Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 January 2001

53 articles found

Region's Chinese business clans still going strong

Region's Chinese business clans still going strong By Lim Say Boon SINGAPORE: "Gong xi fa cai" and its various dialect variations (for Happy Chinese New Year) once again echoed across ballrooms and halls packed with Southeast Asia's Chinese business elite last week. And while the "happiness" portion of the equation would have been a matter of personal disposition, the wishes of "prosperity" rolled off their tongues without as much conviction as they did prior to the 1997 economic catastrophe.

Poso rioters got supply of guns

Poso rioters got supply of guns PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): A witness testifying in the trial of three men charged with fomenting the sectarian clashes in the district of Poso that claimed at least 300 lives on May 23, 2000 told the court here on Monday that guns had been illegally supplied to one of the warring groups.

New interpretation of laws sought to fight corruption

New interpretation of laws sought to fight corruption JAKARTA (JP): A new interpretation of the existing anticorruption laws is needed to replace the current rigid reading that often acts as a stumbling block to efforts to eradicate corruption, a legal expert said on Monday. The chief of the Joint Investigative Team to Eradicate Corruption, Adi Andojo Sutjipto, said culprits often took advantage of the rigid interpretation that makes these laws powerless to punish criminals.

Immigration rules and rulers

Immigration rules and rulers Expatriates of all social categories and origins cannot expect any improvements from Immigration officials after the speech delivered by their boss, Ihza Yusril Mahendra the other day. Even a Justice Minister under Soeharto such as Ismail Saleh (around 1990) was more open-minded. Indonesians who have already traveled have witnessed the definition of the globalization era while walking the streets. People come from everywhere and are fully integrated.

Traveling poets give door-to-door readings

Traveling poets give door-to-door readings By Agus Maryono PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): The two young men shuffled slightly, politely asking permission as they came in the door at an office on Jl. Jenderal Soedirman in the town. Dressed in modest clothing of casual shirts, pants and sandals, they proceeded to open a little book and read aloud several poems. They also read poems by Afrizal Malna, taken from Pikiran Rakyat daily in West Java.

JSX bomb suspects revoke statements

JSX bomb suspects revoke statements JAKARTA (JP): The watchdog Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) claimed on Monday that the suspected bombers of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building had revoked their confessions to police investigators. PBHI executive director Hendardi said the nine suspects withdrew their earlier statements because they were made under police coercion. The suspects have been detained at Cipinang penitentiary since Jan.

Thousands rally with divided calls

Thousands rally with divided calls JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of students across the country took to the streets on Monday with divided calls but a unified claim to uphold the reform movement. No clashes were reported in the first massive head-to-head meeting between anti-Abdurrahman protesters and his supporters. In what many believed to be the biggest rally ever, over 5,000 students from some 40 universities across Java and Sumatra marched from the University of Indonesia (UI) campus on Jl.

The New Order ghosts

The New Order ghosts While many of us share the frustration that President Abdurrahman Wahid feels about the slow pace of reform, we are baffled by his intentions with regard to the remnants of the New Order regime whom he blames for subverting his reform agenda. The President's office said on Sunday that the time had come for the nation to draw a clear dividing line between those who truly support reform and those from the New Order regime.

Five sought over armed robbery

Five sought over armed robbery BOGOR (JP): Bogor Police are searching for five men, in connection with an armed robbery of a house in Cimandala village, Bogor on Sunday night. The robbers got away with a 7.92 millimeter calibre black rifle, gold jewelry worth millions of rupiah, a 14-inch TV set, a tape deck, two mobile phones and Rp 2.6 million cash, from the residence of 45-year-old Tonny Wijaya. Tonny told police that at 8:30 p.m.

