Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 February 2001

56 articles found

BP to meet UNJ in soccer final

BP to meet UNJ in soccer final JAKARTA (JP): Buana Putri and State University of Jakarta (UNJ) women's soccer team breezed into the derby final of the 2001 women's soccer invitational on Sunday. Jakarta-based Buana Putri beat Putri Priangan of Bandung 4-0 at the semifinals on Friday while UNJ outclassed Putri Belitung 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out. The 30-year-old striker Yakso Bukor Piopen (center) scored a hat trick in the 23th, 66th and 69th minutes, respectively.

Annulment of decree on transgenic products sought

Annulment of decree on transgenic products sought JAKARTA (JP): Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are preparing to file a suit at the State Administrative Court in a bid to annul a ministerial decree which has opened the door for the use of transgenic crops. The suit is expected to be filed by the first week of May at the latest, as the law states that a suit must be submitted to the court within 90 days after the issuance of the decree. Ministry of Agriculture Decree No.

Denmark to finance local fish breeding project

Denmark to finance local fish breeding project JAKARTA (JP): The Danish government has agreed to provide Indonesia with a US$2.7 million soft loan to finance a fish breeding project in Gondol, Bali. The agreement was signed in Jakarta on Friday by Danish Ambassador to Indonesia Michael Sternberg and Director General of State Budget at the Ministry of Finance A. Anshari Ritonga.

Students, officials discuss latest situation in Maluku

Students, officials discuss latest situation in Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): Students of state Pattimura University and the civil emergency authorities on Friday held a dialog to discuss the latest situation in the province. University rector Mus Huliselan, Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani, the Pattimura Military Command's territorial affairs chief Col. Santosa and the intelligence assistant to the Maluku Prosecutor's Office J.

Ginandjar must appear for questioning: AG

Ginandjar must appear for questioning: AG JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Marzuki Darusman insisted on Friday that former top official Ginandjar Kartasasmita, a visiting scholar at Harvard University in the U.S., should come to his office to be questioned over several graft cases. Marzuki said he received on Thursday a letter sent by Ginandjar's lawyer, Muchyar Yara, stating that his client could not leave his work at the university but was willing to give written testimonies.

Reform era a boon for costume maker

Reform era a boon for costume maker YOGYAKARTA (JP): Dul Wahab is proof that it is not only politicians who found a new lease on life when the reform movement was launched by students in 1997. "For me, reform is a blessing," said the 68-year-old maker of costumes for the barongsai (lion dance) at his modest residence in Kemetiran Kidul GT II/818, Pringgokusuman village, Gedong Tengen, Yogyakarta. He was not exaggerating.

Former spokesman installed as Yogyakarta police chief

Former spokesman installed as Yogyakarta police chief YOGYAKARTA (JP): Amid strong public demands that the police solve the murder of a local journalist, outgoing National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Saleh Saaf was installed as the new Yogyakarta Police chief on Friday. Saleh replaces Brig. Gen. Logan Siagian who will soon be installed as chief of the National Police's Legal Supervisory Agency (Kababinkum). Siagian will be promoted to two-star general upon taking up his new posting.

Batavia's small Arab community made its mark

Batavia's small Arab community made its mark By Ida Indawati Khouw Although they never figured as prominently in the capital's history as the ethnic Chinese, Arabs and their descendants have resided in the city since the 17th century. Several prominent Indonesians, including current Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab and his predecessor Ali Alatas, are of Middle Eastern descent. This is the 74th article in our series on Old Batavia.

Dutch losing trust in RI's nurses

Dutch losing trust in RI's nurses By Solita Sarwono WASENAAR, The Netherlands (JP): Last month a controversy regarding Indonesian nurses fired by a hospital in The Hague, brewed in the Dutch media. They had failed a three-month probationary term and most of them have sued the hospital. This case highlights the high demand for nurses in the Netherlands, which has led to unscrupulous agencies taking advantage of the situation.

Akbar visits ruins of Golkar office

Akbar visits ruins of Golkar office JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung visited on Friday afternoon the ruins of the party's East Java headquarters in Surabaya, which was burned to the ground during a massive demonstration on Feb. 7. "My visit here is to witness the results of an action committed by people who disrespect the Constitution, law and democracy. Therefore, we sincerely wish that the law enforcers will uphold justice," he said as quoted by Antara.

