Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 January 2001

58 articles found

Mahathir misses New Year fun

Mahathir misses New Year fun KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad skipped a couple of functions to mark the Chinese New Year due to a bout of flu, officials said on Wednesday.

Rupiah Rates Jan.24

Rupiah Rates Jan.24 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,893.00 9,893.00 9,346.00 9,440.00Australian dollar 1 4,926.72 5,485.67 5,177.68 5,234.48Austrian schilling 1 604.14 672.58 634.92 641.78Belgian franc 1 206.08 229.42 216.58 218.

Mad cow crisis 'has RI within its reach'

Mad cow crisis 'has RI within its reach' LONDON (Reuters): Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Sri Lanka may become the next victims of mad cow disease after buying potentially tainted animal feed from Britain at the height of the UK epidemic, scientists said on Wednesday.

Not possible to split Bogor

Not possible to split BogorFrom Rakyat MerdekaMy understanding of the current reform is that it is improving things drastically, not only the system but also the character of the people.We have been "indoctrinated" with reports of on-going changes taking place in all fields in our country.

Hypertension might be fatal

Hypertension might be fatalFrom Suara KaryaIndonesia's hypertension cases are increasing from year to year. It "strikes" urban as well as rural societies with quite an apprehensive percentage. Hypertension is the main cause of strokes.

History's lesson

History's lesson For those with a feeling for humor there may be something comical in the confrontation currently taking place between President Abdurrahman Wahid and the House of Representatives' special committee investigating the Bulog and Brunei scandals.

Asian currencies steady in thin trade

Asian currencies steady in thin trade SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were steady to marginally firmer mid-afternoon Wednesday in subdued trading, with most regional participants absent due to the Lunar New Year celebrations, dealers said.

Horta wants better U.S.-RI military ties

Horta wants better U.S.-RI military ties JAKARTA (JP): A senior East Timor official called on Washington on Wednesday to resume military ties with Jakarta, saying this would significantly improve security along the border of East Timor."I will be talking with our friends in the U.S.

Tommy's bank accounts have yet to be frozen

Tommy's bank accounts have yet to be frozen JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office remains unable to order that bank accounts in the name of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra be blocked as it has yet to receive a list of account numbers from Bank Indonesia, an official said on Wednesday.

Lippo bank responds

Lippo bank responds In response to Mrs. Yuni Trianingsih's letter to Bisnis Indonesia also covered by The Jakarta Post on Jan. 16, 2001, please allow me to respond on behalf of Lippo Bank.We at Lippo Bank appreciate customer comments because it highlights the continual need to improve our services,...

Govt to spend $45m on fishing ports

Govt to spend $45m on fishing ports JAKARTA (JP): The government will spend about US$45 million this year to expand two major fishing ports in Bitung, North Sulawesi, and Tual, Maluku, a minister said here on Wednesday.

Persebaya beats Persema in Bank Mandiri league

Persebaya beats Persema in Bank Mandiri league JAKARTA (JP): Favorite Persebaya Surabaya overcame Persema Malang 1-0 on Wednesday at the 10 Nopember stadium in Surabaya during the first leg of the eastern division of the Bank Mandiri soccer league.

Cell phone thief shot dead

Cell phone thief shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives shot dead an alleged cellular phone thief at midnight on Tuesday when he attempted to escape arrest at the Coca Cola intersection in North Jakarta.The city police chief of detectives for general crimes, Comr.

NU clerics warn House against toppling Gus Dur

NU clerics warn House against toppling Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): Some 40 clerics from East Java on Wednesday warned certain groups in the House of Representatives against toppling President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, saying such action would incite unrest among the people and ulemas in the province.

Prosecutor investigated

Prosecutor investigated YOGYAKARTA: A local prosecutor was suspended here on Wednesday for allegedly extorting Rp 5 million (US$470) from a defendant.Suratno, a prosecutor at the Yogyakarta prosecutor's office, was suspended pending investigation into the case, the Yogyakarta prosecutor's office...

Silver industry in Bali facing trying period

Silver industry in Bali facing trying period DENPASAR, Bali (Antara): In addition to its elaborate gold jewelry, gold-thread textiles, garments, wooden and bamboo handicrafts, Bali is also well-known for its silver products.

Bali traditional institutions under question

Bali traditional institutions under questionBy I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The beautiful and pristine Beratan Lake in Bedugul, one of Bali's famous tourist resorts, located 60 kilometers north of Denpasar, recently witnessed a tragedy that cost the life of 55-year-old Djohny Leopato.

Police to work with Kopassus to free hostages

Police to work with Kopassus to free hostages JAKARTA (JP): Police will coordinate with the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) to rescue the 16 hostages currently being held by separatist rebels at a remote jungle location in Irian Jaya, National Police Chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro said on Wednesday.

