Archive: 26 February 2001
49 articles found
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
I am not a corruptor: Ginandjar Kartasasmita
I am not a corruptor: Ginandjar Kartasasmita By Kornelius Purba TOKYO (JP): Former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasasmita has denied any involvement in the Balongan oil refinery construction scandal, saying he is not a corruptor. "I am not a corruptor right?" he told The Jakarta Post last week when asked about allegations that he played a role in the project. Without elaborating, Ginandjar complained that there were a lot of rumors about him circulating in Jakarta.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Dream Team beats Seniors' Team in chess exhibition tournament
Dream Team beats Seniors' Team in chess exhibition tournament JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Dream Team -- comprising four young chess players -- managed to defeat their elders in the Seniors' Team 2.5-1.5 in an exhibition match to mark the opening of the Enerpac Students Cup Chess Open Championships at the Utut Adianto Chess School in Bekasi on Sunday.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Fire guts Sabang shops
Fire guts Sabang shops JAKARTA (JP): Fire gutted at least five stores and houses in the business area of Jl. Sabang in Central Jakarta early on Sunday. No casualties were reported. The fire started in the Natrabu restaurant at about 2:50 a.m. and due to strong winds quickly spread to nearby stores. Five fire engines rushed to the spot about 15 minutes. Fire- fighters and local residents managed to put out the fire within two hours.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso departs on haj pilgrimage
Sutiyoso departs on haj pilgrimage JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso and his wife will join the last batch of Indonesian haj pilgrims scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on Monday. Speaking after Friday prayers at City Hall, Sutiyoso said that Deputy Governor of Social Affairs Djailani would be in charge until his return on March 12. He underlined that his leaving would not affect any decision- making in the city administration office.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Internet banking makes life easier
Internet banking makes life easier JAKARTA (JP): There are banks that exist only online, while there are others that do not even include Internet banking in their portfolio of services. However, a third group, which is the brick and mortar banks with Internet services, has been growing very rapidly in number in the past couple of years. The Internet is a level-playing field. Small companies, including small banks, can compete with bigger ones when they are in cyberspace.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
IMF-Indonesia talks to intensify: Fischer
IMF-Indonesia talks to intensify: Fischer WASHINGTON (Reuters): Talks this week between International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Stanley Fischer and Rizal Ramli, Indonesian economics minister, were productive and yielded an agreement to "intensify" discussions, the IMF said on Friday.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia's economy grows by 6.5% in 4th quarter of 2000
Malaysia's economy grows by 6.5% in 4th quarter of 2000 KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's economy grew by an estimated 6.5 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2000, slower than the 7.7 percent expansion in the preceding quarter, a Reuters poll of 10 research houses showed. This will bring full year growth to 8.6 percent in 2000 -- the fastest growth since Malaysia recovered from a deep recession in 1998, the survey showed. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.8 percent in 1999.
Mon, 26 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. * Ceramics: Noor Sudiyati Agung, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu No.68H, Jakarta Timur (Phone: 8573388), Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Feb. 28.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Laweyan handmade batik makers struggle on
Laweyan handmade batik makers struggle on By Sulistyo Budi N LAWEYAN, Central Java (JP): The rows of imposing houses on some of its streets tell of Laweyan's onetime prominence as a center for handmade batik. And its decline is sadly evident in their rundown condition and that most stand empty. Its heyday was from 1960 to the late 1970s, when factories bustled with the activity of workers producing some of the finest batik in the country and the houses were home to wealthy merchants.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Clash over book scandal
Clash over book scandal MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: A skirmish erupted between student demonstrators and members of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Banser civilian guards at the Makassar Islamic University compound on Saturday. The incident took place during a local launching of a book titled Menegakkan Kebenaran (Uphold the Truth) published by the National Awakening Party (PKB) to establish President Abdurrahman Wahid's innocence in the Bulog and Brunei scandals.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto is recovering: Hospital spokeswoman
Soeharto is recovering: Hospital spokeswoman JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto is in a stable condition but still needs a couple of days to recover after undergoing an appendectomy at Pertamina Hospital on Saturday, a hospital employee said on Sunday. A spokeswoman for the hospital, Susilawati, said that a recovery period depended on a patient's physical condition and his/her response to the effects of surgery.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Security forces, GAM chiefs move to reduce violence
Security forces, GAM chiefs move to reduce violence BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): As commanders from the Indonesian security forces and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) concluded their peace talks, fresh violence hit the disputed province leaving eight persons dead in its wake, officials said over the weekend. Representatives of the warring sides met in Banda Aceh and agreed on a five-point accord in a move to suppress violence.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Haj dormitory's parking rate criticized
