Archive: 20 January 2001
50 articles found
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Petronas, Pertamina gas deal seen by April
Petronas, Pertamina gas deal seen by April KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian and Indonesian state-owned oil firms are expected to seal negotiations for a 20-year deal for the supply of gas from Indonesia's West Natuna by April, Malaysian Energy Minister Leo Moggie said on Friday.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Peso up as Estrada loses support
Peso up as Estrada loses support SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The Philippine peso soared by more than 15 percent to its highest level in three months on Friday after the chief of the country's military withdrew his support for President Joseph Estrada, fueling investors' hopes that a change of leadership is forthcoming. Other Asian currencies were mostly stronger, bolstered by the yen's firming after a Bank of Japan official expressed concern about the currency's recent weakness.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. 17, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5483008 ext. 7910/7911), until Jan. 24. * Painting Lucia Hartini, Galeri Nasional Indonesia (the National Gallery), Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Phone: 34833954), until Jan.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto's in-law Maya given early leave from jail
Soeharto's in-law Maya given early leave from jail JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto's granddaughter-in-law Gusti Maya Firanti Noor, 29, was released from Pondok Bambu Women's Penitentiary in East Jakarta on Friday, five weeks before the end of her eight-month sentence. Maya's lawyer, Asfifuddin, said that the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights Affairs had granted Maya's request to leave her cell for medical treatment for humanitarian reasons.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
KPC, E. Kalimantan still in dispute over divestment
KPC, E. Kalimantan still in dispute over divestment JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal and the local government of East Kalimantan are still in dispute over the percentage of shares KPC must divest to local investors this year, according to a senior government official on Friday.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
India to export more sugar to meet demand
India to export more sugar to meet demand NEW DELHI (Reuters): India, saddled with huge stocks, hopes to export more than one million tons of sugar by September this year helped by new demand from Indonesia and Pakistan and better prices, industry officials said on Friday. "We expect that one million tons of sugar will be shipped out of the country by the end of September and contracts for deliveries in 2001 and early next year could cross 1.5 million tons," an exporter said in Ahmedabad.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
BI will not move toward capital controls: Syahril
BI will not move toward capital controls: Syahril JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin stressed on Friday that the central bank would not impose capital controls to stabilize the beleaguered rupiah. Sjahril said the current central bank law prevented Bank Indonesia from taking such a step. "We will never move toward capital controls.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Artists come together to share, learn
Artists come together to share, learn By Asip A. Hasani SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): A long-haired old man moved to the center of the arena, swaying to the rhythm of African and Sundanese drums. He moved freely, although he was clearly conscious of what he was doing. His rhythm was staggered, alternately fast or slow. Suddenly he stopped, taking a cross-legged position and humming tunes seemingly from the Dayaks or tribes in Irian Jaya.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt won't compensate Cemex in cash
Govt won't compensate Cemex in cash JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Friday that it would not pay Mexico-based cement company PT Cemex Indonesia compensation in cash when the government spins off PT Semen Padang from its parent company, the state-owned Semen Gresik Group (SGG). Finance minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said that instead the government would consider raising Cemex's stake in SGG. "Our principle is that if there is a spin off, the government need not compensate in cash.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN stocks still promising
ASEAN stocks still promising HONG KONG (AFP): International investors risk missing out on potential profits by continuing their "hands off" policy on stocks from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, a bank report said on Friday. The report by global investment bank ING Barings, said key growth stocks could still be found in the four markets but warned investors to monitor carefully political developments.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Madcow fears don't hamper RI meat imports
Madcow fears don't hamper RI meat imports JAKARTA (JP): The government will continue to import beef from the Republic of Ireland despite fears of spreading madcow disease into Indonesia, a senior government official said here on Friday. Budi Tri Akoso, the director for animal health department at the Ministry of Agriculture, said importing the beef from the country would cause no problems.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Bajawa spends Rp 14b on refugees