PDI-P denies supporting Muladi, Bagir Manan

PDI-P denies supporting Muladi, Bagir Manan JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction at the House of Representatives made a surprising move on Wednesday, denying responsibility in the latest controversy of the Supreme Court chief election.

Government may reduce CPO export tax between 2 and 3%

Government may reduce CPO export tax between 2 and 3% JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Luhut Pandjaitan said on Wednesday that the government would not eliminate the export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) but may reduce it to between 2 percent and 3 percent from the current 5 percent.

Astra to buy local steel for own use

Astra to buy local steel for own use JAKARTA (JP): Car manufacturer PT Toyota Astra Motors has agreed to purchase steel products from PT Krakatau Steel for the manufacture of its Kijang van.According to an agreement signed on Wednesday, Astra will initially purchase 160 tons of steel worth Rp 480...

Pension funds can freely invest in govt bonds

Pension funds can freely invest in govt bonds JAKARTA (JP): The finance ministry will soon issue a new ruling allowing the country's pension funds to invest up to 100 percent of their money in government bonds, director general of financial institutions Darmin Nasution said on Wednesday.

Subdistrict councils cost Rp1.5b a month

Subdistrict councils cost Rp1.5b a month JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will have to spend at least Rp 1.5 billion (US$160,000) every month when subdistrict councils make their debut in February.

Bush administration pledges support to Jakarta: Envoy

Bush administration pledges support to Jakarta: Envoy JAKARTA (JP): The administration of new U.S. President George W. Bush pledged to continue supporting Indonesia's democratization process, Washington's envoy to Jakarta said here on Wednesday.

Sampang chiefs demand regent

Sampang chiefs demand regent SURABAYA, East Java: Some 182 village chiefs from Sampang on Madura island met here on Wednesday with East Java Governor Imam Utomo to demand the immediate installation of regent elect Fadhillah Budiono.

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.

ASEAN chief commends Arroyo

ASEAN chief commends Arroyo JAKARTA (AFP): The secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has congratulated new Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and expressed confidence in her support of the regional body.

Non-seeded clubs fight hard for quarters tickets

Non-seeded clubs fight hard for quarters ticketsBy Novan Iman Santosa BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): The competition between non-Javan badminton clubs turned out to be fierce on the second day of the Inter-club National Badminton Championships as they all had to work hard to earn their...

Court examines PRD's evidence

Court examines PRD's evidence JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta District Court judges trying a lawsuit filed by the Democratic People's Party (PRD) against a number of former top state officials examined on Wednesday the written evidence presented by lawyers of the plaintiff.

Consumer confidence index stable: Danareksa

Consumer confidence index stable: Danareksa JAKARTA (JP): The consumer confidence index, made up of the present situation index and the expectations index, showed little movement in December, according to a survey by the Danareksa Research Institute.The index was at 56.

Bogor to build five overpasses

Bogor to build five overpasses BOGOR (JP): The Bogor mayoralty administration will begin construction on five overpasses to ease traffic on streets that intersect railway tracks.Administration secretary Itoch Tochija said on Tuesday each overpass would cost the mayoralty between Rp 20 billion (US$2.

Eighty coaches invited for a refresher course

Eighty coaches invited for a refresher course JAKARTA (JP): Eighty coaches from 29 sports organizations are expected to join the refresher course that is to be staged by the National Sports Council (KONI) as a way of improving their skills in grooming athletes prior to the 2001 Southeast Asian...

Anwar denied surgery overseas

Anwar denied surgery overseas KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The Malaysian government said on Wednesday that jailed former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim's request for spinal surgery abroad was unjustified as treatment was available locally.

Helicopter crashes in Ancol

Helicopter crashes in Ancol JAKARTA (JP): Two people survived a helicopter crash uninjured on Wednesday when the aircraft belonging to PT Heli Zona attempted an emergency landing on a golf course on the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol recreation site in North Jakarta.

Images of Bali through the lens of Paul Spies

Images of Bali through the lens of Paul Spies JAKARTA (JP): When he first set foot on Java in the 1920s, Paul Spies probably had no idea that he would gain a reputation for his photographic documentation of the then Dutch East Indies.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 24, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,725 25 27,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 140 0 362,500 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa...

Courts urged to proceed with Syahril's trial

Courts urged to proceed with Syahril's trial JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors urged the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday to proceed with the corruption trial of Bank Indonesia governor Syahril Sabirin.Chief prosecutor Y.W.

Luxury tax imposed on 41 products

Luxury tax imposed on 41 products JAKARTA (JP): The government has imposed a luxury sales tax of between 10 percent and 75 percent on 41 items of consumer goods including small size television sets and other home appliances.

Nine Thais injured at Lao border post

Nine Thais injured at Lao border post BANGKOK (AP): An explosion rocked a border and immigration checkpoint in Laos, just across the Mekong river from Thailand, injuring at least nine Thai tourists, police said.They said the explosion appears to have been caused by a bomb.

