Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 January 2001

52 articles found

Muslim activists were not involved in bombing: Officials

Muslim activists were not involved in bombing: Officials JAKARTA (JP): Muslim activists were not involved in a series of bomb explosions at churches in seven provinces on Christmas Eve, a police officer and a minister said on Tuesday.Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen.

Mutual openness

Mutual opennessFrom Rakyat MerdekaMany have written to me to comment on my article of Dec. 11, 2000 in Rakyat Merdeka titled The unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) might cease to exist including a 66-year old grandma from Bandung (West Java).

China-Taiwan -- small step, not a leap

China-Taiwan -- small step, not a leap SINGAPORE: There was much drum-beating going on in Taiwan over the formal opening on Tuesday of trade and transport links between two outlying islands, Kinmen and Matsu, and Fujian on the Chinese mainland.

Goh warns against religious extremism

Goh warns against religious extremism SINGAPORE (Agencies): Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong warned in remarks published on Tuesday that the Singapore government will "take firm action" against religious extremists and fringe groups whose actions threaten harmony in the city-state.

Most Asian currencies down late

Most Asian currencies down late SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Unable to shake off their woes from the previous year, most Asian currencies remained under pressure late Tuesday, with the Philippine peso reeling to a new low on the first trading day of 2001.

Toll road death mystery solved

Toll road death mystery solved BOGOR (JP): A body found on the Jagorawi toll road on Dec. 25 has been identified as Nipta, 70, a resident of Jl. Mundo RT 05/04 Bogor.The mystery was solved when Nipta's family claimed the body following a call on Tuesday from an unknown man who informed them of...

Buffet bonanzas, any time of the day, at Chiao Tung

Buffet bonanzas, any time of the day, at Chiao Tung JAKARTA (JP): There's one place in town where you can get decent food any time of the day. Chiao Tung at the Hotel Mercure Rekso Hayam Wuruk, 123 Hayam Wuruk in Glodok, runs a 24-hour restaurant and is the hotel's only food outlet.

North Korean leader to visit Seoul for second summit

North Korean leader to visit Seoul for second summit SEOUL (AFP): South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung and North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-Il will meet in Seoul this year, a top minister said on Tuesday, ending doubts over the planned summit in the South's capital.

Women must look for benefits of regional autonomy

Women must look for benefits of regional autonomy Dr. Kathryn Robinson is head of Department of Anthropology at the Australian National University, Canberra. A fluent speaker of Indonesian, she has written many papers on Indonesia, her forthcoming publication being Gender, Nation and Democracy in...

Where to eat noodles in Jakarta

Where to eat noodles in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Our new column on places to eat around the city starts with noodles as well as a whole lot more at an eatery in Central Jakarta.Bakmi Metropolitan, Jl. Dr. Satrio 275 (Casablanca), Central Jakarta.Open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Travel ban imposed on ex-bank owners

Travel ban imposed on ex-bank owners JAKARTA (JP): The government has issued travel bans on the former owners of three defunct commercial banks for their alleged misuse of Government Liquidity Support (BLBI) funds, an official said on Tuesday.

Japan offers Pertamina Tuban plant project

Japan offers Pertamina Tuban plant project JAKARTA (JP): Japanese creditors want state oil and gas company Pertamina to continue the development of the stalled US$2.3 billion petrochemical project in Tuban, East Java, according to a senior executive at Pertamina.

Indonesia not ready for women's boxing: Official

Indonesia not ready for women's boxing: Official JAKARTA (JP): Due to "cultural and technical reasons", the Indonesian Sports Council (KONI) has decided not to hold women's boxing events despite an urgent request from the world amateur boxing body AIBA.

Prosecutors seize Tommy's property

Prosecutors seize Tommy's property JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta Prosecutor's Office seized on Tuesday a house belonging to Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra as a guarantee against the fugitive's some Rp 30.6 billion (US$3.2 million) debt to the state, arising from a 1995 land swap deal.

Vietnam to launch Internet

Vietnam to launch Internet HANOI (AFP): Vietnam is to launch its first e-commerce Internet website next month as part of moves by the authorities here to catch up with the explosion of e-commerce worldwide.

Software firms need stimulus

Software firms need stimulus NEW DELHI (AFP): India's software industry has asked the government to slash red tape and reduce taxes in order to sustain 50 percent growth and achieve a US$50 billion export target by 2008.

Bulog scam suspect's arrest extended

Bulog scam suspect's arrest extended JAKARTA (JP): The prime suspect of the multi-billion rupiah State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal, Alip Agung Suwondo, will remain at the Cipinang penitentiary after prosecutors extended his arrest for another 30 days from Jan. 1, 2001.