Rates for tax payment, valid from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4

Rates for tax payment, valid from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 U.S. dollar 1 Rp 9,350.00 Austrian schilling 1 Rp 625.81 Australian dollar 1 Rp 5,074.25 Belgian franc 1 Rp 213.48 Canadian dollar 1 Rp 6,183.04 Swiss franc 1 Rp 5,635.93 Deutschemark 1 Rp 4,408.09 Danish krone 1 Rp 1,171.89 French franc 1 Rp 1,312.78 Poundsterling 1 Rp 13,592.10 Hong Kong dollar 1 Rp 1,198.78 Italian lira 100 Rp 444.73 Japanese yen 100 Rp 7,939.20 Malaysian ringgit 1 Rp 2,460.59 Dutch guilder 1 Rp 3,907.67 New Zealand dollar...

Arrangements being made for Onde trip

Arrangements being made for Onde trip JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Tickets are being prepared for Irian Jaya separatist leader Willem Onde and his men to go to Jakarta to meet President Abdurrahman Wahid as requested by him after the release of 13 of the 16 people kidnapped by the separatist group on Jan. 16. Irian Jaya Police spokesman Maj.

Central bank freezes Tommy's bank accounts

Central bank freezes Tommy's bank accounts JAKARTA (JP): The central bank has frozen fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra's accounts at Bank Central Asia, Bank Mandiri and Bank Panin, an official said on Monday. The spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, Moeljohardjo, said the move was effective on Friday. "Not much was in those accounts. As of now, the central bank has only been able to locate these three accounts.

Floods hit village

Floods hit village PURWAKARTA, West Java: Hundreds of houses in Cikaobandung village, Purwakarta, were flooded with water levels reaching one- meter-high on Monday following prolonged heavy rainfall from Sunday night. The water also inundated dozens of hectares of paddy fields where rice was planted two months ago. The floods on Monday occurred very rapidly as water overflowed Cinangka river, followed by Cikao river, a branch of Citarum river.

House gets report on scandals

House gets report on scandals JAKARTA (JP): After a series of intense lobbying, the House of Representatives plenary session on Monday eventually received the report of the special House committee's investigation of two financial scandals and officially dissolved the committee.

Futures commodities exchange receives poor response

Futures commodities exchange receives poor response JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Futures Exchange, the country's first futures commodities bourse, has received a poor response from investors since the commencement of its operations in December of last year. Ridwan Kurnaen, the chairman of the Commodities Futures Exchange Supervisory Board (Bappebti), said on Monday that the lack of interest was partly due to the low public awareness of the bourse's potential.

Guterres 'told his men to retrieve surrendered guns'

Guterres 'told his men to retrieve surrendered guns' JAKARTA (JP): Three Belu police officers and a retired Belu district military command officer testified on Monday that East Timor prointegration militia leader Eurico Guterres ordered his men to take back the firearms they had surrendered to the Belu police in East Nusa Tenggara in September of last year. "The East Timorese militiamen had voluntarily surrendered their weapons on Sept. 23.

Government urged to anticipate change in WB loan policy

Government urged to anticipate change in WB loan policy JAKARTA (JP): The government must immediately take steps to anticipate the plans by the World Bank to cut back its lending to Indonesia, an expert said. Pande Raja Silalahi, an economist at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said on Monday that foreign loans were still needed to plug the state budget deficit. "The government must take steps to anticipate this," he told The Jakarta Post.

Twenty-three clubs join soccer league

Twenty-three clubs join soccer league SEMARANG (JP): Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) secretary-general Tri Goestoro said over the weekend that 23 clubs from across the nation would compete in the first division of the 2001 Bank Mandiri national soccer league. "Twenty-three clubs -- some of which used to perform in the main division, including PSIS Semarang, PSIM Yogyakarta, Medan Jaya and Indocement Cirebon -- will join this year's league," he said.

City activities undeterred by massive rallies

City activities undeterred by massive rallies JAKARTA (JP): Life went on as usual in the capital on Monday despite massive demonstrations staged by groups in support of and against President Abdurrahman Wahid. There were no traces of tension as people turned up for their social and business activities. People were seen packing the city's electronic shopping center in Glodok downtown, West Jakarta, which was destroyed during the riot in May 1998.

