Archive: 12 February 2001
49 articles found
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Abdurrahman plans whirlwind trips abroad, including Australia
Abdurrahman plans whirlwind trips abroad, including Australia JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid, struggling to maintain a grip on his presidency, is planning trips abroad, including a long-awaited visit to Australia. Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab told reporters on Saturday that Abdurrahman is scheduled to visit Yemen, Nigeria, Sudan, Abu Dhabi and Cairo at the end of the month before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrim in early March.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ecological rehabilitation can earn billions
Ecological rehabilitation can earn billions JAKARTA (JP): A scientist claimed here on Thursday that our country can earn billions of dollars through ecological business by trading green house gases with developed countries as stipulated in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Otto Soemarwoto, an environmental expert from Padjadjaran University, said that such an endeavor could be done through charging funds for rehabilitating the environment to reduce green house gas emissions.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo: Indonesian Press Photo Service's (Ipphos) photos (1945 - 1950), I See Gallery, The Polish cultural center, Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, until Feb. 28. * Painting Bramasto's Collections 1939-1996, Gallery Twilite Cafe, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7194270), until Feb. 28. * 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, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
S'pore tries to reduce pirates
S'pore tries to reduce pirates SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's coast guard is working more closely with its Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts to stem pirate attacks, the Sunday Times reported. Last year, there were three pirate attacks on vessels in the Singapore Straits, parts of which fall under Indonesian or Malaysian jurisdiction, the Police Coast Guard (PCG) told the newspaper.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
BI forex ruling diverts speculators into stocks
BI forex ruling diverts speculators into stocks JAKARTA (JP): The new Bank Indonesia foreign exchange (forex) ruling has prompted offshore speculators to divert their attention toward the local stock market after losing the opportunity to profit from speculation against the rupiah, according to a senior official at the central bank.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Major reshuffle on the cards in National Police
Major reshuffle on the cards in National Police JAKARTA (JP): A major reshuffle is in the works in the National Police, with 36 high-ranking and middle-ranking officers involved. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Saleh Saaf said on Saturday that six new provincial police chiefs had been replaced based on a decree signed by National Police chief Gen. Suroyo Bimantoro on Feb. 9. Saleh said the transfer of duties would be conducted within two weeks from the issuance of the decree.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
The military and the nation's future
The military and the nation's future From Media Indonesia The idea of handing over the administration to the military, in the event of bringing about fast-tracked changes, is not a popular one. The Indonesian Military (TNI) is really at a crossroads. A little less cautious, and they will be really jeopardized. And the people (eventually) will become the garbage bin of the rioters, who are represented by leftists with a perennial mask of human rights.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Transgenic plantation in South Sulawesi
Transgenic plantation in South Sulawesi MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Bantaeng regent Azikin Solthan said on Sunday that the local administration will continue developing transgenic cotton plantation in a bid to achieve maximum quality crops. "So far there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the (transgenic) process will harm nature," Azikin said. Even Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bungaran Saragih has yet to issue any order to stop the process, the regent added.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
ONGC and Rosneft sign large oil deal
ONGC and Rosneft sign large oil deal LONDON (Reuters): India's ONGC Videsh Ltd and Russia's Rosneft on Saturday finalized a deal in which ONGC will buy a 20 percent stake in the giant Sakhalin-1 oil field where production is expected to start in 2005. In the largest merger and acquisition deal in Russia, according to the participants, the Indian group will purchase the stake from Rosneft and its initial investment in the project is expected to be in the range of $1.5 to $2 billion.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Uzbekistan beats RI 3-2 in Davis Cup tie