Mahathir urged to push Myanmar

Mahathir urged to push Myanmar KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's opposition party pressed Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday to urge Myanmar's military junta to bring about political reforms during his visit to the country.

PBSI unfazed by player exodus

PBSI unfazed by player exodus SEMARANG (JP): Although an increasing number of badminton players and coaches are moving to other countries, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has no cause for concern, said Indonesian Badminton Center director Christian Hadinata on Tuesday.

Gebu Minang to hold conference

Gebu Minang to hold conference PADANG, West Sumatra: The Minangkabau Economic and Cultural Movement (Gebu Minang) will hold a three-day conference starting Thursday at the Tri Arga Hall in Bukittinggi, an official said on Tuesday.

First Taiwanese boats to mainland in 50 years

First Taiwanese boats to mainland in 50 years XIAMEN, China (Reuters): The first Taiwan boats in more than 50 years to make legal, direct trips to the Chinese mainland docked in the southeastern province of Fujian on Tuesday, port officials said.

KL set to unveil new partner for MAS

KL set to unveil new partner for MAS KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The Malaysian government will announce a new partner for the financially troubled national carrier by the end of January, a news report said on Tuesday.

Police warn against misuse of logo

Police warn against misuse of logo JAKARTA (JP): The public is being urged to be alert and report to the authorities any groups seeking donations using the name of the Jakarta Police.The head of the city police's Community Development Division, Chief Commissioner Sisno Adiwinoto, pointed out on...

Sinar Jaya bus burned

Sinar Jaya bus burned PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Following a deadly chain collision involving a Sinar Jaya bus which killed 10 people on Sunday, an angry mob burned down another Sinar Jaya bus when it passed Bukateja street about 30 kilometers east of here on Tuesday.

Yap arrested for drunk driving

Yap arrested for drunk driving KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A Malaysian judge Tuesday ordered the arrest of a former top badminton player for failing to show up at a hearing on drunk driving charges, the national Bernama news agency reported.

Houses of wayward villager burned

Houses of wayward villager burned DENPASAR, Bali: Hundreds of residents of Penarungan village, some 15 kilometers north of Denpasar, ran amok and burned down three houses belonging to a fellow resident on Monday.

Gus Dur's optimism

Gus Dur's optimism The strong optimism that President Abdurrahman Wahid conveyed in his New Year's message contrasts sharply with the gloom and doom predictions that many other top politicians and political observers believe are in store for Indonesia in 2001.

RP rebels deny role in weekend bombings

RP rebels deny role in weekend bombings ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Agencies): A spokesman for Muslim rebels denied on Tuesday that his group carried out five deadly synchronized bombings that killed 15, injured 100 and set the nation on edge.

BI to supply dollars to aid rupiah

BI to supply dollars to aid rupiah JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Tuesday that the central bank would continue to supply U.S. dollars to the market in a bid to help stabilize the ailing rupiah."We'll see the condition of the market.

Thousands stranded as train derails in Central Java

Thousands stranded as train derails in Central Java JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of travelers were left stranded at railway stations in Central and East Java when a train bound for the Senen railway station derailed in Karang Gandul, Purwokerto, Central Java, early Tuesday morning.

Police search for Tommy focuses on Jakarta, Surabaya

Police search for Tommy focuses on Jakarta, Surabaya JAKARTA (JP): The National Police's two-month search for fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra is now being focused on Jakarta and the East Java capital of Surabaya."I repeat, the National Police has never arrested Tommy to date.

Bombs on Christmas eve

Bombs on Christmas eve As an Indonesian born and brought up here, I refuse to believe that the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) had such lousy intelligence services that they failed to pick up information on preplanned bomb attacks on Christmas Eve, beforehand.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 2, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 2,250 -50 30,000 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 100 -5 102,500 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo...

Ammunition seized on New Year's Eve

Ammunition seized on New Year's Eve AMBON, Maluku: Joint security personnel here seized two MB- type automatic standard guns, a Roger Mini gun loaded with nine bullets, a revolver, two homemade bombs, a long rifle and 2,700 bullets during a raid on New Year's Eve in the Galunggung area, Sirimau...

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment* The Westin Surabaya, Jl. Embong Malang 85-89 (Phone: 031 5458888): - Java Jimmy's Irish Pub: Aia 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.

Skepticism remains over TNI internal reform

Skepticism remains over TNI internal reform JAKARTA (JP): The year 2000 saw unlikely changes in the Indonesian Military (TNI) -- and the Army in particular, as demonstrated in the four major reshuffles and the dismissal of generals who were still active and dubbed strong contenders for the top post...

