Archive: 29 January 2001
50 articles found
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
German President to visit Indonesia
German President to visit Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): German President Johannes Rau is to visit Indonesia in February, the foreign information office at the Indonesian foreign ministry said in a statement here on Friday. The statement said that Rau would visit Indonesia from Feb. 19 through Feb. 22 to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. After meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid, Rau is scheduled to visit Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Balikpapan in East Kalimantan.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Willem Onde releases 13 of 16 hostages
Willem Onde releases 13 of 16 hostages JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Willem Onde, leader of the Merauke- based separatist Free Papua Organization (OPM) released on Sunday afternoon 13 of 16 hostages who were abducted by his men on Jan. 16. Three hostages, including two Korean nationals, were not released as Onde wanted a guarantee that his request to meet with President Abdurrahman Wahid is granted.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Train hits bus, two injured
Train hits bus, two injured JAKARTA (JP): A commuter train hit a Kopaja bus at a railway crossing in East Ancol subdistrict, North Jakarta at about 3 p.m. on Saturday, severely injuring two passengers in the bus. An officer from the North Jakarta Police precinct said the bus, plying the Senen-Kelapa Gading route, crossed the track while the railway gates were being closed. The train, according to the officer, struck the front of the bus.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Lawyers have to remain professional
Lawyers have to remain professional Little progress has been made in the police's attempt to find Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, son of former president Soeharto, while more controversy has arisen with the questioning of Tommy's lawyer for allegedly misleading the police. The following is an excerpt from an interview with noted lawyer Nursyahbani Katjasungkana.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Press censorship
Press censorship It is with a disturbing sense of deja vu that we learn that the government has again barred foreign journalists from visiting Indonesia's trouble spots like Maluku, Aceh and Irian Jaya. This kind of restriction was practiced some 10 to 20 years ago when this country was under an authoritarian regime. To make the censorship effective, the regime then also imposed severe restrictions on the local media.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
What is the New Indonesia like?
What is the New Indonesia like? From Media Indonesia The answer to the question "What is the New Indonesia like" depends much on the individual person's picture of this country. For instance, in the eyes of Budiman Sudjatmiko, Hendardi, Munir, Muchtar Pakpahan and Juanda, perhaps the concept of a New Indonesia is not the same as ours, even the government's. For them, perhaps a New Indonesia is ideally one without the Military, a powerful labor force, and so on.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Pension funds plan to shift investment in bonds
Pension funds plan to shift investment in bonds By Reiner S JAKARTA (JP): Local pension funds plan to invest more of their money in bonds this year as government bank recapitalization bonds now offer a better yield. The investment director of state-owned PT Jamsostek, Andi R. Alamsyah, said that the pension company would boost its investment in bonds by more than 200 percent this year to about Rp 3 trillion (US$323 million) compared to only Rp 969 billion last year.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Blue Bird aids orphans
Blue Bird aids orphans JAKARTA (JP): Leading taxi and transportation company Blue Bird Group handed in a ceremony on Saturday humanitarian assistance for 130 orphans living near its stations in Greater Jakarta. The company's general manager, Purnomo Prawiro, said in the ceremony at his office in South Jakarta that the company had arranged a charity program this year aimed at helping educate children. Included in the assistance were scholarships and books.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia, Australia and East Timor must work together
Indonesia, Australia and East Timor must work together By Richard Woolcott CANBERRA: Early in the new year, it is timely to review realistically the outcomes of our policies towards Indonesia and East Timor. Foreign policy must be judged unemotionally by its outcomes; not by its aspirations, however well intentioned those aspirations might be.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:30 Technology 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 3:30 Children's Program 4:30 Quiz 5:00 News 5:30 Culture 6:00 Village News 6:15 TV Drama 7:00 Evening News 8:00 Music 9:00 Film 10:00 Variety Show 11:00 Music Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
S'pore urges Malaysia not to overreact to Goh speech
S'pore urges Malaysia not to overreact to Goh speech SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has urged Malaysia not to overreact to a speech by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong which Kuala Lumpur labeled as interference in its internal affairs, the Sunday Times reported. Abdullah Tarmugi, Minister-in-charge for Muslim Affairs, said there was no intention to show up Malaysian Malays or imply they are inferior to their counterparts in Singapore.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Fine Art, Galeri Nasional Indonesia (the National Gallery), Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Phone: 34833954), until Feb. 6. * Photo: Milenium Moment, Anggota Galeri Cahya, Galeri Foto Cahya, Wisma Surya Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya no. 33, South Jakarta, until Feb. 8. * Photo: Artlife on Bali: 1930-1958 by Paul Spies, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. S-3, South Jakarta (Phone: 5241069), until Feb. 24.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
JSX members need Rp 250m to participate in remote trading
JSX members need Rp 250m to participate in remote trading By Berni K. Moestafa JAKARTA (JP): Each securities firm at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) must invest at least Rp 250 million (about US$26,500) in new technology to keep up with JSX's plans to implement remote trading later this year, the exchange said.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
