Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 February 2001

62 articles found

Kids must learn healthy eating habits early

Kids must learn healthy eating habits early By Donya Betancourt SANUR, Bali (JP): When discussing obesity in kids, I am mostly concerned about food and feeding habits of infants at the time they start eating solid food, when there is an opportunity to introduce healthy eating habits that will promote good health in the years to come. Children will typically adopt eating patterns that are presented to them since it is easier for them to learn habits that they experience rather than see.

Indonesia human rights picture in tatters: U.S.

Indonesia human rights picture in tatters: U.S. WASHINGTON (Agencies): The human rights picture in Indonesia has steadily deteriorated as Jakarta loses control over ethnic, social and religious strife in its most unstable provinces, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.

IM to decide Rommy's fate soon

IM to decide Rommy's fate soon JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia Muda (IM) club is expected to decide to which club it will sell top player Rommy Chandra for the 2001 season, said Doedie Gambiro, the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) official in charge of the national basketball league (Kobatama), on Tuesday. Jakarta-based IM has signed a transfer deal for Rommy with two clubs, Mahaka Satria Muda and Aspac Texmaco.

DHL expects 10 percent growth in Indonesia

DHL expects 10 percent growth in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): DHL Worldwide Express predicts a 10 percent revenue growth in Indonesia this year partly due to the launching of value-added services, as recently announced in its new Asia campaign. DHL marketing manager Soraya Rudianti said that the company was upbeat about doubling its revenue growth from last year's 5 percent, with the help of DHL's new advertisement campaign.

Forgiving easier said than done when a spouse cheats

Forgiving easier said than done when a spouse cheats Infidelity, particularly repeated episodes of unfaithfulness, can mean a total loss of trust in a marriage or relationship. In the first of a regular series of articles on relationships, psychologist and family counselor Monty P. Satiadarma looks at what can be done to help both partners repair the relationship. JAKARTA (JP): "Frieda" came to me and complained of having problems in forgiving her husband for having extramarital affairs.

Trial of SIRA Chief to be held in Banda Aceh next week

Trial of SIRA Chief to be held in Banda Aceh next week BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The government has bowed to demands to try Muhammad Nazar, the chief of the Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA), in Banda Aceh. A local judge Farida Hanoum said on Tuesday the district court here was expected to try Nazar either on Wednesday or Thursday next week after the Idul Adha Islamic Day of Sacrifice.

Hotels exempt from nightspot ban

Hotels exempt from nightspot ban JAKARTA (JP): The ban against nightspots in connection with the Idul Adha Islamic Day of Sacrifice next week will be applied selectively, an official said on Tuesday. Spokesman for the city administration Muhayat said the ban would be effective from Sunday at 5 p.m. to Tuesday 6 at 10 a.m. on all entertainment centers across the capital, except those located inside hotels.

Forum on Asia by Asia launched

Forum on Asia by Asia launched By Endy M. Bayuni BOAO, Hainan, China (JP): Chinese President Jiang Zemin on Tuesday launched the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), a new platform for government and non-government leaders of the region to address their problems from regional perspectives.

Council has yet to endorse tap water rate hike plan

Council has yet to endorse tap water rate hike plan JAKARTA (JP): The City Council has yet to endorse the city administration's proposal to impose the new tap water rates as many councillors still disagree with the proposed increase, a councillor said on Tuesday.

No signs of reduction in clashes

No signs of reduction in clashes SAMPIT, Central Kalimantan (JP): There have been no signs of abatement in the bloody ethnic attacks perpetrated by the indigenous Dayaks on Madurese migrants in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, despite the fact that the mayhem, which has claimed hundreds of lives, mostly Madurese, entered its tenth day on Tuesday.