Ministers deny companies relocating their plants

Ministers deny companies relocating their plants JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut Pandjaitan denied on Wednesday reports claiming that some export-oriented companies had fled Indonesia in fear of rampant labor disputes.

8.5 million children drop out, face school dropout this year

8.5 million children drop out, face school dropout this year JAKARTA (JP): An estimated 8.5 million children of elementary and junior high school age in Indonesia have either already dropped out or are likely to drop out of school this year, the National Movement of Foster Parents Foundation...

Business comes to a halt for Chinese New Year

Business comes to a halt for Chinese New Year JAKARTA (JP): Business downtown was mostly on hold on Wednesday as people celebrated Chinese New Year.Most of the stores in the Glodok and Harco electronic centers, and in Pasar Pagi, Mangga Dua and ITC (International Trade Center) shopping centers,...

Lawyers' code of ethics not morally binding: Expert

Lawyers' code of ethics not morally binding: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Many lawyers violate the professional code of ethics as the rules are not morally binding while the existing supervisory bodies do not work, a legal expert said on Wednesday.

Students deliver political message with their art

Students deliver political message with their artBy Matdon BANDUNG (JP): Five young artists have come together for an exhibition with the provocative title "Dasar Babi-Babi. Hancurkan Sisa-Sisa Orde Baru, Golkar + Militerisme" (You pigs! Crush the remaining elements of the New Order, Golkar and...

PBVSI to stage All-Star match

PBVSI to stage All-Star match JAKARTA (JP): Twenty men's and 20 women's volleyball players will compete in an All-Star game on Sunday at the Senayan indoor stadium.The chief of the organizing committee, Hanny Surkatty, said on Tuesday the players were chosen by volleyball fans during the 2000...

Manila denies Estrada's claim to presidency

Manila denies Estrada's claim to presidency MANILA (AP): The government moved on Wednesday to prevent former President Joseph Estrada from making any legal claim to the presidency as tax collectors froze one of his bank accounts amid an investigation that he grew rich off bribes and kickbacks.

Appeal for unity

Appeal for unity Since the transfer of the presidency from Soeharto to Habibie and at the present under the administration of Abdurrahman Wahid, the economic recovery of this republic has remained a big question mark. The exchange rate of the rupiah to the U.S.

Swimmers have chance to rejoin SEA Games

Swimmers have chance to rejoin SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Three national men's swimmers still have a chance to compete in the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in September despite the fact that they were excluded from the decentralized training program.

RI to reduce Henry Dunant Center's role

RI to reduce Henry Dunant Center's role JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab confirmed on Wednesday the plan to reduce the role of the Swiss- based Henry Dunant Center in mediating talks with the Acehnese as the government has decided to involve all dissenting Aceh factions in...

Streets vendors rally against ban

Streets vendors rally against ban DENPASAR, Bali: Hundreds of street vendors staged peaceful rally here on Wednesday protesting a recently-issued decree that bans them from doing business at the famous Sanur beach area.

Newmont in new environmental row with fresh leak

Newmont in new environmental row with fresh leakBy Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): Mining firm PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PT NNT) said a leak had occurred on the tailing pipeline from its operation in the western half of Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara, but claimed that everything was under control.

Arroyo gets crucial support, consolidates grip on power

Arroyo gets crucial support, consolidates grip on power MANILA (Reuters): New Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo consolidated her grip on power on Wednesday when a coalition of parties backing her wrested control of the House of Representatives from deposed leader Joseph Estrada's...

Bus company tries to stem burden of debt

Bus company tries to stem burden of debt JAKARTA (JP): In an urgent attempt to make up for the removal of a government subsidy next month, the state bus company PPD plans to sell some of its bus compounds and increase the daily rental fee charged to drivers.

One dead as fresh violence erupts in C. Maluku

One dead as fresh violence erupts in C. Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): Fresh violence erupted in Hatualang village in Pirus district, West Seram island in Central Maluku on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a soldier."Around 6 a.m.

Provinces demand better chances for their shuttlers

Provinces demand better chances for their shuttlers BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): Badminton officials from out-of-Java provinces demanded better opportunities for their shuttlers in order to catch up with Java-based players while at the same time admitting a wide gap of achievement between...

Bali's Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year in freedom

Bali's Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year in freedomBy Murdani Usman DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Thousands of Chinese in Bali celebrated the Lunar New Year on Wednesday at several temples in Kuta, Denpasar and other sites on the island.

Bakrie shifts business focus to infrastructure industry

Bakrie shifts business focus to infrastructure industry JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Bakrie Brothers will focus its business on the steel-based and telecommunications infrastructure industry following the approval of its debt restructuring deal.

DEATH TOLL

DEATH TOLLCorrection: The article At least 1,041 killed in Aceh in first two weeks of the year in Wednesday's newspaper was incorrect. The quoted death toll was for the period from Jan. 1, 2000, to Jan. 15, 2001, not for the first two weeks of the year. We apologize for the error. -- Editor