World Bank has new loan strategy for RI
World Bank has new loan strategy for RI WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The World Bank is likely to cut back its lending to Indonesia, but provide funds under more generous terms, under a new development strategy for the southeast Asian nation that will go before the Bank's board next Tuesday. The shift reflects a desire to move from a "crisis" approach to a renewed emphasis on development and poverty alleviation, a senior World Bank official said Friday.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Withdraw joint troops from Ambon
Withdraw joint troops from Ambon The peace-seeking endeavors initiated by conflicting parties in Ambon, Maluku, and sponsored both by the civil emergency local government and several communities have failed. The killings of Muslims in Ambon have raged again. This time joint troops under the direct command of Pattimura 16th Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa opened fire upon Muslim citizens. The joint troops attacked a compound of ruko (shop-houses), hotels as well as motorists.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Crisis center helps victims of sexual abuse
Crisis center helps victims of sexual abuse By Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak JAKARTA (JP): It looks like thousands of other houses in the city. It has a living room, a kitchen, several bedrooms and the things you find in a typical home. There is no high fence, barbed wire or bars. Welcome to the crisis center run by the Solidarity Action for Victims of Violence Against Children and Women (SIKAP). Here in this two-story house, sexual abuse victims find an asylum, a place to run to.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Soros may face angry Thais
Soros may face angry Thais BANGKOK (AP): American financier George Soros - who many blame for plunging Thailand into an economic crisis - is being labeled a "Satan" and threatened with physical violence during his visit here next week. Soros is likely to face protests when he addresses the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on Thursday and police are prepared to arrange extra protection if requested.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Police shoot dead two 'Red Axe' members
Police shoot dead two 'Red Axe' members JAKARTA (JP): Two more members of the notorious 'Red Axe' street gang were shot dead on Jl. Jend. Suprapto, Cempaka Putih district, Central Jakarta early morning on Saturday for robbing bus passengers. City Police detectives chief for general crimes Tito Karnavian said the suspects, identified as Ronald Sinaga, 19, and Robin Tunggal, 22, and their two accomplices robbed passengers on a bus plying the Senen-Pulogadung route.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Persija and Persebaya win in Bank Mandiri national league
Persija and Persebaya win in Bank Mandiri national league JAKARTA (JP): Host Persija Jakarta defeated its guest PSDS Deli Serdang of North Sumatra 6-0 in the Bank Mandiri national league at Lebak Bulus stadium on Sunday. In the one-sided match, Persija's striker Budi Sudarsono dominated the game by producing four goals in the 46th, 58th, 83rd and 88th minutes.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Africans nabbed for drug trafficking
Africans nabbed for drug trafficking JAKARTA (JP): Three African men were arrested at Hotel Kristal on Jl. Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta on Saturday on suspicion of drug trafficking and counterfeiting. Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Matius Salempang said police seized several grams of putauw (low-grade heroin), counterfeit US dollars, chemicals and printing equipment from the suspects, identified as Petrus Simbada, Kenjeri and Kato Awami Alain.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rp 7b allocated for HI traffic circle renovation
Rp 7b allocated for HI traffic circle renovation JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has allocated Rp 7 billion (US$736,842) to renovate the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on the busy Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta, an official said on Saturday. The head of the City Parks Agency, Dadang Ruskandar, said his office was planning the renovations, including updating the landscaping and sprucing up the fountain. "We will not change the Welcome statue as it is considered a city landmark.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia 'does not forbid' foreign journalists
Indonesia 'does not forbid' foreign journalists JAKARTA (JP): Overseas-based journalists may have to ask for approval from security authorities to enter Indonesia's strife- torn areas of Aceh, Maluku and Irian Jaya, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab said. However, Alwi was quick to add that the policy remained a proposal and was not aimed to restrict foreign journalists from gathering news in the three violence-prone territories.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
New website on Kalimantan
New website on Kalimantan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Those who are interested in learning more about Kalimantan can now visit www.kalteng.net to obtain detailed information on the island. The new website was launched in a ceremony at Century International Hotel in Yogyakarta last Friday.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Man questioned of wife's murder
Man questioned of wife's murder JAKARTA (JP): Kemayoran Police detectives questioned a man on Saturday following the discovery of his wife's body at Gate I of the Kemayoran Jakarta Fair Ground, Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police chief of detectives Adj. Comr. Yoyol said the body of the woman, identified as Yelly Sumarow, 35, a resident of Sunter, North Jakarta, was discovered by security guards early Saturday morning near an entrance on Jl. Benyamin Suaeb.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fischer, Rizal review RI reforms
