Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 January 2001

66 articles found

Punishment for drug traffickers

Punishment for drug traffickersFrom Suara KaryaEarly in 2001 the Directorate General of Taxation and Excise succeeded in catching some foreigners who evidently brought significantly large amounts of heroin into Indonesia.

Operation to maintain public order extended

Operation to maintain public order extended JAKARTA (JP): The widely criticized citywide operation to maintain public security and order has been extended for 10 days and will involve more personnel, deputy governor for administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi said on Thursday.

Jakarta fails to reform bureaucracy

Jakarta fails to reform bureaucracyBy Marco Kusumawijaya JAKARTA (JP): All city problems that bedevil Jakarta stem from its incompetent governance and lack of leadership integrity.In fact, learning from other cities' development, local and foreign, there is no single condition in Jakarta that...

Kidnapping of timber workers could deter investors

Kidnapping of timber workers could deter investors JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): It is feared that the kidnapping of eleven timber company workers, including a Korean national, in Irian Jaya's westernmost town of Merauke, will affect the business climate in the mineral-rich province, Governor JP...

Issue on dismissal of ministers no longer relevant

Issue on dismissal of ministers no longer relevant JAKARTA (JP): Several House of Representatives (DPR) factions on Thursday questioned the relevance of continuing the inquiry into President Abdurrahman Wahid's decision to dismiss two economics ministers in April, 1999.

KONI to empower human resources in each branch

KONI to empower human resources in each branch JAKARTA (JP): Following complaints from its members about the implementation of regional autonomy throughout the country, the National Sports Council (KONI) decided to empower its human resources in its regency and mayoralty chapters.

RP kidnappers up ransom demand

RP kidnappers up ransom demand ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Muslim extremists who kidnapped a 6-year-old girl in the southern Philippines have doubled the ransom demand to more than US$3,500, officials said here on Thursday.

Troops in Maluku to be gradually pulled out

Troops in Maluku to be gradually pulled out AMBON, Maluku (JP): Security battalions in the Maluku islands will be pulled out gradually, going from the present 17 to four, a military officer said on Thursday."By February at the latest only four battalions will remain in Maluku.

Navy stages 16th KASAL Cup bridge tournament

Navy stages 16th KASAL Cup bridge tournament JAKARTA (JP): To show its commitment to the development of contract bridge in the country, the Indonesian Navy is staging a competition at the Navy Officers House on Jl. Prapatan in Central Jakarta.

Indomobil to focus on car retailer

Indomobil to focus on car retailer JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed car manufacturer and importer of various car brands PT Indomobil Sukses Internasional said on Thursday that it would leave the car importing business and would instead focus on becoming a car retailer.

Indian navy chief visits Myanmar

Indian navy chief visits Myanmar YANGON (DPA): In another sign of warming New Delhi-Yangon ties, Indian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Sushil Kumar has paid an official visit to Myanmar, local news reports said on Thursday.

ASEAN raises swap facilities

ASEAN raises swap facilities JAKARTA (JP): Central banks under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to raise their short term liquidity support funds to US$1 billion from $200 million, to supplement any shortfalls in the fiscal balances of ASEAN members.

If they act like RI capital controls, they are

If they act like RI capital controls, they areBy Benjamin Pedley SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Bank Indonesia's decision earlier this week to clamp down on speculative trade in the rupiah isn't a capital control in the strictest sense, but the effect of the move -- at least for now -- appears to be the...

Chief justice selection takes a new turn

Chief justice selection takes a new turn JAKARTA (JP): The month-long dispute on the chief justice selection took a new turn as the House of Representatives has decided to return the matter to House Commission II on Legal and Home Affairs.

Emerging markets gain from OPEC cut

Emerging markets gain from OPEC cutBy David Chance LONDON (Reuters): Major oil exporters from the emerging market universe such as Russia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Nigeria will win from OPEC's decision to cut its output, but some producers may be losers as countries like Mexico may have as...

Fighting crime in Jakarta

Fighting crime in Jakarta Confronted with the rising crime rate in the capital, Jakarta's city administration appears to have found at least part of the answer: gas pistols to arm the city's public order and civil defense officers. For that purpose, City Hall is reported to have spent Rp. 1.

