Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 September 2000

56 articles found

Kwik vows to speak out against bad conglomerates

Kwik vows to speak out against bad conglomerates JAKARTA (JP): Former economic minister Kwik Kian Gie promised on Wednesday to continue speaking out against "bad conglomerates" in his new position as a member of the House of Representatives.

Britain vows support for Indonesian economy

Britain vows support for Indonesian economy JAKARTA (JP): Encouraged by efforts taken by the government to rebuild the economy and promote democracy, Britain pledged its continued support on Wednesday. Visiting British trade minister Richard Coburn also voiced support for the new Cabinet of President Abdurrahman Wahid, especially the economics team, telling a media conference that he believed it could carry out its job.

Imported cars dominate country's largest auto expo

Imported cars dominate country's largest auto expo JAKARTA (JP): Luxurious imports dominate the Gaikindo Auto Expo 2000, the largest automotive expo held in the country amid early signs of economic recovery. International automakers like BMW, Audi, DaimlerChyrsler, GM, Volvo, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Daewoo and KIA packed the exhibition with their latest models, lured by significant increases in domestic car sales over the past several months.

Malaysia palm oil closes lower, tax move waited

Malaysia palm oil closes lower, tax move waited KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower on Wednesday after failing to hold early gains as players consolidated positions and awaited fresh developments. The benchmark third-month November futures contract ended down 15 ringgit at 1,007 ringgit ($265) a tonne after touching an early high of 1,025.

Cambodian model good for RI rights tribunal

Cambodian model good for RI rights tribunal The Attorney General's Office has named 19 "possible suspects" in last year's violence in East Timor. Given the current legal quandaries, lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis suggests there may be lessons to be taken from Cambodia's experience. Question: How do you view last Friday's announcement of 19 suspects in last year's violence in East Timor?

1,000 shuttlers join circuit

1,000 shuttlers join circuit SEMARANG (JP): More than 1,000 shuttlers were expected to compete in Zone B of the National Badminton Circuit in Tegal, Central Java, from Sept. 26 to Sept. 30, said organizing committee chairman Toegimin on Wednesday. "We already have 100 shuttlers registered but the players usually register at the last minute one week before the championship," he said. "Last year we recorded some 1,000 shuttlers so it's possible there will be more players this year," he added.

China drops Ma's athletes from its Olympic team

China drops Ma's athletes from its Olympic team BEIJING (AFP): Controversial Chinese track coach Ma Junren and six of the seven athletes he had trained for the Sydney Olympics were absent from a list released Wednesday of the team being sent to the Games. "Ma's Family Army" appears to be one of the main victims of a Chinese decision to reduce its Olympic delegation by a reported 27 athletes, for reasons that included doping.

Mini tennis campaign starts Saturday

Mini tennis campaign starts Saturday JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) will launch a Gebyar Mini Tennis 2000 campaign on Saturday to introduce the sport to elementary school pupils in an easy, cheap and fast way. Mini tennis is played with smaller balls and racquets and on a smaller court than regular tennis. "We expect some 3,000 students will take part in the event.

Asian consumer confidence on the decline

Asian consumer confidence on the decline SINGAPORE (AFP): Consumer confidence through most of the Asia Pacific region is on the decline from the buoyant levels of last year, according to the results of a lifestyle survey released Wednesday. Of the 13 economies surveyed, only rivals China and Taiwan registered solid growth in the MasterCard International survey which measured five economic factors: employment, economy, income, stock market and quality of life.

IPCO, Cisco's project in RI

IPCO, Cisco's project in RI SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore IPCO International Ltd. said Wednesday it has picked Cisco Systems Inc. as its technology provider for an Internet Protocol Network project in Indonesia. This is the first of the series of IP infrastructure projects IPCO plans in the region.

'Ibu' Gedong, a model for Balinese women

'Ibu' Gedong, a model for Balinese women By Dewi Anggraeni CANDI DASA, East Bali (JP): We tend to think that because we know a public personality well, so would others. When a Balinese member of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR in its Indonesian acronym), fainted during one of the sessions, some fellow members were heard commenting, "She's a Hindu. She doesn't eat meat", as if that explained everything.