Uzbekistan beats RI 3-2 in Davis Cup tie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia bowed out 2-3 to visitor Uzbekistan before a home crowd at the Kemayoran Tennis Center, Central Jakarta, Sunday during the final day of the three-day Davis Cup Group I Asia Oceania zone tie. Indonesia's top male singles player Suwandi surprisingly ousted Uzbekistan no. 1 player Vadim Kutsenko 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 7- 5 in a very tight match to equal the score 2-2.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Repsol to sell RI oil wells
Repsol to sell RI oil wells MADRID (AFP): Spanish oil company Repsol-YPF is planning to sell off its wells in the Java Sea to Indonesia's Pertamina to help reduce its heavy debt load, Expansion daily reported Saturday. Pertamina has however run into financing difficulties and has not yet made a firm offer for the wells, valued at about $800 million (868 million euros), Expansion said. The wells produce some 122,000 barrels a day.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Floods, landslides, storms beset E. Java and Sumatra
Floods, landslides, storms beset E. Java and Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): The Bengawan Solo river in Bojonegoro, East Java, continued to overflow on Sunday, inundating thousands of houses and hundreds of hectares of rice fields in the area. Fortunately no fatalities have been reported. The subdistricts of Padangan, Kalitidu, Dander and Trucuk were mostly immersed with Cemungklung village in Kalitidu being the worst hit with water reaching half-a-meter in height. "Residents have yet to move.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia and GAM strike accord to reduce violence
Indonesia and GAM strike accord to reduce violence BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Government representatives and rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM) commanders reached an agreement here on Saturday on ways to reduce the violence in strife-torn Aceh. The agreement was reached in a day-long session at the Kuala Tripa Hotel here amid continuing violence which killed no less than seven people and injured 20 others over the weekend.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Passenger ship sinks off Pangkep
Passenger ship sinks off Pangkep MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The KM Santini III vessel which was heading for Surabaya from Makassar sank in rough seas off Tanakeke in Pangkep, some 32 kilometers into its journey in the early hours of Saturday, an officer said. All 120 passengers and crew on board were rescued by KRI Teluk Ende naval ship before being moved to vessel KM Selat Mas while their ship sank to the bottom of the sea, Makassar-based Navy Operational chief Col.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
S'pore minister begins RI visit
S'pore minister begins RI visit JAKARTA (AFP): Singapore Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo arrived Sunday for a four-day visit during which he will witness the signing of a major natural gas agreement and hold talks with Indonesia's leadership. Singapore embassy officials said Yeo was scheduled to attend the signing of the agreement between the Indonesian state oil company Pertamina and Singapore Power Ltd, Monday.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Armed thieves injure Bulog employee
Armed thieves injure Bulog employee JAKARTA (JP): A gang of six robbers stole a Mercedes sedan and other belongings of a State Logistics Agency (Bulog) employee in the early hours of Saturday. Police said the robbers broke into the house of Ahmad Syaifuddin on Jl. Yanatera in the Bulog housing complex in Pondok Gede, Bekasi at around 2.30 a.m.. Ahmad, who was woken by the intruders, suffered lacerations to his hands while defending himself when the robbers attacked him with machetes.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Ex-athletes gather to seek a better future
Ex-athletes gather to seek a better future JAKARTA (JP): About 150 former athletes gathered for the Great Reunion of Athletes from Three Eras organized by Prestasi Anak Bangsa Foundation at the Bung Karno Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta on Sunday to seek a better future. Former 1960s shuttler Ferry Sonneville, who is also the foundation's chairman, told reporters the reunion mainly aimed at registering all former national athletes.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Coral reef game for schools launched
Coral reef game for schools launched JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to raise awareness of the nation's rich sea resources, the Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (Coremap) has launched an educational game to inform children about the preservation of coral reefs. The board game called Aku & Terumbu Karangku (Me and My Coral Reefs) consists of drawings of colorful sea creatures and their names and other aspects of sea protection and destruction.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
IMF tells IBRA to sell rescued banks: Report
IMF tells IBRA to sell rescued banks: Report WASHINGTON (Bloomberg): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency must sell two banks it rescued three years ago before the International Monetary Fund will resume lending to the nation, fund officials told the Financial Times.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur urged to let Megawati take lead