Bajawa spends Rp 14b on refugees KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): The Bajawa regency administration has spent a total of Rp 14 billion to deal with thousands of refugees dislocated from their villages due to the eruption of Wawo Muda volcano on Jan. 11. The deputy head of the development office at the regency, L.A. Lowa told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the money had been allocated from the current regency budget.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Experts contend RI population at least 211m
Experts contend RI population at least 211m By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): Academics here disputed on Friday the recent results of the national census, arguing that the true count should reflect a total population of at least 211 million and not 203.4 million as announced by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). There was a 7.6 million disparity between projections made by the Demographic Institute at the University of Indonesia's School of Economics and the bureau's tally of 203,456,005.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Jember versity to get medical school
Jember versity to get medical school SURABAYA: Jember State University Rector Kabul Grahadi said here on Friday the university planned to establish a medical school by 2003. The new school will initially have 68 students, adding to the university's student body of about 13,900. "Currently the university is a teaching university, by 2003 we hope that it will become a research university," Kabul said as quoted by Antara. (mds)
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Three PAN executives deny reports of their resignation
Three PAN executives deny reports of their resignation JAKARTA (JP): Three executives of the National Mandate Party (PAN) denied on Friday reports that they were following the footsteps of economist Faisal Basri and resigning from the party. "The reports are baseless. We are still with the party," said Abdillah Toha, on behalf of colleagues Th. Sumartana and Miranty Abidin, as quoted by Antara.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
President Abdurrahman calls on public not to overreact
President Abdurrahman calls on public not to overreact SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid called on the public on Friday not to overreact to news reports, claiming that these reports were sometimes inaccurate. "The consequences of reacting too fast could be serious," Abdurrahman said after a packed Friday prayers in the Central Java capital of Semarang. Abdurrahman was on a one-day visit here to attend a discussion on reform held by the Rectors Forum.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
More pork for Chinese new year
More pork for Chinese new year JAKARTA (JP): The City Animal Husbandry Agency is providing at least 4,500 pigs to fulfill the demand for pork during the Chinese New Year celebration on Jan. 24. The pigs were brought in from Central Java, Yogyakarta, Lampung and North Sumatra. The supply rose by 500 compared to last year. A festive atmosphere has been observed across the capital as the celebration nears. Many people prepare special food for the new year, mostly pork dishes.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
UI students threaten to sue rector over suspensions
UI students threaten to sue rector over suspensions JAKARTA (JP): Six of nine University of Indonesia students suspended for staging a rally against an additional education fee have threatened to sue the university's rector. "We will file a lawsuit with the Jakarta Administrative Court on Tuesday demanding the revocation of the suspensions," Christina Rini of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute, which is representing the students, said on Friday.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ambon paralyzed again with bombs, rumors
Ambon paralyzed again with bombs, rumors AMBON, Maluku (JP): Ambon capital of Maluku was paralyzed on Friday in the wake of the commemoration of start of the bloody conflicts that have gripped the Malukus for the last two years. The situation was quiet in the morning, but about noon local time, an explosion rocked the area of Pohon Pule and Jalan Baru, close to Silo Church in downtown Ambon, which was gutted on Dec. 26, 1999.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Philippine, Indonesian bond spreads widen in region mart
Philippine, Indonesian bond spreads widen in region mart HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian benchmark bonds were a mixed bag this week, with Philippine and Indonesian spreads widening on the back of negative domestic political developments while stronger credits stayed close to last week's level. The potential acquittal of President Joseph Estrada sent Philippine bond prices through the floor, with many bondholders selling off their Philippine investments Wednesday.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Adidas workers rally at council
Adidas workers rally at council TANGERANG (JP): No less than 6,000 workers of PT Prima Inreksa Industri, a supplier for shoemaker Adidas, staged another rally at the legislative council here on Friday, after a settlement of their earlier dispute over pay increases failed to materialize. Taking buses, the workers gathered at the council at around 9 a.m. and gave speeches, while waiting for the resumption of the city council-mediated negotiation with the management. The negotiation began at 4 p.m.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
On tax on deposit interest
On tax on deposit interest It is disappointing that The Jakarta Post has come out in support of the government's proposal to raise the flat rate tax on the interest on bank deposits from 15 percent to 20 percent after only a very superficial analysis (Taxing interest incomes, Jan. 10, 2001). No economic logic justifies such a measure in the absence of some progressivity in tax scales for "the big and small depositors".
