Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 January 2001

56 articles found

Sense and sentiments

Sense and sentiments India, which shares a maritime boundary with a few ASEAN states including Indonesia, has never really been seen by the organization as a direct security threat even in the context of New Delhi's nuclear arms testing in 1998. All the same, New Delhi has not also come in for much reckoning by the ASEAN as an indirect consequence of its original perception, slow in fading, about India as an insular economy. It is in this historical context that Mr.

Court begins trial of BI governor

Court begins trial of BI governor JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court commenced the trial of Bank Indonesia (Central Bank) governor Syahril Sabirin on Wednesday regarding his alleged involvement in the disbursement of Rp 904 billion (US$96.2 million) of Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) funds to Bank Bali. Chief prosecutor Y.W. Mere said Syahril was responsible for endorsing the disbursement of IBRA's money to Bank Bali.

Yusuf fetes old Banten

Yusuf fetes old Banten JAKARTA (JP): Artist Yusuf Susilo Hartono has long been interested in Banten, located on the western coast of Java. "Banten once enjoyed a golden age, and its influence was even felt overseas before it suffered a decline," the 42-year-old journalism veteran said of the newly designated province. His idea to depict the Banten of today and its ties to the past was realized with 27 works, including 10 acrylics on canvas and 17 black-and-white sketches.

Flags prevent demolition plan

Flags prevent demolition plan BOGOR (JP): City officers failed on Wednesday to demolish 184 houses which have no building permits in Bojong Kaso village of Cileungsi here after each of the house owners raised the national red-and-white and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle flags. Head of the City Inspectorate Office, Tb. Deddy Hediana, said he prompted the delay because he did not want to be accused of criminal conduct by lowering the national flag.

Corruption foils reform movement, says Nurcholish

Corruption foils reform movement, says Nurcholish JAKARTA (JP): Noted Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid called on the nation to renew its commitment to fighting all forms of corruption, collusion and nepotism, lest it lose the momentum of the widely touted reform movement. "We have to ask all Indonesians to swear eternal condemnation toward every form of corruption, collusion and nepotism in order to put the reform movement back on track," Nurcholish said in his political speech on Wednesday.

Jailed Khmer leader treated at hospital

Jailed Khmer leader treated at hospital PHNOM PENH (AFP): Jailed Khmer Rouge leader Ta Mok, known as "The Butcher", was taken to hospital and received treatment for high blood pressure before being returned to his prison cell, his lawyer said on Wednesday. The doctor who saw the former Khmer Rouge military chief at the hospital, Song An, said: "He walked as usual, although with a stick, and said he felt dizzy. We found his blood pressure was high.

Estrada's grip on power may in the end slip, say analysts

Estrada's grip on power may in the end slip, say analysts By P. Parameswaran MANILA (AFP): Scandal-tainted President Joseph Estrada may find it tough clinging on to power despite apparently wriggling his way out of his worst crisis since he took office two-and-a- half years ago, analysts said Wednesday.

Malaysia deputy PM pays old fines

Malaysia deputy PM pays old fines KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's deputy prime minister, a strong supporter of a police crackdown on unpaid traffic fines, has discovered he himself was on the list of offenders. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made the startling discovery when he dropped in unexpectedly at a traffic police station in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, a newspaper and his aides said on Wednesday.

U.S. supports Indonesia's policies on troubled Aceh

U.S. supports Indonesia's policies on troubled Aceh JAKARTA (JP): While expressing support for a united territory of Indonesia, United States Ambassador to Indonesia Robert S. Gelbard offered on Wednesday to help ensure the agreement between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and Indonesian government a success. "Certainly the United States is preparing to participate in a serious way in any economic development and reconstruction plan, although the security problem (in Aceh) is difficult.

BI to maintain forex ruling despite protest

BI to maintain forex ruling despite protest JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia deputy governor Achjar Iljas said on Wednesday that the central bank would maintain its new foreign exchange ruling despite reports of protest and confusion among foreign banks. "We'll maintain the new ruling ... Let's see how it goes," Achjar told The Jakarta Post, adding that the new policy had already been discussed with the International Monetary Fund.