The end of oligopoly in telecommunications?

The end of oligopoly in telecommunications? By Winahyo Soekanto DENPASAR (JP): A step forward was achieved in early February when Telkom and Indosat settled their cross-ownership worth US$1.5 billion in major subsidiaries Telkomsel, Satelindo and Lintasartha. Telkom seems to have let go of its dream to acquire Indosat; instead, it took over 35 percent of Indosat's shares in Telkomsel, thus strengthening its position with 77 percent of the shares.

Sutiyoso relinquishes post of commissioner of PJA

Sutiyoso relinquishes post of commissioner of PJA JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has officially quit as the chief commissioner of scandal-plagued recreational park operator PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol (PJA), a city official said on Friday. Spokesman for the city administration, Muhayat, told reporters Sutiyoso relinquished his ex-officio post in compliance with the Regional Autonomy Law No.

Outlook for Asia's banking sector should remain stable

Outlook for Asia's banking sector should remain stable HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Rating agency Fitch said its outlook on Asia's banking sector will likely remain stable in the medium term, as it doesn't expect any major credit rating upgrade in the region in the near term.

Beware renewed crisis

Beware renewed crisis The last few days have certainly seen Indonesia in a very downcast condition, unnerved by the spate of grave warnings from its loyal international supporters that their traditionally fulsome assistance could stop if the government does not set its act straight.

Bulog has new chairman

Bulog has new chairman JAKARTA (JP): Widjanarko Puspoyo, a member of the House of Representatives from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), has been named the new head of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), replacing Rizal Ramli, who is the coordinating minister for the economy. The head of the Audit Commission on Officials Wealth, Yusuf Sjakir, said on Friday President Abdurrahman Wahid had already appointed Widjanarko as the agency's new chairman.

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), Feb. 24.

Violence continues amid peace talks

Violence continues amid peace talks BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Violence continued in Aceh as Indonesian Police and Military officers held talks with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Thursday and Friday, officials said. As of Friday afternoon, no immediate results had been revealed. Friday's talks involved government representatives Sr. Comr. Suyitno, Sr. Comr. Manahan Daulay and Sr. Comr.

PBSI 'can't finance' all shuttlers to All England

PBSI 'can't finance' all shuttlers to All England JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) Subagyo Hadisiswoyo said on Friday that the body could not afford to fulfill shuttlers' demands for their expenses to be covered for the All England tournament. "So far, PBSI has decided to cover the expenses of only two entrants to each event, both singles and doubles, for the All- England.

House commission demands review of Guthrie deal

House commission demands review of Guthrie deal JAKARTA (JP): A commission of the House of Representatives has urged the government to revise the sale of 24 palm oil estates to Malaysia's Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd. in view of claims by local farmers that they were not properly compensated for their land. Benny Pasaribu, who chairs the commission overseeing state finances, said on Thursday the US$350 million deal between the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) and Guthrie Bhd.

300 students face dismissal

300 students face dismissal PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Around 30 percent of some 14,700 students of state Jendral Sudirman University are facing dismissal for failing to pay their tuition fees for over four semesters. "We have suspended the studies of some 300 students as they've failed to pay properly for their tuition, despite the fact that we've been lenient with them so far," Rector Rubiyanto Misman said on Friday.

Campuses the bait for Yogya's real estate boom

Campuses the bait for Yogya's real estate boom By Anis Suryani YOGYAKARTA (JP): Scan local newspapers and the advertisements appear to indicate that the property business, laid low by the economic crisis, is on the mend. Pages are filled with ads for housing and real estate complexes, following years when their promotion was reduced to a trickle. Yogyakarta is currently marketing more than 25 housing complexes with a total of over 3,000 units, 40 percent of which are already sold.

Vicofa revises estimate of Vietnam coffee output

Vicofa revises estimate of Vietnam coffee output HANOI (Reuters): The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa) on Friday raised its estimate of Vietnam's 2000/01 output to more than 700,000 tonnes of beans from a previous 680,000 tonnes. The industry body's latest estimate was close to a forecast from the Agriculture Ministry last October, which put the crop at around 700,000 tonnes.