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt to nullify decision to revoke tax incentives
Govt to nullify decision to revoke tax incentives JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to reinstate tax incentives given to companies undertaking debt restructuring following criticism from the business community. Director General of Taxes Machfud Sidik said that the government's earlier decision to revoke the tax incentive had been voided.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Taufik ranks second, Christensen takes over
Taufik ranks second, Christensen takes over JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's singles player Taufik Hidayat dropped to second place in the International Badminton Federation (IBF) world rankings after sitting out the US$250,000 Korea Open last week. Taufik missed the event because he was banned for two international matches by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) following his criticism of association chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
N. Sumatra council speaker elected
N. Sumatra council speaker elected MEDAN, North Sumatra: Ahmad Azhari of the Indonesian Democratic Party of struggle (PDI Perjuangan) was elected speaker of the provincial council in a tight election on Friday, defeating Golkar Party's Serta Ginting by one vote. Ahmad, who received 33 votes, replaces the late Yunus Harahap.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia palm oil futures end lower
Malaysia palm oil futures end lower KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower on Friday due to liquidation prompted by bearish data from private crop forecaster Ivan Wong, traders said. Wong said Malaysia's palm oil output was expected to fall to 910,000-915,000 tonnes in January from 943,000 in December.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
A woman held for possessing bombs
A woman held for possessing bombs JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives found three bombs at the Indonesia Miniature Park (TMII) recreation park in East Jakarta on Friday and arrested a woman allegedly linked to former president Soeharto's fugitive son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. The woman, identified as Elize Maria Tuwahatu, 31, was arrested at about 11 a.m.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
New tax on time deposits and agricultural products 'to stay'
New tax on time deposits and agricultural products 'to stay' JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said on Friday that the government would not cancel the new value added tax (VAT) on agricultural products, and the higher income tax rate on time deposits and savings despite widespread protest.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
The Merauke incident
The Merauke incident For an organization whose aim it is to establish an independent state, it could be said that at least some of the demands that the Free Papua Organization (OPM) are making following the taking of 11 PT Tunas Korindo timber workers hostage on Tuesday in Irian Jaya sound pretty modest.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Anniversary Cup a test for national team
Anniversary Cup a test for national team JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) will use the Anniversary Cup in July as a test for its men's and women's teams to face the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur in September. Five Jakarta sister cities are invited to send their teams to the event, Perbasi secretary general Yudhi Suyoto told a press conference on Friday.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Elite row shows political immaturity
Elite row shows political immaturity By Setiono JAKARTA (JP): We all recall the close ties between Abdurrahman Wahid and reformist Amien Rais before they were elected to top positions of the country. Both expressed deep concern over the chaotic political situation at that time, and vowed to walk hand in hand to create a new Indonesia (Indonesia Baru) if the people entrusted them to lead the country.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Subdistrict council membership open to all residents: Councillor
Subdistrict council membership open to all residents: Councillor JAKARTA (JP): Membership of subdistrict councils is open to all city residents, including those who are active members of political parties, a councillor said on Friday. "There is no regulation preventing members of a political party from being elected to a subdistrict council," Councillor A. Rahman of the United Development Party (PPP) faction told reporters.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Karaoke hall robbed in Sanur
Karaoke hall robbed in Sanur DENPASAR, Bali: Regulars of the Barcelona Bar and Karaoke Hall may be singing the blues this weekend after burglars made off with some Rp 50 million worth of sound system and video compact disc equipment on Friday. "We believe it was the work of more than one person, and that they used a car or a van as their mode of transportation," Sanur Police chief Adj. Comr. Made Setiawan said here on Friday.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rare animal trade foiled
Rare animal trade foiled JAKARTA (JP): The city administration announced on Friday that it had confiscated 114 rare animals last year that were about to be traded on the black market. Head of City Environmental Impact Management Agency Aboejoewono Aboeprajitno said on Friday that the animals were often found secluded at the rear of the city-owned markets.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Anti-monopoly commission to probe taxi firms
Anti-monopoly commission to probe taxi firms JAKARTA (JP): The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) will investigate the controversial hike in taxi tariffs in Jakarta as there have been allegations that it was induced by unhealthy business practices among taxi companies. Commission member Didik J. Rachbini said on Friday that the KPPU had found irregularities and questioned which institution had the authority to set fares.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Councillors demand delay to tap water price hike
Councillors demand delay to tap water price hike JAKARTA (JP): The City Council Commission C for economic affairs has recommended a delay to a proposed increase in tap water rates until the end of 2001 for the bottom three consumer groups. Secretary of Commission C for Economic Affairs Aziz Boeang said on Thursday the postponement was necessary given the impact of the economic crisis on consumers, which remains unabated.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