Provocation on campus

Provocation on campus From Suara Karya Recently student demonstrations have become all the rage again, especially at the People's Consultative Assembly/House of Representative (MPR/DPR) in Senayan. Some of the students taking part in the demonstrations wear jackets from state and private universities in Jakarta as well as outside Jakarta. They were, among other things, criticizing the government.

To Indonesian youngsters

To Indonesian youngsters From Media Indonesia The results of a recent study shows that most Indonesian youngsters just follow where the wind blows. They pay no heed to their surroundings, are bored and do things as they please. Their environment -- their families, friends, the mass media and the condition of the state -- has been put down as one of the reasons for this behavior.

Why do firms refuse to change logos?

Why do firms refuse to change logos? By Tjipto Ramuni JAKARTA (JP): A company's logo is, in fact, comparable to someone's face. Meaning that by only a quick glance, people can identify the particular company right away. It is more or less like looking at a familiar face and only by looking at it will you know to whom the face belongs. Like a face, a company logo will be taken care of and be well- kept to gain people's recognition.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 29, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,875 -75 263,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 130 -5 321,000 Alakasa Industrindo 425 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 166,500 Alter Abadi 115 -5 35,000 Alumindo Light Metal 750 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,050 -25 94,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 205 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 850 -25 1,255,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC...

NGO activists hold rally to protest city budget

NGO activists hold rally to protest city budget JAKARTA (JP): Some 150 people marched to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta on Monday to demand revocation of the 2001 city budget. The protesters, who claimed to represent 14 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), began to gather at 5 a.m. They erected two huge banners on billboards facing the traffic circle that read: "Revoke the 2001 city budget. Boycott the increase in taxes.

Estrada aides ask Supreme Court to explain his removal

Estrada aides ask Supreme Court to explain his removal MANILA (Agencies): Supporters of former President Joseph Estrada asked the Supreme Court on Monday to explain the legality of his ouster in a step that could lead to a legal challenge to the new president's authority. The formal request urges the court to outline the legal basis for its swearing in on Jan.

Global Stock Index Jan. 29

Global Stock Index Jan. 29 Latest Change %Change New York DJ Indus 10659.98 -69.54 -0.65 Jan 26 Nasdaq 2781.30 +27.02 +0.98 Jan 26 S&P 500 1354.95 -2.56 -0.19 Jan 26 London FTSE 100 6294.40 +0.10 0.00 Intraday Tokyo Nikkei 225 13845.28 +149.22 +1.09 Close Hong Kong Hang Seng 16099.82 +55.61 +0.35 Close Sydney All Ords 3265.00 -3.20 -0.10 Close Bangkok SET 332.54 +0.41 +0.12 Close Kuala L Composite 719.86 +4.80 +0.67 Close Manila PSE 1686.28 -21.90 -1.28 Close Seoul Kospi 596.54 +4.81 +0.81...

Malaysia, S'pore play down diplomatic row

Malaysia, S'pore play down diplomatic row KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A visiting Singaporean minister played down a diplomatic row with neighboring Malaysia on Monday, describing it as a "family" misunderstanding.

A desperate Wahid is cause for concern

A desperate Wahid is cause for concern Today is judgment day for embattled Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid. For it is today that a special parliamentary committee investigating two financial scandals involving him will report to parliament. Early indications are that the 50-member committee will rule that there is sufficient evidence to implicate the president in corruption.

Arema beats PSS 2-1

Arema beats PSS 2-1 SLEMAN, Yogyakarta (JP): Arema Malang downed home favorite PSS Sleman 2-1 in the 2001 Bank Mandiri national soccer league's eastern division at Tridadi Stadium on Monday. The match on Sunday was stopped for six minutes due to clash between supporters from both teams. Arema's striker Ahmad Junaidi took the lead with a header in the 22nd minute. In the 64th minute, he scored his second goal. The sole goal for PSS Sleman was scored by its most dangerous player M.

Defense minister Mahfud warns of military intervention

Defense minister Mahfud warns of military intervention JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D. warned people that the chaotic political situation in the capital could open the door for the military to take power with an argument that they did so to save the nation. "The Indonesian Military (TNI) is bound to its code of conduct obligating it to preserve the unity of the nation.