Haj dormitory's parking rate criticized JAKARTA (JP): Many residents have complained about the high level of parking charges at the Pondok Gede haj dormitory in East Jakarta. "They are charging Rp 3,000 each time we want to park our car, while the official rate set by the administration is Rp 1,000," one of the complainants, Udin, a resident of Pondok Kopi in East Jakarta, said.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Government's plan to increase fuel price sparks concerns
Government's plan to increase fuel price sparks concerns JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of transport organizations here over the weekend expressed concern at the government's plan to increase fuel prices in April, saying that companies were now in a dilemma over whether or not to raise transportation fares.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia beats Pakistan 24-19 to win Asian Cup
Indonesia beats Pakistan 24-19 to win Asian Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia won the fourth Asian Cup Baseball Championship by defeating Pakistan 24-19 in a close match at the Bung Karno Baseball Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Sunday. Indonesia's win makes it eligible to participate in the first division baseball championship from March 19 to March 25 in Taipei. A place in the Pusan 2002 Asian Games will be secured if Indonesia maintains its place in the first division.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
SIA to bid for Air India
SIA to bid for Air India SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore Airlines Ltd. (P.SAL) confirmed Friday that it has submitted an initial bid for Air India (P.AIN) in a joint proposal with India's Tata Group (P.TTA), the Business Times reported Saturday. However, an SIA spokesman declined to release details, the report said. Reports say the Indian government has indicated Air India is worth US$688 million, the Business Times report said.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Suspect shot dead for attacking police
Suspect shot dead for attacking police JAKARTA (JP): A team of city police mobile detectives unit shot dead a suspect on Saturday when the latter attacked a policeman with a machete. First Insp. Supriyadi, the team leader, said that the victim, identified as Entong alias Otong, was a suspect in a violent car robbery on Jl. Nias Raya in Kelapa Gading housing complex, North Jakarta, in July 1999. Supriyadi said that when police officers approached Otong, he attacked a policeman with a machete.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia committed to IMF agreement, Gus Dur says
Indonesia committed to IMF agreement, Gus Dur says CAIRO (JP): In what appeared to be an attempt to allay concerns that Jakarta might part company with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), President Abdurrahman Wahid said here on Sunday that his government was committed to the Fund.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Confusion reigns over mining laws
Confusion reigns over mining laws By Berni K. Moestafa JAKARTA (JP): New mining exploration has come to a virtual halt as confusion reigns over the existing mining law that has become outdated with the implementation of regional autonomy this year. Already some 20 foreign and local mining firms were reported to have stopped or suspended their exploration activities. Chairman of the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA), B.N.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
More HIV/AIDS counseling required: Experts
More HIV/AIDS counseling required: Experts JAKARTA (JP): Medical practitioners here should not only focus on the clinical aspects of detecting and treating HIV/AIDS, but should also consider psychological and social aspects, such as counseling those infected with the deadly virus, experts suggest.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's indifference
Gus Dur's indifference From Rakyat Merdeka The overseas trip of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid and his entourage comprising more than 90 people is indeed fantastic. In the midst of the country's chaotic situation, and turbulence in the towns of Sampit and Sampang, Kalimantan, the President left the country without leaving any message as to how and who will make decisions in case of an emergency.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Six people nabbed over rare bird trafficking
Six people nabbed over rare bird trafficking JAKARTA (JP): City Police arrested six people for selling protected bird species during a raid on a bird market on Jl. Barito, South Jakarta, on Saturday. The six bird dealers are being detained by police for questioning. During Saturday's operation, conducted in cooperation with the Jakarta Species Conservation Center, the police seized 31 rare birds and a jungle cat valued at over Rp 50 million (US$5,263). Law No.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian police on alert against migrants
Malaysian police on alert against migrants KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police are on alert to block the illegal entry of thousands of Indonesians and turn back anyone trying to escape ethnic bloodshed in Kalimantan, senior officials said on Sunday. "We have obtained information from Indonesian authorities that thousands of Indonesians are waiting for the right time to enter Malaysia," marine police chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Muhamad Muda told AFP.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Salary payments remain uncertain for PPD employees
Salary payments remain uncertain for PPD employees JAKARTA (JP): Some 5,600 employees of state bus company PPD remain uncertain of whether they will receive their salaries for February as the company management has claimed a shortfall of Rp 2.3 billion (about US$242,105) to pay the wages.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
More S'pore men don aprons
More S'pore men don aprons SINGAPORE (AFP): More Singapore men are donning the apron and taking over what has traditionally been their wives fiefdom -- the kitchen, a report said on Sunday. Cooking classes in community centers have ceased to be the exclusive domain of women, and all-male cooking classes are gaining in popularity, the Sunday Times reported. Of 18,000 people who signed up for cooking lessons organized by People's Associations last year, 3,000 were men.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Several major risks affect prospects