24 bus passengers injured on tollroad

24 bus passengers injured on tollroad JAKARTA (JP): About 24 people were injured in a bus accident on the Jagorawi toll road near Cibubur, East Jakarta, on Wednesday. The driver, who was allegedly sleepy, escaped and disappeared. When the bus from the Kampung Rambutan terminal reached kilometer 17 of the 50-km highway at around 8:20 a.m., it began to swerve around on the road, a survivor said.

Huge aftershocks jolt Bengkulu

Huge aftershocks jolt Bengkulu BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Powerful aftershocks shook this quake- ridden town on Wednesday, but no fatalities or damages were reported. The first tremor, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale, was felt in the wee hours while residents were still asleep. The other quake, with a magnitude of 5.1, took place later in the afternoon.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Sept. 6, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Syariah bank to be set up

Syariah bank to be set up PADANG, West Sumatra: The Association of Indonesian National Consultants (Inkindo) is planning to set up a Syariah popular credit bank here in a bid to empower local farmers. Head of Inkindo Zirma Zulnadi said the proposal was presented to Governor Zainal Bakar on Wednesday during a meeting with the association's executives, including Salahuddin Wahid, a younger brother of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Warring camps agree to delay new Sampang regent post

Warring camps agree to delay new Sampang regent post SURABAYA (JP): The planned induction of the new regent of Sampang on Madura island off East Java has been moved back hours after an angry mob set fire to the local legislature on Wednesday. The decision was approved during a meeting between representatives of the warring groups mediated by Governor Imam Utomo. The meeting at the Granadi gubernatorial office ended at about 10.30 p.m.

Police hampered in investigation

Police hampered in investigation TANGERANG (JP): Police here have run into difficulties in investigating Sunday's bus accident on the Jakarta-Tangerang toll road. The main obstacle they face is that the driver of the bus died in the accident. According to the deputy chief of the Tangerang Traffic Police, First Insp.

Anti opium movement

Anti opium movement From Media Indonesia I refer to phone calls recently made to the Secretariat of the National Station of the Anti-Opium People's Movement in connection with a demonstration conducted by a group of people calling themselves GERAM, which is the abbreviation of the Anti- Marzuki People's Movement. GERAM launched a demonstration in front of the Attorney General's Office on Aug. 29, and we deem it necessary to clarify things as follows: 1.

A.H. Nasution dies at the age of 82

A.H. Nasution dies at the age of 82 JAKARTA (JP): Gen. (ret.) Abdul Harris Nasution, a forceful figure during Indonesia's struggle for independence and influential in both the Old and New Orders, died on Wednesday at the Army's Gatot Subroto Hospital of complications from a stroke and heart disease. He was 82. Dr. Hermawan, Nasution's private doctor, said that Nasution died at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. He had been comatose for the last two days. "Pak Nas, who had been hospitalized since June.

JAL jumbo jet engine breaks up in midnight flight

JAL jumbo jet engine breaks up in midnight flight JAKARTA (JP): A Japan Airlines (JAL) jumbo jet, with 366 passengers and 17 crew aboard, abandoned its midnight flight to Tokyo on Tuesday after experiencing engine trouble just after takeoff from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, a JAL official at the airline's Jakarta office said on Wednesday.

Top singers testify against piracy

Top singers testify against piracy JAKARTA (JP): A famous pop singer testified before the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday that royalties from album sales meant a lot to the artist. "Royalties paid for the medical bills of the belated local singing legend, Broery Marantika, when he was ill. And after his death, the same royalties were a great help to his children," singer Dewi Yull told the court hearing presided over by Judge Sri Endang Murwati.

Air Force One?

Air Force One? Some three years after the Asian economic crisis first hit this country around the middle of 1997, Indonesians can now rightfully say that things appear to have started to look up a little. Underlining the optimism, the country's central bank, Bank Indonesia, on Wednesday said the country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the year could reach 3 percent to 4 percent, or even higher.

DPR against purchase of presidential plane

DPR against purchase of presidential plane JAKARTA (JP): The planned purchase of a Boeing aircraft to be used as the presidential airplane is receiving strong opposition from legislators who said the people are in urgent need of rice and not a private airplane. House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung asked President Abdurrahman Wahid to postpone the plan saying the country was still suffering from the economic crisis.