Fischer, Rizal review RI reforms DAVOS, Switzerland (Dow Jones): A top official from the International Monetary Fund has met with Indonesia's senior economic minister to discuss the country's progress on reform, but no agreement on unblocking a US$400 million tranche of IMF loans under the $5 billion bailout program was reached. "We reviewed the situation - this was not a negotiation," IMF Deputy Director Stanley Fischer told journalists Saturday on the margin of the World Economic Forum here.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
RP officials look for Estrada women
RP officials look for Estrada women MANILA (AFP): Immigration officials have been told to keep a close watch on Philippine international airports for fleeing cronies and mistresses of deposed leader Joseph Estrada, a report said on Sunday. The order was issued by newly appointed immigration commissioner Andrea Domingo amid reports that Estrada's friends and mistresses were planning to flee abroad to escape prosecution on corruption charges.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Subdistricts told to hold new council elections
Subdistricts told to hold new council elections JAKARTA (JP): In the wake of the decision to revoke all nominations for new subdistrict councils, Governor Sutiyoso called on the community on Saturday to ensure that new elections were held in accordance with prevailing regulations.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Candra, Caroline go separate ways after wedding
Candra, Caroline go separate ways after wedding By Novan Iman Santosa and Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): They are a love match on and off the court, but Indonesia's badminton hero Rafael Candra Wijaya and his bride Maria Caroline Indriani were no sooner married when they had to separate. Only two days after the morning wedding at Santo Thomas Rasul Church in Cengkareng, Tangerang, on Jan.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia-U.S. relations
Malaysia-U.S. relations The historically good relations between Malaysia and the U.S. were unfortunately strained in recent years because of certain incidents. However, relations can be improved if we are prepared to put the past behind us and, as the saying goes, "let bygones be bygones." Malaysia is looking forward to a new beginning in its relationship with the U.S. under the new Bush Administration.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Men's volleyball team aims for gold in 2001 SEA Games
Men's volleyball team aims for gold in 2001 SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Federation (PBVSI) vice chairman overseeing athletes development, Putut Marhaento, said on Sunday that the country's men's indoor volleyball team had a chance to win the gold in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur. "I'm optimistic that our men's team can repeat its success in the 1997 Games by winning the gold.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Law on corruption allows crime to flourish: Experts
Law on corruption allows crime to flourish: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts have renewed the call for an amendment to the Anti-Corruption Law, which is considered obsolete and gives room for the crime to flourish. Frans Hendra Winarta, a member of the National Law Commission, and Albert Hasibuan from the Movement of Concerned Citizens on State Assets have suggested a shift of the burden of proof so that suspects would have to prove they were not guilty.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
NU members concerned with DPR probe: Hasyim
NU members concerned with DPR probe: Hasyim SURABAYA (JP): Hasyim Musadi, chairman of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said here on Sunday that the recent actions of some NU members were "their own way of responding" to actions by the House of Representative's (DPR). Speaking during a break of the one-day seminar in Sidoardjo on Violent Politics and Political Violence organized by the NU's youth wing, GP Ansor, Hasyim said that "things depend on DPR.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Philippine defense chief dismisses speculation on coup
Philippine defense chief dismisses speculation on coup MANILA (Agencies): New Philippine Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Sunday dismissed speculation that disgruntled soldiers might attempt a coup to try and restore deposed president Joseph Estrada to power. "The government is stable and I am confident about this," Ermita told reporters.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Mount Merapi calms down
Mount Merapi calms down YOGYAKARTA (JP): The intense activity on Mount Merapi calmed down on Sunday after discharging fine ash on Saturday morning, but volcanologists warned that the unpredictable volcano could "awaken" again in the near future.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
RP airport power outage
RP airport power outage MANILA (AP): An accidental explosion destroyed an electrical cable and triggered a power outage and crippled operations for more than an hour at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday, officials said. Airport officials ruled out sabotage and speculated the explosion may have been caused by a spark from a faulty cable igniting underground gases.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Market porters strive to earn a decent living
Market porters strive to earn a decent living By Haryoso SEMARANG (JP): A middle-aged man sits on a pile of boxes in front of Johar market in Semarang. Once in a while he rubs his oily face with his dirty shirt without paying any attention to the passing vendors or shoppers. He only gets up and approaches an old brown van when it stops not far from him. In the blink of an eye, he is already carrying a big sack of chilies on his shoulder, heading to a stall in the market.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Everything will be okay: President
Everything will be okay: President JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid played down on Sunday security fears in the wake of rumored mass rallies between people in support of and against him on Monday. "God willing, there will be nothing," Abdurrahman said after a meeting at the Merdeka Palace on Sunday morning to discuss security in the capital. However, without elaborating, he said that the authorities were prepared should violence break out.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Government forms crisis controlling agency