S'pore, U.S. pledge to talk on trade pact

S'pore, U.S. pledge to talk on trade pact WASHINGTON (Reuters): The United States and Singapore said on Wednesday they have made substantial progress on a free trade agreement, but much work remains to be done.

Bush may demand bigger Japanese defense role in the region

Bush may demand bigger Japanese defense role in the regionBy Gaku Shibata and Keiko Iizuka TOKYO: The administration of U.S. President-elect George W. Bush, who will be inaugurated Saturday, is likely to urge Japan to shoulder a greater burden in maintaining peace and security in the Asia-Pacific...

RI rating may be upgraded

RI rating may be upgraded HONG KONG (Dow Jones): The sovereign ratings of Malaysia, South Korea and Indonesia will likely be upgraded this year while the Philippines could be downgraded, according to John Woods, HSBC's head of Asia fixed income research.

Foreign Ministry clarifies

Foreign Ministry clarifies I wish to refer to Mr. Meidyatama Suryodiningrat's article published by The Jakarta Post on Jan. 11, 2000, touching on Indonesia's foreign policy under the leadership of President Abdurrahman Wahid which may create some misunderstanding.

Indonesia expects to meet new OPEC quota

Indonesia expects to meet new OPEC quota VIENNA (Agencies): Indonesia said on Thursday its new OPEC crude production quota of 1.307 million barrels per day (bpd) was a "realistic" target despite delays to several projects because of civil unrest and labor disputes.

Bombings after 1998 have not been resolved

Bombings after 1998 have not been resolved JAKARTA (JP): The political history of bombings in Indonesia took a sharp turn after the 1998 May riots, in which all of the cases involving bomb explosions have never been solved, the Indonesian Forum for Peace (FID) secretary Munir said on Thursday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 18, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,900 0 26,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 125 25 4,554,000 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa...

When will peace reign?

When will peace reign?From Rakyat MerdekaDuring vote-counting in the presidential election held in the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly in 1999, I was one of the millions of Indonesians who was nervous and tense.

More revenues in vehicle taxes

More revenues in vehicle taxes TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang administration has succeeded in raising revenue of Rp 69.9 billion (US$7.4 million) from vehicle tax and fees during the last fiscal year, exceeding their target of Rp 45.7 billion (US$4.8 million) by 155 percent.

Caltex sees lowered RI crude output

Caltex sees lowered RI crude output SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia expects lowered average crude production in 2001, as local protests continue to erode its daily output, Caltex Pacific Managing Director Bob Galbraith said Thursday.

After Hours Club a gem on Jakarta's bar scene

After Hours Club a gem on Jakarta's bar scene JAKARTA (JP): This week we stop in at the After Hours Club, a classy venue that deserves more notice than it has received since opening in March 2000.Location: Jl. Kebon Sirih, Arya Building, Fifth Floor. Located just off of Jl. Agus Salim (or Jl.

Gus Dur to appoint expert to study amendment to the 1945 Constitution

Gus Dur to appoint expert to study amendment to the 1945 Constitution JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said here on Thursday that he would appoint constitutional law expert Harun Alrasid to chair a special committee to study the amendment of the 1945 Constitution.

Pupuk Kaltim plans to sell 49% stake via IPO

Pupuk Kaltim plans to sell 49% stake via IPO JAKARTA (JP): State-owned fertilizer firm PT Pupuk Kaltim plans to sell a 49 percent stake this year as part of the government's privatization program, according to company president Syaiful Amir.

Persikota beats Semen Padang 2-0

Persikota beats Semen Padang 2-0 PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): Saphou Lassy scored two goals to enable his team Persikota to beat Semen Padang 2-0 in front of a home crowd during the preliminary round of the Bank Mandiri national soccer league on Thursday in the 22th and 74th minutes.

Sinar Mas's APP faces U.S. delisting, credit crunch

Sinar Mas's APP faces U.S. delisting, credit crunch JAKARTA (Dow Jones): Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), among the largest issuers of high-yield bonds, is facing delisting of its U.S. American Depositary Receipts after they Wednesday traded below $1 for the 30th consecutive day.

Ramayana voted as favorite RI firm

Ramayana voted as favorite RI firm JAKARTA (JP): Department store chain PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa was voted as investors' favorite Indonesian company according to the monthly financial magazine Asiamoney.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 9:00 Talk Show 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 Children's Program 5:00 TVRI News 6:00 Village News 7:00 Evening News 8:00 Traditional Drama 9:00 Music 10:00 News 11:00 ComedyProgram 2...