Addressing the Papua issue: A doctor's view

Addressing the Papua issue: A doctor's view By Jozep Lukman Ojong TEMBAGAPURA (JP): Many Indonesians fear that Irian Jaya, now known as Papua by many people, could in the near future separate from Indonesia. The oft cited questions are: How could a separatist movement gain popularity in Papua? Why haven't the Papuans shown an interest in Indonesia's offer of autonomy? Will greater attention from Jakarta dampen desire for independence? Is all this too late?

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb.27, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,825 0 1,556,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 125 0 2,000 Alakasa Industrindo 145 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 85,000 Alter Abadi 115 0 20,000 Alumindo Light Metal 650 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,825 100 363,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 215 5 32,500 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 950 25 1,681,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC...

Seeing red in a green garden at Kampung Daun

Seeing red in a green garden at Kampung Daun BANDUNG (JP): The "in" places to eat in Bandung are two restaurants way up in the hills of Lembang. They have the style, but what about their substance? The Jakarta Post checked out one of them, Kampung Daun. Kampung Daun: Jl. Sersan Bajuri Km 4.7 in the ultraswank Trinity Villas estate (take the road to Setia Budi, a left at Ledeng Terminal and ask around). If you take a taxi from Bandung, the roundtrip fare will be high, about Rp 80,000.

Most Asian currencies mixed late

Most Asian currencies mixed late SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): A slightly firmer yen lent support to most Asian currencies Tuesday, but trading was subdued ahead of the publication of key U.S. economic data and testimony by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan later in the week. The South Korean won, New Taiwan dollar, Thai baht and Singapore dollar scratched out modest gains against the U.S. dollar, while the Indonesian rupiah and Philippine peso slipped.

Radius quizzed for twelve hours over Tutut case

Radius quizzed for twelve hours over Tutut case JAKARTA (JP): Former senior minister Radius Prawiro was grilled for almost 12 hours at the Attorney General's Office on Tuesday as a witness in an alleged mark-up of a state project involving former president Soeharto's daughter Siti Hardijanti "Tutut" Rukmana.

Police say no sabotage in ammonia leakage

Police say no sabotage in ammonia leakage SURABAYA (JP): The leak from an ammonia tank belonging to Unit II of PT Petrokimia (a petrochemical producer) on Monday has been confirmed as being caused by technical problems, while environmentalists are urging severe punishment for the errant company. Gresik Police detectives chief First Adj. Comr. Wahyu Bintoro confirmed that the incident, which enraged local residents, had nothing to do with sabotage.

The emperor is sick

The emperor is sick The strongman former president Soeharto has been often likened to an emperor with absolute power. Although he has been reported a number of times as being very sick and was rushed recently to the hospital for an appendectomy, he is a free man. He is no longer confined to his bed, to his house, to his city, or to the country for that matter. His case before the court has almost been forgotten.

Major factions oppose questioning over Bulog scandal

Major factions oppose questioning over Bulog scandal JAKARTA (JP): Five major factions at the House of Representatives will recommend that faction members, who were on a special committee investigating two financial scandals allegedly linked to President Abdurrahman Wahid, defy summonses for questioning.

PBSI suffers deficit for All England trip

PBSI suffers deficit for All England trip JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will suffer Rp 300 million (US$37,760) deficit as a result of its about-face in deciding to finance the participation of all of its 28 shuttlers in the All England in Birmingham, England, in early March. PBSI secretary general Leo Chandra Wiranata told reporters Tuesday that chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo had made the decision despite the association's tight financial circumstances.

Indonesia looks into co-insurance scheme for future IPPs

Indonesia looks into co-insurance scheme for future IPPs JAKARTA (JP): The government is planning to set up a co- insurance scheme with the World Bank to protect power projects in the country against risks which may stem from social and political uncertainties, according to an executive of global energy organization World Energy Council (WEC).

Drugs-free certificates needed

Drugs-free certificates needed YOGYAKARTA (JP): The new Yogyakarta Police Chief Brig. Gen. Saleh Saaf said Tuesday his office is planning to require drugs- free certificates for those applying for driving license and police clearance. The measure is taken to reduce the use of drugs, he said in front of executives of Muhammadiyah Muslim organization.