Return of People Power?

Return of People Power? The People Power revolution may likely recur in the Philippines if the court trial of President Joseph Estrada's corruption charges fails to bring justice to the more than 72 million people of the Philippines.

Motor vehicle sales in SEA surpass 1m

Motor vehicle sales in SEA surpass 1m BANGKOK (DPA): Motor vehicle sales in the four main Southeast Asian markets reached 1,036,000 units last year, surpassing the one million mark for the first time since 1996, industry sources said on Wednesday.

East Timor ups stakes in oil treaty talks with Australia

East Timor ups stakes in oil treaty talks with Australia SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): East Timor is raising the stakes in talks on sharing offshore oil and natural gas revenues with Australia, according to Australian government sources. It wants to expand the scope of negotiations to include areas outside the Timor Gap treaty zone, which could add in oil fields generating revenues of almost US$2 billion a year.

Where to go in Bali

Where to go in Bali Exhibition * Painting by German artist Peter Dittmar, at Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl Raya Sayan (Phone: 0361 979253), until Feb. 10. 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. * Museum of Bali, Jl. Letkol Wisnu, downtown of Denpasar (Phone: 0361 2277271), Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

RI to host Asian Cup Baseball Championship

RI to host Asian Cup Baseball Championship JAKARTA (JP): Six second division teams are expected to compete in the fourth Asian Cup Baseball Championship at the Senayan Baseball Stadium next month. "Besides Indonesia, five other countries will compete in the event. They are Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Thailand and Uzbekistan," said Indonesian Baseball and Softball Association (Perbasasi) vice chairman Harry A. Tresnadi on Wednesday. The event will take place from Feb. 18 until Feb. 25.

'LinkNet' opens Yogyakarta branch

'LinkNet' opens Yogyakarta branch YOGYAKARTA: LinkNet internet service provider (www.link.net.id) officially opened its branch here on Wednesday, the second after the first opened in Surabaya last week. Launch of the Yogyakarta branch was marked with a half-day seminar titled 'Widening Market Access Through the Internet'. Communication experts Ashadi Siregar, Roy Suryo, internet experts Budi Rahardjo, Fritz Simanjuntak, and LinkNet managing directors spoke in the seminar.

Tension escalates in Poso: Police

Tension escalates in Poso: Police MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The South Sulawesi Police sent 300 personnel from its Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit to the restive regency of Poso in Central Sulawesi following an escalation in sectarian tension, South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofyan Jacob said on Tuesday. With the sending of the 300 personnel to Poso, 100 officers who have been posted there for six months would be recalled, Sofyan said.

Governor asks for unpaid compensation

Governor asks for unpaid compensation AMBON, Maluku: Governor Saleh Latuconsina submitted a letter of inquiry to state-owned insurance company PT Jasa Raharja on Tuesday, because the company has yet to compensate the families of Masnait passengers who drowned when the boat sank on May 7, 1999. The head of Maluku's transportation office Bob Halattu told reporters on Tuesday that the letter followed demands from his office for the company to pay Rp 5 million (US$526) to families of the victims.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 17, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,900 -25 61,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 100 0 215,500 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 1,253,500 Alter Abadi 105 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 650 0 0 Andhi Chandra 975 -75 260,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 225 0 6,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 875 0 213,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex...

Must Hindu names, symbols be used in non-religious context?

Must Hindu names, symbols be used in non-religious context? By Putu Wirata DENPASAR, Bali (JP): For the Hindu community, Rama, Vishnu and Khrisna, are sacred names. When a motorcycle company PT Sigma Aneka Karya Indah used the three sacred Hindu names for some of their products, as advertised in the local media, the Hindus were startled and furious. They regarded the use of Hindu names or symbols in a non- religious context as misleading.

Reap what you have sown

Reap what you have sown From Rakyat Merdeka Which is to be destroyed: Cendana or the Palace? From Rakyat Merdeka When two elephants fight, a mouse deer will be killed in the middle, so people are fond of saying. The truth of this saying is increasingly visible to us now.

