Archive: 24 January 2001
51 articles found
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. The local organizing committee -- unprepared to host national events due to centralized development in the country's capital, Jakarta -- failed to meet the basic requirements for hosting such a big event.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Executive vice president for financial affairs Emirsyah Satar said on Tuesday that the European Credit Agency (ECA), a consortium of foreign creditors from Germany, France and Britain, had approved the restructuring of the $610 million that Garuda owes it.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. "It seems to be very important that there is a proposal of some kind of a triangle between Indonesia, Brazil and East Timor," visiting Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso told a joint press conference with President Abdurrahman Wahid.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Moersoeti Darnomoerhadi said that four (police) units have been deployed to handle the hostage situation and have been instructed to use persuasive measures.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. One major reason for our success was because every community in Singapore progressed, not just an anointed few. Without this shared progress and prosperity, it would have been difficult to maintain harmony among the different races.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Question: The proposed appointment of top officers to the defense ministry such as former spokesman Maj. Gen.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Trading across the region was subdued, confined largely to position squaring ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations, with Taiwan and South Korean financial markets closed for the holiday.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. "We haven't issued any decree removing the trade barriers. The barriers are still there," Riyanto Yosokumoro, director general of international trade at the Trade and Industry Ministry told Reuters.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Seeded teams get easy wins in National Championships
Seeded teams get easy wins in National Championships By 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 Hasanuddin HM Sport Hall on Tuesday. Playing in group A, top seed Jakarta-based Jaya Raya club, dominated by national shuttlers, demolished young players from Keshab Samarinda, East Kalimantan, 5-0.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Recruitment of the masses
Recruitment of the masses From Kompas Observing 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. Greed and thirst for power are daily practices they take for granted as leaders. Recruitment of the masses to create and develop public opinion and show of force are not the only way to establish democracy.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. If we ignore it, it will be the scourge that will destroy entire nations," said the junta's First Secretary Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt in an interview with the Myanmar Times, a weekly newspaper.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya
Where to go in Surabaya Exhibition * 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. Embong Malang 85-89 (Phone: 031 5458888): - Java Jimmy's Irish Pub: Asia Reforms Band, Monday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Thursday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. * Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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" the Year of the Snake, local newspapers reported on Tuesday. It's a day for high hopes for better fortune, and the courage to face what lies ahead.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 to announce their findings. "The President has asked me to announce that the DPR members are invited to a post-holiday gathering here on Saturday," presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar told reporters.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 on Tuesday. Speaking after a seminar on trade opportunities with Brazil, the trade organization's chairman said that both countries had much to offer in order to boost future trade.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. "We are still trying to locate 19 people who have been missing since the landslides ... we hope to find them soon as on Monday we found two survivors of the disaster," Soleman M.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 seizure. A neighbor, Sriyati, was the first to become suspicious when she saw Sukiswanto's sandals beside the well.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Akbar-Mega seems to be the best team
Akbar-Mega seems to be the best team From Rakyat Merdeka I 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. Why? Because Megawati Soekarnoputri, Indonesia's Vice President, concurrently the chairperson of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) was the winner of the general election in June 1999.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 said Fearful of vandalism and angry mobs who have set fire to several buses, hundreds of intercity bus drivers at the Purabaya terminal went on strike on Monday demanding that police guarantee their security.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Jan. 23
Rupiah Rates Jan. 23 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 police also stated their belief that the truth would come out in its own good time. "When things become strange, people refuse to believe.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Rizal said on Tuesday that he had instructed Minister for Industry and Trade Luhut Pandjaitan and Minister for Manpower and Transmigration Alhilal Hamdi to address the problem.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. "Most of the victims are civilians," Bathlimus, head of the Forum's investigation, data and documentation division, said. "The tally (for civilians) is 827 fatalities ...
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. "But these two banks still have ample time to increase their CAR levels to the minimum 8 percent required by the central bank at end of this year," Gerungan added in a statement.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Chief justice Syamsudin Manan Sinaga said the court would delay its verdict to ratify or reject the outcome of last week's bankruptcy voting to Tuesday next week.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. The agency that will only be three years old later this month had its chairman replaced for the fifth time last November.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Councillors buy new cars
Councillors buy new cars From Pikiran Rakyat Referring 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 the fact that they know the local people have been suffering.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 with Governor Sutiyoso, that the number excluded some 8,000 police and Indonesian Military (TNI) troops who will be deployed for citywide security patrols during the festivities.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 Tuesday, saying that Tampubolon was sitting in the dining car of the Parahyangan train on the way to Bandung from Jakarta when the accident occurred.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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$12.8 million) if it chooses to relocate the terminal to land owned by the state housing company PT Perumnas, instead of an alternative site owned by members of the public, an official said on Tuesday.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. The separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) said they have decided to extend the ceasefire which was due to expire at midnight Wednesday to pave the way for Norway's efforts to broker peace in the island.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Sapuan is being tried in the South Jakarta District Court for abusing his authority and misappropriating money - the charges carry a maximum five-year jail term.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Diners say the secret is that the food is cooked on a traditional stove using charcoal instead of gas or kerosene. Bumen Jaya, Jl. Pejompongan Raya No. 8, Central Jakarta (near the Palmerah railway station and behind the BPK building). Open: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Andi Darussalam Tabusala, the commission's chief, told reporters that Persebaya of Surabaya, PSS Sleman of Yogyakarta and Persita of Tangerang regency were each fined Rp 5 million (US$526.3).
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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$26.8 million) to raise funds for the financing of its expansion program, the company said on Tuesday. Ultrajaya said it would issue the bonds in three series under a five year tenure, during a public offering to be held from March 2 to March 8, 2001.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 province. "I am a citizen of Indonesia ... I refuse to be questioned, to be tried by foreigners ...
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. "We are still checking the serial numbers with Pindad and Dahana ... they could have come from Dahana, but to be sure let the police check first with both manufacturers," Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Among the newcomers are Antonio Pizzionia, the British F3 winner, and Ricardo Sperafico, the Italian F3000 winner. Besides them, Ananda also has to drive well against Giorgio Pantano, teammate on the Astromega team.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Located in the basement of Hotel Gran Mahakam in South Jakarta and accessible by an elegant curved staircase is the Japanese restaurant Aoki. It also has its own entrance where guests can enter the restaurant without having to plow through the busy thoroughfare of the hotel lobby.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 fatalities. In addition, the security forces also apprehended two men in possession of two homemade bombs at the Maluku gubernatorial compound on Jl. Pattimura here on Tuesday.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
The latent dangers of extremism
The latent dangers of extremism By 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. Throw in a dash of restless youth and a pinch of religious fervor and you have successfully cooked up a volatile dish that has the potential of replacing one form of tyranny with another.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 drainage system to inundate the roads and areas prone to flooding in the capital.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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 long- standing dispute.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. The bank's president Llew Morris said on Tuesday that two new branches would be opened in Jakarta and two more in Surabaya and Medan. He said the bank would also relocate its Jakarta head office, currently in the Plaza BII building, to Wisma Metropolitan in March this year.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. Neloe said that the bank would channel around Rp 4.5 trillion in new lending this year plus another Rp 7.5 trillion in corporate loans to be purchased from the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indo-U.S. ties characterized by paranoia to partnership
Indo-U.S. ties characterized by paranoia to partnership By 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. This would cushion the pinpricks of accommodating unresolved differences under the new regime.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 24 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
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. West Java Police chief Insp. Gen.