Sampoerna's profit fall

Sampoerna's profit fall JAKARTA (Dow Jones): PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna, Indonesia's second largest cigarette producer, said Tuesday its net profit fell about 28 percent to Rp 1.02 trillion in 2000, from Rp 1.41 trillion the previous year. The company attributed the fall in its net profit to foreign exchange losses amounting to Rp 469.7 billion from the weaker rupiah and an increase in its tax burden.

Spicy fried rice from the Kebon Sirih sidewalk

Spicy fried rice from the Kebon Sirih sidewalk JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta residents fond of a bowlful of fried rice will no doubt be familiar with the nasi goreng kambing (mutton fried rice) found at sidewalk eateries around the city. One with a reputation built over 30 years of serving up what is now considered by some the national dish, is located in Kebon Sirih, in the capital's bustling center. Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih, Jl. Kebon Sirih, corner of Jl. Kebon Sirih Barat I, Central Jakarta.

Market glut pushes down pulp prices

Market glut pushes down pulp prices JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Pulp and Paper Producers Association (APKI) said on Tuesday that a market glut had driven international pulp prices down to as low as US$350 per metric ton, paling in comparison to the $550 demanded only six months ago.

Malaysia palm stagnant

Malaysia palm stagnant KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures ended little changed and barely traded on Tuesday on fears that India might again raise import taxes for edible oils, traders said. Analysts in India said three tax rises since last year have failed to stem a flood of cheap oil imports and it was unlikely a fourth round would take place. Volume for Tuesday was 918 lots of 25 tonnes each -- one of the lowest in recent times.

A real option: Grass roots human security

A real option: Grass roots human security By David Harries JAKARTA (JP): If human security is the ability to live, to move and to work in satisfying, safe ways then the human security of a majority of Indonesian citizens is falling. The reasons are all too obvious. The country is threatened by breakdown and break-up, and the international community is increasingly unwilling to support the situation. The government is in disarray.

Environmental destruction

Environmental destruction From Media Indonesia As a grandmother and a housewife, I am deeply concerned by the destruction of hundreds of trees in Situbondo, East Java, as shown recently on TV and reported in the media. Some of the trees, including banyan trees, might have been hundreds of years old. I wonder who was behind such a violent act. The mob felled the trees indiscriminately, without the least concern about the impact of their actions.

Critics reproach Gus Dur for staying calm despite problem

Critics reproach Gus Dur for staying calm despite problem JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid became the target of sharp criticism as critics here on Tuesday reproached his seeming obliviousness to the nation's problems. Critics mocked him for calmly sipping tea abroad while people at home were killing each other in a bloody ethnic conflict.

Bombs, gunfights in Ambon

Bombs, gunfights in Ambon AMBON, Maluku: Sporadic bomb explosions and gunfire hit several parts of Ambon island in from Monday to Tuesday, officials reported later in the day. "Bomb explosions took place in Batu Merah area as well as in Galunggung and the outskirts of Ambon," civil emergency authority spokesman John Tomasoa said by phone on Tuesday. There were no immediate casualties reported.

The Madura migrants' fate: A lose-lose affair

The Madura migrants' fate: A lose-lose affair SINGAPORE: Heads you lose, tails you also lose. Cruel though this characterization of the Madura migrants' fate in Kalimantan is, it is just one more hellish postscript to the unfolding tragedy of post-Soeharto Indonesia. Whichever way a toss could divine the future for them, the Madurese who have settled in that part of Kalimantan island since before Indonesian independence are plainly out of luck.

Rupiah Rates Feb.27

Rupiah Rates Feb.27 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Central bank's Miranda meets Singaporean bankers

Central bank's Miranda meets Singaporean bankers SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Miranda Gultom met top bankers in Singapore Monday to discuss Jakarta's recent curbs on offshore trading of the rupiah. The restrictions on offshore rupiah trading led to the creation of a non-deliverable forward market for the Indonesian currency, which is beyond Bank Indonesia's jurisdiction and is believed to have irked Jakarta.