Curriculum revision

Curriculum revision The new learning strategy, according to Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century, will follow the mnemonic method created by Jayne Nicholl, author of Open Sesame. It comprises the following steps: motivating your mind, acquiring information, searching out the meaning, triggering memory, exhibiting what you know and reflecting on how you have learned (Rose & J. Nicholl, 1997).

LBH Jakarta condemns purchase of gas pistols

LBH Jakarta condemns purchase of gas pistols JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) on Wednesday condemned the purchase of 60 gas pistols to be used by city public order and civil defense officials. Head of LBH Jakarta's City and Urban Society, Tubagus Haryo Karbyanto, said the move showed that the city administration affairs are still dominated by a militaristic approach.

Police plan probe into bunker mystery

Police plan probe into bunker mystery JAKARTA (JP): The National Police will question a number of people for providing them with misleading information, in connection with the underground bunker found below the Central Jakarta home of fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. "Those to be questioned may include Tommy's lawyers and family members. Some of them have said that no bunker existed, but when police found the bunker, they called it an old cellar," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen.

UN criticizes RI over handling of militias

UN criticizes RI over handling of militias JAKARTA (JP): Despite goodwill from the Indonesian government and leaders of East Timor, a United Nations senior official on Wednesday criticized Indonesia for failing to fully implement Security Council resolution 1319. "There are problems in the implementation of the Security Council resolution 1319 which urges the Indonesian government to disarm and disband the militias," said Harri Holkeri, president of the UN General Assembly.

Provinces allowed to issue forest concession permits

Provinces allowed to issue forest concession permits JAKARTA (JP): In line with regional autonomy legislation, the Ministry of Forestry has relinquished some of its authority regarding the authorization of new forest concession permits, to provincial administrations. According to a ministerial decree dated Nov. 6, 2000, the provincial administration is permitted to issue a forest concession permit covering an area of up to 100,000 hectares.

Pertina to send boxers to Cadet championship

Pertina to send boxers to Cadet championship JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) plans to send a group of boxers to the first international boxing championship for the cadet category (13 to 16 age group) in Baku, Azerbaijan, in September. "We will send young boxers as part of our preparations for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Maj. Gen. Mahidin posted to Irian Jaya

Maj. Gen. Mahidin posted to Irian Jaya JAKARTA (JP): Commander of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) 2nd Infantry Division in Malang, East Java, Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon, has been appointed as the New Trikora Military commander replacing the late Maj. Gen. Tonny A. Rompis. "Pak Mahidin is the most appropriate senior officer to hold that post due to the special conditions in the province," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told The Jakarta Post by phone on Wednesday.

Sports officials still in the dark about autonomy

Sports officials still in the dark about autonomy JAKARTA (JP): As regional autonomy is underway nationwide, many sports officials, as with their colleagues in other fields, still have no idea about the concept of autonomy nor its prospects.

Major reshuffle at industry ministry

Major reshuffle at industry ministry JAKARTA (JP): The government replaced four senior officials at the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Wednesday in an effort to revitalize the ministry to adapt better to new challenges. Under presidential decree No. 12/2001 issued on Jan.

Huge rally wants Gus Dur to resign

Huge rally wants Gus Dur to resign JAKARTA (JP): Around 3,000 students and youths staged an antigovernment demonstration at the gates of the House complex on Wednesday, demanding President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid step down for his alleged involvement in two financial scandals. The demonstrators, who thronged the compound's gate from early morning, were unable to reach the House building because of the tight security provided by more than 1,000 riot police.

Prabowo denies role in bombings

Prabowo denies role in bombings JAKARTA (JP): Former Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) chief Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto firmly denied on Wednesday allegations he was behind a series of bomb attacks on Christmas Eve. "I strongly reject accusations that I was involved in the bombings," Prabowo said during a media conference at the house of his father, economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, on Jl. Kartanegara in South Jakarta.

Six quizzed over car bombing

Six quizzed over car bombing JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives are questioning six people as witnesses, in connection with the bombing of an Espass van in Pancoran, South Jakarta late on Tuesday night. Pancoran police subprecint chief Comr. Ignatius Susanto said on Wednesday that witnesses told detectives that they saw someone in a white Toyota Soluna sedan throwing a molotov cocktail under the van. The van with registration number B 1846 GP was incinerated.