Rates for tax payment, valid from January 1 to January 7

Rates for tax payment, valid from January 1 to January 7 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 9,230.00Austrian schilling 1 599.26Australian dollar 1 4,999.89Belgian franc 1 204.40Canadian dollar 1 6,049.29Swiss franc 1 5,487.51Deutschemark 1 4,218.46Danish krone 1 1,133.41French franc 1 1,257.10Poundsterling 1 13,557.

Ryaas tenders his resignation from Cabinet

Ryaas tenders his resignation from Cabinet JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Administrative Reforms Ryaas Rasyid officially tendered his resignation on Monday, citing a disagreement with President Abdurrahman Wahid over the newly implemented regional autonomy.

Fire razes 14 stalls

Fire razes 14 stalls SURABAYA: At least 14 stalls in a local market here were burned down in a fire on Tuesday, causing an estimated loss of millions of rupiah.The cause of the fire is being investigated, but witnesses say the fire came from one of the stalls which sold gasoline.

Positive aspects in the New Year

Positive aspects in the New Year As the nation enters the New Year there have been some positive developments, related to the government, worth mentioning.President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has failed miserably as a head of state, but as a Muslim cleric, he has been successful.

Asking Gus Dur to step down

Asking Gus Dur to step downFrom Warta KotaWe have repeatedly heard of the existence of several parties asking for President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's resignation. The reasons are among others: Gus Dur has traveled abroad many times during his less than one-year presidency with insubstantial...

Pertamina asks government to transfer US$10b in assets

Pertamina asks government to transfer US$10b in assets JAKARTA (JP): State owned oil and gas company Pertamina said on Tuesday that it would ask the government to transfer the ownership of assets worth US$10 billion to Pertamina as part of the company's restructuring.

Ajinomoto bows to MUI demand on 'halal' products

Ajinomoto bows to MUI demand on 'halal' products JAKARTA (JP): Taste enhancer producer PT Ajinomoto Indonesia revealed on Tuesday that it will withdraw all its products from the market, pending halal certification from the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI).

Crime in 2000 well-organized, ruthless: Mulyono

Crime in 2000 well-organized, ruthless: Mulyono JAKARTA (JP): The capital registered a 12.25 percent decrease in crime in 2000 compared to the previous year, but the nature of crimes were more organized, ruthless, as well as being difficult to both solve and take to court, Jakarta Police Chief Insp.

PDI-P faction asks Council speaker Edy to step down

PDI-P faction asks Council speaker Edy to step down JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction in the City Council demanded on Tuesday that Edy Waluyo resign as speaker over what it termed an illegitimate plenary session held over the weekend to approve the...

Asian bond issuance dries-up in holiday lull

Asian bond issuance dries-up in holiday lull SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): New offerings of Asian international debt remained at a standstill this week with many issuers preferring to wait until after the usual holiday season lull to enter the market.Among the issuers that could tap the U.S.

2000 tax revenue exceeds targets, an official says

2000 tax revenue exceeds targets, an official says JAKARTA (JP): The government booked Rp 97.2 trillion (US$10.2 billion) in tax revenue for the 2000 fiscal year, a Rp 3.2 trillion surplus from the revised target, a senior official announced on Tuesday.

Trial on Eurico over East Timor mayhem starts

Trial on Eurico over East Timor mayhem starts JAKARTA (JP): The trial of East Timor prointegration militia leader Eurico Guterres got underway at the North Jakarta District Court on Tuesday. The defendant is alleged to have encouraged his followers to take back firearms they had turned over to the...

Festivities leave mountain of waste

Festivities leave mountain of waste JAKARTA (JP): During the week-long holiday for Christmas, Idul Fitri and New Year, the city produced 21,940 cubic meters of garbage, an official said on Tuesday.Head of the city's Control Center for Garbage Treatment Joko Suratno said most of the waste included...

Rupiah rates Jan. 2

Rupiah rates Jan. 2 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 9,010.00 10,010.00 9,462.00 9,558.00Australian dollar 1 5,019.47 5,581.58 5,271.28 5,329.54Austrian schilling 1 614.45 683.01 645.27 652.17Belgian franc 1 209.59 232.98 220.11 222.

Asia oil demand growth to accelerate in 2001: Poll

Asia oil demand growth to accelerate in 2001: Poll SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian oil demand growth should accelerate next year after being stunted in 2000 by high oil prices, analysts said.Decade-high crude values took some of the shine off Asia's appetite for oil this year and a slowdown in the U.S.

Gus Dur seeks to hasten legal process of activist Nazar

Gus Dur seeks to hasten legal process of activist Nazar JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is seeking to moderate the detention of Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA) chairman Muhammad Nazar to a city or house arrest.