Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 January 2001

51 articles found

Recruitment of the masses

Recruitment of the massesFrom KompasObserving the ever deteriorating political developments occurring in this beloved country of ours, I feel sad and concerned, particularly over the political elite's conduct in administering this country.

Rizal urges action to prevent industries from leaving RI

Rizal urges action to prevent industries from leaving RI JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli has asked the related ministries to take immediate action to prevent foreign electronics and shoe manufacturers from leaving the country.

Police reveal dossiers on Elize, mother Sonya

Police reveal dossiers on Elize, mother Sonya JAKARTA (JP): While suggesting that fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra was the one ultimately responsible for the recent arrest of Elize Maria Tuwahatu, 33, for possession of three bombs at the Indonesia-in-Miniature Recreational Park (TMII), the...

Rupiah Rates Jan. 23

Rupiah Rates Jan. 23 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,878.00 9,878.00 9,331.00 9,425.00Australian dollar 1 4,945.93 5,507.97 5,198.30 5,255.38Austrian schilling 1 607.25 676.37 638.24 645.35Belgian franc 1 207.14 230.72 217.71 220.

Buses on the move again

Buses on the move again SURABAYA, East Java: About half of the bus operators whose drivers went on strike the previous day began operating on Tuesday, the head of City Land Transportation Agency's sub- terminal section Indra Gani saidFearful of vandalism and angry mobs who have set fire to several...

Akbar-Mega seems to be the best team

Akbar-Mega seems to be the best teamFrom Rakyat MerdekaI am personally of the opinion that the best team to help solve so many pending political and economic problems Indonesia has been facing would be an Akbar-Mega team.

Young epileptic found drowned

Young epileptic found drowned YOGYAKARTA: A young teenage epileptic fell and drowned to death in a watering well on Sunday afternoon after he apparently had a seizure.Sukiswanto, 18, was getting a pail of water from the 14-meter deep well near his home when it is believed that he had an epileptic...

Landslide rescue operation continues

Landslide rescue operation continues MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Rescue workers continued digging through the mud on Tuesday in an effort to find victims of the landslides triggered by days of heavy rains on Sangir island, Sangihe Talaud regency, North Sulawesi, that killed at least 34 people.

RI, Brazil likely to boost bilateral trade relations

RI, Brazil likely to boost bilateral trade relations JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Brazil have the potential to expand their economic relations despite a sharp decline in bilateral trade several years ago, chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Aburizal Bakrie said here...

President puts House rift behind

President puts House rift behind JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid put his overnight quarrel with House of Representatives (DPR) over his alleged graft behind him as he invited legislators on Tuesday to a post-Idul Fitri gathering this weekend, two days before they are scheduled...

Feasting and festivities for Chinese New Year

Feasting and festivities for Chinese New Year JAKARTA (JP): It's time to feast and relax as Chinese communities all over the world celebrate the Lunar New Year on Wednesday.And many Chinese-Indonesians will have more time on their hands this year, thanks to a holiday for "those who are celebrating"...

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in SurabayaExhibition* Poster Exhibition Hari Terindah dalam Masa Remajaku, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Feb. 17.Music and Entertainment * The Westin Surabaya, Jl.

Myanmar official warns of HIV, AIDS

Myanmar official warns of HIV, AIDS YANGON (DPA): A senior military leader in Myanmar (Burma) has acknowledged in a published article for the first time that HIV/AIDS poses a threat to his country, official sources disclosed on Tuesday."HIV, AIDS. It's a national cause.

At least 1,041 killed in Aceh in first two weeks of the year

At least 1,041 killed in Aceh in first two weeks of the year JAKARTA (JP): Aceh's Human Rights Care Forum (FP-HAM Aceh) in Banda Aceh on Tuesday claimed that 1,041 people have been killed in various incidents in Aceh during the first two weeks of the year.

Seeded teams get easy wins in National Championships

Seeded teams get easy wins in National ChampionshipsBy Novan Iman Santosa BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): Fortified by their national shuttlers, seeded teams found no trouble in their campaign on the first day of the Inter-club National Badminton Championship's round-robin tournament at...

Indonesia denies lifting Israel trade barriers

Indonesia denies lifting Israel trade barriers JAKARTA (Reuters): Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim nation, denied on Tuesday that it had lifted trade barriers with Israel, a move that would ignite protests from Islamic groups opposed to ties with the Jewish state.