Gus Dur urged to let Megawati take lead JAKARTA (JP): A younger brother of President Abdurrahman Wahid suggests the incumbent president to step aside and let Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri take the lead. Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Sunday, Salahuddin Wahid said the compromise between the two national leaders will be the best way to deal with the worsening condition in the country. "I think the idea is good. In such a heated political climate, one must give way and compromise.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Controversial policy over arrest status
Controversial policy over arrest status By Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak JAKARTA (JP): Not every criminal goes to jail and not every suspect is detained. But do not ask why. The consideration can be very subjective, as reflected in several cases, including former president Soeharto, his son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, and his long-time friend Mohamad "Bob" Hasan. On Feb. 2, the Supreme Court decided that Soeharto was too sick to stand trial and thus lifted his city arrest.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Bumiputera targets lower end of market
Bumiputera targets lower end of market JAKARTA (JP): Bumiputera 1912 Mutual Life Insurance (AJB Bumiputera 1912) hopes to sign up one million new policyholders in 2001, aiming at the largely untapped lower end of the market.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
E-banking inevitable, but too early for local banks
E-banking inevitable, but too early for local banks By Bernie K. Moestafa JAKARTA (JP): Since the Internet became a tool that is reinventing the way people do business, banks have become among the first to consider the technology a threat to their existence. The Internet allows for a 24-hour services from anywhere in the world, something a bank can never offer without the Internet.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Vegetarians: What they eat and what they don't
Vegetarians: What they eat and what they don't JAKARTA (JP): Most of us have, at some time or another, reduced our consumption of meat. But it's only those who go cold turkey, giving up meat and meat products completely, who can be called vegetarians. A vegetarian is defined as someone who eats fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and grains and does not eat meat and fish or products derived from them. Patterns of a vegetarian diet vary as to the type of animal food avoided.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Bank NISP's profit up 198%
Bank NISP's profit up 198% JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Bank NISP almost doubled its net profit to Rp 58.05 billion (US$6.1 million) last year and increased its total assets to Rp 5.26 trillion from Rp 4.04 trillion in 1999, the bank said in a statement. The bank said its lending operations also expanded to Rp 3.02 trillion from Rp 1.35 trillion and total deposits raised were up 45 percent to Rp 3.97 trillion in the period under review.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Strike paralyzes Bangladesh's port of Chittagong
Strike paralyzes Bangladesh's port of Chittagong DHAKA (Reuters): Bangladesh's main port of Chittagong was paralyzed on Sunday by a day-long strike called by opposition parties demanding the resignation of the prime minister, only two days after it resumed operations following a similar stoppage. Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad slammed the opposition, saying they were trying to establish "Taleban-style" government in Bangladesh -- a reference to the strict Islamic regime in Afghanistan.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Five injured in Army plane's aborted takeoff
Five injured in Army plane's aborted takeoff JAKARTA (JP): An Army Cassa-212 carrying paratroopers crashed when it aborted its takeoff on Sunday during a training session at Pondok Cabe Airfield in Ciputat, Tangerang, injuring at least five soldiers aboard. The plane was piloted by Lt. Andreas Eko with Lt. Baskoro as copilot. Both are from the Army's air unit. The plane was carrying 14 paratroopers from the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) who were being trained. Army Spokesman Brig.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
PT Angkasa Pura gives scholarships
PT Angkasa Pura gives scholarships TANGERANG (JP): The state airport management PT Angkasa Pura granted on Sunday Rp 25 million in scholarships for 213 students of several elementary schools located near the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Presiding over the ceremony at the airport compound, chairman of PT Angkasa Pura II Arifin Razak said the one-year scholarships are extended to poor students. "We have limited funds.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
NU, Muhammadiyah becoming victims of fighting elephants
NU, Muhammadiyah becoming victims of fighting elephants An asset of civil society, the 30-million strong Nahdlatul Ulama, is under threat in the current conflict, researcher and executive of Nahdlatul Ulama Ulil Abshar Abdalla told The Jakarta Post. Question: On Friday President Abdurrahman, or Gus Dur, appealed for patience and questioned the legality of the legislature's special committee looking into alleged scandals; Megawati said the violence in the rallies were unacceptable. Your comment?