Councillors urged to summon police chief

Councillors urged to summon police chief YOGYAKARTA: Representatives from eight local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) came to the City Council on Thursday, demanding that councillors summon the city police chief over several major unsolved cases.

Police to break into more sections of Tommy's residence

Police to break into more sections of Tommy's residence JAKARTA (JP): In yet another desperate attempt to locate the fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, police announced plans on Thursday to drill and break into at least three other spots in his house.

John Hancock has new president

John Hancock has new president JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of PT Asuransi Jiwa Bumiputera John Hancock has named Roderick F. Haire as the insurance company's president, replacing David W. CottrellA British national, Haire has over 20 years of insurance and banking experience in the United Kingdom,...

No agreement on Shangri-La dispute

No agreement on Shangri-La dispute JAKARTA (JP): A hearing at the House of Representatives between workers and management of the Shangri-La Hotel and officials of the Ministry of Manpower on Thursday failed to reach any significant agreement.

Rupiah Rates Jan.18

Rupiah Rates Jan.18 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,975.00 9,975.00 9,428.00 9,522.00Australian dollar 1 4,957.79 5,515.18 5,208.03 5,264.71Austrian schilling 1 610.76 679.17 641.58 648.33Belgian franc 1 208.33 231.67 218.85 221.

Bibit assigned to guard Jakarta

Bibit assigned to guard Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): In anticipation of security uncertainties in the capital, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto has decided to replace Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Slamet Kirbiantoro with Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo.

Highway robbery?

Highway robbery? On Jan. 17, 2000, The Jakarta Post reported that the Jakarta City Administration has just spent Rp 1.2 billion to buy 60 German-made Melcher tear-gas pistols for its public order units.

PLN plans long term contract for industries

PLN plans long term contract for industries JAKARTA (JP): State owned electricity company PT PLN is planning to offer large industrial users special power rates under long term contracts to better ensure their power supply.

BI official accused of malfeasance

BI official accused of malfeasance BANDUNG, West Java: The Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) will file on Friday a report to the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on alleged malfeasance by a Bank Indonesia (BI) official in the supplying of paper for the Rp 1,000 and Rp 5,000 bank notes.

Higher tax on time deposits 'won't cause capital flight'

Higher tax on time deposits 'won't cause capital flight' JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Taxes Machfud Sidik has insisted that the increase in income tax on interest from bank time deposits and savings would not cause capital flight out of the country.

Japan's malaise due to copying West: Mahathir

Japan's malaise due to copying West: Mahathir OSAKA (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Thursday a Japanese economic recovery was the key to East Asian prosperity, but that Japan's economic malaise was largely due to an insistence on aping Western practices.

Army's Special Force to be reorganized

Army's Special Force to be reorganized JAKARTA (JP): The Army's Special Force (Kopassus) will be reorganized to meet the demands of security environment in the future, a senior military officer said on Thursday.Army Chief of Staff Gen.

Capital to extend 34 gas stations' land use permit

Capital to extend 34 gas stations' land use permit JAKARTA (JP): The city administration agreed on Thursday to extend the land use permit of 34 gas stations occupying green areas across the capital.Assistant to the city secretary for administration affairs Makmun Amin said the city administration...

Conflicting role models in KL

Conflicting role models in KL KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Young women in Malaysia have a host of new role models.Shahrizat Jalil, promoted to women's affairs minister on Wednesday, was the latest in a string women taking over top jobs.

IMB for shop-houses still in process

IMB for shop-houses still in process JAKARTA (JP): A city official said on Thursday that the building permit for Plaza Kelapa Gading complex in North Jakarta, where hundreds of shop-houses are being constructed, is still being processed.

Palm oil futures end with pared gains

Palm oil futures end with pared gains KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed with pared gains on Thursday due to a lack of follow-through support ahead of next week's holidays.The market will be closed January 23-25 for the Chinese New Year celebration.

36 firms join telecoms expo

36 firms join telecoms expo JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-six telecommunications-related companies began a four-day exhibition at the Jakarta Convention Hall here on Thursday.According to Deddy Hermawan, chairman of the organizing committee, participants in the exhibition that concludes on Sunday, include...