Asian currencies mostly down as Japanese yen loses ground

Asian currencies mostly down as Japanese yen loses ground SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies stumbled mid- afternoon Tuesday as the Japanese yen lost ground, and as investors turned their attention to the challenges facing the new Philippine government, dealers said.

Pertamina director sued for price hike

Pertamina director sued for price hike JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court began hearing on Tuesday a class action lawsuit filed against the state-owned Pertamina oil and gas company for its "arbitrary" decision to increase the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 40 percent.

Return of military conservatism, public ignorance

Return of military conservatism, public ignorance The public should watch out for military control of civilian institutions, says political analyst Kusnanto Anggoro of the Jakarta-based Center of Strategic International Studies and a lecturer of post graduate studies at the University of Indonesia.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 23, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,700 -75 195,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 140 -5 653,000 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa...

Is the Malay community in Singapore marginalized?

Is the Malay community in Singapore marginalized?By Goh Chok Tong SINGAPORE: I want to use this occasion to focus on your achievements in the last 10 years.In the last century, we were one of the few new countries that made solid progress.

Hostage negotiations continue in Irian Jaya

Hostage negotiations continue in Irian Jaya JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Local authorities and community leaders continued negotiations with rebels on Tuesday to free 16 hostages held in a remote jungle location in the province.Irian Jaya Police deputy chief Brig. Gen.

Indonesia, Brazil to set up alliance with East Timor

Indonesia, Brazil to set up alliance with East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Brazil agreed on Tuesday to set up a coalition with East Timor to speed up the recovery agenda in the former Indonesian province.

MPR to discuss crucial constitution amendments

MPR to discuss crucial constitution amendments JAKARTA (JP): An ad hoc committee of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for the amendment of the 1945 Constitution will discuss numerous crucial issues that could raise complicated and serious problems for the public, a legislator said on Tuesday.

Garuda finalizes restructuring of US$1.4b in debt

Garuda finalizes restructuring of US$1.4b in debt JAKARTA (JP): The national flagship carrier Garuda Indonesia has almost completed the restructuring of its massive US$1.4 billion debt, according to a senior official at the airline.

Players complain about hot stadium and scoring board

Players complain about hot stadium and scoring board BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): Some price had to be paid by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) to achieve its ambition to spread the sport throughout the country by staging the national championship outside Java.

Ultrajaya issues Rp 250b in bonds to finance expansion

Ultrajaya issues Rp 250b in bonds to finance expansion JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed beverage producer PT Ultrajaya Milk Industry & Trading Company plans to issue bonds worth up to Rp 250 billion (US$26.

Constitutional methods best for leadership change

Constitutional methods best for leadership change JAKARTA (JP): University rectors asked citizens on Tuesday to pursue a constitutional mechanism should they have plans to unseat Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid from the presidency.

Indo-U.S. ties characterized by paranoia to partnership

Indo-U.S. ties characterized by paranoia to partnershipBy Nivedita Mukherjee NEW DELHI: The paradigm shift in Indo-US ties ushered in by the outgoing Clinton administration could be characterized as paranoia to partnership.

Bank Mandiri profit rising to Rp 2.5t

Bank Mandiri profit rising to Rp 2.5t JAKARTA (JP): The giant state-owned Bank Mandiri expects gross profits to increase to Rp 2.5 trillion (US$269 million) this year from Rp 2.1 trillion last year, the bank's president, E.C.W. Neloe, said on Tuesday.

Bank Commonwealth to open more branches

Bank Commonwealth to open more branches JAKARTA (JP): The Australia-based Bank Commonwealth, formerly known as Bank BII Commonwealth, will open four new branches this year as part of its expansion program.

Rift over selection of Chief Justice continues

Rift over selection of Chief Justice continues JAKARTA (JP): House of Representative's Commission II on Legal and Home Affairs decided on Tuesday to keep the two candidates previously proposed for the Chief Justice post and suggested a dialog between the House speaker and President to solve the...

Official warns city residents of flooding

Official warns city residents of flooding JAKARTA (JP): Torrential rainfall on Monday night served as a warning to city residents of flooding during the ongoing wet season, an official said on Tuesday.Head of the City Public Works Agency Fadly Katib said the heavy rain had caused water in the city...

The latent dangers of extremism

The latent dangers of extremismBy Sidhesh Kaul JAKARTA (JP): Conditions in Indonesia are just right for extremists to come goose-stepping into the theater -- high unemployment, economic disparity, a divided society, a bickering polity and an unstable government.