KL police tussle with ethnic Chinese

KL police tussle with ethnic Chinese KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Police scuffled with ethnic Chinese protesters who confronted the education minister on Monday over his order to close a Chinese school, a controversy that has triggered deeper fears over the minority group's future in Malaysia. Minister Musa Mohamad shook his head and silently pushed through a crowd of nearly 150 parents and opposition activists who gathered outside his ministry's building for nearly four hours to force a meeting.

Malaysia criticizes RI over plantation land grabbing

Malaysia criticizes RI over plantation land grabbing KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia wants firmer action by Jakarta to protect its plantation firms in Indonesia which have been hit by "land-grabbing" locals seizing large tracts of investment land, a news report said Monday. Rafidah Aziz, the international trade and industry minister, said she would lead a trade mission to Indonesia in March to discuss Jakarta's policies on land ownership by foreign investors.

Stand apart from the crowd and lead

Stand apart from the crowd and lead By Daniel Surya JAKARTA (JP): With today's increasing pace of social change, driven by political impacts, globalization and other powerful forces, consumers' needs and tastes are changing more and more rapidly. Public perceptions are shifting in this cluttered environment. In the difficult times we face today, people are turning to those they trust. When money is tight, people will spend more prudently and avoid risking expenditure on unknown options.

Is Italian tour prize a fraud?

Is Italian tour prize a fraud? From Pikiran Rakyat On Oct. 6, 2000, I received a letter from the Arga Wiguna Corporation telling me that I had won the main prize in its Shining New Millennium contest and was therefore entitled to a seven-day trip to Rome for two people. As soon as I got this news, I contacted the head of Arga Wiguna's promotions division, Mr.

Bus terminals will have improved public facilities

Bus terminals will have improved public facilities JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has set aside Rp 32.2 billion (about US$3.38 million) this year to improve public facilities at its bus terminals. Head of the terminal office of the City Traffic and Land Transport Agency, Nurseruan Adil said over the weekend, that part of the budget would be used to re-surface the roads with concrete and renovate shelters in the terminals.

PBSI to call 20 juniors for national training

PBSI to call 20 juniors for national training BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will be grooming juniors in its Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta as it needs capable second stringers to replace the seniors.

Government expects new oil and gas law out in April

Government expects new oil and gas law out in April JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Monday that he hoped the House of Representatives would be able to pass a new bill on oil and gas in April this year. "The debate on the bill might take until the end of the year, but we hope to speed the process up so that the bill can be passed in three to four months time," he told reporters following a canceled plenary meeting with the House.

Rupiah Rates Jan.29

Rupiah Rates Jan.29 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Rupiah slightly weaker over domestic concerns

Rupiah slightly weaker over domestic concerns SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were higher late Monday, as the yen's rebound and easing domestic uncertainties in some countries provided a breathing spell for the markets, dealers said. Bucking the trend, the Indonesian rupiah and the Singapore dollar were slightly weaker.

Malaysia eyes Bahrain project

Malaysia eyes Bahrain project KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian companies have been invited to take part in Bahrain's US$500 million Salman port project, officials said Monday as the emirate's prime minister began a three-day visit. Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, who is accompanied by a 55-member delegation including four ministers, received a red- carpet welcome from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad earlier in the day.

Number of leprosy patients declines

Number of leprosy patients declines JAKARTA: Indonesia has succeeded in reducing the number of leprosy patients from more than 100,000 in 1990 to 20,000 in 2000, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Achmad Sujudi said. After attending a meeting on leprosy eradication with World Health Organization (WHO) representatives here on Saturday, he said the ratio of lepers in the country last year was one out of every 10,000 people.

Indonesians hit the books again at Open University

Indonesians hit the books again at Open University By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE, Australia (JP): "It's never too late to learn" smacks of a cliche, but it is reality for Johannis Mailuhu at the age of 61. For him, hitting the books again is not as straightforward an exercise as enrolling at a local college and attending lectures and tutorials. When Indonesia's Open University began its program in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1998, Johannis met one of the lecturers who had come for a visit.