Uzbekistan beats Malaysia 19-3 in consolation game

Uzbekistan beats Malaysia 19-3 in consolation game JAKARTA (JP): Uzbekistan outclassed Malaysia 19-3 on Friday in the consolation game of the fourth Asian Cup Baseball Championship on Friday, to finish fifth in the event. Uzbekistan had already beaten Malaysia 21-5 in round-robin play on Wednesday at Bung Karno Baseball Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta. Batting in the top of the first, Malaysia failed to score.

Woodside, Phillips, Shell detail Timor sea gas deal

Woodside, Phillips, Shell detail Timor sea gas deal MELBOURNE (Dow Jones): Takeover target Woodside Petroleum Ltd. Friday finalized the details of its deal with Phillips Petroleum Co. to jointly develop their Timor Sea gas fields.

Macau model for East Timor

Macau model for East Timor I read with great interest Mr. C.G. Moghe's article A framework for East Timor's economic planning which appeared in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. The existing reality in East Timor dictates that planning and developing this nascent nation along the lines of Macau, the Cayman Islands or the Bahamas could be a long shot.

Prejudiced Penn-manship?

Prejudiced Penn-manship? Two smacks in the face for Jl. Jaksa! First we are told by now The Jakarta Post reviewer Penn Dawson in the Friday, Feb. 9, 2001, edition that Jl. Jaksa customers swill their beer. Now, we learn that a new place is situated "not too far from Jl. Jaksa, for whatever that's worth". Jaksa is what it is and can look after itself. But can I suggest, Mr.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb.

Nearly all Asian currencies down against U.S. dollar

Nearly all Asian currencies down against U.S. dollar TOKYO (Dow Jones): Nearly all Asian currencies fell against the dollar in Asia late Friday, hurt by Standard & Poor's downgrade of Japan's sovereign credit ratings. Only the Philippine peso bucked the overall trend of Asian currencies' weakness against the U.S. dollar in late Asian trading. In New York late Thursday, S&P cut its long-term local and foreign currency sovereign credit ratings on Japan to AA+ from AA.

Militia member admits to stabbing UNHCR worker

Militia member admits to stabbing UNHCR worker JAKARTA (JP): A pro-integration East Timorese militia member told the North Jakarta District Court on Thursday that he had stabbed a UNHCR humanitarian aid worker after witnessing another man do the same thing. "I stabbed the man once and then I went home.

Jose Ramos-Horta to visit S'pore

Jose Ramos-Horta to visit S'pore SINGAPORE (AP): About 20 academics and experts from Asia, including East Timor's Nobel peace laureate Jose Ramos-Horta, will meet in Singapore next week to discuss peacekeeping in Asia and how the United Nations can improve operations in the region.

Governor defends purchase of cars for councillors

Governor defends purchase of cars for councillors JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso defended on Friday the purchase of new official cars for councillors, saying the decision was taken after consultation with the City Council, as requested by the public. "I had already presented my arguments to delay or cancel the purchase. Nevertheless the City Council approved it. So, how could I reject it?" said Sutiyoso after Friday prayers at the City Hall.

No pardon for Estrada, says RP government

No pardon for Estrada, says RP government MANILA (AFP): Ousted Philippines leader Joseph Estrada can expect no pardon from a new government which wants him jailed for corruption, Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said on Friday. Estrada, toppled in a popular uprising last month, is fighting to avoid arrest and has asked the Supreme Court to recognize him as the legitimate president and grant him immunity from lawsuits. He alleges he was illegally ousted.

Minister Mahfud's proposal on military sparks criticisms

Minister Mahfud's proposal on military sparks criticisms JAKARTA (JP): Legislators on Friday slammed Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D. for proposing a review of two MPR decrees on the separation of the Indonesian Military and the National Police, charging that the minister had no understanding of the reform agenda. People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais questioned whether such a proposal was a government, military or personal initiative.