Revocation of regulation on governor's accountability sought

Revocation of regulation on governor's accountability sought JAKARTA (JP): Observers on Tuesday demanded the government revoke its regulation on the requirement for governors to present an accountability speech, saying that the law still has many loopholes which could be exploited. Political observer Andi Mallarangeng, in a discussion here on Tuesday, noted the lack of a clear benchmark as to when councillors should use their right to demand accountability of the governor.

More areas in Banten prone to landslides

More areas in Banten prone to landslides JAKARTA (JP): A team of geologist from the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University warned that major landslides could recur in Cipanas district, Banten province. "The team conducted field observations in Cipanas district from Feb. 20 to 23 and managed to identify several areas that are prone to landslide," said Dwikorita Karnawati, a member of the team in a statement on Tuesday.

Sinar Mas to sell Indian unit

Sinar Mas to sell Indian unit NEW DELHI (Dow Jones): Indonesia's Sinar Mas group, a leading paper company, is looking to partly or wholly divest its stake in its 100 percent owned Indian unit, Sinar Mas Pulp and Paper (India) Ltd., reports the Business Standard Tuesday. The Indonesian company is negotiating with India's Thapar group as well as two other international players, who are all carrying out a comprehensive study of Sinar Mas India's books to evaluate its worth.

Compaq, Sisindosat team up

Compaq, Sisindosat team up JAKARTA (JP): Computer hardware and software producer PT Compaq Computer Indonesia has named Indosat subsidiary PT Sisindosat Lintasbuana its distributor in Indonesia. Compaq president B.T. Lim said here on Tuesday that Sisindosat would handle computer hardware and software sales to corporate buyers. "Through this partnership, we hope we will benefit from Sisindosat's extensive network," he said during a press briefing.

Officials blast Lee for criticism of RP democracy

Officials blast Lee for criticism of RP democracy MANILA (AFP): Top Philippine officials on Tuesday let rip at Singapore's elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew over reported comments on the shortcomings of Philippine democracy, which some here interpreted as suggesting Filipinos are stupid. "He is out of line comparing his country to the Philippines," said Roilo Golez, the country's national security adviser. "Situations vary among countries of different sizes," Golez said.

Drug trafficker gets 15-year jail term

Drug trafficker gets 15-year jail term JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court sentenced on Tuesday a 25-year-old man to 15 years in jail for possessing and trafficking 160 kilogram of marijuana. Presiding Judge Muchtar Ritonga's sentence was two-years lighter than the 17-year term sought by prosecutor Normalina Sihotang. The court also ordered the prosecutor to destroy the 160 kilogram marijuana which had been seized.

Bad news hits rupiah

Bad news hits rupiah The Indonesian rupiah remained at its new lows on Tuesday after falling 2 percent on Monday to almost Rp 9,890 against the U.S. dollar, already its lowest level since October 1998, suffering from an accumulation of bad news over the past ten days. Though the currency was up slightly amid significant dollar sales by state banks, it still hovered at over Rp 9,850, much weaker than the Rp 9,680 last Friday.

New garbage collection fee expected to solve problems

New garbage collection fee expected to solve problems JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will apply increased garbage collection charges in all subdistricts in the capital by 2002, an official said on Tuesday. At the same time, residents will be required to pay the new charges along with their electricity bills.

Premier targets power plants

Premier targets power plants SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Oil and gas exploration company Premier Oil PLC of the U.K. is targeting East Java power producers to offtake its proven and probable natural gas reserves estimated at 450 billion cubic feet in East Java's Pangkah block, Simon Lockett, Premier's commercial manager in Jakarta, told Dow Jones Tuesday.