Honda to boost RI output

Honda to boost RI output TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Honda Motor Co. Ltd. said Wednesday it planned to boost production in Indonesia owing to stronger demand as the Southeast Asian giant emerges from crisis. Honda would add its popular CR-V compact sports utility vehicle to its product line-up in Jakarta, with sales set to start next month, said spokesman Yuzuru Matsuno. "The automobile market is expanding in Indonesia, and we wanted to meet the needs of our Indonesian customers," Matsuno said.

Pelangi to link Kuala Lumpur and Bandung

Pelangi to link Kuala Lumpur and Bandung BANDUNG (JP): Malaysia's Pelangi Airways and Berjaya Airways will begin direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and the West Java capital of Bandung starting mid-October. Pelangi Airways General Manager Captain Mad Zain Bin Hj. Salihin told reporters in Bandung on Wednesday that feasibility studies for the service had been made in recent months.

Santi Rama celebrates 30 years of educating the deaf

Santi Rama celebrates 30 years of educating the deaf JAKARTA (JP): Unlike other schools, Santi Rama was unusually "noisy" on Wednesday. Despite the fact some 406 students from preschool to high school are enrolled at Santi Rama, the school is normally pretty quiet. That is not surprising given that Santi Rama in Cipete, South Jakarta, is the largest school for the deaf in Jakarta. And on Wednesday it kicked off a four-day celebration to mark its 30th anniversary.

Trading of protected animals

Trading of protected animals From Media Indonesia Congratulations to the Jakarta Police, particularly the chief of detectives, for their success in arresting an illegal orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) trader in front of the Sheraton Bandara Hotel, Tangerang, on Aug. 28, 2000. This is evidence that the police are really committed to helping to eradicate the illegal trading of protected and rare animals.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 6, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 600 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 265 10 1,907,500 Alakasa Industrindo 790 190 1,000 Alfa Retailindo 875 -10 130,000 Alter Abadi 245 -15 26,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,005 -20 32,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 0 12,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,070 -20 172,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Indonesia mourns the death of General A.H. Nasution

Indonesia mourns the death of General A.H. Nasution JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of people, including state and military officials, thronged the residence of Gen. (ret) Abdul Haris Nasution on Jl. Teuku Umar in Menteng, Central Jakarta to pay homage to the old military and political figure who passed away after an enduring disease on Wednesday.

Three UN workers killed in Atambua

Three UN workers killed in Atambua JAKARTA (JP): At least three United Nations humanitarian workers were killed in an apparent retaliatory attack in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday following the murder of ex- militia leader Olivio Moruk just days after he was named a suspect in last year's mayhem in East Timor.

Council questions authorities' license to Carrefour

Council questions authorities' license to Carrefour JAKARTA (JP): The city council questioned on Wednesday the city administration's decision to grant licenses to the giant Carrefour hypermarket chain. Chairman of Commission B for economic affairs at the city council Syarief Zulkarnaen Ginting said the presence of the French chain, now numbering seven outlets in strategic locations across the city, posed a major threat to small retailers.

Govt signs three contracts, renews two others in mining

Govt signs three contracts, renews two others in mining JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro signed three contracts on Wednesday for the development of the country's coal resources, and renewed two contracts for the development of Indonesia's tin and granite resources. The minister awarded contracts to PT Ratah Coal, PT Lahai Coal and PT Juloi Coal, and renewed the contracts of tin mining firm PT Koba Tin and granite mining company PT Karimun Granite.

Indonesia's troubles and the regional community

Indonesia's troubles and the regional community By Simon S.C. Tay SINGAPORE (JP): The Indonesian human rights commission has reportedly called for neighbors of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries to help keep the peace in troubled Maluku. The Indonesian government has not replied. Previous responses have been negative. Many Indonesians still resent the intervention in East Timor. Despite the consent given by then president B.J.

Shuttler Taufik named as top seed for Olympics

Shuttler Taufik named as top seed for Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian teen idol Taufik Hidayat was named by the International Badminton Federation (IBF) on Wednesday as the top seed in the men's singles for the Olympic Games in Sydney. The 19-year-old shuttler, the current world number one, will face tough challenges from compatriot Hendrawan, who was named as second seeded, third seed Dane Peter Gade Christensen and fourth seed Xia Xuanze.