IFC loses bankruptcy vote against Panca Overseas

IFC loses bankruptcy vote against Panca Overseas JAKARTA (JP): PT Panca Overseas Finance (POF) survived a bankruptcy threat when the majority of its creditors approved its debt restructuring proposal on Wednesday. Creditors representing more than two-thirds of POF's total debt of some US$235 million voted in favor of the company during a meeting at the Jakarta Commercial Court.

Working is a ritual of life and 'dharma' for Balinese women

Working is a ritual of life and 'dharma' for Balinese women Text and photos by Murdani Usman GIANYAR, Bali (JP): Balinese women are often portrayed on painters' canvasses in romantic images of beautiful nymphs from heaven, embellished with gold-thread and intricate costumes with flowers in their hair. In reality, their dignified beauty reflects more in their daily activities. In Balinese society, women play significant roles both in their families and their religious and traditional communities.

Akbar dismisses call for probe into alleged scams

Akbar dismisses call for probe into alleged scams JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives Akbar Tandjung rejected calls by the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction for an investigation into an alleged financial leakage in the July 2000 House rehabilitation projects and the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference last September. Akbar said he was not involved in the management of both projects.

Timber workers taken hostage by Irian separatist rebels

Timber workers taken hostage by Irian separatist rebels JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Eleven workers of timber company PT Korindo, including a Korean national, were taken hostage by a group of armed men in the district of Asiki, Merauke regency on Tuesday, in the presence of Indonesian military personnel. Trikora Military Command spokesman Lt. Col.

IBRA plans to clear over Rp 130t in large bank loans

IBRA plans to clear over Rp 130t in large bank loans JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to resolve and restructure over Rp 130 trillion (US$13.83 billion) in corporate loans in 2001. Head of IBRA's asset management credit (AMC) division Riswinandi said on Wednesday that the new government debt restructuring guideline issued late last year would help the agency to achieve more restructuring deals.

City needs Army, Police to maintain order

City needs Army, Police to maintain order JAKARTA (JP): The city authorities are seeking more help from the military and police in their citywide crackdown on public order offenders. A member of the just-concluded operation to maintain security and order, R. Sitindjak, said the presence of Army and police troops had proven effective in curbing the number of clashes between the city authorities and the public, mostly street vendors and buskers, during the crackdown.

Shop-houses have no building permits

Shop-houses have no building permits JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of shop-houses in Kelapa Gading Barat sub-district, North Jakarta, have no building permit (IMB), a councillor said on Wednesday. Posman Siahaan of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP) asked the local authority to investigate the case, as the developer, PT Wisma Benhill, continues to run the construction project, located on Jl. Raya Boulevard Barat.

IOC urges RI to apply for Olympic funds

IOC urges RI to apply for Olympic funds JAKARTA (JP): The International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative Michel Filliau urged the National Sports Council (KONI) to prepare its four-year planning and strategy for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games to secure the Olympic Solidarity scholarship. "IOC allocates some US$320 million for the four-year period prior to the Athens Olympics, from 2001 until 2004, for a worldwide coverage of the program," Filliau told a press conference Wednesday.

Rupiah Rates Jan.17

Rupiah Rates Jan.17 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Expo organizers ask govt to ease licensing procedures

Expo organizers ask govt to ease licensing procedures JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesia Trade Exhibition Promoters (Asperapi) appealed to the government on Wednesday to simplify the licensing procedures for holding trade fairs and exhibitions in the country. The association's chairman Herman Wiriadipoera said that the existing procedures for obtaining exhibition permits were too complicated.

Bali needs rules on local liquors

Bali needs rules on local liquors DENPASAR, Bali: Tabanan police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Rahardja Subyakta urged local administration and councillors on Wednesday to issue a regulation to control the distribution of traditional liquors in the regency. Rahardja said local liquors were more dangerous than imported ones because they contained much more alcohol. "Traditional liquors can contain 60 percent alcohol, while the alcohol level of imported ones ranges from 10 percent to 48 percent," he said.