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Illegal parking attendants welcome administration's plan
Illegal parking attendants welcome administration's plan JAKARTA (JP): The City administration's plan to have private companies manage street parking is apparently welcomed by the illegal, self-appointed street parking attendants controlling many of the city's parking zones, on condition that revenues are distributed fairly.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Floods catch Jakartans by surprise
Floods catch Jakartans by surprise By Esta Sallvithya Dirgantari JAKARTA (JP): Flash floods which swept through several neighborhoods in Kampung Melayu last week caught many people by surprise even though the densely-populated district has been prone to such disasters over the past two decades.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Residents return as Merapi calms
Residents return as Merapi calms YOGYAKARTA (JP): Residents living at the foot of Mount Merapi have suspended plans to evacuate their homes after the volcano on Sunday showed only minor signs of the potential fury which had been so evident a day earlier.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Iraq looks to develop trade ties with Asia
Iraq looks to develop trade ties with Asia BAGHDAD (AFP): Iraq's Foreign Minister Mohammad Said al-Sahhaf said Sunday that he made a trip to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to boost bilateral trade ties despite the UN sanctions regime imposed on Baghdad in 1990. Sahhaf, who returned to Iraq on Saturday, said he told officials from the three countries of the "need to take advantage of UN charter article 50 in developing economic and trade links with Iraq ...
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to probe election violations
Govt urged to probe election violations JAKARTA (JP): Eleven minority political parties on Saturday called on the government to reevaluate serious violations committed by major parties during the 1999 general election.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Persija beats Persib 1-0 in Mandiri's first round
Persija beats Persib 1-0 in Mandiri's first round JAKARTA (JP): Persija outplayed host Persib 1-0 in the first qualifying round of the Bank Mandiri soccer league at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung on Sunday which was marked by unruly behavior from both teams supporters. Persib defender Nana Priatna scored an own goal when he was trying to deflect a pass from Persija's veteran striker Widodo C. Putro in the 36th minute at the Siliwangi Stadium.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
China to promote e-commerce: Official
China to promote e-commerce: Official BEIJING (AFP): China wants to see a greater uptake of e- commerce and will strive to create a sound environment for online transactions, state media reported Saturday, quoting Chinese trade officials. Minister of foreign trade and economic cooperation (MOFTEC) Shi Guangsheng said he wanted to make it easier for foreign trade companies to use e-commerce in China, the China Daily said.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
NU to hold mass prayer in support of the President
NU to hold mass prayer in support of the President JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) will hold a mass prayer here on Sunday as a show of support for beleaguered President Abdurrahman Wahid and to seek divine intervention for peace. "NU followers from Greater Jakarta and several other areas will join the mass prayer. However, we have to be very cautious so our good intentions will not be tainted by other parties," one of NU's chairmans, Salahuddin Wahid, told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Akbar Tandjung questions the existence of PRD
Akbar Tandjung questions the existence of PRD MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung urged the government on Sunday to reassess the existence of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) following allegations of its involvement in vandalism of Golkar offices in East Java. "We will ask the Minister of Justice and Human Rights Baharuddin Lopa and Minister of Home Affairs Soerjadi Soedirdja to soon review PRD ...