M'sian palmoil futures close sharply lower

M'sian palmoil futures close sharply lower KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's palm oil futures closed sharply lower on Monday on prospects of poor exports in January and a lingering downtrend at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), traders said. The benchmark third-month April futures contract ended down 24 ringgit at 781 ringgit ($205.52) a ton. Volume was 1,854 lots.

IBRA assumes Sinar Mas debt to save publicly listed BII

IBRA assumes Sinar Mas debt to save publicly listed BII JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) has reached a deal with the Sinar Mas Group to settle about Rp 13.7 trillion (US$1.3 billion) of its debt to publicly listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), a move seen as saving the bank from the risk of closure.

BMW AG forms subsidiary

BMW AG forms subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): The Germany-based automotive company BMW AG has established a wholly owned subsidiary to handle wholesales of BMW cars, motorcycles, spare parts and accessories in Indonesia. Vice President Luder Paysen said on Monday the new company, with an initial investment of about Rp 200 billion (about US$21 million), would start operating in April.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Painting, Ikatan Wanita Pelukis Indonesia, Galeri Hidayat, Jl. Sulanjana 36 (Phone: 022 4208257), 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until Feb. 14. * Painting, furniture, handy crafts, Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 4231631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Jan. 31. Performances * Sundanese Traditional Drama, Banda Sakti, Dewi Murni group, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 8 p.m., Feb. 3.

Government asked to probe last week's attack in Ambon

Government asked to probe last week's attack in Ambon JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesia Ulemas Council (MUI) asked the government on Monday to probe an attack against residents of the Batumerah district in Ambon, the capital of Maluku, last week that allegedly claimed the lives of 15 civilians.

A fresh start from corrupt past

A fresh start from corrupt past This is the first of two articles on dealing with corruption by Bertrand de Speville, director of the Jakarta-based Consultants Project for the establishment of an anticorruption body for Indonesia. He is a former commissioner of the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption. JAKARTA (JP): A new national initiative against corruption can be destroyed by the past.

Gus Dur's pledge of zero tolerance gets wary support

Gus Dur's pledge of zero tolerance gets wary support JAKARTA (JP): A senior political observer greeted on Monday President Abdurrahman Wahid's pledge of zero tolerance in implementing a reform agenda with reservations saying that "violence must be avoided at all costs". "A humanistic approach must continue and the use of violence must be avoided at all costs," Soedjati Djiwandono told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview.

Jasa Raharja services queried

Jasa Raharja services queried JAKARTA (JP): A city council commission questioned on Monday the public services of state insurance company PT Jasa Raharja. Chairman of Commission C for city revenue Amarullah Asbah said the company had yet to cover either the medical fees or insurance of most passengers who suffered from accidents.

Maluku-Dutch sister city

Maluku-Dutch sister city TUAL, Maluku: Dutch activists are exploring the possibilities of establishing a sister-city scheme between Tual and Nistelrode in the Netherlands. Poly Roemloes, head of the Dutch organization Satu Bantu Satu, (One Helps One) who is in Tual for a six-day visit, said on Monday that he would discuss the idea with the Indonesian government and the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta.

JSX suspends securities firms

JSX suspends securities firms JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) said it had suspended the license of three of its members last week, as they failed to meet minimum working capital requirements. The JSX's membership director Umar T. Laksana said PT Dharmala Securities, PT Arya Shinta Sekuritas, and PT Indofinancia Pratama had been suspended. "We have suspended their membership at the Jakarta Stock Exchange," Umar told reporters in a press meeting.

Radio registered in records museum

Radio registered in records museum SEMARANG: The Museum of Indonesian Records has registered Kids radio station in Bandung as the only one in the country that is dedicated specially for children. Manager of the Semarang-based museum, Paulus Pangka, said on Monday that Kids 99.15 FM has programs for children every day from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m, Antara reported. The station, which features not only entertainment but also educational programs, targets an audience of between four and 14 years old.