Three cellular operators seek DCS-1800 licenses

Three cellular operators seek DCS-1800 licenses JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's three cellular telephone network operators are seeking licenses to operate on the DCS-1800 network following the issuance of similar permits having been granted to telecommunications companies PT Telkom and PT Indosat last...

'Gus Dur should comply with the House's request'

'Gus Dur should comply with the House's request' President Abdurrahman 'Gus Dur' Wahid's refusal to come to the House of Representatives (DPR) to answer questions over two alleged financial scandals dubbed as Bruneigate and Buloggate has sparked a wide controversy.

Eight-year jail term sought for Bob Hasan

Eight-year jail term sought for Bob Hasan JAKARTA (JP): State prosecutors asked the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday to sentence timber tycoon Muhamad 'Bob' Hasan, a long-time crony of former president Soeharto, to eight years in jail for corruption.

Mad cow disease - any risk of it in Indonesia?

Mad cow disease - any risk of it in Indonesia?By Tri Hafiningsih JAKARTA (JP): For many Indonesians, eating slices of deep fried beef brain, beef liver sauteed in hot chili sauce, tongue steak, a bowl of oxtail soup or tripe curry are culinary treats.

HSBC names two new executives

HSBC names two new executives JAKARTA (JP): HSBC announced here on Thursday the appointment of Nick JG Green as head of the bank's Investment Banking and Markets in Indonesia.Green joins from HSBC, Hong Kong, where he was in the Equity Capital Markets team.

BCA launches farming credits

BCA launches farming credits YOGYAKARTA (JP): PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) Tbk. launched here on Thursday a Rp 100 billion (US$10.5 million) credit program for the country's farmers and fishermen.The bank's president, D.E.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Photo: A Letter from the Ocean by Mosista Pambudi at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3458771), until Jan. 24. * Photo: Solidaritas, Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan no.

Supermarket price codes

Supermarket price codesFrom KompasI am a customer of Supermarket Super Bazaar Matahari Pondokgede, Bekasi. Of late I have been disappointed by the pricing system using bar codes. I've often experienced that the prices displayed on the shelves do not match prices on the cashier's computer, with...

Lopa testifies to meeting with the President

Lopa testifies to meeting with the President JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Baharuddin Lopa confirmed on Thursday that President Abdurrahman Wahid met with him last year to discuss the legal aspects of two financial scandals that are allegedly linked to the President.

Daihatsu to expand Toyota ties beyond existing KL, RI

Daihatsu to expand Toyota ties beyond existing KL, RI TOKYO (AFX-ASIA): Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd president Takaya Yamada said the company would like to expand its alliance with Toyota Motor Corp beyond its existing tie-ups in Malaysia and Indonesia."Our business in Malaysia and Indonesia is strong.

Safety changes made to Malaysian F1 circuit

Safety changes made to Malaysian F1 circuit KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Course modifications are under way to improve safety for drivers in the Malaysian Grand Prix, the second event of this year's Formula One season, organizers said on Thursday.

Cops arrested on drug trafficking charges

Cops arrested on drug trafficking charges JAKARTA (JP): Three police officers were among six drug trafficking suspects arrested on Wednesday by North Jakarta Police detectives, who seized 1.3 tons of dried marijuana in during a raid at the Regency II housing complex of Pasar Kamis, Tangerang.

Asian currencies mostly down late, peso remains vulnerable

Asian currencies mostly down late, peso remains vulnerable SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Renewed weakness in the Japanese yen, the turmoil in the Philippines and confusion surrounding Indonesia's latest foreign exchange regulations cast a shadow on most Asian currencies late Thursday, dealers said.

Forum for Peace

Forum for PeaceFrom RepublikaThe newly established Indonesian Forum for Peace (FID), supported by a number of national figures, has gained popularity in Indonesia's political arena. It is quite acceptable for people of an assortment of backgrounds to get together in the pursuit of peace.

Indebted hotels under IBRA

Indebted hotels under IBRA BANDUNG: Three hotels owned by the West Java administration are now handled by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) due to unpaid debt, a councillor said on Wednesday.

Man United plans Asia tour in July

Man United plans Asia tour in July SINGAPORE (Reuters): Manchester United is planning a three- match tour of Asia in July, tour organizers said on Wednesday.The English champions will play in Kuala Lumpur on July 21, Singapore three days later, where they will meet a local selection, and Bangkok on...