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Profit-taking may continue to hurt local stock market
Profit-taking may continue to hurt local stock market JAKARTA (JP): Profit-taking will most likely continue to dominate trading at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) this week as investors remain wary about the future of President Abdurrahman Wahid's administration, securities analysts have said. Trading at the Jakarta Futures Exchange (JFX) would also join the downward trend following a continued lack of interest from investors.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Take action against bus operators: YLKI
Take action against bus operators: YLKI JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) encouraged the public on Saturday to sue bus operators for overpricing tickets during the Idul Fitri holidays. "License revocation by the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications is not enough. These bus operators repeatedly commit the same violations every year," said YLKI's chairwoman, Indah Suksmaningsih.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
The masses behind East Java rallies
The masses behind East Java rallies East Java's rallies have drawn much attention over the past few days. The Jakarta Post talked to Surabaya-based sociologist Hotman Siahaan on the outpouring of the masses there amid protests by supporters and opponents of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid in other areas. Excerpts: Question: Are we seeing a turnout of "people power" in the recent rallies? Answer: That's going too far.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Kudos to Garuda
Kudos to Garuda In these dim and disturbing times it's sometimes a great joy to experience an act of kindness which is unexpected. Such was my experience after flying back from Medan on GA185 on Feb. 6, 2001. The plane left on time which was fantastic, and despite some bad weather, landed safely at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. I rushed off to a meeting only to discover that my wallet had slipped out of my trouser pocket and was left on board.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Iran's revolution, 20 years after
Iran's revolution, 20 years after This is the first of two articles on the Iranian revolution by Sidhesh Kaul, a commentator on regional economic and political issues based in Jakarta. JAKARTA (JP): Feb. 11, 1979 was the day when the Iranian army's Supreme Council, after two days of bloody clashes between government troops and pro-Khomeini demonstrators, declared neutrality in the crisis and ordered the troops back to the barracks.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Don't involve students in demos
Don't involve students in demos From Suara Karya Rallies have been staged again recently on an increasing scale in Jakarta, Surabaya and other cities across the country. Unfortunately, it seems that these rallies have been exploited by certain quarters. We can see television reports of rallies held by those in favor of or against the President where some of the participants have clearly been forced to take part in the rallies.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fresh violence in Ambon
Fresh violence in Ambon AMBON, Maluku: After weeks of calm, violence erupted here as gunmen shot dead a local resident in Suli village, Salahutu district in Ambon on Saturday at around 12 p.m. local time, an official said on Sunday. The victim, 50-year-old Dace Pattiasina, died en route to Halong Naval Hospital, some eight kilometers away from Suli village. "Dace died due to severe bleeding as the bullet hit his neck.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar fighting spills into Thailand, 2 killed
Myanmar fighting spills into Thailand, 2 killed BANGKOK (AP): Heavy fighting between Myanmar troops and a rebel group spilled into Thailand on Sunday, killing two civilians and injuring at least 37 soldiers, the Thai army said. The fighting erupted in at least three Myanmar border areas between Myanmar soldiers and the Shan State Army, a guerrilla group fighting for independence for the ethnic Shan minority.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Property market to remain under pressure
Property market to remain under pressure JAKARTA (JP): The property sector in Jakarta will remain under pressure this year as business uncertainty and the tense political situation keep new investments quiet, property consultant PT PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said in its latest survey. The company said that despite showing some signs of recovery during 2000, except for the retail sector, all other property sectors will remain difficult this year.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Thieves take Rp 100m in jewel
Thieves take Rp 100m in jewel JAKARTA (JP): Kebayoran Lama Police detectives are questioning four people in connection with a Rp 100 million (US$10,400) jewel heist at a jewelry store on Jl. Pasar Panjang in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, early on Friday morning. Kebayoran Lama Police chief Comr. Herry Wibowo identified the people questioned as shop workers Basyid, Iwan, Mulyakin and Sauri. "I'm sure at least one of them will turn out to be a suspect.
Mon, 12 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Watch Mt. Merapi
Watch Mt. Merapi Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes located in the very heart of Java, is once again going through one of its periodic spasms. This time, though, it looks as if the danger might be for real. On Saturday morning, the flow of hot lava and clouds which for days had awed thousands of tourists in nearby Yogyakarta during the night, began taking on a more ominous appearance, flowing down the mountain's slope for a distance of seven kilometers.