Nine more police, military officers arrested in Ambon

Nine more police, military officers arrested in Ambon AMBON, Maluku (JP): After arresting five police and military officers a day before, Ambon joint security forces on Tuesday arrested nine more police and military officers in connection with recent bloody incidents which have claimed more than 10...

Steaming shabu-shabu at Aoki restaurant

Steaming shabu-shabu at Aoki restaurant JAKARTA (JP): With sheets of rain falling on the city seemingly every day, now is the perfect time to find comfort and warmth in an exquisite bowl of shabu-shabu.

Ananda challenged by newcomers

Ananda challenged by newcomers JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian driver Ananda Mikola will face a tough challenge from newcomers in his second year racing at the International Automobile Federation (FIA) F3000 World Championship.

Police check with producers over TNT in Elize's bombs

Police check with producers over TNT in Elize's bombs JAKARTA (JP): The police are checking into the possibility that two sticks of TNT seized at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) on Friday came from weapons and ammunition manufacturer PT Pindad or explosives manufacturer PT Dahana.

Eurico resists UN team probe over rights abuse

Eurico resists UN team probe over rights abuse JAKARTA (JP): Former East Timorese prointegration leader Eurico Guterres said on Tuesday he would not submit to questioning by a UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) team probing 1999 human rights abuses in the former Indonesian...

W. Java bombing mastermind believed to live in Malaysia

W. Java bombing mastermind believed to live in Malaysia BANDUNG (JP): The manhunt following the Christmas Eve bombings in West Java is moving in the direction of Malaysia, as the alleged mastermind of the fatal acts of terrorism in the province is said to live somewhere in the neighboring country.

Three clubs fined after failing to stop chaos

Three clubs fined after failing to stop chaos JAKARTA (JP): The disciplinary commission of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) fined three clubs on Tuesday which failed to stop chaos during their first round matches of the Bank Mandiri soccer league.

Charcoal-cooked treats beckon at Bumen Jaya

Charcoal-cooked treats beckon at Bumen Jaya JAKARTA (JP): Bumen Jaya, so named because it was reportedly started by people from Kebumen, Central Java, is famed for its mutton fried rice and boiled noodles.

Sapuan denies embezzling Rp 35b in Bulog funds

Sapuan denies embezzling Rp 35b in Bulog funds JAKARTA (JP): Former State Logistics Agency (Bulog) deputy chief Sapuan admitted Tuesday that he had disbursed Rp 35 billion (US$3.7 million) from the agency's Yanatera employee foundation but denied he had embezzled the money.

Tigers extend truce as heavy fighting grips Sri Lanka

Tigers extend truce as heavy fighting grips Sri Lanka COLOMBO (AFP): Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers extended their unilateral truce by one month as heavy fighting raged on Tuesday in Jaffna with troops trying to retake lost territory, officials said.

Board examines proposed site for new bus station

Board examines proposed site for new bus station JAKARTA (JP): New estimates on the cost of relocating the overcrowded Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta reveal that the city administration could save Rp 12 billion (US$12.

Train passenger loses an eye

Train passenger loses an eye BANDUNG: Parlindungan Tampubolon, a 33-year-old train passenger, lost his left eye when a piece of broken glass from a train window struck him in the face on Saturday.The spokesman for railway company PT KAI's Bandung office, Akhmad Sujadi, confirmed the incident on...

30,000 civilian guards to secure Chinese new year

30,000 civilian guards to secure Chinese new year JAKARTA (JP): Some 30,000 civilian guards have been assigned to assist security forces uphold a peaceful Chinese new year celebration on Wednesday.Head of the Indonesian Chinese Cultural Preservation Foundation Acai told reporters, after a meeting...

Councillors buy new cars

Councillors buy new carsFrom Pikiran RakyatReferring to a report on what happened in West Java Council in Pikiran Rakyat of Jan. 16, 2001, I would like to express my concern. As a West Javanese, I am very concerned about the reported desire of the council to buy new cars for all councillors despite...

Another shakeup at IBRA

Another shakeup at IBRA There must have been something fundamentally amiss in the way the government oversees the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) that has prompted so many shakeups in the agency's top management within less than three years of its operations.

Court delays Panca verdict

Court delays Panca verdict JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta Commercial Court delayed on Tuesday its verdict on a bankruptcy petition filed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) against PT Panca Overseas Finance.

IBRA assuages concerns over banks' capital rule

IBRA assuages concerns over banks' capital rule JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency Edwin Gerungan said on Tuesday that the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) levels of Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) and Bank Universal were 6.75 percent and 4.75 percent respectively.