Taxi fare hike

Taxi fare hike From Jurnal Indonesia The taxi fare hike is really a heavy burden. Upon entering the taxi, we are charged Rp 3,000 (formerly Rp 2000), and then for every kilometer we are charged Rp 1,300 (formerly Rp 500). The tariff hike is more than 40 percent. As a consumer, I have an objection. It was said the fare hike was not agreed to by the councillors of the Jakarta administration.

ITB suspends six students

ITB suspends six students BANDUNG: Six students of the School of Geology at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) have been suspended for between one and four semesters after being found guilty of torturing a new student during a two week initiation period recently. The new student, Muhamad Imam Prasetyo, 19, suffered acute kidney failure and had to undergo dialysis eight times to treat his ailment.

Government ignores Acehnese 'referendum calls'

Government ignores Acehnese 'referendum calls' JAKARTA (JP): After relinquishing his post as state minister for human rights, Hasballah M. Saad on Wednesday criticized the government for not taking real steps to resolve the Aceh issue during the extended humanitarian pause there. Hasballah charged that Jakarta has ignored Acehnese calls for a referendum on the province's independence and failed to follow up on its offer of wide-ranging special autonomy.

Hutchison to invest $250m in Priok port

Hutchison to invest $250m in Priok port JAKARTA (AFX-ASIA): Hutchison Port Holdings said it is planning to spend US$250 million over the next four years to develop facilities at both Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) and the recently-acquired Koja Terminal at Tanjung Priok port.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Exhibition * Painting Exhibition: Kebiar Seni VI Bibit, at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Oct. 2. Performance Art Performance Road in Gallery 9, Lodtunduh, Ubud, 7:30 p.m., on Sept. 9. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sonny is a beacon for provincial artists

Sonny is a beacon for provincial artists By Harry Bhaskara MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Painter Sonny Lengkong's solo exhibition debut in Jakarta in 1990 proved to be a wake-up call for the capital's art critics. Not only did they learn that artists in the regions were alive and kicking, but also that they were capable of producing works that were on par with artists on Java, which for a long time has been used as the only cultural and artistic yardstick for Indonesian art.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Documentary 3:30 Music 4:00 Regional News 5:30 TVRI News 6:30 Religious Teachings 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 Sports 9:00 News 9:30 Film 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 7:30 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

IMF to disburse $400m loan to Indonesia later this month

IMF to disburse $400m loan to Indonesia later this month JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund is expected to disburse another US$400 million of its $5 billion bailout fund to Indonesia by the third week of this month, IMF representative in Jakarta John Dodsworth said on Wednesday.

Soeharto can be tried in absentia, says President

Soeharto can be tried in absentia, says President NEW YORK (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said here on Tuesday that former president Soeharto could be tried in absentia if it was impossible for him to attend his corruption trial. "If he is summoned (again) but he still does not appear before the court then he must be tried in absentia.

Volcanic grumbling in Aceh

Volcanic grumbling in Aceh SIGLI, Aceh: Peut Sagoe and Tutong twin volcanoes in Geumpang district of the Pidie regency have been active over the past couple of days. Eruptions occurred every three to five minutes, spraying volcanic ash across nearby villages and forcing some residents to flee their homes.

Soldiers told to stay neutral

Soldiers told to stay neutral AMBON, Maluku: Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago called on all troops here to maintain peace and impartiality. Speaking on Wednesday to the commander of the Army companies at military posts in Pohon Pule, Batu Gantung and Tanah Lapang Kecil districts, Chaniago asked the soldiers to be firm in carrying out their duties. Djamari, whose entourage included his operational assistant Maj. Gen.

Bali becomes Chinese tourist destination

Bali becomes Chinese tourist destination By Rini Utami DENPASAR, Bali (Antara): China has made Bali one of its main tourist destinations for its nationals wishing to spend their holidays in Indonesia. Since the opening of Indonesia-China economic and trade cooperation in 1985, followed by the thawing of relations between them in 1990, Bali now has the opportunity to enchant visitors from China.