Island Seaplanes offers special sightseeing flights

Island Seaplanes offers special sightseeing flights JAKARTA (JP): Island Seaplanes, a local chartered airline operator, launched on Tuesday a service offering sightseers a different view of Jakarta and surrounding areas from a 1952 Beaver DHC-2 seaplane. The airline's president, Moehamad Soeparno, said in a media conference that the service was mainly targeted at tourists on adventure tours who may enjoy an island-hopping experience around the Seribu Islands.

Higher interest rates could bleed banks

Higher interest rates could bleed banks JAKARTA (JP): The country's major banks expressed fear on Tuesday that they could suffer financial bleeding again due to negative spread problem if domestic interest rates continued to increase. In a working meeting with the House of Representatives commission IX on state budget and finance, bankers called on the government and the central bank to help resolve the problem.

Twisted media reports deplored

Twisted media reports deplored BOGOR, West Java (JP): The civil emergency administrator in Maluku, Governor Saleh Latuconsina, has urged the National Press Council to help the media in "telling the truth and being objective in reporting the Maluku case".

Dutch national arrested over drugs

Dutch national arrested over drugs JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives arrested a Dutch national for possession of 108 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), at his residence on Jl. Maja in Mangga Besar, Taman Sari subdistrict in West Jakarta, on Monday evening. City police detectives chief of drug crimes Comr. Mangatas Tambunan identified the suspect as Paulus Lie Tjie Cheng, 44, who is of Chinese descent.

Luxury tax affects PC sales: Apkomindo

Luxury tax affects PC sales: Apkomindo JAKARTA (JP): The imposition of the 20 percent luxury tax in January has caused a significant drop in sales of personal computers during the last two months, according to PC distributors. Hidayat Tjokroadjojo, president of the Indonesia Computer Dealers Association (Apkomindo), said here on Tuesday that the downward trend in PC sales might continue with Microsoft recently launching a more aggressive campaign against piracy.

Malaysian minister fears breakup of RI

Malaysian minister fears breakup of RI KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian minister on Tuesday raised the prospect of neighboring Indonesia breaking up as a state and said its crisis poses a grave threat to the region. Defense Minister Najib Razak said globalization was the "trigger point" that led to the collapse of president Soeharto's government in May 1998 after 32 years but this was also exacerbated by serious internal problems.

Madurese association calls for restraint

Madurese association calls for restraint JAKARTA (JP): The nationwide Madura Community Association (Ikamra) on Tuesday urged all Madurese affected by the bloody pogroms in Central Kalimantan to exercise restraint and allow the matter to be resolved through the legal process. "Basically, what the Madurese want is for the government to take rigorous legal action and not allow this incident to go unresolved as that would set a very bad legal precedent," Didik J.

Verdict on Sapuan to be handed down on March 20

Verdict on Sapuan to be handed down on March 20 JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court will hand down on March 20 the verdict for former deputy chief of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Sapuan, who is being tried for allegedly embezzling Rp 35 billion (US$3.6 million). "We need three weeks to consider a fair verdict on the case," presiding judge Lalu Mariyun said Tuesday.

Timah attributes profits to rise in other income

Timah attributes profits to rise in other income JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed tin company PT Timah announced on Tuesday its consolidated net income reached Rp 331.6 billion ($35 million) in 2000, a 4.25 percent increase from Rp 318 billion the previous year despite a drop in the company's gross profit. The company attributed the rise on the increase in total other income in January to December last year to Rp 109.1 billion as compared to negative Rp 25.4 billion the previous year.

Ericsson launches T29 handset

Ericsson launches T29 handset STOCKHOLM (Dow Jones): Swedish telecommunications equipment maker Telefon AB LM Ericsson Tuesday introduced its new T29 mobile phone intended for Asian markets. The T29 will be available in stores within a few weeks, initially in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, the company said.

Who is responsible for Sampit violence?