Cases of extortion and discrimination

Cases of extortion and discrimination From Republika Every year when the Idul Fitri festival approaches, many Indonesian blue-collar workers and craftsmen employed overseas (TKI) come back home. So they did last year. They hoped to be able to meet their families and share experiences as well as gifts and money with them. However, what happened to them last year was something beyond words.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Children's Program 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 4:00 Children's Program 4:30 Quiz 5:00 News 5:30 Music 6:00 Village News 6:15 TV Drama 7:00 News 7:30 Music 9:00 Music 10:00 News 11:00 TV Drama Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

Parking agency in cahoots with 'hoods'

Parking agency in cahoots with 'hoods' JAKARTA (JP): To increase the city's parking revenue, the local authority plans to cooperate with unofficial parking attendants who have control of one-third of street parking here and offer them a shared account mechanism, an official said on Wednesday. The proposed mechanism is part of a new partnership program with unofficial parties in collecting parking fees, deputy head of the City Parking Agency Sukri Bey said.

Stable rupiah more acceptable

Stable rupiah more acceptable With regard to your editorial of Jan. 17, 2001, I am glad to know that more and more people (and the press) agree with the new central bank policy on rupiah transactions for non-residents. I still remember that six months ago such an idea was not accepted by the press, and rejected by many analysts. However, being an Indonesian newspaper, it would be better if you write more about the positive points of such policies rather than their weaknesses.

Malaysian Chinese save old school

Malaysian Chinese save old school KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Calling it a triumph, ethnic Chinese parents and rights activists on Wednesday welcomed the government's offer to allow them to return to a condemned school that has become a symbol of the Malaysian minority's struggle to defend its culture.

Police search for marijuana salesman

Police search for marijuana salesman MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Jeneponto police are searching for Is, 32, a vegetable vendor at Pasar Terong, who allegedly has been selling marijuana plants. The case surfaced after residents of Jeneponto regency, some 200 kilometers north of here, found on Saturday a half hectare at Sunggumanai hill planted with some 165 marijuana plants.

New Australian envoy presents credentials

New Australian envoy presents credentials JAKARTA (JP): The new Australian Ambassador to Jakarta, Richard Smith, presented his credentials to President Abdurrahman Wahid at a ceremony at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday. Also delivering credentials was new South African ambassador Norman M. Mashabane. Smith, who was replacing John McCarthy, is one of Australia's most senior diplomats, the Australian Embassy said in a press statement.

Askes eyes rise in premium income

Askes eyes rise in premium income YOGYAKARTA (JP): State-owned health insurance company PT Asuransi Kesehatan (Askes) has forecast a 10 percent increase in premium income this year to Rp 550 billion (about US$58.5 million) from around Rp 500 billion last year. The company's managing director Ori Andari Sutaji said that the projected 10 percent rise in premium income was expected to come from an increase in non-civil servant members.

Honda sales still high despite tough competition

Honda sales still high despite tough competition JAKARTA (JP): Motorcycle manufacturer and distributor PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) said on Wednesday that competition from imported Chinese-made motorcycles in the last few years had not effected its sales figure in Indonesia.

Party takes bold step towards maturity

Party takes bold step towards maturity By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): The decision of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) leadership to expel 17 of its members, to discharge two of its members from their present party posts, and to issue a stern warning to 25 members for their lax undisciplined behavior is a very bold step that merits praise.

KL palm oil down on Indonesia tax news

KL palm oil down on Indonesia tax news KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A late sell-off dragged down Malaysian palm oil futures at the close on Wednesday, despite an initial rally triggered by expectations of more buying from China after it released the import quota for this year, traders said. The new benchmark third-month April futures contract was down two ringit at 823 ringgit (US$216.57) a ton after trading as high as 833 ringgit.

Muslim consumers' body calls for 'halal' certification agency

Muslim consumers' body calls for 'halal' certification agency JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Muslim Consumers Foundation (YLKM) has called for the establishment of a national standardization agency to issue halal certificates indicating that a product is fit for consumption by Muslims. YLKM chairman Bambang Sabar Irawan said on Wednesday that such an agency could reduce irregularities in the issuance of certificates, which is at present solely handled by the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI).