Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 December 2001

78 articles found

Papua students rally against autonomy package

Papua students rally against autonomy packageorPapua students rally against autonomyR.K. Nugroho The Jakarta Post Jayapura Just four days before President Megawati Soekarnoputri is due to sign over the much-awaited Autonomy Law to Papuan elders in the Irian Jaya provincial capital of Jayapura,...

The Shirt Torn in the Back

The Shirt Torn in the BackBy Agung Mabruri The pressure to get by and provide for our daily needs had me and my wife Asih, just married for six months, racking our brains to figure out how to make some extra money.

Fewer people join 2001 Idul Fitri exodus

Fewer people join 2001 Idul Fitri exodusLeo Wahyudi S. and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People had to struggle hard to get a ticket to celebrate Idul Fitri at their hometowns. Many also had to suffer for hours in traffic jams on their way home.

Soeharto still in critical state

Soeharto still in critical stateThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Doctors looking after former president Soeharto conceded on Tuesday that despite showing signs of stabilizing, the 80-year- old remained in critical condition, and that they feared a potential multiorgan dysfunction.

Newmont denies role in toxic waste trade

Newmont denies role in toxic waste tradeFitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta West Nusa Tenggara-based copper mining firm PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara has denied allegations that it is involved in illegally trading toxic waste, particularly used oil.

Special remission for inmates in E. Java

Special remission for inmates in E. Java MALANG, East Java: The Lowokwaru penitentiary management has submitted to the justice and human rights minister through the East Java regional office, a list of 630 convicts considered to be deserving of a special clemency in conjunction with the celebration...

Akbar confident he won't stand trial

Akbar confident he won't stand trialThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Public outrage and intense media scrutiny into the misuse of more than Rp 50 billion of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds is yet to send a chill down House Speaker Akbar Tandjung's spine.

Rp 3.36b for refugees in NTB

Rp 3.36b for refugees in NTB MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The Ministry of Social Affairs has this month provided Rp 3.36 billion in humanitarian aid for 17,000 refugees in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), a local senior official said on Tuesday."The assistance is the third installment.

Bomb scare: Garuda Indonesia Flight GA408 was forced to return to

Bomb scare: Garuda Indonesia Flight GA408 was forced to return to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport just minutes after take-off Tuesday evening when airport officials received a telephone call claiming that there was a bomb onboard.

Whither civil society?

Whither civil society? J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Political Analyst, Jakarta Both Sukarno, through his "guided democracy", and Soeharto through his "Pancasila democracy", robbed the sovereignty and power of the people.

Government told not to overburden BI

Government told not to overburden BIBerni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia said its ability to share the burden of the allegedly abused emergency liquidity loans worth Rp 138.4 trillion (US$13.

Mayor scrambles for explanation

Mayor scrambles for explanation BATAM, Riau: The mayor of Batam, Nyat Kadir, said on Tuesday that he did not know that a man who helped him and other officials welcome guests from Jakarta, was the boss of Sie Jie gambling in Batam.

Saudi princess arrested for beating Indonesian maid

Saudi princess arrested for beating Indonesian maidAssociated Press, Orlando, Florida Police arrested a Saudi princess at a luxury resort and charged her with felony aggravated battery for beating her Indonesian maid and pushing her down a flight of stairs.

JP/FESTIVE

JP/FESTIVEBali Offering joyous festivities for old and young OR Celebrate your holiday in style on the Island of the GodsORCelebrate your holiday in style in BaliRita A. Widiadana and I Wayan Juniarta The Jakarta Post Denpasar Let's cherish the year that has almost passed and welcome the one to...

Jakarta garbage trucks resume dumping loads at Bantar Gebang

Jakarta garbage trucks resume dumping loads at Bantar GebangAnnastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Garbage trucks are once again transporting waste to the Bantar Gebang dump following the decision to reopen the site on Saturday, ending days of uncertainty about what to do with Jakarta's...

Therapy aides Bell's palsy

Therapy aides Bell's palsyDear Dr. Donya, I read The Jakarta Post dated Dec. 5 and was surprised that you had written about the same illness that my sister suffers from. Thank-you very much for sharing such information so that others are made aware of the malady.

Woman robbed on public bus

Woman robbed on public bus JAKARTA: Two men, one armed with a knife, robbed a woman on a public bus and escaped with the victim's gold necklace on Tuesday.The robbers and the victim boarded the bus outside the Senen train station in Central Jakarta.

A bit off the beaten track

A bit off the beaten trackStevie Emilia, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Interesting places to go, good food to savor and comfortable places to stay are the main things that make any trip to a new place enjoyable and memorable. And Cirebon, a small coastal city in West Java, has them all.

Batam tripartite meeting proposes 5% wage rise

Batam tripartite meeting proposes 5% wage rise Fadli The Jakarta Post BatamA tripartite meeting attended by businessmen, labor and government representatives has agreed to propose a five percent, or Rp 25,000, increase in the minimum wage for the industrial island of Batam in Riau province,...

Jakarta Hilton presents

Jakarta Hilton presents Masterpieces of Le Lion D'or at Jakarta Hilton Gracing the tables of Taman Sari ~ Savor fine French food & wine In surroundings of elegance & style Visiting guest chef - Eric Momme'jac Taman Sari Restaurant Jakarta Hilton International Dec.

Fares hike limit ineffective

Fares hike limit ineffective JAKARTA: Consumer protection organizations urged the government to scrap the 12 percent limit on increases in intercity bus fares during the Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year holidays.

Our deepest condolences on the passing of

Our deepest condolences on the passing of R.S. Martokoesoemo85 years old the beloved father-in-law of our editorial staff member Hyginus Hardoyo. He died at 9:30 a.m on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001, in Jakarta and will buried in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka, on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001.

Traditional markets still quiet, prices remain high

Traditional markets still quiet, prices remain highEmmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A day after the Idul Fitri celebrations on Tuesday, many traders at traditional markets had not yet opened up for business, despite the high demand from Jakartans for fresh vegetables and other staple foods.

Papua students rally against autonomy package

Papua students rally against autonomy packageR.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Just four days before President Megawati Soekarnoputri is due to sign over the much-awaited Autonomy Law to Papuan elders in the Irian Jaya provincial capital of Jayapura, students in the country's easternmost...

Police extend Tommy's detention

Police extend Tommy's detentionThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Police extended on Tuesday Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra's detention for another 40 days, following the expiry of the first 20-day detention."Tommy has signed the document acknowledging the extension of his detention for 40 days," said Tommy's...

14 Ex-generals to join PPP

14 Ex-generals to join PPP The United Development Party (PPP), led by Vice President Hamzah Haz, will accord membership on 14 retired generals when it celebrates its 33rd anniversary on Jan. 5, 2002.It will be only nine days before reform-minded party cadres are expected to announce the...

Government criticized over sectarian conflict in Poso

Government criticized over sectarian conflict in PosoErik W. and Damar, The Jakarta Post, Palu/Jakarta The Institution for Development and Advocacy of Human Rights (LPS-HAM) in Palu, Central Sulawesi, has criticized the government and security authorities for having no strong commitment to stop the...

ID card raids planned

ID card raids planned JAKARTA: East Jakarta mayoralty will conduct ID card raids in certain parts of the mayoralty in anticipation of the influx that usually occurs after the Lebaran holidays. The raids will be conducted a week after Idul Fitri at bus stations, houses and boarding houses, as well...

Rights abuses remain rife in 2001

Rights abuses remain rife in 2001Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Human rights abuses involving the state remain rife as the economic crisis continues to batter Indonesia, a local human rights watchdog says.

E. Java police to step up security during Xmas

E. Java police to step up security during Xmas SURABAYA: East Java provincial police chief Ins. Gen. Sutanto has called on Muslims and Christians to intensify their joint efforts to maintain security ahead of the Christmas holidays, which last year saw a spate of bomb attacks by suspected Muslim...

Keep Depok neat and tidy

Keep Depok neat and tidyFrom Rakyat MerdekaAfter formally being declared an administrative city three years ago, Depok has seen rapid growth. One example is the Cinere area, which borders South Jakarta.

Some products not ready to compete under AFTA: Kadin

Some products not ready to compete under AFTA: KadinAdianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) said that some 27 percent of local products were not yet ready to compete in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which would start early next year.

China calls for new ways to float state shares

China calls for new ways to float state sharesTiffany Wu, Reuters, Shanghai/Beijing China's stock market watchdog said on Tuesday, after Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji called for new ways to dispose of massive government holdings in listed firms, it was considering seven state-share selldown schemes.

Singapore exports dismal, dark clouds to disappear soon

Singapore exports dismal, dark clouds to disappear soonMantik Kusjanto, Reuters, Singapore Singapore suffered yet another slide in non-oil exports in November but the lower than expected fall pointed to better times ahead for the recession-hit economy.

Rupiah Rates Dec.18

Rupiah Rates Dec.18 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 10,682.00 9,682.00 10,233.00 10,131.00Austrian schilling 1 701.46 635.23 671.97 664.69Australian dollar 1 5,533.28 5,010.44 5,300.69 5,242.79Belgian franc 1 239.27 216.68 229.22 226.

Government told not to

Government told not to overburden Bank Indonesia2. China China sets up insurer to help boost exports3. LNG Pertamina submits bid to supply LNG to China4. Taiwan Taiwan to hold Asia's first competitive 3G auction 5. EU EU protests over possible U.S. duties on uranium6.

Battered SE Asian economies worsening

Battered SE Asian economies worseningRuth Youngblood, Deutche PA, Singapore The battered economies of Southeast Asia, ricocheting from bad to worse amid crumbling demand from the United States, are clinging to glimmers of a tenuous recovery in 2002.

Kaget Island needs serious attention

Kaget Island needs serious attentionUmi Sriwahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Banjarmasin Kaget Island which was once known worldwide as a tourist destination in South Kalimantan for its proboscis monkey population, has been abandoned by tourists since all trees and bushes on the island have withered...

YLBHI caretakers set up

YLBHI caretakers set up JAKARTA: The Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) has established a caretaker team to prepare for the election of its executive board members within six months.

Rustriningsih: From shy girl to dauntless politician

Rustriningsih: From shy girl to dauntless politicianIvy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In many ways, she is no different from other young single women with a rising career. But she's no ordinary woman in the country's political landscape, still primarily filled with men even with a woman...

'Don't have too many expectations in life'

'Don't have too many expectations in life'Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Wherever she goes, Vina Panduwinata is serenaded by her hit songs of the 1980s. Light to the point of verging on frothy, songs such as Burung Camar (The Seagull) and Didadaku Ada Kamu (In My Heart There's You) were...

Habibie not linked to Kohl scandal: lawyers

Habibie not linked to Kohl scandal: lawyersAssociated Press, Jakarta Former Indonesian President B.J. Habibie was not involved in a graft scandal linked to former German leader Helmut Kohl, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Govt, business need mutual trust

Govt, business need mutual trust Two dinners that took place here recently are worthy of comment. The first was held by the visiting premier of China, Zhu Rongji, and was attended by Indonesian businessmen from Jakarta and the regions.

Legal merger of IBRA banks to wait until mid-2002

Legal merger of IBRA banks to wait until mid-2002Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said it would finalize the legal merger of the five banks under its supervision in six months' time or by mid-2002 at the earliest, but expected a...

Openness to criticism

Openness to criticism One of the keys to success is openness to input and criticism, which the present government demonstrates.This was at least apparent at a recent breaking of the fast gathering hosted by Vice President Hamzah Haz last Tuesday.

Revival of military command in Aceh risky

Revival of military command in Aceh riskyIbnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The government must be extra careful with an Indonesian Military (TNI) plan to reestablish an Aceh-specific military command, or else the dialog to settle the lingering conflict in the province will be disrupted,...

PT DI delivers pair of CN-235 planes to Korea

PT DI delivers pair of CN-235 planes to KoreaYuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), the state-owned aircraft manufacturer, delivered two of eight CN-235 aircraft ordered by the South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) on Tuesday.

Rupiah may still rise on IBRA dollar-selling: Analyst

Rupiah may still rise on IBRA dollar-selling: Analyst Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dollar-selling by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), amid slowing corporate demand for the foreign unit, may wedge the rupiah from its recent trading band this week to test the 10,000...

Man killed by train

Man killed by train JAKARTA: A man was hit and killed by a train at Kebon Jeruk railway crossing in West Jakarta on Tuesday morning.The unidentified man, thought to be about 60 years old, sustained head and spinal injuries.

Fire rages in downtown Pontianak

Fire rages in downtown Pontianak PONTIANAK: A apparent electrical short caused a spark in one house in downtown that led to a massive fire at about 1:45 p.m. local time Thursday, burning to the ground at least 15 other houses and one shop on Gajah Mada boulevard and the adjacent Ismail Marzuki...

Some Jakartans celebrate the holidays by robbing others

Some Jakartans celebrate the holidays by robbing othersDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta During the Idul Fitri festivities, Muslims greeted each other, visited relatives and friends, and asked for forgiveness.

Another round of China-Japan talks scheduled to solve trade dispute

Another round of China-Japan talks scheduled to solve trade disputeAgence France-Presse, Beijing China and Japan are to begin yet another round of talks in an attempt to solve a dragging eight-month long trade dispute, officials from both countries said Tuesday.

1. Office - 2x 20

1. Office - 2x 20 Government workers still in holiday mode2. Garbage - 2x32 Jakarta garbage drivers resume dumping loads at Bantar Gebang 3. Market : 2x 25 Traditional markets still quiet, prices remain high 4. Police - 2x20 Jakarta Police chief to be replaced: Da'i 4.

IMF says export doubts cloud outlook for Asia

IMF says export doubts cloud outlook for Asia Agence France-Presse, Washington Asian economies are set for a grindingly slow recovery in 2002 and the outlook is clouded by uncertainty over demand for exports, the IMF said in a report Tuesday. Weak global growth in the wake of the Sept.

PKB -- A sad tale of a demoralized party

PKB -- A sad tale of a demoralized partyFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Just six months ago, the National Awakening Party (PKB) was at the forefront of national politics. But since its patriarch Abdurrahman Wahid fell from the presidency in July, it has been relegated to the...

RI's media: Freedom or professionalism?

RI's media: Freedom or professionalism?Keith Loveard, News Editor, www.laksamana.net, Publisher, www.asiamad.com, Jakarta There is likely to be a hue and cry among the Indonesian media over statements by Syamsul Muarif, the State Minister for Information and Communication, that the Indonesian media...

Tsinga village gets water reservoir

Tsinga village gets water reservoir Markus Mardius, Contributor, Tembagapura, Titmice, Irian Jaya A mountain water reservoir constructed by the residents of Tsinga village has become a source of pride, and water, for the inhabitants.

Professionalism needed

Professionalism neededFrom AdilThe annual exodus of holiday makers returning to their hometowns is now in full swing. Travelers are keen to get together with their families to celebrate Lebaran. Unfortunately, going home is not as easy as one might think.

Bomb not behind building collapse

Bomb not behind building collapse CIREBON, West Java: A bomb did not cause of the collapse of the Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) building in the West Java town of Cirebon, police say."Based on the results of investigations at the scene by police detectives, there is no evidence of a group of people...

Is law on graft workable?

Is law on graft workable? Having been branded the third most corrupt country in the world, Indonesia has made a number of attempts during the post- Soeharto era to abolish its shamefully tarnished image.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 City News 10:00 Children's Songs 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 11:30 Music 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:30 Debating 4:45 Quiz 5:15 TV Drama 6:00 News 8:00 Quiz 9:00 News 9:30 Music...

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in SurabayaMusic and Entertainment* Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend. Basuki Rakhmat 106-128 (Tel. 031 5311234): - Lobby: Solo Pianist, every Morning, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday to Saturday evening, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A Mild ad withdrawn

A Mild ad withdrawnFrom Suara KaryaAs the A Mild TV commercial depicting animal animation has led to mixed reaction among the print media, Ogilvy & Mather Indonesia has wisely decided to stop airing this TV commercial.

Jakarta Police Chief to be replaced: Da'i

Jakarta Police Chief to be replaced: Da'iDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police Chief said on Tuesday that Jakarta Police Chief Comr. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb would be transferred to the post of chief inspector at the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas), and would be replaced...

TV charity is good but not accountable

TV charity is good but not accountableFrom Bisnis IndonesiaWith the relentless difficulties afflicting our country over the past few years, a number of social activities have emerged, one of which is fund raising by private television stations.

Free harelip medical operation for local kids from Caltex

Free harelip medical operation for local kids from Caltex Rahmat was 12 and Juniati was 11. Like the other kids at their village of Aur Sati in Tambang district of Bangkinang, Riau, the two played cheerfully in the neighborhood.

A kaleidoscope of fashion in 2001

A kaleidoscope of fashion in 2001Muara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta The journey of the Indonesian fashion industry, with Jakarta- based designers remaining the trendsetters, gives reason for optimism on the one hand but cause for concern on the other.

OPBF accepts BPPOPI's request for membership

OPBF accepts BPPOPI's request for membershipThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Pacific and Orient Boxing Federation (OPBF) has accepted the government-sponsored Professional Sports Supervising and Controlling Body (BPPOPI) as the country's sole representative to the regional boxing organization.

Soeharto case: Legal authorities hide behind doctors' testimony

Soeharto case: Legal authorities hide behind doctors' testimonyTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office and the Supreme Court appear hesitant to continue the trial of ailing former president Soeharto, preferring to hide behind his doctors' testimony.

Mob burns meat factory in Bandung

Mob burns meat factory in Bandung BANDUNG: A mob of around 250 people from Sri Rahayu village in Cikancung subdistrict, Bandung, attacked and burned a house and a warehouse owned by private meat factory PT Dilamo whom residents accused of selling rotten beef.

Reports says 100 media staff killed in 2001

Reports says 100 media staff killed in 2001Paul Ames, Associated Press, Brussels One hundred news media workers were feared killed around the world in 2001, the highest total for six years, the International Federation of Journalists said Monday.

TV charity is good but not accountable

TV charity is good but not accountableFrom Bisnis IndonesiaWith the relentless difficulties afflicting our country over the past few years, a number of social activities have emerged, one of which is fund raising by private television stations.

Pertamina and BP submit bid to supply LNG to Guangdong

Pertamina and BP submit bid to supply LNG to GuangdongMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina and BP Indonesia, a subsidiary of British American giant BP Plc.

Sebastian Gunawan: Making a grand impression

Sebastian Gunawan: Making a grand impressionMuara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta Sebastian Gunawan's annual show at the Hotel Mulia in Central Jakarta in August was outstanding for two reasons.The presentation was extraordinary, with the plexiglass runway, bordered by two screens on each side, an...

Some things fishy, and more, in Cirebon cuisine

Some things fishy, and more, in Cirebon cuisineStevie Emilia, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon Cirebon is popularly known as "Shrimp City", and sampling a wide range of tasty seafood is a must when visiting the city.

Flood submerges Surabaya during Idul Fitri

Flood submerges Surabaya during Idul Fitri SURABAYA: Floodwaters inundated several areas in downtown Surabaya, East Java, during Idul Fitri festivities on Sunday, leaving a number of vehicles stranded on city roads.The flooding, following a 30-minute deluge from 02:00 p.m.

Warring parties head for peace talks in Malino

Warring parties head for peace talks in MalinoJupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar In the midst of a brutal religious war that has claimed thousands of lives over the last three years in Poso, Central Sulawesi, delegations from the two conflicting factions have arrived in Makassar on their way to...

Government workers still in holiday mode

Government workers still in holiday modeMuningar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A day after Idul Fitri, most offices around the city had yet to resume daily activities on Tuesday as only a few employees had showed up for work.Office buildings in the business centers along Jl.