Several major risks affect prospects JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank foresees several major risks that could adversely affect Indonesia's economic prospects in the short and medium term, including the economic slowdown in the U.S., huge foreign and domestic debts, fragile political environment. The World Bank said in a report released here on Friday that the expected slow down in the U.S.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Akbar asks his party members to be patient
Akbar asks his party members to be patient JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung has urged party members nationwide to remain patient amid continuing calls for the party to be dissolved. Addressing a gathering of hundreds of party members in Bandar Lampung, the capital of Lampung, on Sunday, Akbar said Golkar had the right to exist and that all Golkar members should continue to implement the party's programs.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Cuban coach for national judokas
Cuban coach for national judokas SEMARANG (JP): Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI) deputy secretary-general Ajie Koesmantri said on Saturday that the National Sports Council (KONI) would help the association by hiring a Cuban coach to boost national judokas performance in the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games from Sept. 8 to Sept. 17. The Cuban coach, who is better known for his groundwork technics compared to Japanese coaches, is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta in April.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Two state firms to jointly build power plant in Sumatra
Two state firms to jointly build power plant in Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PT Indonesia Power and state-owned coal mine operator PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam have agreed to jointly build a power plant in South Sumatra which they claimed could produce the cheapest electricity in the world.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
PSM beats Pelita 1-0, Barito crushes Gelora 4-0
PSM beats Pelita 1-0, Barito crushes Gelora 4-0 JAKARTA (JP): Defending champions PSM Makassar beat host Pelita Solo 1-0 at the Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Central Java, on Sunday in the eastern division of the Bank Mandiri soccer league. PSM controlled the match from the kickoff, humiliating the hosts before their 40,000 spectators. Striker Fouda Sisama scored PSM's sole goal in the 20th minute taking advantage of the turmoil in the Pelita penalty box.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
RHB to sell Indonesian firm
RHB to sell Indonesian firm KUALA LUMPUR (AFX-ASIA): RHB Capital Bhd. said it has identified a potential buyer for its 85 percent stake in Jakarta- based stockbrokerage PT Rashid Hussain Securities, but negotiations on the terms and conditions are still ongoing. The company said in a statement no definitive sale and purchase agreement has been signed. RHB Capital was replying to a query from the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange following a report yesterday which quoted sources close to the company.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Village Councils
Village Councils From Warta Kota Establishment of the village councils (DK) in January 2001 was canceled because it was supposed to have violated the Regional Regulation No 5/2000 regarding the formation of a DK, and thus establishment of the bodies must be reprocessed in March, 2001. In this context it is deemed necessary to inform the public of the main points contained in the Regional Regulation No 5/2000. 1.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P to lobby other parties for coalition
PDI-P to lobby other parties for coalition SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): The chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Sutjipto, has confirmed that the party is lobbying other political parties to form a coalition, but not to press for an immediate Assembly special session to impeach the President.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
PBSI to stage age group c'ships
PBSI to stage age group c'ships MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): The Central Java chapter of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will stage the third Pro Ace Age Group Badminton National Championships here from March 12 to March 17. "The championships are expected to be able to groom talented young shuttlers who in the future will be offered to Central Java or even the national team," the chapter's chairman, Soenjoto, said on Saturday.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Aramco expands RP operation
Aramco expands RP operation MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government has secured a commitment from the Saudi Arabian Oil Co. that it will expand its operations here, a presidential palace statement said Saturday. The firm, which ranks among the world's major gas producers, owns about 40 percent of Petron Corp., the largest oil refiner in the Philippines.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
From Jakarta to Mecca with faith
From Jakarta to Mecca with faith By Esta Sallvithya Dirgantari JAKARTA (JP): Many Indonesians take many ways to Rome before their dream of traveling to Mecca on the haj pilgrimage comes true. Some of them have to take an arduous, long and winding road in the process, while for others leaving for Mecca is just a matter of time and will.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Hendrawan's racket sells for Rp 4m
Hendrawan's racket sells for Rp 4m JAKARTA (JP): Hendrawan's racket, used when he grabbed the 2000 Sydney Olympics badminton silver medal, fetched Rp 4 million (US$417) in the Atlet Peduli (Athletes Care) charity match and auction at the Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung on Saturday. Candra Wijaya, the Olympics gold medalists with partner Tony Gunawan, canceled the sale of his racket due to a lack of buyers at the event. Candra had expected to open the auction at Rp 5 million.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand bureaucracies rated low
Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand bureaucracies rated low SINGAPORE (AFP): Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia have the best bureaucracies in Asia, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and India have the most cumbersome, a report said on Sunday. Pay rates, the political environment and level of economic development are among the factors that determine how well the bureaucratic machinery functions, the report by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) said.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Balibo' case awaits revelation of key suspect
'Balibo' case awaits revelation of key suspect By Aboeprijadi Santoso AMSTERDAM (JP): The brutal attack that killed five Australia- based journalists in Balibo, East Timor, on Oct. 16, 1975 remains relevant even today. The recent accusation by police under the authority of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor against Lt. Gen. (ret.) Muhammad Yunus Yosfiah as the leading executioner, is a reminder of the poisonous legacy of the Indonesian army in East Timor.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Postcard from a factory
Postcard from a factory All is certainly not well in factories producing Nike shoes in Indonesia. A recent survey, by Baltimore-based Global Alliance for Workers and Communities, of more than 4,000 workers in nine Nike-contracted factories revealed some disturbing facts. The workers complained of verbal and physical abuse, including sexual harassment against female workers, forced overtime and deprivation of their rights, including access to health care.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
PT Indofood posts Rp 6456b net income
PT Indofood posts Rp 6456b net income JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's largest instant noodle maker, publicly-listed PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, announced on Sunday a 5 percent growth in earnings before interest and taxes last year to Rp 2.4 trillion (US$252 million at the current rate). But the company's net income amounted only to Rp 646 billion or adecline of 54 percent from Rp 1.39 trillion in 1999.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Communal clashes in Sampit spread
Communal clashes in Sampit spread JAKARTA (JP): Communal clashes in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, which have already claimed hundreds of lives, spread to the capital of Palangkaraya on Sunday. Groups of men armed with traditional mandau swords and wearing red headbands -- said to be Dayaks -- ransacked and looted houses in several parts of Palangkaraya before setting them on fire. "Several burning buildings were to be seen on Jl. Diponegoro, Jl. Dr. Murjani and Jl. Sisingamangaraja.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Public told to buy only certified livestock
Public told to buy only certified livestock JAKARTA (JP): The head of the Jakarta Husbandry office, Edi Setiarto, called on the public on Sunday to make sure that the cows and goats to be sacrificed in celebration of the March 5 Idul Adha Islamic Day of Sacrifice are certified. He said certificates of health for livestock were issued by husbandry offices to signify that cows, goats, sheep and oxen on sale were free from contagious diseases, including the deadly anthrax disease.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Earthquake shakes Manado
Earthquake shakes Manado MANADO, North Sulawesi: A strong earthquake rocked Manado on Saturday, but no casualties or major structural damage were reported. The quake occurred at around 3:30 p.n. and lasted several minutes. Panicked residents ran out of buildings and poured into the streets, Antara reported. Suhardjono from the provincial office of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said the quake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Amending the central bank law
Amending the central bank law By Tony Hartono WELLINGTON, New Zealand (JP): The Bank Indonesia Act was finally passed two years ago in 1999. Some observers argue that the law has technical weaknesses, while others believe that the Act must be amended in order to become more operational. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern about the bank's independence in its response to the proposed amendments.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Market undeterred by RI-IMF rift, security concerns
Market undeterred by RI-IMF rift, security concerns JAKARTA (JP): The local equity market continued its upward movement last week amid waves of negative sentiment about strained relations between Indonesia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and an outbreak of ethnic clashes in Central Kalimantan. But many analysts said that last week's negative sentiments failed to break the stock market's upward trend as most investors had already factored them in.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
VP warns against regional egoism
VP warns against regional egoism JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri warned local administrations on Saturday on the dangers of creeping regional egoism, which could jeopardize ties with the central government and undermine national unity.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's presidential crisis: Four Scenarios
Indonesia's presidential crisis: Four Scenarios The following is an excerpt from a February report by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, presented last week in Jakarta. JAKARTA: The future of President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, hangs on the positions taken by the five major blocs in the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). His own National Awakening Party (PKB), can be relied on to support him to the end.
Mon, 26 Feb 2001, 00:00 WIB
WB warning highlights tougher stance on Indonesia
WB warning highlights tougher stance on Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): A stern warning on Friday from the World Bank highlights a tougher stance by Indonesia's major lenders, including the International Monetary Fund, on the government due to its foot-dragging in the implementation of key economic reform programs, an expert has said.