Government forms crisis controlling agency JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri will jointly lead a crisis controlling agency which will be responsible for analyzing all problems related to security and political affairs in the country, a minister said. The agency, whose name remained undisclosed, will start operating on Monday.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Local assemblers unhappy about Chinese motorcycles
Local assemblers unhappy about Chinese motorcycles By Tantri Yuliandini JAKARTA (JP): The influx of Chinese motorcycles has caused waves in the country's motorbike market, threatening the domination of Japanese brands, especially in the lower end of the market. Since the government eased regulations on the importation of completely built up motorcycles in late 1999, at least 57 brands of Chinese motorcycles have entered the market, many of them coming in last year.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sampang regent elect resigns
Sampang regent elect resigns SURABAYA (JP): Sampang regent elect Fadhilah Budiono has reportedly resigned. East Java Governor Imam Utomo told reporters, when forming a special team to probe the reason for Fadhilah's resignation, on Saturday that Fadhilah gave up the post of his own volition. "We do not know enough about the resignation. We need to know the details," Imam said.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Economists predict Malaysian growth to slow
Economists predict Malaysian growth to slow KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's growth will slow down this year as the U.S. economy falters and corporate restructuring stalls, according to a poll of 11 regional economists published on Sunday. Ten of the 11, who were questioned by The Edge business weekly, gave forecasts for gross domestic product growth for 2001 and these varied between 4.0 and 7.0 percent. Three opted for 6.0-7.0 percent and the rest a lower figure.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Government renews recognition of rights for Confucianists
Government renews recognition of rights for Confucianists JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid renewed the government's commitment on Sunday to acknowledging the equal rights and position of Confucius believers among the country's religious followers.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Problems for the bureaucracy
Problems for the bureaucracy From Media Indonesia Despite some people's suggestion that the office of the state minister of state administrative reforms be liquidated, I believe that the presence of this state minister's office is very important, especially considering that the bureaucracy is facing a number of serious problem in the face of the major changes taking place in the country, such as: 1. regional autonomy; 2. the relocation of civil servants from conflict-ridden areas; 3.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
BSN may lose membership in ISO
BSN may lose membership in ISO JAKARTA (JP): The International Standardization Organization (BSN) and the International Electro Technical Commission have threatened to suspend the membership of the National Standardization Agency (BSN) for not paying its membership fees. BSN chairman Herudi Kartowisastro said the two agencies had warned BSN to pay its membership fees immediately or face suspension.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Provinces told to resist foreign loans
Provinces told to resist foreign loans JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Surjadi Soedirdja told provincial administrations on Saturday to refrain from attaining loans from abroad over the next two years although it is permissible under regional autonomy. Surjadi claimed that donor countries themselves had appealed for local administrations not submit requests for loans.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
India's forex hit record high
India's forex hit record high BOMBAY (Reuters): India's foreign exchange reserves rose to a record high in dollar terms by mid-month, the central bank reported, reflecting a huge inflow of foreign money into buy Indian stocks. By the close of trading last week, foreign investors had brought over nine times as much money into India as they had a year ago, according to analysts. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said foreign exchange reserves totaled US$40.469 billion on Jan.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
PCs are also good for playing games
PCs are also good for playing games JAKARTA (JP): Do you really need a Pentium II processor in your PC? If what you do is create text documents, access the web, send and receive e-mail messages, manage your personal finances and maintain your schedules and appointments, you probably don't need a Pentium II. A classic pentium running at 166 MHz and Windows 95 would do. We all know that, and Intel knows it, too.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
New Civic books brisk orders
New Civic books brisk orders JAKARTA (JP): PT Honda Prospect Motor, the sole agent of Japan's Honda Motor Co. Ltd. in Indonesia, has received 380 orders for its New Civic 1700cc since the launch of the car two weeks ago. Company spokesman Jonfis Fandy said here on Saturday the orders already exceeded the monthly sales target of about 165 units. "We are confident we will be able to sell 2,000 New Civics this year," he told reporters during a test-drive of the new car.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Study shows 80,000 die from hepatitis annualy
Study shows 80,000 die from hepatitis annualy JAKARTA (JP): An estimated 40,000 to 80,000 Indonesians die each year due to Hepatitis, a recent study claimed. It is believed that there are some 12 million people infected with the virus, of which seven million suffer from Hepatitis B and five million Hepatitis C. The study, conducted by Suwandhi Widjaja, was revealed here during the commencement of his professorship at Atmajaya Catholic University's school of medicine.
Mon, 29 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB
Arroyo's task ahead
Arroyo's task ahead The Philippines have seen it all before. Many are those who draw a parallel with how the popular protests 15 years ago forced Ferdinand Marcos to resign as president, and with how it was possible for Corazon Aquino to take his place. Also now it is a woman, Gloria Arroyo, taking over, and now the resignation is forced by long, popular protests. What in the end brought down President Joseph Estrada was neither the popular wrath, nor the impeachment process against him.