Keumangan village in Mutiara district.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Shuttlers get other training facility
Shuttlers get other training facility JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian shuttlers, targeting two gold medals at the Olympic Games, will benefit from a special training facility in a sports hall in a high school near the athletes' village at Homebush Bay in Sydney. Indonesia's Olympic training director, Arie Sudewo, said on Monday the Indonesian community in Sydney invited the shuttlers to train in the hall, which is a 30-minute walk from the athletes' village.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Privatization target hard to meet: Government
Privatization target hard to meet: Government JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said on Monday that the Rp 6.5 trillion (US$783.13 million) privatization target this year would be hard to meet due to "uncontrollable factors." Prijadi said that the country's less than conducive social, political, security and macroeconomic conditions had "very much affected the interest of investors." "The target to privatize seven state-owned companies and raise Rp 6.5 trillion in proceeds...
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 4, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia told to study Pinochet case
Indonesia told to study Pinochet case JAKARTA (JP): In breaking the impasse over Soeharto's trial, Indonesia could take some lessons from the way the British government resolved the case of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet earlier this year, a United Nations official says.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
RP rebels's demand
RP rebels's demand I refer to the article in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 2, 2000 titled RP rebels demand $10m for release of U.S. hostage. Although this article is just one of the reports on the Philippine hostage crisis, it also touches on another subject: the value of human life. Abu Sayyaf's gang of terrorists obviously has a down-to-earth view of this: an American is worth 10 Western Europeans, i.e. US$10 million, compared to $1 million for a European and $500,000 for a Malaysian.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Forex reserves fall to $27.45b
Forex reserves fall to $27.45b JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Monday that the country's foreign exchange reserves in the fourth week of August fell by US$175.80 million to $27.45 billion compared to the previous week. The central bank said in a statement that the decline was mostly due to the repayment of foreign debt during the period. It also reported that since Aug. 23 currency in circulation increased by Rp 3.46 trillion to Rp 94.41 trillion. (rei)
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Resurgence of trade, investment
Resurgence of trade, investment This is the second of a two-part article presented to the Indonesia Australia Business Council in Jakarta on Aug. 29 by Mark Vaile, Australia's Trade Minister. JAKARTA: I came to Indonesia to look at ways in which we can work together to further build the trade and investment relationship.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's alleged affair a private matter: Legislators
Gus Dur's alleged affair a private matter: Legislators JAKARTA (JP): Legislators refused to comment on an alleged extramarital affair between President Abdurrahman Wahid and Aryanti Sitepu, calling it a personal issue. "It's a personal matter. Moreover, the matter happened a long time ago," House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Monday. Akbar said the alleged affair had nothing to do with Abdurrahman's duties as President and head of state.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Official says Australia's financial links to Asia weak
Official says Australia's financial links to Asia weak CANBERRA (Dow Jones): Australia's financial policy links with Asia have reached a low point and must be rebuilt, Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Stephen Grenville said Monday. In particular, Australia should make clear its willingness to be part of discussions between ASEAN nations, Japan, China and South Korea on currency arrangements - discussions that so far it hasn't been invited to attend, he said.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Minister calls curb on labor drain
Minister calls curb on labor drain KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian minister has urged authorities to check a large labor drain to neighboring Singapore, saying some 200,000 locals travel there daily to work. International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz as quoted in Monday's newspapers, called on the state government of southern Johor, bordering Singapore, to set up a task force to reverse the labor drain.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rotterdam to help work on museums
Rotterdam to help work on museums JAKARTA (JP): Following up an earlier agreement, the visiting mayor of Rotterdam Ivo W. Opstelten said he planned to support the preservation of Jakarta's historical sites, especially its museums. "Some experts, including the directors of historical and maritime museums of Rotterdam, will come to Jakarta and give advice (on this matter)," Opstelten said Saturday during a visit to historical buildings here. Rotterdam is one of Jakarta's several sister cities.
Tue, 05 Sep 2000, 00:00 WIB
Madurese agrees one never enough
Madurese agrees one never enough JAKARTA (JP): 20-year-old Muslim cleric on the East Java island of Madura has won admiration and envy after he married four teenagers in a same-day wedding party. The lucky man, Syamsudin of Bangkalan town, held a lavish party for four consecutive days where relatives and friends were treated with traditional dances, dangdut, an out-door film (layar tancap) and mass prayers.