Elite forces chief confirms military loyalty to President

Elite forces chief confirms military loyalty to President JAKARTA (JP): Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) chief Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu confirmed on Friday he had assured Abdurrahman Wahid of his soldiers' loyalty prior to the President's departure on an overseas trip. "I told Gus Dur to enjoy his overseas trip and to take time to complete his religious duties (the haj pilgrimage)," Ryamizard said, referring to the President by his nickname.

Ex-bank teller testifies in tears

Ex-bank teller testifies in tears JAKARTA (JP): Tears rolled down the face of a former Bank Aspac teller who was testifying in the trial of her former boss on Thursday as the presiding judges severely warned the witness. Judge M. Ritonga of the South Jakarta District Court warned Eti Haryono repeatedly as she answered "I don't know" to many of the questions posed by the judges.

Five firms interested in PSSI's notes

Five firms interested in PSSI's notes JAKARTA (JP): Five companies have shown interest in investing their money in the medium term notes issued by the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) on Thursday, according to PSSI treasurer Irawadi D. Hanafi. Irawadi refused to name the companies, but indicated that they came from property, agriculture, food manufacturing and shipping enterprises. "We are expecting to accumulate up to Rp 14 billion from the companies but we still await their confirmation.

PM Mahathir must go, says Islamic opposition leader

PM Mahathir must go, says Islamic opposition leader KOTA BARU, Malaysia (Reuters): A senior leader of Malaysia's Islamic opposition says the country's divided Malay community will not unite until Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is replaced by jailed former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim. "He has to go," Wan Abdullah Rahim Wan Abdullah, Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) speaker in Kelantan state assembly and a senior opposition figure told Reuters.

Heated debate mars UNTAET House meeting

Heated debate mars UNTAET House meeting JAKARTA (JP): An entourage led by the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) chief Sergio Viera Demello met with House Speaker Akbar Tandjung and Assembly Speaker Amien Rais on Friday in a move to promote the relationship between Indonesia and East Timor and to garner aid to develop East Timor.

IMF-RI row `does not hurt rupiah but blocks upsurge'

IMF-RI row `does not hurt rupiah but blocks upsurge' JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said on Friday that the current standoff between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had not impacted on the rupiah, but admitted that it had become a factor in blocking the rupiah's upside potential. Miranda said that other factors, including the ongoing political and social unrest, were also affecting the exchange rate of the rupiah.

Brunei launches program to curb unemployment

Brunei launches program to curb unemployment BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Brunei marked its national day on Friday with an intensified campaign against worsening unemployment in the oil-dependent kingdom known for lavish cradle-to-grave welfare policies. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah warned that growing numbers of graduates could not find jobs and announced the launch of a training program funded by the government, which already employs three-quarters of the local work force.

RI, Malaysia to prop up palm oil prices

RI, Malaysia to prop up palm oil prices JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to join forces in marketing their palm oils amid the continued fall in the prices of the palmoil oil products in the international market. Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut Binsar Panjaitan said on Friday that the two governments agreed to establish a working group to realize the palm oil marketing strategy.

Cows, goats must be registered to prevent spread of anthrax

Cows, goats must be registered to prevent spread of anthrax TANGERANG (JP): In an effort to prevent the spread of anthrax, the Tangerang Agriculture and Husbandry office will oblige cattle traders to register their cows and goats on sale for the Idul Adha Islamic Day of Sacrifice with the office, an official said on Friday. The office deputy chief, Epen Efendie, said the requirement was issued following an outbreak of anthrax in the neighboring regency of Bogor.

Tension remains in violence-hit Sampit

Tension remains in violence-hit Sampit JAKARTA (JP): Clashes continued in Sampit, East Kotawaringin regency, Central Kalimantan, on Friday, with the death toll from the ethnic violence rising to over 100. Military and police reinforcements continue to be deployed in the regency, while thousands of Madurese refugees prepare to leave the area for East Java aboard Navy ships. National Police chief Gen.

Two Red Ax members shot dead

Two Red Ax members shot dead JAKARTA (JP): The leader of the notorious Red Ax gang and one of its members were shot dead in their rented house on Jl. Pedongkelan, North Jakarta, on Thursday morning. Police shot the men, identified as Haryanto Wagiman alias The Captain, 25, and Ade Subakti, 31, for resisting police arrest after the latter gave two warning shots. The men were both shot in their backs by police officers who raided the house at 3 a.m.