Who is responsible for Sampit violence? From Rakyat Merdeka The commotion taking place in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, for whatever reason, has marred our nationalism. The anger and atrocities committed by the people there have resulted in the ethnic Madurese fleeing the area. The local Dayaks have succeeded in chasing away their long-standing enemies, the Madurese.

Bush apologizes to Yoshiro Mori for sub tragedy

Bush apologizes to Yoshiro Mori for sub tragedy TOKYO (AFP): U.S. President George W. Bush apologized to Japan on Tuesday through a special envoy, Admiral William Fallon, for the sinking of a Japanese trawler by a U.S. submarine off Hawaii. Bush expressed "apology and profound regrets" over the Feb. 9 accident, in a letter handed over to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori by the vice chief of naval operations, a Japanese official said.

Jakarta councillors opportunists

Jakarta councillors opportunists From Republika It is really alarming to learn that honorable members of the City Council have demanded that more should be given to them, despite all the facilities that they enjoy. I felt ashamed when I read a media report on this matter.

Objections pour in over 22 KPU candidates

Objections pour in over 22 KPU candidates JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives has received a significant number of public objections to the 22 government- proposed candidates for General Elections Commission (KPU) membership, a legislator said on Tuesday.

Animal welfare in Indonesia

Animal welfare in Indonesia There are animal welfare groups all over the world -- Iran Thailand, etc., so why not here in Indonesia? Most people, regardless of race or religion, do not like to see the suffering of any creature. Much of the suffering is not deliberate but the result of people having insufficient knowledge of their animals. Animal Welfare Education informs and educates the public on how to care for animals in ways that prevent unnecessary suffering.

Government-NGOs launch anti-drug campaign

Government-NGOs launch anti-drug campaign JAKARTA (JP): A consortium of government and non-government institutions launched on Monday a nationwide five-year campaign aimed at encouraging young people to eschew drugs. In its initial year, the antidrug movement will target the nine cities which are most affected by the drug problem. The consortium groups the National Police, National Drugs Coordinating Board (BKNN) and the Global Nusantara Foundation.

Resettlement project for refugees begins

Resettlement project for refugees begins MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): A massive resettlement project for some 40,000 refugees in North Sulawesi began this month in an attempt to help them get on their feet again. "The refugees are those who have fled conflicts in Maluku and Central Sulawesi, both of which have claimed thousands of lives," North Maluku Governor A.J. Sondakh said during a visit by foreign envoys and the Minister of Regional Infrastructure and Settlement Erna Witoelar last week.

Foreign banks eye Bank Mandiri's IPO business

Foreign banks eye Bank Mandiri's IPO business JAKARTA (JP): President of the giant Bank Mandiri E.C.W. Neloe said on Tuesday that several foreign investment banks had sweetened their offers in a bid to win the underwriting business of the state-owned bank's initial public offering (IPO). Neloe said that the incentives included a loan of up to US$100 million or the purchase of the bank's recapitalization bond worth up to $300 million.

Mahathir wants tax on rich states to replace foreign aid

Mahathir wants tax on rich states to replace foreign aid By Endy M. Bayuni BOAO, Hainan, China (JP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, continuing his anti-globalization rhetoric, broached his most bold proposal to date on Tuesday, with a call for the imposition of a tax on rich countries to replace foreign aid or foreign loans to poor countries. "Foreign aid has failed.

Agenda power: Why no takers?

Agenda power: Why no takers? By Donna K. Woodward MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Asked recently about holding one of their domestic summits, the government's key leaders said there was no point in meeting without a clear agenda. This insight, while undeniable, suggests something ominous: that in this time of national crisis, looming disintegration and growing international misgivings about Indonesia, the key leaders cannot conceptualize the national issues that need addressing.

Police arrest 3 suspects over donation scams

Police arrest 3 suspects over donation scams JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives have recently arrested three men for allegedly using the names of top Indonesian Military (TNI) officers and government officials to con firms and officials into giving them donations for aid to Aceh and other causes. City police chief of detectives Sr. Comr.