West Java bombing mastermind admits his role, probe continues
West Java bombing mastermind admits his role, probe continues BANDUNG (JP): Iqbal, one of suspects in the December bombings in Bandung, claimed to be the mastermind and coordinator of the bombings in West Java, a police officer said here on Friday. The West Java Police detective chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Sardjono told reporters that Iqbal's claim was made after being cross- examined through a lie detector for two hours. Aceng Suhari (55), another suspect, was also interrogated.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Police to question Tommy's wife, lawyers, bodyguards over bunker
Police to question Tommy's wife, lawyers, bodyguards over bunker JAKARTA (JP): The city police are scheduled to interrogate on Monday all three lawyers of the fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, Tommy's wife, Ardhia Pramesti "Tata" Regita Cahyani and several of Tommy's bodyguards, for having provided the police with misleading information.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Security beefed up for Chinese lunar New Year
Security beefed up for Chinese lunar New Year SURABAYA (JP): East Java authorities are beefing up security ahead of the celebration of Imlek Chinese New Year on Jan. 24 amid circulating rumors of renewed terrorist attacks like the bombings on Christmas Eve last year. "We received information from several individuals about the possibility of riots on the eve of Imlek. "We will be taking preventive measures and all security forces are being put on alert," Surabaya Regional Police chief Sr. Comr.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Joshua, oh Joshua
Joshua, oh Joshua From Media Indonesia Sometimes I feel pity for little Joshua Suherman. He is exceedingly exposed for commercial purposes. Moreover, after the management of him was taken over by Helmy Yahya, it seems that there is no entertainment on TV without Joshua. Mr. Helmy seems to be making hay while the sun shines in managing Joshua.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Marzuki blames predecessor for slow work
Marzuki blames predecessor for slow work JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman has blamed his predecessor for his sluggish efforts in tracking down suspected hidden assets and wealth belonging to former president Soeharto's family and cronies. "If the search to locate the assets had been started long ago, we could have obtained the documents of money transferred to their accounts overseas through the now defunct banks," he told journalists at his office on Friday.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Improve intelligence unit to find Tommy'
'Improve intelligence unit to find Tommy' The police's weeklong involvement with Tommy's (son of former president Soeharto) bunker has captured the nation's imagination while Tommy still remains at large. Legal expert Harkristuti Harkrisnowo says that the police must improve their intelligence unit in order to find the fugitive. Question: Although it sounds less than tactful, the police have announced on several occasions their plans in finding Tommy (Hutomo Mandala Putra), what do you think?
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
House to speed up deliberation of two important labor bills
House to speed up deliberation of two important labor bills JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives will speed up the deliberation of two labor bills in a bid to mend the country's poor labor conditions and settle the increasing number of industrial disputes.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Tax on deposit interest unfair
Tax on deposit interest unfair From Bisnis Indonesia Through Government Regulation No. 131/2000 the government has irrevocably increased the income tax on deposit interest from 15 percent to 20 percent. The government's reason for this hike is understandable, but various parties have launched objections.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Whoa, Banser
Whoa, Banser Media Indonesia As a putra Nahdliyin (follower of Nahdlatul Ulama), I am increasingly scared by the seemingly endless disputes and conflicts among the political elite. I do not think they are willing to sit and talk, or compromise, and some of them are ready to deploy their military-style task forces to start street fights. Yes, they are already beginning to make use of the masses, including task forces, as their riding horses to achieve their political goals.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Jan. 19
Rupiah Rates Jan. 19 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Obstructing labor unions is a crime: lawyer said
Obstructing labor unions is a crime: lawyer said JAKARTA (JP): Employers tend to try to block the establishment of labor unions, and this is a violation of the law, the head of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) labor unit Rita Olivia said on Friday. "Blocking the establishment of a labor union is a crime as stipulated by Article 43 (2) of the Labor Union Law No. 21/2000. The workers could report it to the police," Rita told The Jakarta Post.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Separatist rebels take five negotiators hostage
Separatist rebels take five negotiators hostage JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Separatist rebels in remote Irian Jaya seized on Thursday five negotiators seeking the release of 11 kidnapped plywood workers, an officer said on Friday. "We have received news that the 16 hostages are basically healthy, but they need more rice," Merauke Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Mulyono said by phone from the remote negotiation site in Asiki district, a jungle area near the border of Papua New Guinea.
Sat, 20 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Suwondo testifies at House on his role in Buloggate
Suwondo testifies at House on his role in Buloggate JAKARTA (JP): Alip Agung Suwondo, the main suspect in the alleged misuse of Rp 35 billion from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) foundation Yanatera, testified on Friday before the House of Representatives' special committee probing the case. No words, however, came out of his mouth as he left the session after four hours of questioning, to the disappointment of newsmen who had patiently waited outside the meeting room.