New water rates effective from March 1: Sutiyoso

New water rates effective from March 1: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday the new tap water rates could be put into effect on March 1, following an initial approval from the City Council. The city administration, he added, is now waiting for an official letter from the council endorsing the tap water price hike. "As long as the council sends the letter within a week, the new rates could take effect soon," Sutiyoso told reporters after a Friday prayer at the City Hall.

Tata group targets stake in Air India

Tata group targets stake in Air India NEW DELHI (AFP): India's Tata group has pulled out of the race for a stake in domestic state-run carrier Indian Airlines, but has submitted a bid for international airline Air India. "We have not put in the bid for Indian Airlines. We have submitted one for Air India," a Tata group official told AFP. The deadline for the final submission of the bid for both the state-owned airlines was Friday, which was earlier extended from the end of January.

Antidumping body to finish probe on flour imports in March

Antidumping body to finish probe on flour imports in March JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Antidumping Committee (KADI) is set to wrap up its one-year investigation into charges of dumping by wheat and flour producers from Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, the government said on Friday.

Chopper remains, bodies located

Chopper remains, bodies located BANDUNG: The bodies of all three people aboard an N-Bell 412 helicopter which crashed in the Gedongan area of Mount Burangrang have been evacuated and buried at their respective hometowns. The chopper, carrying pilot Bobby, co-pilot Sucahyo Wahyu and helicopter mechanic Hendri Jatmiko, flopped due to bad weather and thick fog on its way to Bandung from Semarang on Feb. 8.

Teach the press a lesson, Gus Dur

Teach the press a lesson, Gus Dur I am not from East Java, nor a member of Nahdlatul Ulama, but no less than anyone else, including the kyai and santri, I uphold the legitimacy of Abdurrahman Wahid as president of this republic. No less than any other citizen in any other part of Indonesia, I hope that the President remains healthy, physically and mentally, actively providing leadership in guiding this nation to overcome the prevailing megacrisis.

Sampang returns to normal

Sampang returns to normal SAMPANG, East Java: Various activities in Sampang, Madura Island, slowly began to resume on Friday after most activities were suspended for the past week due to heightened tension in a dispute over the election of the local regent. Antara reported on Friday that many employees of government offices had begun to return to work, and schools were commencing activities although most students went home early.

Rupiah Rates Feb.23

Rupiah Rates Feb.23 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

RI delays opening ties with Israel

RI delays opening ties with Israel By Budiman Moerdijat ABU DHABI (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid vowed here on Friday that Jakarta would not open trade ties with Israel until the Jewish state reached a final peace settlement with the Palestinians.

WB warns of new crisis scenario

WB warns of new crisis scenario JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank said on Friday Indonesia would likely "muddle through" and maintain macroeconomic stability, but warned there was also the significant possibility of a crisis. The World Bank said Indonesia's fragile economy could collapse if the International Monetary Fund-sponsored economic reform program failed to be implemented, and if the political instability and social unrest in the country persisted.

Technical covering boosts Malaysia palm oil futures

Technical covering boosts Malaysia palm oil futures KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded from early lows and closed mostly higher on Friday on prospects of lower production this month and news of cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia to lift the depressed world prices. "It's all technical covering after the market managed not to break the 750 ringgit support level on the downside.

VP's office damaged in fire

VP's office damaged in fire MANILA (AP): Fire caused 50 million pesos (US$1 million) in damage to the Philippine International Convention Center, a five- story concrete building housing the office of Vice President Teofisto Guingona, fire officials said on Friday. Fire investigator Garry Galan said nobody was injured in the blaze, which may have started in a fourth-floor construction site.

Semen Gresik to issue Rp 1.2 trillion in bonds

Semen Gresik to issue Rp 1.2 trillion in bonds JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed state cement producer PT Semen Gresik said it would issue up to Rp 1.2 trillion (about US$125 million) in domestic bonds in the first semester of this year to raise funds to repay its debts. During the company's extraordinary shareholders meeting on Friday, the plan to issue the domestic bonds was approved, as was the replacement of one of the company's commissioners.