Supreme Court may issue guidelines in Soeharto case

Supreme Court may issue guidelines in Soeharto case JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court is prepared to issue guidelines in the trial of former president Soeharto for his suspected role in a Rp 4.97 trillion corruption scandal, an official said on Wednesday. "The Supreme Court can easily issue guidelines, but neither chief prosecutor Muchtar Arifin or the South Jakarta District Court has filed a written request for the guidelines," a public relations official at the Supreme Court, Djudjuk A.

Costello to meet RI minister

Costello to meet RI minister CANBERRA (Dow Jones): Australian Treasurer Peter Costello will travel to Indonesia later Wednesday to meet with key Indonesian ministers before traveling on to Brunei for a meeting of finance ministers from countries in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group. "The visit to Jakarta provides an important opportunity to strengthen Australian contacts with members of the new cabinet and revamped economic team announced by (Indonesian) President Wahid on Aug.

Four agrarian activists file lawsuit against City Police

Four agrarian activists file lawsuit against City Police JAKARTA (JP): Four agrarian activists who returned home after going missing for 12 days filed a suit against the Jakarta Police on Wednesday, claiming the police issued misleading statements about their abduction.

Creating a major handicraft center: One man's quest

Creating a major handicraft center: One man's quest By Harry Bhaskara MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Handicraftsmen from Manado and Poso, Central Sulawesi, have more than just an island in common. One year ago they were holding a joint exhibition in Poso before sectarian clashes between Christians and Muslims broke out in the town. "They came here, empty handed, looking for jobs," Jongky Tirtamulia said, referring to his colleagues from Poso.

Indonesian diver Shenny aims to reach Olympics semifinals

Indonesian diver Shenny aims to reach Olympics semifinals JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian diver Shenny Ratna Amelia is optimistic she will fulfill her personal ambition to reach the semifinals in the upcoming Olympic Games in Sydney. Speaking to reporters before a training session at the Senayan diving pool, the 15-year-old diver said a one-month overseas stint in Wuhan, China, had been very helpful for her to improve her technical skills. "I learned to improve my concentration.

Consortiums bid for airport

Consortiums bid for airport BANGKOK (AFP): Four international consortiums have submitted bids for the passenger terminal at Bangkok's planned new international airport, officials said Wednesday. Multinational consortiums Italian-Thai Development-Takenaka- Obayashi, Taisei-Mitsubishi Construction Japan, Shimizu- Vichitbhan-Nishimatsu-Prayoonvisava-Krungthon, and Ch Karnchang- Kajima-Kumagai Gumi-Bilfinger submitted bids, they said.

APEC finance ministers to focus on stability

APEC finance ministers to focus on stability BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): An Asia-Pacific finance ministers meeting in Brunei this week, scheduled to focus on securing economic stability, will have a strong undercurrent of revitalizing APEC's reputation, officials say. The financial heavyweights from the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will meet here from Thursday in a four-day think tank that has been saddled with the reputation of an ineffectual talkfest.

Oil in Asia crawls near $34 as OPEC talks output

Oil in Asia crawls near $34 as OPEC talks output SINGAPORE (Reuters): Oil in Asia crawled towards a near decade high above $34 a barrel on Wednesday as Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members talked of an imminent output hike. Benchmark New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) October crude futures traded up 14 cents at $33.97 a barrel by 0722 GMT, adding to its 45-cent gain on Tuesday. The market settled at a lower $33.93 a barrel on Tuesday, after peaking at $34.10 briefly during intra-day trade.

Governor opens new garbage station in Sunter, N. Jakarta

Governor opens new garbage station in Sunter, N. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): In an attempt to reduce the burden on the Bantar Gebang garbage dump in Bekasi, Governor Sutiyoso officially opened an intermediate garbage station in Sunter, North Jakarta, on Wednesday. The intermediate station will compress all waste from the western part of the city before it is transferred to the city- owned dump in Bekasi.

Fujitsu wins high-speed telecoms cable contract

Fujitsu wins high-speed telecoms cable contract TOKYO (AFP): Japan's biggest computer company Fujitsu Ltd. said Wednesday it had won a contract to build a US$645-million high-speed telecommunications cable linking Singapore, Jakarta and Sydney. New Zealand-based Nava Networks had contracted Fujitsu to build the 9,000-kilometer (5,625-mile) undersea fiber-optic cable by July 2002, the Japanese firm said in a statement.